Russia’s Helicopter Gunships to Boast Unique Electronic ‘Eyes’

After analyzing the results of its aerial campaign in Syria, Russia’s Defense Ministry has decided to test a unique 360 degree targeting system for its Mi-35 Super Crocodile helicopter gunships and Mi-8AMTSh Terminator transport helicopters, Izvestia reported.

Developed by Shvabe Holding Company, a subsidiary of Rostec Corporation, the OPS-24N-1 can “see” through heavy fog, smoke and dust storms.

“A decision to test the new system has already been made. The optical-electronic stations currently in use by Mi-8AMTSh and Mi-35M helicopters are working just fine, but, based on the experience of our aerial operation in Syria, we have realized that we need more advanced systems,” a Defense Ministry representative told the newspaper.

The OPS-24N-1 all-weather targeting system brings into one images  picked up by a helicopter's four stabilized optical-electronic stations and sends them to computer screens in the cockpit.

It’s one-of-a-kind shortwave infrared camera picks up night sky light allowing targets many kilometers away to be easily detected.

According to Shvabe deputy director Sergei Popov, the OPS-24N-1 is on par with the very best of such systems around.

It is able to “see” ultrashort waves invisible to the naked eye, has a USB 2.0 computer connection and ensures observation in a real time mode.

“This is a real breakthrough in the field of optics, the first ever all-weather multifunctional system enabling unhindered round-the-clock observation,” Popov said, adding that the unit can also be used in scientific research and also as a security camera.