SERO 420 / 430
True periscopes with a digital payload
The challenge
In today’s complex and fast-evolving naval environment, the ability to gather accurate intelligence and respond to dynamic operational conditions is more critical than ever. While the underwater environment is the undisputed domain of sound-based sensors, the ability to see above the surface while remaining hidden below it is an essential capability for submarines.
Submarines must have a reliable solution to monitor and reconnoitre surface targets, airborne objects and coastal features effectively across varying light, weather and sea conditions.
Ensuring seamless integration with command and control systems is crucial, but enabling operators to gather actionable visual information rapidly and intuitively is just as important. Lastly, a system’s ability to operate even in degraded mode and its resilience against deterioration of other onboard systems may prove vital in contested environments or during long deployments.
Our solution
The SERO 420 and 430 submarine periscopes are true periscopes featuring a direct view through an optical all-glass channel, which delivers an intuitive user experience, fosters effective human-machine teaming and can operate even in degraded scenarios, for example with partial loss of platform power. This innovative system is designed to enhance situational awareness for submariners, allowing them to operate with confidence and precision.
In addition to its traditional periscope functionality, the SERO 420 integrates advanced digital payloads, including high-resolution cameras and a laser range finder, which significantly expand its vision capabilities. The SERO 430 further expands upon the capabilities of the 420 model by adding a high-resolution MWIR thermal imager. The integration of cutting-edge digital sensors alongside the optical channel enables enhanced surveillance and reconnaissance to provide critical data in various operational scenarios.
Moreover, the SERO 420 / 430 fully interface with the submarine combat management system to ensure the seamless delivery of actionable information to the crew. This capability supports submarine IMINT (imagery intelligence) operations, thus enabling submariners to make informed decisions based on real-time data and with support from several software-defined and AI-assisted functions.
With their combination of traditional yet powerful design features and advanced technological payloads, the SERO 420 and 430 stand out as essential tools for modern naval missions, enhancing both operational effectiveness and mission success.
Features and benefits
Features
- High-performance optics
- True periscope with direct view
- 16 MP DigiStill colour camera
- HD LLLTV camera
- HD or 4K colour camera
- Laser range finder and passive optical ranging
- High-performance, dual-axis stabilisation
- Future-ready design (outboard and inboard)
- 3-stage optical magnification
- Full combat system integration
- Antenna interface (radar early warning, GNSS, comms)
- Software-defined functions and enhancements
Benefits
- Powerful software-enabled functions to extract information from pictures and videos while retaining the direct view typical of a periscope
- Optimal visibility in low-light or nighttime conditions, even in degraded mode or with power loss (direct view does not require power)
- Real-time, direct visual access to the surroundings to ensure a clear and immediate understanding of the operational environment, which is crucial for situational awareness
- High-definition video capabilities providing crisp, clear and highly detailed imagery for superior monitoring and identification of potential threats or points of interest
- Flexibility and option for future upgrades, ensuring customisability to meet changing operational needs
- Seamless, two-way integration with existing or new combat management systems
