ASISGUARD, a company that works on UAV systems, electro-optical vision systems, and military vehicle electronics, has developed a new gimbal to meet the needs of UAVs. The gimbal carries detection systems (camera, laser, thermal camera), ensuring they are used with high performance. The gimbal, which weighs 3.5 kilograms, aims to ensure that UAVs can capture clear images and perform target tracking even in harsh conditions. It includes a 640×512 resolution cooled thermal camera module. The gimbal has 1920×1080 HD image capability and a 30x optical zoom daylight camera, with 2-axis stabilization. It also features a 5-kilometer laser rangefinder.
ASISGUARD CEO Mustafa Barış DÜZGÜN explained that when an electronic system works behind an optic, it is called electro-optical in a statement to the media. “If you process images using a lens and use it for daytime or nighttime imaging, that is electro-optical,” Düzgün said, adding that they have been operating in this field for about six years.
He emphasized that they started with 360 ° Situational Awareness Systems for armored vehicles, which are now integrated into around 3,000 vehicles. Düzgün pointed out that they began integrating fixed cameras, which do not have rotating capacity, with systems that allow them to move.
He added that this has led to progress in areas such as detecting distant objects from vehicles, faster detection, and creating awareness with artificial intelligence. Düzgün mentioned that they have created various electro-optical solutions by combining different equipment for the needs of land vehicles and noted that, with the increasing border security needs, watch towers capable of detecting humans from 15 kilometers and vehicles from 20 kilometers have come into focus. He also mentioned that they have worked on a similar solution in Nigeria, in addition to performing various integrations in vehicles.
“Through the Gimbal’s Eye”
Düzgün explained that over time, unmanned systems have become more common, and they are working to transfer this experience to other vehicles capable of surveillance, targeting, and tracking. He said: “Making something fly requires a lot of capability. You need to design a successful autopilot, but if you are not able to see, can’t detect targets, can’t mark them, and can’t lock a missile on them, it is inconvenient to say that it’s a complete solution.
We have started developing products aiming for the 1-3 kilogram range in a field that has been open in Türkiye with the contribution and guidance of the Presidency of Defense Industries and HAVELSAN. Now, with a cooled camera on a VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing UAV) that has entered the inventory, we have developed a gimbal system that can detect humans from 8 kilometers and vehicles from 20 kilometers, capable of working in both day and night conditions.
Gimbals are camera systems that carry motion on themselves. They include a thermal camera for night vision, a high-zoom camera for daytime vision, and a laser rangefinder. We have presented a gimbal to the inventory, which combines these three systems on a moving platform.”
“High Export Potential”
Düzgün mentioned that the solution entering the inventory is one of four products they have developed for VTOLs. He has emphasized that the gimbal can be integrated into all vehicles of this class. He has also evaluated the high export potential of the product, asserting: “When you compare our performance with our competitors abroad, our performance is higher, and our price is much better at a dramatically lower level. We know there will be demand from abroad. We have provided two units of a similar product to an African country for helicopter modernization.
Since it’s a helicopter, some modification has been required. It can also be used in missile seeker systems. Seekers are also essentially two-axis gimbals. We have products that are used in our unmanned aerial vehicle, SONGAR. Since you do not want to waste your 3-kilogram weight capacity on it, you need gimbals weighing 800 grams to 1-1.5 kilograms. We are designing these types of gimbals as well. We offer our gimbals for drone systems too. We also have cameras with good performance, depending on the altitude. We move to contribute with 4 different product groups, including the one entering the inventory.”
