SOMAG AG Jena is a global leader in gyro stabilization technology, trusted in mission-critical military and defense applications. Our mounts deliver automatic real-time compensation for roll, pitch, and yaw on platforms across all domains – enabling clear, reliable sensor data that supports rapid decision-making and mission success, even under the toughest conditions.
Stabilized platforms for mission-critical aerial, land and marine operations
SOMAG’s multi-purpose stabilization platforms are ideal solutions for OEMs, defense forces and engineers alike. The wide range of customers include:
• Manufacturers of cameras, LiDARs, radars and other sensor systems
• System integrators designing vehicle platforms for aerial, land, and marine operations
• Project and systems engineers evaluating and implementing stabilization technologies
• Defense procurement agencies looking to adopt mission-ready and field-proven solutions
SOMAG’S mission
The overarching mission of SOMAG AG Jena is to enable every customer to achieve the highest quality of data in a sustainable and economical way with our stabilization technologies. We combine German engineering excellence with decades of expertise in motion compensation to deliver innovative, reliable, and durable solutions.
Beyond offering a broad portfolio of proven stabilization mounts, SOMAG develops tailor-made solutions to meet individual customer requirements – from aerial survey and defense applications to land vehicles and maritime platforms. With a strong focus on precision, long-term reliability, and close customer collaboration, SOMAG ensures that sensor systems perform at their full potential, even under the harshest environmental conditions.
Counterbalance vehicle movements on land, at sea and in the air.
The current product line-up can be summed up in two categories:
• Airborne mounts: The three axes gimbal systems compensate arbitrary vehicle movements such as pitch, roll and yaw angles for high resolution image quality and more flying time at lower costs.
• Land and marine mounts: The two axis gimbal systems actively counterbalance vessel movements in pitch and roll and ensure a drastic motion reduction of the sensor system for high quality images and data resolution even in harsh sea states or while driving on road, rail or uneven bumpy off-road terrain.
Airborne gyro stabilization mounts – reliable data and clear imagery for Military and civil missions
The airborne mounts are highly suited to manned and unmanned fixed-wing and rotary aircraft. Every product is unique to allow a seamless integration of any camera, LiDAR scanner or sensor. The mounts provide unparalleled sensor stabilization on all three axes, drastically reducing unwanted movement and ensuring blur-free surveillance imagery and the highest quality data capture.
High resolution image quality and more flying time at lower costs SOMAG’s Gyro Stabilization Systems are in use worldwide across a broad spectrum of civilian and military operations, wherever motion-free, high-quality data acquisition from the air is essential.
Typical application areas include:
• Security and surveillance – Deployed in airborne reconnaissance, tactical awareness, and arms control monitoring missions
• Photogrammetry – Stabilization of aerial cameras for mapping, urban planning, environmental monitoring, and infrastructure documentation
• Remote sensing – Support for airborne sensors such as radar, infrared, hyperspectral, and LiDAR to enable accurate analysis of terrain, vegetation, and structures
• LiDAR mapping – Creation of high-resolution 3D terrain models for both civil engineering and defense intelligence applications
• Multisensor platforms – Stabilization of complex sensor payloads (e.g., camera and LiDAR combinations) for advanced 3D mapping and geospatial data acquisition
A standout milestone in SOMAG’s airborne portfolio is the GSM 4000 OS — a custom-engineered gyro stabilization mount developed for the Airbus A319, one of the world’s most advanced reconnaissance aircraft operated under the Open Skies Treaty. Commissioned by the German Federal Armed Forces and developed in partnership with IGI and ESG, the system was specifically tailored to meet the rigorous demands of aviation safety and mission-specific reconnaissance requirements.
Based on the proven GSM 4000 platform, the Open Skies version integrates multiple structural and functional enhancements — ensuring uncompromising stability and reliable data acquisition. This project highlights SOMAG AG Jena’s unmatched expertise in delivering tailored stabilization solutions that guarantee mission success, even in the most demanding operational environments.
Marine gyro stabilization – precision and reliable data in the harshest sea states
The products of the marine portfolio are made for dynamic compensation of roll and pitch movements during operations in harsh weather and water conditions. Each mount is IP67-rated for robust protection against water/salt spray and dust, and can be fitted into a range of crewed vessels, USVs, and buoys. The round shape accommodates a wide range of cameras, scanners and other payloads.
Reliable detection, precise mapping and extended operational capabilities
SOMAG mounts can be installed on all types of platforms or vehicles that operate on water and are exposed to wave motion. They are compatible with (just to name a few):
• Electro-Optical / Infra-Red imaging systems
• 360° / Panoramic detection cameras
• Pan-, Tilt-, Zoom cameras
• LiDAR systems
• Video cameras
• Radar systems
• Hyperspectral imaging systems
Application example: USV collision avoidance
The RSM 400 was selected by ATLAS ELEKTRONIK for integration on the RNMB Harrier, an advanced Autonomous Mine Counter Measures vessel. Mounted on a mast, the system stabilizes critical sensors that form part of the vessel’s collision avoidance capability. With a stabilized panoramic field of view, the Harrier can reliably detect and avoid obstacles — ensuring mission safety in real time.
The RNMB Harrier, operated manually, remotely, or fully autonomously, is equipped to deploy side-scan sonars and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) for precise seabed mapping and naval mine detection.
In another application, the RSM 50 proved its value during a search and rescue (SAR) mission test with a Dutch sea rescue organization. Even during high-speed maneuvers in rough sea states, the stabilizer delivered a steady image feed from thermal cameras, enabling reliable detection of objects up to 250 meters away — even under night-time conditions. This demonstrated not only improved image stability and situational awareness, but also extended operational capabilities essential for critical missions at sea.
Land-based gyro stabilization – reliable data for armored, tactical and unmanned ground vehicles
SOMAG’s rugged land-based Gyro Stabilization Mounts are ideal for onroad and offroad applications, including AFVs (armored fighting vehicles), transport vehicles, and UGVs (unmanned ground vehicles). Designed to IP67 standards, they can withstand harsh environmental conditions such as dust and mud. They are hardware-agnostic for maximum versatility. The round shape accommodates a wide range of payloads including visible and thermal cameras, hyperspectral sensors, and antennas.
Mobile counter-UAS
The NSM 400 has been selected as an integral part of Elettronica’s Snow Leopard counter-drone system, which has been successfully proven during the NATO White Fox exercise in Italy. The Italian Army installed the system on a BV S7 tracked vehicle, where our mount compensated for roll and pitch movements and precisely leveled the sensors, allowing the identification and classification of drones at a distance.
Vibration isolation system
High-frequency vibration increases the risk of damage to sensitive sensors and decrease the date quality. This is why vibration damping can make a significant difference in mission-critical operations. Land-, Airborne- and Naval-Based Sensor Systems benefit from using a SOMAG Passive Vibration Isolation Ring (PaVIR).
Increased equipment lifespan
This passive mechanical damping system was engineered to reduce vibration before it even reaches sensitive sensor equipment. With the use of various materials and elements it interrupts the vibration path between the platform and the payload. Like any product from SOMAG this system can also be tailored to each individual solution, mounting system and stabilization mount.
Unlike active systems, the PaVIR requires no power, no software, and no calibration—it’s reliable and rugged. The frequency of maintenance intervals and the longevity of the system vary depending on the individual solution and application, but are low in general.
Key advantages
• Increases equipment lifespan: Reduce mechanical wear and vibration-induced failure over time
• Improves video and imaging quality: Eliminate motion blur, jitter, and sensor instability during operation
• Easy to integrate and maintain: No wiring or power required—mechanical-only solution for quick integration into harsh environments
• Designed for harsh conditions: Rugged materials for air, maritime and land use, including corrosion resistance and shock durability
