# HENSOLDT unveils ARGOS-15 airborne surveillance and targeting system

- Link: https://www.military.africa/2024/09/hensoldt-unveils-argos-15-airborne-surveillance-and-targeting-system/
- Published: 2024-09-19T13:48:04+01:00
- Author: Military Africa

HENSOLDT, a global leader in defence and security electronics, proudly announced
the launch of its new generation airborne imaging system, the ARGOS-15, at the Africa
Aerospace and Defence (AAD) Expo 2024.

This highly anticipated system represents a significant advancement in multispectral
sensor technology and is set to become the go-to solution for modern intelligence,
surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions.

The ARGOS-15, a state-of-the-art 15-inch gimbal system, builds on the success of
HENSOLDT’s renowned ARGOS family. It offers unparalleled performance for medium-
to high altitude missions on both manned and unmanned airborne platforms.

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Featuring an advanced, modular design and AI-powered functionalities, this next-
generation system is an essential solution for modern defence and security applications.

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“HENSOLDT has been at the forefront of airborne imaging technology for over 35 years.
With the launch of the ARGOS-15, we are reinforcing our position as a leading provider
of airborne Imaging technologies. This system’s superior capabilities will ensure
that our customers remain at the forefront of modern surveillance and reconnaissance
missions,” says Sunette van Rensburg, Head of Sales of HENSOLDT’s Optronics business
in South Africa.

**Advancing the legacy of ARGOS-II**
Building on over three decades of experience
in airborne electro-optical systems, the ARGOS 15 follows on the widely deployed
ARGOS-II, integrated on more than 34 platforms worldwide.

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It offers the optimal blend of legacy performance and next-generation innovation,
bringing together decades of experience with the latest technologies.

**Features and benefits**
Equipped with next-generation multispectral sensors, the
ARGOS-15 delivers unmatched image quality across diverse lighting conditions. Its
image fusion capabilities combine thermal, daylight and SWIR sensors, ensuring optimal
visibility in the most challenging environments.

The HD images enable detailed aerial video analysis so that infrastructures, troop
movements and targets are clearly recognizable, even under detrimental light and
weather conditions.

With highly accurate boresight alignment and retention under harsh conditions, in-
flight bore-sighting becomes unnecessary.

The ARGOS-15 features 4-axis stabilization architecture, coupled with a high-precision
inertial measurement unit (IMU), delivering sub-5µrad stabilization for superior
mage clarity. This class-leading stabilization ensures reliable performance during
long-range surveillance and target acquisition.

Common aperture architecture for lens-size optimization offers an optimal balance
between multi-spectral sensors and internal volume usage. All cameras are designed
with optimized detector and lens-matching for best performance. Multi-spectral video
is simultaneously available, exposing different information from the scene.

At the heart of the ARGOS-15 is an AI-powered object detection, classification and
tracking system. Using an integrated GPU, operators can effortlessly detect and 
track targets with its advanced one-shot object classifier, reducing workload and
improving mission efficiency, while real-time processing, allows rapid decision-
making in dynamic environments.

Equipped with HENSOLDT’s specialized laser sensors, the ARGOS-15 features a comprehensive
laser suite, featuring a dual-wavelength, high-power laser-designator and Rangefinder
for precise intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR)
capabilities.

**Target market and applications**
The ARGOS-15 ensures operational superiority 
at altitudes of up to50,000 feet and is designed to support a wide range of platforms,
including tactical and medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) UAVs, helicopters, 
fixed-wing aircraft and aerostats. Its modular design allows for easy integration
across various applications, including military, paramilitary, law enforcement and
search-and-rescue missions.

**Ownership benefits**
Proudly designed, developed and manufactured in South Africa,
the ARGOS-15 is subject to South African export regulations, offering wide exportability
and ease of integration.

HENSOLDT provides comprehensive in-country support, ensuring customers receive the
highest level of operational readiness and service excellence.

With production deliveries beginning mid-2025, the ARGOS-15 s set to become the 
global benchmark for airborne surveillance and reconnaissance missions.

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