Rafael to Supply Electro-Optical Sight to US Navy

Rafael to Supply Electro-Optical Sight to US Navy

Photo illust US Navy
060831-N-1598C-002 Mediterranean Sea (Aug. 31, 2006) - Landing Craft Utility (LCU) 1658 performs small boat operations near the amphibious assault ship USS Saipan (LHA 2). Saipan is currently underway on a routine deployment in support of the global war on terrorism. U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman McKinley Cartwright (RELEASED)

This post is also available in: heעברית (Hebrew)

Rafael Advanced Defense Systems has received a contract order for TopLite electro-optical sights to the U.S. Navy. Toplite family of electro-optic systems (EOS) is an advanced multi-sensor, multi-purpose, highly stabilized EO/ISR solution for homeland security and defense applications. It is used on different platforms for intelligence/data collection, surveillance, reconnaissance and weapon direction.

The $13,3 million contract covers intermediate level and depot level test equipment, spare parts, fixturing, repairs, training, engineering services etc. to establish organic U.S. government I-Level and D-Level Toplite family of electro-optic sights.

TopLlite EOS serves as a main electro-optical observation, surveillance, and identification system as well as an advanced targeting system for small attack boats through USVs and up to aircraft carriers in navies and maritime forces around the world.

According to defence-blog.com, modern EOS enables automatic or manual monitoring and investigation using its advanced control unit, Situational Awareness(SAW) and Image processing package.Toplite EOS is derived from the listening targeting and navigation pod, and therefore, enjoys all the latest developments made for the world’s leading targeting system.

Combined capabilities make it possible for Israeli companies to offer the potential clients packages of sensors and weapon systems, but not only. 

The fact that integration has been made and tested in many cases in combat, gives the manufactures an edge when they compete on a contract.

One good example is the fact that the TopLIte system is undergoing acceptance tests onboard the Italian army’ s Mangusta A-129 helicopters. It is aimed at serving as the main targeting system of this helicopter that will also carry the company’s Spike anti tank missiles.

Sources in the Israeli companies say that by offering a package of sensors and a weapons system together with proven capabilities in real combat helps in many of the cases but does not assure the winning of contracts “The different clients have different approaches and not all of them see the importance of a seamless combination.”

The TopLite EOS can be integrated on and/or slaved to other control systems for receiving/providing real-time data and direction to other users, such as any C4I centers, Combat Management System, EW system, Radar, navigation systems, weapon systems, and others.