Target Acquisition in Tough Terrains

In the past, MBTs and AFVs were often considered useful only in conventional, army-on-army battles, with limited application in urban warfare. However, recent conflicts have proven that tanks can be effective in asymmetric, built-up environments. 

Urban warfare presents unique challenges – tight spaces, hidden threats, and unpredictable enemy movements – but tanks, with their robust firepower and enhanced situational awareness, remain crucial. 

So, what’s the key to keeping tanks and heavy armored vehicles effective in the complex terrain of urban combat? The answer lies in advanced systems like Elbit Systems' ISTAR & EW Division's Commander Open Architecture Panoramic Sight (COAPS). This technology allows tanks to maneuver through tight, cluttered environments while identifying hidden threats and tracking moving targets. 

Guy, Head of Armored Vehicle Electro-Optics Business Unit in the division, notes that in earlier times, electro-optics on vehicles were primarily for tank gunners. He adds that over time, it became clear the entire crew needed access to advanced optical capabilities, which led to the introduction of new sensors and systems. These enhancements now allow commanders to manage fire and target acquisition more effectively. 

This evolution has been driven by the increasing need for comprehensive battlefield awareness. Modern optical systems now go beyond merely showing what lies ahead – they also process and interpret data to assist the entire crew. 

Shift Toward Intelligent Optics 

COAPS is essentially an Open Architecture Panoramic Sight that integrates a suite of sensors into vehicles. Guy explains, 

"This isn’t just a camera – it’s a comprehensive electro-optic system that includes both day and thermal channels, working together to provide 360-degree, stabilized coverage. It’s designed to operate in a variety of conditions, from poor weather to high-speed movement."

The days of manually tracking targets for tank and AFV crews are over. COAPS utilizes AI-driven analytics to automatically detect, track, and highlight threats. Guy adds, "The system identifies targets and brings them to the crew’s attention. It saves time, increases accuracy, and ultimately helps to enhance both crew safety and effectiveness."

This capability is important in modern warfare, where rapid response times are essential. Vernik stresses that the system takes on the heavy workload, delivering real-time threat detection and analysis. "Crews no longer have to manually search for targets – the system does it for them and alerts the user."

Evolving to Meet Modern Needs

COAPS' versatility makes it a meaningful asset for modern armored vehicles. "We’re not just providing defensive capabilities," Guy highlights. "The system identifies targets, marks them with lasers, and shares their coordinates with other platforms. This transforms vehicles from combat units into critical nodes in a wider network of intelligence gathering and target acquisition."

Continuous Innovation in a Dynamic Market

The evolution of COAPS hasn’t stopped since its initial launch 14 years ago. "We've released four upgraded versions since then, each more advanced than the last," Guy explains. "We’re constantly pushing the boundaries, improving sensor accuracy and processing power to stay ahead of the competition."

These advancements are paying off. Elbit Systems has positioned itself as a global leader in electro-optics for armored vehicles, with systems deployed worldwide. "We’ve proven ourselves in some of the toughest combat environments, and our systems have a highly successful track record," Guy proudly states. "Our customers know they’re getting battle-tested technology."

COAPS is more than just an optical system; it represents an innovative approach to armored vehicle warfare. By combining advanced sensors, AI-driven data analytics, and versatility, COAPS delivers a decisive edge on the battlefield. As Guy says, "We're at the forefront of optical technology, and we’re not stopping. The battlefield is evolving, and so are we."