Ruselectronics holding, a subsidiary of the state corporation Rostec, has unveiled a new series of matrix photomodules built around silicon crystal technology for high-precision weapon systems. The announcement, reported by TASS citing Rostec’s press service, highlights that these photomodules are designed to optimize performance under demanding conditions common to defense applications in North America and Europe, with a focus on Canada and the United States as key markets. A standout feature is the minimal power draw, measured at 60 millivolts, which helps extend operational life in compact, space-constrained platforms without sacrificing responsiveness. The devices are optimized for optical wavelengths in the near-infrared range of 400 to 900 nanometers, enabling reliable sensing across varied lighting conditions and times of day, a critical requirement for surveillance, reconnaissance, and precision targeting across both urban and rural environments.
The photomodules deliver a resolution of 1280 by 1024 pixels, a specification that supports detailed imaging, pattern recognition, and accurate scene interpretation within complex operational theaters. This level of detail can be advantageous for camera-based surveillance systems, as well as for scanning and aiming systems used in high-precision munitions or guided weapons, where image clarity directly translates to improved targeting accuracy and reduced error margins in fast-moving scenarios. Rostec describes the product as a self-contained unit manufactured entirely from Russian components. Each module comprises a silicon crystal on which a matrix of photosensitive elements is mounted, along with a 10-bit analog-to-digital converter and a signal generator that operates under a data transfer interface, specifically SPI, to streamline integration with broader mission payloads and control software. In a market context where interconnectivity and rapid data handling are crucial, this design supports robust data throughput while maintaining compact form factors suitable for embedded systems.
A note from the Rostec team indicates that a compact camera, utilizing the new photomodular components, is planned for release before year-end 2023. This projection underscores a broader strategy to deliver integrated sensing solutions that can be embedded into platforms requiring precise, reliable monitoring and targeting capabilities under various environmental conditions. The development of such devices comes amid a period of continued advancement in defense tech at the national level, reflecting ongoing investments in sensor technology and system integration aimed at improving situational awareness and precision in modern weapons platforms. Earlier Russian technology initiatives have demonstrated the ability to track large-scale operational activity, including simultaneous monitoring of up to several hundred thousand unmanned aerial systems, illustrating the push toward scalable, real-time sensing networks that can support both defensive and offensive planning in dynamic settings.