British company Silent Sentinel won its first unmanned sector contract to supply a bespoke multi-sensor electro-optic/infrared (EO/IR) system for Rheinmetall’s Mission Master unmanned ground vehicle (UGV).
The company’s EO/IR system will equip Rheinmetall’s new Mission Master Armed Reconnaissance Autonomous-UGV (A-UGV), which was unveiled on 19 November.
Silent Sentinel is supplying its Jaeger EO/IR suite to equip an armed reconnaissance variant of the Mission Master UGV. (Rheinmetall)
The programme, which has already begun, is likely to require further deliveries from Silent Sentinel by the end of 2021. Silent Sentinel will provide through-life support for the payload, manufactured in Hertfordshire.
Mounted to a 3.5 m telescopic mast, the reconnaissance payload fuses various sensors to extend the line of sight whilst the Mission Master is concealed. The mast suite is modular in design and can accommodate a range of EO/IR systems depending on the mission.
The mast-mounted payload consists of a Jaegar integrated, modular pan and tilt (PT) platform that mounts a variety of sensors including a dual EO/IR long-range camera payload, laser rangefinder, laser designator, ground surveillance radar, and a panoramic, full ring, octagonal camera that provides stitched together 360° surveillance. The Jaegar PT platform features an aluminium housing and can rotate 360° with a tilt range of between -90 and +90°.
“Benefiting from a through shaft, fixed payloads can be mounting directly above the Jaegar PT platform, which helps maintain uninterrupted 360° visibility whilst reducing the need for multiple masts on the vehicle,” James Longcroft, sales director at Silent Sentinel, told Janes.
The telescopic mast is integrated into the UGV’s payload bay and features a tilting mechanism that allows the Mission Master Armed Reconnaissance A-UGV to fit into a CH-47 or CH-53 helicopter.
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