Sensors

LKF601E, an airborne FCS AESA radar from the Chinese Aviation Industry Cooperation (AVIC) was unveiled at the AirshowChina event. The new radar is designed for new and upgraded platforms such as the JF-17 and FTC-2000G ‘export fighters’. uses a 3GHz bandwidth at the X-band, provides detection of fighter-sized targets at 170 km, tracks up to 15 targets simultaneously and engages four with air/air missiles. The radar also supports air/ground modes, with one-meter SAR resolution and terrain mapping at 300 km. Searching targets at sea, the radar can detect large targets from 200 km.

The combination of unique sensors, sensor fusion, man-machine interface and the integration of the F-35 as part of a broader fleet of aircraft comprising a totality of air power, are the convincing arguments driving air forces worldwide to opt for the new fighter.

Aware of the growing threat of bomb-laden mini drones that recently emerged in Iraq and Syria, the US Army is rushing to field countermeasures and kinetic effects designed specifically to defeat drones. DRS and Moog are cooperating with RADA to demonstrate such 'hard kill' system for testing in October.

Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) are currently tested with Airborne Infrared (ABIR) sensors – performing persistent, forward pickets to spot hostile missile launches and track them through their flight trajectory. These missions will soon evolve as RPAs become operational, and augment existing radar and space-based sensors, providing midcourse tracking and target discrimination, to help targeting ground and ship-based missile defense interceptors. In the next phase MDA will equip even larger unmanned platforms with high-power laser systems, to perform boost-phase intercept. The agency plans to demonstrate such systems in 2021.

A new range of weapon sights and binoculars using miniature, cooled FLIRs are delivering a crisp, detailed target-view from miles away in total darkness

Russia has transferred a number of Kvant 1L222 Avtobaza Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) systems to Iran in October, RIA Novosti news agency announced. Each 1L222 system includes an passive ELINT signals interception system and a jamming module capable of disrupting airborne radars including fire control radars, terrain following radars and ground mapping radars as well as weapon (missile) data links. 1L222...

Following extensive testing in the laboratory and in the field, Laser Detect System (LDS) Ltd. is unveiling SpectroDrone – the world’s first drone-based explosive detection sensor. SpectroDrone employs LDS’s patented standoff gated laser spectroscopy techniques, proven to detect a wide range of explosive and hazardous materials at distances of several meters.

A typical deployment of IR jammer can be seen on the Russian T-90, which mounts the Shtora-1 Defensive Aids System (DAS) shown on picture, with Kontakt5 ERA modules (left). The system protects the tank against guided missiles, using both the semi-active command to line of sight (SACLOS) guidance, by an IR source that mimics the flare on the back...

Some of the highlights from the dynamic demonstration held today at Eurosatory 2014 included the Infotron IT 180 unmanned rotorcraft deploying a Cobra Mk2 UGV, both unmanned vehicles are provided by the French robotics company ECA Robotics. The Thales Group displayed the Hawkei Light Protected Mobility Vehicle. Renault Defense Trucks demonstrated a number of vehicles, including the 20 ton VAB Mk III 6x6 armoured personnel carrier offering NATO Level 4 protection, anti-blast and IED protection. anti-blast and IED protection. Another vehicle from Renault is ALTV, a lightweight 4x4 platform developed by ACMAT; Terramax autonomous vehicle from Oshkosh based on an M-ATV and the VERA robotic kit installed on an EAGLE IV armored vehicle from GDELS.

Iran reported today its air defense forces have downed an Israeli unmanned aircraft possibly a previously unknown, stealth model. The aircraft was intercepted by a surface-to-air missile. "A pilotless Israeli spy plane was shot down after it was traced and intercepted by the IRGC Aerospace Force," a statement by the Iranian Republican Guards Corps' (IRGC) announced.

The Israel Missile Defense Organization and the U.S. Missile Defense Agency completed a successful test of the key elements of the joint U.S.-Israel IAI Arrow Weapon System (AWS) today. The test involved the latest generation ATBM radar - known as Super Green pine.

Aeronautics is launching at Eurosatory a new variant of the electric-powered Orbiter 2 mini unmanned aerial system (UAS) family, designated Orbiter 2B. Externally, the new drone looks the same, but internally, its core systems - avionics, datalink and controls are all modernized, digitised, and more secured

The US Office of Naval Research (ONR) is evaluating the integration of laser weapons as an enhancement for the US Marine Corps’ existing low-altitude air-defense capability, which currently lacks reliable CounterUAS (C-UAS) and Counter Rocket, Artillery and Mortar (CRAM) capabilities. An innovative radar system from RADA is providing surveillance, detection and target acquisition for the laser weapon system

The US Navy has demonstrated operations of manned and unmanned aircraft from the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS). On a test off the Pacific coast, the Northrop Grumman MQ-8B Fire Scout launched and controlled from the USS Freedom, transferred information to an airborne Sikorsky MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter, both providing the LCS critical surveillance information