Hand Held Thermal Binoculars

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Nov 23, 2008

Lightweight, compact and lean, hand held thermal imagers from different makers are offering better situational understanding and control and improved target acquisition even under impaired visibility conditions

Highly sensitive, low power consuming thermal and low-light imaging sensors employed in lightweight, hand held optronic imaging systems used by commanders, forward observers, fire controllers and recon teams, facilitating better situational understanding, target location, coordination and control. These lightweight and compact hand held imagers combine several types of sensors, including cooled or uncooled thermal, video imagers for daylight or low-light level conditions, laser rangefinders, target marker or laser pointers. Additional equipment includes GPS, integrated map display and communications interfaces. Combined with miniature or lightweight laser designators, such devices are transformed into a ‘trigger’ employing remotely fired laser guided munitions.

Hand held thermal imagers from different makers were displayed at AUSA 2008. Systems included the MilCam series from FLIR Systems, Opus H from Carl Zeiss Optronics, the Moskito from Vectoronix and various systems made by Northrop Grumman and Elbit Systems, currently employed by the US Army and Marine Corps.

Flir Systems MilCam
FLIR Systems displayed the MilCAM series Recon III handheld thermal binoculars, providing situational awareness, assisting the tasks of targeting and surveillance. The company introduced two new Recon III models. The Ultra-light version weighs only 5 pounds (2.3 kg) and uses a large format (640×480) long wave VOx Microbolometer with new automatic digital image processor. It is powered by two Lithium D cells sustaining up to four fours of operation. Enhancing target discrimination in daylight operations, the new and compact Recon III Lite thermal binocular combines the same sensor used in the Ultralite model with high resolution (768×494) color video camera. Both sensors are fitted with x4 continuous zoom and can be presented on the system’s integral OLED display in a full screen or split screen format. This version can also accommodate an optional laser pointer and additional memory to store up to 100 JPEG images, or download images to an external device via a USB connection. The ‘Nebula’ thermal binocular sight displayed at AUSA 2008 by the US Army Rapid Equipping Force was shipped to the US Forces in Afghanistan, to meet an urgent operational requirement for improving night performance.

Opus H From Carl Zeiss Optronics
Carl Zeiss Optronics displayed its laser target localization systems called Opus H. The new device employs a direct view optical channel with x7 magnification (saving power operating in daylight) and an uncooled IR channel, laser rangefinder and digital camera. It has integral digital compass and GPS. Opus H weighs about 2.9 kg without batteries. It is powered by 8 AA batteries sustaining 3.5 hours of operation.

PAS-22/PAS-25 from Elbit Systems
Elbit Systems displayed the PAS-22 Long Range Thermal Imager (LRTI) recently selected and delivered to the US Marine Corps. This device was developed for use by dismounted infantry, scouts and special forces, for surveillance and target acquisition. It can also be used as a night-sight for medium range weapon systems. Weighing about five pounds, this multi-sensor thermal binocular uses a cooled 320×256 InSb focal plane array sensor providing optimal range/sensitivity performance. The system supports two fields of view for situational awareness and target identification. The system has an optional magnetic fluxgate compass and GPS to provide target location information.

As enhanced version is the AN/PAS-25 Thermal Laser Spot Imager, the high performance, hand held thermal sight is designed with laser spot tracking capability. This system can monitor the aim point of a laser designator beam, or laser rangefinder ‘spot’, assisting target identification.

A new device recently added to the family is the Medium Range Thermal Binocular (MRTB), employing a high performance uncooled Long Wave InfraRed (LWIR) thermal sensor. Coupled with x3 optical zoom designed for narrow-field of view, MRTB offers better range performance, compared with systems relying on electronic zoom. The new binoculars weigh only 3.75 pounds (1.7kg) and are integrated with laser pointer, magnetic flux compass and an optional IR pointer see-spot day camera, facilitating day and night operations.

MARS from Elbit Systems
Another system called MARS is being developed by Elbit Systems and has recently won a large order from the Israel Defense Forces. MARS is a hand held thermal imager developed specifically to address the infantry’s requirements defined by the IDF ground forces command. The system integrates an uncooled thermal sensor, day channel, laser rangefinder, GPS, compass and integral recording system. Designed for Special Forces, infantry leaders and commanders, MARS maintains light weight and low power consumption for sustained dismounted operation.

Vectronix Introduce the Moskito
The Swiss company Vectoronix is introducing the Long Range Thermal Video(LRTV) system. At a gross weight of 7.4 pounds, the system consists of a cooled thermal imager and color video camera as primary sensors, coupled with an integrated laser rangefinder, digital magnetic compass, GPS and laser pointer. LRTV also includes PLGR/DAGR interface to integrate into target acquisition systems. Its operational range is about 5 km. The company also provides three popular laser rangefinders – the hand held Vector, a 3.75 lbs system capable of ranging targets up to 20 km, the smaller, compact, night-capable Moskito, designed for lower weight (2.65 lbs) and similar short-range performance. The Moskito can range a standard NATO target at a distance of 4 km, while a distance to a man-sized target is determined at maximum range of 2 kilometers, similar to the much powerful Vector type rangefinders. An even smaller ranger is the pocket-size PLRF, weighing only 1.4 lbs and capable of ranging man-sized targets at distances of about one kilometer.

Northrop Grumman LLDR
Northrop Grumman has recently received a $128 million contract to provide the Lightweight Laser Designators Rangefinders (LLDR) systems to the U.S. Army. The systems are designed for day and night operations and are providing essential precision fire direction to forward air controllers and forward artillery observers. Fielding of more LLDRs is required to meet the growing share of precision targeted weapons in the battlefield. With the system, forward observers can recognize targets, find the range to a target with the laser rangefinder, and calculate the grid coordinates with built-in GPS, elevation and azimuth capability. Utilizing the target designator element, the system can also be used to guide laser-homing weapons for high precision attack.

Sniper Location & Gunshot Detection Systems

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Nov 23, 2008

Snipers have become the second greatest cause of fatalities in combat in Iraq and Afghanistan. Troops are often most vulnerable in stationary environments, such as when on perimeter or a Forward Operation Base (FOB). Until recently, sniper detection and location systems were employed primarily on vehicular and static installations, when manning guard towers, or out at mobile checkpoints. However, the latest trend in acoustic gunshot detection are the man portable, or wearable systems, introduced at this year’s AUSA 2008 event.

Two versions of gunshot locators were discussed at the AUSA event. Both are being addressed by the US military, in an attempt to improve response effectiveness and reduce vulnerability to attacks by sniper and small arms ambushes. Gunshot locators also improve the warfighter’s situational understanding in emergency situations, particularly when responding to ambush situations.

The Boomerang acoustic shooter detection system was developed by BBN to provide warning over sniper threats. Today, over 1,000 Boomerang systems are operational worldwide and procurement of 8,000 additional systems is currently underway. Initially, the system was installed on vehicles, but the most recent enhancements, a static installation kit and portable system, complements the Boomerang to cover more modes of operation.

Boomerang automatically provides immediate indication of hostile fire or sniper attacks and localizes the shooter’s position, allowing rapid, informed and coordinated response. The system can be installed on an individual vehicle (manned or unmanned), at a checkpoint, or be scaled up for full perimeter security of a forward operating base. The ability to identify insurgent firing locations quickly eliminates random patrol deployments and exposure to unknown hostile fire.

The static installation kit is contained in a man-portable package, providing rapid installation in temporary or fixed sites. It is equipped with interfacing, to enable interoperability with remote weapon stations and EO/IR sensors currently fielded in theater. Furthermore, several Boomerang sensors can be integrated and networked, to provide better and more precise coverage of fixed sites. Gunshot alerts can be integrated and presented into situational awareness pictures, such as the Blue Force Tracking or FBCB2.

A parallel development known as “Warfighter Wearable Gunshot & Sniper Detection” is currently pursued. QinetiQ North America is maturing under a $10 million order, awarded by the U.S. Army Rapid Equipping Force (REF). QinetiQ announced the system (known as EARS) at the AUSA Winter event this year, which has now been endorsed by the U.S. Army and is expected to be deployed with U.S. warfighters in Iraq and Afghanistan this year.

The deployment of the systems is expected to be completed by early 2009. The one pound wearable EARS Gunshot Localization System employs the EARS-150 palm-sized 6.4 ounce ‘Man-Mounted’ sensor, placed on the soldier’s shoulder. A single sensor covers 360 degrees and will accurately locate snipers within less than a second, after firing a single shot, when the soldier is standing, walking or moving in a vehicle.

BBN Technologies recently announced receiving an award of $3.5 million from the U.S. Army to develop an even more compact soldier wearable shooter detection system, in partnership with the U.S. Army Natik Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center. The wearable system will operate in ‘stand-alone’ and networked environments, providing individual soldiers with immediate awareness of hostile fire locations. Networked systems are providing unit leaders with the situational awareness needed to coordinate response to hostile fire. The Boomerang Warrior-wearable shooter detection system uses acoustic sensors embedded in the soldier’s shoulder pads, earpiece providing audible warning announcement and wrist wearable display presenting the threat’s relative direction, distance and elevation. The soldier’s position and hand movements are compensated by the display to provide consistent, accurate bearing to the target.

Acoustic processing is not the only solution for gunshot detection. Gunshot signature can be identified, located and processed even faster using eletcro-optical means. Two Israeli systems are providing such capabilities – Rafael’s Spotlite M and IAI/Elta’s Short-Wave Infrared (SWIR) are sensors-based and a Transient Event Detection (TED) system, developed by a new subsidiary called OptigO. They are designed to cover a wide area, triggering a instant alarm and threat location when a single shot is fired.

See-Through Armor – Combat Situation Understanding & Response

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Nov 23, 2008

When operating enclosed in armored vehicular platforms, such systems provide essential situational display in a conveniently ‘see through armor’ functionality.

One of the pioneers in this field is the Israeli company Elbit Systems, which displayed at AUSA 2008 an integrated family of products supporting combat from enclosed armored vehicles, encompassing sensors, distributed displays, integrated mounted and dismounted warfighter connectivity, vehicular mounted remotely operated weapon stations and autonomous platforms, all contributing to a common operating picture, supporting the operational and tactical unit level.

A different approach was presented by the Sarnoff Corporation, developing the ‘Combat Vehicle Vision’ approach, harnessing C4ISR technology, enabling real-time situational awareness, understanding and response. Sarnoff’s systems incorporate advanced day/night imaging sensors, video processing and image fusion, to improve threat detection. The system is designed in two versions for open and closed vehicle configuration. The open vehicle model is designed for tactical vehicles such as the HMMWV or MRAP, where relatively large windows allow the crew to monitor the surrounding area.

Sarnoff’s Computer Vision Assisted Combat Capability (CVAC2) system provides day/night visibility, automatic video threat detection and alerts and high resolution imaging and reconnaissance. The system can also be integrated with the Boomerang acoustic gunshot detector, to support real time information sharing, integration and control of aimable sensors, weapon systems. Providing a 360 degree situational awareness and understanding, a mast-mounted CVAC2 sensor pack includes a thermal LWIR) imager, day-night zoom camera mounted on a pan-tilt platform. CVAC2 can also be utilized in a tripod-mounted configuration, to protect installations, or in support of dismounted operations. The display combines panoramic, fused video display, fed by multiple imaging sensors, superimposed with cues from acoustic gunshot detection and motion or loitering sensors and geo-registered operational and intelligence annotations. The company also offers a Fused Vision System for the driver, enhancing visibility by combining images from Long Wavelength infrared (LWIR) and visible video imagery in real time to improve the drivers’ all-weather, day and night visibility. Automatic video enhancement processed on the image in real time contributes to extend the sensors’ dynamic range and depth of field.

Systems employed in a closed vehicle environment, rely on Distributed Aperture System (DAS) to deliver advanced vision capability, situational awareness. The system provides 360 deg. ‘see through’ turret, supporting separate displays for the driver, commander and crew members, empowering operators to benefit from some of the system’s sophisticated features. These include moving target indicators (MTI), estimation of threats, each reported with range and other threat attacks. The system employs integral data recorder for rapid retrieval of recorded segments.

Omniscape from DRS
DRS displayed a range of enhancements for its vehicular EO systems, including the well established Drivers Vision Enhancer (DVE), offered with improved situational awareness, facilitating safe driving under all lighting conditions. Based on an uncooled FLIR, this viewer enables the driver to spot potential obstacles, as well as IEDs and various ambush situations well in advance, during day and night. Added to create panoramic situational picture of the area surrounding the vehicle, additional thermal cameras operating at wide angles were also displayed on the DRS’s vehicle. The five cameras (a pair for each side and a rear camera) were feeding video streams to the Omniscape video and data multiplexing distribution system, capable of handling up to 21 standard video feeds and four output display formats. Each soldier can monitor the display configured with four windows, explore a single feed with superimposed vehicle data or view two images in a ‘picture in picture’ style.

WideEye II: (FLIR Systems Vehicle Vision Systems VVES-FADS)
WideEye II ultra-wide field of view vehicle camera offers continuous security coverage superior to pan/tilt configurations. Two WideEye II cameras provide 360 degrees viewing, covering the vehicle’s entire perimeter. Its broad scene coverage can be used to cue a long range sensor, such as the weapon station’s optronic payload, to areas where motion is detected. According to the manufacturer, the system detects human intruders and threats at a distance of 500 meters, in daylight and in total darkness, through fog, smoke and most obscurants. The unit connects to the video monitoring system through standard Ethernet cabling.

Miniature Stabilized Sight (MSS)
Carl Zeiss introduced the Miniature Stabilized Sight (MSS) designed for installation on armored vehicles, particularly for close combat observation in urban terrain, or in asymmetric warfare scenarios. The camera’s pointing ability improves coverage under challenging situations, including very high elevations (urban canyons) or deployment in defilade positions, where static cameras (typically having 45 degrees in elevation) do not provide effective coverage. Typically four cameras will provide full panoramic coverage of the vehicle, operating when stationary or on the move. These sensors are providing autonomous situational awareness and can be enhanced with automatic tracking capability, to aid tracking of potential threats or targets, while on the move. Each MSS weighs about 5 kg, and can fit a combination of two sensors including daylight TV, uncooled thermal imager and laser rangefinder.

Spyder Nano from GE Fanuc
GE Fanuc introduced the vehicle-mounted ‘Spyder nano’, mast mounted passive situational awareness and surveillance system, comprising video/IR camera and ten fixed imagers, either daylight TV or uncooled IR (or both), providing full 360 degree coverage in addition to the main surveillance sensor equipped with x36 zoom. The system is controlled from a mounted or field portable console, utilizing an innovative and intuitive user interface providing integral panoramic and narrow-field of view displays.

OmniAlert360 from Remote Reality
Remote Reality Corp. returned to AUSA, this time, as part of the Raytheon display. According to company officials, the two companies are cooperating in areas, such as image tracking, correlation between targets spotted on the panoramic view, relaying them to other sensors and systems. Providing better interpretation of a situational picture at close range. Remote Reality displayed new optics utilized with the 360 degree camera, that support sensors either in the visible or IR range. Tested as part of the FCS program the continuous 360 degree camera proved to be superior to products produced by ‘stitched images’, primarily during dynamic high speed off-road travel.

Army Deploys 300th RAID Tower, Supporting Forward Base Protection by Persistent Surveillance and Dissemination System PSDS2

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Nov 23, 2008

Over 300 Rapid Aerostat Initial Deployment (RAID) towers and over 60 ‘blimp’ systems have been deployed as part of the Persistent Surveillance and Dissemination Systems (PSDS2) currently fielded in Iraq and Afghanistan, safeguarding forward operating bases (FOB), improving surveillance in day and night and accelerating response to evolving threats.

The innovative Rapid Aerostat Initial Deployment (RAID) system employed a variety of sensors tethered from an aerostat, and later evolving to other platforms, including fixed towers and relocated masts. These systems are widely used for the protection of forward operating bases (FOB) in Iraq and Afghanistan. Since its initial deployment in Afghanistan in 2003, over 60 systems have been deployed.

The system uses a 17 meter aerostat carrying a payload with a total weight of 200 pounds at an elevation of about 1,000 feet. Larger (32, 38 meter) aerostat configurations are currently in development to support heavier payloads of up to 1,000 pounds, elevated to altitudes of 2,500 feet. RAID systems are also employed on towers elevating to 107 feet in height.

The tower version uses a 80 foot and 107 foot towers. The US Marine Corps deploys the system designated Ground-Based Operational Surveillance System (G-BOSS) employing two cameras, a radar and a radio link to a remote ground station. The Amry’s Base Expeditionary Targeting and Surveillance Systems – Combined (BETSS-C) uses a single camera.

RAID generally utilizes EO/IR sensors, radars, flash and acoustic gunshot detectors, to provide persistent, panoramic surveillance of the covered area, providing timely warning of potential threats and other events valued for intelligence purposes. The main sensor is an EO/IR payload, carrying a laser rangefinder, designator and target marker. In some configurations, radar, RF signal interceptors or gunshot detectors are employed, providing a primary scanning sensor pointing the EO/IR payload to points of interest, where movement or suspicious actions are detected. Other sensors can cue the RAID as well, including counter mortar radars such as the LCMR, which detects mortar attacks and can cue the RAID in seconds.

RAID sensor data is fed through standard radio links (SINCGARS and EPLRS) to the RAID ground control system, also known as Persistent Surveillance and Dissemination System (PSDS2) and Enhanced Tactical Automated Security System (eTASS).

RAID systems provide essential situational awareness necessary for improved security and daily operations in and around the FOB. For example, convoy leaders check with RAID operators for ‘road clear’ indication before leaving the FOB.

RAID towers and aerostats are being deployed as part of the Persistent Surveillance and Dissemination Systems (PSDS2) currently fielded in Iraq and Afghanistan. Basically, each sensor is monitored by a payload operator, but in locations controlling several sensors, more advanced systems are required. When connected to Army Battle Command Systems (ABCS), the system can display a comprehensive operational picture, depicting all participating friendly forces locations, and supporting such forces with live streaming video being broadcast on the military intranet, as events unfold. Such service provides quick-reaction forces and first responders at an event scene with live perspective on the operational area. Streaming video is automatically compressed to fit the capacity of each user’s communication links.

PSDS2 uses an advanced efficient and intuitive interface to support operator’s multi-tasking and focus. The visualization tools used enable the presentation of multiple video feeds as thumbnails, or ortho-rectified ‘footprints’ superimposed on a terrain map or satellite image, clearly depicting the sensor coverage and orientation. 3D terrain features and building models are also displayed to improve orientation. This, ‘in-context’ perspective view, shows the scene from any desirable viewing angle or elevation, to optimize the employment of sensors such as UAVs, ground observations.

At AUSA 08 Raytheon displayed a typical payload control display employing such sensors. The display supports multiple video feeds displayed as ‘thumbnails’. The operator monitors the area under surveillance on a 3D situational map display, employing the Terrasight interactive 3D map, and video integration tool developed by Sarnoff, presenting the video in a dynamic, ‘footprint’ over the 3D map. The information displayed by the system provides realistic assessment of the locations, dead zones and visibility of potential targets, as they travel behind land curves, buildings etc.

Different PSDS2 systems can share information and images with each other and when there is overlapping sensor coverage, one system can backup another. Task forces at other locations can directly participate in theater response assessment and decision making aided by the exchange of imaging and situational pictures. Furthermore, PSDS2 data is also shared with a larger family of intelligence and C2 systems through the Distributed Common Ground Station (DCGS) Integrated Backbone (DIB).

Norway Opts for F-35 Lightning II over Gripen NG as Future Fighter

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Nov 22, 2008

Despite being defeated against the F-35 in Norway, by merely contesting its claimed dominance Saab gained significant recognition in its Gripen NG, being a viable alternative to the future US 5th Generation fighter.

After reconsidering its future fighter procurement, and evaluating a possible procurement of a future version of the JAS-39 Saab Gripen NG, Norway decided that the only candidate which could meet all the future operational requirements set by the Royal Norwegian Air Force ‘Future Combat Aircraft Capability’ requirement will be the 5th generation Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II.

“The Joint Strike Fighter [JSF] is considered to be the better of the two candidates regarding intelligence and surveillance, counter-air, air interdict and anti-surface warfare,” defense minister Anne-Grete Strýým-Erichsen said. Norway plans to buy 48 aircraft, scheduled for initial fielding by 2014.

Despite the Lightning’s notional high cost, the Norwegians realized that the JSF is offered at a lower price than the Swedish Gripen NG. Both aircraft are offered with industrial cooperation benefits to the local industry. Sofar Norway was the only JSF partner nation to complete a formal competition to assess the JSF against current or future alternatives. One other JSF partner nation, Denmark, is also conducting a competition for its next generation fighter and will announce its decision in 2009. The Dutch parliament also required the MoD to consider alternatives, despite the air forces’ decision toward the US fighter and in Australia, debate is still ongoing, although government and Defence officials are mostly in favor of the JSF.

Although the Norwegian decision is a setback to Saab, which spent considerable effort challenging the JSF in Norway, and enjoyed friendly support from industry and government, the competition highlighted Gripen NG as a viable competitor to 5th generation fighters. Saab was hoping that challenging JSF in Norway would lead to further successes in other markets, including Denmark, Netherlands. Despite the failure to defeat the future joint strike fighter, Gripen NG gained a clear edge over its current 4th generation competitors, strengthening its position in important markets such as Brazil and India, where they compete against 4th generation fighters such as F/A-18E/F, Rafale, and Typhoon.

Parvus Introduces Zypad WR1100 Wearable Wrist-Worn Computer

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Nov 21, 2008

Parvus Corporation unveiled the Zypad WR1100, a rugged, wrist-worn personal computer at MILCOM 2008 in San Diego. The new gear conforms with MIL-STD-810F environmental and MIL-STD-461E EMI requirements, suitable for military and defense applications. The x86 compatible modular computer can be worn comfortably on the user’s wrist for hands-free operation. It can be configured to access any remote host system through its integrated wired and/or wireless interfaces using its Linux operating system.

The unit integrates a number of innovative features, including 802.11 and Bluetooth/Zigbee interfaces, a GPS receiver, electronic compass, biometric fingerprint sensor, and a tilt-and-dead reckoning system that detects the position of the user’s arm and sets the system to standby mode when the arm is hanging down beside the body. The wearable PC can be configured for specific missions by replacing a mission specific module. If the user wishes to switch from a GPS receiver to a GPRS module, for example, this can be done through a simple, plug-and-play, hot swap operation. The battery module can also be easily removed and replaced in the field with hot swapping functionality.

New Radios are Pushing Broadband to the Edge of the Battlefield

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Nov 21, 2008

General Dynamics is developing the ‘Handheld, Manpack and Small Form Fit’ (HMS) radio under the Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) to provide high bandwidth communications even at the lowest level of command, establishing wideband communication among tactical vehicles and with dismounted units on-the-move. The radio supports JTRS Wideband Networking Waveform and standard based 802.16 wireless networking technologies, facilitating the transfer of large amounts of information and for on-line collaboration between moving vehicles.

General Dynamics C4 Systems, currently under contract to deliver the HMS radios to the U.S. Department of Defense, displayed the new hand held and vehicular radios at the MILCOM 2008. At the demonstration the new radios facilitated communication between vehicles and dismounted soldiers. The new radios are embedding several wide-band waveforms, including the Wideband Networking Waveform (WNW) and IEEE 802.16 or “WiMAX’ wide-area networking, to provide the needed bandwidth and spectrum range to facilitate communication between tactical vehicles while they are moving. HMS radios are designed to meet all JTRS waveform-compliance, interoperability and security standards. The first HMS radios will be in warfighters’ hands in early 2010.

“Demonstrating WNW and 802.16 for advanced, high-speed networking places HMS in a class by itself for performance and efficiency,” said Chris Brady, vice president of Assured Communications Systems for General Dynamics C4 Systems.

Other HMS radios are currently in user tests to prove their effectiveness in close-combat tactical communications, including the Rifleman radio in use by the U.S. Army’s Evaluation Task Force at Fort Bliss. The Rifleman radio mirrors the Small Form Fit- C (SFF-C) Version 1 of HMS with additional radio controls and its own power supply.

Spectrum Implements JTRS Soldier Radio Waveform in Miniature Modem

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Nov 21, 2008

Spectrum Signal Processing by Vecima (CA:VCM) a provider of software reconfigurable radio technology, has implemented the Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) Soldier Radio Waveform (SRW) Electronic Warfare (EW) physical layer on its flexComm SDR-4000 software reconfigurable transceiver. The SRW-Electronic Counter-Counter-Measure (ECCM) modem is designed for sensor and handheld applications, providing robust communications in environments subjected to interference or jamming.

It has a bandwidth of 1.2 MHz and provides throughputs up to 225 kbps. The SDR-4000 rugged wireless modem is packaged in a small 3U CompactPCI form-factor that is conduction-cooled. The modem architecture consists of software reconfigurable processor technology combined into an integrated package that is size, weight and power optimized for deployment in harsh environments and where power is limited.

“Spectrum’s SDR-4000 supports WNW OFDM, SINCGARS, and now SRW EW, three very demanding waveforms that are important to the JTRS vision for versatile next-generation communications for the armed forces,” said Mark Briggs, VP Marketing at Spectrum. “Radio and waveform developers have an extremely cost effective, commercial-off-the-shelf option in the SDR-4000 that is robust and capable of handling complex waveforms. Furthermore, when they are ready to deploy, Spectrum will optimize the final configuration to meet specific size, weight, power and cost targets.”

SRW is a tactical military communications (MILCOM) waveform designed to network radios on the battlefield. SRW is the third waveform in the JTRS program to be ported to the SDR-4000. Other military waveforms supported by Spectrum’s SDR include the Wideband Networking Waveform Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (WNW OFDM) and Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System (SINCGARS) waveforms. All three waveform ports have been completed by L-3 Communications Nova Engineering. Having a choice of existing off-the-shelf waveform capabilities significantly reduces technical and schedule risk for multi-waveform programs, while immediately allowing end users to benefit from powerful reconfigurable radios.

WindRiver demos MILS Platform 2.0 Applications at MILCOM 2008

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Nov 21, 2008

Device Software Optimization (DSO) specialist WindRiver introduced at MILCOM 2008 the latest multilevel secure (MLS) approach utilizing an early access version of the company’s upcoming VxWorks MILS Platform 2.0. The MILS (multiple independent levels of security) infrastructure enables development of multi-level secure systems that process classified data at all levels simultaneously, including downgraders, guards, and other cross-domain applications.

“The high performance and mature functionality of VxWorks MILS Platform 2.0 will be based on six years of customer experience with our time- and space-partitioning operating system for avionics, VxWorks 653 for complex ARINC 653 Integrated Modular Avionics systems, in use on over 100 programs worldwide,” said Marc Brown, vice president of VxWorks Marketing at Wind River. He added that VxWorks MILS Platform 2.0 will introduce a robust operating system foundation and an award-winning development environment to build these MILS-based systems. The platform will also offer a single development environment for customers creating complex defense and aerospace systems that require extremely high performance and a high level of security assurance.

Raytheon is currently evaluating Wind River’s MILS offering. The two companies are teaming on the development of this emerging technology. Boeing and Lockheed Martin are also evaluating the system. Darrel Price, software engineer at Boeing hopes that “Wind River’s VxWorks MILS Platform will offer us significant advantages in terms of time to deployment and also reduces later cost-of-change.” He anticipates that when the new VxWorks MILS Platform is introduced it will enable multiple teams to work in parallel, building multi-level secure systems running multiple applications, with many layers of security all on a single processor. Ben Calloni, Fellow, Software Security, at Lockheed Martin Corporation agrees that the MILS architecture will dramatically reduce cost for the multi-level secure systems.

The VxWorks MILS Platform 2.0 will include:

VxWorks MILS separation kernel, developed to conform to the NIAP-validated U.S. Government Protection Profile for Separation Kernels in Environments Requiring High Robustness, Version 1.03
Direct support for high-assurance customer applications such as guards and downgraders in partitions through Wind River High-Assurance Environment
Wind River VxWorks real-time operating system (RTOS) in partitions, permitting direct porting of existing VxWorks applications
Wind River industry-specific networking technology stacks including IPv4, UDP, and TCP
An extensive offering of targeted drivers and partner middleware
Wind River Workbench, the leading Eclipse-based development suite.
Evaluation of VxWorks MILS Platform is in progress to Evaluation Assurance Level 6+ / High Robustness under the international Common Criteria for Information Technology Security Evaluation.

GNAT for VxWorks 6.6 SMP Sets AdaCore for Multi-Core Processors

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Nov 21, 2008

Developer of AdaCore Ada tools and support also announced the availability of its GNAT Pro product for the Wind River’s VxWorks 6.6 SMP product. AdaCore provides an advanced Ada development environment to maximize the systems’ multi-processing capability with multi-core processors. Multi-core technology is the next transformative technology for the Device Software Optimization (DSO) industry.

“Ada was designed from the start for multi-threaded applications.” says said Robert Dewar, President and CEO of AdaCore, “On a single cpu system this was typically handled by a multiplexing scheduler to simulate parallel processing. With multi-cpu’s or multi-core processors these tasks may now truly run in parallel physically. While developers using other programming languages are struggling to find how to take advantage of this new hardware, Ada developers can immediately leverage tried and tested features that have been in the language for years.”

According to Rob Hoffman, Vice President and General Manager of Aerospace and Defense at Wind River, the system provides a unique capability for VxWorks users, especially those developing applications that need to meet high-reliability requirements. “Users can take existing Ada software and port it to our SMP platform to immediately take advantage of its multi-processing capabilities. Moreover, new programs can also instantly take advantage of this capability when developing Ada or mixed-language applications.” says Hoffman.

With the SMP add-on product installed, VxWorks platforms are enhanced with symmetric multi-processing (SMP) capabilities within the operating system, network stack, and development tools to provide the easiest path to realize the benefits of multi-core technology.

Cornet Technology Introduce Tactical Voice Conferencing System

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Nov 21, 2008

Cornet Technology, Inc is introducing the Tactical Voice Conferencing System (TVCS) providing standards-based secure conferencing capability operating over secure voice and radio communications that supports new and legacy equipment.

With this new system, an operator can simultaneously monitor up to 20 summed audio, classified and unclassified radios, phones, and intercom connections in a single headset or handset. Among the system’s features are the high quality audio, improved remote control (over longer distance), and XboX style graphical user interface (GUI) design, reducing the level of training required for operators. The company plans to field initial installations by January 2009.

Future Ad-Hoc Networks to Integrate Airborne Radar, Ground Elements

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Nov 21, 2008

Radar developer Raytheon and L-3 Communications are designing new systems to improve the common operating picture obtained by field commanders. “Getting intelligence and surveillance information to the right place at the right time is the key to network centric warfare,” said Jerry Powlen, vice president, Raytheon Network Centric Systems’ Integrated Communications Systems.

“This solution addresses this very real challenge by bringing new technology to the edge of the battlefield.” said Powlen. Raytheon’s solution establishes seamless, robust and rapid network connections and maintains them regardless of operational conditions in the air, on land, or at sea. It has been field tested in a military environment and enables the warfighter to focus on the primary mission. Resilient mobile ‘ad hoc networking’ is a critical element for high-data rate applications, where significant amounts of information can be lost if communications are down — even if only for a matter of seconds.

According to Susan Opp, president, L-3 Communications Systems-West, advanced software-defined modem technology developed by L-3’s supports data rates in the 100s to 1000s of millions of bits per second, in either continuous or pulsed modes. “This capability allows allow aperture sharing with radar pulses” explained Opp “Sharing critical information over radar apertures mitigates the need for additional platform space because existing radar apertures are already installed on aircraft, ground vehicles and ships.”

Sejil: A New Iranian Missile?

By

David Eshel

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Nov 19, 2008

On Wednesday, November 12, the Iranian media reported the test launch of a new missile called the Sejil. According to Iranian defense minister Mostafa Mohammad Najjar, the missile is two-staged, with both stages powered by solid fuel and a range “close to 2,000 kilometers.” Iran’s state-sponsored television stations accompanied the report with pictures of the test. The question is how much the news about the missile’s development is in fact news. (This article is published with courtesy of INSS Insight via David Eshel)

Some years ago, Iranian officials already announced that Iranian engineers were at work on “replacing the Shahab-3 missile engine” with a solid fuel engine. Later, the existence of a solid fuel propelled missile named the Ashura was reported. This missile was tested about a year ago, though no details about the testing were made public and no pictures of the missile were broadcast. Based on Western intelligence sources, the test failed. In any event, the Iranians have been known to present identical weapon systems with different names and use identical names for different weapons systems, so one should not be fooled by nomenclature.

It would seem that this time the test succeeded, and hence Iran’s confidence in broadcasting pictures of the missile launch. Nonetheless, no details about the test were made public. What range the missile achieved and if it in fact hit the designated target remain unconfirmed, nor is there independent information regarding the success of the test-firing and the range attained by the test missile. In addition, and unlike previous occasions, no information about the test has been published to date by the Western intelligence sources that would undoubtedly monitor such tests closely.

From the launch pictures, one may infer the following:

The missile was launched from a level, desert-like region. It was launched vertically (like the Shahab missiles, and unlike the heavier rockets such as the Zelzal). The plume left by the missile after the launch is typical of the launch of a solid fuel propelled missile (and unlike the plume of the liquid fuel propelled Shahab-3).

It was impossible to see the launcher, which was probably deliberately hidden from the cameras, but it was possible to get the sense that the launcher was mobile, similar or even identical to the launchers servicing the Shahab-3 missile.

The missile itself looks strikingly similar to the Shahab-3. To the extent that it is possible to judge on the basis of the photographs, its dimensions are also similar to the dimensions of the Shahab-3.
The missile’s nose cone resembles a baby bottle, and probably has a similar or even identical payloads to that carried by the Shahab-3 M missile (the improved missile that also, according to Iran, has a range of 2,000 kilometers).

It is also possible to see openings, probably used for steering, both in the rear and in the middle portions of the missile, apparently indicating steering capability of both stages.

Both stages are of identical diameter, unlike most multi-staged missiles in the world (though similar to Israel’s Shavit satellite launcher).
Developing a solid fuel propelled two-stage missile indicates not inconsiderable technological know-how in a specialized field that differs greatly from the liquid fuel technology that has characterized Iranian missiles to date. Therefore, claims made by experts that this is in fact a Shahab-3 missile with a different logo have no foundations whatsoever.

It would seem that the new missile is intended to replace the Shahab-3 in Iran’s operational arsenal. From the outset it was likely intentionally modeled on the diameter and length dimensions of the Shahab-3, making it possible to be transported on similar or even identical launchers and allowing it to carry payloads similar or even identical to those carried by the Shahab-3.

A solid fuel propelled missile is much easier to operate than a liquid fuel propelled one. It does not require a long, complicated process of fueling a short time before its launch. It may be transported directly from storage to the launch vehicle, and launched shortly after the launch vehicle is in position at the launch site. This type of missile is more mobile and therefore harder to locate prior to its launch. In addition, technological ability in solid fuel propulsion may affect not only the deployment of military surface-to-surface missiles but may also contribute to the development of independent launching abilities of satellites, both for military and for civilian research purposes.

In terms of the new missile’s effect on the balance of power in the Middle East, it is important to note:

Ballistic missiles are primarily used as deterrents. This is also true of Iranian missiles. Their existence is meant primarily to deter other countries from attacking Iran, but may also affect other decisions and deter them from taking steps that are opposed to Iranian interests. However, this does not constitute a reason to assume a priori automatic Iranian use of these missiles to attack targets.

Israel has long been within Iran’s missile range. As long as there is no change in the warhead, i.e., the development of a nuclear warhead, there has been no change in the threat against Israel, though the fact that the missile is solid fuel propelled reduces its vulnerability.

There is a large gap between the test-firing of one missile and equipping an army with enough missiles to represent a threat with operational implications. Thus, even if the recent test was successful beyond all expectations and the missile goes into serial production in the near future (which in and of itself is not very likely), one may safely assume that several years will pass until Iran can deploy a significant number of missiles of this type.

FCS Program Demonstrates ‘Quick Kill’ against RPG

By

admin

-

Nov 17, 2008

The U.S. Army is developing Active Protection System (APS) as part of its Future Combat Systems ground-force modernization program. FCS is designed to bring Soldiers into the 21st century by equipping them with state-of-the-art vehicles, communication capabilities, sensors and protective systems. The system has been named one of the best inventions of 2008 by Time magazine.

“Think of [it] as Star Wars for Soldiers,” said Time magazine in its Nov. 10 edition. The APS “will automatically detect an incoming round and then launch a missile to destroy it, all within a split second.”

The APS is actually part of a more comprehensive “hit-avoidance system” that the Army is building into a suite of eight new FCS Manned Ground Vehicles types. This more comprehensive hit-avoidance system will give the Soldiers in the MGVs “full-scale 360-degree hemispherical protection,” said FCS Program Manager Maj. Gen. Charles A. Cartwright.

Current Army vehicles lack this level of protection because, he said, they were designed more than a generation ago, before the information technology revolution of the past quarter-century.

Metastasizing Threats

According to the Army’s Training and Doctrine Command, American servicemen and women face a proliferating array of new and more sophisticated threats, which, if not addressed, will jeopardize American lives and mission success.

“The threats are getting more dangerous,” said TRADOC’s Deputy Commanding General, Lt. Gen. Michael A. Vane. “Technology proliferation is creating a dangerous mix of state-of-the-art technology, radical extremists, and irregular tactics.

“Future Combat Systems, the MGVs, the hit-avoidance system, APS,” he added―these all will protect our Soldiers against a variety of changing threats and address current force limitations.”

The Army’s Active Protection System is still in development, but has proven itself in live-fire testing, said Maj. Lewis Phillips, assistant product manager. (see video). Hit-avoidance prototypes, moreover, are scheduled for delivery in 2011.

Current-Force Limitations

In the meantime, elements of the FCS hit-avoidance system are being incorporated into current Army vehicles on a limited basis, Cartwright said. He said it can only be done on a limited scale because current Army vehicles were not designed with a hit-avoidance system in mind.

In addition to being equipped with active protection, the new Army vehicles, or MGVs, also are being designed with an independent hull structure, in which armor is bolted onto the vehicle. This allows for frequent armor upgrades to accommodate technological advances, Army officials said.

The armor on current-force vehicles, by contrast, is integrated throughout the structure of the vehicle. Army officials said this seriously limits their ability to equip current-force vehicles with better and more modern armor protection.

IED Protection

Current-force vehicles ― the Abrams Tank, Bradley Fighting Vehicle, and Stryker Interim Armored Vehicle ― also were not specifically designed to withstand attack from Improvised Explosive Devices, Army officials said.

The new FCS vehicles, by contrast, are being designed with a v-shaped hull, specifically to help diffuse IED blasts. And the seating inside the MGVs will be suspended from the ceiling of the vehicle to further reduce the shock and trauma of an IED blast.

Army officials said this is significant because, for many of America’s enemies, IEDs have become the weapon of choice.

IED attacks, in fact, account for the majority of U.S. casualties in Iraq and Afghanistan and are a leading cause of brain injury to American servicemen and women. By separating occupants from the floor of the vehicle, which absorbs the blast, Soldiers will suffer much less trauma and injury, Army officials said.

Quick Kill

The FCS Active Protection System is being developed by Raytheon. Raytheon won the contract from the FCS program after participating in an open competition that involved other key competitors and competitor systems.

A team of 21 technical experts from various U.S. government agencies, the Army and private-sector industry evaluated competing Active Protection Systems. According to the Government Accountability Office, the team reached “a clear consensus… [that] Raytheon’s Quick-Kill system was the best alternative.”

Army officials said that one key advantage of the Raytheon APS is that it is a vertical launch system. Consequently, it protects against top-attack rounds and thus provides true 360-degree hemispherical protection.

The FCS Active Protection System “is the only available vertical launch system that I’m aware of,” Lewis said. Other Active Protection Systems out on the market employ horizontal launch systems.

A vertical launch system, Phillips said, allows for redundant protection from all sides of the vehicle. That way, if countermeasures on one side of the vehicle fail or are disabled, countermeasures from another angle, or side of the vehicle, can still defeat the incoming round.

This article is based on a US Army report by John Guardiano, from the Plans Division of Army Public Affairs, with few additions from our ‘Quick Kill’ update.

Defense-UpdateMilitary Technology & Defense News

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