T-Hawk Micro-Aerial Vehicle (MAV)

By

-

Feb 1, 2009

T-Hawk300 — The RQ-16A T-Hawk unmanned aerial vehicle propels itself from the ground, beginning a display highlighting some of its abilities at Kandahar Airfield, Jan 14 2011. The T-Hawk can fly up to 50 minutes at a time at an altitude of over 5,000 feet. (Photo: Spc. Jonathan W. Thomas)

Feb. 2009: Honeywell announced receiving a US Navy order for six T-Hawk Micro Air Vehicle systems, destined for the British MoD. In addition to the six T-Hawk MAV units, the MOD will receive training, field support, maintenance and spare parts. The order is an addition to the Navy’s existing T-Hawk contract with Honeywell announced in November 2008 for 90 systems.

The systems will be delivered to the Ministry of Defence in 2009. In November the Navy awarded Honeywell its first production contract for the T-Hawk MAV. The T-Hawk MAV will be used by joint force EOD (Explosive Ordinance Device) units in Iraq and Afghanistan, among other locations.

The circular vehicle, weighing 17 pounds (8kg) and 14 inches (35.5 cm) in diameter, can fly down to inspect hazardous areas for threats without exposing warfighters to enemy fire. The T-Hawk MAV has the ability to take off and land vertically and can fly more than 40 minutes. In addition, the T-Hawk MAV can move at more than 40 knots (75km/h) of airspeed and operates at altitudes of more than 10,000 feet (3,048 m).

THOR Robotic Control and Battle management System

By

admin

-

Feb 1, 2009

GDRS developed the Thor robotic vehicle control system, a scalable battle management system, designed for robotic and unmanned systems. The system enables the small combat unit to operate various unmanned systems as part of their routine activities providing situational understanding, battle management, mission planning and execution. Thor supports four levels of control, including tele-operation of vehicles and payloads, autonomous tactical behaviors incorporating movement, vision, and shooting skills, automatic planning and computerized aids assisting in the rapid execution of time critical tasks. The system also supports collaborative operation, communicating between multiple platforms, sensors and users.

Thor hardware uses standard rugged or military PC terminals, running commercial operating systems such as Microsoft Windows XP, Linux, Pocket OS or Tablet, as well as the Integrated Computing System developed for the FCS program. The application uses a common base code to match all systems and minimize training. Thor crew-station configuration will offer a multi-display console designed for operation ion the move, offering full C4ISR capability, planning and control of on board and remote assets, including unmanned systems, unattended sensors and intelligent munitions. A single panel vehicle mounted version which will include a moving map 2D or 3D display, will be used to command multiple unmanned assets from within the vehicle. The system is also offered in dismounted versions, including a GPS enabled tablet PCs designed for dismounted leaders and medics and a wrist controller, combined with wearable computer and headset, used by the warfighter.

Electrically Powered VTOL Micro UAV – MAV

By

admin

-

Jan 26, 2009

electrically powered, Vertical Take off and Landing (VTOL) Micro-Air Vehicle is in development at Cornerstone Research Group. This vehicle is designed with to offer unique thrust/weight characteristics, utilizing a ducted fan concept where the outer fuselage is made of multi-functional battery structure, using solid-state battery technology and carbon fiber laminate layers combined into a unique structure designed to minimize weight and maximize endurance.

The vehicle has low acoustic signature and is compact and lightweight enough to be carried in a backpack. Its propulsion system uses a pair of coaxial rotors and thrust vectoring system designed specifically for vehicles of this size, enabling the vehicle to withstand gust loads and travel in any direction with no apparent nose or tail, enabling the MAV to stop, hover and change course without rotating the body for maneuverability and camera stability.

This vehicle will be equipped with ‘insect behavior’, to autonomously navigate its surroundings and make logical decisions to avoid obstacles.

A lightweight optic flow sensor is integrated into the vehicle’s obstacle avoidance system, enabling it to rely on vision-based strategies to recognize objects and plan alternative routes, much like insect behavior. This obstacle avoidance system will be integrated into the flight control system, added with GPS/INS navigation, communication and camera-centric control. CRG are developing the vehicle to meet a specific requirement from a classified US military program which will probably support Intelligence, Surveillance ad Reconnaissance as well as precision attack and forcible response by the use optionally lethal versions of the Miniature vehicle.

Miniature Aerial Vehicle (MAV) – Class I UAV for the Future Combat System (FCS)

By

admin

-

Jan 26, 2009

Weighing less than 40 pounds ( kg) the complete system consists of two air vehicles with support equipment of fuel, batteries, an observer/controller unit, remote video terminal and starter. It can be packed inside or on top of a standard Modular LigtWeight Load Carrying Equipment (MOLLE) system. Each vehicle weighs 17 pounds ( kg) fully fueled. The MAV vehicle has a diameter of 13 inches ( cm).

MAV is designed for 50 minute endurance, and can take off and land in wind speed conditions up to 15 knots and fly a mission under wind speed of up to 20 knots, as well as under rain conditions. Service ceiling is 10,000 ft. The vehicle usually operates at altitudes of 100 to 500 feet above ground level, and can provide forward and down-looking day or night video or still imagery. The vehicle will operate in a variety of weather conditions including rain and moderate winds. The MAV uses a small gasoline powered piston engine, driving a counter-rotating ducted fan system. Although the MAV can be quite noisy at close quarters, it is virtually inaudible (60 dBA) at a distance of 100 meters. Steering is performed by flat deflectors controlled by the automatic pilot, which rotate the cylindrical vehicle to the required direction to point the payload at the target, and develop forward thrust for lateral movement and acceleration.

An alternative propulsion system using a micro-turbine, is under development at Locust USA. The current version is consuming slightly more fuel than the piston engine powering the MAV, but is considerably more powerful. A future version of a reciprocating turbine will improve fuel consumption to improve mission endurance and payload capacity.

MAV carries its sensors and datalink in a pod mounted on one side of the vehicle, counter-balanced by the avionics and control pod on the other side. Payloads include a forward and downward looking EO and IR imaging sensors, capable of detecting and recognizing a man-sized target at 250 meters during daylight (125 m at night). Based on its own position and measuring of payload aiming angles, the payload can also extract the coordinates of the target, at a target location error (TLE) of 20 meter. The interchangeable pod uses modular design, accommodating other sensors according to the mission requirement. The MAV is controlled via tough tablet computer converted into a ground control station with an integrated video recorder storing up to 60 minutes of sensor imagery. Operating modes include autonomous flight via dynamic re-tasking and manual intervention, hover and stare and remote launch modes. The system stores up to 100 waypoints in a flight plan. Up to 10 flight plans can be stored on the ground station.

Miniature Turbine Powerplant for the MAV

Locust USA, producers of a family of miniature turbine engines designed for mini UAVs. The company developed several turbines delivering from 5 to 150 shp,
One of the applications of this micro-turbine offers an alternative propulsion system for the Miniature Aerial Vehicle (MAV) Class I UAV developed by Honeywell. Using a micro-turbine, the current version is consuming slightly more fuel than the piston engine powering the MAV but is considerably more powerful. A future version of a reciprocating turbine will improve fuel consumption to improve mission endurance and payload capacity.

Visually Integrated Sensor (VIS)

By

admin

-

Jan 10, 2009

The Visually Integrated Sensor (VIS) introduced by AnthroTronix can be used as a self-contained robotic controller, multi-modal display and sensor alert device for dismounted troops. VIS unit serves as both low level controller and high level tasking device for a number of JAUS compliant vehicles.

In the direct viewing mode the VIS video display will support a daylight zoom camera and night IR camera, laser rangefinder, GPS and inertial measurement unit. In the indirect mode, VIS will display views from a selected remote asset. Head tracking will give the user natural control of the sensor’s line of sight. The device will also support a map mode with full situational awareness and blue force tracking. Another mode will be the enhanced 3D mode, depicting a wireframe overlay of the area, derived from a 3D terrain map or a real-time view in low visibility or occluded positions.

Israel Unveils “Harop” Loitering Anti-Missile Drone

By

admin

-

Jan 10, 2009

India is inducting the Israeli HAROP loitering weapon. Photo: Noam Eshel, Defense Update

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) is developing a loitering killer drone that has the capability to hunt illusive ground targets, such as anti-aircraft systems and mobile or concealed ballistic missile launchers. This expendable unmanned aerial vehicles, known as Harop, can be launched over a suspected area without specifically acquiring a specific target. Designed to reach targets at distances over 1,000km away, the UAV loiter over a suspected area for hours, spot target as they are exposed before activation and attack them immediately. IAI is already negotiating potential export sales of the weapon with India and Turkey. The company exposed the system for the first time in India, before the Aero-India 2009 airshow.

Harop resembles an earlier IAI’s ‘suicide drone’ known as Harpy. The main differences are the outer wing extensions, the longer nose and canard foreplane. Like Harpy, Harop is launched from a vehicle-mounted container. Harop augments the Harpy’s RF seeker with an electro-optical sensor, allowing it to acquire and pursue non emitting targets and moving targets, as well as ‘quit’ targets such as shut-down radars. As a loitering weapon, Harop can also be used against suspected ballistic missile sites, where target missile silos and shelters as they are opened before firing.

India is considering acquiring Harpy 2 (also known as ‘Harop’) killer drones developed by Israel Aerospace Industries, as part of a procurement program valued over $US1 billion. Harop is an evolution of the Harpy killer drone, optimized to operate against enemy radars and surface/air missiles. Harpy was developed in the 1990s and has been successfully exported to countries around the world.

Turkey is also interested in this Lethal Unmanned Aerial System capability and by the end of 2008 the Ministry of Defense was considering enhancing the Harpy radar killer drone capability with the loitering killer drone version of the system.

The Harop has evolved at IAI through a series of international cooperations that have never fully matured. In 1999 IAI discussed a joint prograp Raytheon known as the “Cutlass”, pursuing a ‘Combat Uninhabited Target Locate and Strike System’. Initially displayed in the Paris Air Show in 1999, the system combined the airframe of the Harpy UAV, made by Israel Aircraft Industries, with advanced sensors made by Raytheon Systems, which also manufactures the HARM (High Speed Anti-Radiation) missile. Cutlass was adapted for ship-based operations to support US Navy operations over land. It is designed for six hours missions, flying at speed of 100 knots and maximum range of 1,000 km. Unlike the autonomous Harpy, Cutlass also has a direct line-of-sight datalink capability at range up to 150 km. This range can be extended via relays built into each weapon.

In October 2005 Harop dubbed ‘White Hawk’, was presented to the UK Ministry of Defense, by a team lead by MBDA that also included IAI/MBT Division. Although MBDA was eventually selected as one of the finalists for the UK Loitering Munition Capability Demonstration (LMCD) program (which later evolved into the Fire Shadow), White Hawk was not selected for the program, as the MOD insisted on an ‘all British’ team.

Warrior Aero-Marine Introduce the Gull 36 Unmanned Flying Boat

By

admin

-

Jan 9, 2009

Warrior (Aero-Marine) Ltd began flying of the first 4.0 meter span Gull 36 UAV in the English Channel. The Gull’s design utilizes Warrior’s unique ‘stepless’ seaplane hull, enabling the flying boat to handle twice as large waves as equivalent seaplanes.

“Both the hull and configuration contribute to the Gull working effectively in common sea conditions.” said James Labouchere, CEO of Warrior Aero-Marine. “Its wave-piercing ability enables useful taxi speeds for surface operations and the Gull uses wave profiles to its advantage for take-off.” he added that the Gull is the first UAV seaplane that has been conceived and developed for both the coastal and offshore environment. No other published concept that we have seen can even approach the Gull’s combination of performance and seamanship.

New opportunities arise from the Gull combining boat functions and aircraft cruise performance, and switching spontaneously between aerial and surface functions. This combination enables surface work to be achieved at higher speeds than any vessel, and greater effect is won by the use of aerial detection and reconnaissance during transit.

These attributes offer exceptional capabilities for sampling, persistent tracking and observation of surface and subsurface targets. They will also enable fast remote insertion/extraction of small secondary unmanned surface and underwater vessels.
Combined with its use from lake, river and shore, and dirt strips with amphibious gear, the Gull is expected to achieve tasks that currently need multiple vehicle types and complex communications. In doing so, the GullL will enable a robust multi-role solution with a minimum of communications and one-stage data processing, to then transmit usable information and instruction.

To simplify deployment from ships at sea, the Gull could use the sled interface also developed by Warrior. Developed with the support of UK Defence Technology Centre R&D funds, Warrior developed and tested a towed-sled Launch and Recovery System. The SledLARS system can automatically launch and recover a fast-taxiing seaplane UAV (or a USV) from either the beam or stern of a parent vessel. This can be done while under high speed tow and on any point of wind. This removes the need for deck-mounted equipment for either launch or recovery, enables the GULL to be operated from both small and large vessels and allows ships’ other aerial activities to continue simultaneously with little or no interference.

Global Hawk RQ-4B

By

admin

-

Jan 9, 2009

bams_rq4n — Japan plans to acquire three Northrop Grumman RQ-4 Global Hawk, to bolster its offshore surveillance capability over the disputed areas in the East China Sea.

Global Hawk began its ‘career’ as an advanced technology demonstrator (ACTD) that was quickly drawn into combat service supporting operation Enduring Freedom in 2002. Since then, the Global Hawk fleet, which was augmented by the Block 10 aircraft, flew over 16,000 hours logging over 10,000 hours in combat missions. The aircraft demonstrated high reliability, achieving 95.8% effective time on station (delivering the assigned imagery requested), requiring only about four hour turnaround before 24 hour missions. The aircraft demonstrated high reliability and resilience even under emergency situations that involved engine failures and systems faults.

Global Hawks are flying from forward operating bases in Southwest Asia and the Middle East, and controlled via satellite links from mission control center based in their home base at Beal AFB in California. While missions follow a preplanned route, mission control can quickly respond to requests from the anywhere in the world, received via chat, or voice. The payloads on the Global Hawk can be pointed at the requested target, and, if necessary, a diversion is planned and programmed into the aircraft while airborne. The images can be transmitted back to mission control for processing, or relayed directly to the users in the field using Northrop Grumman’s Advanced Information Architecture, enabling users to ‘grab’ only the parts of the image they are interested, therefore saving time and bandwidth. The Global Hawk can stay over the target for 24 – 35 hours.

Currently in production as ‘Block 20’, Global Hawk can carry up to 3,000 lbs (1,360 kg) of payload on a 24 hour mission, compared to 2,000 payload of the Block 10. The growth was required to assume part of the missions performed today by Lockheed Martin U-2R high flying recce aircraft, primarily SIGINT and long range SAR patrols. Six Block 20 aircraft are currently in production and will become operational by 2009. Two years later they will be followed by 16 Block 40 Global Hawks, to be equipped with a new radar known as Multi-Platform Radar Technology Insertion Program (MP-RTIP). These aircraft are scheduled for fielding in Grand Forks air force base in North Dakota. Another payload scheduled to be installed on the Global Hawk is the Airborne Signals Intelligence Program (ASIP) SIGINT payload, capable of monitoring electronic signals up to 500 km away. ASIP will augment the sensor suite used on previous aircraft. The US Air Force plans to field 26 Block 30 aircraft which will share the same platform of Block 20 and 40 but will be equipped with the ASIP systems instead of the standard EO/SAR payload. These aircraft will become operational by 2012 augmenting the units currently operating by the 9th Recce wing at BealE AFB.

As initial Block 20 aircraft are being introduced, improvements are also expected in the sensors suite, as well as ground segments. For example, the checkerboard pattern, sofar indigenous to the Global Hawk high resolution imagery that was ‘stitched’ from multiple 10km wide swaths generated by the Global Hawk imager. Improved imagery and image processing software will soon yield more coherent output, offering seamless stitching and image registration.

The 220 lbs Integrated Sensor Suite (ISS) is based on EO/IR camera that produces still images in two formats – a wide area search, designed to cover about 40,000 square nautical miles per day or ‘spot’ collection mode, focusing the entire sensor on a 2×2 km area. On average, Global Hawk can capture up to 1,900 images per day. Block 20 and 30 aircraft will receive an enhanced ISS, offering up to 50% increase in effective range. The improvement results from a more advanced sensor, mounted on the existing gimbals, introduction of new Beryllium optics, a larger (12.5″) mirror and better stabilization. The SAR will also be improved, increasing operating range by 50%. In some of the future versions the SAR will be replaced by the Multi-Platform Radar Technology Insertion Program (MP-RTIP), utilizing a SAR based on advanced transmit/receive array, designed to handle more power, enable multi-mode operation and faster revisit rate, while significantly increasing resolution while covering larger areas.

RQ-4N – the US Navy BAMS

A Global Hawk maritime surveillance derivative designated RQ-4N has won U.S. Navy Broad Area Marine Surveillance (BAMS) program. According to Northrop Grumman, BAMS will benefit from a HALE platform, since the whole program could utilize only five orbits operating at a range of 2,000 nautical miles, or even three, operating at 3,000 nmi orbits, thus minimizing the operating bases required for the global mission with assured worldwide access to all mission areas, independent on local operating bases. Northrop Grumman claims that the HALE platform is best positioned to support ISR missions conducted over very large areas, since these platforms can support the highest rate of ‘target revisit’, in order to determine its status, location, heading and intentions.

According to Northrop Grumman, the Maritime Global Hawk offers unique advantages to the BAMS mission. Northrop Grumman claims it will be 76% more productive than the competing Mariner. Furthermore, they assert, since the aircraft will cruise at an altitude well above commercial flights and most military aircraft, the risk of airspace deconfliction is localized only to the events where the aircraft has to descend to lower altitude. Higher altitudes are also more suitable for the Global Hawk’s turbofan propulsion system. Average wind levels at these altitudes are also minimal, further contributing to flight economy.

Euro-Hawk

Euro Hawk is a specially modified international configuration of the RQ-4 Global Hawk high-altitude, long-endurance (HALE) UAS, based on the Block 20 Global Hawk rolled out of Northrop Grumman assembly line in October 2009. The Euro Hawk is designed primarily for signal intelligence (SIGINT) missions, utilizing a payload system developed by EADS Defense Systems (DS). The UAS incorporates the air vehicle and sensors, mounted in six underwing pods, are linked to the ground station, which consists of the mission control, launch and recovery elements provided by Northrop Grumman. The SIGINT ground station receives the data from the airborne sensor, processes and analyzes the data as part of an integrated system solution.

The Euro Hawk is scheduled to enter service just in time to replace the aging fleet of manned Breguet Atlantic aircraft, which have been in service since 1972 and will be retired in 2010. At that time, the Euro Hawk will be undergoing flight testing and is expected to begin operational concept development and evaluation with with the German air force in 2011. Pending a procurement decision and order for four additional Euro-Hawks by late 2012, the delivery of subsequent systems is anticipated for delivery in 2016 – 2017.

Part of the systems, including part of the ground control segment launch and recovery ground segments, as well as air vehicle modifications, flight test and logistics support will be provided by Euro-Hawk GmbH, which will also and act as the national prime contractor for the German MoD, through the entire lifecycle of the program. The company was awarded the $559 million contract for the development, test and support of the Euro Hawk SIGINT system in January 2007.

Voyeur – Expendable, Air Insertable Hovering Mini-UAV

By

admin

-

Jan 5, 2009

Voyeur, developed by Lite Machines is designed as a canister launched, optionally expendable mini-UAV. Using folding, coaxial com counter-rotating rotors wit diameter of 30 inch (76.2 cm), the four pound (1.8 kg) flying sensor can be dropped over the target area, or launched by hand from the ground, to operate in ‘hover and stare’ as well as forward flight and descend to a safe landing at a pre-designated recovery point.

Mission control is performed by the autopilot, navigating between GPS point designated on a moving map displayed on the ground control unit, or via manual control.

Typical mission can extend over 30 minutes, loitering in hover mode or flying at a speed of 10-15 knots. Voyeurs can be operated as a single unit or in coordinated swarms. Potential applications for the Voyeur range from target acquisition, covert sensor placement, and counter IED sweeps. This electrically powered drone can hover at altitude up to 7,000 feet above sea level. The Voyeur uses ‘plug and play’ mission payload that consists of an EO/IR sensor or other custom designed sensors. The low unit cost means such vehicles can be used as disposable items. Primary (single use) batteries can provide up to twice the range of rechargeable batteries.

Vibrotactile Feedback Belt (VFB)

By

admin

-

Jan 5, 2009

The vibrotactile Feedback belt, (VFB) developed at AnthroTronix provides an interface that can be used by the dismounted warfighter to provide feedback from a remote, indicating directional or situational information by silent, non visual sensory stimulus. The belt uses multiple waterproof vibrating motors spaced evenly around the inside of the VFB, providing an alternative haptic form of feedback to an operator.

Typical applications include indication of imminent collision of an unmanned asset with an obstacle or providing feedback on the force with which a robotic arm is grabbing a sensitive object. Integrating with GPS, the VFB can provide the warfighter with directional cueing for navigation in the real world.

Bell UH-1Y Joins the Marines

By

admin

-

Jan 4, 2009

US Marines Keep the Huey’s legacy Flying

The Marine Corps’s newest utility helicopters, the UH-1Y Venom, achieved Initial Operating Capability this month, as Lt. Gen. George Trautman of USMC Headquarters at Quantico confirmed that three aircraft have met all flight requirements and are ready for deployment. In January 2009, the UH-1Y will be sent on its first scheduled deployment with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) aboard the USS Boxer.

Part of the USMC H-1 upgrade program, the new the four-bladed, twin engine UH-1Y replaces the currently fielded UH-1N. This upgrade will help meet the Marine Corps’ 21st century mission for rotary-wing utility and attack aircraft. The total program requirement for the UH-1Y is 123 helicopters. Delivery is expected to be complete by the end of fiscal 2016.

Within the familiar silhouette and proven heritage of the UH-1, the Y model applies a new four blade rotor system, fitted with all-composite and ballistically tolerants made of composite materials. It is poweerd by two General Electric T700-GE-401C engines, offering 125% higher payload, compared to current UH-1Ns. modern night-vision integrated “glass cockpit” and advanced mission systems.

A Tough Warfighter

The UH-1Y provides about 50% increased range, compared to the UH-1N. It also has a higher maximum speed, and stronger airframe designed for sustainable high G loads in tactical or evasive maneuvers, better ballistic tolerance and crash survivability. The airframe is designed with mass retention features, to ensure major components stay where they should in the event of a crash. Energy attenuating seats are installed in the cockpit and cabin, to protect crewmembers and eight passengers from injury on hard landing. Energy-absorbing landing gear also helps attenuating hard landing. In an event of a crash, the crashworthy fuel system, comprising self sealing fuel tanks and fuel systems and fuel vapor inerting systems, further reducing the risk of fire.

Advanced Avionics

The helicopter is fitted with comprehensive electronic warfare self protection (EWSP) suite, and ballistic hardened components, protect it from a broad range of modern threat weapons. EWSP includes the AVR-2A Laser Warning Receiver, APR-39A(v) 2 Radar Warning Receiver, AAR-47 Missile Warning Device and ALE-47 “Smart” Countermeasures Dispenser.

FLIR Systems, Inc., BRITE Star Night Vision Thermal Imaging System (NTIS) is standard issue on the UH-1Y, mounted under the nose of the aircraft for targeting and night imaging. The sensor images are displayed on selected multifunction displays in the cockpit. Another advanced vision system is the “Top Owl” Helmet Mounted Sight and Display (HMS/D) developed by Thales Avionics. The helmet enhances the pilot’s flying and situational awareness during night and adverse weather operations, by reducing the workload and highlighting critical flight data.

Common Support Benefit the Entire Corps’ H-1 Fleet

On the ground, the new version of the Huey is designed to improve logistics footprint and reduce in life-cycle costs, introducing commonality through the H-1 fleet (UH-1Y and AH-1Z). The UH-1Y and AH-1Z have 84% commonality with identical components. The UH-1Y modernizatio is part of a comprehensive ‘H-1 Upgrades Program’ launched by the Marine Corps, replacing the current H-1 fleet with 90 newly built UH-1Ys, 10 remanufactured UH-1Ys and 180 remanufactured AH-1Zs.

According to the manufacturer, the UH-1Y comes “wet assembled” and incorporates aluminum transmission cases to prevent corrosion. Furthermore, reduced vibration level mean not only more comfortable flight, but also extended life for most of the mechanical and electronic systems on board. With unique semi-automatic main rotor blade folding capability, this helicopter moves and stores easily in confined areas.

Maintenance personnel will find the new helicopter more accessibility, and easier to work with, since Bell eliminated certain maintenance tasks, reducing the man hours per flight hour, and spare consumption requirements. The new helicopter is designed for lower maintenance – with modern fault detection sensors and Interactive Electronic Technical Manuals facilitating “on-condition” maintenance. Shared dynamics and nearly identical cockpits vastly reduces the logistical tail, procurement and training costs required to support a large fleet of mixed type aircraft.

Israel Opens Land Campaign in Gaza

By

admin

-

Jan 3, 2009

Israeli escalated operation ‘Cast Lead’ today as ground forces opened the land campaign in Gaza, seeking control of areas used for Rocket Launching by Palestinians

By Saturday evening, Israel expanded its Operation Cast Lead, expectedly launching the land campaign sending its land forces into the Gaza Strip. According to the IDF, its the objective is to take control of some of rocket launching area used by the Hamas, in order to greatly reduce the quantity of rockets fired at Israel and Israeli civilians, in parallel, As a result, the IDF is seeking to destroy the terrorist infrastructure of the Hamas in the area of operation.

Large numbers of forces are taking part in the operation, expected to span over days. The forces participating in this phase of the operation include infantry, armor, combat engineering forces, artillery and intelligence with the support of the Israel Air Force, Israel navy, Israel Security Agency and other security agencies. The Commander of the operation is Maj. Gen. Yoav Galant, commander of the Southern Command. The forces participating in the operation have been highly trained and were prepared for the mission over the long period that the operation was planned.

The attack followed continuous air and naval attacks conducted through the recent days. Since the early morning hours of Saturday, January 3rd, 2009 the IDF has attacked over 40 Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip, including a training camp, weaponry storage facility, smuggling tunnel, an armed launcher and launching bases.

The Palestinians responded launching some 19 Qassam rockets and Grad missiles towards Israel, hitting an apartment building in the city of Ashdod, wounding two Israelis. A short time after the attack IAF aircraft identified and destroyed the launchers used in the attack.

After Thursday’s attack that killed Hamas #3 leader, Nizar Rayan, the air force continued to hunt down senior Hamas operatives. Today aircraft also struck the vehicle transporting senior Hamas commander Mohammed Ma’aruf and an additional Hamas operative in Khan Younis early Saturday afternoon. Ma’aruf was part of Hamas’ military wing and served as an officer in the terror organization’s ground forces. Also departed was Abu Zakaria al-Jamal, died from wounds sustained in an earlier airstrike. Al-Jamal was a another senior military figure in the terrorist group’s armed wing. Later in the afternoon and throughout the evening, the air force and artillery concentrated attacks on the open areas where the land forces were expected to move, in an effort to neutralize part of the threats from mines, IEDs and ambushes. During these evening attacks a fuel and gas depot was set ablaze.

Meanwhile, as part of Operation Cast Lead the IDF has begun to draft reserve units, in order to allow the expansion of the operation. Last week the government approved mbilization of 6,500 troops to support the operation. The recent announcement is expected t add more troops. IDF indicated the majority of the reservists called up belong to combat units, some form part of the Home Front Command and the remainder belong to various other military units.

Unlike the 2006 mobilization for the ‘Lebanon 2’ war, two years ago, the reserve units will be reporting for duty after having undergone extensive training. Furthermore, much of the emergency stores and military equipment have been restored. A special emphasis is also being placed on logistic support for the reserve units, which proved particularly uneffective during the 2006 war.

Sofar in operation Cast Lead the IAF attacked 750 targets along the Gaza strip, while the Palestinians launched 550 rockets and mortar bombs at Israel. 463 Palestinians were killed, mostly militants 2300 were wounded. (The Palestinians claim about 150 of the killed were non combatants). In Israel, four were killed (one soldier) and 287 wounded.

Wasp III (BATMAV) Micro UAV

By

admin

-

Jan 2, 2009

Weighing only one pound (430 gr.), Wasp III has a wing span of 2.375 ft (72 cm). Wasp III Micro unmanned aircraft sytems from Aerovironment is a small, electrically powered unmmanned aerial vehicle developed under a DARPA Micro-UAV program. Wasp III is Equipped with forward and side looking color video cameras, as well as a modular forward or side looking electo-optical infrared payload.

In 2006 the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) selected the Wasp III as its Battlefield Air Targeting Micro Air Vehicle’ (BATMAV). AFSOC plans to use these systems in support of ground combat contriller teams. In 2007 the US Air Force recently took delivery of the first production version of the BATMAV. AV is producing the systems under a $45 million, five year contract to supply 30 systems to the US Air Force.

In November 2007, the US Marine Corps also ordered the Wasp III for its ‘Tier I’ micro UAV requirement. The USMC order totals $19.3 million. Sofar the corps was using two mini UAVs at the battalion level – the Dragon Eye and the Raven made by AeroVironment. Both were fielded at the Marine Expeditionary Units (MEU) level. The smaller Wasp III will be deployed at the platoon level. To maintain commonality among deployed systems, the wasp III uses a ground control system common to the Raven B and Puma mini UAVs. The Wasp III mission endurance is 45 minutes, at a range of 5 km. At its mission termination point the Wasp lands horizontally over flat surface. A water landing version is already under development.

The Wasp III payload integrates several fixed cameras performing different tasks. The forward camera maintains field orientation with a broad view of the scene, while the side view camera, utilizing higher power magnification is generally used for target investigation. To maintain continuous coverage of a specific target, the Wasp automatically circles around it, maintaining the designated target in the side camera’s field of view. The system is packed in a small suitcase, rapidly assembled within few minutes and is launched by hand toss.

US Navy Launch Unmanned Combat Aerial System – Carrier Demonstration Program

By

admin

-

Jan 2, 2009

“Our goal is to find interest within the Navy supporting the Unmanned Combat Aerial System Demonstrator (UCAS) program showing the potential and convincing them in the validity of these new possibilities.” Said US Navy Ret. Admiral Tim Beard, former commander of the Naval Strike And Air Warfare Center. The new unmanned recce and strike vehicle will be the first carrier-based aircraft featuring tailless, full-aspect stealth design, contributing to its unique capability in carrying out long-range, persistent deep penetration missions over heavily defended area.

The UCAS-D program will focus on studying and demonstrating the capability of an unmanned aircraft, to fully integrate into routine operations on US Navy aircraft carriers. Northrop Grumman officials are highlighting the many benefits of a carrier-based unmanned system. Beside its inherent as cost effective pilot training, by using simulation (there is no need to actually fly the autonomous air vehicle), there are other cost savings, such as the elimination of the need for supporting combat search and rescue support for unmanned missions, and the ability to deploy a carrier with part of its air wing, augmenting it by the unmanned aircraft as the carrier group reaches its destination.

The two UCAS aircraft will begin flying operations at Edwards air force base in mid 2010 and continue testing at the at Patuxent River Naval Base, from where it will fly to join a carrier air group at sea by summer 2012. Following the demonstration the program is expected to enter full scale development, toward full potential combat readiness by 2018.

Maintaining the aircraft all-aspect low-observable characteristics, required special attention to details, uncommon in land-based aerial platforms. These included special coverage of the wing folding seams, designed in recessed tailhook and the low observable application, for the retractable refueling probe. Other features are utilizing simpler means, such as the installation of fuel links in the weapons bay, to carry two 600 gal. fuel tanks, which can be used for extended missions or mid-air refueling. With 1,200 galons of extra fuel on board, these unmanned aircraft could become popular aerial refuellers, relieving the Hornet pilot from this dull, but still highly precarious job. On combat strike missions the UCAS will be able to carry two 2000 lbs sized (JDAM) bombs or six small diameter bombs. The weapons bay will also be used to carry other payloads, including SIGINT and ELINT pods. The aircraft will be fitted with the integrated sensor suite, designed for the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF). On such ISR missions, this unmanned aircraft will be capable operating continuously for 50 – 100 hours (with multiple aerial refueling), providing the navy with unprecedented mission persistence.

Carrier-based operations will highlight handling the aircraft, which is shorter but wider than an F-18. With a 62.1 foot wing span, the X-47B is significantly wider than an F-18 (44.7 ft) but with folded wings (27.4 ft), UCAS will occupy the same width as a Hornet, therefore enabling storage or elevator capacity of three UCAS, at the ‘footprint’ used by a pair of Hornets. With a wheel base of 16.3 ft, it will provide a stable, highly maneuverable platform, designed for efficient operation on the flight deck. The aircraft will use an air actuation system for braking, and, since no hydraulics are used on board, external power will not be necessary. On deck, the aircraft will be controlled by two operators, one watching the signals from the directors and the other, actually controlling the aircraft via Portable Maintenance Device (PMD), utilizing a wearable computer and wrist worn console. “Controlling an unmanned aircraft on board a carrier is revolutionary to the Navy, but we intend to demonstrate that it can be done without any interference to the hectic activity on board. The idea is to blend in, not to change the current procedures” says Adm. Tim Beard, “the aircraft will be able to taxi, and move just like any other naval aircraft, under or over the deck, and in the air.”

Further adapting to carrier handling, the X-47B will have a unique engine removal mechanism, enabling the maintenance crew remove the engine from the belly, by extending the carriage struts by 20 inches, gaining sufficient clearance to pull out the engine below the aircraft. The UCAS will be operated on the carrier, in the hangers, lifts and on deck, perform catapult launches, approach procedures and landing by using precision GPS (PGPS). The unmanned aircraft is believed to perform in all weather and sea conditions that might affect human operations, such as high sea, bad weather and strong winds.

Immediately following takeoff, the X-47B will be handed over to the flight operations center, where pilots supervise its autonomous flight. According to Scott Winship, fully qualified ‘pilots’ may not be necessarily for every mission, as some of the non combat related missions could be performed by flight controllers, or senior NCOs trained to perform less complex missions, which will further contribute to cost savings. The control system will be designed to enable a single operator to control several aircraft, through rapidly updated geographic and cockpit situational pictures.

The X-47B will land just as any other naval aircraft. However, the unmanned aircraft is expected to demonstrate land precision much higher compared to manned aircraft. “We expect to hit a specific cable, landing within few inches from our designated point” said Beard. Once landed, the deck operators will regain control of the aircraft, clearing the runway in 45 seconds, to maintain operational tempo.

Defense-UpdateMilitary Technology & Defense News

Defense-UpdateMilitary Technology & Defense News

RQ-4N – the US Navy BAMS

Euro-Hawk

A Tough Warfighter

Advanced Avionics

Common Support Benefit the Entire Corps’ H-1 Fleet

EDITOR PICKS

POPULAR POSTS

POPULAR CATEGORY