Turkish security forces’ new generation lens capable of detecting faces from three kilometers away

[Attila the Hun]

A new generation lens mounted on helicopters developed by Turkey is capable of detecting faces from as far as three kilometers, the Turkish Security Forces have said, state-run Anadolu Agency reported on May 2.

The lens “kanat” (wing) is also capable of recording from 20 kilometers away and can gather data of a vehicle by detecting its number plate from an eight-kilometer distance, security forces officials said.

The lens, also known as the “eagle eye,” is also capable of carrying out surveillance in foggy weather, detecting living beings with its thermal features.

Four of the six lenses developed are set to be used in Turkey’s west and the two others in the east in anti-terror operations.

One of the lenses will be used by the security forces in the Mediterranean province of Antalya.

Kanat, which is worth $1 million, is also expected to support maritime security and aid the Turkish Coast Guard in Antalya.

Hilmi Fedai, a police officer taking part in the project, said Kanat is capable of flying at night time, adding that it had the capacity of carrying six people.

“We have a powerful sunlight projector. The footages we record are transmitted to surveillance camera centers in Ankara. Specialist technicians analyze these footages and can immediately identify a person walking on a sidewalk after taking a photo of them from three kilometers away,” he said.

Fedai added that Kanat was capable of staying up in the air for a long time.

“Especially when we fly at night time and switch off the lights of the helicopter, we can stay up in the air for a long time. This way we can track criminals without them noticing,” he added.

The surveillance helicopter has two motors of 550 horsepower.

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