As seen in the Ukraine conflict, indirect fire plays a vital role in the modern battlefield. Forward observers are key players in identifying ground targets and make rapid and accurate targeting decisions. Capable, reliable, and lightweight target acquisition systems are multi tools for forward observers. Connected to military networks, modern target acquisition systems provide superior situational awareness and accurate coordinates for the delivery of effects to the right place at the right time.
That is one of the resons why Senop has been upgrading the Senop LILLY Hand-held Multipurpose Observation and Target Acquisition system to the next level.
Increased performance
Senop LILLY was first introduced as a prototype in Autumn 2017. LILLY’s benefits to its predecessor, the Senop LISA target acquisition system, were lightweight (half of the weight of LISA), a better thermal imager, more capable LRF, and multifaceted software for target acquisition and surveillance operations. In autumn 2020, the Finnish Defence Forces signed a contract to procure LILLY Gen1 for Army mortar units. Since then, a lot of work has been done to upgrade the LILLY handheld target acquisition and surveillance system to the next generation and meet the state-of-the-art requirements of end-users.
The outfit and user interface of LILLY has remained the same, but the performance of Gen2 has increased significantly compared to LILLY Gen1. The new high quality thermal imager, the Extended Range Laser range finder (>20 km) and multiple new software functions improve the performance and capabilities of LILLY Gen2 tremendously. LILLY uses a new DMC module, which has been heavily tested in the most demanding northern conditions.
Benefits of new software features
New software features ensure the use of LILLY Gen2 in different applications and even GNSS denial situations. LILLY Gen2 can be used to measure accurate firing positions for weapons, such as artillery or mortars. New software enables the laying of a mortar section without aiming for a circle or other measuring devices. In the event that GNSS is not available, LILLY Gen2 can be used to determine your own location from known coordinate points and even to call for fire directly from mortar.
Continuous improvement never stops and software upgrades will be constantly developed together with end-users. At the moment, Senop is finalizing developments into LILLY Gen2 to meet the needs of recce units and their targeting capabilities in deep operations. In recce operations, high performance ensures target identification at long distances and tough Arctic conditions. With new software features, identifying targets with the target library, generating reconnaissance reports and operating remotely on observation post will be made easier and faster for users. LILLY Gen2’s improvements in energy management and low power consumption are important features, especially during the long and cold winter season.
Cost-effective modular design
We design and develop our devices to be as modular as possible. Modular design enables us to support our customers by updating new efficient components, subsystems and software during the life cycle of the device. It is a cost-effective way to increase the operational life cycle of the device/system.
Soon on the market
The Senop LILLY Gen2 final qualification and intensive field tests are ongoing at the moment and the next generation of the Senop LILLY Target Acquisition and Observation System will be available at the end of 2022.