Navy chooses electro-optical surveillance sensors from Safran Optics 1 for Marine Corps perimeter security

March 7, 2019
CRANE, Ind. – U.S. Navy surveillance researchers needed an electro-optical and infrared sensor for U.S. Marine corps perimeter security. They found their solution from Safran Optics 1 Inc. in Bedford, N.H.

CRANE, Ind. – U.S. Navy surveillance researchers needed an electro-optical and infrared sensor for U.S. Marine corps perimeter security. They found their solution from Safran Optics 1 Inc. in Bedford, N.H.

Officials of the Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane Division in Crane, Ind., announced a potential $12 million five-year contract to Optics 1 on Wednesday to build, repair, and support Ground-Based Operational Surveillance System (G-BOSS) Light Optical Camera (GBLOC).

Optics 1 engineers will build a tripod mounted electro-optical and infrared sensor that provides daylight and night-vision imagery for detecting, classifying, and identifying targets as part of the Marine Corps G-BOSS sensor suite.

G-BOSS is a self-erecting, trailer-mounted tower that provides a stable, elevated platform for sensors and communications to provide beyond-the-fence surveillance for Marine Corps installations. The system typically is deployed in the Middle East and other locations for perimeter security.

Related: Technology for border and perimeter security

Each G-BOSS tower can operate independently and has a 107-foot or 80-foot tower; a multi-spectral electro-optic/infrared sensor suite composed of a FLIR Systems Star SAFIRE IIIFP camera with a laser pointer and range finder; a ThermoVision 3000 camera with a global Positioning System (GPS); a man-portable surveillance and target acquisition radar (MSTAR); and a Ground Control Station (GCS) with optional Remote Ground Station (RGS).

G-BOSS can integrate signals from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) using the VideoScout video management system and from the tactical remote sensor suite unattended ground sensors. G-BOSS typically is deployed at Marine Corps forward operating bases, command outposts, battle positions, and entry control points.

Safran Optics 1 specializes in laser rangefinders, markers, visual augmentation systems, precision north finding and inertial navigation systems, targeting solutions, and custom systems.

Optics 1 produces the PASEO advanced panoramic sight for armored personnel carriers and main battle tanks. It is for fire-on-the-move capabilities for vehicle gunner and commander stations, and can perform forward artillery observation.

Related: Perimeter-security counter-drone system offers ability to detect and commandeer intruding UAVs

The company also produces the Airborne Reconnaissance Targeting Integrated System (ARTIS) 410 multispectral ultra-long-range observation and precision-targeting system with high-definition sensors and advanced embedded computing. It works at standoff distances during the day and night, and is designed to identify targets quickly in four spectral wavebands: color CMOS, near-infrared (NIR), short-wave infrared (SWIR), and mid-wave infrared (MWIR).

On this indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract, Optics 1 will do the work in Bedford, N.H., and should be finished by March 2024.

For more information contact Safran Optics 1 online at www.optics1.com, or the Naval Surface Warfare Center-Crane at www.navsea.navy.mil/Home/Warfare-Centers/NSWC-Crane.

Ready to make a purchase? Search the Military & Aerospace Electronics Buyer's Guide for companies, new products, press releases, and videos

About the Author

John Keller | Editor

John Keller is editor-in-chief of Military & Aerospace Electronics magazine, which provides extensive coverage and analysis of enabling electronic and optoelectronic technologies in military, space, and commercial aviation applications. A member of the Military & Aerospace Electronics staff since the magazine's founding in 1989, Mr. Keller took over as chief editor in 1995.

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Military Aerospace, create an account today!