360 Degree Targeting System For Russian Mi-35 Crocodile Helicopter Gunships

Russia will test a 360 degree targeting system for its Mi-35 Super Crocodile helicopter gunships and Mi-8AMTSh Terminator transport helicopters.

Developed by Rostec’s subsidiary Shvabe holding, the OPS-24N-1 can see through heavy fog, smoke and dust storms.

“Though the optical Electronic stations used by Mi-8AMTSh and Mi-35M helicopters are functioning properly, we have realized from our experience of our aerial operation in Syria that we need more advanced systems” a Defense Ministry representative was quoted as saying by Sputnik News today.

The OPS-24N-1 all-weather targeting system brings into one images  picked up by a helicopter's four stabilized optical-electronic stations and sends them to computer screens in the cockpit.

It’s one-of-a-kind shortwave infrared camera picks up night sky light allowing targets many kilometers away to be easily detected.

Shvabe deputy director Sergei Popov said, the OPS-24N-1 is on par with the very best of such systems around. It is able to “see” ultrashort waves invisible to the naked eye. It has a USB 2.0 computer connection and ensures observation in a real time mode.

“This is a real breakthrough in the field of optics, the first ever all-weather multifunctional system enabling unhindered round-the-clock observation,” Popov said. The unit can also be used in scientific research and also as a security camera.