Hensoldt Unveils New-Gen ARGOS-15 Airborne Surveillance and Targeting System

HENSOLDT has announced the launch of its new-generation airborne imaging system, the ARGOS-15, at the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) Expo 2024.

The ARGOS-15 is a 15-inch gimbal system designed for medium- to high-altitude missions on both manned and unmanned airborne platforms. It follows the older ARGOS-II model and incorporates a modular design with AI-powered functionalities.

Equipped with multispectral sensors, the ARGOS-15 provides image capture across various lighting conditions. Its image fusion capabilities combine thermal, daylight, and SWIR sensors to enhance visibility. The system’s HD images support aerial video analysis, allowing for the identification of infrastructure, troop movements, and targets, even under challenging light and weather conditions. Accurate boresight alignment and retention under harsh conditions eliminate the need for in-flight bore-sighting.

The ARGOS-15 includes a 4-axis stabilization system with a high-precision inertial measurement unit (IMU), achieving sub-5 µrad stabilization for image clarity. This helps maintain image quality during long-range surveillance and target acquisition.

The system's common aperture architecture optimizes lens-size usage across multispectral sensors. All cameras are designed with matched detectors and lenses for performance across various spectrums. Multi-spectral video is available simultaneously, presenting multiple views of the scene.

At its core, the ARGOS-15 uses an AI-powered object detection, classification, and tracking system. With an integrated GPU, it enables one-shot object classification for target detection and tracking, streamlining the operator’s workload. Real-time processing supports decision-making in dynamic environments.

The ARGOS-15 is equipped with HENSOLDT’s laser suite, which includes a dual-wavelength, high-power laser designator and rangefinder for intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) operations.

Designed to operate at altitudes of up to 50,000 feet, the ARGOS-15 can be integrated with a wide range of platforms, including UAVs, helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, and aerostats. Its modular design facilitates use across military, paramilitary, law enforcement, and search-and-rescue missions.