ZnS protective windows for advanced optronic defense systems
Building optical excellence together
Modern military optronic systems require optical components that deliver high transmission across multiple spectral bands while withstanding extreme mechanical, environmental, and climatic stress. To meet these requirements, SCHOTT and HENSOLDT established a close development partnership between SCHOTT’s materials and coating experts in Mainz, Germany and HENSOLDT Optronics in Oberkochen, Germany. Over a development period of approximately 1.5 years, both companies worked within a fully European supply chain to ensure compliance with stringent quality, reliability, and defense standards.
Engineering challenge
HENSOLDT required protective windows for stabilized commander periscopes deployed in the Puma IFV and the Leopard 2 tank. The optical components had to protect sensitive visible and infrared sensor systems without compromising image quality, spectral transmission, or system performance. Key requirements included high scratch and abrasion resistance, environmental stability under sand, salt fog, and temperature cycling, and suitability for long-term operation in harsh battlefield conditions.
Maximum reliability and durability
SCHOTT offers integrated optomechanical sub-assemblies, including framed and coated optical windows tailored for demanding defense and harsh environments.
From material to qualified subsystem
SCHOTT developed fully assembled ZnS-based protective window subsystems optimized for multispectral transmission in the visible and infrared ranges. Zinc sulfide was selected for its excellent broadband optical properties combined with high mechanical strength. SCHOTT engineered advanced, application-specific multiband coatings that provide an optimized balance between optical performance and enhanced scratch resistance.
Beyond material supply, SCHOTT delivered complete, ready-to-install subsystems, including precision polishing, coating deposition, optical assembly, and comprehensive testing. Manufacturing and coating processes were carried out at SCHOTT’s center of excellence for coating technologies in Yverdon, Switzerland. All components were qualified using military-grade test procedures to verify resistance against abrasion, sand erosion, salt fog exposure, and extreme temperature variations.
©HENSOLDT AG
The ZnS protective windows form a critical interface element within HENSOLDT’s stabilized commander periscope PERI RTWL, enabling reliable long-range observation and target detection while safeguarding the underlying optronic sensors. The project demonstrates SCHOTT’s capability to support complex defense programs through integrated optical solutions, from materials engineering to fully validated subsystems.
