Hensoldt South Africa expands border security with new Bushbaby 200 long-range surveillance system.

On November 5, 2024, Hensoldt South Africa launched the Bushbaby 200, a long-range electro-optical surveillance system announced at the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) 2024 exhibition. This system, designed for extended day and night surveillance, builds on the earlier Bushbaby 100, used for medium-range monitoring in military, border control, and commercial sectors. The Bushbaby 200 aims to support defense, security, and civil applications by advancing situational awareness and monitoring capabilities.
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The new Bushbaby 200 system, designed for extended day and night surveillance, builds on the earlier Bushbaby 100, used for medium-range monitoring in military, border control, and commercial sectors. (Picture source: Hensoldt)

The Bushbaby 200 integrates panoramic electro-optical, thermal imaging, and laser rangefinder capabilities, allowing continuous 360° azimuth rotation with an elevation range from -45° to +95°. The gyro-stabilized 2-axis mount enhances stability for clearer long-range imagery, while its real-time video processing includes sensor fusion, target tracking, and image stabilization functions. Built to MIL-STD standards, the sensor modules are sealed to IP67, and the pan-tilt unit (PTU) is sealed to IP65 or IP66, ensuring durability across varied deployment platforms.

Tailored for ground-based applications like long-range surveillance, force protection, and forward observation, the Bushbaby 200 can detect vehicles up to 36.7 kilometers away, recognize them at 29 kilometers, and identify them at 24 kilometers. For human detection, it reaches distances over 25 kilometers, with identification possible at 13 kilometers. Its integrated laser rangefinder, accurate to within three meters, measures distances up to 30 kilometers.

The Bushbaby 200, alongside the Bushbaby 100, meets the needs of sectors requiring scalable surveillance capabilities, supporting missions like border protection, anti-poaching operations, and infrastructure monitoring. Both systems aim to enhance operational effectiveness against smuggling and asymmetric threats. According to Sunette van Rensburg, Optronics Head of Sales at Hensoldt South Africa, the Bushbaby 200 extends the capabilities of the Bushbaby 100 for advanced long-range surveillance demands.

Key features of the Bushbaby 200 include geo-pointing functionality, artificial intelligence (AI) integration, and a real-time video processor capable of merging daylight and infrared feeds into a single video stream. Its modular design, with extreme narrow fields of view, enables customization for varied operational needs, making it suitable for stationary masts, structures, man-portable tripods, and mobile platforms. A digital interface allows for platform integration while maintaining cost efficiency.

Additional specifications include a spectral response of 3-5 µm for the mid-wave infrared (MWIR) thermal imager, with 1280x720 resolution and a field of view (FOV) from 36° to 1.2°. The daylight electro-optical camera offers a spectral response from 430 nm to 680 nm and near-infrared (NIR) capabilities from 680 nm to 920 nm, with Full HD resolution and a stabilized optical zoom FOV from 21° to 0.27°. The laser rangefinder operates at 1535 nm with an eye-safe Class 1 rating, covering ranges from 80 meters to 30 kilometers and achieving accuracy within ±3 meters.

The Bushbaby 200 is built to endure challenging environmental conditions, with IP67-sealed (nitrogen-purged) sensor modules and a PTU meeting IP65 or IP66 standards. Constructed with aluminum housing, the Bushbaby 200 withstands impacts like branch collisions at speeds up to 20 kilometers per hour and operates in temperatures from -25°C to +55°C.

As part of Hensoldt South Africa, the Bushbaby 200 aligns with the company’s broader portfolio in defense and security electronics. The organization, employing over 700 staff across five South African locations, offers a variety of products and services, including electronic warfare, spectrum monitoring, security solutions, radar, identification friend or foe (IFF), and data links. The Bushbaby 200 reinforces Hensoldt South Africa’s commitment to producing surveillance systems for diverse operational needs.