COMPANY PROFILE AND CAPABILITIES

Transcription

1 COMPANY PROFILE AND CAPABILITIES 1. Introduction THEON SENSORS is today one of the leading companies for man portable night vision systems. Indeed Theon Sensors is likely to be recognised as the most innovative and fast responding developer and manufacturer of night vision systems in the world, with its products being in service with many Armed and Special Forces around the world such as in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Chile, Germany, Greece, France, Egypt, Indonesia, Kuwait, Portugal, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, the UAE as well as other NATO and non NATO countries. With more than 90 employees, the development and manufacturing of products is performed inhouse at the company s privately owned facility in Koropi, near the Athens International Airport. The company is to 100% in private ownership. Theon Sensors was founded in 1997 and has consequently increased its export business worldwide with the result that today more than 90% of its business activities being export oriented. In support of its business growth in the international market, Theon Sensors has founded two subsidiaries: Theon Sensors Middle East (based in the UAE) and Theon Sensors Far East (based in Singapore). Theon Sensors business activities in the respective areas are coordinated and managed by Theon personnel based in these two subsidiaries with Theon Sensors Far East having received the required technology transfer and special tooling and test equipment to assemble Theon Sensors night vision systems in Singapore and this acting as back up to the production facility in Athens Greece. Theon Sensors is staffed by experienced professionals, many of which are engineers, who accumulate decades of experience in the design, development, manufacture and integration of electro optic products for defence applications. The company s range in product and services includes: Night vision monoculars and binoculars Family of night vision weapon sights Clip on Afocal night sights for sniper applications Night driver s viewers and upgrade kits for armoured vehicles Commercial in Confidence Page 1

2 Thermal weapon sights and clip on afocal sights Vehicle and platform based thermal imaging systems Optical and mechanical customised design ILS and Maintenance services Theon Sensors products are designed in house using the most advanced optical, mechanical and electronic design tools available. In fact Theon Sensors owns all of its technologies and thus is in full control of the complete design, testing and manufacturing process. One the most important advantages for customers working with Theon Sensors, is the total flexibility that Theon Sensors provides when it comes to Special designs for Special customers : custom made approach and tailored solutions for specific customer system requirements in very short time with rapid prototyping and system testing. Reliable Supplier with fast deliveries and reserve production capability to accelerate deliveries if required by the customer Efficient, full customer and product support including complete training and ILS packages over the lifecycle of the product. 2. Personnel and Management Structure Theon Sensors employs around 90 people, which work in the following main functions: Production: 51 (about 50% with technical qualification) Production management (including quality assurance, purchasing and logistics): 7 (of which 4 engineers) Design & Development: 14 (all engineers from various disciplines: Electronics, mechanics, optics/optronics, System integration) Sales & Marketing: 8 (out of which 5 engineers) Administration (including general admin, finance, accounting, personnel, legal): 10 Many employees across the departments have been working for Theon Sensors since the beginning of its production activities and thus Theon Sensors can rely on a very experienced and skilled multi disciplinary team across all departments. Commercial in Confidence Page 2

3 3. Product Range Theon Sensors offers a wide range of electro optical night vision systems for both man portable and vehicle based applications. Theon speciality is the customisation of systems in accordance with specific customer requirements and this in an efficient, reliable and professional manner. Below the main Theon Sensors systems are introduced. More information and product brochures can be downloaded from the website Night Vision (II Based Systems) Night Vision Monoculars and Binoculars The Argus (previously designated as NX 122) is today considered to be the most advanced full MIL SPEC, image intensified, modular monocular system available in the market. In fact Theon Sensors won the international competition run by the Swedish FMV for the supply of night vision monoculars in December 2010 beating 12 international competitors amongst which were the top night vision companies at the time. Upon contract award, Theon Sensors redesigned in close cooperation with the Swedish Armed Forces and FMV its monocular, the result being the best selling Argus lightweight night vision monocular, which amongst others, features the following unique characteristics: Lightest known complete system weight 4+2 degrees of adjustment for both head and helmet Advanced ergonomics such as quick release mechanism and others Theon Sensors has received contracts for tens of thousands Argus monoculars for NATO and non NATO customers around the world including Sweden, Belgium, France, Japan, Indonesia, UAE, Chile and others. Indeed the Argus is of recent design taking into account the latest findings in ergonomics and battle field requirements. Having entered the international market in 2011, it is truly a huge success and in the process to replace legacy systems such as the PVS 14 and others worldwide. Commercial in Confidence Page 3

4 The Theon Sensors Argus Panoptes (previously designated as NX 222) modular night vision binocular is based upon the best selling Argus monocular, where in fact two such monoculars are combined using a connecting bridge in order to form a binocular. This modular concept allows the end user to use the system in a binocular, monocular and weapon mounted configuration using the appropriate mounts. Theon Sensors has received contracts for tens of thousands night vision binoculars from customers such as the Special Forces in Germany (KSK), the Presidential Guard in the UAE, Dutch Army as well as the Armed Forces in Chile. In its constant drive to develop new and innovative products responding to the requirements of its customers, Theon Sensors has developed a new dedicated night vision goggle, the NX 201. The first qualified NX 201 was assembled back in 2013 and has since been further developed to today s current versions NYX LW (light weight) and NYX XR (extended range), which has been submitted to various customers such as the German Army, the Kuwait MoD, the Australian MoD and the UAE Armed Forces either for demonstration or trial purposes. Night Vision Weapon Sights and Clip On systems Up to today, Theon Sensors has produced and delivered more than 15,000 night vision weapon sights to international customers, such as Greece, Austria, Chile, UAE, Pakistan and others. The Theon Sensors weapon sights have been tested and are operated in extreme weather conditions ranging from the Himalayan Mountains to the Arabic desert. Currently Theon Sensors offers three variants of its weapon sight with fixed 3x, 4x or 6x magnification depending on the weapon platform and operation profile. All variants come with the following unique features: Commercial in Confidence Page 4

5 Field changeable reticule High bore sight accuracy and retention Advanced ergonomics with possibility of position adjustment to the user requirements Artemis 6X Artemis 4X Artemis 3X Complimentary to the stand alone weapon sights as described above, Theon Sensors also offers so called Night Vision Clip On systems, which are used in combination with magnified daytime weapon sights. The Clip On sight allows the user to always keep the day sight on the rifle, which is advantageous both for snipers but also for regulars soldiers that use magnified days sights such as the ACOG or the Elcan SPECTRE. For this type of system Theon Sensors is able to provide two solutions: Erebus (previously designated as NX 135C): this Clip On site comes with the largest optics in the market and thus provides the biggest range to the end user. This system is ideal for heavy sniper rifles, which are looking for ranges of up to 1 km. Note that Theon Sensors participated with the Erebus in the SNIPER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENT (SSI) program of the UK MoD in 2006 and thus has experience with the expectations and trial procedures of the UK end users. Damon (previously designated as NX 160A ILANS): this Inline Afocal Night Sight is a small and light Clip On that provides better optical performance than similar sights in the market. The system is designed to work with magnified day sights such as the Trijicon ACOG or the Elcan SPECTRE. Damon comes in a Long Range (LR) version as well suitable to match the demanding day optics of sniper rifles. Night Driver Viewers and digital systems THEON Sensors is today the global leading supplier of Night Driver Viewers for Armoured Vehicles using Image Intensifying Technology with an extensive range of different models that can be mounted onto virtually any type of armoured vehicle. The viewers are fitted with 2nd or Commercial in Confidence Page 5

6 3rd generation image intensifier tubes providing a clear image in the viewer s large biocular lens which can be seen by the driver from a safe and comfortable distance. 4 of the 12 currently available driver viewer models Night Driver s Viewer fitted on M113 APC Customers: End Users: BAE Systems Australia (M113AS upgrade) KMW (Leopard 2) RLS (PzH 2000 and Leopard 2) BAE Hägglunds (CV90) GDLS Steyr (Pandur) GDLS Mowag (Piranha) Greek Army (Leopard 2 HEL/ARV/AVLB, M113A3, Leonidas, PzH 2000) Australian Army (M113AS) Chilean Army (Piranha, Leopard 1V, Marder) Commercial in Confidence Page 6

7 Dutch Army (PzH 2000, CV9035) Portuguese Army (Pandur II) Spanish Army (Piranha) Singaporean Army (Leopard 2) Acknowledging that the modern user prefers digital solutions for vehicle based night vision systems, Theon Sensors has developed in close cooperation with BAE Hägglunds in Sweden a digital day and night vision camera, which acts as a targeting back up system for the gunner of the CV 90 armoured vehicle. The first prototypes have been delivered to BAE Hägglunds at the end of 2013 with a serial production that followed on soon after. Theon Sensors Urania Barrel Camera / Mounted on the CV Thermal Imaging Systems Thermis Family Thermal Weapon Sights and Clip On systems THEON SENSOR'S light, medium and heavy thermal weapon sights (TWS) and in line afocals were developed to provide soldiers with a tremendous day/night advantage in detecting, observing and engaging hostile targets, independent of darkness and common obscurants used for visual concealment. The clipon in line afocals are designed for use in tandem with day sights to provide the same enhancements, while maintaining the day optic's ballistic zeroing. Commercial in Confidence Page 7

8 The THERMiS family of uncooled thermal weapon and in line afocal sights incorporate the latest IR sensor, electronics and optical technologies to deliver world leading performance and reliability. All variants generate superior IR imagery, ensuring target recognition at the maximum possible range for increased lethality. The Light Weapon Thermal Sight is suitable for short range weapons (i.e. M16, M4, AK 47 etc); the Medium Weapon Thermal Sight designed for medium machine guns (i.e. FN Minimi, MG3 etc) and the Heavy Weapon Thermal Sight for the squad leader's weapon, Sniper Rifles, and Heavy Machine guns (i.e. M2 HB, MK19 etc). Thermon Thermal Driver Vision Enhancer THEON SENSOR's Driver Viewer Enhancer (DVE) was developed to provide armored vehicle drivers with the essential requirement of driving during all possible field scenarios; in day or night, through dust, fog and dirt. The THERMON DVE uses an uncooled Long Wave Infrared sensor (LWIR), electronics and optical technologies to deliver world leading performance and reliability. With its ruggedized design, THEON SENSOR's Driver Viewer Enhancer (DVE) ensures prolonged operational availability. The user can manually control the DVE through the display for ease of operation. Commercial in Confidence Page 8

9 Thermal Engine Cores THEON SENSOR's has developed its own advanced Thermal Engine Cores for its Thermal Imaging Systems. Key Features Detector Technology: ASi or VOx Microbolometer Sensor: typical 640x480 pixels Low power consumption Various video outputs Light weight Small form factor Co Production Programs Thermal Systems THEON Sensors, in cooperation with other international manufacturers and vendors, has acted also as a lead systems integrator to deliver specialized systems to support mission critical enduser requirements. Furthermore the company has participated in co production programmes for the AN/TAS 4A thermal sight for the TOW anti tank launcher, for the MILIS (Milan Lightweight Infrared System) thermal sight for the EUROMISSILE MILAN anti tank weapon and other similar projects. AN/TAS 4A thermal sight MILIS thermal sight Commercial in Confidence Page 9

10 4. Technical and Production capacity The Theon Sensors facility is based in the industrial zone of Koropi, close to the Athens International Airport with a total area of 4,000 square meters out of which 3,200 is modern building area. Furthermore, Theon Sensors can set up a second (backup) production line in its facilities in Singapore if and when needed. View of the entrance of Theon Sensors Factory in Koropi Design and Development The development and design of Theon Sensors systems is done using modern and state of the art computer programs such as: Optical Design: CODE V Software (Optical Research Associates) Mechanical / System Design (CAD): Pro Engineer PCB design: Software from Altium FPGA programming: Libero from Microsemi Reliability and ILS: Windchill Quality Solutions (Relex 2011) Furthermore there is direct CAD/CAM connection between the design and production department allowing the direct transfer of relevant production drawings. Commercial in Confidence Page 10

11 Test and measurement equipment Theon Sensors has an extensive range of test and measurement equipment, most of which is inhouse designed and assembled. These instruments enable Theon Sensors to carry out a number of tests and measurements of optical elements, component groups and complete systems. Amongst others, the following equipment is available: Test Stations for day optics Test Stations for night optics Test Stations for thermal systems Calibration and metrology equipment Temperature chamber for low and high temperature tests For further tests such as weapon shock, cargo drop, salt fog test, etc. Theon Sensors uses certified test laboratories in Greece and abroad. View of optical test and measurement equipment Commercial in Confidence Page 11

12 Optical Assembly The assembly of optical components is being done in so called Flow boxes of class 100 (FED STD 209E) which are located in a class 10,000 clean room. Special care is given to ensure that all components are clean and free of dust or other impurities. All personnel are properly trained to carry out the assembly of such optical elements. View of the clean room and flow boxes System Assembly The assembly of the complete system and its accessories is done in a clean room of class Electronic modules are being handled in a special area, which is electrostatically protected. View of System Assembly area Commercial in Confidence Page 12

13 Storage The storage area is a protected room, where optical, mechanical and electronic components are being stored. Part of the storage area is specially protected, to accommodate ITAR controlled components such as US image intensifier tubes. CNC workshop View of Storage Area The Theon Sensors CNC workshop is equipped with four multi axis CNC machines, which can cut metal and plastics. The machines are programmed either manually or directly through the CAD/CAM connection from the design department. View of the CNC workshops Commercial in Confidence Page 13