EDGE has completed a series of field tests for its MIRSAD-X electro-optic system, reaching key development milestones at the company’s XRANGE testing facility in the United Arab Emirates.
During the trials, the system was evaluated for its ability to detect, recognize, and identify targets at varying ranges under different conditions. The tests also examined the system’s sensor command-and-control functions, target tracking, localization, and its human-machine interface. According to EDGE, the system maintained reliable performance despite the UAE’s high temperatures, humidity, wind, and dust.
Felix Matis, Director of the Electro-Optics Centre of Excellence at EDGE’s Technology & Innovation Cluster, said the trials showed the system could provide a clear stabilized image in challenging weather. “One of our main objectives was to test and prove the manual and automatic tracking capability of the MIRSAD-X in multiple scenarios. The system demonstrated high performance overall in that regard and we will now look to continue and improve the performance of the system and maximise its capabilities for various use cases,” he said.
Slim Sayadi, Senior Technical Manager at the centre, added that the next steps will include testing the laser designator and conducting mobile trials once the system is integrated onto a land platform.
The MIRSAD-X, still under development, is a gyro-stabilized multi-spectral imaging system designed for real-time detection, tracking, and targeting. It can be integrated across ground and naval platforms and is intended to support missions such as border and maritime surveillance, as well as operations involving laser-guided munitions.
EDGE is also working on a naval variant of the system, which is expected to be tested on the group’s vessels in upcoming trials.