Elbit Systems is showing the Hermes with a full range of sensors, including the AMPS, a heavy, high resolution EO payload providing Highly detailed imagery from medium and high altitude. Until now such sensors were commonly employed by manned aircraft, such as the Beechcraft B-200 and similar, as unmanned aerial platforms could not carry such heavy payloads. Hermes 900 was also shown here with the DCOMPASS EO stabilized ball, an airborne radar, SIGINT and COMINT sensors (underwing and belly); all can be employed simultaneously on the Hermes 900.
Singapore is displaying its latest air defense asset – the Israeli Spyder short range air defense system. The system acquired by Singapore shares many common features with the Indian Spyder, although the version on display at the Singapore Airshow does not have the Toplite EO system, operational systems will receive this function soon. Rafael has developed two versions of the Spyder – the short range (Spyder SR) employing the Derby and Python surface-launched interceptors (identical to the air launched missiles) and the Medium Range (Spyder MR) featuring the same missiles equipped with boosters for additional range.
The ACMS Lite uses the latest ARM processor and mobile communications technology to enhance the soldiers’ networking and situational awareness capability. The new kit, currently in evaluation, includes a smartphone portable device providing mesh-networking communications, processing and display of situational awareness, and support of C2 applications. It will also include fabric cabling integrated into the load Bering vest, offering more reliable and lightweight, low power solution. ACMS Lite is designed to be used by team members and team leaders.
Key components of the system are the soldier computer subsystem, including a wearable computer and power pack, the communications subsystem supporting wireless radio and data connectivity through mesh networking, full color OLED based helmet mounted display and active noise diction hearing protection, indoor and outdoor navigation system with GPS support, and weapon-mounted camera (offering round the corner vision), MARS reflex sight with laser aiming device. The weapon subsystem offers hands-on-weapon operation of six functions via the weapon interactor.
STELOP is unveiling an uncooled thermal viewer at the Singapore Airshow, developed for modern soldier system programs. The main advantage of such thermal viewer over image intensifier viewers is its capability to operate in mixed lighting condition, (no saturation effect) as well as in total darkness (such as underground facilities). Helmis is currently at a prototype stage, expected to be tested with the Singapore Advanced Combat Man System (ACMS) soon. The viewer weighs less than 500 grams, and can be mounted on a helmet or strapped onto a headband as shown in its photo. It uses an uncooled 8-12 micron sensor offering 30 degree field of view, supported by a 800×600 OLED display. Operating time is more than four hours.
ST Aerospace is showing a civil version of its Skyblade 3 mini UAV system designed for homeland security and law enforcement. It is designed to carry a modular payload, operated by a two-man crew assisted by a new, redesigned ground control unit.The new drone dubbed Skyblade 360 is designed for quick reaction missions supporting emergency response, scientific or law enforcement missions. The drone weighs about nine kilograms and can operate at an altitude of 300 up to 3,000 above ground, (90-920 m’), up to 15 km away from the ground control station. Powred by battery, it can operate for three hours, or up to six hours using a fuel cell. Its length is 1.8 meters and the span is 3 meters.
Skyblade 3 was shown at the Singapore Airshow 2012 using a new uncooled stabilized thermal imager. Skyblade 3 has a take off weight of five kilograms, operational altitude of 90-460 meters. Flying at a speed of 35 knots, it has an endurance of more than 60 minutes. It can operate on a mission up to eight kilometers from the ground control unit.
Rafael is expanding the Spike missile family with the lightweight, man-portable Spike SR, a ‘fire and forget’ short range guided missile enabling infantrymen to engage a wide range of targets with high precision, from ranges up to 800 meters. Spike SR is positioned between the Spike MR (medium-range) weapon and the unguided Matador multipurpose rocket, offering the advantages of both weapons for infantry-relevant ranges, at a full system weight of less than 10 kg., therefore reducing load by 3 percent.
This is the thermal camera (seeker) view as seen by the Spike SR operator, just before launching at a MBT target from a range of 500 meters. The missile is effective at ranges of 800 meters. The operator has an option to zoom in to aid target identification. the seeker automatically corrects and locks on the stationary or moving target, aiming to maximize probability of kill. New aiming algorithms can be added to improve the missile’s hit probability against specific targets.
The new Boeing F-15SG of the Singapore air Force are equipped with Lockheed Martin AN/AAQ33 Sniper targeting pod and the new TigerEyes InfraRed Search & Track (IRST) sensor mounted on the sniper’s carrying pylon. TigerEyes has already been unveiled at the RSAF open day at Paya Lebar last year, but is being shown at an airshow for the first time. TigerEyes, developed by Lockheed Martin has been selected for the Korean Slam Eagle and most recently for the Saudi Arabian F-15SA program.
IAI is displaying the EL/M 2258 ALPHA Advanced Lightweight phased Array Radar at the Singapore Airshow 2012. The new radar is designed to support the latest Barak 8 Air and missile defense missiles deployed on corvettes and frigates, where installation of the large, four-panel MF-STAR radar cannot be supported.
Rear view of the ALPHA radar:
Gulfstream/IAI G5500 CAEW and Elbit System’s Hermes 450 UAV displayed at the Singapore Airshow 2012. Photo: Tamir Eshel, Defense-Update
IAI combined outdoor display showing the Heron, Panther, and Barak 8 Air Defense Missiles. Photo: Tamir Eshel, Defense-Update
