OLS-35 IRST option for Su-30 family

A contemporary fighter needs periodically upgrade to keep pace with the human technical progress. One of the most promising sensor system for this is the IRST systems, allowing detection of the enemy in air, on the ground and ocean surface. One of the most prominent developers and manufacturers of such systems in Russia is FSUE 'Science-Research Institute for Precision Instrument Engineering' (Moscow). Its traditional specialization was the laser-optical systems for space installations. The production is intended for high-precision trajectory measurements in visible and IR spectrum and laser ranging of objects, like satellite and missiles.

Other products are as follow:

-         Quantum-optic systems for trajectory measurement, photometry, satellite and missiles in fly picturing.

-         Laser retro-reflecting systems

-         Geodesic satellites

-         Inter-satellite laser communication systems

-         GLONASS satellites communication systems

-         Laser range-finders for space crafts

-         Ecologic monitoring systems

-         Atmospheric laser communication systems

The IRST (OLS) systems – are a relative new part in the Institute's activity. Despite this, it offers now two IRST systems with superb technical characteristics. One of them – OLS-UE is offered as a part of MiG-35 program, and the second – is OLS-35 installed on Su-35 fighter, 50 of which were contracted by the Russian AF. OLS-35 is also available for all Su-27/Su-30 family upgrade. It can be a part of Su-30MKI upgrading deal, which is negotiated now in Moscow (Oct.14-15) in the Indo-Russian tech-mil committee summit.

Both stations have almost analogous ability with longer range for OLS-35. They implement the follow features:

-         Airspace scanning in air-to-air mode

-         Aerial, ground and water surface target detection, locking-on and tracking

-          Ground surface scanning

-         Target image recognition

-         Target angular coordinates, range and angular and linear velocity determination

-         TV, IR and TV+IR video and message output to the cockpt multifunctional displays

-         Interaction with the aircraft targeting and guidance complex

-         Operation at a full range of altitudes, ground and sky backgrounds, day and night, in different visual meteorological conditions and jamming interference

-          Ground target illumination by laser emission

-         Autonomous functioning and radio silence mode

In addition, according to the manufacturer, OLS-35 is able for detection and tracking of a laser mark on the target.

The difference in specs of two IRSTs is as follow:

              

                                                       OLS-UE                            OLS-35

Scanning angular limits

Azimuth                                          +-90                                    +-90

Elevation                                        -15/+60                            -15/+60   

Airborne target detection range, km   

In rear hemisphere                               60                                       90

In front hemisphere                              15                                       35

Range measurement, km

Airborne                                             15                                       20

Ground                                               20                                       30

Instant field-of-view                        10 x 7.5                               10 x 7.5

Dimension                                 729 x 386 x 410                  740 x 807 x 608

Mass, kg                                         78                                           83