CONTROP Launches the TORNADO-ER, an Electro-Optical Scanning and Automatic Detection System

This new comprehensive coastal surveillance and protection solution enables simultaneous detection of a variety of targets in real-time, in all weather conditions

15 October 2018. CONTROP USA Inc. – a company specializing in the field of Electro-Optics (EO) and InfraRed (IR) defense and homeland security solutions – launches the TORNADO-ER, an Electro-Optical panoramic scanning and automatic maritime target detection system, at EuroNaval 2018. The TORNADO-ER system is for coastal surveillance and protection and for maritime traffic control, particularly for dense waters. The system provides a 360 panoramic IR image up to the horizon of all maritime views. The image is updated continuously – every 3 seconds – with automatic and simultaneous detection of any moving targets in the water. A small boat of 3×1 meters can be detected at a distance of 5 nm and more.

The TORNADO-ER includes two (2) Thermal Imaging InfraRed (IR) cameras that provide a real-time, panoramic image from short to long distances up to the horizon. The system enables the simultaneous detection of moving targets – including swimmers, vessels of all sizes, small vessels on the background of larger vessels, and small floating objects. These capabilities dramatically enhance the protection and situational awareness of coastlines, waterways, seashores, ports and harbours.

Main features of the TORNADO-ER include 360° scanning every 3 sec, with high Probability of Detection (PD) and low False Alarm Ratio (FAR). In addition, the TORNADO-ER acts as an Electro-Optical “Radar” for target detection – from 400m to more than 12km, resulting with a wide panoramic live image output as well as enhanced video analytics. The TORNADO-ER consists of a gyro-stabilized gimbal which is suitable for operation in all weather conditions. The system is passive, insensitive to RF jamming, and may be used either as a standalone, or combined with external systems. Applications include port security, Vessel Traffic System (VTS), coastal surveillance, and maritime border control.

According to Mr. Hagay Azani, CEO & President of CONTROP, “The TORNADO-ER was specially developed to maximize coastal security through the use of today’s most advanced technologies. Detecting multiple mobile targets simultaneously, in real-time – at the shore and at sea, at long and short distances – the TORNADO-ER ensures true border control. The system is already operational in Asia, and based on exceptionally positive feedback, we expect to generate considerable interest at the EuroNaval exhibition.”

About CONTROP Precision Technologies Ltd.
CONTROP specialises in the development and production of electro-optical/infrared and precision motion control systems for surveillance, defence and homeland security. CONTROP’s main product lines include: Gyro-stabilised observation payloads for day/night surveillance onboard UAVs, small UAVs, aerostats/balloons, helicopters, light aircraft (A/C), maritime patrol boats, ground vehicles and remote weapon stations; Automatic intruder detection systems for coastal and border surveillance, port/harbor security, critical infrastructure and forward operations base security.

CONTROP’s products are in daily operational use in many countries in both homeland security and defence-related programs worldwide.