3. Using cameras under operational conditions

To get the most out of these thermal cameras, their sensitivity must be sufficient to compensate for atmospheric absorption, especially for long-range systems, as well as to counter the stealth and camouflage techniques that are developing.

Secondly, it is not enough to have the raw information acquired by the sensor, even if the relevant data are present. This information also needs to be adapted, i.e. easily understood by the operator.

• It is therefore useful to rely as much as possible on image processing techniques to make these images more cosmetic (uniformity enhancement, contour sharpening, auto-focus) and richer (automatic target detection, recognition and tracking). This makes the combatant's task all the easier.

• It is also necessary to stabilize the...