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    Logistics of Military Rechargeable Battery

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    Monitoring State of Charge (SoC)

    “Smart” monitoring of effective battery power is a significant aspect for military use, but it is rarely available with primary batteries. The use of State of Charge (SoC) Indicators and “Smart Bus” type communications enable users to monitor the health and charge state of the battery. While such implementations add to the cost of each battery, they reduce the total life cycle cost of the entire battery inventory, by reducing unnecessary replacement of batteries and enable the use of much of the available power. For rechargeable batteries, a combat device also requires an additional State of Health (SoH) indication that depicts the expected life expectancy of the fully charged device.

    In a network centric environment, where communications (and transmission) of data at high capacity are required, power requirements for portable and mobile electronics is outgrowing existing power sources capacity, leading to a shorter service per battery. The use of regenerable power is therefore becoming critical for military missions.

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    Logistic Aspects of Military Batteries

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    Primary batteries, particularly those made from lithium can deliver up to eight times the watt-hour capacity of conventional rechargeable batteries. However, new rechargeable batteries using lithium anode will also have higher capacity than the conventional rechargeable batteries. Although lower than those of the primary sources, they will provide a choice between freedom from charging and longer shelf life of the primary, or the potential cost saving with rechargeable batteries.

    Logistics of primary batteries are simple as portable energy can be made available at remote distribution points that are unmanned and have no electricity. Disposal is easy because little toxic material is used. However, because of one-time use, the cost of the primary battery is about 30 times higher than that of rechargeable cells. Primary batteries are also simple to store, as they require no maintenance. Primary battery has a shelf life of 10 years. In contrast, lithium-based batteries are good for 2-3 years only, whether used or not. Cool storage at a 40% charge level prolongs longevity. Nickel-based batteries are good for five years and longer, but require priming to regain performance after long storage.

    Stocking of rechargeable batteries require significant maintenance, keeping track of the battery’s state of health, cycle count and age. Due to high self-discharge, nickel-based batteries exhibit a 10-20% self-discharge per month. This compares with 5-10% for lithium and lead-based batteries. Self-discharge increases at higher temperatures. For this reason, secondary batteries are not an effective media for long-term energy storage, and must be fed before each activity. Specific maintenance procedures must be followed with each type of chemistry, operational use and environmental conditions.

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    Military use of Primary Lithium Batteries

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    While the commercial market is moving toward rechargeable power sources, military users are consuming the primary power sources (non rechargeable batteries) due to the simple logistics, long shelf life, readiness and robustness. Performance requirements for military grade portable power sources are much more demanding than commercial batteries. Military equipment requires high power rate and light weight (more power per volume unit). Weight consideration is a critical aspect, especially for dismounted operations. Military specs are also more demanding in the operating temperature and humidity range, water and salt resistance, as well as safety. These requirements limited the variations of primary battery chemistries and designs. In recent years, several armies have shifted to the use of rechargeable batteries for peacetime, training and garrison operations, as well as specific combat uses, to save in cost and transportation.

    The consideration for primary batteries is clear – combat readiness require immediate response, therefore, immediate availability of full and consistent power, no charging and priming before use – dictates the use of primary batteries that have no voltage delays, even after long storage periods. The implementation of modern lithium batteries significantly increased power density and reduced weight, when compared to earlier alkaline and carbon-zinc technology. One such technology is the matured Lithium sulfur dioxide (Li/SO2) primary battery technology. However, one of the major concerns for military users was the pressurized cylinders that compose the Li/SO2 cell. These cylinders contain electrolytes stored at high pressure that can explode if punctured by enemy fire or physical abuse. New production processes of Li/SO2 batteries have utilized non-pressurized cells. For example, a lithium-manganese dioxide (Li/MnO2) cell is constructed as a laminated, aluminized pouch that offers high energy density. Another concern was the emission of hazardous gases, in case of short circuit or overheating. Modern designs, especially those used in night vision equipment, are now being replaced with Li/MnO2 cells that have safety features to automatically shut down of the battery, when overheated. Modern portable electronic equipment is now moving toward the new Li/MnO2 chemistry, which has higher energy density than Li/SO2, since the cell utilizes the entire battery cavity.

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    Zinc-Air Battery Applications

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    Zinc-Air BA 8180 battery

    On Sept. 19 2005 Arotech announced a new type of 12V zinc-air battery compatible with the MBITR radios, operated by the US Special Forces, designated BA-8140/U. The non-rechargeable battery delivers 12V at 400 watt-hour. The company reported preliminary orders worth $478,000 for the new product.

    The BA-8180/U Zinc Air primary (non-rechargeable) battery is a 12/24 Volt, 800 Watt-hour battery pack, approximately the size and weight of a notebook computer. The battery is based on the new generation of lightweight, 30 ampere-hours cells developed by Electric Fuel. Rated at 350 wh/kg, the battery typically provided 4 to 6 times the run time of conventional BA-5590 offering longer mission endurance, improved safety and redundancy and considerable logistics saving. BA-8180/U is typically used with portable equipment, in locations where reliable electrical power is not available, or where long endurance operation of equipment is required – such as with long range patrols, and special operations teams, where the battery pack is carried in a rucksack, adjacent to the radio pack. In satellite communications applications, PSC-5 SATCOM terminals operated continuously for four days, powered by a hybrid zinc-air/lead-acid pack. The battery is used as an external power source, where it replace standard power packs such as BA-5590/U, BA-5390/U and BA-3590/U by using compatible adapters that fits into the battery compartment and plugs into the external source. Similar adapters can replace BB-390A/U, BB-5990/U, BB-690/Y and BB-2590/U rechargeable batteries.

    Another application of zinc-air power cells is charging of rechargeable batteries such as li-ion cells. The US Army is planning to field Forward Field Chargers, to support extended, dismounted operations. Advanced charging solutions are an integral part of the program, and the new Charger enables charging from a number of sources. Electric-Fuel is offering a version of the Forward Field Charger which uses the BA 8180 battery as a source of energy for field charging of military rechargeable batteries. Other sources supported by the system include solar panels, 24-volt vehicle batteries and 110/220 AC.

    Zinc-air battery electrochemistry is similar to Alkaline Manganese thus has similar safety and environmental properties
    MnO2 is replaced by oxygen from the
    atmosphere.

    Zinc-air batteries are considerably safer in combat situations and more environmentally friendly than lithium batteries. The US Army Communications Electronic Command (CECOM) orders started in 2003 after extensive testing and positive experience with troops during operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. In training, Zinc-Air packs powered PRC-119 radio sets for an average period of 6 – 9 days. Arotech reported in November 2003 an order of $5.2 worth of BA-8180/U zinc-air primary batteries, in addition to an ongoing 2003 order worth $4.1 million. The US Army plans to buy 150,000 BA-8180/U batteries under a sole source program announced in November 2003. In March 2005 CECOM ordered more 8180 and 8140 type batteries under a three-year $24 million contract signed in 2005. Arotech is producing the zinc-air batteries at its US production line in Auburn, Alabama.

    Laser Warning Devices for AFV

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    A key component in Missile Countermeasures Devices (MCD) and Active Protection Systems (APS) is the threat warning. The most mature system is the laser warning device.

    VVR-2 produced by Goodrich, has been deployed with USMC LAV reconnaissance vehicles since 1996, and are currently being augmented by the more advanced VVR-3, which is capable of detecting laser rangefinders, designators as well as beam-riding missiles at a 360 degrees azimuth and 55 deg. elevation. A similar system developed by EFW, is the Threat Detection System (TDS) a multi-spectral system that can detect both laser and IR illuminators. Offering high accuracy, the system has an expanded coverage of 110 degrees in elevation and 360 degrees azimuth.

    SHTORA-1 Active Defense System

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    A typical deployment of IR jammer can be seen on the Russian T-90, which mounts the Shtora-1 Defensive Aids System (DAS) shown on picture, with Kontakt5 ERA modules (left). The system protects the tank against guided missiles, using both the semi-active command to line of sight (SACLOS) guidance, by an IR source that mimics the flare on the back of missiles, as well as laser beam riders and laser-homing weapons. It should be effective against missiles such as the TOW, HOT, AT-4, AT-5 and Sagger (Malyutka). The Russian system also has some capability to counter laser-guided munitions and ATGMs (Such as Hellfire, Kornet etc).

    Shtora-1 uses a laser warning device operating in the 0.65-1.6 micron range, comprising of an array of coarse (photo below right) and fine resolution (photo below left) sensors, mounted externally on the turret. Each of the rough (coarse) laser sensor covers a sector of 135 degrees, while the fine sensor covers a 45 degrees, with 3.75 degrees angle of arrival resolution, and -5 to 25 deg. elevation coverage. The system can automatically slew the turret and gun at the direction of the threat, to optimize the deployment of a thermal smoke screen or activation of active protection systems. The sensor detects laser illuminating and alerts the crew and defensive systems. The warning display provides the commander and gunner with threat warning cueing, by sector (at a resolution of 5 degrees) and at a resolution of 3.75 degrees at the 90 deg. frontal arc. The display also provides jammer and countermeasures status indication. Countermeasures can employ a 81mm thermal instant smoke grenades, which deploy an instant smoke screen at a range of 50-80 meters from the tank, within 1.5 – 3 seconds. The 20 meter wide, 15 meter high screen blocks visual, thermal and laser (0.4 – 14 micron) wave bands. The system also employs a pair of electro-optical jammer, designated TShU1-7, which “hijacks” the missile’s command link by feeding the tracker with modulated signals that cause the missile to deviate from its course, and away from its intended target.

    Tavor Assault Rifle

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    Tavor, the new Israeli assault rifle is lightweight, compact and ergonomically designed to become an ‘organic’ part of the warfighter. It has already been chosen to arm the Israeli (IDF) and Indian elite troops, and is aggressively marketed worldwide, to become a weapon of choice for future infantry combat suits. Tavor is based on extensive research and development and close cooperation with the Israel Defense Forces. It was selected by the IDF in 2003, following an extensive competition against the M-4. The plant is gearing up to serial production delivering thousands of rifles starting 2006. TheGivati infantry brigade is the first unit to be equipped with the new rifle, gradually fielding the new weapon, beginning with all Summer 2006 new recruits. By March 2007, the Golani infantry brigade and the Kfir infantry brigade are scheduled to get the new weapons, completing the initial procurement batch of 15,000 assault rifles.

    Tavor assault rifles were tested extensively through three years with field units, modified to respond to evolving requirements realized during actual combat engagements in urban combat and special operations. Tavor was selected to be the future assault rifle for the IDF infantry units, and the weapon of choice for the IDF future infantry combat suits, replacing various types of M-16, M-4 and Galil. In 2004 India became the second country to choose Tavor for its elite troops. Georgia reportedly selected the weapon for its special operations units.

    Unlike conventional assault rifles, Tavor was developed to produce effective, fast and accurate fire in all conditions, including close combat. Its ergonomic design enables the soldier to operate the weapon as part of an integrated weapon system – such system does not rely only on technology, the system must rely on the human senses and capabilities, and respond best to the human needs. Tavor is well balanced and easily operated with a single (right or left) hand. Specific models can be configured for right or left handed users. With its integral optical sight, it can be aimed and fire accurately with both eyes opened, maintaining constant eye contact with the target, improving the soldier’s peripheral vision and maintaining effective situational awareness. The compact weapon fits comfortably, aimed instinctively and fired instantly and effectively even by a heavily loaded warfighter, in tight enclosures, where the use of longer weapons is impractical. All Tavor models use flat-top design to accommodate advanced sights and accessories. The current model selected by the IDF is produced of black composites (the original was olive green), some models, such as the sharpshooter version (shown in the picture above) uses Mil-Std 1913 (Picatinny) rail attachment mounting optical sights and other accessories. All versions have a foldable iron sights for backup.

    Tavor family includes three different models – TAR 21 assault rifle, slightly shorter TAR C21 designed for paratroopers and commanders and TAR S21 optimized for sharpshooters. The version taken by the IDF uses an integral sight, either the ITL MARS or self-luminous reflex sight Mepro-21, produced by Meprolite (the latest version of this sight is shown at the bottom of this page). The commander’s version TAR C21 can also use a combination of a reflex sight and telescope, or reflex sight and camera, configured for integrated combat suits. A sharpshooter version, TAR S21 also mounts a bipod and 4X telescope for precision firing. All weapons share a common bull-pup configuration use a common platform, with different barrel lengths. The Bull-Pup design enables Tavor to maintain short and compact dimensions with a long barrel. The standard rifle measures 725mm and uses a 480mm barrel (TAR21/S21) while the smaller (640mm total length) C21 has a 380mm barrel. The total weight of the weapon ranges from 3.18 kg for C21 to 3.67 kg of the fully equipped S21. A wide range of sights is available for the Tavor, including the MARS integrated laser pointer and reflex sight night vision 3X magnifying sight, day telescope with 4X magnification, 3X daylight or night vision viewer mounted behind the reflex sight, enabling day and night operation without sight change, special reflex sight for the grenade launcher. Other accessories include 40mm grenade launcher kit, silencer, 20 or 30 round magazines, clip for two magazines, etc. Tavor is capable of sustained rate of fire of 750 – 900 rounds per minute.

    Tavor Assault Rifle

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    Manufacture: Israel’s Weapons Industries (IWI)

    Tavor, the new Israeli assault rifle is lightweight, compact and ergonomically designed to become an ‘organic’ part of the warfighter. It has already been chosen to arm the Israeli (IDF) and Indian elite troops, and is aggressively marketed worldwide, to become a weapon of choice for future infantry combat suits. Tavor is based on extensive research and development and close cooperation with the Israel Defense Forces. It was selected by the IDF in 2003, following an extensive competition against the M-4. The plant is gearing up to serial production delivering thousands of rifles starting 2006. TheGivati infantry brigade is the first unit to be equipped with the new rifle, gradually fielding the new weapon, beginning with all Summer 2006 new recruits. By March 2007, the Golani infantry brigade and the Kfir infantry brigade are scheduled to get the new weapons, completing the initial procurement batch of 15,000 assault rifles.

    Tavor assault rifles were tested extensively through three years with field units, modified to respond to evolving requirements realized during actual combat engagements in urban combat and special operations. Tavor was selected to be the future assault rifle for the IDF infantry units, and the weapon of choice for the IDF future infantry combat suits, replacing various types of M-16, M-4 and Galil. In 2004 India became the second country to choose Tavor for its elite troops. Georgia reportedly selected the weapon for its special operations units.

    Unlike conventional assault rifles, Tavor was developed to produce effective, fast and accurate fire in all conditions, including close combat. Its ergonomic design enables the soldier to operate the weapon as part of an integrated weapon system – such system does not rely only on technology, the system must rely on the human senses and capabilities, and respond best to the human needs. Tavor is well balanced and easily operated with a single (right or left) hand. Specific models can be configured for right or left handed users. With its integral optical sight, it can be aimed and fire accurately with both eyes opened, maintaining constant eye contact with the target, improving the soldier’s peripheral vision and maintaining effective situational awareness. The compact weapon fits comfortably, aimed instinctively and fired instantly and effectively even by a heavily loaded warfighter, in tight enclosures, where the use of longer weapons is impractical. All Tavor models use flat-top design to accommodate advanced sights and accessories. The current model selected by the IDF is produced of black composites (the original was olive green), some models, such as the sharpshooter version (shown in the picture above) uses Mil-Std 1913 (Picatinny) rail attachment mounting optical sights and other accessories. All versions have a foldable iron sights for backup.

    Tavor family includes three different models – TAR 21 assault rifle, slightly shorter TAR C21 designed for paratroopers and commanders and TAR S21 optimized for sharpshooters. The version taken by the IDF uses an integral sight, either the ITL MARS or self-luminous reflex sight Mepro-21, produced by Meprolite (the latest version of this sight is shown at the bottom of this page). The commander’s version TAR C21 can also use a combination of a reflex sight and telescope, or reflex sight and camera, configured for integrated combat suits. A sharpshooter version, TAR S21 also mounts a bipod and 4X telescope for precision firing. All weapons share a common bull-pup configuration use a common platform, with different barrel lengths. The Bull-Pup design enables Tavor to maintain short and compact dimensions with a long barrel. The standard rifle measures 725mm and uses a 480mm barrel (TAR21/S21) while the smaller (640mm total length) C21 has a 380mm barrel. The total weight of the weapon ranges from 3.18 kg for C21 to 3.67 kg of the fully equipped S21. A wide range of sights is available for the Tavor, including the  MARS integrated laser pointer and reflex sight night vision 3X magnifying sight, day telescope with 4X magnification, 3X daylight or night vision viewer mounted behind the reflex sight, enabling day and night operation without sight change, special reflex sight for the grenade launcher. Other accessories include 40mm grenade launcher kit, silencer, 20 or 30 round magazines, clip for two magazines, etc. Tavor is capable of sustained rate of fire of 750 – 900 rounds per minute.

    Land Warrior Infantry Combat Suite Stryker Vehicle Integration

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    Following evaluation of the Land warrior system over several years, the US Army decided to drastically simplify the system, making it less complex, more durable and suitable for realistic combat conditions. The resulting system is the Land warrior Stryker, or “Mounted Warrior”, now scheduled for completion and deployment by 2006. New features provide dismounted soldiers combat identification for enroute situational awareness and power recharge to reduce “friendly fire” incidents; CDA leader planning tool, weight and power reduction, scalable and tailored for operational missions, enables transition to Army Future Combat Systems interoperability, and path for technology insertions from Objective Force Warrior (OFW – currently designated Future Force Warrior  or FFW) and other sources.

    Mounted Warrior equips Army crew members assigned to Stryker vehicles and requires the use of a helmet mounted display for hands-free viewing and increased situational awareness. Following a competitive evaluation of various helmet mounted displays, held in August 2005, the Army selected the ProView S035 monocular helmet mounted display provided by Rockwell Collins. The same design has been qualified for use in the Army’s Land Warrior program.

    Key capability of the system is its interoperability with the Stryker family of combat vehicles, attained through a Stryker Vehicle Integration Kit (VIK). When mounted on the vehicle, VIK provides voice intercome and radio communications, data communications and electrical power recharging connectivity through an umbilical connection. Voice and data connections are provided through an extension of the individual soldier’s personal Area Network system, providing intranetworking between team members as well as radio and data connectivity with external sources, carried through the vehicle’s intercom system. On dismounted operations, soldiers will have full communications via the vehicle’s radios and data systems, as long as they remain within wireless network’s effective range. When mounted, each soldier will also have seamless synchronization of tactical information, via data connection with the Army Battle Command System (ABCS) through the vehicle’s FBCB2 system. Prior to dismounting, the system will provide an update position of all associated elements, as received from the vehicle’s GPS system. The VIK will have battery recharging racks to replenish batteries drained during dismounted operations.

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    AN/MPQ-64 Sentinel Air Defense radar

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    The Sentinel radar is deployed with forward area air defense units of the US Army and USMC. The radar uses an X-band range-gated, pulse-Doppler system. The antenna uses phase-frequency electronic scanning technology, forming sharp 3D pencil beams covering large surveillance and track volume. The radar automatically detects, tracks, classifies, identifies and reports targets, including cruise missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles, rotary and fixed-wing aircraft. It uses a high scan rate (30 RPM) and offers effective coverage of 40 km. The radar is designed with high resistance to electronic countermeasures (ECM) performs target acquisition, tracking and identification. Mounted on a towed platform, it can be positioned remotely from the rest of the unit, operated autonomously and communicate with the Fire Distribution Center (FDC) via wideband fiber-optic link. Under an ongoing product modernization program, Sentinel is expected operating range to 75 km and offer improved on-board target classification capability.

    Organic Air Vehicle (OAV)

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    The Future Combat System (FCS) Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV) plan consists of a family of several types of airborne vehicles, including the Organic Air Vehicle (OAV). The OAV will be designed to operate from the battlefield, by the field troops, and provide small combat teams and individual soldiers with the capability to detect the enemy forces concealed in forests or hills, around buildings in urban areas, or in places where the shooter does not have a direct line-of-sight. OAVs can perch and stare, and essentially become sentinels for maneuvering troops. Rather than sending a soldier into harm’s way to scout a particularly potential high-risk area, the unit will be able to use the OAV instead. Typical OAV missions include reconnaissance and surveillance, path finding for friendly ground vehicles (both robotics and manned), maneuver force protection, and targeting for non-line-of-sight fire operations.

    The OAV is designed for the platoon level of the Unit of Action (UA) of the FCS equipped combat formation. The OAV is excepted to weigh +35 kg and have mission endurance of 25 minutes. It will dash at speeds of 80 km/h and higher, up to a range of up to 2,000 m, The platform will carry payloads of 3 – 3.5kg comprising of EO, IR, SIGINT, acoustic, mine detectors and communications relays. It will operate from a vehicle platform, either a Hummer or autonomous (robotic) transporter launcher. An example of the OAV is the iSTAR system.

    OAVs are currently under development in two groups – a larger, Class II version and a backpackable Class I version. Three teams were awarded development contracts for Class II OAVs: GoldenEye industry team, led by Aurora Flight Sciences, also includes Northrop Grumman and General Dynamics Robotic Systems. The Honeywell led team, with team members AAI, AVID and Techsburg Inc. The third team is led by BAE Systems. The program will develop a Class-II UAV prototype for the Army’s Future Combat Systems (FCS). Combined, the three phases of the program have the potential to last 48 months and have a total program value in excess of $30 million. During the initial phase, the teams will develop a preliminary design for the OAV-II system and demonstrate the critical elements of the collision avoidance subsystem. A Phase II award decision is expected during the summer of 2005, shortly after the completion of Phase I.

    The OAV II will be fully integrated with manned and unmanned ground combat vehicles as a net-centric battlefield assets. The GoldenEye proposed system consists of the VTOL unmanned platform, that uses thrust vectoring and torsionally disconnected wings that was originally developed for an earlier DARPA program. GoldenEye will maintain range and endurance to cover the entire forward edge of battle area, and will feature advanced collision avoidance capability that will allow it to operate in dense urban areas. The aircraft will have the capability to detect targets with visual or infrared sensors and laser designate the targets. In spite of these robust capabilities, GoldenEye will not require runways or helipads to operate. Its small logistical footprint will enable it to move with the FCS small combat unit. The Honeywell version for the OAV-II is based on the 29-inch-diameter iSTAR ducted fan vehicle developed for DARPA. The UAV is controlled with Honeywell’s micro-electric mechanical systems (MEMS) technology. The vehicle is equipped with forward and downward looking video cameras that relay information to a remote ground station video terminal. Variants of these air vehicles also can be equipped with a variety of sensors, including those for biological hazard and mine detection. No details are available at present on the BAE proposal.

    A smaller version of the OAV is the class-I vehicle, considered to be soldier transportable system, able to take off and land vertically or from a very short strip. Man portable OAV-I versions are under development by the GoldenEye and Honeywell teams to provide “hover and stare” battlefield surveillance and forward scout missions. These vehicles should weigh up to 10 Kg, including 0.5 kg payload. Powered by a diesel fuel engine, it will be required to perform relatively short missions, of up to 15 minutes with a range of 1,000 meters. Operational ceiling will be 2,400m’ above sea level. The system should have a low acoustic signature of less than 75 db from a distance of 7 m’.

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    Miniature Aerial vehicles Research

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    In 1996 – 2000 DARPA initiated the Micro Air Vehicle (MAV) Program initiative, seeking to develop and test emerging technologies that could evolve into a mission capable flight system for military surveillance and reconnaissance applications. The only requirement was that the dimension of the vehicle should not exceed 15 cm. There were no other restrictions on the design. Inspired by the elegant aerodynamics of flying insects, University of California (Berkeley) engineers responded with the development of a flying robot that weighs less than a paper clip. The micromechanical flying insect (MFI), which is funded by ONR and DARPA, could be used in future search, rescue, monitoring, and reconnaissance.

    Another program is the Robofly, a stealth robotic flyer that is about the size of a fly. Squads of roboflies may one day be sent to seek out targets, collect and provide information on damage assessment, or search for chemical and biological warfare agents.

    Many variations of fixed wing, rotary wing and flapping flight concepts have all been explored. Various systems evolved from the MAV program, but none of the miniature (<15cm) vehicles devolved sofar into a full scale program. Among the systems DARPA tested were the Black Widow MAV – a 50 gr. circular platform that could loiter on a mission for half hour, and the Hoverfly VTOL 180 gr. vehicle, three axis stabilized miniature vehicle that could cruise for 13 minutes and hover for 7 minutes.

    Another platform which was recently tested by DARPA was the Wasp micro UAV – a 32 cm “flying wing” made of a plastic lithium-ion battery material that provides both electrical power and wing structure. The wing utilized the Telcordia synthetic battery material, that generates an average output of more than nine watts during flight – enough power to propel the miniature aircraft for one hour 47 minutes, a world record for MAVs – more than three times the previous record of 30 minutes set in the year 2000. Anoter design tested was the 180gr. The US Special Forces are already using micro UAV known as TACMAV, weighing 340gr.

    In 2003 Israel also entered the development of micro UAVs, with the first flight of the Mosquito 1 micro UAV. The 205 gr. MAV flew several 40 minute missions, equipped with a basic video camera. The design was improved since and an enhanced system is scheduled for testing later this year, equipped with autonomous flight capability and improved sensors. Another design – MicroStar, was developed by Sanders (currently BAE), demonstrated endurance of 30 minutes, at a mission range of up to 3 km, flying at altitudes of 50 – 300 feet. MicroStar was tested with both electric engine powered by Lithium ion batteries, as well as a 9″ diameter micro turbine jet.

    Possible missions suggested for MAVs were squad-level combat, battle damage assessment, air or artillery spotting, sensor dispersal, communications relay, and detection of mines and hazardous substances. MAVs could also be equipped with small jamming systems to confuse radar or communications equipment at very short range. MAVs capable of hovering and vertical flight would be used to scout out buildings for urban combat and counter terrorist operations. A MAV could also be included in a airman’s survival kit, used by a downed pilot to keep track of approaching enemy search parties, or relay communications to search and rescue units. Follow-on to the DARPA MAV program are the OAV.

    The current phase of the DARPA MAV program is the Advanced Concept Technology Demonstration (ACTD), ongoing in 2004 – 2005. Its goal program is to further develop and integrate MAV technologies into militarily useful and affordable backpackable systems suitable for dismounted soldier, marine, and special-forces missions. It will focus on the development of MAVs to accomplish unique military missions, particularly with regard to flight operations in restricted environments. The system will provide the small unit with militarily useful, real-time combat information of difficult to observe and/or distant areas or objects in complex topographies such as mountainous terrain with caves, heavily forested areas with dense foliage and triple canopy jungle, confined spaces (often internal to buildings) and high concentrations of civilians. The initial MAV technology development program focused on the technologies and components required to enable flight at small scales, including flight control, power and propulsion, navigation and communications. The MAV ACTD program has broadened the technology development efforts, including multi-purpose structures, advanced communications and information systems, high performance computer technology, Micro-electro-mechanical Systems (MEMS), advanced sensors, advanced electronic packaging technologies, and lightweight, efficient high-density power sources.

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    Miniature Aerial vehicles

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    In recent conflicts the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) proliferated, in support of all types of combat missions. Today, UAVs are offering various services, including intelligence gathering for tactical, theater and national level, maintaining patrols on homeland security and maritime surveillance missions, providing various force protection coverage, in support of deployed forces in the West bank and Gaza, Iraq, Afghanistan and Iraq. On the strategic level, large UAVs are performing these missions with dedicated payloads. However, smaller, tactical UAVs are being developed to support tactical units with very short range “over the hill” and “around the corner” intelligence, and assist in force protection. While each mission requires a different profile and capabilities, the man portable Miniature Aerial Vehicles (MAV) are designed to provide reasonably good performance at an affordable price.

    To effectively support the field troops, smaller UAVs are designed, ranging from backpackable systems to insect-sized “mesicopters”, and miniature “smart dust” sensors. They can be launched by hand, deployed by larger UAVs, or ejected from artillery or mortar projectiles, as expendable sensors. These systems are broadly designated as Miniature Aerial Vehicles (MAV). Current systems are relatively large for a “micro” designation. However, new electro-opto-mechanical integrated microSYSTEMs currently in research and development will enable these systems to be much smaller, and operate autonomously in concert, to monitor and sense the battlefield, and further than that engage and defeat a wide variety of hostile forces across the entire spectrum of conflict.

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    SST Step-Stare EO Payload

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    A lightweight EO payload, WESCAM 11SST (Step-Stare Turret) offers a unique capability to rapidly cover a large area with is its “step-stare” function. The payload is equipped with gimbaled, tri-sensor stabilized bench designed for high speed step-stare functioning (>120deg./sec slew rate). The sensor captures seven video frames per second, images are compressed and streamed to the control station, where they are tiled together to create a hi-resolution digital image of a large area. 11SST covers up to 300sq kilometers per hour, from an altitude or distance of 4,000meters. 
    The payload can accommodate an optional geo-positioning and image processing package for flexible automatic positioning and automatic target tracking. The payload is equipped with 3rd generation 3-5nm InSb FLIR, a color daylight CCD sensor with x14 zoom lens (2.2-28.5mm) and an eyesafe laser rangefinder.

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