Thales Defense & Security (TDSI) has secured an order for more than 400 SharpView Dual Camera – Minerva imagers for use in US Marine Corps’ (USMC) combat vehicles.
The procurement is set to support the Marine Corps’ efforts to modernise its Amphibious Combat Vehicle Personnel (ACV-P) and Command (ACV-C) platforms by upgrading existing camera systems with advanced dual-band imaging sensors.
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Thales said the Minerva camera integrates both thermal and visible imaging capabilities within a single compact unit, which is designed to maintain image clarity across challenging conditions such as low light, dust, smoke, glare, and adverse weather.
Launched in 2022, the Minerva imager employs an uncooled Long Wave Infrared (LWIR) HD 1280×1024, 12-micron detector, reported as unusual for uncooled devices due to its 2x pixel density compared to standard VGA sensors.
The system also features a full HD 1920×1080 visible module. Its digital video output is delivered at 60 Hz with low latency, enabled through automatic image processing algorithms that remove the need for manual adjustments, according to Thales.
Engineered for integration into modern combat vehicles, the Minerva camera is designed to withstand continuous operation under rigorous environmental conditions, helping crews maintain situational awareness and operational effectiveness in rapidly changing scenarios.
Thales Defence & Security sensors and missile systems vice president Chris Beauparant said: “The Minerva camera delivers a significant operational advantage by giving crews a more complete picture of the battlefield, helping them identify hazards sooner, manoeuvre more effectively, and operate with greater confidence.
“By leveraging a mature, proven solution, the Marine Corps can quickly field these enhanced capabilities without the time, cost, and risk associated with developing a new system.”
In addition to the Marine Corps order, Minerva has also been chosen for evaluation in the US Army’s XM30 programme, aimed at modernising next-generation armoured vehicles.
