Electro Optic Systems - Autonomous Weapon and Fire-Control Systems

Electro Optic Systems Pty Limited (EOS) is a key company in the emerging market for autonomous military surveillance and combat systems. Market demand for these new technology systems is growing very rapidly.

This market pull applies to all aspects of military activity, from software to enhance stores and inventory control, to enhanced weapon systems which do not require the presence of a soldier to engage the enemy. The latter device, long a feature of science fiction, has been under development by EOS over the past seven years.

Modular autonomous weapon systems

The company’s military product family is a series of products, all based on a common module set. These modules include high resolution day/night cameras, thermal vision systems, image processing systems, computer systems, laser systems, sensor systems and power management systems, all qualified for the harsh military environment.

By selecting various modules, the product performance and price can be configured to the needs of many customers in the areas of tactical surveillance and/or enhancing combat effectiveness of existing ballistic systems. All configurations, whether for surveillance or weapons systems, result in a compact (shoe-box) device which is rugged and reliable.

Fire control systems

EOS Fire Control Systems (FCS) is the Australian defence products subsidiary of Electro Optic Systems (EOS). FCS is positioned to meet the global market requirement for fire control and surveillance systems that are lightweight, stabilized, robust and integrated.

FCS products bring together the best in compact, low power and lightweight electro optic technology. This makes FCS products suitable for light and highly mobile vehicles as well as the extreme conditions found in tracked vehicle and marine environments.

The FCS fire control and surveillance system design architecture provides flexibility for tailoring systems to meet different mission profiles. Through the addition and/or deletion of specific components, the FCS system can be tailored to meet a customer’s requirement. The systems have been designed to achieve the lowest cost per capability.

FCS systems are designed using small common modules. This partitioning of the different technologies ensures that the whole system runs efficiently. The module approach also allows the overall product to remain in step with technological advancements without the need for major refit or refurbishment. This gives FCS the advantage of being able to bring new products to the market faster than competitors. The system is durable and has been tested to endure extreme variations in temperature and the harshest environments. System components are housed in compact and rugged fixtures developed to withstand intense weapon firing shocks.

Stabilised remote weapon system (SRWS)

SRWS is a combined stabilised gimbal weapon and sensor platform that incorporates FCS’ electro-optic fire control system mounted on a stabilised gimbal. SRWS is designed to be deployed on all wheeled and tracked vehicles and is fully configured for marine environments. SRWS is under consideration for a number of programs in Europe and the Middle East.

Redback™

Redback™ is an integrated system comprised of EOS' mount and gimbal, EOS' combat-proven laser targeting and electronic fire control systems, a Metal Storm gun-pod and Metal Storm/ST Kinetics electronically initiated munitions. Consortium members are currently focused on refining and building system components in preparation for further test-firings and system trials.