New periscope, optronic mast for Pakistan Agosta 90B submarines

[Hammad ur Rehman]

Key Points

• Pakistan Navy Agosta 90B submarines will be modernised with the SERO 250 periscope and OMS 200 optronic mast
• STM is prime contractor for the Agosta 90B upgrade

Airbus DS Optronics - shortly to be rebranded under the Hensoldt imprint - is to replace the existing search and attack periscopes on the Pakistan Navy's three Agosta 90B submarines with a new search periscope and a low profile optronic mast.

The three Agosta 90B boats were commissioned into the Pakistan Navy between 1999 and 2008. The first boat, PNS Khalid , was built by what was DCN - now DCNS - at its Cherbourg yard in northern France; the second, PNS Saad , was assembled by Karachi Shipbuilding and Engineering Works (KS&EW) from a materiel kit; and the third, PNS Hamza , was built locally by KS&EW.

janes com /article/64906/new-periscope-optronic-mast-for-pakistan-agosta-90b-submarines

 

[Dazzler]

OMS 200 Mast

SERO 250 periscope

Description


Huge strides have been made in periscope technology in recent years, and older submarines would certainly benefit from the new capabilities. Perhaps the most valuable add-on for an optical periscope is a powerful, state-of-the-art night-vision device.
We have developed a system that may be readily retrofitted with minimal modifications to the vessel – the SERO 250. Lighter and smaller than its antecedent, this new solution employs no components requiring ITAR licences. The SERO 250 improves the submarine's combat effectiveness at moderate costs.

Another highlight in the successful line of submarine periscopes designed and produced by Cassidian Optronics, the SERO 250 periscope system is compact, state-of-the-art and perfect for retrofit programmes. Little or no structural modifications are required for installation. It makes use of existing hoisting mechanisms, periscope bearings, seals, and the like. It is also ideal for vessels where space is at a premium.

The SERO 250 periscope system excels at observation during the day and is equipped with an IR camera for night vision. It serves to monitor surface and air activity, to collect navigational data, and to detect and identify targets. This system provides video signals for parallel observation on combat system monitors.

Featuring the latest advances in technology, its highly modular design simplifies logistics and facilitates maintenance. A complete logistics support package is available, including spare parts, manuals, tools, jigs, training for your staff and assistance in setting up logistics facilities.

Modernising older submarines

Submarines that were built before 2000 and lack night-vision capability can attain it with our SERO 250. This improves its observational ability immensely in darkness when the conventional optical direct view no longer provides adequate images. Enter the SERO 250's infrared camera: It improves the view considerably even when used during the day, for example, to peer through fog.

The necessary electronic components are compact and can be easily integrated into the submarine's systems. This not only improves the submarine's performance, it also extends its service life.

The later it is decommissioned, the greater the return on the original investment and the lower the costs averaged over your submarine's lifespan.

 

[Hamartia Antidote]

Hmm...with the advent of small 360 cameras and flat screen TVs with curved surfaces it doesn't see far fetched to have a photonics periscope that could capture an entire hemisphere view of the world above the sub and display it on the walls and ceiling of the control room sort of like an IMAX theater. Actually more like an Omni theater they have at planetariums.