Global Hawk RQ-4B

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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

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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)

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

Guardium Autonomous Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV)

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Dec 26, 2008

Guardium autonomous observation and target intercept system was developed by G-NIUS Autonomous Unmanned Ground Vehicles joint venture company established by Israel Aerospace Industries and Elbit Systems. The Guardium system employs autonomous unmanned ground vehicles (UGV) which can be operated from a command center, carry out routine patrols and quickly respond to evolving emergencies. They can suppress suspicious elements close to the perimeter, and hold them back until manned security forces arrive, or use various forceful means to eliminate the threat, if applicable.

The Guardium UGV uses the TomCar chassis. The vehicle is equipped with an automated tactical positioning system and can operate autonomously on and off road, at speeds up to 80 km/h. The vehicle can carry a payload of up to 300 kg, including light armor shield to protect vital systems. The UGV can carry a wide variety of sensors, including video and thermal cameras, with auto-target acquisition and capture, sensitive microphone, powerful loudspeakers and two way radio. The vehicle can also be equipped with lethal or less than lethal weapons which can be directed and operated from the Main Control Center (MCC). A fleet of Guardium vehicles can be used as sentries, controlled from the MCC, from where they are launched on routine patrols, ambushes or operating in response to events received from an early warning or perimeter defense system. The MCC is also provided with automatic tactical area definition, by terrain, doctrine and intelligence, which assist in preparation of the operational planning and programming for USVs. Each USV can also be manually controlled by remote control.

Following a successful evaluation in 2005 Guardium was selected by the Israel Defense Forces to operate as part of the border security operations. By May 2008 the IDF received the first batch of Guardium UGVs scheduled to enter fully operational service along the countrie’s borders by the year’s end. In 2008 Israel’s Airport Authority conducted an evaluation of the system as part of possible integration of an autonomous UGV as part of its airport security system.

Israel vs GAZA – Time to Act

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David Eshel

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Dec 26, 2008

Israel should Hit Hamas Hard Before it is Too Late

No sovereign state or democratic government can disregard its duty to protect the physical security of its citizens over an extended period of time. After maintaining a long period of unbelievable restraint and indulgence to one-sided violence against it’s civilian population, living peacefully in internationally recognized territory, Israel is forced to stop, once and for all, the rocket bombardment, which has turned life around the notorious Hamastan-ruled Gaza Strip into living hell. It is the unfettered duty of a national army to defend its citizens and that is what the government should order it to do, without further delay.

The rules are quite simple to follow: It is the duty of the political leadership in a democracy, to give the army a clear directive, which in this case should be “Stop the firing on Israeli civilians”, using every means which is acceptable under law. Based on this directive, which presents the strategy, the military must form it’s best method, using sufficient force to achieve this objective within minimum time and space and with acceptable losses to it’s own forces and uninvolved enemy civilians.

The latter poses, in this case, being densely populated Gaza, extreme challenges in planning and execution of this highly sensitive task. But sufficient pre-mission training, excellent drills and control procedures, constant situational awareness and top quality leadership can render such complex operations successful.

The IDF has a proven record in achieving such results in the past. The present IDF under the leadership of Lt General Gabi Ashkenazi has undergone rigorous training procedures after the Second Lebanon War fiasco and should now be fully capable of carrying out a successful operation in Gaza and, if necessary simultaneously on the northern front, if Hezbollah should enter into the fray.

There has been some public outcry that a large-scale military operation into Gaza could jeopardize the live of Corporal Gilad Shalit, held captive for over two years by Hamas, hidden somewhere in the Gaza Strip. While every life is always precious, especially to his loved one’s, all deeply concerned over his personal fate, considerations, like the safety of a single soldier held captive by the enemy, cannot become a decisive factor in the nation’s strategic aims. Moreover, both the political and the military leadership should have long ago taken urgent steps to release, or rescue it’s soldier. This was the ultimate duty of the political leadership and a top priority item of the military staff.

It is therefore unacceptable that military intelligence, ISA and Mossad andSayeret Matkal (GHQ special forces unit), could not find his hideout, long ago and mount a successful rescue operation, attempting to release him, from within the confines of the Gaza Strip, being only a few kilometers away. Arguments, aired, that such a rescue mission would be dangerous and probably cost the life of the soldier, are reasonable, but must be part of the overall decision making process. An entire nation cannot be held hostage over the fate of a single soldier and even his next of kin must accept the possibility of his or her son being killed in action, once he joins active military service. One tends to forget, that two of Shalit’s tank crew comrades were indeed killed in the same action at Kerem Shalom in 2006!

It takes a lot of guts ordering to mount a daring, high-risk rescue mission, the success and failure is often less than 50%, sometimes near nil. However courageous leaders are willing to take the risk for the sake of troop morale, which is a primary element in combat motivation. The operation has a chance to succeed, if well prepared and carried out with sufficient ruse, professional deception and surprise. What about the extraordinary risks taken at Entebbe, Maalot and even the late Nachshon Wachsman* rescue attempt which both failed, but at least demonstrated determination and courage by the decision makers.

As for the oncoming Gaza Operation, it stands to reason that Israel is planning a relatively short operation that will cause maximum damage to Hamas “assets. For it’s success, the less spoken about, the better are it’s chances to hit their mark with acceptable hitches.

The IDF chief of staff has constantly demands that the political leadership formulates clear objectives for a Gaza Strip operation – also known as an exit strategy – it now seems that this has been given. The realistic objective of any military operation should not be the ousting of Hamas, which needs excessive time and means, but rather, the undermining of its military capabilities and weakening its regime. Such an operation must end with a clear bilateral truce based on terms Israel can live with.

The IDF should be delivering powerful surgical blows, simultaneously, from the air on the ground and from the sea, against selected prime targets in the Gaza Strip in a manner that would heavily jeopardize the Hamas regime in Gaza. For months, military analysts have predicted that Hamas was creating a full-scale army in the Gaza Strip. This may of course create substantial difficulties against a massive Israeli ground operation, if conducted according to expected military procedures. However, if reliable, accurate and as far as possible, real time intelligence is available, then fighting against an enemy who has known and identified military installations, can achieve substantial results, even of strategic value.

Targets, such as training camps, supply depots, weapon construction facilities, command and control centers – can all become legitimate high value targets, which once destroyed weaken the former guerilla organization considerably. Moreover, by targeting known senior leaders, a military-like organization can quickly lose cohesive function, if its communications network is disrupted or effectively jammed. One should not forget the immense effect the assassination in 2004, of Sheikh Yassin and his replacement Rantissi had on Hamas’ activities, which virtually ceased for nearly six months!

Hamas and the other organizations will no doubt respond with massive rocket fire at Israeli communities while attempting to carry out other terror attacks. Israel will have to regard a major operation in Gaza as an act of war, enforcing severe martial law concerning civilian defense in all affected areas.

With no further time to waste, Israel must now take initiative, end Hamas’ hold on Palestinian government institutions before it is too late. If the Second Lebanon War paralyzed the Haifa Port, the next clash vis-à-vis the Palestinians could create a similar threat on the Ashdod Port. No sane nation can tolerate such a strategic challenge and remain inactive.

Egyptian border guards guard border positions in Rafah.

* IDF Sergeant Nachshon Wachsman was killed during a daring rescue operation by Sayeret Matkal to free him from his PLO captors in 1994.

Israeli Heron UAVs Arrive in Turkey

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Dec 25, 2008

Turkey steps up reconnaissance operations of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles monitoring suspected Kurdish resistance in Southeastern Turkey and Northeast Iraq

Israel Aircraft Industries has recently delivered Turkey the first two Heron UAVs, part of a package worth $183 million signed between Turkey and Israel in 2005. The aircraft are deployed at the Batman military base in Southeast Turkey. Israel is expected to deliver the remaining 8 Herons in the upcoming months. The package includes 10 IAI Heron UAVs, operated by ground control systems developed by Elbit Systems.

Another Heron delivered to Turkey earlier this year was crashed in July 2008 while on a mission over Southeastern Turkey. Israel provided turkey with a surplus Searcher type UAV to augment its operations, but this UAV has also been lost. Turkey has also leased UAV services of three Aerostar tactical UAVs built by Aeronautics defense Systems, to augment its reconnaissance activities monitoring PKK activities in Southeastern Turkey and Kurdistan.

However, the new Herons have also encountered some difficulties. Part of the mission payload, comprising the Turkish manufactured Aselflir 300T Electro-Optical payload built by Aselsan was found to be significantly overweight, thus reducing operational ceiling, and endurance. While Heron is capable of carrying payloads up to 240 kg weight, the aircraft typically carries multiple sensors, including EO, SAR and COMINT systems. Therefore, Turkey might have to remove some of the mission modules, to compensating for the EO overweight. limit the usability of the Heron which has a total payload capacity of 240 kg. Turkish officials confirmed the overweight issue but considered the aircraft is being strengthened and engine uprated to compensate for the weight increase.

According to the Turkish daily newspaper Today’s Zaman, Turkish Land Forces Commander Gen. Isik Kosaner acknowledged at a press conference on Oct. 27 that Turkey plans to buy a US-made UAV, noting that one Predator UAV is currently at the disposal of the Turkish military and has been gathering intelligence on the activities of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), mostly in northern Iraq. General Atomics withdrew from a previous program in Turkey due to the Turkish demand to integrate a locally developed payload considered by the American manufacturer to be incompatible with their platform.

Turkey is also interested in acquiring a Lethal Unmanned Aerial System capability. The Turkish Army was interested in acquiring the US made General Atomics Predator, (of which it already has one aircraft, operating over Northern Iraq covering suspected PKK strongholds in Iraq). However, in recent months the Ministry of Defense is favoring an expansion of an existing capability, based on the Harpy radar killer drone supplied by Israel several years ago. Turkey has been interested in acquiring the general purpose, loitering killer drone version of the system (previously known as Harrop).

Turkey Launches $450+ Million Strategic Reconnaissance Initiatives

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Dec 25, 2008

The Turkish Air Force selected an Israeli industry team to provide strategic, combined airborne IMINT (Imagery Intelligence) systems under a $141 million program recently approved by the Governments’ arms procurement agency (SSM). Turkey also selected the Italian satellite manufacturer Telespazio as the preferred bidder for the Eur 250 million Göktürk electro optical satellite program. The satellite, to be launched within 3 years (by 2012) will carry a space camera built by the French company Alcatel, capable of delivering images at a resolution of 0.8 meters.

As part of the project, Telespazio will create a joint venture with a local partner in Turkey to develop and market commercial application services based on the new satellite.

The airborne IMINT system comprises two different systems, offering long range reconnaissance capability under all weather and visibility conditions, day and night. The systems comprises a long-range electro-optical imaging rece pod developed by Elbit Systems Ltd. (NASDAQ:ESLT) and a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) recce pod, provided by Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd (IAI) Elta Systems. Elta will also provide the ground processing and control center. Elbit System’s El-Op share of the program will be $87 million while IAI/Elta will get $54 million. Deliveries under the contract will be made over a four-year period.

Several years ago Turkey contracted Elbit Systems to supply the Condor 2 (LOROP) system, but has cancelled the order claiming the Israeli supplier failed to meet some of the requirements. While Turkey launched a new acquisition program, in which most of the world’s leading recce suppliers participated. At that time, The Condor further evolved, and was fielded by several countries, and is operated with F-16s in South Korea and Israel. A combined IMINT solution similar to the one selected by Turkey is believed to being developed for Indian Air Force Su-30MKIs. The recent selections re-established the Condor 2 as the favored system for the TUAF as well, augmented by the all-weather capability of Elta’s SAR pod. “The system is based on a well-developed and proven solution, which has already been chosen by several leading Air Forces and has recorded thousands of successful operational flight hours in severely demanding conditions.”

Israel has recently supplied Turkey with the initial two Heron UAVs. The drones are currently deployed at the Batman military base in Southeast Turkey where they are undergoing ground testing. Israel is expected to deliver the remaining 8 Herons in the upcoming months.

Under a separate program Turkey is also procuring two Gulfstream G550 business jets, to be used as airborne command posts. These aircraft will replace two GIVs being used as VIP aircraft since 1989. In the past 24 months Turkey evaluated several alternatives for the VIP/airborne C4 platform, including the Airbus A319 Corporate Jet. Turkey will take delivery of a G550 VIP plane in early 2009 and will receive the two Command and Control aircraft by 2011.

Turkey Launches $450+ Million Strategic Reconnaissance Initiatives

By

admin

-

Dec 25, 2008

The Turkish Air Force selected an Israeli industry team to provide strategic, combined airborne IMINT (Imagery Intelligence) systems under a $141 million program recently approved by the Governments’ arms procurement agency (SSM). Turkey also selected the Italian satellite manufacturer Telespazio as the preferred bidder for the Eur 250 million Göktürk electro optical satellite program. The satellite, to be launched within 3 years (by 2012) will carry a space camera built by the French company Alcatel, capable of delivering images at a resolution of 0.8 meters.

As part of the project, Telespazio will create a joint venture with a local partner in Turkey to develop and market commercial application services based on the new satellite.

The airborne IMINT system comprises two different systems, offering long range reconnaissance capability under all weather and visibility conditions, day and night. The systems comprises a long-range electro-optical imaging rece pod developed by Elbit Systems Ltd. (NASDAQ:ESLT) and a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) recce pod, provided by Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd (IAI) Elta Systems. Elta will also provide the ground processing and control center. Elbit System’s El-Op share of the program will be $87 million while IAI/Elta will get $54 million. Deliveries under the contract will be made over a four-year period.

Several years ago Turkey contracted Elbit Systems to supply the Condor 2 (LOROP) system, but has cancelled the order claiming the Israeli supplier failed to meet some of the requirements. While Turkey launched a new acquisition program, in which most of the world’s leading recce suppliers participated. At that time, The Condor further evolved, and was fielded by several countries, and is operated with F-16s in South Korea and Israel. A combined IMINT solution similar to the one selected by Turkey is believed to being developed for Indian Air Force Su-30MKIs. The recent selections re-established the Condor 2 as the favored system for the TUAF as well, augmented by the all-weather capability of Elta’s SAR pod. “The system is based on a well-developed and proven solution, which has already been chosen by several leading Air Forces and has recorded thousands of successful operational flight hours in severely demanding conditions.”

Israel has recently supplied Turkey with the initial two Heron UAVs. The drones are currently deployed at the Batman military base in Southeast Turkey where they are undergoing ground testing. Israel is expected to deliver the remaining 8 Herons in the upcoming months.

Under a separate program Turkey is also procuring two Gulfstream G550 business jets, to be used as airborne command posts. These aircraft will replace two GIVs being used as VIP aircraft since 1989. In the past 24 months Turkey evaluated several alternatives for the VIP/airborne C4 platform, including the Airbus A319 Corporate Jet. Turkey will take delivery of a G550 VIP plane in early 2009 and will receive the two Command and Control aircraft by 2011.

Speculations over Israeli Preemptive Iran Strike are Unfounded

By

David Eshel

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Dec 22, 2008

The eight-week gap before the new United States presidential staff enters the White House in Washington, is already causing jitters among defense analysts, speculating if Israel, itself suffering from an acute leaderless pre-election crisis, will take action on it’s own against the Shi’ite Mullah’s in Tehran, before it will be too late. Last week has already become deluged with highly speculative assessments, creating an atmosphere over an alleged Israeli pre-emptive strike on Iran’s nuclear sites.

Quoting each other, Israeli and foreign newspaper editorials, have hastened to interview senior officers and government officials, some of which, quite recklessly said that Israel is preparing a wide range of options for such an operation. One anonymous defense ministry official went as far as to warn, that, while it would always be better to co-ordinate an attack with the United States, Israel was preparing options which “do not include such coordination”.The Jerusalem Post quoted, what it named ‘a top Israeli official’, who allegedly said that it would be difficult, but not impossible, to launch a strike against Iran without receiving codes from the US Air Force, which controls Iraqi airspace.

It is already well known, that during Operation Desert Storm 1991, when Israeli cities were bombarded by Saddam Hussein’s Scud missiles, Israel officially requested the Pentagon to grant it access to the US Air Force secret codes, which would enable it’s aircraft to enter into the warfighting air space over Iraq. The Pentagon flatly refused and Israel’s jets remained on the ground and Israel quietly endured the Iraqi missile offensive until the war ended.

Senior defense analysts warn of a wide range of risks, should Israel opt to embark on such an operation, without coordinating it’s ingress flight-routes over Iraq or, for that matter any airspace in which US aircraft are operating.

It was therefore quite surprising to read, what Israel’s Air Force chief, Maj.-Gen. Ido Nehushtan told the German weekly ‘Der Spiegel‘, last month. In this exclusive interview, the general was quoted saying that ‘the IAF was preparing for a wide range of options, adding that all it would take to launch an operation was a decision by the political echelon’. Asked if the Israeli army is preparing itself for a possible military strike on to stop Tehran developing a nuclear bomb, the general said “We are ready to do whatever is demanded of us. All options are on the table” the general stated allegedly .

Fortunately, a senior Israeli defense official, questioned by the London ‘Times’, quickly cautioned that Israel could not risk an operation which would only partially succeed. Even if successful and carried out with proportionally accepted losses, a partial attack would leave Israel open to a devastating, even possibly, non-conventional response from Tehran, We would likely need the support and backing from our Western allies to carry out such a complex and highly dangerous operation, the official said. ” The US Air Force controls the Iraqi and Persian Gulf airspace, which Israel’s jets would have to cross on a bombing mission and access to codes from the Americans, would “significantly improve” Israel’s chances of a successful strike on Iran”, the official told The Times. He added that because the Iranians have been moving the bunkers deep underground, sophisticated weaponry would be needed to successfully destroy the facilities. Responding to reports that Israel would use low-yield nuclear “bunker-busters”, the official said these reports were largely speculative and totally unreliable.

Responsible analysts in Israel have repeatedly warned that Israel would not enter into a high-risk ‘va banque’ adventure, by attacking the Iranian nuclear sites alone. There are too many risks involved, primarily military, but no less political constraints which cannot be overlooked.

In fact, Washington seems to be highly aware that a political situation in Israel’s pre-election period could enhance an opportunistic venture, which could spell disastrous consequences, not only to Israel itself, but could throw the entire region into uncontrollable turmoil. Precisely to avert such a dangerous situation from developing, Washington has recently made an unprecedented gesture, which was highly regarded in Israel as enhancing it’s anti-ballistic defense. But there may be more than meets the eye in this unexpected generous gesture.

In September, a Defense News article on an early warning radar system the US recently sent to Israel quoted a US government source who said the X-band deployment and other bilateral alliance-bolstering activities send parallel messages: “First, we want to put Iran on notice that we’re bolstering our capabilities throughout the region, and especially in Israel. But just as important, we’re telling the Israelis, ‘Calm down, behave. We’re doing all we can to stand by your side and strengthen defenses, because at this time, we don’t want you rushing into the military option.'”

It may indeed already have a calming effect in Israel.

Israeli officials said last week that the drop in oil prices and the continued sanctions on Iran were having an effect, although they had yet to stop Teheran’s nuclear program. The officials said that while Iran was making technological advancements, it would not have the necessary amount of highly-enriched uranium for a nuclear bomb until late 2009. “There is still time and there is no need to rush into an operation right now,” another Israeli official said. “The regime there is already falling apart and will likely no longer be in power 10 years from now .”

F-35 at All Costs?

By

admin

-

Dec 19, 2008

‘Norway would have taken JSF even if Sweden handed them 48 Gripen NGs as a Gift’

“While Norway’s selection of the US built F-35 Joint Strike Fighter is legitimate, the reasons and arguments on which the comparative analysis was based were flawed.” This, in summary is the claim Saab Group has made, following the Norwegian announcement favoring the F-35 over Saab’s Gripen NG, last month (November 20, 2008). Saab’s unprecedented response protested not the Norwegian decision but their claims as to the Swedish fighter’s ability to meet their requirements.

The Norwegian findings indicated that the Gripen NG does not fulfil Norway’s operational requirements and that the Swedish aircraft would prove essentially more expensive.

Åke Svensson Saab CEO referred to the Norwegian analysis process as flawed. “The reasons publicly brought forward by the Norwegian government cannot rest on a thorough evaluation of the alternatives” said Saab CEO. He indicated that the alleged life cycle cost does not rest on the experience of the Gripen system has acquired throughout its operational years, but has been calculated by applying their own assumptions and models; furthermore, the conditions underpinning the calculation were, in parts, radically altered without providing Saab an opportunity to submit relevant data.

“The claims that Gripen does not meet the Norwegian air force’s demand rest on simulations containing incomplete or non-existent capacity information… It sounded like the description of another aircraft.” said Svensson. “Based on our experience, [for such scenarios] you need dynamic models for a lot of parameters of both your own system and perceived threats. We have no information of what that might be. Regarding Gripen, Norway has not asked for and we have not provided full dynamic data as regards to radar cross section, cross section in other wavelengths, weapon systems data, aerodynamic models, EW models countermeasures models etc. For thorough evaluation you need this data, we haven’t provided that data regarding Gripen.”

The Norwegian committee determined that the F-35 will be cheaper to buy and maintain over the lifetime of the program. This finding has also aggravated Saab. “If their claimed estimates are correct it would be cheaper for Norway to obtain JSF, even if Sweden would have developed and given 48 Gripen Next Generation (NG) as a gift to Norway. It should be unreasonable.”

Svensson has reservation to the Norwegian cost analysis as well. “The evaluation team made changes without consulting with us, what it means for Gripen”. “The number of aircraft to be acquired was increased from 48 to 58 and operational lifetime has been dramatically expanded from 25 to 35 years without further consultation.” Svensson noted. For example, Fuel consumption was based on different numbers than the manufacturer provided. “They have set a fuel consumption much higher tan Gripen actually consumes.” according to Svensson Saab estimated value of fuel consumption provided to the committee is based on experience from 120,000 flight hours with Gripen. “Even though the Norwegian specification of requirements seeks lowered fuel consumption, the evaluation committee chooses to raise the values we have provided, adding further additional costs” he said.

He indicated that the Norwegians assumed approximately half of their fleet will be lost over the 35 years. “It seems they have used experience from their F-16 and applied it to the Gripen’s life cycle cost, regarding acquisition of replacement aircraft, spare parts, upgrading costs and currency exchange.”

It is Saab’s assessment that only 20 percent of the Norwegian evaluation committee’s cost estimates are based on the facts presented in the Swedish offer. Remaining estimates represents, according to our view, assumptions and self-made estimates, not based on information that has been confirmed by us.

Nevertheless, after two major blows from Oslo and Hague, Saab is not giving up. “There are ongoing campaigns in Denmark, India, Brazil, Romania, Bulgaria and Croatia; we must focus on those and continue developing the Gripen aircraft.” concludes Svensson.

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* IDF Sergeant Nachshon Wachsman was killed during a daring rescue operation by Sayeret Matkal to free him from his PLO captors in 1994.

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