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    BAE Systems offer Bradley Variants for M113 Replacement

    After more than five decades in service, the M113 is finally reaching the point where the Army looks for the replace this aging fleet. While originally the Manned Ground Vehicle (MGV) and Ground Combat Vehicle (GCV) were considered as possible platforms, BAE Systems is offering a new solution – the Bradley family of vehicles. The company has developed mission specific Bradley variants to fulfill and enhance the combat mission role of the M113. While such a proposal is sensible from a logistical point of view, it remains to bee seen how the new variants address the Bradley’s inherent survivability and interior space limitations. The Army considers its current version of Bradley ‘the most survivable platform in the force, next to the Abrams tank’, but this title comes with significant additional weight. The vehicles will be available at a vehicle gross weight ranging from 55,000 to 64,800 without tile armor and will be prepared to carry 11 soldiers.

    The proposed family of vehicles expands the range of M2/M3 types with five new variants based on the bradley A3 – a command post vehicle, an armored medical evacuation vehicle (AMEV), armored medical treatment vehicle (AMTV), a mortar carrier and general purpose tracked vehicle.

    BAE Systems is displaying the command vehicle at AUSA 2010, while the mortar carrier mounting the Israeli mortar (in use on the U.S. army Stryker) is displayed at the Elbit Systems stand.

    AUSA 2010 Preview

    Defense Update is reviewing the upcoming Association of the U.S. Army Annual Meeting & Exhibition with extensive coverage focusing on the wide scope of land warfare.

    In particular, the areas we have traditionally covered, included armored vehicles, survivability and  protection; this time we plan to expand this theme with a wider scope, addressing threats and defensive techniques against blast, mine protection, as well as fire, CBRN and hazardous materials – resulting from the potential risks of fighting insurgency in modern, urban warfare. New active protection and ‘soft kill’ solutions will also be covered. In addition to the discussion of personal protection, we’ll review dismounted applications, including C4ISR, load carrying, personal gear, weapons, robotics and accessories.

    Non lethal weapons will be discussed, as well as the various aspects of kinetic effects. Our coverage will address new trends of precision guided weapons, particularly the downsizing of missiles and rockets and grenades, enabling the use of highly effective, specialized weapons by the lowest echelon tactical forces – mounted and dismounted.

    Technologies combating IEDs will be discussed in various aspects, from road clearing devices and jammers mounted on vehicles to the latest capabilities employed against IED support networks.

    Another field of interest is robotics and unmanned systems – both micro and mini platforms, EOD and aerial systems will be presented, as well as the upcoming cargo carriers, manned and unmanned.

    Army aviation issues will be discussed with focus on helicopters, aerial ISR, aerostats and airships, manned-unmanned teaming and cargo UAVs. Air defense will also be included, with the aspects ranging from cruise and ballistic missile defense to C-RAM.

    We also plan to focus on the new field of area persistence, which includes the means for gathering intelligence and manipulating data into actionable, targeting intelligence – remote sensors, radars, UGS, seismic, acoustic and IR and new, promising technologies pursued by DARPA.

    If you are exhibiting at AUSA 2010 and would like to meet our team, please email to “editor” at defense-update.com or sms: +972-544-508028. We plan to review many of the exhibitors, some of which are listed below:

    • ADS Inc.
    • Aerojet – propulsion
    • AeroVironment Inc. – UVS
    • Agilent Technologies
    • Agusta Westland – helicopters
    • Airborne Systems – air delivery
    • Aitech Defense Systems – electronics
    • Alcoa Defense – metals
    • Allison Transmission Inc. – vehicles
    • AM General Corp. – vehicles
    • AMTANK Armor – armor
    • Amtech Corp
    • Armorworks – armor
    • Arotech – vehicle armor
    • ATI Defense
    • ATK – energetics, ammunition, composites
    • Autoflug GmbH – blast protection
    • AxleTech International – vehicles
    • Aydin – Displays
    • BAE Systems –
    • Barco Federal Systems – displays
    • Barrett – firearms
    • Bates Uniform Footwear – gear
    • Battelle
    • Bell Helicopter – helicopters
    • Beretta – weapons
    • Blackhawk Products Group – gear
    • Boeing
    • Bose Corp. – hearing protection
    • BrenTronics – power
    • L-3 Com
    • Navistar Defense – vehicles
    • CamelBak – gear
    • Carl Zeiss Optronics – EO
    • Caterpillar Inc. – engineer
    • Ceradyne Armor Systems – armor
    • CeramTec (ETEC GmbH) – armor
    • Chemring Group
    • Cobham
    • Colt Defense
    • CoorsTek
    • Cumminc Inc.
    • Curtiss Wright Controls
    • Cypress Int.
    • Daimler Trucks
    • Defenshield
    • Deschamps Mat Systems
    • Diehl Defence Holdings
    • DRS Technologies
    • DSM Dyneema
    • DuPont Co.
    • DynCorp
    • Dytecna
    • EADS
    • Eagle Ind.
    • Elbit Systems
    • Energizer
    • EnerSys
    • Ensign Bickford A&D
    • EOD Technology
    • ESS
    • Esterline Defense Technologies
    • Eurenco
    • Falck Schmidt Defence Systems
    • Finmeccanica
    • First Choice Armor & Equipment
    • FLIR Systems
    • FNH
    • Force Protection
    • Fraser Volpe
    • GE Intelligent Platforms
    • General Atomics
    • GD OTS
    • GD Combat Systems
    • GD IS&T
    • General Kinetics Engineering
    • Gentex
    • Global Seating Systems (GSS) – blast seats
    • Harris Corp.
    • HDT Engineered technology (BASE X)
    • H&K
    • Hesco Military Products
    • HGH Infrared Systems
    • High Impact Technology
    • Honeywell
    • IAI
    • IbisTek
    • ICx Technologies
    • Intevac Photonics
    • iRobot Corp
    • IMI
    • ITT
    • Kracher Futuretech
    • KBR
    • Kearfott Corp.
    • Kongsberg Protech
    • KMW
    • KVH
    • L-3 Com
    • Lacroix Defense & Securite
    • Lasershot
    • Leupold & Stevens
    • Lockheed Martin
    • McLane Advanced Tech
    • Meggitt Defense Systems
    • Microvision
    • Mistral
    • MPRI
    • MTU Detroit Diesel
    • NACRE
    • Nammo Talley
    • Navistar Defense
    • Nexter Group
    • Northrop Grumman
    • NP Aerospace
    • Oakley
    • Olin Corp – Winchester Ammunition
    • OSG Armor
    • Oshkosh Defense
    • Otis Products
    • Panhard
    • Parker Hannifin
    • Pearson Eng.
    • Pelican Products
    • Phantom Products
    • Physical Optics Corp.
    • Plasan
    • Point Blank Solutions
    • PPG Ind.
    • Protonex
    • QinetiQ
    • Rafael
    • Raytheon BBN
    • Raytheon
    • Raytheon Elcan
    • Revision Eyewear
    • Rockwell Collins
    • Runflat Int.
    • Saab
    • Sagem
    • SAIC
    • Sarnoff Corp.
    • Secure Rugged Portable
    • Sekai Electronics
    • Selex Electronics
    • Serco
    • SFC Smart Fuel Cell
    • Sierra Nevada Corp
    • Sig Sauer
    • Sikorski
    • Sofradir
    • SRC
    • SRI
    • Streamlight
    • Surefire
    • Tactical CommGear
    • Tactronics
    • Taser Int.
    • Teijin Aramid
    • Telephonics Corp.
    • TenCate Advanced Composites
    • Textron Systems
    • Thales
    • Trijicon
    • Tyco
    • Ultra Electronics
    • Ultralife Corp.
    • Under Armor
    • US Ordnance
    • Vectronics
    • ViaSat
    • VSE Corp
    • VT Group
    • VT Miltope
    • Wiley X Eyewear

    Australia’s Super Hornet Tests JSOW Guided Weapons

    Australian Super Hornet. Photo: Australian Defence

    Super Hornet aircraft from No. 1 Squadron conducted their first live weapon trials at the Woomera Test Range, north of Adelaide. The JSOW test is part of Australia’s new Super Hornets testing their deployment capabilities.

    Five F/A-18F Super Hornets and about 100 aircrew, maintenance and support personnel from No. 1 Squadron will operate from RAAF Edinburgh during the squadron’s first deployment away from their main operating base at RAAF Amberley, Queensland.

    Saudi Arabia to Order 180 New Helicopters for a New National Guard Aviation Regiment

    The recently announced acquisition of more than 180 helicopters for the Saudi Arabian National Guards (SANG) provides the first major step in expansion of the SANG Aviation Command, established in 2006. The announced package worth well over $25 billion equals the modernization of the Royal Saudi Air Force’s F-15 force.

    As part of this package the U.S. will supply 36 new AH-64D attack helicopters, upgrading of existing Apaches, delivery of 36 AH-6 Little Bird light attack helicopters. The package also includes 72 Sikorsky UH-60M Black Hawk assault helicopters and 12 MD530 scout/liaison light helicopters.

    The SANG aviation regiment will field 36 AH-64D (Apache Block III) attack helicopters, of which up to 20 will be equipped with mast mounted targeting systems, comprising the AN/APG-78 Fire Control Radars and AN/APR-48A Radar Frequency Interferometer sets. The 36 AH-6i light attack helicopters will carry Wescam MX15Di EO targeting systems, and be armed with GAU-19A 12.7mm Gatling guns and launchers for the firing of AGM-114R HELLFIRE II Missiles.

    In addition to the RSNG Apache acquisition the Royal Saudi Land Forces (RSLF) will also invest $3.3 billion acquiring 24 additional Block III Apaches, under a separate order. 10 of these helicopters will be fitted with the mast mounted target acquisition kit. For these gunships the Saudis opted for a weapons mix comprising of AGM-114R Hellfire, 30 mm automatic gun and 70mm laser guided rockets. The helicopters will be equipped with airborne satellite communications terminals. In addition, the Saudi Arabian Royal Guard will also buy 10 Apache Block IIIs, on a third order worth $2.2 billion. The configuration and weapon’s mix on these helicopters is almost identical to that of the Saudi Army.

    Better F-15SA Eagles for the Royal Saudi Air Force

    Updated: October 21, 2010: The U.S. and Saudi Arabia have finalized an arms package that shadows even the large arms mega-sales in the region. The arms sales package includes several packages worth about $60 Billion, which include mostly platforms produced by the Boeing Company. The main element is the modernization of the Royal Saudi Air Force, with the acquisition and modernization of more than 150 F-15S/SA fighters as part of a $30 billion multiyear investment. This package includes the acquisition of 84 new F-15SA fighter jets, replacing the Kingdom’s aging F-15C/D fighters, and the upgrading 70 existing F-15S strike fighters in service with the RSAF, bringing them to the same level of the new F-15SA. The procurement contract was signed between the US and Saudi Arabia a year later, in December 2011 at a cost of $29.7 billion. Three months later the US Air Force awarded the prime contractor Boeing $11.4 Billion contract funding the development, retrofit and manufacturing of 84 F-15 aircraft with systems and munitions. This firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee, time-and-materials contract is expected to be completed October 2020. The associated work will take place in locations including El Segundo, Calif., Ocala, Fla., and Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

    The new F-15SA and the upgraded F-15S will include the APG-63(v)3 radar from Raytheon, the latest AESA radar developed for the Eagle. These aircraft will also carry the AN/AAQ-33 Sniper Targeting pod and Tiger Eye Navigation Pod (3rd Generation LANTIRN). On reconnaissance missions the DB-110 Reconnaissance Pod will be used. The Saudi acquisition represents the first application of DB-110 on the F-15 platform.

    To further improve air combat capability the new Saudi Eagles will be equipped with Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing Systems (JHMCS) and AN/AAS-42 Infrared Search and Track (IRST) Systems. The Saudis will also receive the latest version of the Sidewinder AIM-9X short range air/air missiles and AIM-120C/7 AMRAAM missiles. For air/surface attack the new Eagles will carry mostly precision guided weapons, including AGM-84 Block II Harpoon anti-ship missiles, AGM-88B HARM anti radiation missiles, 500 and 2,000 lb versions of enhanced Paveway II and III Dual Mode Laser/Global Positioning System (GPS) Guided bombs, 2,000 lbs JDAM GPS guided weapons, and CBU-105D/B Sensor Fuzed Weapons (SFW) utilizing Wind Corrected Munitions Dispensers (WCMD).

    Through the Wall Radar Sensors at ISDEF 2010

    Tialinx Eagle 5P hand held RF imager is designed to detect culvert and tunnels. Photo: Noam Eshel, defense-Update
    Tialinx Eagle 5P hand held RF imager is designed to detect culvert and tunnels. Photo: Noam Eshel, defense-Update

    Two companies are demonstrating Ultra-Wide Band (UWB) radar systems providing through the wall sensing. Israel-based Camero is showing the Xaver 800 and 400 products and is unveiling a prototype design of the miniature hand-held Xaver 100, that fits into a soldier’s pouch. These systems can effectively detect the presence of people behind a wall, indicating their movements, relative positions and, in some systems, the distance to the target.

    U.S. based TiaLinx Inc. has developed a different system, also utilizing a low-power UWB design. Actually, TiaLinx’ Eagle 5 family of radars can be used as ‘dual-use systems’ – for spotting and tracking targets behind walls, but due to its high sensitivity, the sensor can also detecting living people trapped under rubble, by spotting their breathing movements. The system can also detect underground cavities associated with weapon’s caches and IED emplacements inside walls.

    Camero is offering the Xaver 800 for through the wall sensing, the radar can identify, track and measure distance to occupants behind walls, alerting assault teams before entering the room. Photo: Noam Eshel, defense-Update

    The imager ‘illuminates’ the target area with rapid, wide-band high frequency (nano sec.)
    pulses that penetrate glass, wood, concrete, dry wall and bricks. The pulses echoed from underground objects and ‘anomalies’ are processes to create a two-dimensional image of the target. The radar can detect objects buried 30 ft deep into the ground or covered by 20 cm concrete slabs.

    TiaLinx offers two versions of the Eagle 5 – the Eagle 5P hand held RF imager for culvert and tunnel detection, and -5B model, designed for the detection of underground buried motion. Other models developed by the company are designed as hand held sensors, utilizing a helmet mounted display.

    RiotBot – Armed For Close Combat

    RiotBot comes with remotely controlled non lethal weapon, to effectively counter threats in high intensity, potentiality violent engagements. Photo: Noam Eshel, Defense-Update

    The Spanish company TechnoRobot has introduced here the RiotBot – a new class of unmanned platform designed for intervention in riots, prison disturbances, or other civil disorders, where neutralization of specific elements is required by law enforcement agents, avoiding direct contact with the crowd. By operating with effective non lethal means to suppress, or deactivate a target without the presence of personnel, RiotBot can eliminate potential threats while minimizing escalation typically caused by police intervention.

    RiotBot comes with remotely controlled non lethal weapon, to effectively counter threats in high intensity, potentiality violent engagements. Photo: Noam Eshel, Defense-Update

    The Riotbot platform comprises a six-wheel electrically driven automotive system, fitted with rechargeable lithium batteries to last for two hours of continuous operation. Turnaround tasks include recharging the weapon’s compressed air tank, replacing batteries and reloading ammunition is performed in less than five minutes.

    The riotbot weighs about 18 kg (40 pounds) and can travel at a speed of 20 km/h (12 mph), and its weapon are controlled from a game-style hand controller and portable console, monitoring and controlling the vehicle from a distance of one mile. The weapon mount employs a PepperBall TAC700 carbine customized and adapted for safe use on the robot. A video camera is attached to the mount, monitoring the weapon’s aiming line in its field of view. RiotBot packs 450 PAVA balls of ammunition feeding at 700 rounds per minute. The carbine is designed with safety measures enabling it firing only by remote control, therefore preventing hostiles from turning it against the operators.  The weapon can tilt at elevations of 30 degrees or depression of -15 degrees, and turn 150 degrees to each side. It is effective at distances from zero of 60 ft.

    New Casualty Evacuation System Introduced by Easy Rescue

    The system is operated by two persons, compared to four carrying a single patient on a stretcher. Furthermore, as the harness' load is carried on the shoulders, this leaves the carrier's hands free to assist in movement, treat the patient or use weapons for self defense. The system developed by Easy Rescue employs a harness carrying a single patient in a seated position. Photo: Easy Rescue
    The system is operated by two persons, compared to four carrying a single patient on a stretcher. Furthermore, as the harness' load is carried on the shoulders, this leaves the carrier's hands free to assist in movement, treat the patient or use weapons for self defense. The system developed by Easy Rescue employs a harness carrying a single patient in a seated position. Photo: Easy Rescue

    Easy Rescue unveiled their latest innovation in casualty rescue and evacuation, introducing a new method to transfer wounded persons from areas under engagement or where movement or access are challenged by terrain, design (narrow paths), man made or natural obstacles. An operational study of such system conducted by the IDF Home Front Command indicated that such system can contribute to personnel saving by a factor of 5 – 10, compared to evacuation techniques employing only stretchers and gurneys.
    The system is operated by two persons, compared to four carrying a single patient on a stretcher.

    Furthermore, as the harness’ load is carried on the shoulders, this leaves the carrier’s hands free to assist in movement, treat the patient or use weapons for self defense.

    The system developed by Easy Rescue employs a harness carrying a single patient in a seated position. Carried by two persons, the harness is recommended to evacuate people weighing up to 120 kg. The system is packed into a compact pouch weighing only 0.9 kg.

    Converting Pistols into Carbines

    A pistol can be installed in the RONI in 5 seconds, requiring no special tools, pistol disassembly or gunsmithing. Photo: Noam Eshel, Defense Update

    CAA Tactical displayed the new RONI shell kit at ISDEF 2010. Roni enables the conversion of standard handguns and pistols into an accurate carbine. With the new kit, standard targets can be engaged at 50-70 meters, as the kit significantly improves the shooter’s grip, accuracy and therefore, the probability of the shooters’ hitting the target at extended range. RONI shell kits are available for Glock, SIG Sauer, Springfield and Beretta firearms.

    With CAA's new RONI kit, standard targets can be engaged at 50-70 meters, as the kit significantly improves the shooter’s grip, accuracy and therefore, the probability of the shooters' hitting the target at extended range. Photo: Noam Eshel, Defense Update

    A pistol can be installed in the RONI in 5 seconds, requiring no special tools, pistol disassembly or gunsmithing. The design maintains zeroing repeatedly as long as the same handgun is used with the same kit. The weapon maintains the pistol’s cocking handle to operate the weapon, so the firearm is always ready for action. RONI’s enlarged cocking handle fits onto the pistol’s handle, enabling easier operation, and more efficient clearing of jams, performed in the same way as when shooting the pistol by itself. The shell kit comes with extra safety devices, such as a safety shroud to protect the trigger for pistols without a conventional safety devise. And a forward finger guard, protecting the forefinger from the hot barrel shroud.

    A pistol can be installed in the RONI in 5 seconds, requiring no special tools, pistol disassembly or gunsmithing. Photo: Noam Eshel, Defense Update

    ISDEF 2010 – First Impressions

    RiotBot comes with remotely controlled non lethal weapon, to effectively counter threats in high intensity, potentiality violent engagements. Photo: Noam Eshel, Defense-Update

    ISDEF 2010 exhibition opened in Tel Aviv Conventions Center today provided an impressive hub for new and innovative defense and security technologies from different countries some are making their first appearance out of their countries.

    On our first impressions report Defense Update we are focusing on several new systems including new weapons and accessories, casualty evacuation, and sensors.

    RiotBot comes with remotely controlled non lethal weapon, to effectively counter threats in high intensity, potentiality violent engagements. Photo: Noam Eshel, Defense-Update

    Silver Shadow, an Israeli weapon modification and customization expert unveiled two of its latest weapons the Gilboa 5.56mm compact assault rifle and Silenced Timna high precision sniper rifle at ISDEF 2010. Gilboa comes in various sizes and configurations, the smallest and most compact is the 2.25 kg Automatic Pistol Rifle (APR), fitted with a 4.5″ long barrel. CAA Tactical displayed here the new RONI shell kit for pistols, converting standard handguns and pistols into an accurate carbine.

    Camero unveiled at ISDEF 2010 the latest, most compact member of the Ultra Wide-Band (UWB) family – the Xaver 100. Photo: Noam Eshel, Defense Update,

    Two companies are demonstrating Ultra-Wide Band (UWB) radar systems providing through the wall sensing. Israel-based Camero is showing the Xaver 800 and 400 products and is unveiling a prototype design of the miniature hand-held Xaver 100, that fits into a soldier’s pouch.

    Medical treatment and casualty evacuation were also among today’s highlights at ISDEF. Easy Rescue unveiled their latest innovation in casualty rescue and evacuation, introducing the BUDDY – a new method to transfer wounded persons from areas under engagement or where movement or access are challenged by terrain, design (narrow paths), man made or natural obstacles. An operational study of such system conducted by the IDF Home Front Command indicated that such system can contribute to personnel saving by a factor of 5 – 10, compared to evacuation techniques employing only stretchers and gurneys.

    In the field of robotics, the Spanish company TechnoRobot has introduced here the RiotBot – a new class of unmanned platform designed for intervention in riots, prison disturbances, or other civil disorders, where neutralization of specific elements is required by law enforcement agents, avoiding direct contact with the crowd. By operating with effective non lethal means to suppress, or deactivate a target without the presence of personnel, RiotBot can eliminate potential threats while minimizing escalation typically caused by police intervention.

    Israel’s Mifram company has unveiled at ISDEF 2010 the new ‘Shark’ – a protected observation cabin that can be turned into an elevated firing post for snipers or security guards.

    The O’gara Group presented here a advanced collection of electro-optical devices tailored for use by the warfighter. Among the latest systems introduced by the group are the Conformal Enhanced Heads Up Display (CEHUD), and Multi-Spectral Combat Identification Beacon called NOVA. A different concept providing the warfighter with timely command and control while feeding their commanders with situational understanding was displayed by emenu. Their Integrated Rifle Information Sensor System (IRISS) system, is mounted on a piccatinny rail on top of the rifle, providing ‘heads up display’ enabling the warfighter and commanders to seamlessly share sight images, situational awareness, position and target information.

    Silver Shadow’s AK-47 Kalashnikov Makeover

    Silver Shadow displayed two Israeli modifications of Russian weapons, including the new Timna sniper rifle, based on a modified M76 and the AK-47 conversion kit, turning any Kalashnikov assault rifle into a weapon fitted to operate standard western accessories and optics. Photo: Noam Eshel, Defense Update

    Silver Shadow, an Israeli weapon modification and customization expert unveiled two of its latest weapons the Gilboa 5.56mm compact assault rifle and Silenced Timna high precision sniper rifle at ISDEF 2010.

    Modifying the latest Russian M76 sniper rifle into the new Timna Silenced sniper rifle, Silver Shadow took this proven Russian design further, modified it into a western 7.62/51 designed for heavy, high velocity ammunition, enabling military and law enforcement snipers to operate with maximum stealth, even at close range as well as at maximum distance. The rifle is matched with a barrel made by Shilen Rifles, and a modern, full barrel length silencer developed by Silver Shadow which leaves almost no acoustic signature.

    Silver Shadow displayed two Israeli modifications of Russian weapons, including the new Timna sniper rifle, based on a modified M76 and the AK-47 conversion kit, turning any Kalashnikov assault rifle into a weapon fitted to operate standard western accessories and optics. Photo: Noam Eshel, Defense Update

    Silver Shadow firearms lab expert demonstrates the unique full-length silencer of the new Timna silenced sniper rifle. Photo: Noam Eshel, Defense Update

    Silver Shadow is also offering an upgrade package for the AK-47-74 and X9R, converting any standard Kalashnikov into a modern, modular weapon, that can cerry a wide variety of optics and accessories on standard rail systems. The kit includes replacement tactical adapter or an improved, modular frame replacing the original weapon’s handguard. Once installed, the tactical adaptor or X9-R handguard provides four Picatinny rails for the mounting of different accessories. The kit also accommodates a forgrip with peripheral Picatinny rail mounting telescopic sights, telescopic (M16) or folding stock, ergonomic vertical grip, and more. An improved flash and recoil suppressor can also be added. Accessories include detachable assault bipod, This device actively reduces recoil by 25% and muzzle flash by 29%. It also enables the mounting of grenade launchers, which further reduces recoil.

    Gilboa – Debut of a new Israeli Assault Rifle

    The APR measures 51 centimeters in length, fitted with a 7" barrel as standard, but for special uses it can be configured with a 4.5" barrel. Photo: Noam Eshel, Defense-Update
    The APR measures 51 centimeters in length, fitted with a 7" barrel as standard, but for special uses it can be configured with a 4.5" barrel. Photo: Noam Eshel, Defense-Update

    Silver Shadow, an Israeli weapon modification and customization expert unveiled two of its latest weapons the Gilboa 5.56mm compact assault rifle and Silenced Timna high precision sniper rifle at ISDEF 2010.

    Part of the Gilboa family of assault rifles, showing the standard, piston driven model on top, the DMR in the middle and the 'Shorty' at the bottom. Photo: Noam Eshel, Defense Update

    The Gilboa employs the proven lower receiver of the M-16/M4 design, coupled with a new upper receiver designed by Silver Shadow. The weapon is designed to enable operators to employ the weapon effectively at all combat ranges, from zero to 300 m. The mechanism developed by Silver Shadow uses a proprietary gas operated piston driven system, enabling cleaner and cooler running of the rifle under extreme conditions. The new weapon is configured as a flat-top platform, fitted with multiple rails for mounting optics, lasers and other accessories. Gilboa comes in various sizes and configurations, from the smallest 2.25 kg Automatic Pistol Rifle (APR), the short and standard versions, to the long-barrel 3.55 kg Designated Marksman Rifle (DMR). The APR measures 51 centimeters in length, fitted with a 7″ barrel as standard, but for special uses it can be configured with a 4.5″ barrel. The ‘DMR’ is a heavily modified Gilboa series automatic rifle designed to provide military and law enforcement operators greater firepower at combat ranges. It is fitted with a heavy match 18″ barrel for better harmonics and has a 7:1 twist rate to permit using heavier projectiles.

    TiaLinx

    TiaLinx was established in 2003 as a California corporation, TiaLinx, Inc. has been involved with the development of mm-Wave ultra wideband (UWB) RF imaging devices that can be used for civilian and defense applications. The Company has received 37 patents and owns in excess of 40 additional filed patent applications. TiaLinx offers several models of the eagle UWB radar, for applications as a man portable device or one carried by a robot, a larger device that can sense cavities and spot objects, breathing or movement behind or inside a wall.

    OTB Boots

    This outdoor boot design specialist was commissioned to design the new type of boot for use in and around water for the U.S. Navy Seals. The new product class was designated ‘Over the Beach’ (ITB). The OTB has become part of the New Balance family of brand in January 2010.

    Diehl’s Sky Sphere set to Defeat UAS, OWA Drones Head-On

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    Diehl Defence has teamed up with Skysec to develop a drone interceptor. Diehl works with Skysec’s subsidiary, Skysec Defence, to modify the original civilian-oriented net-arresting interceptor into a hard-kill system suitable for military missions....

    Defense Update Weekly News Summary

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    Welcome to the latest episode of Defense-Update News Summary! In this episode, we dive into this week’s developments in defense technology, military acquisitions, and strategic partnerships worldwide. Some of this week's highlights include: Elbit Systems...

    Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle Program Launches as Part of Rafale F5 Standard

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    The French Ministry of Armed Forces has officially launched the Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) program as part of the Rafale F5 standard development. This event marks the beginning of a new era in...

    Air Defense & C-UAS Innovations at the AUSA 2024 Exhibition

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    Army Air Defense Undergoes Significant Modernization to Counter Drone Threats The U.S. Army's air defense branch has experienced its most substantial modernization and growth in over four decades, primarily driven by the need to counter...

    Elbit Systems Address US Army Artillery Modernization with Sigma 155×52 Wheeled Howitzer

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    Elbit Systems of America showcases the Sigma Next Generation Howitzer at AUSA 2024, where competing systems from Sweden, South Korea, France, and Germany are likely to be presented, some in models, others in full...

    Defense-Update Weekly News Summary

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    Welcome to the latest episode of Defense-Update News Summary! In this episode, we dive into this week’s developments in defense technology, military acquisitions, and strategic partnerships worldwide. Some of this week's highlights include: Elbit Systems...

    Israel Revamps Aerial Bomb Production

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    Elbit Systems has signed a 1.5-billion-shekel (approximately $400 million) contract with Israel's Ministry of Defense to establish an aerial bomb manufacturing bombs for the Israeli Air Force. In the past, the government-owned IMI operated...