|
Extensive development efforts have been invested in unmanned
systems, which are gradually being integrated into modern warfare. Many
companies displayed unmanned systems technologies at Eurosatory 2006,
including small and miniature aerial vehicles, (UAVs), unmanned
ground vehicles (UGV) of various sizes. Developers exhibited models of
both types designed for carrying remotely operated
systems, sensors and weapon. The exhibition provided a venue to
introduce several new systems, including the
Sperwer B armed UAV
(shown by Sagem carrying two
Spike LR missiles). Just prior to the show Sagem reported that
Greece is planning to double the numbers of Sperwer UAVs in its
inventory.
 Several new Israeli UAVs were unveiled, including the
Skylark II from Elbit
Systems and the I-View 50 from
IAI/Malat, which also released details about its miniature Pelican
hand launched micro-UAV. Another new Micro UAV is the Modular Airborne Sensor
(MAS) from Patria. Even smaller Micro-UAVs were displayed by
Cyberflight, as part of their newly launched
SOD fa mily of vehicles.
New propulsion techniques for UAVs were also demonstrated by Bental
Industries, showing the 4KW electrical motor used by the Skylark II
and a new hybrid propulsion system, utilizing an internal combustion
engine and an
alternator / electrical cruise 2KW electrical motor w hich can be
used for extended "silent phases" of the UAV mission. Hybrid system is
considered as one of the propulsion options for IAI's I-View 50. (The
hybrid system is shown in photo on the left). Many armed forces are currently fielding, or will soon field, mini-UAVs. The leading
supplier of mini-UAVs is Aeronvironment, which has manufactured more
than 1,000
units of their Raven
model. At
Eurosatory 2006 Aeronvironment demonstrated new models, including the larger, more
sophisticated Puma and their smaller, Wasp micro UAV. Elbit Systems already
delivered units of the Skylark I
to the IDF, Australian Army and most recently – the Canadian armed
forces.
EADS is delivering a total of 160 DRAC Close-Range
Reconnaissance UAVs under a contract awarded by DGA. The system was
originally designed to be an "extended pair of binoculars" utilizing
an 8kg autonomous aerial vehicle enabling the operator to gather,
display and process real-time images at distances up to 10 km by day
or night. DRAC is scheduled to become operational with the French Army
by 2007. EADS also demonstrated the Scorpio 6 rotary wing UAV,
designed for operations in urban terrain. This miniature helicopter
can operate at ranges of up to 10 km, equipped with interchangeable EO/IR
payloads. The vehicle communicates with the portable ground station
via digital datalink. Both Scorpio and DRAC and their payloads were
developed by the French UAV specialist Surveycopter.
Progress is made with heavier Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) UAS,
as evident by the appearance of several new systems. The IAI/Malat
Hoverspy, a new VTOL UAS from Israel is an
autonomous, 20kg VTOL platform, designed for all- terrain operation
while
carrying a 5 kg payload for a 90 minute mission. It can fly an
autonomous mission based on GPS navigation, and offers continuous
payload control by the operator. Heavier systems include the new
V-150 Skeldar from
Saab, which was unveiled at the show. Much progress has been made with
the
Sciebel S100
autonomous helicopter. Its El-Saber version developed for the UAE is
currently undergoing testing in the Middle East. Both these systems
weigh more than 100 kg per unit.
 Other systems in this category are much
smaller; the Class I
UAV developed for the US Forces FCS program was displayed at the
Honeywell stand. The French equivalent is the
Hovereye from Bertin,
which has been selected for incorporation into the advanced version of the French Army's
FELIN
dismounted warrior program. An even smaller system is the
CPX4 quadrocopter,
displayed by Novadem. This vehicle is being evaluated by the DGA as a
mini-UAV concept for further FELIN enhancement. Other miniature
quadrocopter designs were displayed by Rheinmetall Defense and EADS.
 |
