ASELFLIR-600

The ASELFLIR-600 is an electro-optical reconnaissance, surveillance, and targeting system developed by ASELSAN for high-altitude long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicles (HALE-class UAVs/UCAVs), attack helicopters, and similar aerial platforms. Designed in line with Türkiye’s objective to reduce dependence on foreign imports in its defense industry, the system is described as a “game-changing” technology in terms of imaging capability and range.

History and Development Process

In the past, Türkiye was heavily reliant on imported electro-optical camera systems for use on aerial platforms, particularly systems sourced from Canada. However, when procurement difficulties arose—especially due to export restrictions targeting UAV systems—ASELSAN initiated efforts to close this capability gap by developing the CATS system, followed by the ASELFLIR-500.

The ASELFLIR-500 achieved significant success, being exported to 16 different countries within a short period. Building on this success, the ASELFLIR-600 was developed with enhanced performance and advanced technological components to provide a superior solution for the Turkish Armed Forces and international users.

Technical Specifications

ASELFLIR-600 is an advanced electro-optical system with a multi-sensor configuration. Its key technical features are summarized below:

General Features

• Application Areas: HALE-class UAVs, UAV/UCAS platforms, attack helicopters
• Stabilization: High-precision stabilization capability
• Optical Input: 325 mm diameter mirror
• Body Dimensions: 655 mm width, 720 mm height (forward-looking position)
• Weight: 120 ± 10 kg
• Temperature Resistance:
• • Operating: -55°C to +55°C
  • Storage: -55°C to +71°C

Imaging Systems

• HD Thermal (IR) Camera:
• • Resolution: 1280×1024
  • Wavelength: MWIR
  • Field of View:
  • • Narrow: 0.55° – 0.85°
    • Wide: 2.82° – 21.73°
• HD Day TV Camera:
• • Resolution: 1920×1080
  • Field of View:
  • • Narrow: 0.21° – 0.92°
    • Wide: 1.51° – 26.38°
• HD SWIR Camera:
• • Resolution: 1280×1024
  • Field of View: 0.24° – 1.05°

Targeting and Laser Systems

• Laser Range Finder and Target Designator:
• • Laser Type: Diode-pumped Nd:YAG
  • Wavelength: 1064 nm
  • Range: Up to 35 km
  • Pulse Rate: Up to 20 Hz
  • Coding: STANAG 3733 Band I & II
• Laser Pointer:
• • Wavelength: NIR/SWIR (night vision compatible)
• Tracker and Markers:
• • Laser Spot Tracker (LST)
  • Laser Pointer/Illuminator (LPI)

Field of View

• Pan (Yaw): 360° continuous rotation
• Tilt (Elevation): +95° to -120°

Communication

• Interfaces: RS-422, MIL-STD-1553B

Strategic Importance and Applications

As a system developed for integration on aerial platforms such as UAVs, UCAVs, and helicopters, the ASELFLIR-600 has become a strategic asset for both domestic security and external operations. Thanks to advanced capabilities including long-range laser designation and multi-target tracking, it can perform high-precision target identification, tracking, and guidance missions.

Türkiye aims to establish a presence in the international market through the system’s export and to strengthen its goal of technological leadership in the defense industry.

Future Perspective

ASELSAN positions the ASELFLIR-600 not merely as a camera system but as an integrated technological component critical to national security. Following completion of flight tests, the system will enter serial production, with expectations that it will be integrated into the inventory of the Turkish Armed Forces and exported abroad in the coming years.