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Russia Confirms Tsirkon Hypersonic Missile Test

By
Tamir Eshel
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A 3M22 Tsirkon hypersonic cruise missile launched from a 3S14 universal missile launcher on the Russian Navy frigate Admiral Gorshkov. 6 October 2020. Photo: Russian MOD
The Tsirkon missile launched from the vertical launcher of Admiral Gorshkov. After clearing the launcher the solid rocket starts and performs two kicks orienting the missile on its course, ascending to 28 kilometers before diving to hit its target at the Barents Sea, 450 km away. Photo: Russian MOD

On 6 October, the Russian Ministry of Defence successfully tested the Tsirkon hypersonic missile. The tests were carried out from the waters of the White Sea, from the “Admiral Gorshkov” frigate. The test is the latest in a series of qualification tests (state tests) of the hypersonic anti-ship missile developed for the Russian Navy and the first performed from a combat vessel at sea.

The news was announced on 7 October 2020, by the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces Valery Gerasimov during a meeting with President Vladimir Putin. All pre-launch and flight stages were fulfilled and the test culminated with an accurate hit on target. General Gerasimov told Mr. Putin. Vladimir Putin praised the successful test as an extraordinary event for Russia and its armed forces, getting the newest weapon systems, unparalleled globally, ensuring its defense capabilities for the long term.

According to the data given by Gerasimov, during the tests, the missile’s flight range was 450 km, the missile ascended to a maximum altitude of 28 kilometers (91,000 ft), and continued the flight to a total time of 4.5 minutes, achieving a maximum hypersonic speed of more than Mach 8.

The missile is expected to undergo more test flights from surface ships and submarines. The project 885M submarine Kazan has been preparing for the first launch of a Tsirkon in 2020. Following the completion of the tests, Tsirkon will be cleared to equip some of the designated platforms. These vessels include ten Project 22350 ships, the second in this class was commissioned in July 2020, with eight more to be commissioned yearly until 2027.


These vessels are designed to carry 24 launchers, compared to 16 carried on the Gorshkov and the three follow-on frigates of the class. Future Project 22350M frigates will be able to carry 48 missile launchers. Other platforms likely to receive Tsirkon are the nuclear-powered battlecruisers Admiral Nakhimov and Pyotr Veliky, each carrying 80 launchers, and the Yasen class attack submarine Severodvinsk. Coastal defense configurations are also planned, similar to Yakhont land-based variant Bastion.

3M22 Tsirkon achieves hypersonic speed by using a SCRAMJET engine. This type of engine uses the shockwave to compress the fuel and air, instead of the ramjet used on the P-800 Onyx, that slow the airflow in the engine to subsonic speed, thus limiting the missile’s speed.

Comparison of turbine (a), ramjet (b) and scramjet (c) propulsion.

Tsirkon Hypersonic Anti-Ship Missile

Tsirkon (also spelled Zirkon Циркон, in Russian) is a two-stage missile that uses solid fuel in the first stage and a scramjet (supersonic-combustion ramjet) motor in the second stage. The missile is designed by the Russian NPO-Machinostroeniya complex, the developer of the P-800 Onyx naval missile system and its predecessor, P-700 Granit. The missile received the NATO reporting name SS-N-33.

Believed to be the world’s fastest missile, Tsirkon outpaces western air defenses flying at twice the speed. Another feature making it hard to defeat is the typical plasma cloud developed around the missile during the hypersonic flight. This plasma cloud absorbs radar radiation making the missile invisible to the radar. If the missile develops hypersonic speed below the radar horizon, Tsirkon can conduct a surprise attack from a maximum range, with missiles detectable only at a much shorter range by imaging (thermal) sensors, such as those deployed on early-warning satellites, F-35 aircraft, and drones.

[wlm_ismember]With the initial fielding of KH47M2 Kinzhal air-launched hypersonic missiles and qualification of the Tsirkom, the Russians have matured hypersonic flight well beyond the USA. Although Washington has spent billions on hypersonic research, the Pentagon is not expecting to have such technology in a technological readiness level as mature as the Russian systems. To stem the threat, DOD is considering the parallel development of hypersonic weapons for defensive and offensive purposes.

An X-51A WaveRider hypersonic flight test vehicle is uploaded to an Air Force Flight Test Center B-52 for fit testing at Edwards Air Force Base on July 17, 2009. Four scramjet-powered Waveriders were built for the Air Force. The Air Force Research Laboratory, DARPA, Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, and Boeing are partners on the X-51A technology demonstrator program. Photo: US Air Force.

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[wlm_ismember]Admiral Gorshkov is the lead ship of Project 22350 multi-mission frigate program, commissioned in 2018. Equipped with two 8-cell 3S-14 universal shipborne launchers, the vessel can carry and launch the Tsirkon hypersonic weapon, P-800 Onyx (Yakhont) supersonic anti-ship weapons, and 3M14/54 Kalibr cruise missiles. Compared to the Onyx, Tsirkon climbs twice as high as the Onyx, where it can reach a speed four times faster, and cover 50 percent longer than Onyx. Therefore, Tsirkon is expected to replace the Onyx on platforms carrying the universal launcher system, where Tsirkon will be stocked with the subsonic Kaliber land-attack cruise missiles that have a much longer range.

Stacked to form 16, 24, or 48 cell batteries the 3S-14 launchers are operational on Russian Navy Project 22350 frigates and are being fitted to two the two Russian battlecruisers – Pyotr Veliky and Admiral Nakhimov. The first of the two modernized battlecruisers is expected to carry the Tsirkon as it joins the Navy in two years. Each battlecruiser has enough space to accommodate ten 3S-14 multiple launchers, with a total capacity of 80 missiles.

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Skylord Keeps Warfighters Safe in the Heat of Battle

By
Tamir Eshel
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Sending machines to battle, instead of human operators, sounds like science fiction, but this is precisely what XTEND’s Skylord does today. While the current Skylord family members do not shoot weapons, they perform missions in hazardous conditions, enabling their human operators ‘sit inside’ the drones and perform the mission remotely. This telepresence technology disrupts HLS, military, and first responder’s markets, making the need to risk lives obsolete.

The SkyLord family employs XTEND’s edge technology with cognitive skills to safely perform dangerous missions. “The system uses augmented reality (AR) guidance and control technology to enable an operator to perform complex missions with great ease and precision, using an AR vision system and a single-handed controller.” Said Aviv Shapira, XTEND CEO. “This telepresence interface enables operators to immerse themselves and “step into” a remote reality and engage targets effectively yet safely.”

“This joint activity implements novel technological capabilities taken from the field of AR, from the world of gaming,” said Lt. Col. Menachem Landau, Head of the UAV Branch in the Directorate of Defense Research and Development (DDR&D) of Israel’s Ministry of Defense. According to XTEND, only a few hours are required to master a flight, and, within a few days, soldiers can achieve initial operational capability with the system. “It enables troops to employ intuitive, battle-proven, and precise systems, following a minimum training period, to engage hostile flying objects such as drones.”

The system uses AR (augmented reality) guidance and control technology to enable an operator to perform complex missions with great ease and precision, using an AR vision system and a single-handed controller. Photo: XTEND.
The entire system packs into a backpack, including the controller and AR viewer, weighing less than two kilograms. Photo: XTEND

SkyLord provides a common drone operating system enabling a single operator control of different drone platforms and missions. The current technology enables a single operator to control single or multiple drones. The patent-pending technology developed by XTEND is also designed to support the management and swarm layering, autonomous flight, and drone-team mission management.

Skylord uses an integrated sensor and payload system, provided as part of the system. Computer vision processing of onboard camera feeds perform simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) calculations, enabling the drone to self localize in space. Additional processing using machine learning performs heuristic predictive visual and spatial analytics, enabling the drone to understand complex spatial relations with obstacles, and targets, thus follow operator directions and intent. While operation and control are best performed using VR, providing the most efficient and accurate means of control. By adapting communications techniques, using video compression and decompression, and optimizing interface, XTEND managed to overcome latency to comfortable levels. The sensor feeds from the drone can be displayed on tablets, eyepieces, and wrist displays. The entire system, including the controller and AR viewer, weigh less than two kilograms.

The Skylord family comprises three platforms – Xtender, Hunter, and Wolverine, each is designed to perform a specific mission set.

a mini tablet-sized drone powered by four ducted rotors, Xtender is designed for indoor surveillance. Photo: XTEND.

Xtender – a mini tablet-sized (25 cm) drone powered by four ducted rotors, Xtender is designed for indoor surveillance. The onboard cameras are used for localization and orientation, obstacle management, and situational awareness. Xtender packs powerful indoor navigation capabilities in a small form factor; AR telepresence enables human operators to ‘sit inside’, navigating the drone into the confined spaces, moving ahead of an assault team as they enter to clear a building in close-quarter combat (CQB).

“Using intuitive AR control, operators can easily ‘slide’ under sofas or through narrow spaces, flying through galleries or underground spaces.” Ido Baron, VP Business Development told Defense-Update. “Designed for operation in close quarters, Xtender is equipped with communications to maintain a stable link with the lead section through several floors.” When missions extend over more complex indoors, several Xtender drones will be able to implement a MESH network to cover a larger indoor space.

Wolverine is the heavier member of the family, equipped with a mechanical arm that can grip packages or sling loads, lifting 3 kg. Photo: XTEND.

Wolverine is the heavier member of the family, equipped with a mechanical arm that can grip packages or sling loads, lifting 3 kg. The Wolverine has been operational and has performed in over 100 counter-IED missions. The drone can deliver cargo within 10 centimeters of its designated target, thus safely manipulate suspected explosive device scenes, clearing within seconds events that would have taken hours to solve.

During the recent demonstration in Spain, XTEND performed ‘kinetic intercepts’ intercepting the target drone before entering into the airspace of the protected airport perimeter using the Hunter C-UAS Net. Photo: XTEND.

Hunter: A multi-purpose drone system, the Hunter has been used primarily in Counter-UAV missions. This combat-proven system has been fielded with the Israeli military. It is undergoing testing as part of an operational pilot program launched by the US Combating Terrorism Technical Support Office (CTTSO).

Under the program, XTEND is delivering dozens of systems, each weighing less than two kilograms, comprising three drones, an virtual reality viewing system, and a hand controller. The drone can be used for surveillance, dashing to its target at 150 km/h. It can also perform drone interceptor missions using a specially designed C-UAS net. For that mission, the Hunter is flown toward its target dragging a net; as it gets closer to the target, the drone takes a course that brings the net to entangle with the target drone. The net is detached from the Hunter that continues its flight and lands safely near the operator.

Hunter drone-defeating capabilities demonstrated to Spanish personnel as part of an evaluation event hosted by the Spanish Ministries of Interior and Defense in Asturias Airport, Spain. Photo: XTEND.

According to Shapira, since the interceptor drone is fully controlled throughout the mission, Hunter provides a simple, safe, and cost-effective C-UAS hard-kill solution. Hunter was proven in over 2,500 successful intercepts over the border with Gaza, where it was deployed against hostile drones and incendiary devices. Since the Hunter drone remains intact through the intercept, and the net assembly can be reused, the system has a low cost per intercept. Among those that have seen extensive use, single Hunter platforms have downed more than 90 targets without a loss.

XTEND, the Skylord drone family’s Israeli developer, demonstrated drone-defeating capabilities to Spanish authorities as part of an evaluation event hosted by the Spanish Ministries of Interior and Defense in Asturias Airport, Spain. The event featured 16 counter-drone technologies; each company had to perform several tests to demonstrate how they maintain their designated area security and defeat hostile drones while being compatible with the airport’s operational communication and navigation services. According to Shapira, XTEND performed ‘kinetic intercepts’ intercepting the target drone before entering into the airspace of the protected airport perimeter. Shapira concluded, “The successful evaluation here shows the way we can revolutionize how airports can survey and protect their airspace from drones and other aerial threats that place aircraft at risk.”

AeroVironment Introduces a New Loitering Weapon Addressing Army, Marine Corps Evolving Needs

By
Tamir Eshel
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AeroVironment introduces the Switchblade 600 loitering weapon. Illustration: AeroVironment
Wahid Nawab, AeroVironment’s President & CEO introduces Switchblade 600 at a video press conference.

Aerovironment (AV) announced today expanding its loitering weapon family, as it introduced the Switchblade 600 – the largest weapon in the family announced to date. The new weapon employs the tube-launched, collapsible wing, electric propulsion architecture as Switchblade 300, and its Blackwing variant.

With longer range, extended mission endurance, and multi-purpose warhead Switchblade 600 expand the warfighter’s capability engaging larger, hardened targets at greater distances. According to AeroVironment, the Switchblade 600 has been funded in part by an unnamed customer that expressed interest in the system for several years. The program began in 2014 and achieved the first flight within a year. Completing development, it entered flight testing in 2019 and is currently in low-rate production for yet unnamed DOD customers. The system is intended to achieve initial operational capability (IOC) early in 2021.

At that time the new system is scheduled to perform flight demonstrations for the US Marine Corps, as part of the down-select of a single vendor for the Organic Precision Fires – Mounted (OPF-M) loitering weapon system destined to equip the corps’ Light Armored Reconnaissance (LAR) battalions. The corps eyes OPF-M as a weapon or system of systems comprised of reconnaissance, battle management, communications, and loitering weapons that enable precision fire effects ranging far beyond today’s LAR weapon systems, reaching as far as 100 km.

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The specs of Switchblade 600 are set to match the US Army SMAM requirement. Illustration: US Army

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The specs of Switchblade 600 are set to match the US Army SMAM requirement. Illustration: US Army

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The US Army also seeks loitering weapons capabilities beyond the current LMAMS, Single Multi-mission Attack Missile (SMAM) is a 35km range precision loitering munition. For SMAM the Army eyes a loitering weapon effective at ranges beyond 35 km. The weapon would be a man-portable, tube-launched weapon weighing 50-70 pounds (22-32 kg), controlled from a tablet relaying the drone’s video feed and switch between flight modes – transit, loiter, and attack.

“Since pioneering the loitering missile category with Switchblade 300 more than 10 years ago, AeroVironment has worked with multiple new customers to develop scalable variants that could address new mission requirements,” said Wahid Nawabi, AeroVironment president and chief executive officer. “Now that Switchblade 300 has been adopted by the U.S. Army for its LMAMS program, our customers are eager to deploy Switchblade 600 because it can address larger, hardened targets in a more precise, rapid and cost-effective manner than legacy missile systems. We anticipate continued expansion of our family of loitering missile systems to help our customers proceed with certainty across a broader set of missions.”
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Illustration of the Switchblade 600. The new weapon packs a Jevelin warhead that is four times larger than the one used on the ‘300, adding anti-armor capability. Compared to the Javelin, Switchblade can attack targets at a much longer range and offers the unique capability to ‘wave off’ or abort an attack if needed. Source: AeroVironment

Switchblade 600 is a man-portable, rapidly deployable, extended-range precision strike loitering missile for non-line-of-sight hardened targets. Combining reconnaissance and target acquisition capabilities in a compact, simple to use weapon system, loitering weapons such as the Switchblade 600 deliver an unprecedented combination of precision, control, and effects on the target, addressing missions previously performed with ‘fire and forget’ legacy missile systems. According to Nawabi, these legacy weapons represent more than $1 billion in U.S. Department of Defense procurement appropriations in the fiscal year 2020 that could be disrupted by the new loitering weapon. “The result of our continued innovation at the intersection of robotics, sensors, software analytics and connectivity, Switchblade 600 offers next-generation capabilities to our customers for operations against any adversary, in any threat environment,” Nawabi said.

[wlm_ismember]Switchblade 600 deploys from the container that also provides the launch tube. The pre-launch setup takes about 10 minutes. The new weapon packs a Jevelin warhead that is four times larger than the one used on the ‘300, adding anti-armor capability. Dash speed has also increased to 115 mph (185 km/h). Switchblade 600 has the firepower to engage and prosecute hardened static and moving light armored vehicles from multiple angles with precisely localized effects while minimizing collateral damage.

The weapon is equipped with a high-performance EO/IR two-axis gimbaled sensor suite enabling target acquisition from a long-range. Future enhancements f the system include adding more powerful processing capabilities with video processing and edge computing, enabling further automation mission planning and automatic target recognition capabilities through Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML).

With packed energy to sustain more than 40 minutes of flight time, and precision flight control with ‘silent flight’ capability extending the data-link range and operations in GPS denied environment, Switchblade 600 extends the tactical reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition (RSTA). Upon its arrival at the target area, the weapon would reestablish communications to obtain the operator’s approval to attack. Supporting operations at an extended range, the weapon can transit up to 50 miles (80 kilometers) to a target area before conducting multiple confirmatory orbits, and finally, engage in target prosecution. Switchblade 600 can do all that without the need for external ISR or fires assets. At a shorter range, loitering time can be extended at a ratio of roughly one minute for one kilometer.

A new tablet-based console with intuitive touch control was developed for the Switchblade 600 system, further simplifying system operation. Illustration: AeroVironment.

At any phase of the flight, the operator has the choice to ‘regret’ and cease the attack should the situation requires such a decision. For example, if non-combatants are observed within the proximity of the target, the operator can order the weapon to “wave-off” and then recommit the attack on a different path. This option allows operators to abort the mission at any time, and then re-engage either the same or other targets multiple times based on operator command.

Also new with Switchblade 600, AeroVironment introduces a touch-screen, tablet-based Fire Control System (FCS) with tap-to-target guidance and the option to pilot the loitering missile manually or autonomously. Combined with its built-in mission planner and training simulator, the FCS provides operators with an intuitive platform to easily plan and execute missions precisely while reducing cognitive load. Additionally, onboard AES 256 digital encryption and SAASM GPS provide the security, resilient communications, and signal integrity necessary to defend against electronic warfare capabilities employed by peer and near-peer adversaries in contested environments.[/wlm_ismember]

Switchblade 300 (left), Switchblade 600 (center), and Blackwing (right) form the basis of AeroVironment’s emerging family of tactical missile systems. Image: AeroVironment

The U.S. Army already has a program of record for the Lethal Miniature Aerial Missile System (LMAMS). In April 2020 the Army awarded AeroVironment a $76 million contract for the first year procurement of Switchblade 300 systems and program support. It is the largest order for loitering munitions the Pentagon has issued to date. The order fulfilled a
Joint Urgent Operational Need Statement from the United States Army Tactical Aviation and Ground Munitions (TAGM) project office. Deliveries began last month and could be followed and with two additional one-year options that are currently unfunded. These options could extend the period of performance through April 2023 on a sole-source basis. With the two options, the total cost of the program could reach $146 million.

Blackwing is a four pound micro UAV designed for launch from submerged submarines. Image: AeroVironment

In parallel to the Army and Special Operations Command, the US Navy has deployed an unarmed reconnaissance variant of the Switchblade known as ‘Blackwing’. Although the drone has a modular payload that can accommodate a small warhead, this payload is used to store more energy onboard. Blackwing also operates a digital datalink and tactical data relay enabling the mini-drone to establish or join an existing interoperable, encrypted, wideband network, linking surface and underwater platforms, including underwater unmanned systems (UUV) operating in its vicinity. This tube-launched mini drone is can be launched from submerged submarines or from multipack launchers on board surface vessels or offshore platforms.

Switchblade 300 is a back-packable, rapidly deployable, precision strike loitering missile for beyond-line-of-sight targets that minimizes collateral damage and can be tube-launched from land, sea, or air platforms. Aerovironment has demonstrated the deployment of two Switchblade 300 systems on AV’s Vaporminiature, unmanned helicopter platform. More carriage and aerial release flight tests will be done in 2021, as part of AV’s cooperation with Kratos Defense Systems.

The two companies are developing and will soon demonstrate the integration of tube-launched UAS and tactical missile systems into long-range, high-speed, and low-cost unmanned systems for their transport and delivery into near-peer denied environments.

An image depicting the launch of Switchblade loitering weapons from a Mako – an attritable ground-launched unmanned platform. Illustration: AeroVironment

Kratos and AeroVironment’s first collaborative project is designed to demonstrate the ability to launch, communicate with, and control a small, tube-launched loitering aircraft from a larger runway-independent unmanned aircraft. The overall system-of-systems effectiveness will be evaluated for its ability to coordinate the effects of the smaller AeroVironment systems, relay useful information back to the Kratos mothership, and either pass information back to a ground control station or act upon that information to modify mission taskings.

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Israeli Spyders to Replace the Czech Air Force SA-6 Missiles

By
News Desk
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Rafael's SPYDER was selected to replace the Soviet Era 2K12 KUB (SA-6) in Czech air force service. Photo: RAFAEL
A KUB (SA-6) missile system at the Temelin nuclear power plant. Photo: Michal Voska

The Czech government approved the launch of procurement negotiations for four Israeli “SPYDER” batteries, within the framework of a G2G agreement between the two countries. Israel was selected as the sole supplier for the project and the expected agreement between the countries’ defense ministries is estimated at over $400 million.

[wlm_ismember]Czech Defence Minister Lubomir Metnar called the acquisition a strategic project of state defense, one of the main priorities of the ongoing modernization of the armed forces. As part of this acquisition, the military will replace the obsolete 2K12 KUB, (also known as SA-6 “Gainful”, inducted in 1991) reminiscent of the Soviet-era SAM system. The acquisition of the Short Range Air Defense Medium Range Surface Air Missile (SHORAD / MSAM) comprised of four batteries, each equipped with its own 3D radar, fire command and control system, and four launchers. The systems are required to meet rail and air transportation in C-130, C17, and A400M.

SPYDER (Surface-to-Air Python & Derby), is a quick reaction, low- to-high surface-to-air missile system designed to counter attacks by a variety of aerial threats including aircraft, helicopters, and UAVs. The system provides effective protection of valuable assets, as well as first-class defense for maneuvering forces located in combat areas. Addressing the Czech requirement for active-guided missiles, their SPYDER configuration is likely to use only the radar-guided I-Derby interceptors. Through the pre-tender process, Prague also evaluated the IRIS-T SLM from Diehl, NASAMS, by Kongsberg, the MEADS, proposed by Lockheed Martin and MBDA.[/wlm_ismember]

Israel has offered the Spyder system in a direct Government to Government (G2G) sale. Negotiations are expected to commence soon and conclude at the beginning of 2021. The estimated value of the contract is $428 million. Delivery of the systems is expected to begin in 2023 and span over two years. The SPYDER system includes a radar system produced by Elta, a subsidiary of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). Eight radars were acquired in 2019. The MADR systems will be delivered in 2021, tested, licensed, and inducted in service by 2023. The systems will be adapted to operate in accordance with the Czech and NATO command and control systems.

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An important part of the negotiations will be the share of the Czech industry involvement. Prague wants to secure at least 30% of the program to Czech companies, The truck-mounted system will employ locally produced Tatra 815-7 8×8 chassis with ballistic protected cabins. Other elements likely to be locally sourced are the integration of communications, datalinks and C3, training, and logistical support for at least 20 years.

SPYDER can be configured with loads of four or eight missiles, configured for slant or vertical launch. Photo: RAFAEL

The air-transportable SPYDER system comprises a Command and Control Unit
(CCU) with associated radar, 3-6 truck-mounted missile firing units (MFU), and support vehicles. The system’s open architecture design enables adding up external components, such as radars, datalinks, command and control. These missiles are dual-use missiles (can be employed for air-to-air or surface-to-air missions). The I-Derby is qualified for use with JAS-39 Gripen used by the Czech Air Force.

[wlm_ismember]The SPYDER SR and SPYDER ER-360 system employ a slant launching that provides low-level quick-reaction, Lock-On-Before-Launch (LOBL) and Lock-On-After-Launch (LOAL) capabilities. whereas the SPYDER-MR and SPYDER-LR offer medium and long range target interceptions through vertical launch. Both systems enable 360° launch within seconds after the target being declared hostile and provide all-weather, multi-launch, net-centric capabilities. A SPYDER unit can operate autonomously, or networked into a regional, national, or coalition air-defense system. It can detect targets while on-the-move, and launch missiles shortly after a halt.[/wlm_ismember]

IAI Expands Tactical UAS Footprint with BlueBird Aerosystems Acquisition

By
News Desk
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BlueBird's WanderB VTOL drones ready for delivery. Photo: BlueBird Aerosystems
Assembly line of WanderB drone fuselage sections. Photo: BlueBird Aerosystems

Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd. (IAI) today signed an agreement to acquire 50% of the equity of BlueBird Aero Systems, an Israeli UAS developer and integrator in the small tactical UAS arena. As part of the transaction, IAI is acquiring the holdings of Piramal Technologies SA from India, which divested its 28.5% holding.

IAI acquired additional shares from Fiberless Access and BlueBird founder Ronen Nadir. Following the acquisition, Nadir will hold 50% of BlueBird shares and continue to serve as the company’s CEO. The value of the acquisition was not disclosed but, previously published reports mentioned it was about $29 million.

“The world moves toward small UAS, that leverages system miniaturization in platform and payloads to benefit users at the tactical and operational level,” Nadir said. In the past these missions were performed by tactical UAS, today, users perform these missions with smaller, more agile platforms, with minimal logistical footprint and operator support. Adding Vertical take-Off and Landing (VTOL) adds another dimension to these platforms, enabling organic, close support to land and naval forces.

WanderB drone assembly. Photo: BlueBird Aerosystems

[wlm_ismember]Together with Bluebird, IAI plans to bring innovative and groundbreaking VTOL technologies to the market. In recent years, both IAI and BlueBird have focused on VTOL capabilities, a category that provides significant benefits to land and naval forces.

Until now IAI has been marketing fixed-wing small tactical drones such as the BirdEye 650 and 650D. IAI also developed the Panther family of VTOL platforms, utilizing a proprietary tri-tilt-rotor design. In contrast, BlueBird has developed and successfully marketed VTOL platforms employing the quad-rotor concept, used with the WanderB-VTOL and ThunderB-VTOL. Operational in Israel and worldwide since 2006, BlueBird’s advanced UAV systems have performed over 52,000 operational sorties and open area support, as well as urban scenarios and tactical mapping on demand (TMOD) for military, HLS, Search and Rescue, and commercial applications.

The acquisition is part of the implementation of IAI’s strategy in the UAS sector, broadening its solutions across low, medium, and upper tiers. Tapping the significant growth in the demand for small tactical UAS and VTOL expected the lower tier, for small tactical UAS for military, HLS, and commercial applications. IAI has been developing systems and technologies in this field for more than two decades but has not been successful in turning those technologies into products.[/wlm_ismember]

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The acquisition follows a streak of major contracts worth tens of millions of euros, awarded to BlueBird by several foreign customers. These contracts call for the delivery of 100 vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) UAS of various categories. The deals include the supply of about 200 UAS units of WanderB-VTOL Mini UAV and ThunderB-VTOL Tactical UAVs. These drones will be operated by infantry soldiers, armored units, artillery corps, and special forces. The contract marks the largest-ever sale of tactical VTOL UAS. According to Ronen Nadir, Founder, and CEO of BlueBird, that contract marked BlueBird’s success and world leadership in developing cutting edge VTOL solutions.

“Winning these major new contracts brought us to the limelight, emphasizing the potential of a company like BlueBird to become a major power in the market, such a move is possible only with the active support of a strategic partner,” Nadir said. “It illustrates our proven ability to provide cost-effective, reliable, and high-performance solutions that are specifically designed to meet the needs of the modern battlefield,” Nadir added.

“The acquisition of BlueBird is an implementation of this strategy, offering us an important leap forward in developing the next IAI UAV family.” IAI EVP and General Manager of the Military Aircraft Group of IAI, Moshe Levy, said, adding that combined, the company will be able to broaden its portfolio of VTOL products and advanced technologies at competitive prices.

IAI’s move with BlueBird is the latest merger in Israel’s UAS scene. Prior to this move was the buyout of the Silver Arrow company by Elbit Systems in 1990, and Rafael’s acquisition of  Aeronautics Systems last year, for $243.5 million.

GDLS Showcases a New Tracked Chassis for a 10-ton Military Robot

By
Tamir Eshel
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Supporting the platform’s 10 ton GVW, TRX uses four double-tiered road wheel bogies, each paired with a suspension with spring. The motor is placed at the front, driving the sprocket. The idler is on the back. Photo: GDLS

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Users can attach different sensors on multiple places located around the platform, providing an easy adaptation for new missions and sensor technologies. Click to enlarge Photo: GDLS

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Users can attach different sensors on multiple places located around the platform, providing an easy adaptation for new missions and sensor technologies. Photo: GDLS

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General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) has unveiled a tracked robotic platform (TRX) designed to meet the US Army’s ‘Robotic Combat Vehicle – Medium’ class requirement. GDLS First displayed the platform in a small model designated ‘TL1’ shown at the AUSA Annual Meeting in Washington DC last year. Yesterday, TRX starred at the center of GDLS’ virtual display at the virtual Modern-Day Marine expo, hinting more information will be provided at the upcoming AUSA virtual event next month.

“The TRX that you see on General Dynamics MDM display is an innovative solution that Land Systems developed. It is designed to be a multi-role vehicle that can fill any role – be it combat or service support for the military.” General Dynamics spokesperson noted. “This advanced capability can support virtually any mission package and be paired with any manned platform.”

The TRX platform design builds on the success of the Multi-Utility Tactical Transport (MUTT), a lighter robotic vehicle developed by GDLS, which was selected by the U.S. Army for the Small Multipurpose Equipment Transport (S-MET) program.

GDLS unveiled the TL1 as a concept robotic vehicle at the AUS Annual Meeting of 2019. Photo: Defense-Update

TRX leverages the Warfighter/Machine Interface (WMI) for teleoperation and autonomous operations. created by the Ground Vehicle System Center (GVSC). Additionally, Land Systems engineers have leveraged MUTT concepts of electronic architecture and control, realizing a high level of component commonality among our growing family of unmanned ground vehicles.

Meant to maintain pace with the Armored Brigade Combat Team (ABCT) and Stryker Brigade Combat Team (SBCT), TRX boasts a class-leading payload capacity of more than 10,000 pounds and a flat deck to accommodate any type of mission equipment package. At a gross vehicle weight of 10 ton, sling load is within the objective performance characteristics of the TRX. (Both CH-47F and CH-53K can lift this weight).

GDLS’ TRX joins a trend of medium robotic platforms developed by several companies. The Estonian Type-X from Milrem Robotics represents this trend with (12 ton GVW) along with the M5 Ripsaw developed by Textron Systems (10.5 ton GVW). All three are fitted with remotely controlled turret and are teleoperated, move by waypoint navigation, or in a ‘follow-me’ mode of operation. Pratt Miller’s EMAV is slightly smaller, designed for 6.35 ton GVW.[wlm_nonmember]

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[wlm_ismember]The 10-ton tracked robot can load up to 4.5 ton (10,000 pounds) of payload on a flat deck that accommodates any type of mission equipment package, including gun turrets and remotely controlled weapon mounts, obstacle breaching systems, missile launchers, and more. According to GDLS, TRX is positioned to provide superior performance as an enabling technology for use in direct- and indirect-fire combat roles, autonomous resupply, complex obstacle breaching, C-UAS, EW, reconnaissance, and many other critical battlefield roles.

Power is generated on-board, stored, and managed by its high-voltage architecture for propulsion, mission payloads, and export power. Export power is accomplished via traditional MILSTD connection points.

The US Army awarded GDLS 249 million in July 2020 to deliver and 624 SMET vehicles. The Army plans to field the first unit in the second quarter of the fiscal year 2021 and complete the deployment by 2025. In October 2019 the Army issued GDLS a first award worth $162 for S-MET but terminated this contract in December 2019 following protests filed by competitors.[/wlm_ismember]

The prototype TRX chassis used a spring suspension. Note the difference in suspension as shown on the new platform. Photo: GDLS

Russian MOD, Industries Highlight Artillery Rockets Advancement

By
Tamir Eshel
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The Russian defense establishment’s perception of the place of artillery – in general, and rocket Artillery – in particular, has undergone a significant advancement over the past decade, placing these systems at a central place on the ground battlefield. This emphasis was evident at the recent Victory Parade in Moscow and at the Army Forum 2020 defense expo taking place in Kubinka this week.

The new concept, promoted since the end of the previous decade, was reiterated by the deployment of rocket formations during the Russian takeover of the Crimean peninsula (2014). This concept was endorsed by the Russian Defense Minister and senior officials in the defense ministry, and the Army, and is supported by the allocation of appropriate funds for development and fielding.

Extensive marketing activities carried out on parallel to the deployment of systems with the Russian Army, promote derivatives of new or improved combat systems to foreign customers to traditional and new customers. About 30% of the total world market needs in the artillery rocket area, supplied by the Russian defense industry (ROSTEC, ROSOBORONEXPORT, SPLAV NPO).

These include China, India, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Belarus, Arab countries including Iraq, Syria, and Algeria, as well as new customers – including Turkey, Venezuela, and Peru.

 

Tornado-S 9A52-4 Rocket Launcher performs a live demonstration at the Army Forum 2019 event. Photo: Defense-Update

Artillery systems centered on rockets are considered as a system of systems that encompasses target acquisition measures, including unmanned aerial systems, aiming devices, and fire control systems. Significant improvements in modern rocket systems are range extension, with most rockets reaching a range of 90-120 km. Increased accuracy is another emphasis, with the latest ordnance achieving circular error probability of 30-10 meters, relying on different guidance kits. In June 2020, a team of developers from SPLAV Corporation received the “General Zhukov Award, endorsed by President Putin, for developing the “Corrected Trajectory Smerch”.

Tornado-S transloader supports a rocket launcher deployment and rearming at Army Forum 2019. Photo: Defense-Update

The Russian defense ministry invests many resources in the artillery rocket industrial base and related technologies, including rocket propulsion, cluster munitions, flight computers, course correction navigation, system integration, and engineering. Regarding warhead technologies, the Russian MOD and defense industries continue to develop, manufacture, market, and sell a wide range of rocket warheads, including cluster munitions that are now excluded from the inventories of most of the western world’s armies. These cluster rockets include anti-armor, counter-mobility and anti-personnel bomblets and sub-munitions, scatterable mines, and top-attack smart munitions.

A range of artillery rockets displayed by Techmash at the Army Forum 2019. Photo: defense-Update

It is worth noting that modern artillery rocket systems in the Russian inventory and those recently unveiled, are based on the concept of reloading individual rockets rather than using a rocket POD. Individual loading improves the unit’s operational flexibility and agility, in firing few accurate shots, instead of expanding big rocket salvos. To assist in loading those rather heavy munitions, most of the new rocket carriers use an integral crane. The crane allows the rockets to be reloaded from any transport vehicle, eliminating the need for a dedicated ammunition loader vehicle.

Complementary systems deliver situational awareness, orientation, and digital command, control, and communications systems enabling units to coordinate actions with higher and lower echelons, as well as with neighboring forces.

The Russians focus the modernization of their artillery inventory on the following systems:

TORNADO – G 9A53-G – the latest upgrade of the classic 122 mm (GRAD, BM-21) system is mounted on an advanced 6X6 launcher-carrier vehicle. Tornado-G offers a reduced crew, increased autonomy, accelerated deployment, and post-firing disengagement. A variety of rockets, including a new reduced range (20km) with heavier warheads, are introduced. However, no data has been released about accurate 122 mm rockets of a Russian origin.

Uragan-1M (BM-27) MLRS

URAGAN (BM-27) 9A53-U – also known as URAGAN-1M, it is the latest variant of the 220 mm rockets carrier-launcher, mounted on an 8X8 vehicle. As far as known, it is not clear whether the BM-27 has entered series production. The improvements include an 8X8 modern platform launcher, marked 7930-MZKT. The BM-27 uses trajectory-corrected rockets. Conflicting information regarding the status of the system. According to open sources, the system completed testing, and deliveries have begun. According to other sources, no decision on launching serial production has been made. It should be noted that in none of the Victory Day parades were URAGAN (BM-27) launchers observed. This, neither in its original version nor in the improved model. Moreover, neither the launcher nor its armaments are displayed in arms catalogs or other marketing material distributed by SPLAV NPO or ROSOBORONEXPORT, further indicating the questionable status of the system.

Tornado S participating at the Victory Parade of 2020
Tornado-S now deploys with course-corrected rockets delivering 30-10 m’ precision from a distance of 120 km.

TORNADO – S (9A52-4)- The most advanced model in the SMERCH family, BM-30 (12 rockets 300 mm in diameter). The system was first introduced in motion – six platforms participated in the Moscow parade and a similar amount in the parades in two more cities. The advanced system, still based on the traditional launch vehicle (8X8), now carries trajectory corrected rockets (CEP of 30 to 10 m) and a maximum range of 120 km.

TOS-2 rocket launcher can send heavy thermobaric rockets 10 km away.

TOS – A family of rocket launching systems 220 mm in diameter and with a thermobaric warhead. The family includes two types of tracked lunchers, using T-72 chassis (TOS-1) and an upgraded version – TOS 1A modeled on the T-90S chassis. Another version, utilizing a 6X6 wheeled carrier designated TOS 2 (TOSOCHKA), was displayed at the June 2020 red-square parade. The range was enhanced to 10 km, and the accuracy improved as well.

 

Launch text of a Hermes precision-guided missile.

Hermes guided missile launcher – KBP Instrument Design Bureau unveils a truck-mounted precision-guided missile that can hit targets at a range of up to 100km with a precision of 10 meters. The Hermes guided weapon system comprises carrier-launcher combat vehicles, a command vehicle, and loader-transporter. The system can operate autonomously based on targeting information provided by unmanned aerial systems. Unlike course-corrected rocket artillery using satellite navigation, As a fire-and-forget missile, Hermes employs inertial or radio-navigation guidance for mid-course, with passive or laser guidance for terminal homing, claiming a precision of 0.5 m’ for a laser-guided strike. Hermes guided missiles are provided for land, helicopters or drones (Hermes A), and naval (Hermes K) applications. The missile employs a unique, scalable design using a two-stage bi-caliber booster-sustainer, accelerating the missile to an initial velocity of 1,000 m/sec. carrying a 30 kg warhead.

Hermes is a 110kg two-stage missile, with 170mm and 130mm caliber. warhead weight is 30 kg.
A six-tube Hermes launcher is displayed at the Army forum 2020.
ISDM Transloader

ISDM – Remote Mining Engineering System designated ‘Agriculture’ was developed by the SPLAV NPO corporation, a division of TECHMASH. This rocket system is used for remotely scattering mines, creating minefields as part of counter-mobility operations, at distances of 5-15 km from the launcher. The system consists of a launching vehicle carrying two multiple-rocket launchers, each stacked with 50x122mm launch tubes, and a reloader vehicle.

After deployment, the locations of mines are recorded with satellite positioning mapping and transferred to the forces operating in the area. The mines are specially designed for the ISDM and employ a self-destruct mechanism, thus comply with international agreements.

ISDM ‘Agriculture’ Mine Scattering launcher

The Danger of Ammonium Nitrate

By
News Desk
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The huge blast that destroyed the port of Beirut on 4 August 2020 was caused by a secondary explosion of 2,750 tons of Ammonium Nitrate stored on site.

On Tuesday, August 4th, an explosion went off in the port of Beirut, Lebanon, that has devasted the city, killing over 178 and injuring over 6,000 people. Rescue workers have been digging through the rubble, attempting to find survivors of the blast that has left 300,000 people temporarily homeless and caused damage upwards of an estimated $15B.

The massive explosion followed a large fire where a warehouse went up in flames. Initially, plumes of smoke were seen coming from the fire, which was then followed by one of two explosions.

About a half a minute later, an enormous second blast sent a mushroom cloud of reddish smoke into the air, and a supersonic blast that ripped through the atmosphere, radiating throughout the city. The source of the explosion? About 2,750 metric tons of Ammonium Nitrate confiscated from a Russian cargo ship in 2014 and stored since near the port docks.

Sacks of Ammonium Nitrate confiscated from a cargo ship at the port of Beirut in 2014.

What is Ammonium Nitrate?

Ammonium Nitrate (NH4NO3) is an odorless, crystalline substance that is the result of a reaction between ammonia (NH3) and Nitric Acid (HNO3). Ammonium Nitrate is commonly used as fertilizer in granule form, as it dissolves under moisture allowing Nitrogen to be released into the soil.

For this reason, it plays an essential role as a fertilizer, in farming and agriculture. However, due to its explosive properties, it is also a key ingredient for bulk commercial explosives, often used in both the construction and mining industries. In fact, over the past decade, Ammonium Nitrate has been the cause of numerous accidental industrial explosions across the globe.

How did it happen?

Surprisingly, Ammonium Nitrate is quite difficult to ignite. In its pure form, it is not dangerous, nor is it explosive on its own. However, when energy is applied to it, the molecule is no longer stable. Though not combustible on its own, Ammonium Nitrate is an oxidizer which intensifies combustion, allowing other substances to ignite easily. The substance is heat sensitive and may become explosive if exposed to an explosive mixture, fuel, or fire.

The reddish-orange smoke, suggests the incident was likely an accident

Such is the case as we have seen happen in Beirut. The explosive precursor was exposed to the initial fire, causing a blast that was felt in as far as Syria, Israel, Turkey, some parts of Europe, and was even heard as far as Cyprus over 150 miles away. The event charted a seismic tremor at a magnitude of 3.3 on the Richter scale, a measure of the strength of Earthquakes, as reported by the United States Geological Survey; an event that surely would have been higher had most of the energy not been thrust upwards into the atmosphere rather than into Earth’s core as is the case with major earthquakes.

We know the Ammonium Nitrate played a role in the second, larger explosion due to the red smoke seen in the countless videos surfacing online. When decomposed, Ammonium Nitrate primarily breaks down into several gases: Nitrogen, water vapor, and Oxygen [2 NH4NO3(s)→ 2N2(g)+ 4 H2O(g) + O2(g)]. The rapid release of these gases, and the accelerated expansion of Ammonium Nitrate from solid to gas, is what caused such a tremendous explosion. Other reactions create gases like Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) and Ammonia (NH3), the former which causes an orange-red smoke, as can be seen, thrust up and into the air immediately following the larger secondary blast in Beirut.

The black smoke and the secondary reddish-orange smoke however represent an incomplete reaction, suggesting the incident was likely an accident and unintentional, as a complete reaction would have displayed black and red, rather than white and red smoke. However, at this stage of course we cannot be certain. But what we can be certain about, where we find a huge mistake with severe consequences, is in the unacceptable storage conditions where Ammonium Nitrate was held in Beirut. Because it is a valuable commodity, the substance is produced by hundreds of manufacturers worldwide – and with that comes regulation.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Department of Homeland Security, both who regulate the substance, state that any quantity over 1,000 pounds of fertilizer-grade Ammonium Nitrate, must be stored in a building no higher than one-story, must have an ample water supply and nearby fire-hydrants, and sufficient ventilation in case of a fire.

Where else do we see Ammonium Nitrate?

Besides its commercial uses for fertilizer and bulk explosives, Ammonium Nitrate is also the prime ingredient used in Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), and homemade explosives often used by the Taliban and many other terrorist groups around the world. Explosives and IEDs must contain a fuel or explosive mixture, and an oxidizer. Ammonium Nitrate is often used with commercial explosives such as RDX or TNT, where a small explosion triggers a reaction for a larger explosion.

Another common example is Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil (ANFO), where Ammonium Nitrate serves as the oxidizer, mixed with fuel oil (the fuel source). since its first malicious use in the Sterling Hall Bombing at the University of Madison-Wisconsin in 1970, ANFO has been the source of countless acts of terrorism across the globe (Oklahoma City 1995, Ireland 1972 and 1973, London 1993, Peru 1992, China 2001, Greece 2010, Oslo 2011, etc.).

How do we identify Ammonium Nitrate?

In most cases, Ammonium Nitrate comes in an odorless, solid form of dry ‘prills’ or little round pellet-like spheres formed by melted liquid. In some cases, it may take a crystal form, or a more salt-like granule form when the crystals are crushed. The substance is usually white, although in some cases may appear with a yellowish tint. In less common cases the substance maybe orange or brownish. As the substance is manufactured both legally and illegally around the globe – its appearance may vary. However, to the naked eye, it would often be almost impossible to distinguish the substance from any other dozens of substances that come in a white powder-like form. For this reason, it is important to use reliable technologies for the detection and identification of such hazardous materials.

Laser Detect Systems (LDS) specializes in the detection and identification of hazardous substances such as explosives, narcotics, and precursors. Precursors, like Ammonium Nitrate, are ingredients for explosives or narcotics. Oftentimes on their own, these substances may seem innocent, but when combined with the right materials can be extremely dangerous. Another common example is Potassium Chlorate (KClO3) which is commercially used to make matchsticks light.

G-SCAN uses laser Raman Spectroscopy to detect explosive substances or explosive precursor materials in liquid, bulk, or powder form. Photo: Laser detect Systems

In fact, there are dozens of other common precursors that we find in everyday households that can be used to make explosives. For example, due to easy access to its ingredients, TATP (Tri-Acetone, Tri-Peroxide), nicknamed the “Mother of Satan,” is a very deadly explosive that has been used by terrorists in dozens of disastrous bombings worldwide over the past twenty years (London 2005, Paris 2015, Brussel 2016, Manchester 2017, Sri Lanka 2019). Its precursors include Acetone, commonly used as nail polish remover, and highly concentrated Hydrogen Peroxide. At 6% concentration this substance is used as blond hair bleach, and at 9% in a platinum blonde hair bleach; but at over 18% Hydrogen Peroxide is used as an explosive precursor. When mixed with a little bit of acid, lemon juice, for example, the substance crystallizes into TATP, a dangerous and unstable explosive substance that requires a small amount of the substance for a large effect.

LDS utilizes multiple technologies in its various products to detect not only explosives and narcotics but their precursors in all forms: solid, liquid, gas. Furthermore, LDS systems can detect residual traces of these substances invisible to the naked eye – both across surfaces, and airborne in the air surrounding us.

LDS has developed a hand-held laser-based sensor that can instantly detect and identify explosives. Photo: Laser Detect Systems.

The idea behind detecting and identifying precursors is to develop a preventative strategy and identify these substances on their own before they become an explosive, or immediate threat. Furthermore, with advanced capabilities to sense new substances, detect and identify new materials, LDS systems have the ability to adapt to evolving threats, and grow their known database as the threats grow – an important feature that is critical in today’s day and age where terrorists are connected worldwide, becoming smarter with each day and finding new and innovative ways to produce and conceal explosives.

For more information on LDS, its technologies, and products contact Tom Gilad or visit Laser-Detect.

Iron Dome: Services Tighten Joint Operability, Rafael and Raytheon Expand Cooperation

By
Tamir Eshel
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Iron Dome unit mounted on a MAN truck. The US Army intends to mount the system on the Oshkosh HEMTT A4 8x8 heavy truck that loads up to 10 tons. Photo: Rafael

Raytheon Technologies and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems have signed today a joint venture to establish a production facility for the Iron Dome Weapon System in the United States. The new partnership, called Raytheon RAFAEL Area Protection Systems, anticipates finalizing a site location before the end of the year. This will be the first Iron Dome all-up-round facility outside of Israel.

The U.S. production facility will provide Israel the ability to finance the acquisition of Iron Dome batteries, and Tamir missile interceptor reloads with U.S. military support. It will also provide the U.S. Department of Defense and allies across the globe to obtain the Iron Dome system for the defense of their service members and critical infrastructure. “We have long partnered on U.S. production of Iron Dome and are pleased to increase manufacturing and bring SkyHunter to the U.S.,” said Brig. Gen. (res.) Pini Yungman, executive vice president for Air and Missile Defense of Rafael Advanced Defense Systems.

The majority of Tamir missile components are already procured through the Raytheon Missiles & Defense supply chain in the United States. The new facility will produce both the Iron Dome Weapon System, which consists of the Tamir interceptor and launcher, and the SkyHunter missile, a U.S. derivative of Tamir. The SkyHunter addresses component and system changes required to meet U.S. certification and regulation but otherwise is identical to Israel’s Tamir, in system interfaces and performance. Both Tamir and SkyHunter intercept incoming cruise missiles, unmanned aerial systems, and short-range targets such as rockets, artillery, mortars, and other aerial threats.

First deployed in 2011, Rafael’s Iron Dome has become one of the symbols of Israel’s defense innovation, for its capability to defeat thousands of rocket attacks launched at Israel since 2011. Today, some 10 batteries are operated with Israel’s Air Force Air Defense Command, five by the regular forces, and five with the reserve component. The Israeli Navy is also fielding a naval version of the Iron Dome called ‘C-Dome’ on its newest Magen corvettes, tasked with safeguarding Israel’s offshore gas platforms in the Eastern Mediterranean.

A launch of Tamir missile from a mobile Iron-Dome launcher. Photo: Rafael

Iron Dome detects, assesses, and intercepts a variety of shorter-range targets such as rockets, artillery, and mortars. The system has also been tested and proved its capability to intercept unmanned aerial vehicles and mortar rounds. It is effective day or night and in all weather conditions, including low clouds, rain, dust storms, and fog. It features a first-of-its-kind multi-mission launcher designed to fire a variety of interceptor missiles.

Iron Dome’s Tamir missile knocks down incoming threats launched from ranges of 4-70 km. Tamir missiles feature electro-optical sensors and steering fins with proximity fuze blast warheads. The interceptor has also been validated against unmanned aerial vehicles, and countering rockets, mortars, and missiles (C-RAM).

Ten Iron Dome batteries already protect the citizens and infrastructure of Israel, with each battery comprising three to four stationary launchers, 20 Tamir missiles, and a battlefield radar. Each of the batteries can defend up to nearly 150 square kilometers and are strategically placed around cities to intercept threats headed toward populated areas. The intelligent Iron Dome system ignores incoming threats it determines will land in uninhabited areas, thereby minimizing unnecessary defensive launches and lowering operation costs.

Major bases us used by U.S. forces in the Middle East. Source: Al Jazeera

Given interest by the U.S. and several other nations in Iron Dome’s unique capabilities, Raytheon Missiles & Defense has introduced a US-made variant of the system dubbed ‘SkyHunter’. In 2019, the U.S. Army announced its intent to buy two Iron Dome batteries to fill a need for an interim capability. The U.S. Army has chosen Iron Dome as an interim capability to counter cruise missiles. At the same time, it continues to develop a future Indirect Fires Protection Capability (IFPC) to counter those threats as well as enemy UAS and RAM. The acquisition, mandated by Congress, will be used to acquire systems that will protect U.S. forces overseas from rocket and missile attacks.

[wlm_ismember]It was reported in February 2018 that the U.S. Army had asked Congress for $373 million to buy two batteries off-the-shelf from Rafael, which included 12 launchers, two sensors, two battlement management centers, and 240 interceptors. By early August 2020, the U.S. Army delivered to Israel several HEMTT trucks intended for those systems for the system’s integration.

Iran operates several types of Fateh-110 guided ballistic missiles, among them this twin-launcher Zolfaghar. The missile has a range of 300 – 750 km and an accuracy of few meters (for the INS/GPS guidance).

The Army intends to field its first Iron Dome unit by the end of 2020. This unit will, most likely, deploy to protect forward-based U.S. forces stationed in the Gulf.

Despite its impressive combat record, the Israeli C-RAM is regarded as an interim solution as the Army has difficulties in combining the Iron Dome through its Integrated air and missiles Battle Command System (IBCS). This overarching authority will supervise all Army air defense assets under an integrated, collaborative network. U.S. officials claimed the Army had difficulties integrating the Iron Dome into IBCS, lacking specific source codes of the interceptor missiles.

As part of the recent Great Prophet 14 exercise, a Fateh-110 missile targeted the AN/TPY-2 radar mock-up.

Nevertheless, the need to jointly operate complementary systems in a layered defense is stronger than long term policy guidelines, as the threat is evolving rapidly, challenging even the most ambitious capabilities. A new development recently demonstrated by Iran may have uncovered a vulnerability they could exploit, targeting U.S. anti-missile system stationed in the Middle east – the Terminal High Altitude Defense System (THAAD).

As part of an exercise recently conducted by the Iranian forces, Fateh-110 missiles targeted a mockup of a US AN/TPY-2 early-warning missile defense radar, a sensor associated with the THAAD system. It is not clear what guidance the Iranian weapon employs, but it did score a direct hit. While the THAAD is designed to defeat missiles coming from a medium range of several hundred kilometers, it may be vulnerable to a saturation attack by short-range weapons such as ballistic or cruise missiles and drones. The Iron Dome is designed to defeat such threats, and when associated with the long-range system such as the THAAD, would close this vulnerable gap.[/wlm_ismember]

[wlm_nonmember]THAAD and Iron Dome Integration – Premium Content[/wlm_nonmember]

AN/TPY-2 radars are operating in the Middle East by the U.S. Army, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia. A document guiding the joint operations of US THAAD and Israeli Iron Dome was signed last week by the U.S. and Israeli air forces, Navy and Army. The agreement addressed the requirements for the joint operation of the two systems in case of an emergency in Israel. The U.S. has stationed AN/TPY-2 radar in Israel.

Downing an Azeri Strategic Drone – Fake or True?

By
Tamir Eshel
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The Armenian military invited the press to witness the debris of some of the 13 drones claimed to have shot down last week. Most of these are small tactical drones, not strategic UAS.
Compare the upper image grabbed from the video with an image of Hermes 900 shown in a similar view. The upper aircraft has two engines, a single vertical tail, and horizontal tailplane. it lacks the bulge on the upper fuselage, the Hermes 900 has a large V-tail and slender body. It looks like a passenger jet aircraft. Hopefully, it is just a fake video, not another mistake of shooting down a passenger jet…

A recent flare-up in the ongoing border dispute between Armenia and Azerbaijan in the Tavush province bordering the Tovuz district in western Azerbaijan has demonstrated the growing role of unmanned aerial systems in modern warfare. At least 12 Azerbaijani servicemen, including an army general, and four Armenian soldiers died in the border clashes.

Both sides claimed downing multiple drones and loitering weapons. However, each side denied the other’s claims. Presenting visual proofs of such incidents, or debris of crashed drones would provide an undisputed proof of those claims, but in our digital age, such proofs must be taken with a grain of salt, since what you see on video and pictures may not be exact, or even close to what was real.

Take, for example, the Armenian MOD claim they have shot down 13 Azeri small tactical unmanned aerial vehicles (STUAS) and loitering weapons of different types.

Among the drones displayed was Orbiter 3, ThunderB and Hermes 180, all tactical drones, not the Hermes 900 Yerevan claimed to have shot down.

They also claimed to have shot down the largest, and newest Hermes-900 strategic drone recently delivered by Israel’s Elbit Systems. Armenia provided parts of some of these drones, to substantiate its claim, but hasn’t been able to back the shooting down of the Hermes 900.

The Armenian MOD specifically identified the drone’s designation and maker. To further back their story, official sources in Yerevan released what looks like an amateur video shot with a mobile phone on-site, showing a view of the target viewed by an optical sight. The video continues with the camera zoom in on the target that looks like a fixed-wing aircraft as it ascends flying from right to left. Then, a noise of what seems to be a missile launch is heard in the background. A few seconds later, a circular effect that looks like a fireball appears, and people are cheering “we have downed it”, vapor trails can be ‘fireball’ appears over the aircraft indicating the intercept. Is that the view of real engagement?

While convincing video footage would provide proof of this claim, a fake video does the opposite. To begin with, the silhouette of the aircraft shown in the video is most likely a twin-engine, narrow-body passenger jet, not a UAS. The silhouette is definitely not the Hermes-900 Armenia claims to have shot down, since it lacks distinctive elements, such as a slender fuselage, large V tail, and a nose bulge, containing the drones’ SATCOM terminal.

Strategic UAS like Hermes 900 fly on reconnaissance missions as far as possible from the front line, in what is known as ‘standoff range’, out of the range of air defenses. Although Armenia possesses significant surface-to-air missiles such as the S-300, engagement by such assets would have been taken at a great distance from the launch site, which wouldn’t make such a visual record possible. An intercept by a closer range weapon, such as the new Armenian TorM2MK (effective 15 km would be visual, but unlikely as a Hermes 900 flying a stand-off mission would not fly into Thor’s kill zone.)

The third problem in the video is the explosion. The video shows a perfect circle done with a simple visual effect. A more convincing view would a blurred image of a terminal effect of a warhead, followed by the remains of the target descending to the ground (the Hermes typically flies above 15,000 ft, which provides plenty of opportunities to show a drone, its wings and other parts descending down in flames.)

Baku denied one of their new Hermes 900 was lost, (though evidence of other tactical drones was not denied), and we have managed to substantiate this claim with independent sources. Therefore, we tend to agree with Azerbaijan’s position that their Hermes 900s are intact. So, why did Yerevan take such a dubious act to claim something that did not happen?

Until now, Azerbaijan and Armenia maintained close to parity in the weapon systems they use against each other, the entry of advanced, strategic drones disrupt this balance, offering the Azeri side persistent coverage of the theater, operating beyond the reach of most of the Armenian air defenses. Claiming they have shot down such an asset has drawn the attention of Russian experts, that immediately arrived in Armenia for ‘preplanned air defense drills’. According to Yerevan, the purpose of these drills is to develop new methods of countering hostile UAS. Russia needs a ‘winning picture’ after their SA-22 Pantsir S mobile air defense systems have suffered humiliating defeats from Turkish drones operating in Libya in recent months.

Russian air defense units are stationed in Armenia as part of the Joint Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) Air Defense System, a unified defense system established back in 1995 and bringing together Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan and Tajikistan, all former USSR states.

Israel and Singapore Team up to Market Advanced Anti-Ship Missiles

By
News Desk
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Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu inspects the Gabriel 5 advanced surface attack missile at IAI.

Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd (ST Engineering) today announced that it’s land systems arm has signed an agreement with Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd (IAI) to set up a joint venture company (JV) in Singapore. ST Engineering and IAI shall each hold a 50% share of the JV.

The JV, named Proteus Advanced Systems Pte Ltd, will leverage the strengths and track record of its parent companies to market and sell advanced naval missile systems, including a new 5 GEN anti-ship missile system called ‘Blue Spear’. According to sources associated with the new JV, Blue Spear (5G SSM) introduces an advanced and novel approach that addresses the challenges of the modern naval arena for years to come. The Blue Spear anti-ship missile is co-developed by ST Engineering and IAI under a development agreement signed between the two countries a few years ago. Based on this work-sharing agreement ST Engineering’s role includes design, development, and production of major subsystems like the booster motor and warhead.

The South-East Asia region and, specifically Singapore, is considered a rapidly growing market for submarines and naval vessels. The JV addresses this potential with mature products that can be adapted to meet specific customer needs. The Proteus JV Company leverages the strengths of both partners, to offer highly competitive and advanced defense systems.

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A cutaway of a Gabriel 5 surface-surface anti-ship missile.

[wlm_ismember]The Singapore Navy currently operates the U.S. Made Harpoon missiles on its 12 surface ships six Formidable-class frigates and six aging Victory-class corvettes. The Victory-Class vessels are due for replacement between 2025 and 2030. These vessels are could be equipped with a new type of missile replacing the AGM-84C Harpoon Block 1B missiles currently used on the Victory. While the Block II version of Harpoon has a maximum range in excess of 150 nm, the range of Block IB (RGM-84C) in use by the Singapore navy is much shorter, making the weapon unsuitable for the future naval fight.

By 2021 and 2022 Singapore expects to receive the first two Invincible-class submarines currently under construction in Germany. Like its predecessors, Archer and Challenger class subs, the Invincible will use 16 and 21-inch torpedo tubes, but will also have a multipurpose airlock that can be configured to carry vertically launched weapons such as an anti-ship or land-attack cruise missile.

[/wlm_ismember]As Singapore relies on U.S. RGM-84C Harpoon today, Israel also used the Harpoon to arm its naval vessels. However, with the introduction of advanced versions of Gabriel, namely Gabriel 5, the Israel Navy has converted some of its vessels to this weapon. Israeli anti-ship missiles were also successful by the Finish Navy, for the upgrading of Hamina-Class fast attack missile boats.

As an advanced attack missile, Gabriel 5 is designed to penetrate modern target’s defenses, both soft- and hard-kill countermeasures. It was designed with sophisticated electronic counter-countermeasures (ECCM) dealing with chaff, advanced decoys, and active ECM. Gabriel 5 and Barak 8 both developed by IAI, were developed by IAI’s Missile, Systems, and Space Group as part of a combined, offensive, and defensive naval system for the Israeli navy and for export.

As new weapons deliveries can be expected only toward the second half of this decade ST Engineering said the setup of the Proteus JV is not expected to have a material impact on the consolidated net tangible assets per share and earnings per share of ST Engineering for the current financial year. By announcing the JV through a commercial agreement between government-owned companies rather than a Government-to-Government agreement, the change looks less dramatic but it certainly represents a strategic change in Singapore’s policy, that until now, has kept its close relations with Israel under a veil of secrecy.

Israel Deploys OFEK 16 Spy Satellite in Orbit

By
Tamir Eshel
-
Ofek 16 launced from Palmachim on 6 July 2020 on 04:00 (IST). Photo: IMOD

The Space Administration in the Directorate of Defense Research and Development (DDR&D), of the Israel Ministry of Defense (IMoD), and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), have successfully launched the “Ofek 16” reconnaissance satellite into space, on 6.07.2020, at 4:00 AM. The launch was performed from the Palmachim Airbase in Israel, a launch site based south of Tel Aviv in central Israel, using a “Shavit” launcher. (Updated)

The satellite began to orbit around the earth and transmit data, in accordance with original launch plans. IMoD and IAI engineers have started a series of preplanned tests to determine its propriety and performance level before it becomes fully operational. A week after the launch on 14 July IAI received the first images from Ofek-16. Once all in-orbit tests are completed, iMoD will deliver responsibilities to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) 9900 Intelligence Unit, responsible for Israel’s reconnaissance and space operations.

“Ofek 16” is an electro-optical reconnaissance satellite with advanced capabilities based on IAI’s OpSat 3000 platform. “Ofek-16 is similar to the Ofek-11 launched four years ago.” Amnon Harari, Head of Satellite Administration in the IMoD said, “By adding more satellites of similar performance Israel can increase the coverage and revisit time of targets of interest.” During the initial period of operation, the satellite will undergo a series of tests to determine its propriety and performance level. Harari said the first images from the satellite are expected within a week.

The Ofek 16 Satellite is based on tIAI’s OpSat-3000 platform. Photo: IMOD

The new satellite follows the deployment of Ofek 11 satellite by four years. The launch of Ofek 11 on 13 September 2016 was the most recent in the family. The first operational satellite in the family, Ofek 3 was launched on 5 April 2005. Its planned successor, Ofek 4 failed to reach orbit, but Ofek 5, launched on 22 May 2002 successfully deployed in orbit and continues to operate today. The iMOD announcement did not explain the whereabouts of Ofek 12 through 15.

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[wlm_ismember]The satellite is part of the Ofek (Ofeq) family of reconnaissance satellites designed and built by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) for the Israeli Ministry of Defense. The family consists of at least two types of satellites carrying EO/IR and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) payloads.

[/wlm_ismember]The Space Administration in the Israel Ministry of Defense has led the development and production of the satellite and the launcher. IAI is the prime contractor, having assigned the program to its Systems, Missiles and Space Group, utilizing IAI’s Opsat 3000 platform. Together with the MLM division, which is responsible for the development of the Shavit-2 advanced satellite launcher. The satellite’s payload designated ‘Jupiter’ was developed by Elbit Systems. The launch engines were developed by Rafael Advanced Systems and Tomer, a government-owned defense company. Additional companies have participated in this program, including Rokar and Cielo.[wlm_ismember]

IAI OpSat-3000 is an Optical Observation Satellite platform designed for multi-purpose applications and national critical requirements. According to IAI, OptSat-3000 provides better than 40cm resolution, image quality, agility, throughput, multimode imaging capability, geo-location accuracy and levels of operational autonomy. Packed in a unique ratio of weight to performance, OptSat-3000 can be deployed using the Shavit-2 satellite launcher, offering Israel full sovereignty of the satellite and mission (owning a complete operational system rather than relying on foreign suppliers), and cost-effective solution and Life Cycle Cost (LCC). The OpSat-3000 platform has been used on satellites serving several countries, including Israel, Italy, South Korea and India.

The nomenclature gap may indicate the Ofek program has added other platforms, for example, IAI’s OpSat-180, a smaller optical observation satellite system packaged in CubeSat standard (12U). OpSat-180 provides full-color images and video at a 1.2-meter resolution. At a lower weight and size, OptSat-180 can be launched on missions with other payloads, enabling operators more flexible access to space, thus faster responding to emerging situations. With a wide range of launch options available for the OptSat-180, the platform can be deployed as a constellation that provides short revisit time for any portion of the globe at a low cost.

This map will update the location of the satellite once its orbit is reported.

[/wlm_ismember]

Israel Moves to Tighten, Improve Special Ops, by Establishing a SOF Wing

By
Tamir Eshel
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IAF Establish the 7 SOF Wing unifies four specialized combat elements under one command. Photo: Amit Agronov, IAF

Israel’s Air Force (IAF) today officially inaugurated the special operations wing, a combat formation that groups the air-force operated elite units under one wing. Based in Palmachim Air Force Base south of Tel Aviv, the 7th Special Operations Wing includes the 669 combat rescue squadron, 5101 Shaldag Special Tactics Squadron, and the Tactical Air Operations Unit. The new wing will soon establish a new intelligence to provide intelligence support for the special operations. A training center scheduled to open will complete the wing’s structure in 2022.

Shaldag is the Israel Air Forces’ land-oriented special-operations element. Photo: Amit Agronov, IAF

“We are in times of regional change – with a global pandemic and a battlefield becoming more complex every day. Our commanders understand that these changes force us to adapt to the challenges that the future holds”, said Commander of the IAF, Maj. Gen. Amikam Norkin, during the opening ceremony.

In the early ’90s after the Gulf War, a decision was made to create an Aerial Special Forces Command. The command managed “Shaldag” and was responsible for Unit 669 and later for the Frontal Landing Unit as well. Forming a unified special operations wing follows other reorganization in Israel’s special operations units held in recent years. These include the formation of the strategic Depth Corps in 2011 and the establishment of the 89 Commando Brigade (Oz Brigade) in 2015, commanding three elite units – Maglan, Duvdevan, and Egoz. In recent years the new Corps and Brigade held several exercises in neighboring countries, including Cyprus and Greece, where the forces were assisted by 669 and Shaldag.

669 is the IAF combat air search and rescue unit. The teams are also trained to provide emergency aeromedical support. Photo: Amit Agronov, IAF

The new wing combines the complementary capabilities of the 669 with its inherent air mobility assets, Shaldag, the air forces’ land-oriented special-operations, and tactical air operations unit. Together, the wing provides integrated and coordinated support for the Depth Corps and other special operations (GHQ Intelligence Unit – Matkal and 13th Squadron of the naval commando), reflecting the growing role of special operations in modern warfare.

The 7th Wing that opened today at Palmachim AFB, was created due to operational needs and the changing and increasing threats on different fronts, as part of a broader process to strengthen and sharpen the special unit’s operational effectiveness. There is great operational significance to a body that will unify the IAF’s Special Forces and reinforce the IAF’s capabilities by synchronizing their activity. The base of the plan – improving the operational effectiveness of the units by adapting tactics and weapons systems, and broadening cooperation in the IAF, IDF, and the defense system as a whole. “A systemic organization of Special Forces, which focuses on the unique operational response to the IAF’s challenges, is a dream for the IDF’s Special Forces personnel and in general”, said Commander of the Wing, Col. E. “The time has come, and also in the IAF, our special forces are at the core”.

669 is the IAF combat air search and rescue unit. The unit is qualified and equipped to carry out advanced helicopter infiltration and exfiltration tactics. Photo: Amit Agronov, IAF

SeaGull USV Broadens Surveillance Capability with an ‘Eye in the Sky’

By
Tamir Eshel
-

Elbit Systems has added an Unmanned Aerial System capability to the Seagull Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV), broadening surveillance and intelligence gathering capabilities of the unmanned boat. Trials conducted in recent weeks were dedicated to the integration of Elbit Systems’ Skylark C mini-Unmanned Aerial System (UAS), onboard the Seagull USV, further enhancing its intelligence-gathering capabilities.

Skylark-C launched from the SeaGull unmanned surface vessel (USV). Photo: Elbit Systems

The Skylark C is designed for fully autonomous operation, from launch to recovery. The drone is launched automatically by catapult from the USV, and recovers by parachute at a Point Water Recovery (PWR), where it is retrieved by a support vessel. recovery and a takeoff weight of up to 15kg. The drone’s electrical propulsion sustains missions up to five hours, at a ceiling of 15,000 ft, and a range of 40 km from the launch vessel. Upon retrieval, UAVs use ‘hot-swap’ batteries to prepare and continue mission operation. The visual feed generated by the mini-UAS can be transmitted via the SeaGull communications channel to the Combat Management System (CMS) on other vessels, or the land-based command and control unit.

The SeaGull is designed as an autonomous, multi-mission USV for underwater operations, such as Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) and Mines Countermeasures (MCM). the USV’s switchable payload suite includes Electronic Warfare and Electro-Optic/Infra-Red payloads to provide situational awareness and facilitate intelligence gathering. The integration of a tactical UAS onboard the USV further expands its capacity to generate intelligence enabling to utilize the USV for enhancing the situational awareness of any maritime force and for shore exploration.

The Seagull USV enables naval forces to enhance performance while reducing risk to human life and dramatically cutting procurement and operating costs. In recent months Elbit Systems has added the HELRAS sonar in-cooperation with the Israeli Navy and concluding a series of trials for the TRAPS-USV towed sonar, significantly enhancing its ASW capabilities.

The Seagull USV is an autonomous multi-mission USV featuring switchable, modular mission payload suites capable of performing ASW, MCM, EW, Maritime Security (MS), Hydrography, and other missions using the same vessel, the mission control system and the same data links. The Seagull USV was deployed by in several exercises that were conducted with NATO maritime forces in the last few years, including in an MCM exercise alongside the HMS Ocean of the UK Royal Navy, and an ASW exercise that was conducted together with the Victoria and the HMS Duncan frigates of the Spanish Navy and the UK Royal Navy.

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