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    VOSS vehicular EO payload

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    ‘Most Innovative Defense Technology’ 2008 Award Nominee

    In May 2008 GyroCam received a follow-on order for the delivery of 500 second phase ‘Vehicle Optic Sensor System’s (VOSS), to be mounted on MRAP and other vehicles operating in Iraq and Afghanistan. VOSS is an integrated system comprising multi-spectral optronic sensors (night vision, day and thermal imaging cameras) mounted on a telescopic mast. Fielded as a standard equipment on current route clearing MRAPs and future Medium Mine Protected Vehicle (MMPV), VOSS enables route clearing teams riding on MRAPs to detect, locate, analyze and engage suspected Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) from a safe distance, as they patrol and secure roads for patrols or supply convoys. VOSS can also be integrated with a remotely-controlled weapon station for standoff detection and elimination of IED threats.

    Gyrocam ISR300 mast mounted EO payload is used as part of the VOSS system, on this Cougar vehicle in Iraq. Photo: Gyrocam.

    ISR300 VOSS system deployed on a RG-31, fitted with slat armor cage . Photo: Gyrocam“Gyrocam has responded to the urgent IED threat in theater by supplying hundreds of mast mounted multi-sensor camera systems for the VOSS program to assist in IED detection” says Greg Rose – Program Managerat Gyrocam Systems, “We support the VOSS program by providing the Gyrocam ISR 300; a multi-mission capable sensor system that integrates advanced thermal imaging, high resolution color, and next generation night vision sensorsinto one package to help in the detection, identification and elimination of dangerous roadside threats. The warfighter depends on our industry leading reliability and performance to provide safe standoff detection and situational awareness for critical route clearance and surveillance missions.  Gyrocam Systems is dedicated to providing force multiplying sensor systems to meet the current and future requirements of our warfighter.”

    Reasons for recommendation:

    What attracted our interest were deliverables – this program evolved efficiently, delivering great value and lifesaving service to the warfighter in time and within budget constraints. Rapidly responding to the requirements from the field, GyroCam Systems matched the accelerated fielding of the MRAP expediting fully integrated VOSS systems in theater, deploying complex systems within weeks. In total, the company is providing the military some 800 systems. A field support team deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, facilitated all support services necessary to support news users.

    A tecnitian from Gyrocam inspects a VOSS EO Payload. Photo: Gyrocam

    No Coms – No Bombs

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    US Air Force tests new datalinks, integrated command and control to demonstrate precision, strike of time critical targets at JFEX 08

    The recent Joint Expeditionary Force Experiment 2008 (JEFX 08) wargame conducted by the US Air Forces’ Global Cyberspace Integration Center conducted last month (April 15-25) provided an opportunity to demonstrate and evaluate the collaborative effort of 15 new communications, information warfare initiatives from all military services. JEFX 08-3 was held simultaneously at the Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada and in 10 additional locations across the continental USA and demonstrated hoe the new technologies could empower existing ‘shooters’ and smart weapons engaging high value, time critical targets. According to Col. Stephen Moulton, GCIC Modernization and Innovation Director, “The exercise involved over 150 flights by 33 aircraft, contributing to the assessment of operational utility and technical performance of IP-based airborne networking and the experiment initiatives. Col Moulton presented the exercise to the audience of IDGA 5th Annual ‘Sensor to Shooter” meeting, held last April in Washington DC. The event was sponsored by Defense-Update.

    Multi-Service Interoperability and Support

    The experiment demonstrated joint operations that included engagement of targets through a synchronized mutually supported effort by Air Force, Army and Navy units utilizing the latest ISR and communications technologies.

    Army units at Ft. Monmouth provided ground support and simulated the ‘user end’ of the integrated strike process. In one of the scenarios, first indications of a threat were provided by unattended ground sensors (UGS) and subsequently verified by unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), both elements of the Army Future Combat Systems (FCS) program. After being evaluated at the FCS unit command post, a request for air support was routed to the Combat Air Operations Center (CAOC), which took over the management of the entire operation.

    After a brief review at the CAOC, a request for intelligence was distributed to Army and Air Force services operating Non-Traditional ISR (NTISR) and strike aircraft in the target area. For the first time, those assets included a B-52 bomber and an Apache attack helicopter that could provide actionable intelligence in support of the attack. SIGINT was also engaged at this phase, utilizing integrated electronic surveillance assets controlled under the umbrella of Network Centric Collaborative Targeting (NCCT) and Suter V cyberwarfare assets. While Suter has been employed in past exercises, JEFX 08-3 provided the first opportunity to demonstrate the capability of the most advanced capabilities, operated under the umbrella of Suter V. As targeting request was sent via datalink to the NTISR, ‘shooters’ also received the targeting request and therefore could pursue it much faster, as soon as the relevant information from the NTISR became available.

    Other topics covered in this series:

    Cyberworld’s Black Knights – Suter V Project Emerges from the Black

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    From its inception sometime in the late 1990s, Project Suter provides centralized facility to integrate Global Electronic Attack Effects as part of a global operations plan. The project became the first initiative delivered to meet the specific mission requirements of the new Air Force Cyber Command. Suter is designed to deny the adversary’s freedom of action within their own networks.

    Currently under development, Suter V integrates electronic attacks via electromagnetic spectrum and the network domain (penetration or hacking, and various types of offensive, denial, confusion or deception attacks). USAF Cyberspace command is implementing those network attack capabilities within a global and theater effects scope of capabilities, employing cyber warfare specialist teams in “cyber-cells’ attached to theater commands. Each team includes offensive ‘hackers’, defensive network systems security analysts and intelligence collection planners. The team also consults and conducts defensive activities protecting space assets, while seeking vulnerabilities and denying enemy use of this ‘high ground’.

    Suter provides a coherent and timely view of cyberspace at the tactical level. The service centrally manages and controls the analysis and attack of threat networks, to identify exploitable vulnerabilities susceptible to available network warfare techniques. Targeting complete networks or identifying and monitoring specific network components, the service can evaluate and confirm the effects of kinetic and non-kinetic attacks on critical elements, for example, simulate or assess how the destruction of a specific node can affect the whole network, or open vulnerabilities for further penetration. The team employs various modeling techniques to characterize the mode and status of target networks dynamically and validate the desired effect before such measures are taken.

    Suter also controls electronic and network attack assets when pursuing mobile, time critical networked threats, as part of synchronized kinetic, non-kinetic attack and intelligence, surveillance and recce (ISR) operations.

    Other topics covered in this series:

    SpyHawk Tactical UAV

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    The SpyHawk air vehicle developed by MTC is currently operated by the US Marine Corps for evaluation of future UAV operational concepts and tactics. SpyHawk is a ‘small uav’, weighing about 85 pounds (maximum takeoff weight) it can carry a payload of about 13 pounds on a 12 – 16 hour mission. Maximum payload capacity is about 20 pounds. The SpyHawk is a lightweight system, launched by a pneumatic launcher from a trailer towed by a light truck or HMMWV. The system is STANAG 4586 compliant, responding to a USMC requirement.

    “The adaptability of the SpyHawk UAS makes it a valuable tool for warfighters and for use in the war against terrorism, as well as for civil and commercial applications,” said MTC President and Chief Operating Officer Mark Brown. The SpyHawk carries a stabilized EO/IR payload developed by Optical Alchemy, Inc. (OAI). This payload is installed in a unique mechanical ramp installation, retracting the payload before landing. Weighing less than a pound, this unique mechanism enables the SpyHawk to mount the payload at the belly position, offering optimal, unobstructed coverage of a large area. The retraction movement is performed within 1/8 of an inch around the center of gravity, contributing to the stability of the aircraft in the transition phase.

    MTC based its SpyHawk system on a platform designed by Arcturus UAV. Two versions were designed by Arcturus – the smaller 28 pound dry weight T-15, is powered by a Honda 50cc four stroke engine, accelerating it to a top speed of 90 kt carrying a payload of about 10 pounds. The company also designed a larger version configured for long endurance missions of up to 16 hours; adding 2’10” to the wing span the T-16 XL uses a 60cc engine carrying 20 pounds payloads. It can also fly shorter missions with a 30 pound payload. MTC’s SpyHawk, proposed for the USMC Tier II program, representing something in between these two platforms. The SpyHawk has a wing span of 12’9″, similar to the T-16. It is powered by a 57cc engine and, equipped with all mission systems, has a dry weight of 62.7 pounds (compared to 28 pounds for the T-16). Its maximum speed has not changed (90 kt)but cruising speed was reduced to 45 kt, to optimize mission performance. Its endurance is up to 16 hours with payload capacity of 20 pounds. The SpyHawk has already been selected for testing by the USMC, for evaluations of Tier II class systems tactics, techniques and procedures (TTP).

    The SpyHawk is currently flying as a test-bed by the US Marine Corps, for advanced technology evaluation. Lessons learned through these evaluations will be used for the next phase of the Corps’ Tier II UAV program, The US Navy is expected to issue request for proposals for tactical (Tier II) UAVs before the end of the year. MTC’s commercial version of the SpyHawk is offered to civic and industrial customers, for monitoring of oil and gas pipelines, utility transmission line surveillance, power plant and nuclear facility security, railway line monitoring, agriculture and forestry monitoring and other applications.

    Who’s in Control? Toward Machine Control Led Weapons

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    Weapons controlled by Machines?

    When targets are becoming too illusive for effective human response, networked computers and guided weapons join forces, combining sensors, processing and datalink on one platform, eliminating much of the traditional ‘kill chain’, By replacing significant elements of the targeting process with automated processing, performing rules of engagement compliance checks, this largely eliminates much of the complexity previously involved with multi-level human evaluation and approval process. Such procedures were considered imperative, when lethal effects were manually employed in the past. To further accelerate the kill chain, a new concept called “Warplane Warfighter Forwarder” (WWF) is being evaluated. This method supports a rapid ‘machine-to-machine’ update, to establish common picture between the manned or unmanned ‘shooter’, guided weapon and command center. Lengthy coordination process, between aircraft, forward controller and the operations center tends to exceed the ‘lifetime’ of typical ‘time critical targets’, engaged in today’s asymmetric warfare. This process commonly results in different pictures displaying the same target at different points in time – one showing the target to the pilot, in real time and another, depicted at the air operations center, showing near-real-time or historic data. WWF is aiming to establish a single image or a set of annotations clarifying potential conflict. Furthermore, revised targeting and fire approval process is being evaluated, utilizing datalink-capable weapons such as the future version of Joint Air to Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM), which could dramatically shorten retargeting and response to time-critical targets, enabling, post-launch retargeting or retasking and engagement of mobile targets. A future IP based airborne internet protocol which could be established in the future, will greatly enhance machine-to-machine connectivity, rapidly and effectively share actionable intelligence and shorten the kill-chain.

    Two-Way Video Datalink Accelerates Air/Ground Coordination

    Through its participation and support of joint air-land operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, the US Air Force and Navy exploited a wide range of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems (ISR) in “Non Traditional ISR” applications. Particularly popular is the use of the new generation Advanced Targeting Pods (ATP) to acquire reconnaissance data and disseminate such data in near-real-time to combat units on the ground. As targeting pods are frequently employed by ‘shooters’ (fighter or attack aircraft) Closely-coupled NTISR+guided weapons establish highly responsive, precision attack capability. To further accelerate the ‘kill chain’, the targeting pod is equipped with a vide datalink, transmitting the target view directly to the supported unit on the ground. Most of these datalinks are utilizing makeshift adaptations from other systems. For example, a datalink from a Raven mini-UAV is fitted into the Sniper, sending video directly from the pod, to be received directly by the ground forces’ Raven control unit. The same video can also be viewed with the Rover video datalink and display, used by the Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) controlling the attack and leading the pilot and guided weapons to the target.

    Last year (September 2007) Northrop Grumman demonstrated an advanced targeting data link capability with the Litening ATP, using the Defense Advanced Research Project Agency’s (DARPA) Quint Network Technology (QNT), a network development effort supported by the US Navy and Air Force. The advanced data link provided encrypted, bi-directional airborne transmission of streaming video, and bi-directional cursor-on-target metadata-tagged still imagery, both at full sensor resolution allowing ground forces to receive imagery and its associated geo-positional data for battlefield situational awareness, aircraft position, sensor point of interest and target selection. QNT uses advanced waveforms and forward error correction coding, packetized video and metadata connections to communicate at ranges that exceeded 50 nautical miles, using omni-directional antennas on both the airborne and ground nodes. The architecture uses multicast transmissions over the QNT link such that each node in the network publishes its available services as such streaming video, still imagery, and a number of situational awareness updates from the ground and air nodes from which users can select. This eliminates the need for the user to deal with internet protocol addresses and other network functions and allows the user to focus instead on mission needs and execution In February 2008 Lockheed Martin demonstrated the use of a two-way Video Data Link (VDL) with the Sniper ATP. The datalink allows forward deployed forces to receive the Sniper’s high resolution streaming video in full resolution, and upload annotated images directly back to the Sniper pod. Pilots can review uplinked tactical video on their cockpit displays. According to Lockheed Martin, the Sniper is also the only ATP providing critical VDL digital metadata to the ground user today.

    Introducing the Rover

    The Rover remote Video unit was developed by L3 Communications (shown in the photo below) and has proved itself as one of the most successful tools that contributed immensely to accelerate targeting and close air support. Rover is proving an essential element for improving the effectiveness, precision and safety of air support. About 3,000 sets are currently deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan. These devices proved indispensable particularly for the support of special operations, were airpower fills the gap acting as fire support and snipers. The Rovers displays the view acquired by the targeting pod or the UAV payload, side by side to a FalconView map, which provides both ground and airborne elements a common perspective of the area and the target. Situational pictures can be created and exchanged between the two sides using graphical annotations superimposed on the map, eliminating the use of voice communications only to critical conditions. This capability enables fire support very close to friendly forces. To establish a two-way communication Rover has to be integrated with a VHF/UHF radio supporting data transfer to and from the aircraft (such as the ARC-210). L-3 Communications is currently producing the Rover 4 video datalink receiver. This unit is a receive-only terminal that displays sensor data from multiple airborne platforms. It supports Ku-band Digital, C-band Digital, C-band Analog, S-band Analog and L-band Analog signals. The smaller Rover 5 Handheld device (also known as mRover) is a two-way portable transceiver offering improved collaboration for air-ground operations. The unit displays images received from the remote sensor and transmits time-sensitive targeting data to airborne platforms. The system supports Ku-band, C-band, S-band, L-band and UHF signals. AAI is integrating the Rover with the Army One System UAV ground control services. In Army service the remote video display unit is designated OSRVT.

    Other topics covered in this series:

    Fire Shadow Loitering Munition Demonstrated in First Flight

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    The new loitering munition developed for the British Army was flown for the first time on the 30th April. With this milestone the Fire Shadow Loitering Munition completing a rapid development demonstrator program lasting just 15 months. Following the successful demonstration the program is expected to follow into the assessment phase in 2008.

    Team LM began design work on the new Fire Shadow weapon system in January 2007. The weapon is being presented as a solution for the UK ground forces’ requirement for a low cost, all-weather, 24 hour capability to carry out precision attacks against surface targets which may be difficult to engage and time sensitive. Fire Shadow is expected to operate at a range of more than 100km and achieve a sub-metric CEP (Circular Error Probability). The weapon will be autonomous but retain the man in the loop capability. The loitering weapon will be targeted by ISTAR assets such as Watchkeeper and will be compatible with other battlefield systems. The LM will loiter in the target area for around 10 hours and will be particularly effective in complex and urban environments.


    The successful first flight represents a key milestone towards the radically reduced delivery timescale of a new weapon system capable of engaging fixed and moving targets at depth in a complex battlefield environment that is relevant to current operations. The Loitering Munition concept is part of the Army’s future Indirect Fire Precision Attack (IFPA) program worth in excess of £500 Million.

    The firing demonstrated included launch, separation, flight and terminal maneuver of the innovative design concept incorporating a forward swept wing. Following the boosted launch and problem-free separation, the munition climbed to altitude and flew a pre-planned flight path. After completing this sequence the munition then executed a terminal dive incorporating a high-g manoeuvre to represent a simulated target engagement. Throughout the flight trial, onboard video imagery and position data was transmitted from the munition via a datalink and successfully received and displayed in the ground station at the Aberporth range.

    lead by MBDA Team LM comprises Blue Bear Systems Research, Cranfield Aerospace, Cranfield University, Lockheed Martin UK INSYS, Marshalls SV, Meggitt, QinetiQ, Roxel, Selex SAS, Thales UK, Ultra Electronics and VEGA.

    Boeing Receives Contract to Further Develop Dual-Role Missile

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    The U.S. Air Force and Navy are seeking a joint dual-role aerial weapon known as Joint Dual Role Air Dominance Missile (JDRADM). The weapon will pack both air/air and air/ground capabilities in a single airframe. Boeing was recently awarded a $5.2 million contract from the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), to demonstrate the Guidance Integrated Fuzing (GIF) technology considered for the JDRADM.


    GIF was developed under the Seeker Integrated Target Endgame Sensor (SITES) developed at Boeing in 2007. According to David Moos, Boeing program manager for SITE, the guidance integrated fuze has the potential to reduce weight and save space in the future missile. Boeing designed the GIF approach and will lead a team including Science Applications International Corp.

    Last year Boeing was awarded two contracts associated with DRADM. In May Boeing received a $4.2 million funding for the development and ground and laboratory testing of the missile’s propulsion and control systems in the laboratory. In 2006 the company was began working on the weapon’s warhead technology, known – as Multi-Role Responsive Ordnance Kill Mechanism (MRROKM). This thrust has since evolved into Phase 2 status.

    Army C-RAM Intercepts 100th Mortar Bomb in Iraq

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    The U.S. Army announced its counter mortar weapon systems successfully intercepted 100 enemy fired mortar bombs protecting multi-national Corps Iraq assets. The Centurion systems, a ground based version of the 20mm Naval Phalanx point defense weapon was declared initial operational capable in July 2005. It scored its first intercept in March 2006. Since then, C-RAM system deployed in theater provided over 1,500 localized warnings, allowing troops time to take protective cover.

    Systems are currently developed as an Integrated Base Defense System of Systems, protecting a training base, combat training centers and selected U.S. and Coalition forward operating bases in Iraq. In each deployment the capabilities of C-RAM are tailored specifically to the location.


    “Defeating the RAM threat is not accomplished by any one piece of equipment, tactic, organizational or individual effort, but by a comprehensive effort with many contributing sources,” said C-RAM Program director, Michael J. Van Rassen. He explains that C-RAM effects are not necessarily only kinetic. In addition to the kinetic effect (target kill) the system proved valuable when its data could enhance situational awareness, and, with timely distribution of data, has made it possible for soldiers to kill or capture enemy units firing on coalition forces. The system also proved its capability to integrate with airspace management as it automatically aborted intercepts to preclude endangering friendly aircraft from rounds fired by C-RAM’s intercept system. The current C-RAM system comprises existing field artillery and air defense sensors, a commercial industry produced warning system, and the Phalanx guns. The system is tied to various response systems via U.S. Air Force, U.S. Marine Corps and Army battle command systems.

    The C-RAM program was initiated at the request of the U.S. Army Chief of Staff in May 2004. C-RAM has been on a rapid development path, conducting its proof of principle test in November 2004 which was followed by a series of spiral developments, operational demonstrations, and staged deployments beginning in 2005.

    After initially rejecting the Centurion as a possible countermeasure that could defeat rocket attacks from Gaza, Israel Ministry of Defense reassessed its position and has ordered one system for evaluation in country. According to initial plans, several systems would be required to protect an area the size of the city of Sderot, which suffers daily Palestinian rocket attacks from the Gaza strip for the past seven years.

    British MoD Gives Go-Ahead to Navy Carriers

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    The Ministry of Defence today gave industry the green light that it was ready to go-ahead with contract signature for the two new super aircraft carriers. Industry is now expected to press ahead with forming the joint venture company that will help build the carriers. The joint venture is expected to be formed by BAE Systems and VT Group will be a key member of the Aircraft Carrier Alliance of companies which will construct and assemble the new carriers at shipyards in Portsmouth, Barrow-in-Furness, Glasgow and Rosyth. Other major suppliers, expected to join the Alliance include Babcock, Thales UK, BAE Systems Submarine Solutions at Barrow and BAE Systems Integrated System Technologies (Insyte).


    The carriers, to be named HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH and HMS PRINCE OF WALES, will be the biggest and most powerful surface warships ever constructed in the UK. Once they enter service in 2014 and 2016 respectively they are expected to remain in the fleet for up to fifty years.

    “Today’s confirmation that we are proceeding with the two aircraft carriers underlines our commitment to both the Royal Navy and to the UK shipbuilding industry.” Minister for Defence Equipment and Support, Baroness Taylor, said “We are investing about £14bn in the Navy and in the maritime industry over the next ten to fifteen years. The future carriers will provide an important military capability and will sustain many jobs – around 10,000 at the peak of production.”

    The new carriers are planned to be about 280m long by 70m wide. Each will displace 65,000 tons full load and carry up to 40 F-35 Lightning II aircraft.

    MBDA to Market Sagem’s AASM Precision Guided Weapons

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    MBDA France and Sagem Défense Sécurité signed a cooperation agreement shifting the sales and marketing of Sagem’s modular air-to-ground weapon (AASM) to MBDA. and infrared guidance for tactical missiles. Under the terms of the agreement, MBDA France will be responsible for all sales and marketing of the AASM family developed by Sagem Défense Sécurité. The two companies will also combine their respective areas of expertise to form a close partnership for the joint development of future versions of the AASM family.

    The AASM is an all-weather precision weapon, comprising a guidance kit and a range extension kit that can be added to standard warheads. It is made in two versions. The version with inertial guidance and GPS, offering “10-meter” accuracy, is already deployed by the French air force in foreign operations. A “1-meter” version, including an infrared seeker, is now being qualified. French armed forces have already ordered 700 AASM systems, including both versions.

    Watchkeeper’s First Flight

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    The Watchkeeper made its maiden flight on 16 April from Megiddo airfield in northern Israel. This unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is the first produced version of the Watchkeeper, based on the proven Elbit Systems’ Hermes 450 platform, to meet the specific requirements of the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD).

    The Watchkeeper UAV seen on its first flight over Megiddo airfield in Israel, April 16, 2008 Photo: Elbit Systems/Thales UK
    The visual differences between the baseline Hermes 450 platform and Hermes 450B which represents the Watchkeeper configuration are the landing gear, wing root assembly and engine air intake duct. The 450B uses a blended wing root while the Hermes 450 has a raised wing. Its air intake is curved, compared to the rectangular shape of the baseline version. The undercarriage uses beefed up landing gear to take the additional load. Hermes 450B is designed to fly with dual payload as a standard. (separate EO and SAR payloads in the fore and aft section.) The Hermes can fly with two payloads but usually operates with a single payload.


    The Watchkeeper air vehicle is fully autonomous, including Automatic Take-Off and Landing (ATOL), and has a de-icing capability, to expand its ability to operate in all weather operational environment. The system is capable of rapid deployment and operations anywhere in the world. Watchkeeper will support the information requirements of the British Army, Air Force and Navy. Thales UK, as Prime Contractor for the Watchkeeper program, will deliver equipment, training and facilities, with the capability coming into service from 2010. Production of the Watchkeeper system will take place at U-TacS (UAV Tactical Systems Ltd), the Thales UK and Elbit Systems joint company, based in Leicester.

    Commenting on this major program milestone, Richard Deakin, Managing Director of Thales’ aerospace business in the UK, says: “Thales UK’s Watchkeeper program is on track and has been steadily moving forward since June 2007 when the company unveiled its final configuration following a Critical Design Review undertaken by the MoD. We have made tremendous progress since the contract was signed in 2005 and all the customer-agreed program milestones have so far been met on or ahead of schedule.”

    Looking forward to the plans for the rest of the year he adds: “2008 is an important year for the program as it will also see the testing and integration of the ATOL system, the I-Master radar and EO/IR/LTD payloads. The I-Master radar flight trials have been extremely encouraging. The SAR imagery seen in the initial trials is outstanding and testing the GMTI functionality has just commenced. The combination of these sensors operating in a networked manner will certainly provide a transformational step in ISTAR capability for the UK armed forces.”

    Watchkeeper will provide the UK armed forces with an essential intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR) capability, and will be a key component of the UK’s network enabled capability (NEC).

    US Army Selects Army Selects Lockheed Martin, Raytheon-Boeing to develop JAGM – A Successor for the Tow, Hellfire and Maverick

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    Development of the Joint Air-to-Ground Missile (JAGM), was launched September 18, 2008 with the U.S. Army’s Aviation and Missile Command award of$125 and $122 million, competitive contracts to Lockheed Martin and the Raytheon-Boeing industry team. The 27 month development program will proceed toward final selection by the end of 2010. The new weapon is designed to replace seven types of missiles currently in the inventory of US forces. While JAGM has yet to become a formal ‘program of record’, the need for such weapon is clear and most of the technologies are mature, as it roots to the Joint Common Missile, cancelled by the Army few years back. The entire program is expected to cost about US$7 billion.


    JAGM is designed as a single missile replacing seven different variants of TOW, Hellfire and Maverick carried by helicopters, attack aircraft and UAVs. JAGM will have a range exceeding 20 km, more than doubling the current Hellfire range. single insensitive-munition rocket motor that provides required propulsion in extreme temperatures to deliver maximum range from all required platforms.

    Unlike the current weapons it will replace, optimized for specific environmental and target conditions, JAGM will be equipped with a tri-modal seeker (laser homing, thermal and mm wave radar). The missile has a multi-purpose warhead that packs a highly lethal shaped- charge to defeat the most advanced armored threats and a blast fragmentation capability to defeat ships, buildings, bunkers and other “soft” targets by penetrating them with a precursor warhead and then detonating a time-delayed main warhead to incapacitate the target from within. It will also have a built-in precursor warhead, standardized electronic safe, arm and fire and improved low-signature propulsion improving performance and reliability compared to current weapons. Another advantage over current weapons will be advanced countermeasures, against active protection systems (CAPS).

    The missile will retain flexible targeting methods, including autonomous target acquisition, ‘lock on before launch’ and ‘lock on after launch’ capability. This missile will carry an integral internet protocol (IP) based data radio, providing access to ‘targeting during fly’, from multiple sources.

    The U.S. Army, Navy and Marine Corps are expected to procure approximately 35,000 JAGM rounds to replace the HELLFIRE II and Longbow HELLFIRE missiles on the U.S. Army’s Apache attack helicopter, the Warrior extended-range multi-purpose UAS, the Arapaho armed reconnaissance helicopter, the Marine Corps’ Super Cobra attack helicopter and on the U.S. Navy’s Seahawk armed reconnaissance helicopter. JAGM will also replace the Maverick missile on the F/A-18 Hornet jet fighter.

    Potential extension to other platforms, such as the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, and future international sales could push the total number of rounds much higher. The Lockheed Martin JAGM team includes more than a dozen major suppliers located across the United States and in the United Kingdom.

    JAGM is expected to remain compatible with the currently used with US Army, Air Force Marines and Naval aircraft and helicopters, thus reducing developmental, engineering and logistical impact associated with the fielding of a new weapon system. Several companies are positioned to compete for the new program.

    Related Topics:

    • A Successor for the Tow, Hellfire and Maverick

    AGM-88E AARGM – The Sensor is the Weapon

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    An example of a specialized weapon expanding its capabilities to match new and illusive target is the AGM-88 High Speed Anti-Radiation (HARM) missile. This weapons, originally developed to suppress and kill active (emitting) radars, associated with surface-to-air (SAM) missiles and anti-aircraft artillery is being enhanced to assume the role of an active, homing missile designated Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile (AARGM AGM-88E). The primary advantage of the original missile was its range and speed, providing strike fighters supersonic ‘fast kill’ capability when engaging enemy air defenses. Its main drawback was the analog radar homing seeker, which could not ‘memorize’ the target location. Furthermore, the analog seeker homes in on the strongest signal, thus lacking the capability to aim at the target’s most vulnerable spot.

    The AARGM upgrade currently in development for the HARM addresses these weaknesses and introduces many additional capabilities transforming the missile into a modern network-enabled weapon. Primarily, the analog RF seeker is replaced by a digital receiver, providing advanced features such as autonomous detection (not dependent on aircraft radar warning receivers) and target recognition (Target ID). The new seeker supports a conformal antenna, clearing the nose cone for a Millimeter Wave (MMW) seeker. With the two seekers AARGM supports ‘blended strike solutions’, implementing INS/GPS for midcourse navigation and active or passive RF techniques for the terminal phase (active MMW or passive RF seeker).

    With the new seekers the missile can ‘memorize’ a target signature and location, therefore pursuing the attack even when the target ceases to emit (switched off). It also has the ability to employ a selective aimpoint, by attacking the target’s most vulnerable parts (i.e. the processor) rather than the emitting elements (radar antennae). The weapon’s geolocation capability enables the AARGM to memorize Impact Avoidance Zones (IAZ), eliminating much of the risks of fratricides and collateral damage typically restricting the use of standoff weapons in close proximity to friendly forces or in situations where the risk of collateral damage is too high.

    As a fully netted weapon, the AARGM’s uses an Integrated Broadcast Service Receiver (IBS-R) enabling the missile to receive target updates from remote sources, just before launching. AARGM is also equipped with Weapon Impact Assessment (WIA) capability, sending a terminal attack-message burst via satellite, just prior to detonation. WIA provides attack planners with preliminary assessment of the lethal effects employed against planned enemy targets.

    The development of the conversion of HARM into AARGM began in 2003 supporting F/A-18A/D, with further support for F/A-18E/F/G, F-35 and EA-6B. Support for Tornado IDS/ECR was introduced in 2005 under a cooperative development agreement between the US and Italy. Germany is also interested in the program. In nine test firings, the missile demonstrated 100% success rate. The program is scheduled for an operational assessment in summer 2008.

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    Keeping the Old Horses Flying

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    How the US Air Force Combat Command plans to Maintain its ‘Shooters’ Effective for Years to Come.

    Reliability and safety problems encountered with aging fighters have already highlighted a problem the US Air Force is facing in recent years – the aging of its aircraft fleet. Despite the introduction of the F-35 Lightning II in the next decade and the potential increase in the procurement of F-22 Raptors, the Air Force will remain dependent on a combat fleet made primarily of old fighters and bombers, through the next two decades, or so.

    Although the problematic F-15 A/B fighters, initially fielded in 1974 will be retired by 2010, the air force does not plan further retirement of F-15s, F-16s or A-10s for the next 16 years. According to current plans, the F-16s which entered service in 1978 will be retired by 2024 followed a year later by F-15C/Ds (part of which are currently being upgraded with new AESA radars). Recently upgraded A-10s introduced in 1973 will remain in service at least until 2028.

    The Air Forces’ Strike Eagles (F-15Es) will be maintained at least until 2035 (after 68 years in service). Two of the bombers currently in service will be retired in 2040. B-1Bs which entered service in1986 will be phased out after 54 years while the B-52Hs which entered service in 1961 is expected to remain in active service for at least32 years, scheduled to be maintained in service for 79 years! The fleet of B-2 which entered service in 1993 is scheduled to be maintained in service at least for the next 50 years, until 2058.

    Maintaining the operational effectiveness of such an aging fleet of aircraft presents a significant challenge and requires substantial huge investments. The USAF awarded contracts worth over $4 billions to modernize and upgrade its current fighters, 85% of the amount is dedicated to keep them flying. The remaining 15% will improve capabilities. According to Col. Robert Stambaugh, Wing Commander 312th, 326 th Aeronautical Systems, these upgrades focus on shortening the kill chain.

    In the following pages, Defense Update reports how the USAF plans to maintain its ‘Shooters’ effective for years to come.


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