IST Dynamics - Fire Control Systems and Remotely Controlled Weapon Platforms

IST Dynamics (IST) is part of the privately owned IST Group of companies established in 1980. The company has customers in Sub Saharan Africa, North Africa, the Middle East, the Gulf, Europe and the Far East. Fire Control Systems (FCS) and related products for land-based applications include, amongst others:

• Digital ballistic Fire Control Computers (FCC) with video autotrackers
• Battle panels and multi function displays with graphical overlays
• Sights (video observation systems, primary and secondary stabilized video sights)
• Remotely operated gun and missile turrets
• The IST Digital Fire Control System (DFCS) - universally adaptable FCS upgrade for main battle tanks
• Remote missile and rocket launching platforms
• Various digital and analogue diagnostic units

DIGITAL BALLISTIC FIRE CONTROL COMPUTERS

The Fire Control Computer (FCC) is the main FCS controller and provides the following capabilities:

• Monitors and controls all systems such as the weapons system FCS related sensors
• Provides automatic tracking of targets using video images from the IST supplied sights
• Maintains parallax and calibration information
• Calculates aiming offsets using ballistic data such as environmental conditions, distance to target, target movement, platform movement etc.
• Provides information to be displayed on the battle panels
• Handles requests and data from the battle panels as entered by the user
• Performs system housekeeping such as health checks, BIT, etc.

BATTLE PANELS AND MAIN DISPLAYS

Ranging from lower cost black and white CRT type displays to state-of-the-art color LCDs, all IST battle panels and multi function displays have integrated function keys and graphical overlays, thus providing the user with a single user interface to the weapons suite and sights.

Although IST offers the panels with fully customised software to suit the unique requirements of each customer, a software development kit can also be supplied to enable customers to develop their own applications.

STABILISED VIDEO SIGHTS

Stabilised video sights range from lower cost, secondary stabilized sights to state-of-the-art two-axis primary stabilized systems incorporating 3rd generation cooled infrared cameras. A low cost uncooled IR camera is also offered for application requiring identification up to 1,500m.

REMOTELY OPERATED GUN AND MISSILE TURRET SYSTEMS

IST boasts a range of unmanned, remotely operated weapon platforms fitted with a variety of weapon systems (the turrets' modular designs allow the end user to specify its own weapons suite). These overhead turrets can be controlled by a gunner only or – when also fitted with a commander sight – provide an independent observation and target searching capability for the commander.

Weapon options include 7.62mm, 12.7mm, 20mm and 30mm cannons, automatic grenade launchers, anti-tank missiles or a combination of the above.

DIGITAL FIRE CONTROL SYSTEM (DFCS) FOR MAIN BATTLE TANKS

The digital FCS typically includes two stabilised video sights (one for the commander and one for the gunner) equipped with a Laser Range Finder (LRF), three-FOV day cameras and a high performance infrared camera. The commander sight provides an nx360° panoramic view. This provides the commander with observation-on-the-move functionality and the crew with hunter-killer capability while the vehicle is static or moving.

The digital FCS for main battle tanks consists of:

• Digital ballistic fire control computer with embedded control and ballistic software
• Stabilized panoramic day / night video sights for the commander and gunner
• Full color integrated battle stations for the gunner and commander
• MET sensor
• Global Positioning System (GPS)
• Turret position sensors

REMOTE MISSILE / ROCKET LAUNCHING PLATFORMS

IST's remote launching platforms for missiles and rockets is a cost effective day / night fire-and-observe upgrade for Command to Line of Sight (CLOS) missiles, and shoulder launched rockets. It enables remote controlled observation and missile / rocket launch from a protected position. This adaptation is suitable for either vehicle or dismounted configurations.