The U.S. Navy pilots training on the Boeing [NYSE: BA] T-45 will soon get a radar screen in their cockpits’ although these radars will not be able to actually detect enemy aircraft, they will be integrated into the training mission by simulating a realistic situational picture showing real and simulated targets. The realistic radar training is part of the Virtual Mission Training System (VMTS) for the T-45 this segment will be provided by Elbit Systems [NASDAQ: ESLT]. Boeing is currently under contract to develop the VMTS capability. Subsequent phases of work will provide for two test aircraft and then for retrofit of 18 existing aircraft with VMTS by 2012.
VMTS simulates via data link an unclassified, mechanically scanned tactical radar that provides air-to-air and air-to-ground modes as well as simulated weapons and simulated electronic warfare. These functions can be networked between the participating aircraft and instructor ground stations that control the mission presentation. The current phase of VMTS work will provide flight officers with in-flight training in the use of radar and weapons against virtual enemy aircraft, including cooperative training with friendly real and virtual aircraft.
The T-45 entered service with the U.S. Navy in 1992. Boeing recently rolled out the 210th Goshawk from its St. Louis assembly facility and remains under contract for 11 additional aircraft. Approximately 3,500 Navy, Marine Corps and international student aviators have earned their wings in the T-45. “VMTS will enrich the undergraduate military flight officer’s weapons-and-tactics curriculum, producing flight officers who are better prepared to transition to carrier strike-fighter and electronic-attack duty,” said Barbara Wilson, T-45 Training Systems director and program manager for Boeing.
The Egyptian government succeeded in securing a temporary cease-fire agreement [tahdiya] between Israel and Hamas. Hamas regards the temporary cease-fire as a tahdiya and not a hudna. A hudna implies recognition of the other party’s actual existence, without acknowledging its legitimacy. As Hamas’ leader Khaled Mashaal explained, a tahdiya is “a tactic in conflict management.”
FELIN and VBCI will enter service at the same time. Eventually, FELIN will work with 20 different systems, including different vehicles such as improved VAB, VBCI, AMX10P, the FAMAS assault weapon, SITEL battle management system, parachutes, helicopters, sensors, communications systems etc. The systems being used weigh about 25 kg, including essential combat supplies. They include the weapon’s day and night sights and weapon mounted controls, thermal binocular for commanders, helmet mounted night vision systems, data, audio and video capable secured radio, and power and data distribution system embedded into wearable webbing. Other elements to be evaluated include vehicle-mounted battery chargers, networking ‘sockets’ for mounted operations, unit networking support, laser eye protection gear and CBR protection suite.
The program has three phases, each focusing on different aspects of the system; the initial increment currently in development including the vest, head borne systems and helmet, weapon sensors and ballistic protection. It also addresses the physical, electrical and electronic distribution, known as the ‘human infrastructure’ – including load carriage, as well as the cabling and connectors, power and data distribution, linking between all the system’s elements. Phase 2 will begin in 2011 and last through 2016 to be followed by phase 3, beginning development in 2013 aiming at replacing much of the equipment introduced in phase 1 by the year 2016 (implementing the eight year equipment modernization cycle). The Canadians believe that an efficient design of the human infrastructure could prevent errors later in the program, eliminating the development of a ‘Christmas Tree’ effect so common with existing systems.
The second spiral development of the IAS will incorporate lessons from recent combat operations, in Lebanon and the Gaza strip. Urban assault weapons considered for IAS include the Simon, a door breaching rifle grenade developed by RAFAEL. The Simon is fired from standard assault rifles, using live ammunition. A stand-alone follow-through ‘tandem’ assault munition is also produced by RAFAEL.
This weapon can be used effectively from standoff range of up to 400 meters, fired from e,nclosed (FFE) or open terrain placements. An even larger weapon, dubbed ‘urban cannon’ is under development at IMI. It has a more powerful warhead, using dynamic follow-through charge, penetrating thicker walls and destroying a complete apartment in a building, without risking collateral damage beyond the target area. Several sensors are under development, optimized for operation in urban setting.
Major Rotbart explained that, at its current phase the program is designed to improve command, control and communications at the infantry battalion, primarily improving the dismounted commander’s situational awareness and command and control, at all tactical levels. However, implementing lessons learned during the 2nd Lebanon war with Hezbollah in 2006 and the ongoing combat engagements in Gaza, the IDF is accelerating the second ‘spiral’, which focuses on increasing the efficiency and lethality of infantry tactical units, by empowering the individual soldier as well as the combat team.
During the past year (since Defense Update last reported on the system), few changes have emerged, primarily with the refinement and evolution of the system’s computer (Personal Digital Unit – PDU) which evolved into a smaller, more energy-efficient unit. The new PDU will run on rechargable Li-Ion batteries betweenfour to 14 hours, depending on the usage and mission profile. The PDU is uniquely designed with a power graphic processor to support extensive 2D/3D graphic rendering and video handling capabilities. In its current form, the PDU weighs 0.7 kg and is powered by a 500 MIPS RISC Au 1550 processor running Windows CE or Linux operating systems. It supports two local area networks (LAN), five USB ports, a serial (RS232) port, analog video and audio with integral Voice over IP (VOI) codec, and Fiber LAN docking interface. The PDU supports a tactical hand-held tactical display or helmet mounted eyepiece or an 8″ flat-panel LCD display used for planning and debriefing.
The systems being delivered as part of the program, include an improved version of the Selex personal role radio (PRR). As part of the Enhanced Low-Latency Situational Awareness (ELSA) UOR program, the new radios provide encrypted voice and data transfer capability. For situational awareness and force tracking, leaders are equipped with the Miltrak system produced by Thales. This cellphone-size unit indicates the relative location of each team member, presented on a digital map. Automatic warning can be issued for team members that have not reported their last location. In addition, enhancements are provided to squads and platoons, as part of the Integrated Sights and Target Acquisition system (SISTA). This upgrade includes the delivery of optical (ACOG) weapon sights, thermal binoculars, and laser rangefinder. With the delivery of SISTA, combat units received more thermal imaging systems, since these devices are performing better under the starless dark nights in the Afghan mountains and desert, where light ‘pollution’ is almost non existent. British forces have reported, that most nights in Afghanistan, particularly those in the isolated mountain ranges of Helmand, are too dark for I2 to operate effectively, therefore requiring the operation of thermal imaging equipment.
According to Air Force Gen. Arthur J. Lichte, commander of Air Mobility Command based at Scott Air Force Base, Ill., if the program will progress on track the first test aircraft should be flying by 2010. Air Mobility Command provides the U.S. military with passenger, cargo, tanker and other aircraft support.
