For
the first time at LIMA exhibition in Langkawi (Malaysia), the Indonesian
Navy (TNI AL) was present with one of its latest CN235-220 maritime
surveillance aircraft. Locally built by Indonesian Aerospace (IAe or
PT Dirgantara Indonesia), the maritime surveillance aircraft is fitted
with Thales' Airborne Maritime Situation and Control System (AMASCOS)
and several sensor systems. |
TNI
AL operates three CN235-220 maritime surveillance aircraft, all fitted
with AMASCOS system, Thales Ocean Master 400 radar, FLIR Star SAFIRE
III gyro-stabilized EO/IR system and an AIS (Automatic Identification
System): A tracking system used on ships and by vessel traffic services
(VTS) for identifying and locating vessels. |
AMASCOS
by Thales combines a powerful tactical command subsystem with the latest-generation
sensor suites to ensure the success of maritime patrol and surveillance
missions:
» Maritime surveillance (EEZ surveillance, fishing, shipping and
drug interdiction)
» Anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare
» Electronic intelligence (ELINT)
» Joint littoral operations
» Search and rescue (SAR)
» Environmental monitoring
The Thales AMASCOS
mission system delivers an effective maritime surveillance, airborne
maritime patrol and ground surveillance capability. Its modular and
flexible design can accommodate a number of high definition sensors
(optical, radar, acoustic, electronic support measures) and integrate
the data into a comprehensive yet easy to operate maritime situational
awareness picture. Users are able to focus on the task in hand, and
remain one step ahead of the actions of those under their surveillance.
Picture
of TNI AL CN235-220 maritime surveillance aircraft's cockpit. Note
the display in the middle: The tactical view from the AMASCOS 200
workstations can be shared with the pilot and co-pilot thanks to this
display.
The modular architecture
of the AMASCOS system makes it possible to incorporate any combination
of sensors, including radar, FLIR, ESM/ELINT, Automatic Identification
System (AIS), anti pollution sensors, an acoustic subsystem and datalinks,
as selected by the customer. The system is designed for all types of
aircraft, from long-range maritime patrol aircraft to surveillance planes,
and including naval helicopters.
While touring the aircraft during LIMA 2015, a Thales representative
told Navy Recognition that on board TNI AL CN235-220 maritime
surveillance aircraft, information from the AMASCOS 200 workstations
can be shared with the pilot and co-pilot thanks to a multi-function
display. Shared information may be:
» The tactical situation as processed by AMASCOS
» Data from the Ocean Master radar in "weather" mode
» Live feed from the FLIR EO payload
AMASCOS, together with the Ocean Master radar, has been selected by
Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkey, UAE, Japan and Malaysia. It has been integrated
and operates daily on board ATR72, DASH-8 Q300, Beech 200, F406, DA42
and CN235 aircraft.
Thales announced during LIMA 2015 that it has delivered the first of
two further AMASCOS mission systems to the Royal Malaysian Air Force
(RMAF). Thales is delivering AMASCOS to support the conversion of four
RMAF's Beech 200 aircraft to a highly capable maritime surveillance
platform, due to enter service next year.
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