L-3 WESCAM's current product line consists of mobile cameras and sensors for surveillance (and targeting of laser-guided munitions) across airborne, land-based and naval platforms.
L-3 WESCAM has provided the following examples of how its technology is being used:
SEOSS—The SEOSS EO/IR system is installed on the Royal Canadian Navy's Halifax-class frigates, primarily for Arctic operation. The night vision capability afforded by the thermal sensors aids in navigation and collision avoidance, man overboard recovery, covert operations, threat detection, and search and rescue.
CP-140—The CP-140 is a maritime patrol aircraft operated by the Royal Canadian Air Force. They are used primarily for coastal surveillance and sovereignty patrols. Overseas deployments include the Persian Gulf region, the Caribbean (for counter-narcotics operations) and the Pacific. Two CP-140 aircraft were also used to help enforce the no-fly zone over Libya.
CH-147—The CH-147 is a medium-to-heavy lift helicopter employed by the Canadian Armed Forces. It's used to transport equipment and personnel for both domestic and international operations. It has an advanced self-protection capability, including the EO/IR system that is used to detect threats and to aid flight operations in poor visibility conditions.
Ingress—The CH-146 Griffon in service with the Canadian Armed Forces is equipped with the MX-15. The CH-146 is primarily used for tactical transport of troops and material, search and rescue, reconnaissance and surveillance, casualty evacuation and counter-narcotics operations. The MX-15 turret is used for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) gathering, as well as target detection and verification in the tactical defence role. These aircraft were deployed to Afghanistan as armed escorts to the CH-147 transport aircraft and others. As well, they were used for security during the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games.
DOT—Transport Canada Dash 8 aircraft are equipped with WESCAM's MX-15. These aircraft are primarily used for border surveillance to detect illegal immigration and smuggling activities along the Canada-U.S. border. The EO/IR sensor enables the detection of activity at night and increases the visual reach of operators during the day for patrols that are more effective and economical.
Police forces—A number of police forces have rotorcraft equipped with WESCAM systems, including the Toronto, Calgary, York Regional and Durham Regional services. Civilian police forces use the cameras for detecting illegal activity (especially at night), tracking vehicles or suspects on foot, and detecting narcotic grow houses.
