Defence & Security

A hand-held camera with high-performance day/night vision, CAT EYE offers defence and security forces an alternative to the infrared and identification technologies available up until now.

With unique high-resolution observation capacity (FULL HD), CAT EYE gives clear, natural vision day and night, enabling facial identification at over 200 metres, as well as the capacity to observe moving scenes and the identification of potential threats at over 5 kilometres.

Its unique Active Imaging mode enables identification of an individual or a vehicle at night; it also improves the quality of vision in rain, fog or intense pollution. All of the features of a modern hand-held camera (telemetry, GPS, recording and internal replay) make this technological gem an unrivalled asset for reconnaissance and observation missions at a safe distance.

Since its launch in 2015, CAT EYE has received excellent feedback from domestic security and military forces and is has undergone in-depth testing. It is sold in several countries including France. CAT EYE is available in a hand-held version (camera only), or combined with a stabilised tracking system (PTZ) to ensure remote, fixed or on-board surveillance missions on vehicles or naval platforms.

LHERITIER designs and manufactures HD cameras to be installed on ground defence platforms or on surface vessels. Fitted with high-resolution sensors designed for day (HD Visible Channel) and for night (Intensified Visible Channel or Low Light Level), they are also extremely sturdy. Embedded image processing enables them to provide reliable solutions perfectly integrated into the client's architecture.

Each year, LHERITIER produces several hundred cameras equipping the visible channels of major optronics equipment, installed on land vehicles or on fixed optronics platforms.

LHERITIER works with numerous vehicle manufacturers (Elbit, Renault Trucks, Nexter, Leonardo, Lockheed Martin, THALES, Safran, etc.) and equips the DGA's main test centres.

LHERITIER's cameras are deployed on SSM Scorpène, SNLE Barracuda, SSM Sauro and their export versions, the submarines of the French and Italian Navies and are present on a daily basis in every sea in the world.

ALSEAMAR designs and manufactures portable trajectography systems for mobile submarine vehicles, torpedoes or drones, under the GIB product line.

Consisting of a control unit and a set of buoys, they receive the signals transmitted by the acoustic transmitter mounted on the submarine being tracked. The buoys measure distances and use a local radio network to periodically transmit their GPS position and the distances measured to a control unit installed on a support or land vehicle. This unit triangulates the positions of the subsea vehicle and displays them on a board in real time and with very high precision.

GIB portable trajectography systems are used by manufacturers in the naval sector to qualify their subsea machinery and by navies to train their crews and intervene in the event of a stricken submarine in order to locate it accurately.

ALSEAMAR X-SUB buoys allow submarines to communicate with above the sea’s surface without raising a periscopic communications antenna. The submarine continues its course, undetectable at its operational depth.

The X-SUB buoy is a device released via the standard ejector (sippican). The buoy then comes to the surface and remains connected to the submarine via a wire connection.

The buoy acquires the GPS and the AIS positions, which are transmitted to the submarine. The GPS and the AIS positions are visible on board the submarine on a dedicated operating unit screen.

Once the wire connection is broken, the buoy automatically scuttles and sinks.

ALSEAMAR designs and manufactures subsea propulsion vehicles used to transport frogmen (2 to 6 combat divers, depending on the type of vehicle) during special operations: expansion of their scope of operations, strategic target attacks on land and at sea, infiltration or exfiltration of commando units, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and maritime counter-terrorism.

ALSEAMAR's manned submarine propulsion vehicles are ergonomic to avoid diver fatigue and have high endurance, navigation accuracy and communication and observation capabilities. They can be deployed from the shore, boats or submarines using a deck shelter. They have a large loading capacity and are easy to use.

ALSEAMAR designs and manufactures multi-purpose antennae for submarines, covering a wide range of frequencies from VLF to UHF and with satellite communication.

Installed in a particularly compact hoisting mast, the antennae enable the simultaneous emission and reception of several frequencies, despite their small size.

ALSEAMAR antennae are compact while ensuring high levels of performance and are particularly suited to the requirements of subsea communication.

ALSEAMAR also has many years of experience in the design, simulation, manufacturing and characterisation of antennae for vessels (active and passive antennae covering different frequencies: VLF/LF, HF, V/UHF, UHF) and high-performance multi-couplers to dispatch input/output signals. These antennae and multi-couplers can be used to create a subsystem of antennae for surface vessels that incorporate the strictest equivalent radar surface reduction requirements.

ALSEAMAR designs, manufactures and operates autonomous, high-endurance subsea drones, SeaExplorer gliders.

Designed to collect data over large areas (thousands of kilometres), over long periods (months) and at great depths (up to 1,000 m), SeaExplorer gliders are propelled by buoyancy variation. SeaExplorer vehicles silently glide along the water column, collecting physical, chemical, biological and/or acoustic data, depending on the sensors installed. Their major added value lies in their low procurement and operating costs compared to the ships or other means traditionally used for the same type of mission.

SeaExplorer gliders are easy to operate and can be deployed and recovered by a smaller crew, using small boats in coastal waters. Remotely controlled via satellite communication, they receive orders from the control PC at an ALSEAMAR site or at another designated site and transmit navigation information and collected data to land.

SeaExplorers are used by scientists and oceanographers, by environmental agencies responsible for protecting seas and oceans, by operators in the oil sector and by navies.

ALSEAMAR operates Gliders for its clients 24/7 in every sea of the world.

The Subsea light vehicles of the MURENE class are new diver propulsion systems. They have been designed to provide the best ergonomics and allow for the best performance for combat swimmers. They can be deployed from the shore, a boat or a submarine. A large cargo capacity, high navigation accuracy and excellent swimmer protection are the key strengths of these vehicles.

Equipped with the latest generation of fibre optic gyroscope navigation systems combined with a DVL, the MURENE can lead offensive operations in coastal zones and shallow waters in order to neutralise maritime or land targets. Their small size and easy manoeuvrability make them the perfect tool to furtively approach targets as close as needed.

ALSEAMAR designs and produces smart, stand-alone, multi-tasking surface drones, SeaSurveyor USVs.

Equipped with obstacle avoiding detection sensors, WiFi communication and acoustic sensors, SeaSurveyor USVs can carry other loads depending on the applications required by the user. They can navigate in packs completely autonomously in order to coordinate their research without human intervention.

These multi-mission stealth vehicles (USSVs) dedicated to military operations are easy to use. Their configurations can be adapted to each mission. They are sturdy and easy to deploy by one or two individuals, easy to transport and can be navigated independently of the mother ship towards the area of interest, generally several nautical miles away. USSVs enable operational missions to be carried out in regions where special forces are deployed thanks to built-in sensors (video, photo or IMSI catcher).

ITHPP designs, develops and manufactures a range of generators to perform isentropic compression testing of materials. 

ITHPP is the only company in the world with the expertise to scrutinise the behaviour of materials that are subjected to extreme dynamic pressures, particularly that of projectiles moving at speeds superior to 10 km/s. Such studies are unachievable using other experimental means.
 
Our equipment and technologies give the capability to conduct research into hyper-speed impacts, of interest and importance in the following fields:

• Defence & Security: Development of armour
• Space : impact of micrometeorites on satellites
• Explosive physics
• Materials research: Determination of the equations of effects at extreme pressures 

ITHPP has developed the means of simulating the effects of direct and indirect lightning strikes, it’s usage can be adapted to suite varying specifications.

We design and manufacture ready to use test equipment, in line with existing standards or indeed to achieve specific performance requests in accordance with our clients’ requirements (electrical, environmental, dimensional or mobility).

ITHPP’s technologies are therefore well suited to the testing of aircraft resistance to lightning strikes. In particular, this allows us to study the behaviours of composite materials that react very differently to more regular metals under the pressures generated during an event such as a lightning strike.

ITHPP manufactures and markets drone neutralisation systems. It can be operated from several hundred meters away, and allows it’s operator to take control of the drone at the expense of the pilot.

These mobile or fixed system are a direct response to the security threat posed by the proliferation of UAV’s, these are to complement already existing detection solution.

For example, the ITHPP "microwave rifle", a portable and autonomous system that allows the jamming of all communication protocols used by drones. It facilitates its operator to fulfil the mission in any type of environment, including during critical events and infrastructures.

ITHPP design and manufacture a system capable of stopping an engine (cars, Trucks, boat outboards…) through the emission of electromagnetic waves.

The restarting of the engine will remain impossible as long as the system continues to emit the electromagnetic waves. The system can be operated from a light weight vehicle and is capable of operating autonomously.

It is intended to be used by security forces (Police, Armies, Border controls, customs, internal security…) to counter organised crime and terrorism.

ADR designs and manufactures complete electromechanical subassemblies using its technical skills and expertise in the field of optronics.

In order to improve compactness and performance, ADR integrates the electromechanical functions as close as possible to the bearings with the engines, encoders, structures, wiring, electronics, connectors, etc.

ADR associates the quality of its production tool with its capabilities and its expertise for precision assembly and thus guarantees repeatability and full control of subassembly performances.

ADR has already demonstrated its abilities in this field, designing and manufacturing electromechanical positioners with carbon composite structures, motorised bearings, hollow-shaft servomotors, etc.

ADR designs and produces a wide range of high-precision ball bearings that comply with the most demanding technical specifications and are EN9100 certified.

The materials, liquid or solid lubricants and manufacturing processes are qualified and proven. The ADR range of bearings is extensive – from 1 to 330 mm and up to ABEC 9 (ISO 2) – and guarantee high reliability and resistance in the most restrictive environments: vibration, thermal, climatic, speed, etc.

ADR ball bearings are present in a lot of equipment incorporating observation or guidance functions (optronics, viewfinders, navigation, missiles, etc.).

ADR designs and manufactures a range of matched ball bearings preloaded solidly to give the best compromise of stiffness and friction torque while optimising the weight, dimensions and cost of the equipment.

This special design guarantees a stable system over a wide temperature range, limiting faults and geometric dispersions. Combined with assembly and final inspections in a clean room, it ensures high precision and high positioning repeatability. ADR offers controlled sealing solutions, ensuring management of friction torque and leak rate.

These integrated bearings are used by the main equipment manufacturers in Defence around the world, for products such as gyrostabilised pods, viewfinders, observation systems, etc.

ATMOSTAT designs, justifies and manufactures a range of effective safety device solutions.

The ATMOSTAT "safety device" unit works on various types of component:

• aeronautical non-return valves
• subsea safety valves
• tank lids

TRONICO facilitates, optimises and handles, within the context of an electronic assembly industrialisation service, the transfer of prototypes to mass production:

• Purchasing/procurement FMECA*: TRONICO manages risk and obsolescence through purchasing FMECA and its market knowledge
• Process FMECA*: TRONICO evaluates and manages production risks through the process FMECA
• DfX
  • DfM (Design for Manufacturing): analysis of manufacturability of boards and integrations
  • DfT (Design for Test): definition and optimisation of the testing strategy
• Design to cost: design methodology at objective cost

(* Failure Mode, Effects and Criticality Analysis)

TRONICO relies on the expertise of its electronic component engineering laboratory in order to improve the reliability of current designs and to come up with the technological solutions of tomorrow within its component engineering laboratory.

Founded in 1990, the TRONICO component technology department has a vast library of programmes and considerable experience in the medical, energy, aeronautics, defence and security and transport fields:

• Entry control
• Construction analysis
• Component characterisation
• Life testing
• Obsolescence management
• Long-term storage

ALSEAMAR has a wide range of services for modernising naval systems to increase service life, improve performance and anticipate technological changes.

The ALSEAMAR teams have recognised obsolescence management skills and use modernisation and reverse-engineering methodologies, in particular for "orphan" systems.

ALSEAMAR's skills on board a ship or a submarine cover alarm systems, radar, sonar, radiocommunication systems, the instrumentation and control system, and all types of subsea vehicles.

For each case, ALSEAMAR is able to offer a turnkey solution to extend the service life of this equipment while incorporating new features.

ALSEAMAR provides maintenance and repair services including, in particular, the execution of configuration states and equipment inventories, drafting of maintenance plans and change orders, the design basis of spares sets and their supply, design of special tools and operation of work sites.

ALSEAMAR works on its clients' sites, in France and overseas, with multidisciplinary teams. It can also turn to local subcontractors depending on the types of operations (mechanical, electromechanical, electronic, surface treatment, hydraulics, etc.).

A leading operator for the French and foreign navies for Maintenance in Operational Conditions contracts, with high demands in terms of availability, ALSEAMAR offers a wide range of services:  Zero state, preventive and corrective maintenance, hotline, design basis and spares management, CMMS, etc.

ALSYMEX offers key customers solutions that combine machining, assembly — in particular by welding — of large, high-precision mechanical components and subassemblies.

ALSYMEX brings together the industrial resources and expertise of SEIV, ALSYOM and SIRATECH, located in the South-West of France.

Some key ALSYMEX projects:

• Manufacturing of the New Generation Dagaie System decoy launcher
• Manufacturing of the armour of armoured infantry combat vehicles
• Design, manufacturing and qualification of the new SYLENA MK2 decoy launcher systems

Thanks to its experience producing critical components for various machines, and its ability to deploy multidisciplinary teams on site, ALSYMEX is heavily involved in the maintenance in operational conditions of the French nuclear simulation programme.

Thus, after having maintained the Laser Integration Line of the Megajoule Laser facility (LMJ) in operational conditions, ALSYMEX is responsible for preventive and corrective maintenance of the experiment hall equipment and amplification sections of the LMJ, as well as that of the AIRIX flash radiography machine. Combining its expertise with that of other companies in the ALCEN Group, like CHAMPALLE, IRELEC and ITHPP, ALSYMEX works on all of the constituent subassemblies of these complex machines:

• Mechanical, optomechanical and vacuum systems
• Instrumentation
• High Voltage and electrotechnical systems
• Control command and electronic systems

ATMOSTAT offers an integration service for various materials, including exotic materials, during design of complex systems.  Long, solid experience acquired in major projects in the space, aeronautical and fusion sectors means that it can guarantee full management of property, personal and environmental protection engineering.

ATMOSTAT experts intervene in the early stages of a project, from the architecture of the client solution (particularly in the infrastructure and product interface definition and operational checking phases in the user environment) to systems and equipment support engineering, throughout the solution's life cycle.

ATMOSTAT conducts studies for evaluating, in the absence of feedback, the ageing capabilities of equipment, parts and systems according to a predictive ageing study originally developed by the company for its own needs.

The APASE^® method identifies the ageing modes, puts them in order of importance, weighs up the impact of these modes, offers ways to reduce impact, establishes a global ageing model and helps to produce the maintenance strategy.

From pilot engineering to start-up, CHAMPALLE offers a comprehensive automation and robotisation service for existing equipment, machines, process lines, etc. during design or development.

CHAMPALLE designs and manufactures automation, control and management systems (control consoles, MMIs).

CHAMPALLE manages, in particular, high availability safe automation up to SIL3.

The main expertise that sets CHAMPALLE apart involves managing High Availability safe automation using redundant safety PLCs up to SIL3.

LHERITIER operates in the optical and electronic fields for maintenance or modernisation of cameras or vision systems.

It uses its very high level of expertise and the extensive resources it has to ensure the appraisal, repair, obsolescence management and retro-engineering of old systems (typically transformation of analogue visible channels into Full HD digital format).

Depending on the obsolescence and using an "FFF" (Fit Form Function) approach to the latest technological standard, as well as out of concern for economy throughout the equipment's life cycle, LHERITIER offers either retrofitting or modernisation of equipment.

LHERITIER has undertaken the modernisation of visible channels of combat systems, from analogue cameras to the digital standard and modernisation of submarine periscopes.