Like a cat’s eye: Situation awareness of the FELIN System
Sagem improves soldiers’ line of sight with new generation of optronics
08:01 GMT, July 8, 2009 As an animal that is predominantly nocturnal and active after dark, cats are able to see in extremely low light conditions. In darkness, cats’ eyes can use about one-sixth of the light needed for human vision, while also being able to function well in daylight. A complex mechanism in a cat's eye is precision-designed for detecting motion at long distances. This gives all members of the feline family an important advantage, which comes in handy when they are hunting their prey.
French Sagem Défense Sécurité, a SAFRAN Group company, has managed to transfuse these advantages to French soldiers in its recently displayed FELIN (French for cat, cat of prey, and also for “Fantassin à Équipements et Liaisons Intégrés”) Dismounted Soldier System. A grouping of the company’s latest optronics and optics sensors have been introduced into this system, and users are impressed:
“We have massive advantages with this system,” a French soldier told defpro.com during a dynamic demonstration at the Army training centre in Sissonne. “We are able to see targets from a much longer distance, by day and night, as well as around corners.”
“The lightweight optronics in the system are adapted for different missions and built to save lives,” another soldier told defpro.com.
In the FELIN system, Sagem DS, as the prime contractor, has integrated a modular optronic imagery system consisting of a family of sights, as well as different observation devices. Its modular configuration allows a platoon leader to choose between different optronic systems according to the mission’s requirements. As such, the combat group is usually fitted with JIM MR (Medium-Range) infrared binoculars, while the platoon leader uses the long-range (LR) version. The LR binoculars combine into a single unit day and night imaging, range finding, laser pointing, GPS localisation and a digital magnetic compass.
The MR version offers a compact multifunction infrared capability including night imaging, range finding and a digital magnetic compass weighing less than two kilograms. Both systems have been designed and developed by Sagem DS and its Swiss subsidiary, Vectronix AG (formerly LEICA DSP).
The armaments – including the FAMAS F1 5.56mm assault rifle supplied by Nexter, the FN MINIMI 5.56 mm light machine gun and the FRF2 7.62 mm sniper rifle, also supplied by Nexter – are equipped with the company’s new integrated Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) sights.
The FAMAS IR offers a day video channel as well as uncooled infrared options. The system provides target detection of humans at distances up to one kilometre by day or 800 meters by night.
Additionally, the Sniper weapon sight has an integrated telemeter. Human targets can be effectively detected at distances up to 2.6 kilometres by day and 1.5 kilometres by night using this sight. All armaments sights are fitted with their own Li-ion battery and can, thus, be used autonomously for some hours.
The sights are linked to a soldier’s network system and can be evaluated through the man-machine interface (MMI) display (viewer on chest), head mounted displays or the OCD monocular device. This function allows the soldier to extend the weapon and aim around a corner without exposing his body to the enemy's line of sight. A push button control on the stock of the FAMAS rifle allows the soldier to take a photo or video through the sight without lowering the weapon from the firing position. The collected target images can be transmitted digitally in real time through the FELIN communications network to other soldiers or to the platoon leader to help during the decision-making process.
Beyond that, combat groups can be fitted with head mounted night vision goggles, giving the soldier all observation information as well as messages, while remaining concealed during the night.
All systems have been successfully proven during field trials and have verified the system requirements. The French defence procurement agency DGA confirmed the improvement of the night goggle performance and testifies to the systems IR superiority.
“If you consider the improvements in this system compared to our old system, and when you understand that this equipment weighs just two kilogram more than the previous one, you can’t wait till it’s fully introduced,” a soldier told defpro.com.
Luca Bonsignore
