In honor of Türkiye's 100th anniversary, ASELSAN engineers have developed a high-performance electro-optical reconnaissance, surveillance, and targeting system for fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), helicopters, and airplanes.
The ASELFLIR-500 system, which has largely completed its flight tests, will enter service in the coming days. ASELFLIR-500 is a high-performance electro-optical reconnaissance, surveillance, and targeting system developed for fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), helicopters, and airplanes. The system is designed to provide superior range performance without increasing its size and weight. It can perform tasks such as target detection, identification, tracking, marking, and coordination. The system is notable for its ability to detect humans at distances over 20 kilometers, tanks at 80 kilometers, and target marking at distances over 20 kilometers.
The ASELFLIR-500 system includes the following features:
- 220 mm diameter entrance mirror common optical apertureThis allows the system to combine multiple optical channels (VIS, MWIR, and SWIR) into a single multispectral aperture, providing superior range performance without increasing size or weight.
- Small and lightweight systemThe system weighs less than 52 kg and has a diameter less than 50 cm.
- A single “even interchangeable unit”The system is easy to maintain and integrate.
- Superior range performanceThis allows the system to combine multiple optical channels (VIS, MWIR, and SWIR) into a single multispectral aperture, providing superior range performance without increasing size or weight.
- High-resolution IR cameraThe system has an infrared camera capable of capturing high-resolution thermal images of targets in both day and night conditions, with a resolution of 3-5 micrometers.
- Genuine "full high definition" HD day TV cameraThe system has a daytime vision camera with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels.
- High-resolution SWIR NIR cameraThe system features a 1280 x 1024 pixel resolution SWIR camera capable of operating in the short-wave infrared spectrum and penetrating fog, smoke, and dust.
- Multiple target trackingThe system can track up to four targets simultaneously.
- Laser target designatorThe system can use a laser designator for precision-guided munitions.
- Internal boresight system (IBS)The system automatically aligns the optical axes.
- 4-axis precision mechanical + 2-axis optical stabilizationThe system provides precise target control even at high depression angles.
The ASELFLIR-500 system boasts a high level of stabilization capability, enabling precise target control even at high depression angles. This high stabilization reduces image shake and improves image quality. The system also features a modular design for easy integration and maintenance.
ASELFLIR-500 incorporates nearly 5000 sub-components and more than 20 different technologies. Unlike its counterparts worldwide, its integrated circuits, electronic components, detector, INS, GPS, lens, and all other components are being localized through nationalization efforts carried out by ASELSAN. With more components being localized each year, ASELFLIR-500 is being developed with a proactive approach to counter any obstacles or embargoes.
The ASELFLIR-500 system is planned to be used on various fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft such as the TAI Anka UAV, TAI T129 ATAK helicopter, Bayraktar TB2, Bayraktar TB3, and TAI Hürkuş training aircraft. The system has proven its effectiveness through testing in various operational scenarios such as counter-terrorism, border security, maritime patrol, and disaster relief.
The ASELFLIR-500 system was showcased at the IDEF 2023 International Defence Industry Fair in Istanbul. The system is expected to attract the interest of both domestic and foreign customers seeking advanced and reliable electro-optical systems for air platforms, and to contribute to Türkiye's high value-added exports. There is no official statement yet regarding the price of the ASELFLIR-500 system.
Turkey is one of only three countries that manufacture a product like the ASELFLIR-500. Among its international competitors, the ASELFLIR-500 can be said to include FLIR Systems' Star SAFIRE 380-HDc, L3Harris Technologies' Wescam MX-20D, and Leonardo's Osprey.
