Barco to deliver vetronics displays for the Belgian Pandur vehicle upgrade program
KORTRIJK, BELGIUM, 31 October 2006 - Visualization specialist Barco has been selected by Thales Communications Belgium and Thales Optronics, Guyancourt, France, for the supply of over 40 vetronics display systems. Barco's 10-inch rugged display systems will be integrated into the electro-optical observation and detection systems of the Pandur Armored Reconnaissance Fire Support Vehicles of the Belgian army. This delivery, which is part of an extensive upgrade of the Pandur reconnaissance system, includes customization of the displays in order to meet the specific functionality demands of the Belgian army.

Barco's 10-inch vetronics display was chosen by Thales because of its optimum image quality and high level of ruggedness. For this program, Barco customized the display to meet the specific connectivity requirements of the Pandur observation system. The contract further includes Barco's easy-to-use HMI software toolbox ACTEV, which will allow the Belgian army to implement its own desired functionality into the vetronics display system without time consuming code programming.

Barco's vetronics display system has been designed for observation and visualization on board armored vehicles. Thales opted for the DM-1126 Display Module, a single ruggedized display unit which combines a 10-inch SVGA (800 x 600) Panel Module (PM-1126) with a Video Control Module (VCM-1101). Barco's DM-1126 can handle a wide range of external RGB and video sources, including digital maps and Forward-Looking Infrared (FLIR). Furthermore, Barco's 10-inch vetronics display system complies with the most stringent environmental specifications regarding shock, vibration, temperature and Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC), including MIL-STD and DEF-STAN.

First deliveries for the Pandur upgrade program took place in September 2006.