The new eyes of the Hellenic Coast Guard: Miltech Hellas SUR-20LRM and SUR-400HSM

Written by D-Mitch

MLT-SUR-400HSM on Sa'ar 4 OPV. Photo by D-Mitch.

This article discusses the latest development in electronic equipment installed on Hellenic Coast Guard (HCG) patrol vessels. We will describe two new systems from Miltech Hellas, a Greek company renowned for equipping various Hellenic Navy (HN) and HCG ships and vessels with platform mounted electro-optical sensors, namely the TDR-10 (4 systems), TDR-10A (15 systems) and TDR-HR-300 (3 systems). For detailed information on which ships are equipped with each system, please refer to the links provided. The new sensors which are described in this article are the SUR-20LR, and the SUR-400HSM; both currently equip more than 50 vessels of the HCG, and all designed and produced by Miltech Hellas.

MLT-SUR-20LRM on Lambro 57 patrol vessel. Photo by Miltech Hellas

 

SUR-20LRM on SP5509

SUR-20LRM on SP5509

In 2022, the Greek company delivered 17 SUR-20LRM systems to the Hellenic Coast Guard (HCG) and installed them on an equivalent number of vessels. These installations included the SP5509 OPV Gavdos, Halmatic Lambro 60 rescue boats, Lambro 57 patrol vessels, and the two Faiakas-class (POB-24) coastal patrol vessels. SUR-20LRM/N is equipped with a cooled marine, high resolution thermal imaging system with a 640 x 512 array format sensor for optimum long range surveillance, as well as a Full HD 1080p day camera with 35x continuous zoom. A Laser Range Finder (LRF) with a 32km measurement range can be integrated in the system upon request.

MLT-SUR-20LRM on POB24 patrol vessel. Photo by Miltech Hellas

MLT-SUR-400HSM on Lambro 57 patrol vessel

MLT-SUR-400HSM on
Lambro 57 patrol vessel

MLT-SUR-400HSM on
Lambro 57 patrol vessel

The brand new system of the company is the MLT-SUR-400HSM, which according to Miltech Hellas, is one of the most technologically advanced marine thermal imaging systems offered by the company today. It features a Medium-Wave Infra-Red (MWIR) cooled sensor with a 1280 x 1024 pixel array for extremely long-range surveillance and 22x continuous zoom. Housed in a robust, highly configurable, and upgradeable casing with various lens options, it ensures continuous operation under the most challenging conditions. Equipped with an advanced 39km LRF, a Short-Wave Infra-Red (SWIR) image sensor, a digital magnetic compass, GPS, a Full HD daylight camera with 68x continuous zoom, and an IR illuminator, this system stands out as the most precise, versatile, and cost-effective multispectral solution for long-distance operations in the field.

MLT-SUR-400HSM and MLT-TDR-HR-300 on Sa'ar 4 OPV

MLT-SUR-400HSM on Lambro 60 rescue vessel. Credits to e-Amyna for the find.

MLT-SUR-400HSM on
Lambro 60 rescue vessel

MLT-SUR-400HSM on
Lambro 60 rescue vessel

The MLT-SUR-400HSM system is being installed on 36 (!) HCG patrol and rescue vessels, including the three Sa'ar 4/OPV58 class offshore patrol vessels (060, 070, 080), the SP5509 type offshore patrol vessel 090 (which has received also the SUR-20LRM system), numerous Halmatic Lambro 60 rescue boats, Lambro 53 and Lambro 57 patrol boats, and the three CB90 type fast assault craft.

 

 

 

MLT-SUR-400HSM on CB90. Photo by Γ.Μ.

MLT-SUR-400HSM on CB90. Photo by Γ.Μ.