Thales to provide sighting systems

Thales UK has been awarded a contract to supply its thermal driver sights (TDS) and Thales land navigation systems (TLNS) to FNSS of Turkey for a Middle East customer.

The order, for up to 300 driver sights and 27 navigation systems, forms part of FNSS’ upgrade program for M113 vehicles.

The TDS is an un-cooled thermal sight designed for tactical and armoured combat vehicles, which have moderate-to-high space and weight limitations, but still require an enhanced degree of situational awareness during closed-hatch and high-risk operations. Manufactured by Thales in Canada, it is currently in service with the British Army.

The TLNS is said to address the requirements for a highly accurate navigation system for armoured fighting vehicles. It includes a Commanders Display Panel and features a navigation processor with associated peripherals and interfaces. Designed to permit the manual input of position, heading and laser range data, the system is engineered to allow automatic operation with the minimum of user intervention. The TLNS will be manufactured by Thales UK’s optronics facility in Glasgow.