Evolution of UAV Employed Missiles

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Mar 5, 2007

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The first weaponized UAVs were armed with standard munitions, meeting payload weight restrictions of existing unmanned vehicles. At that time, the Lockheed Martin Hellfire II missile was found to be the most suitable weapon for such roles. However, in a parallel path, the US Air Force and Army have been evaluating other weapons, including the Northrop Grumman BAT munition and its derivatives, as well as other types. Among the weapons considered for testing were two Israeli weapons, the IAI/MBT Lahat laser guided missiles, and RAFAEL Spike LR electro-optical guided missiles, both are believed to have been deployed with UAVs.

In the past, standard missiles and gravity dropped weapons were found inadequate for employment with UAVs. For example, the Hellfire, designed for launching from manned platforms, did not have adequate off-boresight flexibility to acquire unexpected target,s therefore limiting engagement profiles and increasing the potential for collateral damage. Launch signature and range have limited its suitability for surprise attacks. The stealthy, acoustically guided BAT proved useless for low intensity warfare, since typical target acoustics can hardly be defined in adequate resolution for an attack. The weapon was therefore modified with a new semi-active laser homing device. Designated Viper-Strike, it retained the Bat’s vertical dive capability, demonstrating excellent precision kill while reducing collateral damage. Few of these weapons are currently deployed in Iraq, flying on Hunter UAVs. Northrop Grumman is reportedly making efforts to reduce the weight of the Viper Strike to 11.3 kg, thus making it suitable for the 168 kg AAI RQ-7B Shadow 200. The new AGM-114P Hellfire version has already been optimized for the Predator UAV. Among the modifications are increased weapon engagement zone (WEZ), enabling the seeker to acquire targets off-boresight up to 90 degrees to each side. These missiles can be released from higher altitude (10,000 to 25,000 ft), eliminating the need to descend to lower altitude prior to weapon release. The AGM-114P was cleared for service in early 2005.

RAFAEL’s family of electro-optically guided missile, known as the Electro-Optically guided Spike is also proposed for weaponized UAV applications. It was publicly unveiled on UAVs when proposed by Sagem to arm their Sperwer B UAV for demonstrations for the French military. The French study required the UAV to be capable of delivering high terminal precision, especially in asymmetric conflicts, and maintain the controller in the loop from launch to impact in order to minimize operating risks. Two versions of Spike are proposed for airborne applications – the Spike LR, and extended range version (Spike ER), which can be fitted with blast-penetration warhead, designed to inflict maximum lethality inside buildings or vehicles but minimize collateral damage to the surrounding area. Utilizing a fiber-optical link, Spike offers unique fire and forget or fire-observe and update operating modes either autonomous guidance or maintaining a “man in the loop” option throughout the missile’s flight, as the missile relays the scene viewed by it’s seeker, enabling the controller to accurately select the point of impact or abort the mission when the conditions are not matching the rules of engagement (for example, presence of civilians). IMI is also working on reduced lethality warheads, designed to optimize the terminal effect against buildings, vehicles and other soft targets, characteristic of urban environment.

A similar trend is taking place in Europe. MBDA is developing a technology demonstrator, proposed as a follow-on to the HOT system, currently known as the Missile de Combat Terrestre (MCT), which could be utilized in the future for armed UAVs. The new missile will be able to engage targets at Non-Line Of Sight (NLOS) mode, where the missile’s seeker does not have to be aimed at the target before launch. The company is developing several variants for the missile, including medium and long range versions with range of up to 8 km and turbo-jet powered extended range versions, with a maximum range of 100km. The weapon considered for the missile will include “multi-effect” warhead, making it effective against a broad target set, including fortified constructions, bunkers, armored vehicles and soft targets. The warhead could be equipped with a programmable lethality package to create “scalable” effect, tailored for specific operating scenarios.

Read additional parts of this article:

Smart Weapons for UAVs
Weaponized UAVs
Smart Weapons for UAVs
Evolution of UAV Employed Missiles
Lightweight Weapons for Autonomous Platforms
Gravity Dropped Munitions for UAVs
Targeting at the pixel
Loitering Autonomous Weapons
Grouping in Constellations
Empowered by the Swarm
Weaponizing Unmanned Combat Helicopters

Smart Weapons for UAVs

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In recent years, weaponized UAVs have been used primarily by US forces as part of the global war on terror (GWOT). Predators were employed to support Special Forces operating over mountainous area in Afghanistan and Northern Iraq. Predators launched their Hellfired into a “basket”, where the missiles could lock on the target, illuminated by laser designators operated by Special Forces teams which roamed the area, tracking their targets on the ground, waiting for an opportunity to launch an attack. These teams could also benefit from imagery transmitted from the UAVs, patrolling the area at high altitude.

Evolving concepts of operation call for the simultaneous and coordinated operation of multiple UAVs, operated partly autonomously, while mutually supporting each other with ISR and weapons coverage. Such constellations of UAVs are providing warfighters with rapid response when engaging time critical targets (TCT) at reduced rate of response between target detection, targeting and engagement.
More covertly, such platforms were reportedly employed by the Israelis throughout their recent conflict with the Palestinians, performing many ‘targeted killings’, on terrorists as they were spotted by Israeli intelligence, moving openly in the streets of the Gaza strip. The types of weapons used by the Israeli UAVs have not been disclosed, but according to Palestinian reports, a gradual evolution of weapons has been encountered during the years since the beginning of the Intifada in 2000. In recent years, the damages inflicted by the Israeli aerial launched weapons became more focused, more lethal, indicating of smaller, accurate weapons, designed to minimize collateral damage while enabling accurate and effective engagement of mobile targets in complex urban environment. According to foreign sources, various constellations of weaponized UAV swarms were employed over South Lebanon during the 2nd Lebanon War in the summer of 2006, in effort to hunt Hezbollah rocket launchers scattered in hidden lairs around this area.

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Weaponized UAVs

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MQ-1B, the Armed configuration of the General Atomics Predator UAV operated by the US Air Force is now standard configuration for this unmanned aircraft, flown on routine missions from Balad air force base in Iraq. This UAV differs from the original Predator by the installation of two hard points carrying Hellfire missile launchers. These weapons are routinely used on armed reconnaissance missions. Another version of the Predator known as Warrior is currently under development for the US Army Extended Range / Multi Purpose (ER/MP) program. This aircraft will be fitted with four external carriage hardpoints loading four Hellfire missiles. The Army also considers adapting the Northrop Grumman Viper Strike and a unified dispenser which can carry various gravity dropped weapons, as well as supplies to support Special Forces deep inside enemy territory.

The USAF unmanned fleet will soon be augmented by a larger, more advanced system known as the Reaper MQ-9A. This UAV was designed from the beginning as a “Hunter-Killer” system. Compared with the limited strike capability of current UAVs flying at altitudes of 15,000-25,000 ft, the Reaper will be able to loiter at an altitude of up to 50,000 feet over a mission area, for up to 30 hours, armed with some 16 Hellfire II missiles or enhanced capability, with combination of Hellfires and precision guided bombs, such as GBU-38 JDAM or GBU-12 laser guided bombs (500lbs each). The aircraft will have a maximum gross takeoff weight of 10,000 pounds ( 5 Tons)s. It will be powered by a turbo-prop engine and have a wider fuselage, storing the fuel and payloads necessary for extended missions. Weapon guidance techniques can also utilize advanced parafoil decelerators, such as the Micro Onyx, which canguide a warhead to a hit a precise target, marked by GPS coordinates. The manufacturer claims this concept is more effective, lighter and costs less than conventional aerial guided weapons. Similar systems are already used within the Steel Eagle program, for the emplacement of aerial delivered unattended ground sensors (UGS).

The US Air Force has requested funding of about $825 million for 74 Predators over the next six years, augmenting the 68 now in service. Thirty-two of those would be MQ-9 Reapers. In total, 15 squadrons will be operational. The USAF is currently testing more weapons with Predator and eventually Reaper, including the Viper Strike laser guided munition, small diameter bomb, laser guided munitions and Stinger air/air missile. Employment of air-to-air weapons like Raytheon’s AIM-9 Sidewinder and AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile may also be evaluated at some point. Other weapons could include the PASSM, a more accurate and versatile precision attack missile proposed as a future alternative for the air-launched Hellfire II.

During the recent conflict in Lebanon and the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinians, the IDF was reported to be using armed UAVs for attacking suspected terrorists in the West Bank and Gaza. The type of platforms or weapons used are classified, but according to industry briefings, several Israeli companies are involved in the development and fielding of lightweight, precision strike weapons and warheads designed specifically for operation in urban environments.

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Smart Weapons for UAVs

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Officially, Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles (UCAV) are still in early development, but such systems have already become important players in modern combat operations, primarily by US and Israeli forces operating in Low Intensive Warfare in the Middle East and Afghanistan. Other countries, including several NATO members, are also pursuing such capabilities.

UAVs were first used in significant numbers during the Vietnam War, and later, in the Israeli invasion of Lebanon in 1982, but these were primarily reconnaissance platforms. The first lethal applications of UAVs were considered as “suicide missions”, utilizing the slow flying unmanned aircraft as precision guided ‘flying bombs’, which could loiter over enemy area for extended periods of time, in search of active radars or guided missile sites. During the late 1980s the first radar killer drone known as Harpy was developed under cooperation between IAI and Diehl, in a parallel program, another loitering weapon – the air-launched Delilah missile was developed in Israel by IMI. Few years later another, rather unique concept of combat drone was considered by the Israel Ministry of defense, during the early 1990s, immediately after the first Gulf war, when Israel was seeking a solution to counter the threat of ballistic missiles.

One such concept was the MOAB Boost-Phase Interceptor (BPI), which would have utilized a boosted version of the Python 3 air-to-air missile, launched by an unspecified stealthy High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) UAVs operating deep over enemy territory. While Moab never reached even demonstration stage, Israel has not abandoned this concept and, according to foreign sources, deployed a full scale UAV centric BPLI system for the first time during the 2006 Lebanon war, in an attempt to hunt medium range rocket launchers used by the Hezbollah to attack targets in Israel. While the system did not succeed in eliminating the illusive short range rockets, the effectiveness, life span, and survivability of long and medium range rockets launchers was dramatically reduced as the war progressed.

The concept of an armed UAV was publicly outlined in 1996, as the US Air Force Chief of Staff directed the study “UAV Technologies and Combat Operations”, recommending testing and developing weaponized versions of high flying UAV, particularly for Supression of Enemy Air Defense (SEAD) operations. During allied operations in Kosovo, UAVs were supporting strike packages to locate time-critical targets. Such targets were identified and confirmed using the TV payloads carried by General Atomics RQ-1 Predator UAVs.

However, targets frequently eluded the aerial strikes, due to the delay between the target detection, attack preparation process (targeting) and the actual execution of the attack. Essential improvements applied on UAVs just after the operation in Kosovo included the integration of laser designator in the standard EO/IR UAV payload. Work on a weaponized version of the Predator commenced, culminating in a series of test firings of Lockheed martin Hellfire missiles from USAF Predator UAVs in 2001. These platforms were later flown by the CIA and already demonstrated dramatic results during operations in Iraq, Afghanistan and Yemen. CIA operated Predators were credited with the elimination of senior Al-Qaeda operatives and Taliban fighters in 2002. Another example for an early generation armed UAVs is the Nothrop Grumman / IAI MQ-5A Hunter, an armed derivative of the RQ-5A UAV. This aircraft was also fitted with an extended wing, carrying hard-points for two weapons such as Hellfire or Northrop Grumman Viper-Strike munitions. The General Atomics Gnat UAV is also designed to carry Hellfire missiles.

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X-2 Technology – a Major Pillar for Sikorsky’s Future Success

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Mar 5, 2007

Sikorsky’s X2 Technology demonstrator conducted a successful ground test in November 2006. The X2 Demonstrator is scheduled to take flight in 2007. Jeffery Pino Sikorsky Aircraft President considers this new technology is one the major pillars for the company’s future growth.

He also noted that Sikorsky’s recent announcements regarding strategic business relationships in the Mid-east, Europe, and Asia underscore its objective of bolstering its leadership position in the global aerospace market. “Thanks to the support of our customers worldwide, we are on track to double our revenues for the 2003 – 2008 timeframe, and given the projected strength in the military, commercial, and service and support markets, we expect this growth to continue. The number of products we have in production has grown from just three in 2000 to 10 today, with another six active development programs in work. Sikorsky Aircraft, a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX), had $3.2 billion in revenues in 2006.

Sikorsky’s X2 refers to an integrated suite of technologies that improve the performance of coaxial helicopters, resulting in a new generation of helicopters that will be able to fly at up to twice the speed of current helicopters, while retaining all the desirable flying qualities of a helicopter at low speed, without any in-flight configuration transition. This suite of technologies includes advanced blade technologies to significantly increase lift without increasing drag, fly by wire, active vibration control, advanced hub drag reduction, and an integrated propulsion system that intelligently controls the power shared by the aft propulsor and the main rotor. The main X shaped coaxial rotor will be slowed during high speed flight to keep the rotor tips below supersonic speeds.

X2 Technology can also be applied to conventional speed coaxial helicopters without auxiliary propulsion, enabling even greater lift and hover efficiency.

Warfighters to Gain Access to Strategic Intelligence

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Mar 5, 2007

Warfighter Gain Access to Strategic Intelligence via Tactical Networks A team developing the led Distributed Common Ground System – Army (DCGS-A) has developed and demonstrated technology for users of the U.S. Army’s battlefield networks that allows access to actionable intelligence from virtually anywhere in the field.

Northrop Grumman (NYSE:NOC) and teammates General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT), and Science Applications International Corp. (NYSE: SAI) were chartered by the U.S. Army to integrate multiple, existing intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) systems into the DCGS-A ‘portal’ like system. Further developing the operating model, the team demonstrated and tested a new query based model enabling users to access the vast information resources available with DCGS-A, including the Army’s Joint STARS Common Ground System, the Joint STARS Work Station, the Human Domain Work Station, the Digital Terrain Support System, the Integrated Meteorological System, the V3 Joint Intelligence Operations Capability – Iraq (JIOC-I) work suites and selected components of the Navy’s DCGS Multi-Intelligence Segment integrated with the DCGS Integration Backbone (DIB).

X-2 Technology – a Major Pillar for Sikorsky’s Future Success

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Mar 5, 2007

Sikorsky’s X2 Technology demonstrator conducted a successful ground test in November 2006. The X2 Demonstrator is scheduled to take flight in 2007. Jeffery Pino Sikorsky Aircraft President considers this new technology is one the major pillars for the company’s future growth.

He also noted that Sikorsky’s recent announcements regarding strategic business relationships in the Mid-east, Europe, and Asia underscore its objective of bolstering its leadership position in the global aerospace market. “Thanks to the support of our customers worldwide, we are on track to double our revenues for the 2003 – 2008 timeframe, and given the projected strength in the military, commercial, and service and support markets, we expect this growth to continue. The number of products we have in production has grown from just three in 2000 to 10 today, with another six active development programs in work. Sikorsky Aircraft, a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX), had $3.2 billion in revenues in 2006.

Sikorsky’s X2 refers to an integrated suite of technologies that improve the performance of coaxial helicopters, resulting in a new generation of helicopters that will be able to fly at up to twice the speed of current helicopters, while retaining all the desirable flying qualities of a helicopter at low speed, without any in-flight configuration transition. This suite of technologies includes advanced blade technologies to significantly increase lift without increasing drag, fly by wire, active vibration control, advanced hub drag reduction, and an integrated propulsion system that intelligently controls the power shared by the aft propulsor and the main rotor. The main X shaped coaxial rotor will be slowed during high speed flight to keep the rotor tips below supersonic speeds.

X2 Technology can also be applied to conventional speed coaxial helicopters without auxiliary propulsion, enabling even greater lift and hover efficiency.

Upgraded British Attack Submarine Rejoins the Fleet

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Mar 5, 2007

HMS Talent, the recently upgraded Royal Navy attack submarine has rejoined the active fleet. The nuclear powered submarine went through a £386 million upgrade, which included enhancement of its combat system with the introduction of the new Sonar 2076 systems and fresh reactor core.

T-class submarines are equipped with the PWR1 reactor which needs refueling on average twice during a submarine’s service life. Talent was built by Vickers SEL and launched in 1988. HMS Talent is the third of the Royal Navy four Trafalgar class submarines to complete the upgrade program – the largest ever carried out on UK attack submarines. HMS Torbay and Trenchant. HMS Triumph is currently in the process of undergoing her upgrade.

Sikorsky Unveils S-92 SAR Model Destined for the UK

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Mar 5, 2007

Sikorsky unveiled yesterday at Heli-Expo the first S-92 helicopter dedicated to Search and Rescue at the world’s largest helicopter gathering. The new aircraft is entering service for the United Kingdom Maritime and Coastguard Agency in 2007. The SAR configuration includes two internal auxiliary fuel tanks of 210 gallons each.

Additional options include an Automatic Flight Control System with auto-hover capability, FLIR, dual rescue hoist, full sliding-door with bubble window, cargo hook, search-light and loud hailer. The spacious cabin is designed to offer the utmost flexibility for installing a triple medical litter kit, one or two aux fuel tanks, folding utility seats and ample storage. It is the first of four SAR helicopters to be delivered to the MCA for use primarily in the Highlands and Islands of the UK. The helicopter is owned and operated by CHC Helicopter Corp.

FLY-K – Lightweight Indirect Fire Weapon System

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Mar 4, 2007

FLY-K weapon system is a lightweight 52mm indirect fire weapon system designed to fire 52mm mortar bombs from a quiet, low-signature launcher, at distances up to 800 meters. The multiple-launcher system can be used as a squad-support weapon, on mounted platforms or in dismounted and portable configuration.

Designed to support Special Operation Forces, FLY-K uses a closed combustion chamber to capture all propulsion gases, thus eliminating flash, smoke or heat emissions and produces low acoustic and visual signature (52dB at 100 meters). The FLY-K will not reveal its firing position, even at night. FLY-K can be launched from a hand-held single launcher or a 12 bomb launcher pack. A single HE round weighing 650 – 805 grams has a lethal radius of 16 meters, while a salvo of 12 rounds effectively covers an area 50 meters by 100 meters at maximum range. An FLY-K launcher with 20 rounds weighs less than 20 kg. The hand launcher weighs 4.5 kg, has a range of 750 meters and can fire up to 30 rounds per minute.

IAI’s Ramta Introduces UGVs for Heavy Engineering Work

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Mar 3, 2007

Another field of activity pursued by unmanned ground systems are the heavy engineer vehicles. In the past, robotic systems were implemented in such vehicles, but such functions were primarily used in remote control operation, requiring special expertise and complex manipulation of the vehicle’s systems. By utilizing the latest, digital control and remote vision, autonomy and control are elevated to a new level which enables operators to use the systems as effectively as they were operating it from the cockpit.

Such systems are currently in development at Israel Aerospace Industries’ Ramta Division, with team members InRob Ltd. (OTC BB:IRBL.OB) and Israel Tractors and Equipment, Ltd. the Caterpillar dealer in Israel. This industry team has recently introduced two integrated ground systems, the robotoc Mini-Cat and the robotic D9T heavy bulldozer.

As part of the robotic Mini-Cat program, the team developed a dedicated robotic control system to convert Caterpillar’s Multi-Terrain Loader (MTL) type MTL 257 B (also known as the “MiniCat”), into an unmanned platform for use in military, para-military, law enforcement, and civilian operations. The vehicle has been integrated with a military-qualified robotic control system control system, developed by InRob into the MTL. The ergonomic remote control unit utilizing a tough touch screen, developed specifically for this platform, is providing the operator full control of typical complex tasks in real time. All the functions provided by the manned MTL 257 re enabled via remote control, including state of its scoop, health of the power pack, view from vehicle-mounted cameras, etc.

The new robotic MTL will fill the strong demand for a UGV of this type by performing a broad range of engineering and debris-clearing applications while providing customized solutions using the most advanced technology.

Ramta is also working on a much heavier unmanned vehicle – the robotic controlled D9T bulldozer. This project is a jointly-funded program between the Israel Ministry of Defense (IMOD) and IAI Ramta. The program is under development over the past two years with first systems planned to be completed for testing in 2007. The IDF is already operating robotic D9 dozers, developed at Ramta under an earlier program. The new robotic D9T will be more advanced. The IDF has already ordered the first conversion kit with the first D9T expected to become operational by the end of 2007. The robotic dozer uses the latest in digital command and control technologies to interface with the onboard computer. The new platforms is both automated functions and semi autonomous features to handle heavy explosive charges and dangerous obstacles without risk to human life.

Elbit Expands Range of Autonomous Ground Vehicles

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Mar 3, 2007

The IDF is testing various types of Israeli built unmanned ground vehicles, among them, autonomous navigating robotic vehicles used for security missions and a portable robot designed to support infantry units in urban warfare.

At AUSA Winter symposium, March 2007 Elbit Systems unveiled its lastest UGV known as the Versatile, Intelligent and Portable Robot (VIPeR). This robot is designed to support infantry forces in combat operations. The company developed the prototype version under an Israel Ministry of Defense Resrearch & Development Directorate (DRDD) funding and supplied several systems for evaluations by the IDF.

The small robot which has exceptionally high mobility in urban terrain, based on a new, patented integrated wheeled/track system developed by Galileo Mobility Instruments Ltd., powered by two electrical motors, and a “scorpion tail” which elevates the payload and stabilizes the platform, enabling the vehicle to rapidly advance and maintain a steady course of movement over rough terrain. (view a video of the prototype developed by Galileo). In handling obstacles, it is climbing steps or crawling into confined subterranean spaces and caves. With compact dimensions and only about 11 kilograms weight and 30×40 centimeters size (excluding the tail) the new robot can fit into the soldier’s backpack and become a standard equipment of future infantry units. Initial users will most probably be the Special Forces but eventually the IDF plans to field VIPeRs with its infantry platoons. The new robot can be equipped with a standard suite of visual and acoustic sensors and could also mount various effectors, such as a probe, pistol, 9mm mini-Uzi or grenade launcher, or a more capable electronically initiated light weapon (such as a “metal storm” launcher.

Unmanned Patrols

Unlike the ambitious US plan to develop and deploy highly autonomous combat robots as part of the FCS program, the Israeli approach is more pragmatic, considering the contributions of such autonomously navigated vehicles in rather limited, mission-specific tasks. These will initially include perimeter security and border patrols and could later be enhanced to specific roles in force protection. In 2006, the IDF conducted an operational test of several unmanned systems, designed to conduct partly autonomous security and patrol missions, as part of border and security operations along the separation zones between Israel, the west bank and Gaza strip. The IDF tested several locally developed systems, including the Guardium, developed by IAI, AvantGuard, developed by Elbit. Under the encouragement of Israel’s MOD the two companies estabished a joint venture called G-NIUS, to harness their combined resources in the UGV field, to offer a cost effective, partly autonomous security system to be based on UGVs, that could relieve some of the pressure from the troops engaged with routine security operations along the country’s borders and securing the perimeters of military bases and installations. By May 2008 the IDF received the first batch of Guardium UGVs scheduled to enter fully operational service along the countrie’s borders by the year’s end. Some defense analysts argue that the abscence of such systems actually triggered the latest Lebanon War in 2006, as Hezbollah guerillas ambushed an IDF patrol killing four soldiers and abducted three from one of the disabled vehicles. Such missions could be effectively performed by unmanned vehicles without putting human soldiers in danger.

UGVs are part of a comprehensive unmanned ground system, based on the Tomcar chassis, a locally built off-road recreational vehicle, equipped with autonomous navigation, and obstacle sensing and avoidance sensors which both feed the control system. The vehicle can travel autonomously from point to point, following a pre-planned mission, employing its video and acoustic sensors to monitor a specific sector, and investigate objects of interest. The vehicle can negotiate various scenarios, with pre-planned responses, with or without human intervention. Such capabilities have already matured at Elbit in other programs. According to Tal Yeshaya, Head of Elbit Ground Systems, Israel, the company could utilize its robotic vision, obstacle detection and avoidance capabilities gained by its subsidiary ElOp subsidiary, through the development of laser radar obstacle avoidance capability for helicopters, which have now matured into the LORD system. When deployed, such robotic vehicles will become “triggers” which could discriminate between innocent and peaceful activities along the perimeter, to hostile or suspicious actions, based on the target’s responses.

Peripheral Vision

As the vehicle performs its mission, its operations are constantly monitored at the command post, where human operators are standing by to intervene when required.

According to Yeshaya, one of the most critical tasks for such system is the creation of “remote situational awareness”, where the remote vehicle can accurately “paint” a realistic and comprehensive situational display. Elbit is introducing several new capabilities to provide such capabilities, including the development of a hemispherical display, based on several video cameras covering 360 degrees. The images generated by each camera are automatically superimposed and “sewed” to create the digital, hemispheric picture which is transmitted back to the command post. Signal processing of a continuous sequence of such images enables more advanced capabilities, such as motion detection, object and obstacle tracking, etc. This hemispheric view also enables the vehicle and operator to point the main payload to investigate specific targets of interest. These capabilities were also implemented by the company in a parallel program, developed to enable tank and AFV crews to maintain full situational awareness while safely operating inside the vehicle, under the armor protection. Similar to the UGV application, this program also integrates sensors, external sensors and remotely operated systems to enable human operators to effectively conduct operations without maintaining direct visual or physical contact with the target.

QuickMEDS – Airborne Delivery System

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Mar 3, 2007

QuickMEDS, an “express delivery System” was developed by Dynetics in partnership with the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Research, Engineering, and Development Center ( AMRDEC) . The system provided a capability to deliver emergency supplies and materials to isolated ground forces, using unmanned aerial vehicles. QuickMEDS is a hollow, guided pod carried by a UAV. It guides to a point directly over the intended recipient and deploys a deceleration parachute prior to ground impact. A production pod will weigh about 10 lbs (4.5 kg). and will have a payload capacity of 10 lbs (4.5 kg), enabling small UAVs such as Shadow 200 to carry such pods. Drop tests from altitude of 2,000 ft (600 m’) demonstrated total system error levels of about 33 ft (10 m’).

Phazotron Zhuk AE AESA Radar

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Mar 2, 2007

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On the parked MiG-35 visting VIPs could get a closer look at the Russian latest AESA radar – the Zhuk-AE AESA, developed by Phazotron NIIR Corporation. India is already operating the BAR phased array radar on its Su-30MKI and has specified AESA as a critical element of the MRCA platform. This radar was developed with modular approach, enabling upgrading existing Zhuk ME/MSE radars, into the phased array equipped MFE/MSFE standard, deployed in MiG-29/Su-27 platforms.

This 3cm (X-band) radar. The Russians designed their radar to produce linear power output at the range of 6-8 watt, to address available power (provided by the aircraft) and performance (range). The radar uses multiple four channel transceivers modules generating an output of 5watt per channel, installed on a liquid cooled base plate to dissipate the generated heat. If a specific transceiver is overheated, it will be switched off by the radar computer until it cools down.

Zhuk-AE can detect aerial targets at ranges up to 130 km (head on) in both look-up or look down modes. Look-up tail-on detection range is 50km (40km look down). The radar can track 30 aerial targets in the track-while-scan mode, and engage six targets simultaneously in the attack mode.

The radar provides target designation data for various Russian made missiles such as the R-27R1(R1E0, RVV-AE, R-73E, Kh-31A, Kh-35E and R-27T(TE) missiles. The radar can distinguish and count closely flying targets as well as identifying targets with known signatures. Close maneuvering combat mode optimizes the system’s performance to provide effective vertical scans, coverage of the HUD field-of view, and slew to follow the helmet sighting angles. Special optimization is also provided in the helicopter detection mode, detecting and attacking slow-flying and hovering targets. In the air/surface mode the radar supports ranging, mapping and tracking of moving targets, The radar supports real-beam, Doppler beam sharpening and focused synthetic aperture modes, offering different map scale expansion, map ‘freezing’, and tracking of four targets, including ground or sea-surface moving targets. It has a sea-surface search mode. The Zhuk AE can detect a destroyer size target at a range of 200 km.

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Defense-UpdateMilitary Technology & Defense News

Defense-UpdateMilitary Technology & Defense News

Unmanned Patrols

Peripheral Vision

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