Euroflir 510: The Cutting-Edge Optronic Vision for the Tiger Helicopter
With the Tiger assault helicopter set for a mid-life enhancement, Safran Electronics & Defense has secured a deal to provide 85 Euroflir 510 optronic (electro-optical) sights from the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR), representing the French and Spanish defense procurement organizations. This gyro-stabilized optronic system, which replaces the Strix sight, will be utilized on Tiger Mk3 helicopters operated by the armed forces of France and Spain.
The Euroflir 510 is an essential component of the Tiger Mk 3’s armament system. Positioned above the cockpit, it will grant the crew unparalleled observation capabilities, even in a degraded visual environment (DVE), to guarantee threat recognition both during the day and night. Designed for seamless integration onto the Tiger, the Euroflir 510 accommodates all of the helicopter’s munitions, including firearms, laser-guided air-to-ground missiles, air-to-air missiles, and rockets with precision to within a meter.
This optronic system merges 12 sensors with a multispectral telescope showcasing an extended focal length and ultra-high-performance line-of-sight stabilization. It provides multiple observation channels to encompass all wavelengths from visible to infrared, four types of lasers, and integrated “see spot” technology. With these advanced sensors and robust onboard image processing, the Euroflir 510 illustrates the rapid advancements in cockpit displays by delivering full-resolution digital video streams to minimize operators’ cognitive burden during various high-pressure missions.
With this recent achievement, Safran reaffirms its European technological dominance in the highly competitive segment of optronic systems for attack helicopters. Safran develops and manufactures the Euroflir 510 in France and will utilize several diverse facilities to manage the initial shipments, scheduled for 2027.
