Imaging system range defines the maximal distance at which a selected object can be seen and perceived following surveillance task perception criteria. Thermal imagers play a key role in long-range surveillance systems due to the ability to form images during the day or night and in adverse weather conditions. The thermal imager range depends on imager design parameters, scene and transmission path properties. Imager range prediction is supported by theoretical models that provide the ability to check range performance, compare range performances for different systems, extend range prediction in field conditions, and support laboratory measurements related to range. A condensed review of the theoretical model’s genesis and capabilities is presented. We applied model-based performance calculation for several thermal imagers used in our long-range surveillance systems and compared the results with laboratory performance measurement results with the intention of providing the range prediction in selected field conditions. The key objective of the paper is to provide users with reliable data regarding expectations during a field mission.

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This paper addresses the basic functionalities and properties of displays aimed to be used in modern armoured fighting vehicles (AFV). The paper also establishes a basis to determine the opportunities for a different technology application in the harsh AFV environment. The AFV displays are specified by active area, footprint size and other characteristics such as luminance, resolution, viewing envelope, colour, grey scale, night vision compatibility, and sun light readability. Also, some specific requirements for AFV display properties related to AFV application environment are discussed. This paper further provides a short overview of the key technologies used in display design and their compliance with basic AFV requirements. After ruggedisation of the Commercial Off The Shelf-COTS AMLCD flat panels have been successfully applied, they obtained dominant application in AFV displays. It seems that AMLCD display application in AFV will dominate during this decade.

Multi-sensor imaging systems using the global navigation satellite system (GNSS) and digital magnetic compass (DMC) for geo-referencing have an important role and wide application in long-range surveillance systems. To achieve the required system heading accuracy, the specific magnetic compass calibration and compensation procedures, which highly depend on the application conditions, should be applied. The DMC compensation technique suitable for the operation environment is described and different technical solutions are studied. The application of the swinging procedure was shown as a good solution for DMC compensation in a given application. The selected DMC was built into a system to be experimentally evaluated, both under laboratory and field conditions. The implementation of the compensation procedure and magnetic sensor integration in systems is described. The heading accuracy measurement results show that DMC could be successfully integrated and used in long-range surveillance systems providing required geo-referencing data.