Israel’s Unmanned Ground Vehicle’s (UGV) pioneer G-NIUS is expanding its Guardium UGV family with a logistics load carrier (Guardium LS) designed to support dismounted infantry units on the battlefield. In the logistics support role, the vehicle can be tele-operated from mobile or portable terminals, or act in a mule mode, where it autonomously follows a squad unit.
Photo: G-NIUS
The manned version of the Tomcar platform used for the Guardium vehicle has already been used operationally in the logistical support role; the Springer vehicle, acquired earlier this year by the British Ministry of Defence, under the urgent operational requirement (UOR) program, has recently deployed toAfghanistan in support of British forces in-theater.
Responding to combatants' requirement, the Guardium LS reduces the dismounted soldier's weight load and facilitates safe replenishment of forward deployed forces. Photo: G-NIUS
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) considers deploying such vehicles both as optionally manned-driven vehicles and an unmanned ‘logistical ‘mules’. The vehicle, carries loads up to 1.2 tons of supplies, employs the Guardium autonomous mission control system, enabling units to use the system in a variety of operational scenarios, including route clearing, base protection, ISR and logistic support. In the logistics support role, the vehicle can be tele-operated from mobile or portable terminals, or act in a mule mode, where it autonomously follows a squad unit.
The IDF has recently deployed the semi-autonomous Guardium UGV along the Gaza border, where the vehicle is used as part of the border security system. The Guardium LS incorporates lessons learned in the course of the Guardium UGV’s operational deployment.
The IDF logistics corps has identified the unmanned load carrier as one of the capability gaps to be fulfilled by unmanned systems, after encountering critical challenges during the Second Lebanon War in 2006, where IDF logistics were restricted in pushing supplies forward into the battle area. Since then, the loads that infantry units must carry only increased, forcing planners to field load-carrying systems to support dismounted combat elements.
Guardium LS incorporates lessons learned during operational deployment of the Guardium™ UGV by the Israeli Defense Forces. Photo: G-NIUS
Singapore is fielding the new 8×8 Terrex Infantry Combat Vehicle. The Singaporeans are planning to field at least 135 vehicles, expected to be fielded with all infantry and guards battalions by February 2010. The new vehicle was developed by Singapore Technologies Kinetics and is optimized for urban warfare.
The 24-tonne Terrex Infantry Carrier Vehicle (ICV) is the latest Singapore Armed Forces’ (SAF’s) acquisition, under the island state’s ambitious 3rd Generation fighting force scheme. In recent years the Singaporean army transformed its capabilities with the introduction of new systems, including the Leopard IIA4 tanks, acquired from Germany in 2006 and the Bionix III tracked infantry combat vehicle, fielded a year earlier. Terrex was developed under collaboration between Turkey and Singapore.
It can carry up to 13 soldiers, inclusive of its driver and commander. The vehicle is equipped with 8×8 independent suspension system and large off-road tyres which enhance mobility over various types of terrain. It can travel at speeds of up to 105 kmh.
The vehicle is equipped with remotely operated weapon station, manufactured in country. It is protected by a modular armor system, which can be enhanced with add-on armor protection suite to provide all-round protection against conventional threats. The Terrex ICV is also designed to withstand mine blasts.
It is fitted with the Battlefield Management System (BMS), facilitating full situational awareness capability for the crew and integration with other combat systems including infantry fighting vehicles, main battle tanks, artillery platforms, attack helicopters and fighter aircraft. The vehicle will also employ a new acoustic Weapon Detection System (WDS) to spot enemy fire sources. (the system can be seen in the photo above, on the aft of the vehicle, just above the ramp door) Threat and target information could be shared with other friendly forces via the BMS network. The Terrex BMS also supports the dismounted soldiers carrying the Singapore Army new breed of infantry combat suites. Supporting and interfacing with the Advanced Combat Man System (ACMS) the vehicular BMS will constantly update infantry troops on enemy movement and location. With a better picture of the operating environment and key battlefield information provided by BMS, soldiers can call for support from air and land forces to coordinate maneuvers and deliver precision fire on enemy targets.
IAI is nearing the first delivery of a prototype version of the Mosquito micro UAV, as part of the technological evaluation of this new concept UAV. Similar to ‘micro class’ UAVs, Mosquito weighs in the sub kilogram range, but unlike other systems scratching the top of the weight class, Mosquito weighs only 500 grams. Nevertheless, it can operate on a 30 minute mission, at distances up to 3,000 meters from the launch point. According to IAI officials the Mosquito can endure winds and gusts up to 25 knots. The system is not new, Defense Update has first reported on the Mosquito in 2005. In the past four years the development of the systemcontinues, alas at a slower pace, lacking a clear customer requirement or market. But IAI’s developers persisted in their effort to improve the system, with encouragement from Israel’s MOD Defense Research & Development Directorate (DR&DD).
Through this evolutionary process the airframe hasn’t changed much, but the system became more mature, as designers gradually implemented lessons learned from much larger systems, while seeking simple, low-cost and lightweight elements to enhance the system, improve its reliability and usability, primarily by operators with the average soldier skills.
Demonstrated publicly in flight for the first time at the 3rd Latrun conference this week the Mosquito was launched by a unique catapult, derived from a common fishing harpoon. This apparatus was modified to launch the Mosquito effectively and reliably. The innovative use of such apparatus corresponds to new requirements emerging from the field. Operational experience with mini-UAVs has demonstrated that most losses of air vehicles are caused on take off and landing, deriving developers to adapt mechanized launch and retrieval systems for small and mini UAVs.
IAI sources indicated that after a thorough examination of different launch systems, including catapults, bungee and hand launch, the harpoon was found to be the most reliable and compact. It also enables the launch of a Mosquito from confined spaces such as armored vehicles, windows or moving trucks. Once airborne the electrically powered Mosquito is silent and virtually invisible as it rapidly climbs to its cruising altitude (commonly set to 100 meters above the surface). From this altitude the micro UAV can effectively collect intelligence ‘over the hill’, directly supporting low echelon users including battalions, companies and special operations forces.
A major development thrust was invested in balancing the weight, endurance and performance of the system, resulting in the use of two rechargeable batteries, sustaining a mission of 30 minutes, or alternative primary (non-rechargeable) power sources increasing endurance by about 25 percent. The Mosquito is equipped with a single electro-optical sensor with a fixed field of view, the installation of the miniature camera enables automatic compensation of the line of sight to the aircraft maneuver, thus improving operability by non specialist users.
To improve the utilization of this asset as an intelligence collection tool, Mosquito can generate a continuous set of images, ‘stitched’ together electronically to combine each of the individual high resolution frames into a mosaic covering a certain area of interest, movement axis or enemy disposition area. The current EO sensor comprises a CCD camera but future operational systems will employ a daylight CCD and/or bolometric (uncooled) IR imager. After the data is gathered, the Mosquito is commanded to reach a retrieval point, where it opens a parachute at a set altitude, determined to bring the micro UAV to the ground at a point where it can be safely retrieved by the operators. The whole system, comprising the mission command and control, two UAVs and communications segment is packed into a briefcase that can be carried and operated by a single warfighter.
The portable command and control console implemented on a notebook PC shows the mission planning and control system performed entirely on the screen. (The flight displays are for air vehicle reference monitoring during the test flight). The payload images are shown on the window at left. The operating mode on the left is collecting images for the mosaic. Within a short time all images captured (as requested by the operator) are aligned to each other, 'stitched' into a mosaic, and presented in a 'zoom out' overview as shown in the right window. Since the image is processed on the ground, the operator can 'zoom in' at will, on any object, and examine the full resolution image displayed in maximum magnification, to seek valuable information or better understanding the situation. This operation mode provides the small unit with 'up-to-the-minute' aerial photo showing an overview of the updated area of operation, rather than looks for a specific target or identifies an armed person or suspect - missions performed by other, larger unmanned systems.
New Israeli hardware was unveiled today at the Latrun 3rd annual conference discussing maneuver in complex terrain. Many of the new systems were unveiled by the Ground Forces Command’s (GFC) weapons development department, responsible for the maturization of new weapon systems, command for the armor, infantry, combat engineering and artillery corps. Other programs displayed here are sponsored or supported by the Israel Ministry of Defense Directorate Research & Development (DDR&D) were displayed by four industries that supported the event, including IAI, Rafael, IMI and Azimuth.
Improved Precision for Artillery Projectile
Photo: Noam Eshel, Defense-Update
The GFC unveiled an add-on improvement designed for conventional artillery projectiles developed by IAI, improving the accuracy, effectiveness of artillery fire while reducing the risk to friendly forces and minimizing collateral damage resulting from the use of artillery fire in dense and populated areas. The system further improves over the current Trajectory Correction System (TCS) developed by IMI and fielded with the IDF multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) units and introducing trajectory correction and improved statistical fire accuracy with tube artillery. It employs a GPS receiver and guidance system performing trajectory correction during flight, achieving an average circular error point (CEP) of 20 meters, regardless of the range the projectile is fired at. While still employed as a statistical fire for effect, artillery can be used much more economically, spending significantly less ammunition to achieve the required effect, resulting in reduced logistics, transportation and risk of error. It also means that the required effect can be reached within minutes, rather than over much longer time. When coupled with the new Multi-Mode Radar, developed by IAI’s Elta Systems and soon to be fielded by the Israeli Artillery, the new trajectory corrected guided projectile will further improve the ability of the IDF artillery to address rapid response, precision fire of fire sources soon after these are being detected by the MMR.
Mini-Spike Anti-Personnel Guided Weapon
DDR&D provided a glimpse into some of the new and exciting programs currently underway with participating industries. Among these were the mini-Spike missile system, the smallest member of Rafael’s electro-optically guided missiles. Mini-Spike is the first implementation of an anti-personnel precision attack missile, designed for operation at the company and platoon level. This man-portable missile system weighs about 12 kg, and comprises of a command and launch unit facilitating target acquisition and wireless control for the missile, weighing 4 kg and missiles stored in a canister-launcher, weighing 4 kg each. Typically a soldier will carry the CLU and two missiles with other members of the unit carrying spare missiles. The missile can be fired at targets at ranges of 1,200 meters and can be set to approach the target in a low, medium or high angle of attack, enabling effective engagement of concealed targets. The CLU can be used stand-alone for observation and target acquisition. It features a number of useful operating modes, including video recording and playback.
IAI has unveiled at the event a new and unique operational concept providing dismounted and maneuvering forces an organic, precision attack capability utilizing simple ‘dial a strike’ concept, employing the new vertically launched, supersonic guided missile called ‘Jumper’. The missile’s length is 180 cm and its diameter is 15 cm. Each launch unit weighs about 1.5 tons can be deployed by air, or land and operate in an unattended mode, without requiring support or presence of operators. The launch system covers a radius of 50 kilometers and uses vertical launch to set the missile on course at any direction, without pre-launch slewing or elevation. The launch unit can be loaded with several types of missiles stored in sealed container-launchers weighing about 90 kg each, carrying pre-configured with anti-personnel, anti-structure or penetrating warheads. The missile is propelled by a two-phase rocket motor with low signature and the supersonic speed means that its acoustic signature is also minimal. The missile is stored in sealed containers, each launch unit packs eight missiles and a command control and communications unit. The missiles are using highly accurate GPS/INS guidance, driving four steering surfaces at the aft section. Enhanced GPS/INS will derive accuracy levels comparable to other precision guided weapons. In the basic configuration the missile is designed to be effective against stationary targets designed by geographical coordinate, and is unaffected by visibility and weather conditions. An optional laser guidance enhancement will enable the weapon to hit at even higher precision, enable limited ‘man in the loop’ capability and address moving targets. According to IAI sources, compared to costly electro-optical guidance systems, the entire GPS/INS guidance system can be produced at significantly lower costs, making the new missile affordable for employment at lower formations, such as the platoon level. IAI is also addressing similar (and complementary) capability by employing network-centric laser-guided weapons capability. According to IAI officials, the two trends are expected to merge in the future to address evolving market opportunities.
Shock Absorber – Man-Portable Active Protection System
IMI’s Shock Absorber was developed to protect dismounted infantry detachments and stationary posts, operating in hostile areas, where they are exposed to guided missile threats. The portable kit utilizes a laser based effector employing electro-optical infra-red directional jammer and electro-optical threat detection elements developed for the larger vehicle based active protection systems (Iron Fist – which has already been selected for the Namer AIFV). The system could also employ other countermeasures as required by operational tactics, techniques and procedures. The current system weighs less than 20 kg and can be carried by a single soldier. The system’s development was initiated under the DDR&D armor and protection department and is currently in development and under evaluation by the IDF.
During the 2006 Lebanon War several IDF infantry units were hit when taking shelter in buildings. The new system could be used to increase the protection of such units, when situated in stationary positions, inside buildings or in open terrain.
G-NIUS will Develop the Next-Generation Unmanned Ground Vehicle dubbed Nahshon for the Israeli Defense Forces. The new unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) will offer improved operational flexibility and performance beyond the level provided by the current Guardium, designed for security operations and will provide combat support.
The new vehicle will be developed by G-NIUS Unmanned Ground Systems (UGS) Ltd., a joint venture of Elbit Systems and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). The company announced today (September 2, 2009) that it was awarded a contract for the development of the next-generation UGV (unmanned ground vehicle) for the Israeli Defense Forces. The development phase, led by the Israeli Ministry of Defense’s Directorate for Defense Research & Development (DDR&D) and the Israeli Ground Forces, is to be completed by 2011.
The “Nahshon” UGV is based on the vast experience of the G-NIUS UGV Guardium, operated by the IDF since 2008. The next-generation UGV will offer improved autonomous mobility and operational performance. Additionally, the vehicle’s navigation capabilities will be enhanced to include advanced control solutions. The new UGV will allow increased payload weight, in order to offer better situational awareness, autonomy and independent decision making. The features of the new UGV will enable higher operational flexibility extending the current performance into more challenging combat scenarios, providing combat support. The IDF has already fielded remotely controlled weapon stations and the armed unmanned platform seems a logical evolution of such capabilities.
The Nahshon is believed to be based on the Tactical, Amphibious Ground Support System (TAGS) developed and produced by Dumur Industries of Canada. This vehicle was extensively tested and evaluated by the IDF including fire support and combat service support (known as the Phoenix unmanned resupply vehicle).
G-NIUS CEO Erez Peled noted that the decision of the Israeli Defense Forces to develop a next-generation UGV reflects the necessity for such a system and its major contribution to security missions in the modern combat arena. Peled added that the Israeli Defense Forces is one of the most advanced armies worldwide in the unmanned systems field, and trusts that other armed forces around the world will follow the IDF in its selection of G-NIUS’ unmanned systems.
Boomerang II acoustic gunshot detection system from BBN Technologies, is designed to operate in, noisy, vehicular environment, such as on the HMMWV. The system can automatically slew weapons or sensors to “close the loop” and rapidly engage the incoming fire with lethal effect. It was designed to integrate with TRAP T-250 remotely controlled weapon mount, the Weapon Watch EO/IR system, and Enhanced Tactical Automated Security System (eTASS) sensor fusion, display and C2 system developed by Northrop Grumman.
BBN is currently developing Boomerang III which will enhance the performance beyond the current system’s capabilities. Over 100 systems are already deployed in Iraq. The U.S. Army has contracted BBN to supply 106 such systems to equip more units.
In September 2009 BBN Technologies has been awarded a $22.5 million contract by the US Army Product Manager Robotics and Unmanned Sensors (PM RUS) to deliver 1,095 Boomerang Shooter Detection Systems and installation kits to equip 2,195 vehicles. The Boomerang system immediately alerts US Forces to incoming hostile fire and pinpoints the location of the enemy shooter. BBN has delivered over 5,000 such systems in 2008, fielding more than 6000 Boomerang systems in Iraq and Afghanistan. According to Mark Sherman, vice president and general manager, Boomerang at BBN Technologies, the company‘s goal is to introduce Boomerang variants to “protect our troops regardless of whether they are in moving vehicles, in fixed positions, on foot, or in the air.” The company has already adapted the Boomerang technology for soldier-wearable and helicopter applications. Initial wearable ‘Boomerang Warrior’ systems have been delivered to the US Army Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center, and according to BBN, field testing for the helicopter system is successfully underway.
Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad has outlined a unilateral plan to build the infrastructure and institutions for an independent Palestinian state within two years – the first time the Palestinian Authority has attempted to do so. The proposal, which Fayyad intends to move forward on without waiting for the outcome of the peace negotiations with Israel, calls for new seaports and railways and an international airport in the Jordan Valley, as well as a new capital in East Jerusalem. The U.S. welcomed the initiative, although Israeli officials have dismissed it as inviable. But from a realistic standpoint, Mr. Fayyad’s plan is totally unrealistic to say the least.
“We must confront the whole world with the reality that Palestinians are united and steadfast in their determination to remain on their homeland, end the occupation and achieve their freedom and independence. The world should also know that we are not prepared to continue living under a brutal occupation and siege that flouts not only the law, but also the principles of natural justice and human decency,” he added.
Fayyad continued by saying that his plan’s priorities included ending economic dependence on Israel and foreign aid, shrinking the size of the government, expanding the use of technology, unifying the legal system and using a performance-based pay system in the public sector. Overall, Fayyad’s optimistic and promising vision that has yet to come to terms with the reality – not only accepted by Fayyad’s supporters but by the Palestinians themselves.
Fatah officials are critical of the fact that it was Fayyad – who is not even a member of their organization, made a speech that probably should have been made by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas (aka Abu Mazen). Leading Fatah members came short in accusing Fayyad of trying to take over the PA’s leadership outright. The ‘grassroots’ leadership – long left out of office, is nervously aware of the fact that many in the international community would like to see western educated Fayyad become the next Palestinian president. But Fayyad, a technocrat with no significant political base, is heading a controversial cabinet which Islamist Hamas rivals refuse to recognize. After losing the Gaza Strip to Hamas in 2007 the Fatah movement now fears that a new force may also compromise its shaking hegemony in the West Bank.
The Islamic fundamentalist Hamas was quick to announce that Fayyad’s 65 page statement “was not even worth the paper it was written on.” In fact, at a closer look Salam Fayyad’s program appeared to be a wish-list, rather than a detailed blueprint. Peace talks with Israel, in which Palestinians seek a state on Israeli-occupied land, have been completely deadlocked since last December, not that they had achieved any progress during the last decades, since the botched “Oslo Agreement”.
With its economy in shambles, not to mention the totally bankrupt status in Gaza, where half the Palestinian population lives under deplorable conditions, ruled by Hamas. The Palestinian Authority is heavily dependent on foreign assistance for most of its budget. In 2008 alone, it received 1.8 billion in financial support – the majority of which soon dwindled into the pockets of a largely corrupt administration.
A Palestinian State, even if it should include the entire West Bank area, completely devoid of Jewish settlements, would be a non-starter in any category. Regarded only from a geo-political aspect, the so-called West Bank is completely landlocked, lacking adequate space for a modern airport, not to mention seaside harbor (as long as the Gaza Strip is rule by renegade Hamas).
But for this sordid political situation, the Palestinians can blame only themselves. Having missed all past chances for a self-ruled state, by short-sighted leaderships, since the termination of the British 28 year Mandate in 1948, their only hope for a viable solution would be the so-called “Jordan option”.
The world is known to have a short and unfortunately too prejudiced memory in regarding the Israel-Palestinian conflict. A brief retrospect seems necessary to place the usually overreacted “settlement” issue into its right perspective.
Already back in 1937, the Peel Commission, placed by British Royal Decree, offered the Palestinian leadership a significant portion of Palestine for a state, and they flatly rejected it. The offered share of Western Palestine would have been larger than the landmass proposed in 1947 by the U.N. Partition Plan, and the Partition Plan would have given the Palestinians more land than they would have had under the Armistice Lines of 1949, following Israel’s War of Independence. Subsequent agreements including the 1993 Oslo Accords, 2000 Camp David II Summit, would have given the Palestinians nearly 82 Percent of the West Bank, but Yassir Arafat rejected this, opting for the bloodiest Intifada instead.
It seems that the reason for such staunch resistance to reasonable compromises had emerged from the so-called Palestinian “Phased Plan,” inaugurated in June 1974 by the Palestinian National Council. This called for a strategy to “liberate” all of Palestine through both armed struggle and diplomatic double-talk – in effect, dismantle the 1948 UN created Jewish State of Israel. Established under such violent conditions, such a state would be a haven for assorted jihadist terror groups, including al-Qaeda. In Hamas-governed Gaza, this is not merely a possible scenario, but vividly presents a living reality.
In fact, judging by its past performance and its geo-political constraints already mentioned, a future Palestinian state would be unstable and violent at best. The Fatah and Hamas armed militias will fight not over ideology, but as much as over turf and profits. Again, this is not a guesstimate but a present reality. Egypt, Jordan, Saudi and Arabia would each seek to control such a state, while Shiite Iran would try to create a second Hezbollah in Gaza if not in the West Bank – all of which would eventually lead to regional wars, increased terrorism and possibly nuclear war. Iran, moreover, would use jihadist elements in Gaza and the West Bank to destabilize the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, and replace it with a jihadist regime.
Under the circumstances, the only reasonable solution to the Palestinian’s plight would be a “Jordanian Option”, which would absorb Palestinian territories and people in a Jordan-Palestinian confederation.
But this option is precisely what the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan fears to happen. And King Abdullah II has every reason to avoid this like the Plague. It all happened in the past. Rather than attempting to establish an independent Palestinian State in the West Bank after the 1948 War, then King Abdullah of Jordan formally annexed the West Bank, thereby uniting the two banks of the Jordan River under the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, giving all resident Palestinians automatic Jordanian citizenship. This situation, remains until June 1967, when Egypt’s President Abdul Nasser scammed young King Hussein to attack Israel, resulting in the Kingdom losing all its West Bank territories and receiving instead a massive refugee influx, which grew, in time, to become more than 70% of the Jordanian population. The inevitable omen happened soon after, when during the terrible ” Black September” 1970 King Hussein feared for his kingdom, as Palestinian factions, led by Yassir Arafat threatened a takeover, supported by Egypt and Saudi Arabia, barely winning by a thread with a determined armed intervention, fending off a Syrian-Iraqi military offensive, but not without willing, though low-profile Israeli help.
Under the highly tense situation presently prevailing, as Palestinian-Israeli peace talks are deadlocked and U.S. White House desperately looking for a solution out of this seeming endless nightmare, the Hashemite leadership in Amman is under extreme alarm status. In recent months, the Hashemite kingdom of Jordan has been awash in rumors about a US-Israeli plan to turn Jordan into a Palestinian state. Across the border, where Israel, ruled by the rightwing government, Knesset (Israel’s parliament) members have once more mentioned Jordan being the rightful Palestinian Statehood. Jordan is also alarmed by rumors regarding a US-backed scheme to turn Jordan into a homeland for Palestinians, King Abdullah is planning a series of ad-hoc steps to foil any attempt to resettle Palestinian refugees in the kingdom.
Sofar reports indicate that at least 40,000 Palestinians are believed to have already lost their status as Jordanian citizens in recent months. Fearing a plot by Palestinian officers serving in his armed forces, the king has ordered a massive purge of the Jordanian military, forcing hundreds of officers into early retirement. Although the official pretext seemed organizational, none of the officers dismissed from active duty bear Bedouin tribal names, which are regarded loyal to the Royal Household.
Political analysts in Amman said the monarch was “extremely nervous” because of the growing rumors. They said that the king and others members of the royal family were convinced that the new government in Israel was quietly pushing for the idea of transforming Jordan into a homeland for the Palestinians.
King Abdullah II plight and the Israel-Palestinian deadlock are not the only crisis flashpoints currently destabilizing the Middle East. Baghdad is once more going up in flames, Iraqi and Syrians are at loggerheads blaming each other, Hezbollah is rearming with Iranian support, its rocket arsenals filled once more to the brim with deadly weapons threatening Israel. It seems that there is already growing concern among those who backed Barack Obama’s “new” approach to the Middle East when he took office 10 months ago. If Washington’s administrators will continue to ignore the fact that clocks in the Middle East go different, than Obama’s highly publicized “Road Map” will only add furor to an already dangerously simmering powderkeg. Based on his questionable performance sofar, the best one can conclude on President Obama’s new Mideast vision is: “total confusion”.
While the air force completes procurement of its top-performance F-22, and gears toward fielding of the fifth-next generation F-35 stealth fighter, a modest effort is aimed at a different platform, less glamorous, perhaps, but not less suitable for irregular warfare, a type of conflict the Air Force is expected to support, but currently still lacks adequate means to deliver effectively.
As part of its new strategy, the U.S. Air Force is evaluating plans to buy about 160 light aircraft. These will include about 100 light attack/armed reconnaissance aircraft (LAAR) and 60 light transports, the so-called, light military aircraft (LiMA), optimized for irregular warfare operations.
LAAR could be operated from austere forward locations, remain airborne for several hours, survive relatively sophisticated threats, such as air defense missiles, as well as ground fire. It can support ground elements with intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), deliver precision guided weapons or conventional ordnance, with precision and effectiveness expected form the most sophisticated close-air-support aircraft. LAAR and LiMA can carry personnel and supplies into and out of hot battle zones.
The Air Force expects the new aircraft to become operational in 2013, one year after initial deliveries start. Procurement of up to 100 aircraft is planned. The Air Force expects the aircraft to be maintained by a civilian contractors, while supporting them at field level through its organic facilities. At present, Hawker Beechcraft Corp. (HBC) is offering the AT-6 variant of the T-6A/B trainer, to be equipped and supported by Lockheed Martin.Texas based Air Tractor is also expected to be offering the AT-802U unveiled earlier this year at the Paris Air Show. Embraer is also expected to bid, teamed with a local partner. While the Air Force has not specified an unmanned aerial system option, Proxy Aviation could also be offering the Skyraider optionally piloted UAV, which could introduce a totally new dimmension to LAAR capabilities.
At the same time, the Air Force also plans to introduce about 60 fixed-wing Light Mobility Aircraft (LiMA) aircraft with contracts expected in 2011. The aircraft will be optimized for Air Transport operations, supporting forward locations operating from makeshift landing ground. The aircraft are expected to conduct airlift of cargo and personnel, airdrops, forward operating location re-supply and medical/casualty evacuation. The aircraft will be able to carry at least six passengers with gross takeoff weight of 1,800 lbs., operating autonomously over a distance of 900 nautical miles with full cargo. Current U.S. manufacturers offering aircraft compatible with these requirements include the Explorer 500T from Texas based Explorer Aircraft or the Cessna Caravan. Yet eying the special operations character of these missions, few foreign aircraft could also be considered. Among those are the Swiss Pilatus PC6 Porter (below), the DH6 Twin Otter, a popular skydiving carrier being offered by Canadian Viking Air and the legendary Australian Nomad, which recently resurected by Gippsland Aeronautics.
Pilatus PC6 (Porter) is one of possible platforms conforming to the U.S. Air Force LiMA requirements. Photo: Pilatus Aircraft.
The basic security fence utilized along the Israeli Buffer Zone and northern border was built by Magal Security Systems and consists of a combination of taut wire and vibration sensors, to reduce false alarms. The fence is built in 50 meter segments, which are activated by any type of tampering or passage attempt. Magal is currently proposing an installation of video cameras, which will cover every segment, and be triggered by alarms of the local segment, thus sending a real-time view of the segment, for visual verification of the event. The image captured by the camera can be transmitted immediately to security forces that rush to the area, to engage the infiltrators. Magal is also providing a similar system for perimeter defense system, utilizing a number of pan mounted cameras, which are automatically aimed at the segment that triggered the alarm. Magal offers such solutions as a low cost addition to security perimeter defenses, where the size of the installation or budget for security measures prohibits the use of video motion detection systems.
The 5th biennial unmanned systems demonstration hosted by the U.S. Navy PEO U&W and Association of Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) was held 10 August at the Webster Field Maryland, an auxiliary airfield adjacent to U.S. Navy Patuxent River naval air station. Two years ago, Defense Update covered the 4th demonstration held at the same location and our current coverage will relate to the previous event, highlighting the evolution of systems displayed in both events and the trends evident from the current demonstration.
IAI Malat Maritime heron I performs an autimatic landing at Webster Field, after demonstrating a maritime patrol mission of several hours. Photo: Defense-Update.
The demonstration focused on advanced multi-platform and manned-unmanned operations, featuring intelligence surveillance reconnaissance (ISR), security, maritime and counter-IED operation. The demonstrations clearly outlined the ability of operators to pursue time critical targets, but such specific actions were not included in the display. Furthermore, the demonstration emphasized different levels of maturity of unmanned aerial and ground systems, whereas aerial systems employed primarily on ISR missions demonstrated impressive functionality and agility. Ground robotic systems still lacking the mobility, flexibility and agility of the human element, are unable to act effectively, as integral part of an assault combat team. At present they are limited primarily to specific high-risk roles, such as handling explosive ordnance and IEDs.
Goldeneye 80 was displayed here for the first time. Left: the sensor view as displayed on a big outddoor screen. Photo: Defense-Update.
The UVS display was opened by a debut flight of Aurora Flight Sciences’ Goldeneye 80. At a gross take-off weight of 230lb this vertical take-off and landing UAV is part of Aurora’s family of VTOL ducted fan UAV systems, designed under DARPA Organic Aerial Vehicle (OAV) program to facilitate advanced, autonomous operations over rough terrain. Goldeneye can take off from any unprepared surface, including a vehicle flatbed, and is capable of continuously supporting a mission up three hours. In flight, the ducted-fan powered vehicle demonstrated relatively low acoustic signature, compared to past generation tactical UAVs. Nevertheless, unlike the newest small electrical and piston engined UAVs, ducted fan powered vehicles demonstrated here (Goldeneye and T-Hawk) created a distinctive buzzing sound, which should be considered as a significant factor in their ability to operate under clandestine missions.
L-3’s Geneva Aerospace UAV division unveiled the new optionally manned Mobius unmanned aerial system (UAS). The aircraft was flight demonstrated in a manned configuration and, after landing, was quickly converted within minutes into an unmanned aircraft. The Mobius uses a retractable Wescam electro-optic (EO) payload for various ISR missions. As an optionally piloted aircraft it can fly in controlled airspace just like any other aircraft, such as flying to a forward base, from where it can performed manned or unmanned flights. Turning the aircraft into an unmanned platform requires few instruments settings and the replacement of the canopy with low profile fairing improving the aerodynamic flow, contributing to extended mission endurance. Finally, Northrop Grumman demonstrated the FireScout P6, that has recently joined the MQ-4B FireScout test fleet, demonstrating the unmanned helicopter’s potential capabilities for the Army.
The 6th pby roduction version of the Firescout was built by Northrop Grumman as a technology demonstrator, utilizing systems destined for use by the U.S. Army and other land forces users. Photo: Defense-Update.
AAI demonstrated here the new Aerosonde 4.7, the new model the company has been developing this year in preparation for the Marine Corps’ small tactical unmanned aerial systems (STUAS) program. The new Aerosonde launched from a newly developed field-deployable launcher is installed, along with the net-retrieving system on a trailer. AAI demonstrated the Aerosonde in a multi-UAV mission, collaborating with two Orbiter UAVs, deployed from an internally transported vehicle (ITV) carrying the Orbiters, their launchers, and ground control segment. After flying their missions, the two Orbiters performed accurate parachute recovery, while the Aerosonde made a skid-landing on the runway. The vehicle can also be retrieved with a network, where lack of clear landing strips require such performance, like landing on abroad ships at sea, or on rugged surface or urban terrain.
Two Orbiter electrically powered mini-UAV were displayed by Textron Systems' AAI. Upon completing their missions the two mini-UAVs were retrieved by parachute. Photo: Defense-Update.
An unmanned aircraft already demonstrating impressive performance in combat operations and maritime missions worldwide, is the IAI Maritime Heron, which also deployed on a successful demonstration, with U.S. Southern command in El-Salvador. The Heron is marketed in the U.S. by IAI’s Stark Aviation subsidiary. The flight display was part of a mission lasting a few hours, where the aircraft was tasked with maritime surveillance, searching an open sea area along the Atlantic coast for drug trafficking boats. For this mission the aircraft carried a multi-sensor package, consisting of a maritime search radar, Multi-mission Optronic Stabilized Payload ( MOSP) 3000 EO turret and provisions for electronic surveillance systems. The suspect boat was located, identified, tracked and then handed over to US Coast Guards. The same target was later tracked by the Scan-Eagle as part of its demonstration. Upon completion of its mission the Heron performed an automatic landing, demonstrating its full mission-autonomous capability.
Another view of the Heron I in flight. Photo: Defense-Update.
Boeing’s subsidiary InSitu flew the Scan-Eagle and displayed the new, larger Integorator system, being offered by Boeing for the USMC STUAS program. In addition to utilizing its EO camera to follow maritime targets, the Scan Eagle participated in a coordinated mission on land, cooperating with multiple Hornet mini-UAVs. These autonomous miniature helicopters, developed by Adaptive Flight, are utilizing vehicle and ground control systems developed by Georgia Tech. The 2.4 pound helicopters demonstrated IED inspection, by locating suspicious objects in the area, the Hornets covered each other, with one vehicle providing overwatch and the second closing in, to inspect the object, marking it by dropping an with ‘RF tag’, enabling other sensors aand units to monitor and be warned by the potential threat.
Another multi-UVS demonstration involved a simulated route-clearing mission, performed by a team of robots operated by a Stryker vehicle, conforming to a ‘manned-unmanned team’. The robots comprised two of General Dynamics Robotics Systems (GDRS) T-2 vehicles, with tele-operated and autonomous control modes, acting as lead vehicle and a follower patrol vehicle in a convoy, traveling ahead and trailing the manned Stryker, which provided control and supervision of the entire team. The vehicles were tasked with a standard route-clearing mission, scanning the roadside for potential threats and providing early warning of suspected IEDs. The lead T-2 was equipped with GD’s vehicle autonomy control kit, developed for the U.S. Army’s FCS program. The system uses Laser Radar (LADAR) to sense the environment, plot the route of movement, according to the mission, and detect unexpected obstacles, including human activity, to avoid potential risk. Impressive as such performance may be, the level of sophistication of such systems has yet to mature to enable true autonomy operation. At their present state, such systems could become useful as semi-autonomous lead elements, keeping manned vehicles farther from potential threats. However it is still a long way off, until providing the ‘human touch’ will turn these vehicles, from unmanned sitting ducks and operational liability, into a life saving force multiplier, securing convoy and clearing routes in high-risk and complex combat zones.
A model of Boeing A-160T Hummingbird displayed at Webster Field, in an armed configuration, carrying egiht advanced guided missiles. (JCM) Photo: Defense-Update.
In another “live” demonstrattion, the team moved through a street safely negotiating human activity. The mission continued to a nearby airstrip where IED were encountered hidden on the scene. More suspicious objects were spotted and an explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) team was dispatched to secure the site and eliminate IEDs. First, the EOD sent in a T-Hawk to scan the area and spot additional threats. Taking off vertically from a nearby site, the T-Hawk swiped the roadside, at low altitude, searching for suspicious objects. As a new suspicious IED site was detected, the T-Hawk operator recorded its location and sent the image and coordinates to the ground robot operator, controlling the iRobot 510 Pacbot. The robot was offloaded by hand from the team‘s HMMWV, and dashed to the scene to eliminate the IED by attaching a small C4 explosive charge to neutralize it in place. The whole process continued with the Scan Eagle, flying overhead securing the scene and T-Hawk providing a closer peripheral view of the site for the ground EOD team.
A different scenario involved manned-unmanned, air and ground operation of the Aerovironment Puma-AE and iRobot Warrior and Pacbot UGVs. The Puma was launched into flying an extended patrol of over one hour. This UAV, considered to replace some of the Raven Small Unmanned Aerial Systems, currently used by different US services, is the most advanced mini-UAV developed by AV. Featuring a new, retractable stabilized EO payload and the capability to fly missions up to two hours. It already demonstrated mission endurance beyond six hours, using new Proton exchange membrane (PEM) Hydrogen fuel cells.
iRobot demonstrated the Warrior and Packbot in a marcupial configuration, where the Pacbot was loaded on the Warrior's payload acting as a sensor and, deployed on a dedicated mission indoors after being inserted through the window. Photo: Defense-Update.
On the mission demonstrated at Webster field, the Puma provided area security, spotting intruders in an urban area, while the UAV maintained constant watch of the intruder’s location until a team of guards, assisted by a Warrior unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) arrived at the scene.
The Warrior was employed in a ‘marsupial configuration’ carrying a Pacbot on its cargo bed. As the Warrior approached the site it used its flippers to erect and peek through the window, inserting the smaller Pacbot through the opening, to survey the interior space for hostiles. Once the team obtained the information from inside the house, the heavier Warrior was used to breech the door and lead in the final assault. While the ground robots demonstrated impressive capabilities in the mission preparation phase, providing important intelligence that cannot be obtained by other means without putting human lives at risk, it was clear that in the actual combat phase, when rapid movement, timing and coordination are imperative, ground robots are still reacting too slow and may actually become a burden to the assault team. Military experts agree that robots have still a long way to go before they can act as an integral part of the urban combat team.
A model of BAE Mantis, displayed at the Webster Field. The Mantis is shown here with different armament configurations, comprising Paveway II laser/GPS guided bombs and Brimstone mmw guided missiles. Photo: Defense-Update.
In August 2009 Israel’s first operational Merkava Mk4 tanks were declared operational mounting the Trophy Active Protection System (APS). Following a slow process that almost killed the program prior to the 2006 Lebanon War, the Israeli Ministry of Defense funded the trophy’s integration with current Merkava Mk4 tanks as a retrofit. An APS will also be integrated into the Merkava based Namer Armored Infantry Fighting Vehicle (AIFV), scheduled for delivery next year.
However, it is not yet certain if the APS will be the Trophy or IMI’s Iron Fist which is also under development. In fact, the IDF hasn’t finalized its decision about how many and which types of APS it will field throughout the entire force. A mix of systems could prove valuable against a wide range of potential threats expected in medium and high intensity warfare. These images show the Trophy fully integrated into the Merkava Mk4 turret, showing the target acquisition radar, and the interceptor module (note deflector plates behind the interceptor. These are probably used to protect the crew from debris resulting from the Trophy effect. Similar deflectors were visible on the Sherif configured Stryker Vehicle which also mounted the Trophy). During the first months of 2009 the Trophy system went through comprehensive operational testing and was cleared for operational use after a successful operational firing test conducted early August 09. By the end of the year all new Merkava Mk4 tanks will be equipped with the system. Until then, Trophy is being retrofitted to operational tanks.
Fielding of advanced C4ISR technology with the lower echelons will introduce new opportunities but also pose new challenges to trainers and recruiters, as it will require recruitment of more technologically savvy personnel. Carefully balanced training and procedures should be implemented, to maintain combat warfighting skills, with physical and psychological endurance, while mastering technological prowess. These new capabilities should address Tactical, Technical Procedures (TTP) training and human factors, as well as careful design of the man-machine interfaces, to best integrate the systems’ operation into the soldier’s environment, rather than change the soldier’s activities to match the new system’s needs.
For example, typical system interfaces should address display type, size, daylight-and night visibility (brightness, color), the use of text messages, automatic text-to-speech conversion, voice activation commands and audible alerts enabling effective human multi-tasking without impairing the primary functions (mobility, hand-eye coordination, hearing etc.) A critical issue is the interaction with command-and-control systems, particularly under the stressful conditions. Designers tend to use industry standard ‘windows’-based displays to benefit from the familiarity most people have with ‘Windows’ based applications. However, the commercial success and enthusiast adoption of Apple Computers’ iPhone clearly demonstrated the importance in matching the ergonomics of a complex electronic device to the user’s operating environment. The development of the ‘Common Controller’, to be used as standard controller of all future robotic systems, is an example of such an approach. GSE as well as the the new ISR system, which will become the core of the BCT-Modernization, should be addressed along similar guidelines.
Good examples for such tactical C4 systems can be realized in some of the European and Israeli systems. An example is the latest version of the French Army battle management system, designed for the French Army soldier modernization system (FELIN) and the Israeli Elbit System Dominator, which established a subset of the ‘Digital Army’ Program (DAP). Both systems were designed for small format displays and offer the user quick and intuitive ‘shortcuts’ for combat relevant functions, relieving the soldier from ‘drilling’ into endless menus and submenus of commands, to get to the relevant function in his immediate sphere of interest. Such displays should also effectively respond to operators, using fire retardant or chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) protective gloves. For displays to be integrated into the soldier’s combat gear, dismounted operations will require, either integrated display controllers, or helmet-mounted displays, while for combat vehicles, displays should be integrated into weapons and sensor sights and other vision systems, enabling the crew and vehicle commanders to monitor the tactical situational picture in their area of responsibility, while performing their basic warfighting functions as fighting vehicles crewmen.
The development of other MDAP continues for medium and long term modernization of the BCT. These include the Class IV (Firescout) unmanned helicopter developed by Northrop Grumman, the robotic MULE load carrier and common controller, developed by Lockheed martin, and the QuickKill Active Protection System, which, like other survivability and protection components – was excluded from the MGV termination. The APS program continues with both long and short range munitions, as well as its associated sensors. Development of other sensors considered integral parts of the MGV was stopped as part of the FCS termination, except for those shared by the MULE and Class IV programs.
The network initiative currently under analysis and review, will partly derive from the FCS network technologies, and dovetail into an incremental network strategy to be implemented throughout the U.S. land forces. The network was designed as a central and critical component of the FCS strategy, hence, it was designed to be so robust and resilient, that it required a new vehicle with unique infrastructure available only by the specially designed ‘Manned Ground Vehicle’ for full implementation. The Army panel will now take a fresh look at these requirements including new capabilities, technologies and lessons learned from the FCS program.
The panel’s recommendations will inform U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command’s (TRADOC) ongoing work on operational requirements for the ground combat vehicle. The Army will now reassess the requirements and capabilities of this network to determine what networking, processing, cooling and power resources are required to run the software. This analysis will also address the requirements from the network and C4I software, into what the new capabilities are expected to address. What systems it should cooperate with, how such integration should be performed and what level of ‘backward compatibility’ is required for best integration with the current force. Overall, the new network is considered to establish the BCT’s future Intelligence, Surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) command and control network, employed on current and future ground combat vehicles such as he Stryker,MRAP, Bradley, M-1A2 and the yet-to-be-defined Ground Combat Vehicle (GCV) and Joint Light Tactical family of vehicles (JLTV).
An early version of such future network is being tested by the Army Evaluation Task Force (ATEF) at Ft., Bliss. Tx. The unit, part of the former FCS test and evaluation team, has already employed the new network as part of the evaluation of the FCS ‘Spinout’. This test evaluated a subset of the FCS network running on HMMWVs rigged with Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) radios and adapters, enabling communications with current Brigade networks and the new protocols established by JTRS. Soldiers from the 2nd Combined Arms Battalion, based at Fort Blisst have been evaluating unattended ground sensors, unattended urban sensors, small unmanned ground and air vehicles and network integrated HMMWVs since last July, as part in operations of the Army’s combined task force. Unlike other test and evaluation programs, conducted with individual systems by civilian test officers, the systems that survived the FCS cancellation are being tested as a group by soldiers, to get better user feedback on both, the individual systems and the network that connects them. The process will allow forming a ‘system-of-systems’ approach, where each new component is providing the unit with pieces to form a larger battlefield picture.
Major acquisition programs currently being formulated will replace major fragments of the FCS. For example, instead of the eight variants of the tracked manned Ground Vehicle, cancelled along with FCS, the Army is seeking new vehicles to be developed under the Ground Combat Vehicle (GCV) program being formulated these days.
TRADOC and Ft. Monroe are working to map the capability-gaps existing today and future requirements, that should be answered by a single common vehicle, or several types of GCV. The final assessment of this study is expected around September 2009.
The review will also implement the survivability lessons learned on recent combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, which were part of the concerns the Department of the Defense had about the previous program, which has also led to the unprecedented rapid acquisition, of well over 25,000 heavily armored Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles in 2008 and 2009. The Pentagon realized that the threat has changed in recent years. Characterized by modern asymmetric warfare, illusive enemy forces are being faced by relatively static regular military forces. These are primarily tasked with security, stability and counter-insurgency type of operations, less suitable for the rapid deployment, in high mobility, area- dominance type of warfare, for which the MGV was originally designed for. To assess the new requirements the Army established a panel of combat experienced and technical experts to take a fresh look at these requirements, including capabilities, technologies and lessons learned from the FCS program. The panel’s recommendations will inform the Army Training and Doctrine Command’s (TRADOC) ongoing work on operational requirements for the ground combat vehicle.
Part of this evaluation will address the obsolescence of the Paladin self propelled gun, which was slated for replacement by the FCS’-Non Line of Sight Cannon (NLOS_C) platform which was the most mature variant of the MGV family of vehicles. While the fielding of the NLOS-C in its present form is unlikely, due to the excessive cost of the unique hybrid-electric powered platform, the automatic cannon weapon system could be reused on an existing, or GCV platform to accommodate a replacement for the current SP artillery.
GCV should support the future networking capabilities required for the future force, while effectively coexisting with current units. A request for proposal for the GCV is expected by early-to mid 2010. Once prime contractors are selected, the Army could expect to get the first vehicles within five to seven years.
The Army’s termination of the MGV segment of FCS also eliminated Boeing and SAIC’s position as Lead Systems Integrators for the program and the Army is expected to select specific prime contractors for each of the future programs. Likely contenders for these programs are the current developers of tracked, or wheeled combat vehicles, including General Dynamics and BAE Systems, both shared the FCS MGV program subcontractors. Yet, if the Army opts for a mix of tracked and wheeled platforms, prime contractor such as Boeing, Lockheed Martin or Northrop Grumman could return to compete for these contracts, renewing teaming with former Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) contenders (Northrop Grumman-Oshkosh and Boeing-Textron Systems were two of the losing bidders) – such a wheeled-tracked split could bring these companies back to the game.
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....
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...
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...
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 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...
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...
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...
