French Navy Ups Detection Game With Advanced Hovercraft Systems

The French Navy has taken a significant step in enhancing the detection capabilities of its Mistral-class Large Hovercraft (LHDs) with the fitting of new Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) systems. This move aims to improve the ability of these versatile ships to detect and identify various threats in challenging environments.

The French Navy has equipped two different EO/IR systems on two LHDs, showcasing its commitment to advancing the capabilities of its fleet. The first system is the CAT EYE H20 by Lerity, which was fitted aboard the lead ship of the Mistral-class, L9013. The second system is the TrakkaCam by TRAKKA Systems, installed on the Dixmude (L9015).

The French Navy’s decision to fit these advanced EO/IR systems on its LHDs marks a significant upgrade in the detection capabilities of these ships. This move is part of an ongoing effort to improve the overall situational awareness and combat effectiveness of the French naval fleet.

CAT EYE H20: A New-Generation EO/IR System

The CAT EYE H20 is a state-of-the-art electro-optic sensor system designed to detect and identify targets in conditions of degraded visibility or at night. This system integrates a day and night camera, synchronized with illumination devices, allowing for continuous 24/7 operation. The integration of advanced features such as range gating enhances performance in challenging environments.

The CAT EYE H20 has proven effectiveness in very low light conditions and deep night, with claimed ranges reaching up to 20 km at night and approximately 40 km during the day from a high point. This positioning makes it among the market leaders in long-distance surveillance.

Lerity’s CAT EYE H20 is also notable for its ability to simultaneously detect multiple threats, identify and track targets, and provide usable images even when visibility is severely reduced. The system’s architecture allows for the integration of embedded artificial intelligence algorithms, paving the way for advanced automation of reconnaissance and tracking functions. Enhanced digital stabilization ensures consistent image quality in dynamic environments.

Navalizing CAT EYE H20: A Capability-Building Approach

The French Navy is assisting Lerity in “navalizing” its CAT EYE sensor, marking an exciting development in this experiment. The system has already been installed across several maritime surveillance posts (known as “Sémaphores”) in mainland France and overseas territories.

This experimentation marks the first time a CAT EYE is fitted on a vessel requiring stabilization. The French Navy’s decision to adopt this technology demonstrates its commitment to advancing the capabilities of its fleet, even on non-first-rate combatant ships.

TrakkaCam by TRAKKA Systems: A Multispectral Imaging System

The TrakkaCam by TRAKKA Systems was installed aboard the Dixmude (L9015). Naval News understands that this system is likely the TrakkaCam TC-375M, based on the company’s website. This multispectral imaging system sets new standards for full HD (1080p) imaging in a single-LRU configuration.

The TC-375M is built to withstand harsh and corrosive maritime operating conditions and is environmentally tested for electromagnetic and mechanical durability. It is ideally suited for long-range naval and coast guard missions, including search and rescue, illegal immigration protection, drug interdiction, economic exclusion zone (EEZ) protection, anti-piracy, maritime patrol, naval C4ISR, and naval vessel force protection.

The French Navy’s EO/IR Upgrades: A Comprehensive Approach

The French Navy has been actively upgrading the EO/IR sensors and detection capabilities of its vessels across the fleet. This move demonstrates a commitment to advancing situational awareness and combat effectiveness, even on non-first-rate combatant vessels.

The integration of advanced EO/IR systems like CAT EYE H20 by Lerity and TrakkaCam by TRAKKA Systems will enhance the ability of these versatile ships to detect and identify various threats in challenging environments. This upgrade is part of a larger effort by the French Navy to improve its fleet’s capabilities, showcasing its ongoing commitment to advancing its situational awareness and combat effectiveness.

The fitting of advanced EO/IR systems on LHDs marks an exciting development in this process, demonstrating the navy’s proactive approach to enhancing the detection capabilities of its ships. This initiative will provide a critical advantage in challenging environments, enabling the French Navy to maintain a strong presence globally.

French Naval Doctrine and Capabilities

The French Navy operates under a comprehensive doctrine that emphasizes flexibility and adaptability in response to emerging threats. The integration of advanced EO/IR systems like CAT EYE H20 by Lerity and TrakkaCam by TRAKKA Systems will enable the French Navy to effectively respond to these threats, ensuring its continued relevance on the global stage.

In conclusion, the French Navy’s decision to fit new EO/IR systems on its Mistral-class LHDs demonstrates a significant upgrade in the detection capabilities of these ships. The CAT EYE H20 by Lerity and TrakkaCam by TRAKKA Systems will enhance the ability of these versatile ships to detect and identify various threats, providing a critical advantage in challenging environments.

This move is part of an ongoing effort by the French Navy to improve its fleet’s capabilities, showcasing its commitment to advancing situational awareness and combat effectiveness.