Thales at Euronaval 2006 two members of a new family of staring, passive infra-red search and track (IRST) sensors designed for the Anti-Air Warfare frigates of the new generation.
The systems include Artemis Medium Wave Infrared (MWIR) and Gatekeeper, Long Wave Infrared (LWIR) staring sensor arrays, designed to improve situational awareness obtained by the surface combatants, in anti-air, missile defense and anti-submarine warfare. Unlike traditional IRSTs (Infra-Red Search & Track), which mechanically scan through 360°, the system utilizes multiple static (staring) sensor heads incorporating large IR focal plane arrays, an advanced optical design and dedicated processing algorithms on COTS processing hardware to provide enhanced ship self-protection, particularly in the littoral environment.
Armaris, the prime contractor of the Franco-Italian multi-role frigate (FREMM) program contracted Thales to equip the ARTEMIS with the 17 FREMMs to be produced for the French Navy. The systems are integrated and complement existing sensor suites, such as radar and ESM, and are fully interoperable with on-board electronic warfare and self protection systems to provide a balanced sensor suite.
