Euronaval 2022: Safran introduces VIGY 4 observation and fire-control system

Safran's VIGY 4 stabilised electro-optical surveillance/fire-control director has already secured initial sales. (Richard Scott/NAVYPIX)

Safran Electronics & Defense has unveiled the latest addition to its VIGY family of shipborne stabilised electro-optical surveillance/fire-control directors.

The new VIGY 4 system, formally debuted at Euronaval 2022, has been designed by Safran to address the market for an intermediate-size multisensor optronic sight suitable for installation on small and medium-size vessels ranging from light patrol boats to frigates. Leveraging technology from the long-range Paseo XLR system, VIGY 4 replaces the Paseo NS director in the company's product portfolio.

According to Safran's vice-president for sales and marketing, Pierre-Olivier Nouguès, the VIGY 4 product has been developed to satisfy requirements for a single system able to perform both day/night panoramic surveillance and gun fire control for weapons up to 76 mm. “We are building on the VIGY Observer, more than 500 of which have been sold worldwide,” he said. “What we have done is to take the user-friendly interface from the high-performance Paseo XLR, and even some of the sensor technology. Also, the customer will have the ability to use VIGY 4 for different observation and surveillance functions.”

The baseline sensor fit for VIGY 4 comprises a high-definition (HD) SATIS cooled mid-wave thermal imager and an HD colour TV (both cameras with continuous zoom), a short-wave infrared (SWIR) medium field-of-view camera, and a laser rangefinder. “We believe a SWIR channel will be increasingly required by navies because of the capability it brings to look through haze and fog at long distance,” said Nouguès. “It can see shapes and outlines in poor visibility, and beyond the range of standard TV.”