Hanwha Systems Brings Aviation Tech to Ships

Hanwha Systems recently secured a contract with the Defense Agency for Technology and Quality to install electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) equipment on logistics support ships and rescue ships as part of the 'Existing Force Performance Maximization Project.' This initiative aims to enhance the combat capabilities of already deployed weapon systems.

The four target vessels will include one logistics support ship, two surface rescue ships, and one submarine rescue ship. Previously, non-combat ships encountered difficulties in identifying terrain during nighttime or adverse weather conditions due to the absence of electro-optical equipment in their designs. The maritime operational environment has evolved, prompting the need for precision observation equipment on these vessels.

The primary challenge lies in fitting the equipment into the limited space of existing ships. To overcome this, Hanwha Systems has opted to utilize the 'Target Acquisition and Designation System (TADS)' technology originally developed for light armed helicopters. TADS boasts a compact and lightweight design, making it easy to install on ships with restricted space.

The system has demonstrated its technical reliability by meeting stringent aviation military requirements, including extreme temperature ranges (-35°C to 55°C) and resistance to indirect lightning strikes.

Hanwha Systems aims to complete the installation within two years, leveraging existing defense specifications to expedite the process. Once implemented, the equipment will integrate with the operational video transmission system, sharing real-time surveillance footage with command and allied ships, thereby boosting command efficiency.

This project marks a significant expansion of Hanwha Systems' aviation electro-optical technology into the naval vessel sector, opening up new market opportunities. The company, with its extensive experience in supplying electro-optical tracking systems (EOTS) and infrared search and track (IRST) equipment to all South Korean Navy combat ships, is currently developing the EOTS for the next-generation Korea Destroyer (KDDX).

Hanwha Systems' head of naval business, Yoo Moon-ki, emphasized the company's commitment to anticipating military requirements and providing optimal solutions to maximize the performance of existing forces.