Flir Defense presents optical sensor-enabled Humvee at AUSA military tech expo…

13 Oct 2022

…while Trillium launches camera system for tactical drones at same event.

Teledyne Flir Defense (TFD) has collaborated with AM General to integrate its Lightweight Vehicle Surveillance System (LVSS) on a HUMVEE 2-CT (2-Door Cargo Truck) during the Association of the U.S. Army annual conference (AUSA), which has been taking place this week in Washington, DC.

The development is a technology demonstrator for future U.S. Army mobile command and control vehicles, integrating long-range cameras, newly-advanced radar, and other sensors to detect and defeat threats such as weaponized small Unmanned Aerial Systems – or “drones”.

The LVSS fits in the back of a Humvee, ready to provide counter-UAS functions; intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; and force protection capabilities. The LVSS platform features a 16-ft. (5m) retractable mast that leverages a combination of 3D radar, electro-optical/infrared camera, and RF detection and mitigation sensors to provide early warning alerts.

Also presented for the first time at AUSA was the StormCaster™-DX, a multi-function laser designator payload built especially for use on TFD’s R80D SkyRaider™ Group 1 sUAS. StormCaster-DX is designed to manage target areas using a laser spot tracker while affecting the terminal guidance of laser guided munitions. Until recently, this capability was only possible with larger UAS platforms or ground-based systems.

TFD is also introducing StormCaster-E, the latest in its StormCaster payload series designed for the company’s sUAS aircraft. The new long-range imaging sensor features a fully integrated EO camera built for demanding missions that require clear and precise imagery across daylight and low light conditions.

“This first-time concept showcasing our LVSS in a Humvee truck illustrates how we can reduce the current command post footprint, while at the same time improve mobility and agility,” said Dr. JihFen Lei, executive VP and general manager of TFD. “LVSS provides mobile surveillance that can be quickly redeployed as threats change, a critical need on today’s battlefield as evidenced by events in Eastern Europe.”

Trillium launches camera system for tactical UAS

Trillium Engineering, a developer of gimbaled cameras for uncrewed aircraft systems performing intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions, has launched its newest camera — the HD95-MVS-LD. The purpose-built gimbal was also unveiled at AUSA 2022 at Textron Systems’ booth, on board its Aerosonde unmanned aircraft system. The combination is for the U.S. Army's Future Tactical UAS Mission (FTUAS) program.

The HD95 camera features a 0.9 FOV MWIR camera, described as “providing the highest pixels on target for greater resolution at farther ranges”— resulting in reliable, actionable imagery. It also includes a STANAG-compliant laser target designator and a SWIR laser designator with “SeeSpot” capability. The camera measures just 10in (300mm) across.

“The advances of the low-weight HD95 increases the capabilities of today’s tactical UAVs, and in turn will save lives on the battlefield,” commented Alex Podolak, VP program management at Trillium.

While the HD95 was designed to meet the U.S. Army's Future Vertical Lift requirements, its optimized SWaP profile, advanced day and night ISR imaging, and embedded video processor make it suitable for any mid-sized tactical UAS—VTOL or winged. Mark Mirelez, CEO of Trillium, said, “With the introduction of the HD95, we now have the comprehensive product line-up necessary to accommodate the varying needs of global reconnaissance missions.”