Visualization specialist Barco has signed a contract with Thales Underwater Systems for the supply of Vista 4500 consoles

Euronaval, Paris, 27 October 2008 - Visualization specialist Barco has signed a contract with Thales Underwater Systems for the supply of Vista 4500 consoles. Thales Underwater Systems will integrate Barco’s multi-function rugged console in a total solution for sonar-based mine hunting. The deal underlines the market potential of the latest generation of network-centric COTS-based consoles, officially launched at this year’s Euronaval exhibition. Thales Underwater Systems, specialized in sonar systems, chose the new Vista 4500 console for its versatility and total compliance with MIL-standards. Frederic Fontana, product manager at Thales Underwater Systems explains: “We chose Barco for their long-time experience in ruggedized imaging solutions, and the technical compliance of the console with our program needs. Moreover, Barco’s proven R&D track record and long-term support made them the obvious choice for a long-term partnership”. Jean-Luc Pomier, Market Director Naval EMEA/APAC for Barco continues: “In this particular program, the Vista 4500 console will be used to pilot an underwater mine hunting robot. Most of the images displayed will be sonar, and a key strength of Barco is precisely the patented LCD flicker compensation solution on our rugged displays. Operators can view acoustic sonar images or dense scrolling data without distracting flicker effects, greatly enhancing their efficiency”. Barco’s Vista-4500 is the latest family of multi-function consoles offering an ergonomic rugged working position for the most demanding sonar, Command and Control, fire control or situational awareness applications. The Vista-4500’s modular approach makes it ideal for integration into Combat Information Center applications on board surface ships or submarines. The Vista-4500 consoles are fully network capable, in line with today’s needs for reduced manpower and low cost of ownership. Networked visualization makes it possible to visualize real-time content anywhere in the Combat Information Center and offers utmost flexibility, redundancy and survivability.