Sensors and measuring systems for military applications
Modern defense systems require innovative technologies. Many of these technically advanced systems in the military depend on sensors, not only in the research and development phase, but also during use in the field.
Generally, the sensors must be very robust and operate in particularly harsh environments, for example at extreme temperatures or under the influence of shock, vibration, moisture, dust and dirt. To ensure maximum safety, all products must also provide measurement values that are as accurate and reliable as possible so that quick and objective decisions can be made.
Althen offers a comprehensive portfolio of sensor solutions for land, air, sea and space applications. Our sensors are suitable for the most demanding environments and are already successfully used by several well-known manufacturers in the industry.
Specific military applications

Measurement of the inside diameter of firearms and armored guns
To ensure ammunition leaves a tube safely, the inside diameter of the tube must be made as accurate as possible. Using laser sensors, cylindrical and conical tubes can be measured accurately and without contact. The FDRF040-65/115 diameter measurement system is used in production for quality control.

Position stabilization of gun barrels
Sensors can be used to stabilize the gun barrels of tanks to significantly increase accuracy during firing. The deviation of the gun in the vertical or horizontal plane can be measured using high-accuracy side and elevation gyroscope sensors, whose signals are superimposed.

Airflow measurement on jets
Pressure and temperature measurement system provide a robust method of measuring yaw data in real time. Designed for highly accurate, real-time applications, they reflect the angles of an aircraft or vehicle relative to the apparent wind. Flow probes are heatable and therefore can also be used in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV).

Safety for EED (Electro Explosive Device)
Special sensors are needed to measure the effect of electromagnetic energy on EED, as well as HERO/RADHAZ testing and reliable assessment of electromagnetic radiation exposure. Fiber optic instrumentation from Althen is based on WLPI (white light polarization interferometry) and is suitable for very high measurement frequencies on GaAs technology.

Pressure sensors for depth measurement and tanks
Our submersible pressure level sensors for ambient pressure measurement or use in tanks are ideal for harsh environments and potentially explosive atmospheres (ATEX, IECEx or CSA certification). They are extremely reliable, have a high level of safety and can withstand extreme pressures of up to 12,000 bar. Almost all models have a very compact size.

Cranes and loading systems for military equipment
Load cells (load pins), pressure sensors, draw wire sensors and tilt and inclinometers are used to load multi-ton goods and trucks. At Althen, we have years of experience with sensors and measurement systems for all types of (OEM) cranes, lifting and hoisting applications. We are happy to develop the right measurement solution for you.
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Superior sensor technologyFor defense applications
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Long-term partnershipsIn product an process
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Reliable and ExperiencedProven trackrecord over 75 years
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Innovative and NewState-of-the-art products and developments
Product categories


Fiber optic position sensors
- Measuring range 0 to 25 mm
- High precision in demanding environments

Load pins & Load shackles
- Measuring range 100 to 1.500.00 kg
- Designed for lifting and weighing
- Made for rugged and harsh environments

Submersible pressure level sensors
- Measuring range 0 to 1.000 bar
- Submersible, waterproof protection rating
- Accuracy from 0.5% to 0.1%

Inner diameter measurement systems
- Measuring range 15mm to 300mm
- Inner diameter & profile measuring

Draw-wire sensors
- Measuring range 0 to 50.000 mm
- Highly flexible steel measuring cable
- Up to 0.01 mm accuracy

Aeroprobe
- Miro air data computer
- Probes and multi-hole probes
- Various shapes, sizes and geometries

MEMS inclinometers
- Measuring range from ±1° to ±90°
- Accuracy/Resolution up to 0.001°
- One & two-axis versions available

High precision gyroscopes
- Measuring range ±75°/s to ±900°/s
- Excellent accuracy and non-linearity
- Ideal for for aerospace applications

Standard gyroscopes
- Measuring range 10 to 50 in/sec
- Rugged and corrosion resistant
- Internally integrated to velocity

Control of vehicles, ships and loading systems for the military
Sensors play an important role in enhancing operational safety while also helping to reduce maintenance and operating costs, maximize performance, and minimize downtime.
In dynamic positioning systems (DP), precise control of a vessel’s position and heading is essential. Our DP joysticks are specifically designed for manual adjustments of position and heading. They feature a robust mechanical design with excellent tactile feedback, and redundant electrical outputs to ensure safety in mission-critical applications.
Our portfolio includes rugged, reliable industrial joysticks, as well as knobs, switches, and position sensors developed for harsh environments. Upon request, we can deliver customized measurement or HMI solutions tailored to your technical and operational requirements.
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Related products

TBT Loadlink (ATEX Certified)
- Measuring range: 0 - 30 to 0 - 250 ton
- Holes for shackles linkage
- Combined error ≤± 0.08%

FD96 Series Draw-Wire Sensors (String Pot)
- Measuring range: up to 2.000 or 2.500 mm
- Output: potentiometer, current & voltage
- Digital output: HTL/ TTL/ PB/ CO/ SSI

RadSens-2 Fiber Optic Amplifiers
- EtherCAT and Ethernet interfaces
- Improved performances
- Complete solution ready to use; no need for separate hardware and software

Air Data Probes
- 1, 3, or 5 tip ports with a static ring
- High accuracy NIST traceable calibrations
- Up to 500 discrete aerodynamic calibration points per speed