COMBAT PLATFORM EQUIPMENT

Night vision and thermal imaging cameras are among the most important and versatile categories of optoelectronic products. They are being increasingly used in both civilian and military applications. On the modern battlefield, thermal and night vision cameras are employed across a variety of combat platforms, including military vehicles such as wheeled armoured personnel carriers and tanks, as well as in air defence systems. These cameras enhance the situational awareness of vehicle crews, enabling them to operate in night-time conditions and, in the case of thermal imaging systems, in limited visibility due to smoke or fog. The equipment must provide a clear and sharp image, allowing even the smallest details of the observed object to be detected.

Integrated optoelectronic modules are complex instruments combining multiple optoelectronic sensors to detect, recognise, identify, and measure the distance to a detected target. These modules contain cooled thermal imaging cameras, television camera assemblies, and laser rangefinders.

Optoelectronic heads are designed for use in systems for detection, observation, tracking, and targeting of ground and aerial targets under both daylight and night-time conditions. The heads consist of integrated optoelectronic modules mounted on two-axis stabilised platforms. 

360° observation systems designed for military wheeled and tracked vehicles serve to enhance situational awareness and ensure crew safety. These systems provide all-round observation of the combat vehicle’s surroundings in daytime, night-time, and reduced visibility conditions, using a set of TV and thermal imaging observation modules.

Fire control systems are among the most essential components of combat vehicles. The application of optoelectronic devices – including night vision and thermal imaging – significantly improves the effectiveness of fire control systems. A key requirement of the modern battlefield is the ability to conduct precise long-range observation and engage targets in low visibility conditions. In particular, the use of thermal imaging cameras increases the effectiveness of fire control systems, enabling platforms to operate effectively in conditions such as smoke or fog.

Vehicle self-protection systems are designed to detect laser irradiation of military vehicles and installations from pulsed rangefinders or laser illuminators. These systems can be integrated with smoke grenade launchers to deploy a smoke screen in the direction of incoming laser illumination. In the near future, PCO will offer systems capable of detecting ‘low signature’ rangefinders, enabling the identification of laser emissions from various land-based platforms, individual soldier systems, and airborne platforms (e.g. drones).

Passive night vision devices for drivers and commanders – binocular night observation devices – are intended for road and terrain observation during night-time driving (driver’s periscope) or for observing terrain and the battlefield in day and night conditions (commander’s periscope). PCO’s periscopes employ two independent optical channels and advanced image intensifiers to deliver a panoramic view that closely resembles the natural field of vision, along with enhanced depth perception. These periscopes are integrated into various types of armoured vehicles and have become standard equipment in their class for the Polish Armed Forces.