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Various Israeli companies displayed
new miniature UAVs developed in response for the IDF requirement
for mini UAV for the battalion level and below. IAI displayed a
wide range of UAVs, including the
SpyThere,
Birdy and the new
Mosquito micro UAV.
These three miniature aerial vehicles were designed by IAI's
aeronautical engineering division, as technology demonstrators for IMOD Research and Development Directorate. RAFAEL also brought
its new version of the canister launched
Skylark, which
recently performed its first flight and TopiVision brought their
miniature Casper 200
design.
Elbit and GFC both demonstrated the
Skylark, which
was recently procured for GFC testing. Elbit also brought the
Hermes 180, a younger and smaller companion for the Hermes 450
which is currently operational with the IDF. Both models of the
Hermes are currently in final stage of competition, as part of the
Thales team, bidding for the British Watchkeeper program, where
thales is competing against Northrop Grumman.
Larger UAVs at LIC 2004 included the Aerosky, which was
operated in support for the IDF by Aeronautics Defense Systems for
several years. Also on display were the Searcher, developed and fielded by the IDF and two new UAVs from EMIT – the Sparrow, which is currently
in serial production and deliveries to equip one of the Asian
Navies, and the Blue Horizon – used by the army of the
Philippines.
Unmanned Ground Systems
were also demonstrated by the IDF, which is already operating
several types of tele-operated systems for specific missions. The
ROEE tele-operated weapon
carrier is an operational system, which can apidly deploy
firing elements and sensors to positions located at high risk,
exposed locations.
 A different robotic system is the Remote
Controlled Tractor (RCT), used for clearing and activating mines
and roadside explosive devices in sandy soil, in the securing of
roads and axis for movement. The RCT is equipped with a video
camera and a plough which is pushed forward of the vehicle, where
it can detonate or unearth mines and explosives. The IDF is also
evaluating a robotic buried mines locating platform.
 The
lightweight tele-operated system has a low ground pressure, which
enables it to move over a minefield. It is equipped with sensors
which can accurately locate and mark The buried mines. Other small
robots are operated bomb disposal teams.
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