YEKATERINBURG. April 17 (Interfax-AVN) - The Ural optical and mechanical plant will exhibit a flexible optic and electronic system (TOES) for the first time at the Russian Expo Arms 2002 international arms show that will take place in Nizhny Tagil from July 9 to 13.
TOES is a broad-range system intended for piloting helicopters in poor visibility conditions or at night, the plant's press center told Interfax-Military News Agency on Wednesday. Its principal difference from the gyrostabilized optic and electronic system is that its sighting line is not stabilized in space but rather linked to the construction line of the helicopter. This provides for the piloting function and reduces the cost of the device.
The plant will also exhibit a suspended laser container at the show. The device is intended for round-the-clock high- precision guidance of weapons with laser homing warheads such as guided air bombs and missiles that are installed in MIG- and SU- series planes. The container allows the pilot attacking a ground target to perform maneuvers without losing the target and to be less vulnerable for air defense assets.
In addition, the plant will exhibit the OEPS-27 optic and electronic system that has no analogues abroad. The system is used on SU-27 Flanker planes. A laser range-finder and illuminator will be demonstrated, too.
It has become a tradition for the enterprise to exhibit a gyrostabilized optic and electronic system, which is the plant's know-how. The device is intended for round-the-clock detection and identification of objects in any weather conditions; it is widely used for modernizing combat helicopters.
The gyrostabilized system can have a peaceful use as well. It provides for round-the-clock search and rescue of people in emergency situations, protection of state borders and police patrolling, it can be used in combating terrorists, patrolling of forests by fire-fighting units, searching for pipeline damages and oil or gas leaks, and exploring minerals.
The plant allocated USD10m for modernizing production facilities last year due to the increasing output of military- purpose products. The amount of investments grew to USD15m in 2002. The money will be spent on technical rearmament, the spokesman said.
The history of the plant traces back to Dr. Schwabe's optic shops that opened in Moscow in the mid-19th century. At present the plant produces optic and electronic sighting systems for the Air Force, Navy and Land Forces.