Controp Unveils Aerostat-Dedicated Stabilized EO Payload System

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Sep 23, 2008

A new stabilized electro-optical payload system recently deployed with IDF units provides sharp, stable imaging even under difficult weather conditions. The system designated ‘Speed A’ facilitates advanced, automated image processing and functionality for homeland security and force protection

Controp Precision Technologies unveiled a new and unique EO multi-sensor payload system designed specifically for aerostat applications. The ultra-lightweight payload designated ‘Speed-A’ (seen in the insert in the picture above) uses five axis stabilization (yaw, pitch and roll) to compensate for typical aerostat movements, providing continuous stable and sharp imaging under all weather conditions. The ‘Speed-A’ sensor payload includes a daylight colorand thermal imager (FLIR), both equipped with continuous zoom, a laser rangefinder and laser target marker.

The high stability provided by the Speed-A system’s facilitates some advanced functions built-into the system, including automatic movement detection and panoramic scan, contributing to improved surveillance efficiency even in high wind conditions. ‘Speed-A’ has been fielded with IDF aerostats this year. The system has already been deployed on the Skystar 300 tactical aerostat system (picture above), deployed at an altitude of about 1,000 ft. The Skaystar system was developed by Aeronautics Defense Systems.

Another compact payload fielded in 2007 is the ‘Shapo’ (picture – below left). Weighing about 10 kg, Shapo is designed to carry three EO systems, including a daylight color and FLIR, both using continuous zoom, a laser rangefinder or laser target marker. Shapo is designed for use with helicopters, tactical UAVs, boats and vehicles. Another system recently fielded is the C-View (picture, below right), a rugged, compact and lightweight stabilized EO payload fielded in 2008, designed for naval applications the C-View uses an environmentally protected 3 gimbal stabilized platform carrying a daylight color or FLIR for day/night operation.

The new systems were displayed on the company’s 20th anniversary event held September 23, 2008 in Israel.

Norwegian Protectors for Slovenian Armored Vehicles (AMVs)

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Sep 23, 2008

Slovenia will field Kongsberg’s Protector RWS on its 8×8 AMVs

Kongsberg Defense from Norway will supply Slovenia with M151 Protector Remote Weapon Stations (RWS) to equip 135 AMV 8×8 armored vehicles to produced by the Finnish company Patria. Originally, Slovenia selected an early version of an Israeli remotely operated weapon station, developed by IMI and Elbit Systems. However, RCWS developments at both companies went in different directions. As a result, Patria’s intermediary in Slovenia Rotis, the prime contractor for the program, and the customer decided to source the systems at the Norwegian company Kongsberg Defense.

Rotis will also cover the integration costs involved with the new system. The Slovenian ministry of defense referred to certain shortcomings, primarily related to operations at very low temperatures. Defense Update has learned that although the RWS itself will be provided by the Norwegian company, certain electro-optical and electronic systems associated with the system will still be supplied by the Israeli company. In the recent months Kongsberg demonstrated significant growth of its RWS business, winning the large multi-year CROWS-2 program in the USA and France, and supplying significant orders to the Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland and Australia.

New Missions for Herti

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Sep 20, 2008

BAE System’s Herti Unmanned Autonomous System (UAS) is positioned to assume an expanding the range of applications, from commercial missions such as pipeline, plant and infrastructure surveillance, through to maritime, coastline, border and military surveillance, and even armed reconnaissance and close air support.

The armed version of the Herti, dubbed ‘Fury’ is the latest version of the British unmanned system, made its public debut on static display at Farnborough this year. Sharing a similar airframe and some vehicle system components with the Herti reconnaissance and surveillance UAS, Fury features the latest generation mission systems avionics, a newly developed stores management system and a proven weapon guidance system.

The system has been developed and trailed in partnership with Thales UK’s missile business in Belfast, Northern Ireland. It is armed with the new Thales Lightweight Multi-role Missile (LMM) system. These missiles were selected for Fury due to its suitability for lightweight maneuverable platforms, and for its ability to fire on the move while delivering significant precision effects. BAE Systems’ project director Chris Clarkson describes the new Fury as an affordable, reliable and highly accurate weapon system capable of operation from forward locations, with small logistic footprint and low operator workload. In the current configuration, the aircraft carries two LMM pods fitted under a new patented pylon design enabling the wing that was not originally designed to carry external stores to maintain its strength and flexibility while carrying these loads.

Preparing the Herti to pursue the new missions, BAE Systems is modifying the experimental system into a robust, production standard aircraft capable of autonomous, reliable and safe operation. The new airframe is being manufactured by Slingsby Aviation in the UK, based on an original design by J&AS Aero Design of Poland. A key element in the new platform is the BAE Systems-developed flight control system and new avionics suite, designed for improved operational capability and a high level of system redundancy, as required for operation over populated areas. The production standard system also includes lightning protection and a full night flying capability which reflect its ability to provide persistent surveillance in all weathers. “Herti is an affordable UAS, built to meet operational needs, but with the flexibility to meet emerging and future requirements” says Andy Wilson, Business Development Director Utility UAVs at BAE Systems.

The production standard platform utilizes more robust a mission system comprising more flexible multi-payload turret manufactured by Polytech AB from Sweden, This mount enables easy integration of alternative sensors to meet the operational requirements of individual customers. The baseline payload comprises electro-optical sensors for day and night operations.
BAE carried out an extensive flight test program using three development aircraft to verify the new mission system. This program included endurance flying, night flights, and a fully autonomous night landing. Comprehensive fatigue testing of a Herti airframe is also being performed. The system performed a number of demonstration flights at fully operational RAF airbases using a new containerized ground control station and remote viewing terminal and proved its ability to provide real time access to intelligence data via satellite.

Herti was developed by BAE Systems as one of a new generation autonomous UAVs suitable for both military and commercial operations. When coupled with BAE System’ Imagery Collection & Exploitation (ICE) system, the aircraft can provide imagery and intelligence collection services maritime, coastline and border surveillance as well as showing broader potential for areas such as pipeline, plant and infrastructure surveillance.

Herti was developed as a concept demonstrator system, first flown in December 2004 using off the shelf systems, power-plants and ground stations, developed for other BAE Systems UAV programs. At Farnborough 2006 BAE first displayed a production configuration of the vehicle. The UAV took part in the UK MOD’s Coalition Warrior Interoperability Demonstration (CWID) at Portsdown in June 2006, where the system demonstrated its ability to integrate with the networked environment, supporting the generation of a single integrated surface picture by multiple, networked sensors. In September, 2006 the Royal Air Force’s Air Warfare Centre Unmanned Air Vehicle Battlelab (AUB) launched a joint project with BAE systems, to test the HERTI in various military exercises over a two-year period. In 2007 Herti was tested in Australia, demonstrated during an international ‘world tour’ in Singapore and Central Asia, where it was evaluated with British forces operating in Afghanistan for a short time in early 2008.

Bridging the SOA divide for deployed assets

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Sep 20, 2008

How the Feds must rethink software design principles to better serve users abroad
By Cameron Matthews, CTO, Sentek Consulting

Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA), the definition of grouping functionality around business processes and packaging them as interoperable services, is ideal for most government and military technology environments. This practice allows different applications to exchange data with one another by loosely connecting services with operating systems, programming languages and other technologies that underlie applications. These services communicate with each other by passing data or coordinating an activity with other systems. SOA affords agencies the ability to take advantage of new technologies and respond to end-user demands more quickly and cost-effectively.

However, establishing and maintaining connectivity between applications and services can be significantly difficult in forward-deployed operations. Military commanders in the Northern Mountains of Afghanistan may find satellite coverage spotty or conditions unsafe to stop, upload and share information. State Department staff and U.S. Agency for International Development members may not have access to dependable power or telecommunications in areas like West Africa as they seek to learn the latest whereabouts of warring tribes seeking to steal their humanitarian goods and services. Justice, Homeland Security and other federal intelligence agencies may also find themselves seeking information about critical leads and tips in the jungles of Southeast Asia, but lack stable Internet connectivity to communicate with the outside world.

Infrastructure issues abound

These scenarios are becoming more commonplace as the Global War on Terror requires more U.S. government and military personnel to operate in remote areas for longer periods of time with little – if any – reliable infrastructure to support operations. Forward-deployed assets will undoubtedly deal with regular power outages, sporadic Internet connectivity and high-packet latency.

Furthermore, initiatives such as the U.S. Navy’s Consolidated Afloat Networks and Enterprise Services, or CANES, will not only bring about faster implementation of new technology aboard ships, aircraft and ground units at a reduced cost, but will also bring to the forefront the need to service the small, but active number of forward-deployed military personnel who are dealing with significant geographic and communication limitations that make them ill-suited to share and transfer data in large amounts on a continual basis.

Rethinking data exchange strategies

This doesn’t mean that all government SOA strategies should stop. Far from it; its benefits are too good to not implement. However, there will need to be some rethinking by program managers and engineers about how data exchange can occur with units and individuals operating in remote areas. Here are just a few examples:

Resolving the “Small Pipe Syndrome”

For issues where remote operations are preventing forward deployed assets from downloading large amounts of data before timing out, administrators should consider implementing policies and practices to move data along, such as:

Using compression software on SOA Web service call payloads or transport-level compression (e.g. GZIP over HTTP)
Reducing the amount of Web service calls and messages that are sent.
Batching information together where possible to reduce call overhead.
Using longitudinal communication encoding (never sending the same full message twice).
Designing the system to not use polling to detect updates if they occur elsewhere or on the server in order to avoid clogging the network.
Designing the system to be event-based with server push to reduce the update detection traffic to a minimum.

Overcoming intermittent connectivity

To better serve end users operating in locations with unstable or unreliable power and Internet access, agencies may want to employ these tactics:

Using a GUI client package with Web service access to develop the SOA backend.
Designing both client and server to be event-oriented, and evaluate an overall Event-Driven Architecture for its proper fit.
Designing both the client and server to be asynchronous message-based rather than using synchronous Web service calls, thus preventing either side from hanging up when a connection isn’t possible.
Pushing as much intelligence as possible onto the smart client, since it is closer to the user and will retain functionality even if the connection drops.
Queue-ing up all messages to be delivered when the connectivity returns.
Understanding the issues with cache coherency and reconciling differences once the connection is regained.

The examples illustrate how traditional SOA engineering assumes the basic infrastructure requirements are available and accessible. Many federal agencies will tell you that such is not the case for some of their units operating at the tip of the spear. Ironically, these individuals have a great need for real-time information to conduct their mission. SOA-related initiatives need to respond accordingly.

About the Author: Cameron Matthews is the CTO for Sentek Consulting, a rapidly-growing provider of government and commercial IT security and C2 programs, including security, program management, strategic consulting, engineering, software development and acquisition support. He can be reached at [email protected].

Rapid Acquisition & Deployment of Armor, Sensors & Firepower Improve Combat Effectiveness & Protection of Deployed British Troops

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Sep 18, 2008

During the Urgent Operational Requirement (UOR) Equipment Demonstration held in the UK last month, the Ministry of Defense displayed some of the latest types of equipment being use by the British Army on operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Baroness Taylor, Minister for Defence Equipment and Support said that the Urgent Operational Requirements (UOR) process proved itself as an undisputed success – over £3Bn of extra money has been spent on new equipment for operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. New equipment fielded under UOR range from better personal gear and weapons, to new armored vehicles, like the Mastiff and Ridgback and sophisticated sensors protecting forward operating bases.

Tethered, Remotely Controlled Sensors to Improve Force Protection

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Sep 18, 2008

During the Urgent Operational Requirement (UOR) Equipment Demonstration held in the UK last month, the Ministry of Defense displayed some of the latest types of equipment being use by the British Army on operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

One of the new features demonstrated here was the new protected outpost called ‘Super sanger’, fitted with modern remotely controlled weapon station (RWS) as seen in the picture above. According to Major Donald Hodgson, Capability Integration Manager at the Equipment Directorate Land Forces a Super sanger is built of three ISO containers stacked on top of each other with the RWS fitted on top of that. (shown in the left photo). “In total, they come in at around 10 feet with a daylight camera and a thermal imagery camera to allow soldiers to sit inside the structure protected by bullet-proof windows. This gives us the method of providing enhanced optical capability as well as being able to fire weapons from inside a protected area.” says Hodgson.

Another addition to base protection in the form of camp surveillance is ‘Cortez’, currently being developed at the Land Warfare Centre in Netheravon, and is planned to be rolled out to Afghanistan throughout 2009. Cortez uses sensors to protect FOBs, large camps, Observation Posts and Patrol Bases. This sensor suite includes mast-mounted or aerostat-borne sensors (mostly EO cameras). Lieutenant Colonel Gordon Falkner, from ISTAR Operations and Training anticipates that with the introduction of Cortez assets, FOB manpower could be reduced, as many security tasks could be eliminated by the system. “troops could be released to do other things.

Operators will be able to watch troops on the ground from further distances with the new and improved equipment which will significantly extend the range of visibility.” says Col. Flanker. The new system will be manned by Subject Matter Experts (SME’s) from the Territorial Army (TA) who will provide specialist advice to operators from the regular Army. It is expected that the latest generation of Cortez will be up and running by 2009 and will be syndicated across bases throughout the year.

The mobility of troops and supplies is improving with the introduction of better protected logistical vehicles and dedicated vehicles designed for mobility cross-country and in urban terrain. The new Snatch-Vixen (above), an upgraded version of the armored LandRover uses heavier axels to carry additional armor and more payload in theatre. The vehicle also has better mine protection. The RWMIK (below) with its new built in armor was also on display, with the new Jackal (above), which has been deployed in Afghanistan with 16 Air Assault Brigade’s Pathfinder Platoon and the Household Calvary Regiment.

Back to UOR News Headlines.

Improved Armor & IED Protection for British Army Units

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Sep 18, 2008

Among the vehicles displayed was the new Ridgeback Personnel Protected Vehicle, which is a smaller version of the popular Mastiff that is already in used in both Iraq and Afghanistan. The new Snatch-Vixen, an upgraded version of the armored LandRover uses heavier axels to carry additional armor and more payload in theatre. The vehicle also has better mine protection. The RWMIK with its new built in armor was on display and the new Jackal, which has been deployed in Afghanistan with 16 Air Assault Brigade’s Pathfinder Platoon and the Household Calvary Regiment.

The new command vehicle ‘Panther’, was also on display. Panther is completing acceptance tests and will soon be delivered to deployed units. There was also the 3 variants of the new Man Trucks on the Demonstration.

An up-armored Challenger 2 Main Battle Tank (picture above) and up armored Warrior Armored Personnel Carrier (bottom) were unveiled here for the first time, fitted with the modern Intensive Explosive Reactive Armor (IERA) add-on suite part of the Warrior additional protection (WRAP2) plan.

Other up-armored configurations of weapon systems on display included the AS90 Self Propelled Gun, the Multi Launch Rocket System (MLRS), the upgraded Combat Vehicle Reconnaissance (Tracked) Scimitar and Spartan. (left).

The Bulldog Armored personnel Carrier also uses advanced hybrid armor suit, already proven in theater. The Challenger tank and Warrior uses add-on armor to protect from IEDs, as well as electronic jammers to disrupt command signals.

Among the vehicles currently operating in theater were the Viking, Challenger Armored Repair and Recovery Vehicle (CRARRV) and the new Engineers Terrier Vehicle.

Many of these armored combat vehicles, from the heavily armored Mastiff patrol vehicle to the challenger tank and swift Panther command vehicle were recently fitted with Enforcer type Remote Weapons Systems (RWS), mounting a remotely controlled day/night thermal sight and automatic weapon (mostly 12.7/7.62mm machine gun).

Next: Tethered, Remotely Controlled Sensors to Improve Force Protection

Acquiring Better Fighting Capability for British Infantry

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Sep 18, 2008

Improved personal equipment address role specific missions assigned to British infantrymen, grenadiers, snipers and commanders. The newly issued equipment, supplied under UOR procedures, addresses these missions with the more specific kit mix issued to the individual team members.

Royal Marine Lieutenant Colonel Paul Kearney Kearney explains: “Five years ago everyone had an SA80 Rifle and occasionally a Light Support Weapon. Now we have MIMIMI Light Machine Guns, and Under-Slung Grenade Launchers which give us the ability to pop things over hills rather than fire straight. It’s much safer to fire from behind a rock. The thing about weapons systems now is they are much safer for us as it allows us to choose the best weapon for every specific situation.” The upgrading of SA80A1 into A2 version was part of the UOR process. An important part of this upgrade was the integration of new night fighting capability.

“Protection and firepower have increased immeasurably but it is a genuine night fighting capability that takes modern infantrymen to the next level,” says Lt. Col. Kearney. “Five years ago individual soldiers were issued with Sight Unit Small Arms Triluxs, Image Intensified Common Weapon Sights and Binoculars. Now they also get Advanced Combat Optical Gun sights, Thermal Imaging Systems, Head Mounted Night Vision Systems, VIPER 2+ Thermal Imaging Weapon Sights, and Target Locating Systems. “Target Acquisition and night fighting capability. That’s the thing that really sets us apart. You can go in at night and they can’t see you. Being able to hit the enemy where it is really vulnerable, that saves lives. “In a low tech counter-insurgency it is technology that gives British soldiers the edge in combat. This ability now means that routine infantry soldiers now have a capability that was previously the exclusive preserve of Special Forces.”

Other elements in the improved gear include the Mark 6 Helmet which gives far better ballistic protection than previous designs. Better eyewear protection is also available. Soldiers are using stylish ballistic protection goggles from ESS or OAKLEY which instead of the plastic goggles and plastic sunglasses, offering much greater fragmentation protection.

Next: Armored Vehicles Receive Improved IED Protection via UOR

Marine Corps Contracts Nammo-Talley to Develop an Improved SMAW

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Sep 12, 2008

Nammo Talley, Inc., of Mesa Arizona will develop a new version of the Shoulder-launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon (SMAW II), capable of being Fired From Enclosure (FFE) assault rounds. The program also includes the associated ammunition, optimized for urban operations. A contract worth potentially over $50 million, covering the System Development and Demonstration (SDD) and initial production, was awarded this week by the U.S. Marine Corps.

For the SDD phase Nammo Talley will produce 18 Launchers and 165 FFE assault rounds; to be followed by 130 additional launchers and 750 FFE assault rounds to be produced through the low-rate initial production (LRIP) phase. The new weapon will improve a long overdue capability gap identified by the U.S. Marine Corps, which cannot fire the SMAW weapon from enclosed spaces indoors, due to the strong blast and toxic gases generated during the weapon’s firing. The improvement will also introduce a new rocket designed to be more effective against buildings, bunkers and soft targets.

According to Steve Wegener, President of Nammo Talley, Inc. “The SMAW II system will provide Marine gunners with better accuracy, lower weight, significant improvement in mission flexibility and is fully compatible with all existing SMAW ammunition.” According to the manufacturer, SMAW II features a proven FFE propulsion system, which allows target engagement from inside buildings, and combines the anti-structure capability of the current SMAW warheads with a new high-reliability electronic fuze. The new launcher increases system range and accuracy, improves reliability, and decreases weight by 40 percent compared to the current SMAW launcher.

The SMAW II system shall consist of an encased Fire-From-Enclosure (FFE) assault round and the next generation SMAW Launcher. The system is a short-range, man portable, anti-material, fire from enclosure assault weapon that enables a Marine to neutralize a variety of ground targets. These targets include fortified positions (earth and timber bunkers), urban structures, and light armor vehicles.

Two years ago the Corps planned to replace the SMAW with more advanced, multi-purpose assault weapon known as Follow-Onto SMAW (FOTS). However, the program was shelved and instead, the SMAW is receiving a face lift to furter extend its operation. Raytheon and Nammo Talley have teamed to compete on the Marine Corps program, as well as for the forthcoming U.S. Army acquisition of a similar weapon.

CNVD-T – Thermal Clip-On Night Vision Devices

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Sep 10, 2008

The CNVD-T is a small, lightweight thermal weapon sight that can be positioned in front of weapons-mounted day optical sights. CNVD-T allows Special Operations Force operators to change from day to night or obscured visibility without having to align a new device to the weapon.

Insight Technology Inc. of Londonderry, N.H., has been awarded a $25 million contract from the Naval Surface Warfare Center for the supply of 4,165 Thermal Clip-On Night Vision Devices (CNVD-T) and associated data. Delivery is expected to be completed by August 2009.

Land Warrior – Back in the Game

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Sep 10, 2008

General Dynamics C4 Awarded $70 Million to outfit anoter Stryker Brigade Combat Team with Land Warrior Gear

General Dynamics C4 Systems has been awarded a $70 million contract to deliver a new, lighter-weight version of the Land Warrior integrated fighting system, equipping the 5th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division Stryker Brigade Combat Team (5/2 SBCT) prior to its deployment to Iraq in 2009. The new system offers more advanced features and most importantly, weighs only 7.2 pounds, down from almost 17 pounds of the original system fielded in 2006.

System improvements, including size, weight and power reductions, resulted from feedback received directly from soldiers equipped with a previous generation of Land Warrior in Iraq. Their suggestions helped guide a team working at the General Dynamics-sponsored EDGE Innovation Network to improve the ‘fightability’ of the Land Warrior system. Technologies and services integrated in the new gear will include built-in text messaging capabilities; maps and imagery that can be changed by leaders while on-the-move; virtual ‘chem-lights’ that identify known enemy locations; and acoustic sniper detection. Land Warrior was first deployed to Iraq in 2007 with the 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, also based in Ft. Lewis. During their missions Land Warrior systems provided digital links of deployed patrols to the battlefield network for improved situational awareness, survivability, mission speed and effectiveness.

According to Mark Showah, director of integrated systems for General Dynamics C4 Systems, describes the Land Warrior system as ” It’s the cornerstone for future ground warfighter systems”, indicating it has become a battle command-and-control tool that enables leaders to maintain full command, control and communications of their units when operating dismounted from their vehicles outside of their vehicles to more effectively and efficiently command General Dynamics C4 Systems is a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD).

The Land Warrior system provides command-and-control, computing, communication and position-location technologies that will digitally link theStryker brigade’s infantry soldiers to the battlefield network while they are on missions, improving their situational awareness, survivability, mission speed and effectiveness. The slimmer Land Warrior system now weighs 7.2 pounds, down from approximately 17 pounds in 2006.

C-27 Spartan

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Sep 8, 2008

Alenia_C27J_Spartan — Alenia C-27J Spartan for Australia

The Hercules will soon be augmented by the C-27J Spartan Light Transport Aircraft recently selected by the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force for the Joint Cargo Aircraft (JCA) program. The aircraft was designed by the Italian company Alenia Aeronautica (from the Finmeccanica group). The aircraft will be built and supported in the US by a team led by the L-3 Communications group, with team members Boeing Integrated Defense Systems (IDS), and Global Military Aircraft Systems (GMAS). The aircraft is a medium range, multifunctional transport aircraft, designed for logistical resupply missions, medical evacuation, troops transport and airdrop operations. The aircraft will support U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force operations, including force projection, humanitarian assistance and homeland security. The Spartan will replace the Shorts C-23 Sherpas, C-12 and C-26 aircraft.

Israel Asks US to Support Arrow-3

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Sep 7, 2008

Lieutenant-General Henry Obering III, heading the US Missile Defense Agency, (MDA) held talks with senior Israeli defense officials early August 2008. Following the meetings, officials in Jerusalem are confident that MDA will not opbject a forthcoming decision by the US Congress, to continue financial assistance for the development of the advanced version of Israel’s Arrow anti-ballistic missile defense system.Previeous recommendations promoted by US industries urged MDA to favor US made alternatives, including a ground based SM-3 anti-ballistic missile interceptor and the THAADS missile.

The Arrow-3 system, the next generation of the currently deployed Arrow missile defense system, is slated to help Israel intercept ballistic missiles in a much wider range than currently covered by Arrow-2 missiles. The Arrow-3 will be supported by the new ‘Great Pine’ radar, an evolution of the ‘Green-Pine’ system. The missile, currently in early development at Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) should be able to intercept incoming ballistic missiles at exoatmospheric altitudes at distances surpassing 100km.

The need for the Arrow-3 missile has become critical in light of the progress made in the Iranian ballistic missile and especially it’s nuclear program. According to official estimates, a first Arrow-3 battery could become operational within three years.

The Arrow-3 program cost is estimated at some $700-800 million over three years. Israel has included the program in its five-year plan and has asked the United States to continue its $140 million annual support for the Arrow program to fund the new phase. Washington supports 80% of Israel’s anti-ballistic missile system’s development and production. The Arrow missiles are currently produced by Boeing and IAI.

Until Arrow-3 is fielded, Israel plans to deploy two additional Arrow-2 batteries to defend the country’s southern region, also covering sensitive sites such as the Dimona nuclear complex. Current Arrow sites are located in north east and south of the Tel-Aviv metropolitan area, covering the country’s largest population centers of Tel-Aviv, Jerusalem, and Haifa.

New Upgrades for the Bradley

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Sep 4, 2008

BAE Systems Introduce M2A2/A3 Technology Demonstrator

The Bradley Technology Demonstrator (TD) developed by BAE Systems introduces system upgrades designed to support the future modular Heavy Brigade Combat Teams (HBCTs), ensuring current forces’ compatibility with FCS. The Bradley TD is developed as a risk reduction initiative, evaluating FCS compatible enhancements on current platforms. The Bradley TD mounts an automatic, remotely controlled 30/40 mm Mk44 cannon, configured in a remotely controlled version of the Bradley turret. Most of the vetronics systems were relocated to the turret, clearing much needed hull space. The removal of the turret bustle and fuel tanks cleared significant extra space in the hull, increasing the capacity of the vehicle to 12 (the driver, commander, gunner and nine troops).

The commander’s thermal sight is combined with remotely controlled light automatic weapon (M-249) forming an independent weapon system. Armor protection is enhanced with appliqué ceramic side armor, installed between the base armor and reactive tiles. A new feature tested with the Bradley TD is Panoramic Vision, an ensemble of video cameras mounted at each corner to provide the crew a panoramic vision of the vehicle’s surroundings. All systems and displays support virtual, simulated and live training enabling the crew with to train on-board their combat vehicle.

The Bradley TD is fitted with double-pin track offering safer and quieter ride on hard surfaces. Crew and passenger seats are suspended and fitted with shock absorbing. For extended silent watch operations, the vehicle is equipped with an auxiliary power unit. To improve maintenance and support, the Bradley TD is equipped with embedded diagnostics and on-vehicle level 1 IETM improving maintenance and support.

Defense-UpdateMilitary Technology & Defense News

Defense-UpdateMilitary Technology & Defense News

Infrastructure issues abound

Rethinking data exchange strategies

Resolving the “Small Pipe Syndrome”

Overcoming intermittent connectivity

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