The announcement, which was made during the African Aerospace and Defence Expo (AAD 2022), represents another milestone in the strong partnership and working relationship with Hensoldt, a leading multi-national defence technology company.
The revolutionarily reconnaissance, surveillance, and precision strike aircraft, Mwari addresses a key global security requirement from air forces around the world by performing missions that previously required several different aircraft. It integrates design concepts from helicopters, surveillance platforms and reconnaissance aircraft with the ability to carry multiple systems, such as surveillance radar and electro optic sensor systems.
The Mwari is a smart, innovative ‘command centre in the sky’ that integrates some of the world’s most advanced Multi-Function-Displays, Electro Optical Systems, Electronic Intelligence gathering and compact sensory equipment available in the world today. Combining this with the capability to carry a range of sophisticated precision strike weapons, the aircraft is able to deliver precisely targeted surgical strikes against targets of opportunity, whilst minimising the risk of collateral damage usually associated with other systems.
The ARGOS-II HD Electro Optic sensor forms part of the standard configuration of the Mwari, incorporating features developed during extensive operational and combat experience. The ARGOS-II HD is a stabilised gimbal which incorporates a High Definition Colour TV camera , MWIR Continuous Zoom Cooled HD Thermal imager, SWIR Spotter camera and laser range finder. The ARGOS-II HD also has the capability to be easily upgraded to the ARGOS-II HDT which includes target designation.
Mike Levy, CEO of Paramount Aerospace Industries, stated that, “We are delighted to announce that our relationship with Hensoldt, is growing from strength to strength. Our companies have a shared commitment to both perpetual innovation and international collaboration, in order to equip Air Forces around the world with next-generation capabilities to detect and address a wide range of threats that modern air forces are facing today. The integration of the ARGOS-II is a further step in the relationship that has been established between the Mwari team and the Hensoldt technical team and provides a strong foundation for further cooperation between our companies in future.”
With the company’s largest operations outside of Europe being in Africa, Hensoldt, a pioneer of technology and innovation for defence and security electronics, is proud to call the region ‘home’. After launching Hensoldt South Africa in 2018, the organisation employs over 700 staff in the region today.
Chris Haines, Executive Manager: Marketing & Sales at Hensoldt South Africa, stated that “The integration of ARGOS-II HD EOS further enhances the capabilities of a platform such as Mwari and is further proof of the collaborative nature of Hensoldt’s work with aircraft-platform OEMs and system integrators worldwide.”
The ARGOS-II HD will be operated by an operator seated in the rear cockpit of the Mwari aircraft, where video images from the electro optic sensor will be displayed on the wide mission display. The features of the ARGOS-II HD allow for precision surveillance missions to be performed by the Mwari, both day and night, while providing critical targeting coordinate information for command and control operations.
Providing air forces with the ultimate in situational awareness is central to the operational design of the Mwari. Unlike other aerial platforms, the aircraft’s distinct pusher-prop configuration, stadium seating (ensuring for the rear crew member excellent visibility as compared to typical configurations), and its large glass cockpit affords air crew with an unparalleled view of the overarching theatre of combat. Additionally, sensor mounting points around the aircraft are integrated into the Mwari mission system, ensuring 360˚ of electronic coverage and superior visibility throughout the flight envelope.
The night vision enabled cockpit is additionally enhanced by touch screens and a keyboard-equipped interface, optimised for air crew ergonomics and more efficient mission workload.
