Wescam
Encyclopedia
L-3 Wescam is a Canadian
company specializing in the production of gyro
-stabilized, EO
-IR
imaging systems. Wescam products are currently used by defence
, homeland security
, and law enforcement agencies
as well as in televised sporting events, such as NASCAR
. These products are typically mounted on fixed-wing
, rotor-wing
, UAV and Aerostat
airborne platforms and also on numerous armoured vehicles, and marine-based platforms.
Wescam is a division of L-3 Communications Holdings, Inc
. The name has become synonymous with cameras of the type although several organizations around the world manufacture similar systems. L-3 Wescam is based in Burlington
, Ontario
Canada
In 1974 WESCAM Inventor, Nox Leavitt, purchased the lab equipment and patents from Westinghouse and founded Istec Limited, Isolation Stabilization Technologies. The company had 17 employees and generated approximately $1 million in revenue. It experienced substantial expansion through internal growth and strategic acquisitions. This brought complementary technologies into the company and broadened its intellectual capability and market share.
In 1994 Istec changed its name to Wescam and in 1995 Wescam went Public on the Toronto Stock Exchange
. In 2002 L-3 Communications acquired Wescam.
L-3 WESCAM has built a worldwide reputation for superior technology and service excellence among the multi-markets it serves. The Company has won many prestigious awards including an Academy award, and close to 20 Emmy’s for technical excellence and personal achievement.
As part of L-3 Communications, Wescam has expanded its presence in the U.S., and increased its base of products and service offerings to customers.
Wescam has been in the process of creating variations of the MX-10 for use in a wider range of applications. The MX-10GS (GS: Ground System) has been adapted for mounting on a ground vehicle
where it can sit atop a mast or tower for a higher point of view, whether the vehicle is moving or stationary. The MX-10MS (MS:Marinized System) has also been created, and Zyvex Technologies has operated it on the Piranha Unmanned Surface Vessel
(USV).
) and the MX-15GS (Ground System variant). These imaging systems are usually installed on manned fixed-wing- and rotary-wing aircraft.
, and Aerostats
. This turret is used for long-range surveillance as it can identify and engage subjects from over 20km away.
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
company specializing in the production of gyro
Gyroscope
A gyroscope is a device for measuring or maintaining orientation, based on the principles of angular momentum. In essence, a mechanical gyroscope is a spinning wheel or disk whose axle is free to take any orientation...
-stabilized, EO
Reprography
Reprography is the reproduction of graphics through mechanical or electrical means, such as photography or xerography. Reprography is commonly used in catalogs and archives, as well as in the architectural, engineering, and construction industries....
-IR
Thermography
Infrared thermography, thermal imaging, and thermal video are examples of infrared imaging science. Thermal imaging cameras detect radiation in the infrared range of the electromagnetic spectrum and produce images of that radiation, called thermograms...
imaging systems. Wescam products are currently used by defence
Defense industry
The defense industry, also called the military industry, comprises government and commercial industry involved in research, development, production, and service of military materiel, equipment and facilities...
, homeland security
Homeland security
Homeland security is an umbrella term for security efforts to protect states against terrorist activity. Specifically, is a concerted national effort to prevent terrorist attacks within the U.S., reduce America’s vulnerability to terrorism, and minimize the damage and recover from attacks that do...
, and law enforcement agencies
Law enforcement agency
In North American English, a law enforcement agency is a government agency responsible for the enforcement of the laws.Outside North America, such organizations are called police services. In North America, some of these services are called police while others have other names In North American...
as well as in televised sporting events, such as NASCAR
NASCAR
The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing is a family-owned and -operated business venture that sanctions and governs multiple auto racing sports events. It was founded by Bill France Sr. in 1947–48. As of 2009, the CEO for the company is Brian France, grandson of the late Bill France Sr...
. These products are typically mounted on fixed-wing
Fixed-wing aircraft
A fixed-wing aircraft is an aircraft capable of flight using wings that generate lift due to the vehicle's forward airspeed. Fixed-wing aircraft are distinct from rotary-wing aircraft in which wings rotate about a fixed mast and ornithopters in which lift is generated by flapping wings.A powered...
, rotor-wing
Rotorcraft
A rotorcraft or rotary wing aircraft is a heavier-than-air flying machine that uses lift generated by wings, called rotor blades, that revolve around a mast. Several rotor blades mounted to a single mast are referred to as a rotor. The International Civil Aviation Organization defines a rotorcraft...
, UAV and Aerostat
Aerostat
An aerostat is a craft that remains aloft primarily through the use of buoyant lighter than air gases, which impart lift to a vehicle with nearly the same overall density as air. Aerostats include free balloons, airships, and moored balloons...
airborne platforms and also on numerous armoured vehicles, and marine-based platforms.
Wescam is a division of L-3 Communications Holdings, Inc
L-3 Communications
L-3 Communications Holdings, Inc. is a company that supplies command and control, communications, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems and products, avionics, ocean products, training devices and services, instrumentation, space, and navigation products. Its customers include...
. The name has become synonymous with cameras of the type although several organizations around the world manufacture similar systems. L-3 Wescam is based in Burlington
Burlington, Ontario
Burlington , is a city located in Halton Region at the western end of Lake Ontario. Burlington is part of the Greater Toronto Area, and is also included in the Hamilton Census Metropolitan Area. Physically, Burlington lies between the north shore of Lake Ontario and the Niagara Escarpment...
, Ontario
Ontario
Ontario is a province of Canada, located in east-central Canada. It is Canada's most populous province and second largest in total area. It is home to the nation's most populous city, Toronto, and the nation's capital, Ottawa....
Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
History
In 1959 the Military Division of Westinghouse Canada developed a stabilized camera mount for the Canadian Defense Research Establishment. The product was named WESSCAM - Westinghouse Steered Stabilized Camera Mount.In 1974 WESCAM Inventor, Nox Leavitt, purchased the lab equipment and patents from Westinghouse and founded Istec Limited, Isolation Stabilization Technologies. The company had 17 employees and generated approximately $1 million in revenue. It experienced substantial expansion through internal growth and strategic acquisitions. This brought complementary technologies into the company and broadened its intellectual capability and market share.
In 1994 Istec changed its name to Wescam and in 1995 Wescam went Public on the Toronto Stock Exchange
Toronto Stock Exchange
Toronto Stock Exchange is the largest stock exchange in Canada, the third largest in North America and the seventh largest in the world by market capitalisation. Based in Canada's largest city, Toronto, it is owned by and operated as a subsidiary of the TMX Group for the trading of senior equities...
. In 2002 L-3 Communications acquired Wescam.
L-3 WESCAM has built a worldwide reputation for superior technology and service excellence among the multi-markets it serves. The Company has won many prestigious awards including an Academy award, and close to 20 Emmy’s for technical excellence and personal achievement.
As part of L-3 Communications, Wescam has expanded its presence in the U.S., and increased its base of products and service offerings to customers.
Products
Wescam's primary product line is the MX-Series which consists of three separate turret families - MX-10, MX-15, MX-20MX-10
Introduced in 2009, the MX-10 is Wescam's newest imaging system. Its fully integrated weight is 37 pounds (16.8 kg), has a 10-inch (26cm) diameter and stands 14 inches (36cm) tall. This small size and low weight reduce the weight and clearance requirements for installation on manned and unmanned airborne platforms. The MX-10 can incorporate several different types of sensors (up to six), including high-definition daylight and infrared sensors.Wescam has been in the process of creating variations of the MX-10 for use in a wider range of applications. The MX-10GS (GS: Ground System) has been adapted for mounting on a ground vehicle
Military vehicle
A military vehicle is a vehicle that includes all land combat and transportation vehicles, which are designed for or are in significant use by military forces throughout the world. Vehicles that are armored or intended for combat are often referred to as armoured fighting vehicles....
where it can sit atop a mast or tower for a higher point of view, whether the vehicle is moving or stationary. The MX-10MS (MS:Marinized System) has also been created, and Zyvex Technologies has operated it on the Piranha Unmanned Surface Vessel
Piranha Unmanned Surface Vessel
The Piranha Unmanned Surface Vessel is a watercraft developed by Zyvex Marine in 2010. The boat is 54’ in length and weighs just 8,000 lbs...
(USV).
MX-15
The MX-15 is Wescam's most popular family of imaging systems. This turret can weigh up to 100 pounds (45 kg) with a diameter of 15.5 inches (40cm) and a height of 19 inches (48cm). The MX-15 Family includes the MX-15, the MX-15HDi (High-Definition variant), the MX-15D ( Designator variantLaser designator
A laser designator is a laser light source which is used to designate a target. Laser designators provide targeting for laser guided bombs, missiles, or precision artillery munitions, such as the Paveway series of bombs, Lockheed-Martin's Hellfire, or the Copperhead round, respectively.When a...
) and the MX-15GS (Ground System variant). These imaging systems are usually installed on manned fixed-wing- and rotary-wing aircraft.
MX-20
Of the MX-Series, the MX-20 is the largest imaging system, weighing in at up to 198 pounds (90kg). It has a diameter of 21 inches (54cm) and a height of 26 inches (67cm). This larger system is typically installed on large, fixed-wing aircraft, such as the P-3 OrionP-3 Orion
The Lockheed P-3 Orion is a four-engine turboprop anti-submarine and maritime surveillance aircraft developed for the United States Navy and introduced in the 1960s. Lockheed based it on the L-188 Electra commercial airliner. The aircraft is easily recognizable by its distinctive tail stinger or...
, and Aerostats
Aerostat
An aerostat is a craft that remains aloft primarily through the use of buoyant lighter than air gases, which impart lift to a vehicle with nearly the same overall density as air. Aerostats include free balloons, airships, and moored balloons...
. This turret is used for long-range surveillance as it can identify and engage subjects from over 20km away.
MX-Series Key Attributes
- Simplified Installation/Integration - These products do not require external or support electronics, thus simplifying installation and reducing weight and space requirements. Wescam has also implemented common operator interfaces and Line Replaceable Units (LRUs) to maintain interchangeability between turret models and platforms within a fleet.
- Long-Range Optimization - MX-Series imaging systems use custom-designed, large-aperture lenses to for high magnification, state-of-the-art sensors for high resolution, and a missile-grade, solid-state Inertial Measurement Unit for "rock-solid" stabilization.
- On-Board Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) - While similar products often require a mounting intercase for the IMU to stabilize the camera, the MX-Series has an integrated IMU, which in turn reduces payload requirements. The IMU allows the system to have a precise, jitter-free lock on any geographic position and a very high target location accuracy, despite aircraft manoeuvres and noise in the aircraft’s GPS/INS system. When connected to a GPS antenna, the onboard IMU enables the turret to point to any geographic location supplied by a third party moving map system.
- Compatibility with third-party systems - The MX-Series turrets are able to downlink to third-party communications systems in order to provide a clear visual of the situation in real time. This compatibility allows a wide range of installations spanning even complex, multi-operational systems.
- Continuous improvement - Wescam invests heavily in research and development in order to incorporate ultramodern technology into the MX-Series. Some contracts also involve a spiral growth path, allowing Wescam to modify the turret over time in order to fit to customers' evolving requirements.
Customers
Wescam serves militaries and agencies around the world. Below is a short list of some of its customers.- Air AttackAerial firefightingAerial firefighting is the use of aircraft and other aerial resources to combat wildfires. The types of aircraft used include fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters. Smokejumpers and rappellers are also classified as aerial firefighters, delivered to the fire by parachute from a variety of fixed-wing...
, France - Australian National PoliceAustralian Federal PoliceThe Australian Federal Police is the federal police agency of the Commonwealth of Australia. Although the AFP was created by the amalgamation in 1979 of three Commonwealth law enforcement agencies, it traces its history from Commonwealth law enforcement agencies dating back to the federation of...
- Canadian Department of National Defence
- Cambridgeshire Police
- Catalunya PoliceMossos d'EsquadraThe Mossos d'Esquadra are the police force of Catalonia, one of the autonomous communities of Spain. It is the oldest civil police force in Europe, founded in the 18th century as the Esquadres de Catalunya to protect the people of Catalonia....
- Chilean NavyChilean Navy-Independence Wars of Chile and Peru :The Chilean Navy dates back to 1817. A year before, following the Battle of Chacabuco, General Bernardo O'Higgins prophetically declared "this victory and another hundred shall be of no significance if we do not gain control of the sea".This led to the...
- French Gendarmerie
- Icelandic Coast GuardIcelandic Coast GuardThe Icelandic Coast Guard is the service responsible for Iceland's coastal defense and maritime and aeronautical search and rescue. Origins of the Icelandic Coast Guard can be traced to 1859, when the corvette Ørnen started patrolling Icelandic waters...
- Lithuanian Air Force
- Luxembourg PoliceGrand Ducal PoliceThe Grand Ducal Police is the primary law enforcement agency in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. The police is under the control of the Minister for the Interior of Luxembourg, although they operate in the name, and under the ultimate control, of the Grand Duke. Day-to-day executive control is...
- OHB-SystemOHB-SystemOHB-System is a medium-sized spaceflight company located in Bremen, northern Germany, which belongs to the OHB-Technology AG. OHB-System is a systems provider in the areas of telematics, space technology, security and satellite services...
, Germany - Portuguese Air ForcePortuguese Air ForceThe Portuguese Air Force is the air force of Portugal. Formed on July 1, 1952, with the Aeronáutica Militar and Aviação Naval united in a single independent Air Force, it is one of the three branches of the Portuguese Armed Forces and its origins dates back to 1912, when the military aviation...
- Royal Netherlands Air ForceRoyal Netherlands Air ForceThe Royal Netherlands Air Force , Dutch Koninklijke Luchtmacht , is the military aviation branch of the Netherlands Armed Forces. Its ancestor, the Luchtvaartafdeling of the Dutch Army was founded on 1 July 1913, with four pilots...
- Royal Norwegian Air ForceRoyal Norwegian Air ForceThe Royal Norwegian Air Force is the air force of Norway. It was established as a separate arm of the Norwegian armed forces on 10 November 1944. The RNoAF's peace force is approximately 1,430 employees . 600 personnel also serve their draft period in the RNoAF...
- Spanish Fisheries
- Spanish UME
- Swedish Coast GuardSwedish Coast GuardThe Swedish Coast Guard is a Swedish civilian government agency tasked with:* maritime surveillance and other control and inspection tasks as well as environmental cleanup after oil spills at sea....
- Trafico Spain
- UK Maritime & Coast GuardMaritime and Coastguard AgencyThe Maritime and Coastguard Agency is a UK executive agency working to prevent the loss of lives at sea and is responsible for implementing British and International maritime law and safety policy.This involves coordinating search and rescue at sea through Her Majesty's Coastguard , ensuring that...
- UK Ministry of Defence
- US Air Force
- US Army
- US Customs & Border PatrolU.S. Customs and Border ProtectionU.S. Customs and Border Protection is a federal law enforcement agency of the United States Department of Homeland Security charged with regulating and facilitating international trade, collecting import duties, and enforcing U.S. regulations, including trade, customs and immigration. CBP is the...
- US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
- US Navy