Carl Zeiss Optronics - Optical Aircraft Reconnaissance and Targeting Systems

Carl Zeiss Optronics designs, develops and produces state-of-the-art optronics instruments for military and civilian applications. They are used to monitor, identify and classify, as well as for precise measurement, evaluation and targeting.

As a subsidiary of the globally recognised Carl Zeiss Group, we are armed with years of experience and know-how in optronics, highly accurate optics and precision engineering.

Research and development are very important to us. We are one of the leading developers and manufacturers of optical and optronics systems in Europe.

With business activities in more than 30 countries, Carl Zeiss Optronics is an ideal partner for multinational optronics and optical sensor projects. We are continually expanding our international activities beyond existing co-operations and partnerships.

Carl Zeiss Optronics develops optronics systems with innovative technology for air, naval and land forces, as well as national security organisations.

Carl Zeiss Optronics' systems are tailored to custom operational and logistic requirements. Comprehensive documentation, intensive training and, of course, service throughout the entire lifecycle ensure long-term operational readiness.

AIRCRAFT RECONNAISSANCE AND TARGETING SYSTEMS

Carl Zeiss' aircraft reconnaissance and targeting systems support fighter jet crews during the execution of their missions by always providing current and necessary information and functions.

Pod variations for target designation or reconnaissance increase the flexibility and range of use of weapons systems. The powerful sensors increase the safety of the crew, even at night, on low-level flights or under poor visual conditions.

LITENING MULTIPURPOSE TARGETING AND NAVIGATION PODS

Litening is a multipurpose targeting and navigation pod used on modern tactical aircraft, in conjunction with laser-guided bombs, to ensure precision strike capability against land and sea targets.

Litening targeting and navigation pods are equipped with state-of-the-art electro-optical sensors – including day and night vision cameras (TV and FLIR), a laser designator, a laser rangefinder, a laser marker and a laser spot detector – which enable the detection, recognition, identification and subsequent engagement of the target.

RECCELITE ELECTRO-OPTICAL AIRCRAFT RECONNAISSANCE SYSTEM

RecceLite is a tactical, electro-optical reconnaissance system based on the sophisticated, widely used Litening laser designator and navigation pod.

The RecceLite electro-optical reconnaissance system is suitable for low, medium and high-altitude reconnaissance, and operates simultaneously in both the visible and infrared wavelength ranges. As a result of the largely identical interfaces, an air force equipped with Litening can expand its capabilities to include fully digital electro-optical reconnaissance with minimal additional integration effort.

The RecceLite system provides all necessary functions, from mission planning to evaluation of the reconnaissance data. Furthermore, the pod is equipped with state-of-the-art, high-resolution infrared and daylight cameras, a data link, and a digital recorder.

The high-resolution images taken simultaneously in the infrared and daylight wavelength ranges, including annotation data, are saved in the recorder and handed over on the ground, or transmitted via data link during the mission.

The information is evaluated at ground control where mission planning also takes place. The mission plan can be updated via data link during the mission.

HIGH-RESOLUTION AIRCRAFT RECONNAISSANCE CAMERAS

Modern opto-electronic reconnaissance cameras provide clear information from high-resolution images, and are suitable for high and low altitude use. Even at high speeds they deliver high-resolution, high-contrast detailed images which are used by military commanders as the basis for tactical and strategic decisions.

These powerful cameras can also be used for civilian purposes, such as taking images of catastrophe areas, verifying water pollution, and documenting forest dieback.