Precision Surveillance and Counter-Threat Solutions for the Modern Battlefield

In an era defined by rapid technological advancements and evolving asymmetric threats, the ability to detect, track, and counter hostile entities with precision is paramount for national security. Chess Dynamics, a UK-based company that has been a specialist in surveillance, fire control, and large positioning systems for over three decades, stands as a critical enabler in this challenging landscape. As part of Cohort plc, Chess Dynamics provides advanced modular and scalable multi-sensor systems that enhance reconnaissance, surveillance, targeting, and Ground Based Air Defence across land and maritime domains.

From Components to Comprehensive Systems

Chess Dynamics’ journey in the defense sector began in 1993, initially focusing on semiconductors. Over the subsequent decades, the company significantly evolved its expertise, shifting towards multi-layered sensors and integrated modular solutions. This growth trajectory has positioned Chess Dynamics as a trusted partner for defense organizations and prime contractors globally, supplying sophisticated electro-optical (EO) tracking and surveillance subsystems.

In 2018, Chess Dynamics became a part of Cohort plc, a move that integrated its specialized capabilities into a larger defense technology group. This acquisition has further broadened Chess Dynamics’ reach and enhanced its capacity for delivering complex, market-leading systems. The company prides itself on its focus on modularity and ease of maintenance, ensuring that its defense systems are not only high-performing but also practical for long-term deployment and upgrades.

Core Capabilities: Electro-Optics, Surveillance, and Fire Control

Chess Dynamics develops and manufactures an extensive range of advanced electro-optical (EO) tracking and surveillance intelligent subsystems. These solutions are designed to operate in challenging environments and incorporate a variety of sensors:

• Thermal Imagers (TI): Providing crucial capabilities for night operations, operations in low visibility, and detection of heat signatures.
• TV Cameras: Offering high-resolution daylight imaging for clear visual identification.
• Laser Range Finders (LRF): Used for precise distance measurement to targets.
• Radars: Integrated for detection, tracking, and providing a comprehensive air picture, particularly vital for Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS).

These advanced EO systems are designed for high performance, with automated video tracking and image processing solutions that simplify information from complex environments. The company emphasizes reducing dependence on operator time and skill through automation, thereby lowering workload and training requirements. Their systems can be controlled via joystick, auto-track, slew-to-cue, radar-cue, or remote sensor-cue for passive target detection, recognition, and identification.

The product portfolio is extensive and categorized by application:

1. Surveillance Systems: Chess Dynamics provides electro-optic surveillance systems that offer 24-hour passive surveillance and target identification. They utilize advanced multi-spectral sensors, including field-proven MWIR (Mid-Wave Infrared) and LWIR (Long-Wave Infrared) thermal imaging technology.
   • Hawkeye Family of Systems: This family of advanced multi-sensor surveillance and targeting systems provides comprehensive 24-hour surveillance and target identification for various operational scenarios. For example, the Hawkeye Modular Mission Pod (MMP) is a vehicle-mounted surveillance system, designed to deliver extremely accurate battlefield data. It includes a thermal imaging camera, a high-powered daylight camera, a laser range finder with a 30km+ range, and a laser pointer. When combined with Chess’s geo-data algorithms, this system achieves the highest standard of accuracy, known as Category 1 Target Location Error (TLE), for observing, targeting, and understanding the battlespace out to ranges exceeding 20km. The Hawkeye MMP has demonstrated world-leading electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) performance and is designed to withstand harsh climates and terrains, being tested for temperatures from -30 to +40 degrees Celsius. It can be integrated into a Battlefield Information System (BIS) or a local Combat Management System (CMS) developed by Chess, offering unparalleled situational awareness through AI target classification and tracking tools.
   • SeaEagle Maritime Surveillance System: These advanced maritime electro-optic surveillance systems are optimized for automated surveillance on all classes of vessels. They provide 24-hour passive surveillance and target identification using thermal imagers and daylight TV cameras. Features include programmable horizon and sector scanning with automatic target detection, real-time target tracking, and automated cueing of multiple targets, significantly reducing operator workload.
2. Fire Control Systems: Chess Dynamics integrates its EO systems into complete fire control solutions.
   • SeaEagle Fire Control Electro-Optical Digital (FCEO-D): This system is designed for controlling naval guns against air, surface, and shore targets. It can be configured for any in-service naval gun and provides 24-hour detection, acquisition, tracking, identification, and engagement of targets through its thermal and TV sensors. The system allows for range table-based ballistic prediction and supports anti-air, anti-surface, and naval gunfire support engagements.
   • Fire Control Radar-Optical System (FCRO): This system provides 24-hour, long-range detection, acquisition, tracking, and engagement of air and surface targets, utilizing advanced Ku-Band fire control radar alongside thermal imaging and daylight TV cameras for target identification.
3. Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS): A critical area of focus for Chess Dynamics is the detection, identification, tracking, and neutralization of hostile Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). The threat from UAVs has proliferated globally, in both military and civilian contexts.
   • Multi-Sensor Fusion: Chess’s C-UAS solutions employ a layered approach, combining electronic-scanning radars, target detection and tracking AI, electro-optical sensors, and directional RF detection and inhibition. This multi-sensor fusion provides 360° coverage and robust situational awareness. The system’s AI capabilities for target classification and identification are a key differentiator.
   • Integrated Combat Management System (CMS): The C-UAS systems are fully integrated into a Chess-supplied CMS, which incorporates automatic alerts, identification, and tracking. This design keeps the human operator in the loop, allowing for reduced manning profiles and cost savings. The CMS is sensor-agnostic, allowing for bespoke system configurations tailored to specific user environments. All sensor data is overlaid onto a unified map for enhanced situational awareness.
   • Fixed and Mobile Deployment: Chess C-UAS solutions can be installed and operated from fixed locations (e.g., critical infrastructure protection) or mobile platforms (e.g., vehicles, naval vessels), offering flexibility and extended protection ranges. They are essential components of full-spectrum air defense, preventing malicious UAV activities in various environments.
   • Active and Passive Defeat Mechanisms: Beyond detection and tracking, Chess’s systems offer disruption and inhibition capabilities using software-defined intelligent RF inhibition, providing an operational effect against threatening drones.
4. Vision4ce – Video and Image Processing: Chess Dynamics’ Vision4ce brand specializes in high-performance video and imaging processing solutions for electro-optical systems. This includes:
   • Rugged Embedded Hardware: Supplying rugged embedded hardware designed for harsh environments across land, sea, and air platforms.
   • Integrated Software Solutions: Incorporating sophisticated image processing algorithms, including AI-based object detection, tracking, and classification. Their automated solutions provide simplified, actionable information even from complex environments, reducing risk and aiding decision-making.
   • Miniaturized Processors: Chess Dynamics has launched the Vision4ce Mini CHARM image processor, specifically designed for size- and weight-constrained applications such as sensors for UAVs and small tactical vehicles. This compact processor offers powerful and flexible image processing, including AI-based target detection, tracking, and classification, with real-time, low-latency performance.

Strategic Impact and Global Reach

Chess Dynamics’ solutions are vital for safeguarding assets and personnel in an increasingly complex security landscape. Their technologies enable:

• Enhanced Situational Awareness: Providing clear and comprehensive views of operational environments, day and night, in various weather conditions.
• Precision Targeting: Delivering accurate data for fire control and target engagement.
• Superior Force Protection: Countering the growing threat from unmanned aerial vehicles.
• Reduced Operator Workload: Through automation and AI-driven insights, minimizing human fatigue and enhancing operational efficiency.

Chess Dynamics has secured significant contracts with UK and international customers, including a contract to provide a Category 1 Target Location Error (TLE) vehicle-mounted surveillance system for the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency (NDMA)’s Observation Targeting and Surveillance Systems (OTAS) project. This involves their Hawkeye Modular Mission Pod (MMP), which has undergone rigorous testing to meet stringent military standards. They have also secured a five-year sole-source contract to provide sensor capabilities to the Royal Navy and received multiple orders for radar turntables from a global defense company, reinforcing their expertise in precise motion control for large payloads.

The company’s commitment to innovation and adaptability, combined with its comprehensive product portfolio and deep technical expertise, ensures that Chess Dynamics remains a critical partner for defense leaders and prime contractors seeking advanced surveillance, fire control, and counter-threat solutions in the modern era.