Israeli Aerospace Secures Contract for MINI-POP Electro-Optic Sensors with Royal Thai Navy

Israeli Aerospace Industries (IAI) revealed on December 26 a fresh contractual arrangement with the Royal Thai Navy, signifying the acquisition of MINI-POP electro-optic sensors tailored for deployment on naval vessels.

Under the agreement, IAI is set to supply 6 Sea Mini POP sensor payloads to the Royal Thai Navy, with the intent of bolstering the capabilities of its patrol vessels to navigate challenging and adverse conditions.

The Sea Mini POP, an 8-inch multi-sensor electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) payload, features a thermal camera with continuous optical zoom, a color camera with continuous daytime zoom, and a laser rangefinder. This advanced system also incorporates sophisticated image processing, positioning, and focusing capabilities to enhance operational effectiveness.

Primarily designed for day/night observation systems in maritime applications, the Sea Mini POP is engineered to withstand harsh environmental conditions such as shock, vibration from waves, and extreme temperatures. Its real-time imaging, automatic video tracking, and precise target geo-location capabilities position it as a valuable asset for deployment on small to medium-sized vessels or as part of Naval Remote Controlled Weapon Stations (RCWS).

Functioning as a dual-axis, gyro-stabilized payload, the Sea Mini POP is constructed as a single Line Replaceable Unit (LRU) with the capacity to carry up to four sensors. Built on an open architecture, the system's basic configuration includes a continuous zoom color day camera and a thermal imaging camera. Additional features such as a laser pointer, eye-safe laser rangefinder, and an automatic tracker can be integrated to provide enhanced capabilities and functionality.

Furthermore, the Sea Mini POP is designed for seamless integration with any Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence (C4I) system or can be operated using IAI's proprietary control system, allowing for adaptability and interoperability in diverse naval scenarios.