IDF Completes Iron Fist APS Integration on Eitan APC, Armored Bulldozers

By

-

Dec 12, 2022

Israel Integrates “Iron Fist” Active Protection Systems (APS) in the ‘Eitan’ Armored Personnel Carrier (APC) and ‘Panda’ Armored D9 Bulldozer. A final test series completed the integration process, demonstrating successful interception tests in various challenging scenarios. The video documenting the tests depicts a new version of the APS, employing a smaller radar panel and protected launchers.

According to Yehuda (Udi) Vered, General Manager of Elbit Systems Land, the Iron Fist Active Protection System is unique, being a lightweight system that can be installed on a variety of fighting vehicles, including APCs.

The tests were performed by the Ministry of Defense Tank and APC Directorate, Iron First developer and manufacturer, Elbit Systems Land Division, and the the IDF Ground Forces Command. The Iron Fist version used on the Eitan and D9 is a lighter version of the system, optimized for lighter armored vehicles.
[wlm_nonmember]

A comparison between the earlier and current Iron Fist configurations on the Eitan turret (The new turret on the right is not equipped with the 30mm cannon). Photos: IMOD

Subscribe to get more insights[/wlm_nonmember][wlm_ismember]

The new configuration of APS as seen on the Eitan APC shows a new (flat) radar, separate EO sensors, and armor protection for the two launchers. Photo: IMOD

An earlier configuration of the Eitan, showing the the original version of Iron Fist, developed by IMI. Photo: IMOD

[/wlm_ismember]The APS system developed by Elbit Systems is an advanced active protection system that provides 360-degree coverage against multi-range threats in open and urban environments. In addition to its defensive capabilities, the system provides APC teams with situational awareness as it indicates the appearance and locations of sources of fire that can put the protected vehicle or the operational unit at risk. This contribution is critical for rapid sensor-to-shooter engagement, in modern, multi-domain operations. Iron Fist employs an early warning electro-optic sensor and radar for target search, track, and distance measurement performed by the main processing unit. The system employs two rotatable launchers, launching interceptors against threats that are considered a direct and imminent threat to the protected vehicle. In the recent tests these effectors demonstrated the neutralization of different threats at a safe distance from the protected APC.

According to Head of the Defense Tank and APC Directorate in the Israel Ministry of Defense, Brigadier General Oren Giber, “The Tank and APC Directorate is currently completing its preparation for the delivery of the self-developed Eitan advanced 8×8 wheeled APC to the IDF. The Iron Fist system is an important part of this project. It is currently in advanced stages of development and deployment to the ‘Eitan’ APC and the bulldozer, undergoing rigorous trials to ensure its suitability for the battlefield. The Iron Fist will substantially improve the protection of the Eitan APC and enhance the vehicle’s maneuverability in combat while protecting combat soldiers.”

APS – A Maturing Protection Capability

APS are currently considered an important capability for new and modernized combat vehicles. The most mature is the Trophy APS from Rafael, equipping the Israeli Merkava Main Battle Tank (MBT) and Namer APC of the Israeli Army, M-1A2 SEPV2 in the US Army, the german Leopard 2 and British Challenger MK 3. The system is proposed by the German tank manufacturer KMW, the German part of the Franco-German AFV manufacturer KNDS, as a standard protection for the Leopard II tank. Trophy has also been included in the demonstrator for the future MBT proposed by the company unveiled at the recent Eurosatory 2022 defense expo. The Hungarian Army selected the StrikeShield APS from Rheinmetall, to protect its new KF41 Lynx Armored Infantry Fighting Vehicles. Other systems are currently in development in Turkey, and South Korea.

Iron Fist has been selected by several international users, including the Dutch Army for the CV9035, and the Australian Army for the successor of the M-113 APC, to be selected soon under the Land 400 Phase 3 program. The system has also been integrated into the next generation turret carrying the 50mm cannon considered by the US Army for its future Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV).

B-21 Raider – The US Air Forces’ Next Generation Bomber

By

Tamir Eshel

-

Dec 6, 2022

Raider-B21-full-1021 — The Northrop B-21 Raider, America's new bomber rolls out from its hangar for the first time, 2 December 2022. Photo: Northrop Grumman

On 2 December 2022, the US Air Force publicly unveiled its new bomber, the B-21 Raider. The aircraft is the first new, long-range strike bomber in a generation; it is designed to be the multifunctional backbone of the modernized bomber fleet.

As a long-range, highly survivable stealth aircraft, the Raider will be a dual-capable bomber, delivering a mix of stand-off and direct-attack munitions for conventional and nuclear attacks; the weapons will include cruise missiles and guided bombs, among them the heaviest weapon in US Air Force inventory, the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP), which, until now, could be carried only by the B-2 Spirit and B-52H.

Once fielded, the B-21 will operate as part of a family of systems designed to support the Long-Range Strike with Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), Electronic Attack (EA), Communications, and other capabilities. The aircraft is designed with updated stealth qualities and mission flexibility to enable a credible ‘integrated deterrence,’ meaning that it can strike anywhere in the world at any time, including in denied and contested airspace.

Following the formal rollout, the first B-21 aircraft was towed for a short stroll outside the hangar for the first time. Photo: Northrop Grumman, US Air Force

The B-21 is the first new bomber to be introduced since the end of the Cold War. Air Force officials envision an ultimate fleet of at least 100 aircraft with an average procurement unit cost requirement of $692 million (according to the base year 2022 dollars). The B-21 Raider will enter service by the middle of the decade and will gradually replace aging B-1B Lancer and B-2 Spirit bombers now in service. The B-1B was fielded in 1986, and the B-2 became operational a decade later, in 1997.

A New Design for the Flying Wing

The new bomber is considered a ‘Sixth Generation’ aircraft, as it follows five earlier generations of jet bombers developed since the end of the Second World War. As a leader of the new generation, it is the first to implement the dramatic technological signature management, materials, and doctrinal changes, such as the multi-domain warfare, that evolved since the introduction of the first stealth bomber, the B-2 Spirit.

[wlm_nonmember]Subscribe to read the full analysis[/wlm_nonmember]

The lower side of the B-21 indicates the use of large, low-observable composite aerostructure and skin parts which requires less maintenance to sustain the low observable performance of the aircraft.

The teardrop-shaped elongated inlets also contribute to overall signature reduction.

[wlm_ismember]Although the new B-21 Raider looks like the B-2 Spirit, it is smaller than its predecessor but has more internal volume to carry excessive weapon loads. Overall, it is designed to hold about half the payload of the B-2.

A closer look at the B-21 reveals many differences. The new generation of stealth technologies derived from new materials and manufacturing techniques enabled developers to create a more flexible and optimal design that, from an external view, results in smoother skin. Unlike the B-2, painted dark grey to reflect its optimization for night missions, the first B-21 is painted in a light grey paint scheme, hinting about its capability to strike in daylight. Other distinct features are the teardrop-shaped elongated inlets, contributing to overall signature reduction. The main landing gear of the B-21 is different from that of the B-2, having only two wheels on each side rather than the four on the B-2. This difference indicates the lighter weight of the new bomber.

The cockpit area also reflects considerable changes between the two designs. The B-2 shows taped seams around the windshield and over most of the fuselage, but they are almost invisible on the B-21. Overall, the skin on the wings and fuselage seems smooth, without distinct apertures for sensors, antennae, or access panels. The B-21 features an advanced integration of data, sensors, and weapons. The low observable coating, and highly integrated structures, resulting in the absence of seams that must be repaired and measured frequently, help reduce the maintenance work often associated with stealth aircraft.[/wlm_ismember]

The B-21 cockpit shows minimal seams and taping, indicating the low observable characteristics of the outer skin are much more effective than that of previous low-observable aircraft.

The cockpit area of the B-2, shows a striking difference from that of the new B-21. Photo: US Air Force

Open Systems Architecture

When the B-21 becomes operational, the oldest bomber in service, the B-52 Stratofortress, will turn 80. But even in its old age, the B-52 will continue to serve alongside the new bomber, at least until the 2050s, after a thorough modernization process that will upgrade its radar, replace the engine, and introduce new communications systems. Despite its old age, the B-52 is much cheaper to operate compared to the B-1B and the B-2. Although the B-21 will be the most expensive aircraft in history, it is designed to be more affordable to operate over its service life.

One aspect of the B-21 is the design concept, using open systems architecture to reduce integration risk and enable competition for future modernization efforts to allow the aircraft to evolve as the threat environment changes. To promote efficient and collaborative development, the design of the new bomber was uploaded to a secure cloud, where all team members, including the Air Force, have access to a detailed virtual 3D model of the aircraft called ‘Digital Twin’ that allow designers to drive down risk in the engineering, manufacturing, and deployment (EMD). Northrop Grumman uses agile software development, advanced manufacturing techniques, and digital engineering tools to help mitigate production risk on the B-21 program and enable modern sustainment practices. The B-21 team includes more than 8,000 people from Northrop Grumman, industry partners, and the Air Force. The group consists of more than 400 suppliers across 40 states.

[wlm_ismember]To meet the evolving threat environment, the B-21 has been designed for rapid upgradeability. Unlike earlier generation aircraft, the B-21 will not undergo block upgrades but will receive new weapons and capabilities as they become available through agile software upgrades and built-in hardware flexibility.

Northrop Grumman and the Air Force successfully demonstrated the migration of B-21 ground systems data to a cloud environment. This demonstration included developing, deploying, and testing B-21 data, including the B-21 digital twin, to support B-21 operations and sustainment. The digital systems and advanced low-observable design are expected to reduce the ground systems footprint and the ground support at main operating bases and forward deployments.[/wlm_ismember]

The specific B-21 unveiled on Dec. 2 is one of six under production. Each is considered a test aircraft, but each is being built as production representative aircraft on the same production line, using the same tools, processes, and technicians who will build production aircraft. This approach has enabled production engineers and technicians to capture lessons learned and apply them directly to follow-on aircraft, driving home a focus on repeatability, producibility, and quality. The aircraft will soon begin testing outside the hangar, including taxiing and powering on more systems ahead of the first flight in 2023.

The schedule of the first flight or initial operational capability has yet to be released, but the basing decisions for the new bomber have been made. The first three units of B-21 will be based in Ellsworth AFB in South Dakota, currently operating the B-1B, which will become the first Main Operating Base and formal training unit for the new bomber. Whiteman AFB, in Missouri, currently operating the B-2, and Dyess AFB, Texas, where B-1B is presently deployed, will also base the B-21.

Plasan Delivers Sandcat EX11 Armored Vehicles to the IDF

By

Tamir Eshel

-

Nov 25, 2022

SandcatEX11-725 — The SandCat EX11 was designed and produced by Plasan, using commercial Ford F550 chassis, stripped off the standard body, and added the armored capsule designed by the company’s unique kitted-hull architecture enabling flexible configurations for different uses. Photo: Plasan via IMOD.

The Director of Procurement at Israel’s Ministry of Defense (IMOD) has purchased in an expedited procedure 50 wheeled armored personnel carriers following a request from the IDF to bolster the capabilities of increased operational tempo the IDF has experienced in recent months.

The SandCat EX11 was designed and produced by Plasan, using commercial Ford F550 chassis. The original vehicle was stripped of the standard body, and added the armored capsule designed with the company’s unique kitted-hull architecture, enabling flexible configurations for different uses. The vehicle carries up to 11 soldiers, two stretchers, and medics when configured into an ambulance. Israel’s border guards have already used a smaller version of the Sandcat armored vehicles since 2008.

The vehicle’s assembly was quick, with parts supplied from operational inventory, enabling rapid production ramp-up for initial deliveries and full order completion within a few weeks. “This is a significant and rapid procurement that brings an important operational capability to the field and immediately responds to the IDF needs of protected mobility.” Said Avi Dadon, Director of Procurement and Deputy Director of the MOD. The agreement with the Plasan also includes integrated logistics to support the vehicles, assuring the availability of the vehicle fleet.

[wlm_nonmember]Subscribe to read the full story[/wlm_nonmember][wlm_ismember]

Successors for Ze’ev and David

[/wlm_ismember]

Ze’ev (Wolf) armored vehicles in IDF service. Photo: via Wikipedia

The vehicle complements the Ze’ev (Wolf) armored vehicles the IDF has operated in these roles since 2006. These 8-ton vehicles were used extensively on border protection and supported IDF operations in urban terrain. [wlm_ismember]The spacious cabin with surrounding armored windows could carry up to 12 soldiers, offering a relatively high level of protection and good situational awareness. Ze’ev was developed in the early 2000s by the Hatehof armored vehicle manufacturer in cooperation with Rafael. The company changed its name to Carmor and reached liquidation in 2020 following a prolonged dispute with its former Turkish partner, BMC. The absence of a manufacturer prevented the IDF the possibility to buy more Ze’ev vehicles when the security situation deteriorated earlier in 2022.

In June this year, the IMOD launched the procurement of another armored vehicle, seeking a replacement for the David, a light armored vehicle originally based on the Land Rover Defender 110. In recent years the Defender chassis was replaced by a Toyota land Cruiser LC-79. While David was lighter and presumably more agile, the vehicle rapidly deteriorated due to extensive use and excessive weight.

In June 2022, the Israeli MOD selected the Terrier LT-79 from TAG as the vehicle for the Amitay 4×4 light armored vehicle program. Photo: TAG

IMOD has recently awarded a contract to the US-based TAG company to acquire Amitay 4×4 vehicles, an off-the-shelf version of TAG’s Terrier LT-79, a vehicle based on a Toyota-79 frame, to be used as successors of David vehicles. The three or five-door vehicle accommodates six soldiers and two crew members. The baseline armor complies with STANAG 4569 Level I (5.56MM/M-16) but can be upgraded with Level II (7.62 AK47) while maintaining most of the original payload capacity.

For the Amitay tender, TAG has teamed with IAI and Eltel, who will provide local service and support. In this program, TAG competed with two Israeli companies with US subsidiaries – Plasan, which offered the Hyrax based on a Mercedes Benz rolling chassis, and Shladot, the original manufacturer of the David, using the Toyota LC-76 as a baseline. Israel preferred having the vehicles manufactured in the US to qualify the program for US military support funding.

David, based on the LandRover Defender 110, was the first urban light armored vehicle designed specifically for this role. Photo: Wikipedia

[/wlm_ismember]

Coordinated Drone Attack Targets the Russian Black Sea Fleet at Sevastopol

By

Tamir Eshel

-

Oct 30, 2022

The drone attack on the Russian Navy’s main Black Sea port of Sevastopol on 29 October represents a new phase in the modern drone war. While suicide boat attacks have been known since WWII, the recent strike demonstrates the unique value and potential of such combined attacks by unmanned aerial and surface vehicles (UAVs and USVs).

According to Russian MOD, the attack involved nine unmanned aerial vehicles and seven unmanned strike boats. The Russians claim their naval forces destroyed four boats and three were destroyed from shore. Some of the boats directed their attack against the floating net boom in Yuzhnaya Bay. The Russian MOD admitted the boom was damaged by the attack. Another video captured by the USVs and released online shows the boat moving at a Russian combatant ship at high speed, with a Mi-8 helicopter engaging with machine gun fire and larger caliber fire from the shore or other vehicles splashing nearby. The attack boat managed to close in on the ship, a Project 11356R Admiral Grigorovich-class frigate. There are reports that Admiral Makarov, reportedly the Black Sea Fleet’s new flagship after the Project 1164 Slava-class cruiser Moskva sank in April, was damaged in the attack. The Russian Defense Ministry announced that the Natya-class minesweeper (Project 266M) “Ivan Golubets” of the Black Sea Fleet received “minor damage” in an apparent Ukrainian attack on targets in Sevastopol, Crimea.

According to the Russians, the Ukrainian 73rd Marine Special Operations Center was responsible for this operation, assisted by British specialists. If the attack came from the city of Ochakov, Mykolaiv region in Ukraine, as the Russians claim, the strike force had traveled undetected to Sevastopol in Crimea, navigating +150 kilometers of rough waters at the open sea to create havoc at the protected enemy harbor. The recent attack was not the first operation of USVs in the black sea; the first discovery of such an attack boat was reported on 21 September 2022, as one such boat beached and was discovered at Omega Bay, just outside the entrance to the harbor and is in an area used by the Russian Navy. This attack caused the Russian Navy to call off patrols in the open sea and locate its vessels behind booms and barriers of the military harbor. The recent attack exploited this situation.

The coordination of the air and maritime components enabled the attackers to obtain intelligence in real-time, confuse the enemy by creating chaos at the base, and enable the explosive-laden strike boats to close in on their targets with high precision, as can be seen from the videos showing the attacking boats moving at very close proximity to large naval combatants.

[wlm_nonmember]Subscribe to read the background analysis of this operation[/wlm_nonmember]

[wlm_ismember]The satellite communications terminal installed on board the attacking vessels enables operators to examine the scene in real-time and direct the attack boats to the targets of the highest priority. The mystery kayak discovered in Sevastopol in September had a Starlink terminal mounted at the aft of the boat, along with forward-looking daylight and thermal cameras.

The same configuration can be used by all boats or, otherwise, having several boats and UAS share the broadband satellite terminal using local wireless links. It is assumed that such a boat can carry a warhead weighing 70 kg, likely an aerial bomb or artillery shell. The current vessels use a Kayak type of boat as a platform, but in the future, it is conceivable that semi-submersible boats, like those used by Columbian drug smugglers, would be used, having a much lower radar and visual signature.

in the future, it is conceivable that semi-submersible boats, like those used by Columbian drug smugglers, would be used, having a much lower radar and visual signature.

This air and naval strike groups concept has important significance in future naval and coastal warfare. Leveraging the two-prone attack that complements the weaknesses of each element – vulnerability and lack of situational awareness of the surface vessels, and limited payload capacity and range of the aerial component. Together, a strike group provides the ability to obtain the situational picture in real-time, paving the way for the surface attack group by eliminating priority targets, enabling the surface vessels to coordinate their attacks and pursue their targets from different directions in a coordinated way.[/wlm_ismember]

High-Energy Laser Weapon Tested on a German Navy Frigate

By

Tamir Eshel

-

Oct 27, 2022

HEL-1021 — The HEL weapon demonstrator was then installed onboard the frigate Sachsen in Kiel. Photo: Rheinmetall.

The German Armed Forces have recently fired a shipboard laser weapon against aerial targets. At the test the German frigate Sachsen successfully engaged drones at a short and very short range. The test took place in the Baltic Sea near Putlos Major Training Area on August 30th, 2022. The high energy laser (HEL) weapon demonstrator paves the way for future naval weapon systems defending ships against drones and drone swarms as well as engaging attacking speed boat swarms at close and very close range. The technology is scalable to deliver higher output power, enabling it to destroy guided missiles and mortar rounds.

Testing of the high-energy laser weapon will continue until mid-2023. In subsequent test campaigns, new scenarios will challenge the demonstrator’s capabilities. The results will determine what still needs to be done on the path to a fully functional, operational laser weapon.

The laser weapon demonstrator was developed by the German ‘High-Energy Laser Naval Demonstrator working committee’ (“ARGE”), consisting of MBDA Deutschland GmbH and Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH. The work was evenly divided between the two companies. MBDA Deutschland provided the target detection and tracking systems and the operator console and linked the laser weapon demonstrator to the command-and-control system. Rheinmetall was responsible for the high-energy laser source and peripheral systems – turret slewing and beam guidance delivered the demonstrator container and provided the mechanical and electrical integration of the demonstrator onto the deck of the Sachsen.

The German frigate ‘Sachsen’ has successfully engaged drones at a short and very short range, using the High Power Laser (HEL) weapon demonstrator, seen in this picture on the vessel’s port side.

The integration and test phase started in November 2021 and concluded successfully with a factory acceptance test at Rheinmetall’s Unterlüß proving ground. The demonstrator was then installed onboard the frigate Sachsen in Kiel. In July 2022 the first test campaign took place in Eckernförde Bay near the Bundeswehr’s Technical Centre for Ships and Naval Weapons, Marine Technology and Research, WTD 71, in Surendorf. These trials verified the system’s sensors capabilities including the electro-optical sensor suite from the ARGE and the radar. In addition, the interplay between all the components and procedures in the entire operational sequence from target acquisition to engagement was put to the test. This final phase provided the opportunity to test the entire system, including the HEL, in multiple highly realistic engagement scenarios.

The high energy laser (HEL) weapon demonstrator paves the way for future naval weapon systems defending ships against drones and drone swarms as well as engaging attacking speed boat swarms at close and very close range.

As part of a test campaign in October 2022, proof has now been provided that dynamic targets can be successfully combated under realistic conditions.

“Due to its capabilities, a future system is particularly suitable for combating small and agile targets, such as drones or speedboats, at close and very close range. Defense against mortar shells and guided missiles is also conceivable,” says the responsible project manager at BAAINBw. “These tests lay the foundation for the possible development of an operational laser weapon system for the German Navy.”

The laser weapon demonstrator was developed by the German ‘High-Energy Laser Naval Demonstrator working committee’ (“ARGE”), consisting of MBDA Deutschland GmbH and Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH. The work was evenly divided between the two companies. MBDA Deutschland provided the target detection and tracking systems and the operator console and linked the laser weapon demonstrator to the command-and-control system. Rheinmetall was responsible for the high-energy laser source and peripheral systems – turret slewing and beam guidance delivered the demonstrator container and provided the mechanical and electrical integration of the demonstrator onto the deck of the Sachsen.

Hensoldt’s new Pointer to Improve Sensor-to-Shooter Engagement at Short Ranges

By

Tamir Eshel

-

Oct 21, 2022

SRP-1021image — The Short-Range Pointer (SRP) combines several sensors to enable fast and intuitive target acquisition at ranges up to 5,000 m. Photo: Defense-Update

The SRP combines INS, D-GNSS, stereoscopic viewer, and laser rangefinder to provide an accurate and intuitive target acquisition. Illustration: Hensoldt

Facing modern asymmetric threats, naval forces are often called to respond to surprise attacks launched at close range, with minimum alert leaving a very short time to respond. Such threats range from small, fast boats to unmanned underwater vehicles and suicide drones. Hensoldt has developed a handheld Short-Range Pointer (SRP) device that couples to remotely controlled weapon stations (RCWS) on board to significantly reduce the ‘sensor to shooter’ cycle. Unlike mechanized pointing devices using complex optomechanical systems, the handheld SRP can be pointed wherever the user can point and track the target at any posture (standing, laying, or pointing straight up, at any elevation, or bearing. This capability makes it uniquely effective as part of drone-defense measures.

The SRP uses a reflex sight similar to modern assault rifles to enable fast and intuitive target acquisition. Pulling the trigger, the SRP operator designates the target in his sight, sending instantaneously accurate target data – bearing, elevation and distance, to the RWS and Combat Management Center (CMS). Weighing less than 3 kg, the SRP features an accuracy of <1° bearing and elevation. The rangefinder can operate at distances up to 5,000 meters. The targeting information can automatically direct the weapon station to the designated target without the need to guide the weapon operator to the general target location. The weapon operator then pursues a precise engagement. Using SRP for situational awareness, the designations can point at potential targets and objects of interest without employing firepower.

The SRP can be used on board the ship or on other vessels up to 8 nm from the mother ship hosting the SRP base unit. The SRP uses an inertial measurement unit (IMU) and Differential local Navigation Satellite System (D-GNSS), a stereoscopic viewer, and an eye-safe laser rangefinder (LRF). The device can add additional sensors, such as night vision, using a Picatinny rail mounted on the top. It is coupled to the RWS and CMS via an encrypted wireless link.

The SRP LED data display shows target bearing, elevation, and range, and indicates the system’s status. Photo: Defense-Update

Sea Spider to Protect Surface Vessels from Submarine’s Attacks

By

Tamir Eshel

-

Oct 19, 2022

SEASPIDER-1021 — SEA SPIDER ON DISPLAY AT EURONAVAL 2022. Photo: Defense-Update

Updated May 2023: The torpedo threat is increasingly diverse. Heavyweight torpedoes differ in their propulsion types, the type and configuration of their sensors, and their guidance capability. Torpedo propulsion has seen great advances in recent years, with new records in range and speeds even for the “stealthy” electrically propelled torpedo. In sensors, the wake-homing torpedo is increasingly proliferated and fully impervious to legacy “softkill” torpedo defense technology. Digital torpedo-homing sonars provide high performance and are resistant to decoys and jammers. Wire guidance provides the “man in the loop” the capability to enhance torpedo performance and utilize advanced tactics. The most modern torpedoes combine these and other advances into the most dangerous threat to ships today.

Atlas Elektronik displayed the Sea Spider Anti-Torpedo Torpedo (ATT) at EuroNaval 2022. The system provides an effective, affordable hard-kill solution protecting surface ships against torpedo threats. Sea Spider actively seeks out attacking torpedoes to destroy the threat. Unlike decoy/jammer TD effectors, the operation of the ATT is independent of the attacking torpedoes’ mode of homing, guidance, or propulsion system. Sea Spider’s defensive capability detects wake-homing torpedoes and salvos, targeting each threat separately. Using a solid rocket propellant and maintaining low self-noise in the sonar frequencies, it is optimally suited for the anti-torpedo mission, including in shallow waters. The Sea Spider can be moving underwater at high speed to close in on the target rapidly. The Sea Spider weighs 107 kg, and measures 1.94 m’ in length and 210mm in diameter.

The Sea Spider system operates as part of an integrated torpedo defense system, offering rapid reaction time and effective close-in defensive capability. Using a high-frequency sonar is effective in deep or shallow littoral water and mitigates the impact of environmental effects that often degrade the performance of the torpedo detection capability.

In recent years the Sea Spider system has gone through extensive testing. In 2019 Atlas Elektronik announced the successful series of sea trials in cooperation with the German Bundeswehr Technical Center for ships and naval weapons, maritime technology, and research (WTD 71). By mid-2023 the system has passed several critical tests moving toward qualification. Fielding is expected by the second half of the decade.

The Sea Spider is launched under command from the torpedo defense system from surface-mounted launchers. Illustration: Atlas Elektronik

These tests demonstrated the full “sensor to shooter” functional chain of a hardkill surface ship torpedo defense system with Torpedo Detection, Classification, and Localisation (TDCL), optimized for fast maneuvering targets. It is equipped with self-neutralization and safety measures, preventing risks to surface targets. The SeaSpider Anti-Torpedo-Torpedo (ATT) has successfully been demonstrated on a surface ship.

In 2019 Atlas Elektronik Canada and Magellan Aerospace Corporation entered a design and development phase of the Sea Spider Anti Torpedo Torpedo (ATT) program. Under this cooperation, Magellan will lead the design and development of the torpedo’s underwater rocket motor and warhead sections. The initial CDN $19 million phase of the program was launched in January of that year and is expected to conclude in 2023.

Surface launch of Sea Spider anti-Torpedo Torpedoes. Photo: Atlas Elektronik

Israel Shipyards Unveil the New SAAR 80 Class Corvette

By

Tamir Eshel

-

Oct 19, 2022

SAAR-S-80-1021 — SAAR S80. Illustration: Israel Shipyards.

Israel Shipyards today at the Euronaval 2022 exhibition a new variant of its SAAR class corvette line – the SAAR S-80. The new vessel is based on the company’s S-72 RESHEF Class corvette, which serves in the Israel Navy as a Light Patrol and advanced multi-role vessel. The S-80 improves on its predecessor by minimizing radar cross section (RCS), and allocating larger deck space for weapon systems. Depending on the operational requirements, the platform can be configured into Corvette or OPV versions. Israel Shipyards intends to make the new S80 its flagship vessel for the next decade, serving the needs of the Israeli and foreign navies.

“The ship is designed for stealth, agility, and ruling the seas with cutting edge capabilities required in future combat scenarios.”, says Mr. Eitan Zucker, the company’s CEO “The S80 ship will enable navies to effectively protect their country’s sovereignty, maintain their economic waters, and win naval battles in times of war. The S80 has the
endurance to operate in the open sea and control the littoral. All this with optimal cost-benefit ratio.”

Compared to the S-72, the new generation of the S-80 class features greater versatility and higher payload capacity, with increased weapon suite capacity and a wider spread of Electronic Warfare (EW) systems as part of the platform offensive advantages. The ship is also capable of supporting special forces operations.

The S80 measures 80m long and 11 m wide, with a displacement of 1,000 tons; she is powered by four diesel engines, driving two controllable pitch propellor systems through two shaft lines. With this propulsion system, the S80 develops a top speed exceeding 28 knots. The vessel can operate at 3,500 nm (at a speed of 12 Kt.)The vessel offers a state-of-the-art ship control system with advanced health management capability.

S80 has a displacement of 1,000 tons. Traveling at a speed of 12 kt. it has an operating range of 3,500 nm. Illustration: Israel Shipyards

UAVs to Deploy BAE Systems’ Depth Charges

By

Tamir Eshel

-

Oct 18, 2022

BAE-Depth-Charge-1021 — BAE Systems is developing a depth charge to be deployed from UAVs. Photo: Defense-Update

BAE Systems is developing a new type of depth charge designed for deployment from UAVs. This next-generation depth charge consists of a small metallic cylindrical container packing an explosive charge and a triggering mechanism that activates the blast at the designated depth. The explosion has a kill radius of 10 – 15 meters against divers and other soft targets (UUV, for example). The charges are contained in a small pod carried by unmanned aerial vehicles. They can be deployed in hover, or in horizontal flight motion, to achieve optimal coverage of the suspected target.

With a capacity of six depth charges the system can be carried as part of a mission payload on rotary-wing UAS securing a naval vessel protection zone and defending against swimmers or divers. The use of UAVs extends the effect of depth charges well beyond the close range achieved by throwing grenades or launching depth charges from the vessel or offshore platform.

The deployment of depth charges can be coordinated with input from diver alert systems or other underwater security systems that detect diver activity in the vicinity of the protected area.

BAE Systems displayed the new weapon at the Euronaval 2022 exhibition held this week in France. The weapon is in an advanced development phase and has already attracted customer interest, for its ability to enhance counter-diver security in coastal and shallow waters.

SHARK – A Smart Weapon Station for Light Boats

By

Tamir Eshel

-

Oct 17, 2022

Shark2-1021 — The SHARK remotely operated weapon station is optimized for operation on manned and unmanned assault boats and RHIB. Illustration: General Robotics

Naval commandos rely on stealth and surprise to get close to the enemy, strike swiftly, and disengage. For these attributes, they rely on submersible vehicles or Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats – RHIB, small and fast boats, to bring them close to the target with the firepower they need. However, due to the size of these boats, naval commandos cannot use many of the sophisticated weapons employed on larger platforms. That is precisely where General Robotics’ new SHARK Remotely Controlled Weapon Station (RCWS) comes into effect.

SHARK addresses the need for SOF to operate their weapons on small boats. These compact boats move at high speed and agility. Yet, the constantly moving platform degrades fire accuracy with conventional weapon mounts, requiring operators to get dangerously close to the enemy to deliver the desired effects. Crews on larger boats often operate stabilized weapon stations to improve fire accuracy, but these systems are much larger and heavier for RHIBs. To meet this challenge, General Robotics has introduced the SHARK, a unique RCWS that applies to naval roles, from special operations to law enforcement interception, including interception, coastal security, counter-terror, and anti-piracy activities.

“We designed SHARK to meet the specific requirements of naval commandos and SEALS,” Shahar Gal, General Robotics’ CEO, said. Addressing the most demanding needs of Naval Special Warfare (NSW), SHARK was designed and tested with users and experts from the local and international NSW community. SHARK fits on small manned and unmanned naval vessels, NSW boats, and raiding crafts to deliver versatile and accurate firepower. At a net weight of 85 kg (without weapons or ammunition), SHARK is much lighter and smaller than other naval weapon stations. Built as a rugged, robust, seaworthy system, it is versatile enough to operate remotely on a cluttered deck, scoring direct hits at a sea state up to 3, where the platform and targets constantly move.

The new SHARK is based on General Robotics’ combat-proven Pitbull RCWS. “We developed the SHARK prototype as a robust yet lightweight system offering seamless remote operation by a single operator with some special adaptations for naval use and NSW concepts of operation,” Gal said, adding that the prototype was further refined based on feedback from our customers and partners following extensive field trials, further maturing SHARK for fielding.

The SHARK is operated remotely via the remote control unit (RCU). Photo: General Robotics

SHARK uses dual-axis electro-mechanical stabilization coupled with automatic tracking, video motion detection, and fire control for accurate weapon laying to deliver fast and precise firepower. This feature improves its capability to compensate for motions induced by the sea waves, platform, and target movements to engage moving targets.

But that isn’t all. When the operator presses the trigger, the AI-driven fire control runs a target prediction algorithm to align the projectile’s path and the target’s expected location and points the weapon in that direction. Only then is a burst fired. This technique has demonstrated hit accuracy of about 70 percent. This unique capability enables SHARK to be used as a naval Counter-UAS weapon. The SHARK can be mounted in this role with an optional Anti-Drone Jammer used as a ‘soft kill’ C-UAS.

Weapon control is done locally or remotely through an intuitive touch screen tablet encased in a jacket providing the intuitive operating and safety buttons for the “Point & Shoot” control. Another feature added to SHARK that benefits remote operators is the rear camera, providing the operator with a point of view to assess the weapon status and overcome malfunctions associated with the ammunition, weapon, or mount.

The integration on USV poses additional challenges since the boat’s cluttered deck and constant movement add to a situational awareness complexity, restricting the sectors of fire the weapon can use. SHARK is built for platform-independent operation; it maintains an autonomous situational awareness that includes built-in Anti-Collision functions and multiple Fire Inhibiting Zones (FIZ) and is integrated with other systems onboard. Optional integration with onboard radar enables SHARK to detect and alert hostile fires aimed at the unmanned platform and take responding measures accordingly.

The system’s size, weight, and power (SWaP) make SHARK particularly suitable for Naval Special Warfare (NSW) crafts, RHIB, and other manned or unmanned raiding crafts. It enables the crew to maximize the effect of small caliber weapons such as the 40mm automatic grenade launchers, 0.5″ heavy machine guns, and 7.62mm light machine guns.

As a veteran of Israel’s navy, Gal is accustomed to the marine environment, a knowledge that shaped the system’s design optimization to increase operational flexibility, reduce the size and weight saving, and improve reliability. “At the bottom line, the reduced weight and size derive significant benefits,” said Gal, “It means SHARK can be mounted on smaller boats and handle the recoil loads with less weight and energy. As a result, SHARK consumes less power and delivers higher accelerations, resulting in better accuracy and agility. It can be used as a stand-alone system with its sensors or integrated with other sensors onboard. In this way, we offer tailor-made combat solutions to meet the unique requirements of our customers.”

The reduced weight and size derive significant benefits. It means SHARK can be mounted on smaller boats and handle the recoil loads with less weight and energy. As a result, SHARK consumes less power and delivers higher accelerations, resulting in better accuracy and agility. Photo: General Robotics

Thai Navy to Operate Hermes-900 on Maritime Surveillance and SaR Missions

By

Tamir Eshel

-

Sep 28, 2022

Hermes900-1021 — Hermes 900. Photo: IAF Magazine

Elbit Systems has received a contract valued at $120 million to supply Hermes 900 Maritime Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and training capabilities to the Royal Thai Navy. The contract will be performed over three years.

Under the contract, the Israeli company will provide the Royal Thai Navy with the UAS systems comprising aerial vehicles configured for maritime surveillance, with maritime radar, Electro-Optic (EO) payload, satellite communication, droppable inflated life rafts, and other capabilities. The Hermes 900 Maritime UAS is intended to enable the Royal Thai Navy to perform both blue water and littoral missions, dominate vast swathes of sea and long coastlines, communicate with operational vessels, and carry out civilian missions such as maritime Search and Rescue (SaR) and identification of suspicious activities and potential hazards at sea.

The Hermes 900 Maritime Patrol can operate in adverse weather conditions both day and night and can carry up to 4 life-rafts. Using its radar, it detects survivor situations. Then, its Electro-Optic/Infra-Red (EO/IR) payload will provide visual identification, and a calculation of the drop-point, to dispatch life rafts from a low-altitude of 600ft to a pin-pointed location at a safe distance from the survivors. The introduction of the unique lifesaving capability, along with survivor detection and identification capabilities and precision dispatch of live rafts enables it to perform long-range maritime SaR missions.

Hermes 900 Maritime Patrol can carry up to four, six-person life-rafts that are integrated on its wings.

On Maritime Patrol Hermes 900 can carry up to four, six-person life-rafts that are integrated on its wings. The drone can deliver the payload from a low-altitude of 600ft to a pin-pointed location at a safe distance from the survivors. A gradual inflation process of the life-rafts is initiated after dispatch and is completed upon landing.

UAS of the Hermes family has been selected to date by more than 20 customers including Israel, the UK, Switzerland, Canada, the United Nations, the European Union, Brazil, Chile, and Mexico. “This is yet another vote of confidence in the Hermes family of UAS. We are experiencing a growing global demand for our unmanned solutions that are capable of effective integration with operational activities of manned forces across domains of operation, addressing a wide range of evolving threats.” Yoram Shmuely, General Manager of Elbit Systems Aerospace, said.

IDF Fields Thousands of Interactive Information Devices Assisting Dismounted Leaders

By

Tamir Eshel

-

Sep 28, 2022

Orion-1021 — IDF Acquires thousands PDA devices with Asio's C3I Orion applications to enhance planning, communications and battle management for dismounted team leaders.

Israel Defense Forces have received thousands of ORION Systems from Asio Technologies, providing smartphone-based hand-held interactive information devices for junior officers and team leaders. The ‘Olar’ and ‘Amud’ systems, as the IDF calls them, is designed as rugged and secured mobile device based on the Android platform. The system enables mission planning, navigation, positioning, and enhanced situational awareness using a three dimensional GIS database and Augmented Reality (AR) capabilities.

The system provides a scalable, multilayered, networked situational awareness solution with an intuitive and interactive interface. It operates online and offline, serving the individual soldier or commander up to the battalion level, allowing them to get real-time updates from each other, exchange regarding locations of friendly forces, handoff hostile locations, and additional mission-critical information.

Performing functions similar to the US Army Android Tactical Assault Kit (ATAK), the Orion system communicates and interfaces with other ASIO Technologies tactical solutions, such as the LYNX tactical hand-held day/night situation awareness system and RIGEL tactical smartwatch, to provide a fully integrated tactical combat suit for ground forces.

Using the Android platform, ORION enables mission planning, navigation, positioning, and enhanced situational awareness using the GIS database and Augmented Reality (AR) capabilities. Photo: Asio Technologies

Israel’s Rafael Acquires British Land Systems’ Specialist Pearson Engineering

By

Tamir Eshel

-

Sep 28, 2022

DVD-Pearson-rafael — Executive teams from Pearson-Engineering and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems have met at the recent DVD2022 event to advance the acquisition sealed today. Photo: Pearson Engineering

Israel’s defense company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. has completed the acquisition of the British defense specialist company Pearson Engineering Ltd. The acquisition was executed under a stock purchase agreement (SPA), transferring 100% of the ownership. The acquisition includes Pearson’s metalworks subsidiary company Responsive Engineering Ltd.

According to M.G (ret.) Yoav Har-Even, RAFAEL’S President and CEO, this acquisition is part of RAFAEL’s continued strategic investments to transfer cutting-edge, state-of-the-art technologies, products, and systems into the United Kingdom, addressing UK national security and economic interests. “Until recently, most of RAFAEL’s operations in the UK were in partnership with UK prime contractors, with the majority of workshare manufactured in Israel,” Har-Even said. “By acquiring Pearson and Responsive Engineering we will be able to enhance and expand manufacturing capabilities in the UK, thus strengthening our UK supply chain to better support our customers, especially the UK MOD and British armed forces. This will lead to a significant increase in the number of jobs in Newcastle and will build strong links with academic institutions throughout the UK and specifically in North East England.” Har-Even said.

“RAFAEL’s ambition for Pearson and Responsive brings valuable growth and stability for our employees, our trusted supply partners in the region, and the wider community in the North East. It will undoubtedly create more jobs and generate exciting career opportunities within both companies”, Craig Priday, Pearson Engineering Managing Director added.

[wlm_nonmember]Subscribe to read the background analysis of this acquisition[/wlm_nonmember]

[wlm_ismember]According to Dr. Ran Gozali, EVP, GM Land and Naval Division for RAFAEL, The UK MOD Challenger 3 program already reflects a point of synergy for the team. Pearson and Responsive are manufacturing the tank’s turret structures and, supported by RAFAEL, Pearson will be able to locally manufacture and integrate the TROPHY active protection system, providing the highest level of protection to the crew.” Both companies have been working with prime contractor RBSL on the £800m program to upgrade 148 Challenger Main Battle Tanks (MBT) into the Mk3 standard by 2027. In March 2022 RBSL awarded a circa £25 million supplier contract to Pearson Engineering to fabricate the turret structures for the British Army’s Challenger 3 Main Battle Tank. Rafael’s TROPHY system will be integrated into the turret of this tank.

The synergy between the companies can grow further with Pearson’s extensive battlefield mobility support capabilities, especially with NATO armies addressing assault battlefield shaping, gap crossing, obstacle, and minefield breaching capabilities as part of expanding NATO’s land forces warfighting capabilities implementing lessons learned from the war in Ukraine.[/wlm_ismember]

RAFAEL is a world-renowned, Israeli-based defense contractor specializing in cutting-edge, innovative defense systems. Spanning many areas of defense, Rafael’s land systems activities include the development and production of ballistic and active protection systems, development, design, production, and integration of turrets for armored vehicles, counter IEDs, missiles, and more. Rafael is Israel’s third largest defense company, with 8,000+ employees and over 30 subsidiaries worldwide, serving the defense, security, and aerospace markets. As a global organization, Rafael has bolstered its presence in its main markets including the US, India, South Korea, and most European NATO member countries. The acquisition will expand its presence in the UK, where RAFAEL already has significant projects underway. Pearson Engineering will be joining the RAFAEL UK group. The move received approval from the UK Ministry of Defence and the Israeli Ministry of Defense.

Yemeni Houthis Display Iranian Drones and Loitering Missiles

By

D. Zeevi

-

Sep 27, 2022

New ballistic, cruise and loitering missiles were shown by the Houthis in the recent military parade in Sanaa, Yemen. We reviewed the new cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, and naval attack weapons in three recent posts. Parallel to the development of ballistic missiles, Iran is pursuing various types of aerial weapons based on unmanned aerial systems technologies.

Shahed 131 and 136 are two models that have recently captured media attention. Still, these simple and rudimentary delta-winged ‘flying bombs’ are only one type of a wide family of loitering weapons that Iran has used to hit targets far beyond its borders, dating back to the attack on Saudi oil fields in 2019.

Among many types of loitering missiles and attack drones displayed was the local version of the Iranian Shahed 136 – the Wa’id, new models of Samad and Qhasef, loitering missiles, Rased weaponized mini-drones, VTOL variant of Mersad-2, and the Masir hexacopter weaponized drone that was also demonstrated in formation flight.

[wlm_nonmember]Please subscribe to read the full article.

[/wlm_nonmember]
[wlm_ismember]

Wa’id, the Houthi version of Iran’s Shahed 136 drone missile.

As a simple weapon that requires minimal know-how and components for assembly, Shahed 136 is rapidly becoming a popular export item. Among the first customers are The Houthis in Yemen, designated Wa’id, Russia (where it is called Geran-1). Tajikistan is also planning to assemble Iranian strike drones.

These missiles employ simple but effective techniques to perform such long-range missions. Using a Rocket Assisted Take Off (RATO) and powered by an internal combustion engine (ICE) and flown by an autopilot using a commercial global satellite navigation system (GNSS) and inertial measurement systems, these drones fly a preprogrammed path to hit a target as far as 1000 km (some sources indicate up to 2,500 km, but these ranges haven’t been verified). Unlike the Israeli Harop, Shahid 136 doesn’t have a payload for target identification and terminal homing, as it relies only on GNSS for the target data and does not require an active control channel to control the drone. This makes this weapon relatively immune to electronic attack, yet it is vulnerable to GPS spoofing. Such countermeasures may divert the missile from its intended target but wouldn’t prevent it from hitting other targets in an urban area.

Samad-1 guided missile drone. Note the RATO launch tube below each drone.

Qasef-2 loitering weapons equipped with camera and remote control.

Apart from the Wa’id, the Houthis displayed other propeller-driven missiles, including models having integrated electro-optical guidance. Among these is the Qasef 2, an electrically powered drone having a cruciform tail and overhead wing, using a built-in camera and two-way radio control for observation, targeting, and attack. A slightly larger version of the attack UAV is Samad, which comes in a V-tail configuration. Samad also uses RATO and ICE propulsion and, with a larger platform and larger wingspan provides much longer endurance, range, and payload weight. It comes with a GNSS-only guided variant or GNSS plus EO version providing higher precision and the possibility to pursue moving targets on land and at sea.

Samad-2 loitering weapon uses ICE for long endurance and a camera for reconnaissance and terminal targeting.

Target acquisition can be provided to the loitering weapon’s controllers using the Mersad-2 vertical takeoff and landing drones. These drones are based on reverse engineering the American Scan Eagle drones the Iranians captured several years ago. The fuselage bears some lineage to the Scan Eagle, but the wings are not swept as the American design. The drone uses an ICE as the main propulsion. Adding four electrical motors on the tail booms provide VTOL capability and enables the drone to deploy from unprepared sites.

Qasef-2K loitering missile is the Houthi version of the Iranian Ababil-2. These weapons carry a warhead weighing about 50 kg and have a range of 150-200 km; used in attacks against Saudi Arabia. These attack drones were also transferred to Hezbollah (named Mirsad-1) in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza.

The Rased is an electrically powered miniature rail-launched remotely controlled drone that has a built-in chin-mounted camera. These pictures show they can carry a small bomb, which is dropped by remote control.

Masir is a six-rotor drone equipped with a payload carrying assembly that can carry multiple bombs. Various payloads are seen on this parade display.

The Houthis have also displayed the Al-Masir Hexarotor multirotor drone. This aerial vehicle is geared to carry different payloads, including various mortar bombs and grenades that can be selectively dropped upon command by the operator. During the parade in Sanaa, five Al- Masir drones performed formation flights over the crowd, with the drones carrying what looked like bombs or dummy bombs. Three of those drones flew in a close formation, demonstrating what could be an automated formation control (swarm?).

a formation flight of five Masir drones, the upper photo shows a close formation of three drones, and the lower shows a dynamic formation change in flight.

[/wlm_ismember]

Related posts in this report:

Defense-UpdateMilitary Technology & Defense News

Defense-UpdateMilitary Technology & Defense News

APS – A Maturing Protection Capability

A New Design for the Flying Wing

Open Systems Architecture

Successors for Ze’ev and David

EDITOR PICKS

POPULAR POSTS

POPULAR CATEGORY