FlirDefense to deliver airborne surveillance systems to Dutch aerospace client

02 Dec 2024

First sale of surveillance gimbal for customer outside USA; ITAR-free hi-def day/night imagery system for safety and security apps.

UltraFORCE 380X-HDc provides high-definition day/night imagery.

Teledyne Flir Defense (TFD), part of Teledyne Technologies, is to supply its UltraFORCE® 380X-HDc multi-spectral imaging systems to NL EASP Air, the Dutch service provider for aerial maritime surveillance, coastguard and search-and-rescue operations.

This is the first sale of TFD’s newly-launched surveillance gimbal specially designed for customers outside of the United States. Financial details were not disclosed.

NL EASP Air will install the systems on their three fixed-wing Dornier DO328-110 multi-mission maritime patrol aircraft. The company will deploy UltraFORCE 380X’s imaging technology in support of its search and rescue, maritime patrol, and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions.

First introduced in July, 2024, the UltraFORCE 380X-HDc delivers high-definition imaging in a compact, low-profile package – not subject to ITAR (U.S. export) restrictions. Full 1080p resolution across its visual, thermal, low-light, and shortwave infrared cameras makes the UF 380X suitable for airborne reconnaissance, border patrol, and other operations, day or night, states the company.

‘Best long-range surveillance available’

“We wanted the best long-range surveillance technology available in today’s market to support European Union member state end-users and other individual EU customers, and we are getting exactly that with Teledyne Flir Defense,” said Pieter Voeten, CEO and Director of Operations for NL EASP AIR. “On many occasions, thermal and daylight imagery has become even more important than radar in providing us the information we need on these high-stakes missions.

“Equipped with UltraFORCE 380X, our aircraft crews will be receiving optimal real-time video from the moment they take-off until the operation is complete,” Voeten added.

“Immigration activity at sea is increasing across Europe, and NL EASP AIR serves as a valuable partner to help spot where it’s happening and save lives,” said Kety Frachey, senior director for airborne systems-Europe at Flir Defense. “The precision imaging sensors on UltraFORCE 380X will allow operators to quickly identify and respond to border crossings as they unfold and direct resources to those at risk.

NL EASP Air will use Flir tech to support maritime patrol and SAR missions.

With its low 370 mm (14.6 in) height profile and weighing only 31.3 kg (69 lbs), the UltraFORCE 380X-HDc gimbal is designed to maximize ground clearance in rotary aircraft without sacrificing capability and performance. The system provides two- to four-times greater magnification than other products in its class, says TFD.

Deliveries to NL EASP AIR are expected to be completed by early 2025.

About NL EASP AIR

NL EASP AIR is the Dutch service provider for aerial maritime surveillance, coast guard, search and rescue, and ISR operations. The second type of operations is aerial mission support to fire-fighting operations and special mission charter support for PAX, cargo, para’s and air drops and Air Mobility support to Special Operations Forces.

Amongst its customers and end-users are EU Frontex Border and Coast Guard Agency, other individual EU Member States, as well as the Indonesian AirForce TNI-AU.