The Light Observation System (LOS) was developed and integrated under the leadership of the Military Technical Institute for Weapons and Ammunition to meet the operational requirements of the Czech Republic. The modified BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicle chassis is the responsibility of VOP 026.

Its main role is to detect, recognise and identify targets for subsequent engagement by artillery systems under day and night conditions. It can also be used to monitor shell impact, observe the terrain and determine target co-ordinates.

LOS is typically deployed more forwards than the more sophisticated Snezka reconnaissance vehicle based on a stretched BMP series chassis that is covered in a separate entry.

Within the Czech Republic Army LOS forms a key part of the ASPRO artillery fire-control system. LOS has been in service with the Czech Republic for several years on a modified BMP-2 infantry combat vehicle, although it can be integrated into a wide range of other chassis, tracked and wheeled. The LOS and Snezka reconnaissance vehicles have been offered on the export market but there are no known sales as of mid-2007.

As previously stated, the Czech Army has integrated the LOS system into a modified BMP-2 infantry combat vehicle chassis. The two-person turret is retained but is now fixed and the 30 mm 2A42 cannon is a mock-up to confuse enemy observers.

The mast-mounted sensor system is integrated into the rear part of the turret and when lowered is under full armour protection. The sensor head is mounted on a telescopic arm that can be raised to a maximum height of 4.3 m. The sensor head can be traversed 200° left and 200° right with a depression of -40° and an elevation of +40°.

The sensor head includes a day/night (infra-red) TV system, eye-safe laser range-finder, laser target marker/designator, north-finding gyro and inertial navigation and GPS. The design of the sensor pod is such that it can be integrated with other types of sensor according to customer's specific operational requirements.

According to the manufacturer, the target detection range of the day observation camera is 5 km, while that of the night camera is 10 km. Target detection by the infra-red camera is quoted as being 6 km while the laser range-finder has a minimum range of 10 km and a maximum range of 20 km. The laser designator has a maximum range of 15 km. Travel distance accuracy is 0.35 per cent, while range of the data transmission is 20 km.

The operators are seated within the hull of the vehicle under full armour protection and their equipment includes a special tactical computer with sophisticated software, colour flat-panel display, black/white monitor and a keyboard with mouse and joystick.

On the flat-panel display can be the digital map or the image seen by the day/night sensors with a panoramic view above. In addition, the operator can have a combined panoramic view with a digital map. Control and other information is shown to the right of the display.

LOS is claimed to be simple to operate and requires a very short preparation time. The system can be operated by one person if required. The complete system has a crew of four, including the driver and commander.