Overwatch Imaging has reached a major breakthrough in long-range maritime surveillance, demonstrating the capability to autonomously detect vessels at distances exceeding 100 nautical miles.
This achievement highlights the power of the company’s cutting-edge Automated Sensor Operator (ASO) software, which delivers real-time, AI-driven intelligence from high-altitude ISR platforms with minimal human involvement.
The recent milestone was recorded during a maritime monitoring operation at 40,000 feet above sea level and 400 knots ground speed. Using the L3Harris® WESCAM™ MX-20 EO/IR gimbal, the ASO software autonomously identified, geo-located, and tracked vessels across a vast area, reaching a documented coverage rate of 115,000 nautical miles² per hour at a 5-meter ground sample distance.
ASO’s real strength lies in its ability to handle sensor control, zoom, scanning, and image analysis entirely onboard. The system interprets every pixel in real time, identifying thermal anomalies and object signatures across wide swaths of ocean with remarkable accuracy, even through haze and atmospheric interference.
Unlike conventional operator-dependent systems, ASO dynamically adjusts gimbal settings and zoom levels to maximize both resolution and coverage, transforming any equipped aircraft into a high-efficiency intelligence asset.
“This achievement demonstrates what’s possible when world-class imaging hardware meets next-generation onboard automation,” said Greg Davis, founder and CEO of Overwatch Imaging. “ASO delivers capabilities that go far beyond what human operators alone can achieve, especially at these altitudes, speeds, and ranges. It’s a force multiplier for any ISR mission, enabling faster decisions, broader coverage, and more precise intelligence with fewer demands on the crew.”
Mike Spina, of L3Harris, emphasized the collaborative achievement saying, “Our WESCAM MX-Series sensors are engineered for high-performance and reliability, enabling new technologies like ASO. We are committed to delivering the best solutions to our customers around the world and ASO allows us to provide new capabilities to accomplish their critical missions.”
With the ability to scan vast oceanic regions automatically, ASO reduces crew workload while dramatically increasing situational awareness. The technology represents a significant step forward in airborne domain awareness, enabling next-generation ISR missions that are faster, more autonomous, and operationally superior.
For full technical details and performance insights, read the complete article: Overwatch Imaging exceeds 100 NM range in Autonomous Passive Vessel Detection
