OPTIMARE has delivered a new OctoPod belly-mounted sensor pod to a European coastguard operator. The pod integrates SLAR, IR/UV, and VIS sensors in a single certified installation.
OPTIMARE Systems GmbH has completed the delivery and acceptance of a new OctoPod belly-mounted sensor pod for a European coastguard operator. The OctoPod, jointly developed by OPTIMARE and AERODATA AG, integrates SLAR X-band radar, IR/UV line scanner, and VIS line scanner sensors into a single belly-mounted pod with a single Supplemental Type Certificate (STC).
The OctoPod installation significantly reduces the aircraft modification work required to equip a maritime patrol aircraft with a full multi-sensor suite. A single belly-mount attachment replaces the need for separate antenna fairings, window modifications, and individual sensor certifications — reducing both installation time and cost.
All sensors in the pod connect to the MEDUSA® mission management system, giving the operator a unified control and display interface for the full sensor suite. The coastguard operator will use the system for oil spill monitoring, vessel detection, and EEZ surveillance operations.
Acceptance testing was completed at the operator's base, with OPTIMARE engineers providing on-site support for installation verification, sensor calibration, and crew training. The system is now fully operational.
