World’s First Day/Night Optical Radar to be Evaluated at Sea

The UAE will integrate the IAS HeliSAR Optical Radar into its AW139 SAR helicopter, evaluating how it works autonomously in the detection, classification and tracking of small objects at sea By Joseph Macey / 05 Mar 2021

Discover Leading Defense Technology Solutions

Discover cutting-edge solutions from leading global suppliers
SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT
UAE_National_Search_and_Rescue_Centre_NSRC_ AW139_search_and_rescue_helicopter
Follow DA

Following the deployment of day only Optical Radar systems by the USCG, the UAE will become the first country in the world to operationally evaluate a fully functional day/night optical radar, when it integrates the IAS HeliSAR Optical Radar into the UAE National Search and Rescue Centre (NSRC) AW139 search and rescue helicopter.

As a global leader in the development and deployment of wide area optical search systems, IAS will be deploying its innovative Generation II HeliSAR Search and Rescue (SAR) for the first time to the Middle East.

IAS HeliSAR Day/Night Optical Radar works to autonomously detect, classify and track small objects at sea even in challenging sea states – during both day and night operations. HeliSAR is specifically optimised for Helicopter Search and Rescue (SAR) operations featuring an exceptionally small, unobtrusive footprint that requires minimal modification to an existing STC. HeliSAR is designed to autonomously find people lost at sea, rafts adrift, or vessels in distress without any form of operator involvement.

IAS_HeliSAR_Optical_Radar

His Excellency Staff Pilot Stephen Toumajan, General Manager of the UAE National Search and Rescue Centre, explains: “The UAE is proud of our tradition of leading the world in bringing into operation technologies that transform search and rescue and save lives during the critical Golden Hour and beyond. IAS HeliSAR means that we can find people lost at sea over 30 times faster than existing search operations.”

The UAE NSRC will install the IAS HeliSAR Optical Radar on its SAR AW139 helicopter, with the first trial due to be completed in the coming months.

Simon Olsen, VP Business Development and Strategy for IAS, adds: “The UAE NSRC is one of the world’s leading SAR agencies and sets exceptionally high standards of operational performance. We are very proud that our IAS HeliSAR Optical Radar was deemed to have surpassed this high benchmark and accepted to be tested on a UAE SAR AW139. Our team is very much looking forward to collaborating with this world leading operation to save lives lost at sea.”

Posted by Joseph Macey Connect & Contact

Latest Articles

MKS Instruments Unveils Ophir® SupIR 10-135mm f/1.8 Continuous Zoom MWIR Lens

MKS Instruments has introduced a motorized MWIR lens with 14x zoom, enabling high-resolution thermal imaging and long-range target detection in defense and security applications

Apr 22, 2025
GuideNav Highlights the Role of IMUs for Loitering Systems

GuideNav outlines how inertial measurement units support navigation and targeting in loitering munitions, with attention to key performance metrics and mission-specific requirements

Apr 22, 2025
Software Solutions for Drones in Defense & Security

Defense Advancement highlights Tilak's innovative software solutions designed for the defense and security sectors, with a focus on drone and robotics applications

Apr 22, 2025
Advancing Maritime Autonomy with Scalable Uncrewed Integration

Textron Systems aims to lead the future of maritime autonomy with advanced uncrewed integration, looking into their TSUNAMI™ family of autonomous maritime surface vessels

Apr 22, 2025
Quadratix: Unified Software Ecosystem from General Atomics

Quadratix, a General Atomics vertically integrated software enterprise, aims to deliver agile, interoperable solutions that bridge air, land, sea, cyber, and space operations

Apr 17, 2025
Ophir® FoldIR Lens Enhances Long-Range Imaging for Defense & Security Operations

The new Ophir® FoldIR 25-275mm MWIR zoom lens delivers compact, long-range imaging with low-SWaP performance for drones and small gimbal platforms

Apr 17, 2025

Featured Content

Ophir® FoldIR Lens Enhances Long-Range Imaging for Defense & Security Operations

The new Ophir® FoldIR 25-275mm MWIR zoom lens delivers compact, long-range imaging with low-SWaP performance for drones and small gimbal platforms

Apr 17, 2025
Textron Systems to Support Software & Payload Development for Navy’s MCM USV

Textron Systems is set to support the software development and payload integration for the Navy’s Mine Countermeasures (MCM) Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV), focusing on future mission capabilities and advanced system integration

Apr 14, 2025
Triad RF Systems Supplies Bi-Directional Amplifiers to Boost Naval Communications

Taiwan has received dual-channel bi-directional amplifiers (BDAs) from Triad RF Systems, strengthening real-time data transmission and ISR functionality in unmanned naval platforms

Apr 11, 2025
Advancing Defense Capability Through Strategic Collaboration Defense Advancement works with major OEMs to foster collaboration and increase engagement with SMEs, to accelerate innovation and drive defense capabilities forward.