Soldiers of 1st Battalion, 14th Field Artillery Brigade, 75th Field Artillery Brigade, Fort Sill, OK, prepares an M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) after having arrived to Fort Chaffee, AR, by an Air Force C-130J Super Hercules for Operation Phantom Flight on April 12, 2019. Photo by Sgt. Dustin D. Biven.
The High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) system packs a single M26 pod containing six guided rockets or a single ATACMS missile. The new pod will replace the current pods that are discarded after launch, and enable loading of new rocket tubes after launching of single rockets. Photo by Sgt. Dustin D. Biven.
Lockheed Martin is working on a new, modular pod for Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) rockets, enabling loading of individual rocket tubes as they are expended, whereas the original GMLRS pods are discarded after use. The new pods will replace the depleting inventory of M26 rocket pods that were designed for salvo firing, and support the increased production of GMLRS rounds.
The pod will be able to fire the GMLRS Unitary and Alternative Warhead variants, as well as the developmental Extended-Range GMLRS rockets and future rounds. The new pods will replace the depleting inventory of M26 rocket pods and support the increased production of GMLRS rounds. The new pods will be compatible with both the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) and MLRS M270 family of launchers. The US Army awarded the company $10.5 million for the development. Ground testing will begin this fall, with a planned flight test before the end of the calendar year. The first deliveries of the new modular pod are anticipated in the fall of 2021.
HIMARS firing a reduced range training rocket. Soldiers of 1st Battalion, 14th Field Artillery Brigade, 75th Field Artillery Brigade, Fort Sill, OK, prepares an M142 HIMARS after having arrived to Fort Chaffee, AR, by an Air Force C-130J Super Hercules for Operation Phantom Flight on April 12, 2019.Photo by Sgt. Dustin D. Biven.
Team Dynetics wins $130 million 100kW-class
high energy laser contract for U.S. Army Photo: Dynetics
Dynetics, along with its partners, Lockheed Martin, Rolls Royce and MZA Associates have been awarded a $130 million contract to build and test a 100-kilowatt class laser weapon system under the High Energy Laser Tactical Vehicle Demonstrator (HEL TVD) program managed by the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command’s (USASMDC/ARSTRAT). Team Dynetics has beaten five competitors, among them Raytheon that competed in the final phase.
As the prime contractor, Dynetics will be responsible for final assembly and integration and testing of the system. Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT), as the laser weapon system integrator, will provide the laser weapon subsystem, optimizing the performance of the laser module, power and cooling systems, and operator interfaces. Rolls-Royce LibertyWorks will design the integrated power and thermal management system to successfully meet the HEL TVD requirements. The design builds upon the successful internally funded programs that have demonstrated the technology and capability in this power class. The system will provide a high level of electrical power and thermal management required in a compact, power dense package with the responsiveness required for directed energy applications.
Earlier in 2019 Team Dynetics successfully completed a Preliminary Design Review (PDR), assuring the Army the test program is valid and low-risk from the technical aspect. The team will now move to the critical design review (CDR) as soon as possible. The CDR phase will finalize the design prior to system fabrication, documenting how laser science has matured into an achievable warfighter reality. Long-lead material orders will commence during this time. Subsequently, the team will build and integrate the laser weapon system onto an Army family of medium tactical vehicle (FMTV) platform and conduct field testing at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico per SMDC’s program plan. According to the preliminary plan, testing will be performed in FY 2022.
The HEL TVD award was the final announcement for the SMDC Design, Development, Demonstration and Integration, or D31, Domain 1 for space, high altitude and missile defense capabilities. Dynetics was named an awardee in 2017, along with six other competitors, and advanced after completing the system requirements review in 2018.
Analysis: Elbit Systems of America, a subsidiary of Elbit Systems and the Harris Corporation have agreed to move forward with the acquisition of Harris’ Night Vision business for $350 million. Photo: Harris
Elbit Systems of America, a subsidiary of Elbit Systems and the Harris Corporation have agreed to move forward with the acquisition of Harris’ Night Vision business for $350 million. The acquisition of Harris’ night vision business opens a huge market for Elbit Systems, both domestic and international. Over 50 years Harris and its predecessors Exelis and ITT have established their night vision systems as the market leader. But with the planned merger between Harris and L3 Technologies, Inc., the night vision systems business becomes redundant under the combined portfolio.
Expected to be completed by mid-year the planned merger between Harris and L3 creates a defense electronics giant worth $33.5 billion, to be ranked sixth in the US market, after Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Raytheon, Northrop Grumman, and General Dynamics. Harris and L3 are both major suppliers of night systems to the US military and Government. One of the two competing lines had to go. With annual revenues around $150-160 million, and solid profit margins, Harris’ night vision portfolio is smaller than L3’s.
Continued operation support of both activities was a concern for the Justice Department’s, considering the merger approval. For Elbit Systems this was a great opportunity, elevating its position as a major supplier in the US market and opening a new marketing channel for its large product portfolio of complementary and innovative products. “In January 2019, we announced that as part of the L3 merger regulatory process we had proactively started exploring the sale of our Night Vision business,” said William M. Brown, chairman, president, and chief executive officer. “With the signing of the agreement to divest the Night Vision business and yesterday’s approval by shareholders of the L3 Harris merger, we have achieved two significant milestones towards completing the transformational merger in mid-calendar 2019.”
Harris has led the night vision industry for over 50 years. According to Harris, the company produced more night vision devices than all competitors combined. Harris Night Vision activity is a remnant of several acquisitions. The first, was in 2011, as Exelis was a spinoff from ITT Corporation, becoming an independent defense company, and in 2015, as Exelis was acquired by Harris.
Among the latest innovations Harris offers are AN/PSQ-20A enhanced night vision goggles, i-Aware Fusion lines, combining third generation night vision, thermal vision and integrated live video display on an advanced headset. Harris is the leading supplier of aviators night vision systems (ANVIS), used by the military. In 2018 the company’s light intensification tubes and ANVIS assembly (AN/AVS-9) was certified by the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) for civilian use for night flying with fixed and rotary wing aircraft. Elbit Systems’ portfolio provides many complimentary activities, including thermal imaging, weapon sights, soldier systems, day and night helmet mounted aviator displays and pilot sights for combat helicopters. “The market position and technological strength of Harris Night Vision make this acquisition significant to our long-term growth strategy, with a particular focus on the U.S.” Bezhalel (Butzi) Machlis, Elbit Systems President & CEO commented.
The CAMM missile is seen on its first flight from HMS Argyll. The missile’s clean aerodynamic design provides it with improved performance in the air, while also making it highly compact for installation onboard ship. Photo: MBDA
Following first deployments at sea on Type 23 frigates, MBDA’s Sea Ceptor matures to become highly effective and efficient all-weather air defense weapon system. Designed for efficient deployment on land and at sea, Sea Ceptor offers unique advantages for operations of small surface vessels. Relying on active-RF guided CAMM missile, the system uses different radars and command and control systems provide short and medium air defense covering an area of 500 square miles.
Selected for use on next-generation Type 26 frigates, Sea Ceptor has also been installed on existing Type 23 frigates, replacing the Sea Wolf missile system. CAMM relies on existing capabilities from MBDA’s portfolio, such as datalink C3 and propulsion from the Advanced Short-Range Air-Air Missile (ASRAAM), along with command and control from the Sea Viper, used on six Royal Navy Type 45 destroyers.
Variants of Sea Ceptor have been ordered by three nations – UK, New Zealand, and Chile. The Royal Navy (Type 23 upgrades and new Type 26 frigates), Chilean Navy (for Type 23 frigates) and Royal New Zealand Navy (ANZAC frigate system upgrade). To date, Sea Ceptor systems have been deployed on two Royal Navy frigates, HMS Argyll in 2017 and HMS Westminster in 2018. Two systems are also deployed on Royal New Zealand Navy vessels, HMNZS Te-Kaha and Te-Mana. Brazil has also selected the weapon for its new Tamandare class corvettes. Spain, Finland, and India are also potential customers for the system.
A salvo of two Sea Ceptor air defense missiles fired from HMS Argyll. Sea Ceptor is being fitted to replace the Sea Wolf weapon system on the Type 23 frigates and will provide the same capability for the Royal Navy’s future Type 26 Frigates. Photo: Crown Copyright, UK MOD
Sea Ceptor can also be retrofitted on a range of platforms, beginning at 50m offshore patrol vessels (OPV) and corvettes, frigates, and destroyers. On larger vessels, CAMM missiles can also integrate with standard VL-41 vertical launch system (VLS), with each cell containing four CAMM canisters. MBDA has worked with Lockheed Martin to develop a lightweight version of the MK41 launcher for CAMM. Using an active RF seeker for targeting, CAMM does not rely on target illumination by the launching platform and can therefore simultaneously engage multiple targets. Target data can be uploaded to the missile in flight, as the missile maintains continuous two-way data link with the launcher immediately after launch.
A key capability of CAMM is the use of a soft launch mechanism that imposes minimal loads on the launchers and structure. This concept minimizes smoke and flash effects that may obstruct sensors and systems on board. It also enables the simultaneous firing of multiple missiles against different targets. The missile performance derives from optimal use of onboard propellant. Its powerful rocket motor sustains the missile kinematics at twice the range of the Sea Wolf it replaces, using alternative propulsion for ejection and platform separation. The engine is ignited high above the vessel, after being injected to the air by compressed air. Using separate propulsion for the vertical launch phase. The soft launch reduces the launch stress on the platform and eliminates the need for managing hot gas efflux on-board.
Designed for minimal logistical support and maintenance the CAMM missile is contained in a launch canister handled as a ‘wooden round’. It is certified for use on ships or land, enabling users to maintain common stockpiles for naval and Ground-Based Air Defenses. Designed for storage in the ship’s launcher magazine or in silo CAMM can be stored on board for long periods with no maintenance. The canister also stores a soft vertical launch gas generator that delivers the air pressure to eject the missile on launch. Image: MBDA
The land-based variant is ‘Land Ceptor’, designed as the interceptor element of modern Ground Based Air Defense (GBAD). The launch customer for Land Ceptor was the British Army, acquiring 14 systems for the ‘Sky Sabre’ (GBAD) capability. The system integrates three main elements from four nations: MBDA’s Land Ceptor missile system (UK), Saab Giraffe AMB radar (Sweden), and Rafael’s modular, integrated C4I air and missile defense system (MICAD – Israel). All elements will be mobilized using HX77 heavy utility trucks supplied from Germany. Replacing the Rapier SHORAD missile Land Ceptor will have a range of +25 km, three times the Rapier’s range, broadening the former weapon’s target set to more challenging threats, including guided weapons and cruise missiles.
An extended range variant, CAMM-ER is in development at MBDA Italia. The new missile offers an extended range (+40 km) is expected to assume the Italian Army Short Range Air Defense (SHORAD) mission as it replaces the ASPIDE system, expected to be phased of service by 2021. The CAMM-ER system integrates Italian radars and command and control systems. The missile uses a new propulsion augmentation system developed by Avio. The missile is expected to begin firing trials this year.
A CAMM missile testing the Soft Vertical Launch from HX77 truck. Photo: MBDA
On its 10th edition, Israel’s premiere defense, homeland security, and cyber exhibition — ISDEF Expo, will celebrate the largest, most extensive event in its history. With 300 exhibitors and 15,000 visitors expected to visit, ISDEF 2019 will take place at the new recently constructed Pavilion #2, the largest at Tel-Aviv’s International Convention Center. The exhibition will open its doors on June 4th and continue until June 6th, 2019.
Preceding the exhibition in Tel-Aviv, ISDEF has organized a true one-of-a-kind live fire and dynamic demonstration day held on Monday, June 3rd at the ‘Adam’ military training facility located thirty minutes drive from the convention center in Tel Aviv. Named after the legendary General Yektiuel Adam (1927-1982) The facility is home to Israel’s IDF counter-terrorism and sniper school. The Adam facility features extensive live firing ranges and unique realistic training areas offering an excellent setting for the live demonstrations and hands-on evaluation of firearms and weapon systems. The range and live demonstration day offers a unique and practical opportunity for both domestic and foreign manufacturers of firearms, ammunition, accessories, target acquisition and observation equipment to demonstrate their products to official delegations participating in the event.
ISDEF’s range day** will offer select official delegations to try out the weapons on short, medium and long-distance firing ranges, during day and night time firing, at the same facilities Israel’s special forces and snipers use for training. Other demonstrations expected here include smart sights, thermal and night vision systems, signature reduction management systems, ballistic protection solutions, remotely controlled systems, tactical and armored vehicles, maintenance equipment, barriers, carry cases, tactical textiles, training aids, CBRNE equipment and more.
ISDEF Expo 2019
When: June 4th-6th, 2019.
Where: Pavilion #2 International ConfereCenterExhibition center, Tel-Aviv, Israel
Those interested in attending ISDEF 2019 are requested to register online on ISDEF’s official website.
** Please note that the ‘Live demonstration & range day’ is not open to the general public, participation is for relevant official government and industry delegations.
The Russian drone manufacturer is aggressively marketing the Orion E, a Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial system (UAS). The current export-oriented variant was launched in 2017. Seeking new customers at the LAAD 2019 exhibition in Brazil and LIMA 2019 in Malaysia, the developer, Kronshtadt Group is making the first steps entering a busy and competitive drone market.
Unlike comparable Chinese and US drones, Orion E is not positioned as a strike-recce platform as it is not offered in weaponized configuration and is currently limited to the surveillance and reconnaissance role. However, Orion-E offers a 24-hour mission endurance with its basic configuration, a score other competitors have worked hard to achieve. A complete Orion unmanned aerial system comprises four to six UAVs, a ground control station, automated take-off and landing systems, and communications elements.
At a maximum takeoff weight of one ton, it carries a payload weight of 60 kg, on 24-hour missions and a cruising speed of 200 km/h. On shorter missions, Orion-E can carry up to 200 kg of payloads. Typical sensors carried on the drone include ground mapping and DF, maritime surveillance and electro-optical imagery surveillance capabilities. At its operational ceiling of 25,000 ft, Orion E is remotely controlled, from a distance of 250 km, via line of sight datalink. This range can be extended to 300 km, using a radio repeater on another drone.
Roughly equivalent to early generation MALEs such as the Chinese Wing Loong, Israeli Heron I and American Predator, Orion E is offered in an unarmed configuration, similar to the Predator XP and Heron I. Unlike the US and Israelis, Chinese and Turkish drone manufacturers offer weaponized platforms and have sold such systems to customers in the Middle East, Africa and central Asia. Chinese sources have claimed over a hundred Wing Loong series drones have been delivered for export. These drones have dropped more than 3,000 weapons, many of them in combat missions, scoring an average hit rate of 90 percent. Kronshtadt has also evaluated the use of small diameter weapons on its drone. Both 50 and 100 kg guided missiles are being evaluated, with a loadout of four and two weapons per drone.
Addressing the demand for more mission endurance, speed and payload drone manufacturers are fielding heavier, more capable drones to assume more missions. Israeli, US, and Chinese drone manufacturers are now offering the Heron TP, Hermes 900, Predator B, CH-5, and Wing Loong II platforms, all equipped to carry long missions at extended ranges. By 2021 Kronshtadt is expected to join this group with a more advanced version – Orion-2 that will have a maximum takeoff weight of five tons, and be able to carry heavier payloads, fly faster (350 km/h) and at higher altitude (38,000 ft). The new drone is expected to carry a satellite communications data link, extending its operational range to thousands of kilometers.
Modern Armored Fighting Vehicles (AFV) are designed to provide the firepower and protection to overmatch adversaries, whether it is enemy tanks, anti-armor or other kinetic and non-kinetic weapons, from land, subsurface or the aerial threats.
Protected behind heavy armor, crewmembers need effective vision systems to obtain situational awareness and perceive their surroundings at close quarters. Since their creation AFVs relied on optical gear such as periscopes and telescopes. Today, when AFVs are required to fight in the day, night and under adverse weather and limited visibility conditions, human vision is not enough. Electro-optical systems, particularly thermal vision equipment is fielded with new platforms and as part of modernization and upgrades for existing AFVs, preparing them to fight and win in the modern battlefield.
Upgrading entire fleets of AFVs is costly and complex but is essential to prevent the weapon systems obsolesce. Most combat vehicles delivered since the 1960s already have optronic systems of some type. Many are still in service and undergo periodical modernization to maintain combat effectiveness. While new optronic systems and fire controls are often too costly for aging platforms, armies may consider upgrading the optronic systems themselves, to enhance AFV performance within a limited budget.
Such upgrades were developed by Israel’s Thermal Imaging System (TIS) provider Opgal. Among these systems are upgrade kits for commander and gunner sights and new situational awareness systems for the driver and crew.
Opgal’s gunner sight upgrade kit replaces infrared or starlight intensification imaging systems with an advanced thermal imager. Photo: Opgal
The Gunner Sight Upgrade Kit enables increased visual range for target identification and acquisition. Based on the Opgal’s EyeR Core AD it enables the gunner a clear view of the target under limited visibility conditions that would be impossible to engage with optical or night vision devices or thermal vision systems of early generations. Comprising an uncooled high sensitivity core that fits right into the existing thermal channel housing, Opgal’s field-tested Gunner Sight Upgrade Kit is designed as a drop-in replacement of I2 and 2nd generation thermal imaging channels, with applications for a range of tanks and armored vehicles of western and eastern origin.
Opgal’s optronic upgrade for the commander’s sight introduces an advanced thermal imaging system integrated into standard or early-generation sights to enhance target acquisition at longer range. Photo: Opgal.
The Commander Sight Upgrade Kit gives armored vehicles crews the ability to reconnoiter, identify and tag targets at greater distances as well as at close range, under limited visibility conditions. As Opgal’s optronic upgrade kits it fits as a replacement for InfraRed (IR) and Image Intensification (I2) channels and comes with a new AMOLED 800×600 eyepiece. Built around the Opgal’s Arbel thermal camera the system maintains both wide and narrow field of view.
The systems are ruggedized to IP65 with optional IP66 to withstand the harshest weather and environmental conditions, vibrations and shock such systems are exposed to when operating in the combat vehicles.
Tavor SM-2 thermal camera. Photo: Opgal
Opgal has developed a suite of thermal imaging systems designed specifically for the new and modernized armored vehicles.
Tavor SA kit utilizes four or six ruggedized day/night cameras providing the crew with panoramic video surveillance at low latency video connectivity over an Ethernet link. Photo: Opgal
Opgal’s combat-proven TIS suite comprises Situational Awareness (SA) systems, Local Situational Awareness (LSA) and Driver Vision Enhancer (DVE) products and retrofits developed and produced in Israel as ITAR/EAR free equipment. In response to the growing need for clear thermal vision at an affordable cost. Integrated with armored vehicles, Opgal’s suite replaces outdated image intensifiers that are limited to night operations and suffer from blinding effect, particularly in urban scenes. The new thermal imaging systems enhance crew effectiveness and survivability, by operating continuously in day or night, enabling with vision through obscurants such as smoke, dust, and haze.
Tavor SM is a rugged, compact and versatile camera that can be mounted on both manned and unmanned vehicles. Comprising a dual channel (day color/thermal) camera that can be used in ground or naval applications, Tavor SA can be paired with various displays as part of the vehicle’s vision system.
Tavor SA kit utilizes four or six ruggedized day/night cameras providing the crew with panoramic video surveillance.
Tavor SA kit utilizes four or six ruggedized day/night cameras providing the crew with panoramic video surveillance at low latency video connectivity over an Ethernet link. The video feed from the cameras cover up to 360 degrees and is displayed in real-time in several matrix configurations inside the vehicle, on the crewmember’s display screens.
The DVE is a complete system comprised of a thermal imaging camera, a high-resolution LCD display that fits the available space at the driver’s position, and an adaptor fitting the system to the vehicle. Providing enhanced driver vision under all visibility conditions the DVE kit improves the vehicle’s combat mobility, effectiveness, and survivability in all combat conditions.
Advanced optronic systems are essential to enhance armored vehicles’ combat effectiveness. Thermal sights, panoramic vision, and enhanced driver vision capabilities are some of the elements available for new and upgraded fighting vehicles keeping them ready and potent combat systems.
The US Air Force's latest unmanned aircraft system (UAS), XQ-58A Valkyrie demonstrator completed its inaugural flight March 5, 2019 at Yuma Proving Grounds, Arizona. Photo: US Air Force AFRL
The US Air Force’s latest unmanned aircraft system (UAS), XQ-58A Valkyrie demonstrator completed its inaugural flight March 5, 2019, at Yuma Proving Grounds, Arizona. The Valkyrie is a long-range, high subsonic unmanned air vehicle designed to operate autonomously or in cooperation with manned aircraft as part of the Air Forces’ ‘Loyal Wingman’ concept. The Air Force Research Laboratory partnered with Kratos Unmanned Aerial Systems to develop the XQ-58A. According to the designer, the 30 ft (9 meters) long Valkyrie has a range of more than 3,000 nautical miles (5,556 km)
Based on Kratos’ low-cost target aircraft design philosophy, Valkyrie is part of the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Low-Cost Attritable Aircraft Technology (LCAAT) portfolio, which has the objective to break the escalating cost trajectory of tactically relevant aircraft. The objectives of the LCAAT initiative include designing and building UAS faster by developing better design tools, and maturing and leveraging commercial manufacturing processes to reduce build time and cost. It took Kratos and the Air Force little over 2.5 years to develop Valkyrie, from contract award to the first flight. “XQ-58A is the first example of a class of UAV that is defined by low procurement and operating costs while providing game-changing combat capability,” said Doug Szczublewski, AFRL’s XQ-58A Program Manager. According to the Air force, by teaming unmanned assets like the Valkyrie with an F-35 or an F-22, each manned platform can cover more space at a lower cost point.
A wind tunnel model of the Valkyrie used for wind tunnel testing. Photo: Kratos
Unlike the UTAP-22 Mako that was used in flight tests with 3 and 4 GEN fighters the design features on Valkyrie are likely to reduce radar and thermal signature, better preparing it for operations with stealth aircraft. Among those features are the trapezoidal profile, canted tails, low-profile dorsal air intake and engine exhaust, serrated access panels, and weapons bay doors.
Developed for runway independence, the aircraft was launched and behaved as expected on its first flight that lasted 76 minutes. The XQ-58A has a total of five planned test flights in two phases with objectives that include evaluating system functionality, aerodynamic performance, and launch and recovery systems.
Previous experimentations were done with UTAP-22 Mako, another platform developed by Kratos. A derivative of Kratos’ BQM-167 aerial target drone, the platform provides a highly maneuverable unmanned aircraft, capable of carrying and operating weapons and advanced sensor systems. It demonstrated the capability to operate in synch with manned formations. It has flown in multiple large-scale military exercises and has been cleared for export.
The laser weapon station developed by Rheinmetall conducted successful trials in Switzerland in December 2019, demonstrating laser operation, speed and precision to engage mortar rounds and unmanned vehicles. The system is designed for deployment on stationary units, vehicles and naval vessels. Photo: Rheinmetall
Rheinmetall has tested a new laser weapon station that can carry laser weapons up to 100 kW power level and be integrated on combat vehicles. In recent tests, the system successfully engaged drones and mortar rounds at operationally relevant ranges. Suitable for ground, air, and naval operations, the assemblies are modular and scalable in design, to meet different applications.
The laser weapon station consists of four main components: the laser source, beam director with the telescope, and coarse tracker (weapon station). The system employed a beam director that has already been tested by Rheinmetall with other high-performance lasers. According to the company, it will get a new 20 kW laser source made by Rheinmetall.
In December 2018 the company conducted successful trials of the new system in which the system demonstrated the laser operation, along with the speed and precision of the weapon system assembly. The tests were conducted at the company’s Ochsenboden test center near Zürich, Switzerland.
The new laser weapon system is seen here during tests at the company’s Ochsenboden test center near Zürich, Switzerland. Photo: Rheinmetall
The mobile weapon station performs the task of mechanically aiming the laser toward the target. What differentiates this system from other weapon stations are an extremely accurate mechanical aiming function, unlimited 360° traversing zone and an elevation range in excess of 270°. According to Rheinmetall, with a weapon station that meets laser weapon performance capability in hand, the company has all of the principal assemblies for a future laser weapon system at its own disposal.
The system architecture (EN DIN 61508) is closely oriented to the MANTIS counter-rocket, artillery, and missile (C-RAM) air defense system now in service with the Bundeswehr, and thus also offers interfaces for connecting it to higher-echelon air defense systems.
Rheinmetall is developing several short and very short air defense solutions based on canons and missiles, that such a laser weapon could augment. The company also collaborates with Raytheon to enhance the Patriot air defense system with these short-range gap fillers and mobile air defenses.
The weapon station can be mounted on combat vehicles such as this Boxer chassis, augmenting mobile, very short-range air defense systems with the laser’s ‘unlimited magazine’ advantage. Image: Rheinmetall
The Boeing Airpower Teaming System will provide fighter-like performance in a small unmanned platform measure 11.7 m' (38 feet) long platform, capable of flying missions beyond 2,000 nautical miles. The aircraft will have a modular design allowing 'snap-in' payloads and rapid reconfiguration capability. Sensor packages onboard to support intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions and electronic warfare. Photo: Boeing Australia
Boeing has introduced its newest unmanned platform, the Boeing Airpower Teaming System. The aircraft will complement and extend airborne missions through smart teaming with existing military aircraft. Designed and built by Boeing Australia, the project is the company’s largest investment in a new unmanned aircraft program outside the United States.
Boeing unveiled today a full-scale model of the new aircraft at the Australian International Airshow. The Australian Minister for Defence, Hon Christopher Pyne MP. that uncovered the aircraft, said the research and development activity, “The partnership will produce a concept demonstrator of a low cost unmanned ‘Loyal Wingman’ aircraft, capable of operating in concert with Air Force’s fifth-generation air combat capability,” Minister Pyne said. Boeing plans to invest over $60 million in the project, along with the Australian government that invests up to $40 million. The first flight is planned for 2020.
An operational platform based on this prototype will be able to operate alongside manned aircraft such as the RAAF F-35A, E-7, EA-18G, F/A-18E/F, and P-8 Poseidon aircraft, each evolved and came along linear development paths. Under the modernization plan called ‘Plan Jericho,’ the RAAF considers elevating itself to a ‘Fifth Generation Air Force’, enhancing today’s platforms through advanced man-unmanned teaming, to augment the human capabilities in a future combat mission. ‘Our concept of edge processing will allow us to fully develop the capabilities of each of those linear paths, to intercept and fuse into the future,’ RAAF Air Vice-Marshal Gavin Turnbull told The Strategist in an interview published today. ‘They can do highly advanced and highly effective processing on each of those platforms while communicating with each other about the information they’re gathering. And then, from the edge of that battlespace, we transmit back knowledge—not reams and reams of something that needs to be processed by lots of humans or computers.’
Under the modernization plan called ‘Plan Jericho,’ the RAAF considers elevating itself to a ‘Fifth Generation Air Force’, enhancing today’s platforms through advanced man-unmanned teaming, to augment the human capabilities in a future combat mission. Photo: Boeing Australia
Plan Jericho will exploit advanced technological solutions such as manned-unmanned teaming, artificial intelligence and machine learning to make up for the RAAF relatively small conventional force.
The Air Force’s augmented intelligence approach combines the freedom and agility of the human with the power of machines creating a ‘human edge in the information age.’ Augmented intelligence is the central concept in shifting the RAAF from one that uses people to operate machines and cooperate with other people, to a force in which people and machines operate together.
According to RAAF documents Plan Jericho exploits autonomous processing to infuse machine processing power throughout the force to enhance decision-making quality and tempo, and advanced sensors to detect and track challenging targets in difficult environments. It will employ a ‘combat cloud’ to optimize decision and action tempo, by integrating the fifth-generation force and enabling resources from across the force to be distributed and applied as a unified whole. Finally, it harnesses human-machine augmentation to optimize individual and collective human and human-machine performance within a proactively developed ethical, moral, and legal framework.
‘We’re understanding that the force mix we’ll have in the future will overwhelm us with the amount of information that we can produce, and we need to get much smarter about how we deal with that.’ According to Turnbull, a future force will evolve based on requirements, but the human will always be there somewhere. ‘The air campaign in Iraq and Syria has demonstrated that human judgment is still crucial in terms of issues such as when to bomb and when not to bomb,’ Turnbull says, adding that the key is to put the humans in a place where they have the maximum effect while facing minimal risk. ‘So into the future, you have to give consideration to what the force mix looks like between manned and unmanned combat entities. And there will always be a synergy in mixing them in some way.’
The ATS ‘Loyal Wingman’ will have a modular design allowing ‘snap-in’ payloads and rapid reconfiguration capability. Sensor packages onboard to support intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions and electronic warfare. Photo: Boeing Australia
The Boeing Airpower Teaming System will provide fighter-like performance in a small unmanned platform measure 11.7 m’ (38 feet) long platform, capable of flying missions beyond 2,000 nautical miles. The aircraft will have a modular design allowing ‘snap-in’ payloads and rapid reconfiguration capability. Sensor packages onboard to support intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions and electronic warfare. It will use artificial intelligence to fly independently or in support of manned aircraft while maintaining a safe distance between other aircraft. The aircraft will have a level of autonomy to meet specific mission phases. Otherwise, it will be controlled via ground station, or from other aircraft.
The aircraft is developed and built in Australia where it will benefit from the vast, empty desert ranges and available airspace for experimentation. It is intended for domestic use and export, that will be easier outside the US complex foreign military sales system.
“This aircraft is a historic endeavor for Boeing. Not only is it developed outside the United States, but it is also designed so that our global customers can integrate local content to meet their country-specific requirements,” said Marc Allen, president, Boeing International. “The Boeing Airpower Teaming System will provide a disruptive advantage for allied forces’ manned/unmanned missions,” added Kristin Robertson, vice president, and general manager of Boeing Autonomous Systems. “With its ability to reconfigure quickly and perform different types of missions in tandem with other aircraft, our newest addition to Boeing’s portfolio will truly be a force multiplier as it protects and projects air power.”
According to Hon Steven Ciobo Minister for Defence Industry, Boeing will seek to team with large, medium and small Australian businesses and partner with research organizations, including universities and the Defence Science and Technology Group.
An operational platform based on the ATS prototype will be able to operate alongside manned aircraft such as the RAAF F-35A, E-7, EA-18G, F/A-18E/F, and P-8 Poseidon aircraft. Photo: Boeing Australia
Rheinmetall will unveil at IDEX 2019 a hybrid Protection module that combines passive and active protection techniques to protect armored vehicles from anti-tank and ballistic threats. The outer protection layer, provides ballistic protection for the ADS components, against shell fragments, small arms fire and other sources of mechanical stress. The energetic elements of the countermeasure (the one that deflects the threat by blast upon activation), is embedded in the outer side of this protection plate. The sensors associated with the ADS module are contained in the space between the hybrid module's front and base plates. Photo: Rheinmetall
Rheinmetall has developed a hybrid Protection module that combines passive and active protection techniques to protect armored vehicles from anti-tank and ballistic threats, such as small caliber arms and fragments. Rheinmetall will unveil the new module at the IDEX 2019 exhibition in Abu Dhabi next week.
The new module embeds the company’s sensor-activated Active Defense System (ADS) module within an armor plate sandwich utilized as passive protection for the vehicle. The specially harmonized bulkhead design features two layers. The outer plate serves as the interface and shield for the ADS components while the inner provides the mounting base for the components and attachment to the vehicle. The outer protection layer, provides ballistic protection for the ADS components, against shell fragments, small arms fire and other sources of mechanical stress. The energetic elements of the countermeasure (the one that deflects the threat by blast upon activation), is embedded in the outer side of this protection plate. The sensors associated with the ADS module are contained in the space between the hybrid module’s front and base plates.
The hybrid armor module provides ballistic protection in the standalone mode, but its full effect is derived from its integration as an add-on to existing armor, providing additional ballistic protection that significantly enhances the performance of existing protection.
Composed of tiles measuring about 18×15 cm each, the module is compact in weight and size, allowing the used in tactical vehicles. Hybrid protection modules can cover all directions with multiple countermeasures units providing effective protection against anti-armor threats. According to the manufacturer, it is relatively simple to install and can be mounted onto existing vehicles, with modules selectively replacing existing add-on passive protection elements either completely or in part. Furthermore, the modules can be mounted to vehicles in preparation for specific missions, upgrading passive add-on armor protection to hybrid effect.
Rheinmetall has already fabricated various prototype modules, successfully conducting rigorous ballistic trials of variously configured modules with rocket-propelled grenades and antitank guided missiles.
At IDEX 2019, Rheinmetall will launch its newly established subsidiary Protection Systems Gulf (RPSG). Operating in Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates since September 2017, the company is a subsidiary of Rheinmetall Ballistic Protection. RPSG develops and produces ballistic protection elements. Its product range extends from protection level NIJ IIIA right through to STANAG 4569 Level 4.
RAFAEL has carried out qualification firing tests of the Spike NLOS Lightweight launcher mounted on the brand new Tomcar TE6. Photo: RAFAEL
RAFAEL has tested a new lightweight launcher for its Spike NLOS missile system, designed for integration on light offroad vehicles. For the launcher qualification testing the system was integrated into the Tomcar TE6 all-terrain, hybrid-electric powered vehicle, demonstrating unique operational capabilities for the system. RAFAEL developed this application to meet a specific customer requirement, making it the 47th vehicular configuration of the Spike missile family.
At a weight of 1,350 kg, the launcher and eight missiles are mounted on the small vehicle, enabling the small crew to attack ground targets with pinpoint precision from 30 km away. The basic system carries four ready to launch missiles and four spares. The system can change the configuration and number of missiles used to meet the space and size constraints of small ATVs. While the first installation was tested on the Tomcar, the system can also be mounted on other all-terrain vehicles such as the Flyer, GMV-1.1 and similar ATVs.
TOMCAR is an Internally Transported Vehicle (ITV) able to carry a payload more than its curb weight, making it an optimal platform transporting vehicles, equipment, and soldiers in the same aircraft. The new TE6 version has three seats, and large front and aft cargo decks for use as a mule, or as an assault vehicle supporting weapon platforms. The Spike NLOS uses the new tactical tomcar TE6 platform, a hybrid-electric powered, ultra-quiet platform that has two electric motors and four-wheel drive, a payload carrying capacity (1475 kg).
At just over 1,780 kg, the air transportable Tomcar TE6 and lightweight launcher pack eight missiles, enabling the small crew to attack ground targets with pinpoint precision from 30 km away. Photo: RAFAEL
Supported by RF video datalink, Spike NLOS missiles can engage targets that are hidden from direct line of sight, or those that relocated since their initial acquisition. Spike NLOS missiles can engage different target types, including Main Battle Tanks, artillery units, logistical centers or surface-to-air missiles. Such attacks are highly precise, can use passive ‘fire and forget’ or man-in-the-loop ‘fire and update’ operating modes that, unlike GPS-based weapons, are not susceptible to jamming.
Mounted on an ultra-quiet hybrid-electric powered vehicle Spike NLOS can be inserted by helicopters or V-22, deep in the enemy area, far from their assigned targets. They can travel 15 minutes (about 25 miles) on battery power, or use the diesel generator for charging.
For internal carry in a V-22 the lightweight launcher is removed from the vehicle, and is quickly mounted again upon disembarkation. The vehicle has two dismountable control panels for he commander and missile operator, enabling remote control of the missiles up to 500 meters away. This capability improves the survivability of the crew, as it enables operation from inside buildings, bunkers or simply away from the launch site.
Until now the Spike NLOS was integrated on larger vehicles, such as the Plasan Sandcat, M-113 APC and M-60 tank. The integration on light, all-terrain vehicles enables Special Forces a low-weight, highly maneuverable and air deployable precision attack capability, that can be inserted deep into enemy territory using CH-47 and CH-53 helicopters using sling loads or internal carriage, or V-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft.
During the launcher qualification process, SPIKE NLOS was fired from the Tomcar at targets more than 25 km away, using various firing trajectories (both very low and very high), defined according to the mission, scenario, and target type. Photo: RAFAEL
The Protector RG Mk1 has nine underwing weapon stations, each can carry three Brimstone missiles, thus offering a much higher loadout than the Reaper platform it will replace. Photo: MBDA
MBDA and BAE Systems have received contract supporting the future operational capability of the future Royal Air Force’s (RAF) Protector RG Mk1 remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) as it enters service towards the mid-2020s. MBDA will provide integration of the Brimstone precision guided strike missile onto the drone. Company officials are confident that the integration will be completed in time for the Protector’s planned entry to service. The team will have at least five years for this task, as the induction of the new drone is not expected before 2024. BAE Systems signed a contract to support RPA’s airspace integration required to allow the drone flying over populated areas in UK and Europe.
SkyGuardian features endurance of more than 40 hours, rapid integration of new payloads, nine wing hardpoints, all-weather capability with lightning protection and de-ice systems, “self-deployment” using satellite communications (SATCOM) commanded Automatic Takeoff and Landing, Lynx Multi-mode Radar, large-aperture EO/IR HD-video sensor, and a Detect and Avoid (DAA) system for collision-avoidance.
Protector RG Mk1 is the new, weaponized variant of General Atomics’ SkyGuardian, an RPA based on the MQ-9B Reaper redesigned as a certifiable RPA. Protector was initially intended to enter service in 2018 to replace the MQ-9 Reaper currently in RAF service. However, the service entry date was postponed to 2021 and then pushed back further. The number of aircraft procured also dropped from 20 to 16 aircraft.
The Brimstone missile is a lightweight (50 kg) strike missile with an advanced dual-mode mmW/SAL seeker offering a unique capability of engaging a wide range of target types, including fast moving vehicles on land and at sea in both direct and indirect modes. Apart from the Brimstone missiles Protector will also be cleared to carry Raytheon’s Paveway IV Laser/GPS guided bombs.
The Protector RG Mk1 has nine underwing weapon stations, each can carry three Brimstone missiles, thus offering a much higher loadout than the Reaper platform it will replace. The integration of Brimstone onto Protector RG Mk1 follows a series of successful firing trials of Brimstone from the Reaper/Predator B aircraft in the United States that demonstrated the advancement in the performance that Brimstone offers.
Protector RG MK1 will be supported by a new synthetic training environment provided by CAE Defence. The ground control station design features an additional, commercial avionic module in the center console, part of General Atomics’ Certifiable Ground Control Station, supporting operation in civil controlled airspace. Photo: CAE Defence
The new RPA was designed to comply with national and international airspace and safety regulations, a requirement most current RPAS do not meet. Redesigned as a ‘certifiable’ aircraft that airworthiness requirements under NATO STANAG 4671. Once completed, this certification will enable the RAF to operate the drones from their designated home base, RAF Waddington, transit the unmanned aircraft without the restrictions currently limiting training over the UK and Europe, and access remote areas of operation anywhere in the world. Current RAF drones operate from remote bases and in theaters of operations where they fly under military airspace control. Offering the certification roadmap for the SkyGuardian helped General Atomics win sales in recent competitions in Europe, such as in Belgium and Spain, customers which raised concern about the use of RPA in their countries.
The RPA features endurance of more than 40 hours, rapid integration of new payloads, nine wing hardpoints, all-weather capability with lightning protection and de-ice systems, “self-deployment” using satellite communications (SATCOM) commanded Automatic Takeoff and Landing, Lynx Multi-mode Radar, large-aperture EO/IR HD-video sensor, and a Detect and Avoid (DAA) system for collision-avoidance.
BAE Systems has joined the team supporting the UK airspace integration process. While the RPA will be certifiable to meet civilian flight regulation, the lack of on-board due regard radar that provides autonomous air-traffic detection capability limits the drone’s autonomous flight capability. BAE Systems will implement other Concepts of Operations (CONOPS) required for operations in UK airspace, within the capabilities made available for the system. SkyGuardian has the space, power and cooling for a due regard radar but such a system was not included in the Protector RG Mk1 project. Such device could be added in the future.
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SECUREX South Africa 2019
