Saab has selected Safran to provide the electro optic sensor as part of the situational awareness system for the 12 Offshore Patrol Vessels under Sea 1180.
The Electro Optic Sensor in question is the Vigy Engage system in its latest version. Vigy Engage is a panoramic multi-sensor shipboard electro optic system. It includes a cooled infrared imager, video channels and a laser rangefinder and employs stabilization techniques.
More than 300 Vigy systems have been sold worldwide.
Capable of detecting long range targets, the system will prove advantageous to the RAN in asymmetrical environments: protection of ports and infrastructures, maritime police, anti-terrorist and anti-piracy combat. It will also provide assistance in missions designed to protect fishing and economic zones, navigation aid, and assistance to ships and crews at sea.
“Safran is proud to sign this contract with Saab Australia," Mark Sander, COO for Safran, said. "This confirms the Australian presence of Safran, and the entire team is greatly appreciative of the trust engendered in this award."
Saab Australia was chosen by Luerssen to provide the situational awareness systems for the 12 new OPVs. Construction will commence on the first ship at Osborne Naval Shipyard in SA before the end of the year.