HENSOLDT South Africa recently announced the launch of its new Bushbaby 200 long-range electro-optical system, an advanced solution for day and night surveillance applications. Officially unveiled at the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) 2024 exhibition, the Bushbaby 200 represents the next generation of surveillance technology, designed to meet the evolving needs of defence, security and civil applications.
The new system builds on the success of HENSOLDT’s Bushbaby 100, which is designed for medium-range surveillance and adaptability across multiple platforms. The Bushbaby 100, a rugged, multi-sensor system designed for land-based surveillance, has become a reliable choice for various sectors including military, border control and commercial industries.
In an era where security threats continue to evolve, having access to reliable, high-performance surveillance systems is essential for both defence and civilian operations. The Bushbaby series has become synonymous with versatility, reliability and innovation, helping organisations meet their mission objectives in the most challenging environments.
The Bushbaby 200: Key features and innovations
The Bushbaby 200 introduces advanced long-range capabilities with integrated panoramic daylight electro-optical, thermal imaging and laser rangefinder technologies. It offers 360° continuous azimuth rotation and a wide elevation range, providing complete situational awareness. Equipped with a gyro-stabilised 2-axis system, it ensures stable and clear imagery over long distances, even in challenging conditions. The real-time video processor enhances image quality through sensor fusion, target tracking and image stabilisation, while its rugged, MIL-STD compliant design ensures durability in harsh environments. The system’s sensor modules are sealed to IP67, and the pan-tilt unit (PTU) is sealed to IP65/IP66 for reliable performance across various deployment platforms.
The Bushbaby 200 is designed for various ground-based applications, including long-range surveillance, force protection, forward observation and targeting in military and security operations. It can detect vehicles at distances of up to 36.7 km, recognise them at 29 km and identify them at 24 km. For human detection, it offers a range of over 25 km, with identification capabilities at 13 km. Its integrated laser rangefinder provides accuracy within 3 metres, even at up to 30 km.
Addressing critical challenges
The Bushbaby 100 and Bushbaby 200 have been specifically developed to meet the growing need for scalable, reliable surveillance solutions in today’s rapidly changing security environment. These systems provide robust capabilities for a wide range of critical applications, from border protection and anti-poaching efforts to safeguarding vital infrastructure. Their advanced technology helps prevent smuggling, counter asymmetric threats, and address other security challenges with precision and efficiency.
“The Bushbaby 200 builds on the proven success of the Bushbaby 100, and directly addresses the increasing demand for advanced, long-range solutions in today’s evolving security landscape. Our Bushbaby Electro-Optical sights have played a crucial role in safeguarding critical assets, securing borders and countering threats, and the Bushbaby 200 takes this legacy even further.” says Sunette van Rensburg, Optronics Head of Sales at HENSOLDT South Africa.
The strategic importance of advanced surveillance solutions
With its advanced features and proven legacy, the Bushbaby 200 stands out as a critical tool for agencies and organisations around the world that require long-range observation and rapid-response capabilities. Designed for ease of deployment and future integration with AI, radar and signals intelligence, the Bushbaby 200 ensures that users remain one step ahead in an ever-changing threat landscape.
