According to information released on June 24, 2021, Safran’s Paseo XLR (eXtra Long Range) optronic (electro-optical) sight has been chosen by the Aguas Azuis consortium for Brazil’s new Tamandaré class frigates. The Brazilian navy will take delivery of four frigates, each displacing 3,500 metric tons, starting in 2026. They will each be fitted with two PASEO XLR sights.
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Future Tamandaré class frigate for the Brazilian navy will be fitted with Safran’s Paseo XLR eXtra Long Range optronic electro-optical sight. (Picture source Brazilian Navy/Safran)
Paseo XLR incorporates modules from Safran’s airborne Euroflir optronic systems, in particular high-definition sensors coupled with a multispectral telescope, to identify threats on the horizon. Paseo XLR is also capable of detecting small craft hard to detect by conventional radar systems because they’re close to the sea surface and often made of composite materials which are transparent to radar waves. These characteristics make the Paseo XLR sight especially useful under asymmetric warfare conditions, where first-rate ships may operate near coastlines and could be surrounded by small craft with unknown intentions.
This extra long range sight will enhance the Brazilian navy’s ability to cope with both conventional and asymmetric threats by increasing the safety zone around ships. As part of the ship’s self-protection system, Paseo XLR will detect and identify various threats, even in rough seas, at high speeds and under in degraded visual environments. It also supports day/night fire control of these ships' main gun.
The first two Paseo XLR sights will be delivered to the Aguas Azuis consortium in Brazil at the beginning of 2023. Safran Electronics & Defense Brazil, a subsidiary of Safran Electronics & Defense, will provide customer support services, including spare parts and repairs.
The Tamandaré is a new class of general purpose frigate that will be built for the Brazilian Navy by Águas Azuis consortium, composed of Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) and Embraer Defense & Security. The construction of the four planned frigates will begin in 2021 and are scheduled to be delivered between 2025 and 2028.
The Tamandaré-class has a length of 107.2 m, a beam of 15.95 m, a draft of 5.2 m, and a displacement of 3,500 tons. She will be powered by four MAN V12 28/33D engines developing 5,460 kW (7,320 hp) and four Caterpillar C32 1,417 kW (1,900 hp) diesel generators.
The Tamandaré-class will be armed with 12-cells VLS (Vertical Launching System) MBDA Sea Ceptor GWS.35 CAMM missiles (range 1–25+ km), MANSUP AV-RE40 anti-ship missile, two triple 533 mm (21 inches) SEA TLS-TT Mark 46 torpedo tubes, one Leonardo OTO Melara SRGM 76/62mm multi-purpose naval gun, one Rheinmetall CIWS (Close-In Weapon System) Sea Snake 30mm, two FN Herstal Sea Defender remote-controlled weapon stations armed with one 12.7mm machine gun, and two miniguns.
