Thales UK's optronic mast: the sonar invisible periscope alternative

We wrote earlier this year about RemoteReality’s omni-directional periscope camera. Thales UK has developed a similarly impressive electro-optics system, which provides improved surface visibility while allowing the ship to remain hidden from sonar detection.

The optronic masts, which will be powered by Wind River VxWorks' mission-critical real-time operating system, are the result of a ten year, multi-million pound program, and will be installed in the Royal Navy’s Astute-class submarines.

Traditional submarines are vulnerable to detection when the periscope is used – however, the optronic mast uses a non-hull breaching design, in which the Sensor Head Unit extends from the submarine fin and rapidly captures a 360 degree scan, sending the image to the console screens in the sub’s operation center.

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