Most advanced optronic visual systems for the PUMA

The sensor specialist HENSOLDT delivers an undisclosed number of state-of-the-art optical sighting systems for the infantry fighting vehicle PUMA. The customers are the system houses KNDS and Rheinmetall, which produce the infantry fighting vehicle PUMA and distribute it through the jointly founded PSM GmbH. The order value is in the double-digit million range. In addition to the sighting systems for the turrets of the infantry fighting vehicles, the order also includes equipment for twelve turret trainers for the training of vehicle crews. With the delivery, HENSOLDT contributes to the upgrade of the PUMA to the K-stand S1.

The order consists of the delivery of the turret-independent stabilized main optics PERI-RTWL (Panoramic view Daylight Thermal Imaging Laser) for the commander and the turret-mounted stabilized fire control optronics WAO (Weapon System Optronics) for the gunner. Each sighting system integrates three powerful sensors: a third-generation ATTICA thermal imaging device, an eye-safe long-range laser rangefinder, a highly sensitive daylight camera in the WAO and an imaging camera in the PERI, which records the high-performance glass optical channel.

"In the S1 variant, new color camera views and displays were installed for PERI and WAO, significantly improving reconnaissance on the battlefield for the commander and gunner," says Jan Erbe, Head of the Ground based Systems business unit at HENSOLDT. "With the improved optics, the PUMA has significantly increased combat value."

The PERI-RTWL is the commander's 360-degree viewing system. Functionally, it largely corresponds to the WAO and, like the WAO, has a separate monitor for displaying sensor views. It is the only viewing system in the world to have a glass optical channel in an unmanned turret, combining the advantages of direct vision with those of optronic views in one system. In addition, the PERI has a swiveling eyepiece, allowing the gunner to also use the glass optical direct view.

The WAO was developed as a purely optronic viewing system for the gunner. The ATTICA thermal imaging camera allows the soldier to observe in detail and clearly around the clock and in adverse weather conditions. The laser rangefinder provides distance data directly to the fire control system and the command information system. Thus, the WAO enables the gunner to detect and engage targets even at long distances with the utmost precision.

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