Countermeasures against computer worms
The dynamic quarantine program, managed by DARPA, is developing new capabilities for automatic detection and respond to worm-based protecting enterprise networks. As the protection system studies the threat, it will determine the worm’s propagation and epidemiology, and provide off-line rapid response forensic analysis of malicious code to identify its capabilities, modalities, and future behavior.
SMACM is a long range, long endurance, expendable unmanned air vehicle (UAV) that can be used in a reconnaissance role or in an armed version to attack moving or stationary targets. SMACM will be launched from outside the range of enemy air defenses from attack aircraft. The weapon incorporates a J45G turbojet engine, two-way datalink, multimode warhead and an all weather seeker.
The weapon is loaded with four powered LOCAAS weapons configured for the size and shape of a Small Diameter Bomb (line 3), will be carried internally under a BRU-61/B weapon’s rack to be used with F/A-22 and F-35 aircraft as well as JUCAS unmanned combat aircraft. The six foot long, 142 pound weapon will be equipped with larger wings to extend its range to 250 nm. It will be operable from all types of combat aircraft and UAVs. The SMACM vehicle offers a choice of two seekers – a Tri-Mode seeker combining milimeter wave RF radar, an Imaging Infrared (IIR) and semi-active laser (SAL) – similar to the seeker used for the JCM program. The three modes provide an all weather capability, and when seeker data is fused, it can categorize a target.
The second seeker, known as “Tri-Star Seeker” is a combination of MMW, active LADAR and SAL.When coupled with its automatic target recognition algorithms, Tri-Star technology provides a high probability of detection of tactical military vehicles and reliable combat ID. 3D images give the LADAR an effective capability to identify targets in cluttered environments, including detection of targets under camouflage or tree cover.
An armor upgrade for the British Army FV432 armored personnel carrier was developed by RAFAEL. While the Warrior has replaced it in the troop carrying role in the late 80s, many FV432 series vehicles remained in service operated as ambulances, command posts, mortar carriers and support vehicles. Recent extension of the FV432 service phase-out date from 2014 to 2020 required significant modernization of the vehicle. Modernization of 500 is currently planned, including automotive and protection improvements.
At DSEi 05 RAFAEL displayed an FV432 installed with appliqué reactive armor, RCWS-30 weapon station and thermal beacon for blue-force identification. The armor suit proposed by RAFAEL utilizes new-generation insensitive reactive armor, which is already produced for the US Army Bradley AFV and Israeli Army M113 series APC. The new insensitive reactive armor is optimized to provide all-round protection against shaped charge warheads including PG-7 rockets, as well as kinetic (KE) armor-piercing projectiles and high speed fragments delivered by explosions of artillery, mortars or roadside bombs and IED. The explosive element uses low-burning rate material that behaves like inert material during transportation, storage and maintenance but releases its full energy when hit by shaped charge warhead. The US Ministry of Transportation has classified the explosives in RAFAEL’s reactive armor as an “Extremely Insensitive Detonating Substance – EIDS).
For improved firepower, the FV432 is provided with the latest-generation Rafael Remote Controlled Weapon Station 30 (RCWS 30) armed with a stabilised US ATK Gun Systems Company 30mm MK 44 cannon. A 7.62mm MG is mounted co-axial, and installed on the left side is a two-round Spike LR missile launcher to engage tanks and other targets at long range.
Joint Land Attack Cruise Missile Defense Elevated Netted Sensors System (JLENS) utilizes a tethered early warning and surveillance sensor installed in an aerostat, positioned at medium altitude. Such system provides over-the-horizon detection and tracking of aircraft, helicopters, UAVs and primarily – the most illusive cruise missiles. JLENS will be positioned at an altitude of up to 15,000 feet for extended periods, to elevate radar, ESM and communication systems and networking assets which will offer wide-area surveillance and tracking of land attack cruise missiles. Such targets may go undetected by surface-based sensors because of terrain masking and line-of-sight locations of targets. Other sensors on board will also detect and tracking of surface moving targets. The system will effectively cover and track targets over 360-degree, providing an integrated air picture via multiple sensors and command, control, communications and intelligence (C3I) networks. The sensor suite consists of a surveillance radar (SR) and a precision track and illumination radar (PTIR). The SR provides a long-range air picture enhanced by identification friend or foe. The PTIR is a steerable, lightweight array capable of tracking multiple targets in a sector. The JLENS prioritizes remote and local tracks autonomously or accepts external requests for precision tracking and engagement support. An elevated sensor such as JLENS can support ground based air defense units, such as Patriot, Aegis/Standard Missile and SLAMRAAM. The large area coverage and multiple target tracking capability enable such system to support both surface-to-air and air-to-air missile engagements, by relaying updated intercept solutions to airborne missiles or via their launchers, in engage-on-remote and forward pass operating modes. In late November 2003, the Army announced its intention to redeploy the Rapid Aerostat Initial Deployment (RAID) force protection aerostat from Afghanistan to Iraq. A different concept of an untethered airship is pursued by Lockheed Martin. The program cost is estimated at US $149 million with completion expected by November 2010.
DTACT provides mission planning and rehearsal tools designed specifically to illustrate urban terrain. The system utilizes an integrated network of wireless communications units attached to each member of the combat team, computer terminals and PDAs at leaders and command levels, and integrated visualization and battle management tools designed to control, evaluate and debrief training exercises and operations.
The system uses an integrated tactical presentation showing the tactical plan and positions of each team member on aerial photos or maps, a tree-shaped ORBAT chart showing the status of each combatant, a reference map showing the combat zone relative to the surrounding area, and the battle time progress shown in gant graph view, which compares planning to actual execution of operations.
Software 3D visualization features include multiple angle visualization, line of sight calculation, location optimization for observation posts, firing positions and sensor, planning axis of advance generating video simulation of selected routes. Other features include determination of boundary lines, safety limits etc. A comprehensive Exercise Manager capable to plan, monitor and control any exercise. DTACT Exercise Manager supports the blue and red forces with cellular based communications, wireless LAN or any other form of communications capable of high data rate for transferring images and video. All participants use PDAs with GPS which monitor the exercise and track force location, status and actions. After Action review (AAR) are continuously recorded, with all messages, audio and video used. The system can interface with helicopters and ground sensors as well as other training aids such as MILES systems
New generation tactical radios have a central role in the creation of central Information Dominance. Deploying multi-mission software programmable CNR radios provide the core system for the new digital battlefield networks. Tactical Internet radios are required to maximize data throughput whilst maintaining range, connectivity and resistance to jamming in a highly disrupted environment.
Current versions of PR4G are provided with F@stnet protocol, supporting up to 64 kbps data transfer waveform, retaining the system’s frequency hopping and anti jamming modes. The system also supports a proprietary frequency hopping Multiplex mode (called SIVD) offering the capability of simultaneously and independently transferring secure Voice and Data communications in the same radio (without prioritizing voice over data or vice versa). The radio also supports standard IP/Ethernet interface makes through the F@stnet a tactical internet protocol. Thales has also enabled other information services with PR4G F@stnet including Short Messages Service (SMS), Situational Awareness and Ad Hoc Networking capabilities.
The US Army will field a comprehensive “enterprise level” maintenance information system for its ground combat vehicle fleet. The system will integrate existing test and diagnostic equipment to develop fleet wide logistic and situational awareness, implementing modern Condition Based Maintenance service that will enhance the operation and effectiveness of the tactical and combat vehicles of the current force.
DRS is developing the Condition Based Maintenance Information system under a US$10 million contract awarded by the for the U.S. Army Tank Automotive and Armaments Command Life Cycle Management Command (TACOM LCMC). The system will enable monitoring, recording and dissemination of operating parameters from individual vehicles to enterprise logistics network that can react to real or anticipated failures in a timely manner. Subsequently apply a set of decision-support tools to conduct logistics maintenance analyses for various combat vehicles, including Bradley Fighting Vehicles, Abrams Main Battle Tanks and Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV).
DRS already produces automatic test equipment (ATE) and integral diagnostic systems designed to diagnose and repair electronic components on Army M1A1, M1A2 and M1A2 System Enhancement Program (SEP) Abrams Main Battle Tanks, Bradley M2/M3 Fighting Vehicle Systems, and USMC’s Abrams tanks and Light Armored Vehicles (LAVs).
The B-52 also has a significant standoff capability but like the B-1B, it is usually operated after total air superiority has been established. B-52 bombers are becoming a valuable assets for close air support operations. This old workhorse can maintain position high over the battlefield, loaded with precision guided weapons which are employed against individual targets designated by special forces teams on the ground.
Targets can be designated by laser for pinpoint attack by laser guided weapons or by GPS coordinates, which are used to guide JDAM or JSOW weapons. B-52s can also carry target designation equipment, such as the Litening II targeting pod, for self-designation of targets for autonomous engagement. The B-52H is currently undergoing a mid-life update program which focuses mainly in avionics improvements.
December 8, 2006: Boeing will provide Alternate Mission Equipment (AME) avionics for existing B-52s, to support the introduction of new systems to support the AGM-142 Have Nap missile and other guided weapons on board. The AME doubles the size of the current display, which is associated exclusively with the AGM-142. It provides a color monitor, compared to the current black and white, and will enable the B-52 to utilize laser guided weapons in a way that is not available today.
B-52H are receiving regular updates to maintain its effectiveness at war. Of particular importance is the replacement of outdated avionics with new systems. These programs replace very expensive systems that are no longer available with advanced avionics, based on off-the-shelf elements. Sometime these new boxes are derived from other systems, yielding dramatic savings in costs and maintenance while improving performance. Among the recent modernizations was the introduction of new defensive system, which saved valuable space and power, clearing space for new systems in the rear cockpit.
Provided with virtually unlimited carrying capacity and space, the bomber is considered as a useful platform to host a range of intelligence collection ‘non-traditional ISR’ (NTISR) systems, and communications support offering direct access to supported elements on the ground. While the bomber itself is not considered for penetrating missions, its ability to remain on station for extended missions, carry massive loads of weapons, precision attack sensors (targeting pods) and support systems make it an indispensable support asset for asymmetric operations worldwide.
Another feature designed for the Merkava Mk 4 is a new turret mounted weapon station, controlled by the crew from within the fighting compartment. The IDF is testing several weapon stations, developed by RAFAEL, IMI and Elbit Systems.
Elbit is proposing this weapon station for lightweight patrol vehicles, such as the up-armored Humvee. Elbit and RAFAEL have also developed new overhead weapon stations, designed for APCs and wheeled fighting vehicles (such as the Stryker). Both systems use an elevated system design, mounting the ATK Mk44 automatic 30 mm gun, operated via remote control from within the fighting compartment. The RAFAEL system is designated RCWS-30 while Elbit’s entry is designated ORCWS-25-30.
While radars and IR scanners are effective for open area surveillance, urban combat poses distinct environmental challenges for troop protection. Special sensors are designed for such applications. For example, sensors are required to trigger an alarm when movement is detected inside a specific building or room, which could otherwise be considered as “clean”. Other sensors are designed to “look through walls” and identify human presence, movement beyond etc.
Ground sensors designed for urban operations are usually multi-sensor packages; their communications are designed to overcome the obstacles and multi-path reflections of urban terrain, and camouflaged to mimic common urban terrain features. An example is the Miniature Unattended Ground Imager (MUGI), developed by Seraphim. It provides covert, persistent visual surveillance of a target using periscopic EO, NIR and IR imaging devices, fitted with internal pan, tilt and zoom, As the device has no external movement the system can blend into the surrounding scene for covert operation. The device can remain in the field, delivering up to 10 days of imaging without battery replacement. BAE Systems has integrated a collection of four types of sensors for the US Army including Moving Target Indicator (MTI) Radar, Magnetic, Seismic, and Single Pixel IR packed into an integrated sensor unit. The unit will monitor its surrounding area and send reports to the user’s pager, PDA, or laptop PC. The different sensors are selected to match the specific environment. For example, where radar is blocked by metal siding, seismic and magnetic sensors can provide comparable coverage. The seismic sensor can also be highly effective to identify footsteps in a wood frame building but though unable to provide a direction or distance of such movement. The single pixel IR can localize the direction of a human if there is no blockage. By deploying different types of sensors, virtually uninterrupted coverage can be obtained.
Sniper Detectors
Other sensors are used to identify fire sources to facilitate quick and effective response. Such systems utilize both acoustic and EO sensors. These systems measure azimuth, elevation and distance of a sniper or small arms firing source. An example is the Viper Counter-Sniper System, developed in the mid 1990s for the US Naval Research Lab for counter-sniper activity. Viper is comprised of an infrared camera automatically detecting muzzle flash signature distinctive of small arms fire. A television camera with high power zoom provides target identification, and fire control. The system can be integrated with remotely controlled counterfire payload, which can mount lethal or less lethal means. Viper can be employed on fixed sites or in a vehicular installation. The system detects rifle fire within seventy milliseconds of its occurrence, during this time a supersonic bullet would travel less than 50 meters. A different system developed by RAFAEL is the Spotlite – a high precision, IR sensor capable of detection of small arms fire sources. The system detects multiple small arms/sniper fire sources simultaneously, day and night, at long distances. Spotlite analyzes the fire sources detected, verifying that it is actually enemy fire. Once verified, target parameters (type, location, elevation etc) are transferred to snipers and other weapon systems, thereby closing the sensor-to-shooter loop quickly and efficiently. Similar camera-based systems such as the Pivot system are integrating a camera and an acoustic detector (Pilar).
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Effective surveillance extending deep beyond the surrounding perimeter enables guarding forces to establish an adequate security around their base. Use of ground surveillance radars, optimized for short and medium range operations, augmented by panoramic electro-optical scanners are employed to maintain constant surveillance of the area, track suspicious movements and warn of evolving threats before these come within combat range with the security troops. Such systems enhance situational awareness of perimeter patrols, supporting them while attempting to intercept such suspects. Such sensors can also be linked directly to remote controlled firing posts, to engage potential targets when they can be confirmed as hostile. Further into the future, perimeter security could be augmented by robotic or autonomous vehicles equipped with non-lethal or lethal means, to engage, suppress and eliminate potential threats.
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The Meprolight RS-22 is a maintenance-free, dual illuminated, “red dot” reflex sight designed for quick and instinctive accurate shooting with both eyes open. Illumination of the aiming point is achieved by a fiber optic collector system during the day and by a miniature self-powered tritium light source at night. The MEPRO RS-22 is suitable for use with Night Vision Goggles or scopes, including those with GEN III tubes. The sight is designed to provide optimal shooting conditions under difficult lighting conditions.
The aiming dot illumination changes automatically according to the surrounding available light to maintain good contrast between the aiming dot and the target area. The fiber optic collector located on the front face gathers maximum light when shooting from within a dark enclosed space toward a bright target area. RS-22 can be equipped with a photo-chromatic lens which, will darken to improve contrast when aiming against extremely bright backgrounds. The sight is designed with back-Up Sight, automatically zeroed at the same time as the optical sight, and having a line of sight parallel to the optical line of sight. Using the emergency sight, the soldier can hit a full size figure at 100 meters – 7 shots out of 10.
Miniature aerial systems are the smallest UAVs used by lowest tactical echelons and special operation forces to gather intelligence “over the hill” and “around the corner”. These systems include many small UAVs, such as Raven, Desert Hawk, Pointer and Dragon-Eye, used by US forces, Tracker (DRAC) bought by France and Aladin, used by the German Army, the Israeli Skylark and more. Unlike the relatively noisy short range and tactical UAVs, these platforms are simple to operate, and can fly 1- 2 hours missions covering a pre-planned route or responding to specific requests from the operator. They are very quiet as they are powered by an electrical motor. Even smaller Micro-UAVs such as TACMAV are currently deployed with Special Forces and will soon be delivered to regular US Army units.
New stabilized payloads equipped with high power zooms specially developed for such small UAVs, deliver imagery from very low altitude (200 meters or lower) that sometime equal the quality and details provided by standard UAV payloads. A major shortfall of such systems is the low quality imagery provided by non-stabilized payloads. Electronic stabilization provides partial solution for video imagery not for still imagery. These small platforms are highly sensitive to vibrations caused by buffeting and wind wind gusts affecting low flying aircraft. Field support of these systems causes significant logistical burden on small units. Such aircraft are frequently damaged on landing, sustaining high operational tempo requiring continuous feed of replacement parts. US Marines witnessed this problem in Iraq with their Dragon-Eye systems. Another issue of concern is obstacle avoidance. Since the mini UAV flies at very low altitude, special measures must be taken, especially when operating in an urban area or in rough terrain covered with high vegetation.
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Lower echelons are supported by other systems, including Short Range and Tactical UAVs (TUAV). The short range category includes the IAI/Malat Searcher, Elbit Systems Hermes 450, General Atomics Predator, Northrop Grumman/IAIHunter and Sagem Sperwer while Tactical versions includes AAI Shadow, IAI/Malat Pioneer and the new IAI/Malt I-View. These unmanned aircraft are built to operate with the forward troops, operating at lower altitudes of up to 15,000 feet, and ranges of 125 – 250 km. Systems are designed to be self sustained in the field, deployable by lightweight vehicles and C-130 transports, equipped with the logistical support required for extended operations. Mission endurance is relatively short, around 7 – 20 hours. Short range tactical systems can utilize low-cost day only or night only sensors, but field experience has demonstrated that the use of multi-sensor payloads (EO/IR) provide more flexibility and better performance far beyond the cost saving of single sensor systems.
One of the biggest challenges of the tactical and short range UAVs is the weather. During OIF 60% of the missions were cancelled due to weather conditions. UAVs require relatively calm weather for takeoff and landing, and are adversely affected by turbulence. Operating at various altitudes, different sensors, from diverse locations in flexible concepts could improve mission success and overall system availability. Another issue EO payload operators is the limited field of view of the typical EO/IR payload. To gain situational awareness, operators must switch back and forth between narrow and wide fields of view, risking missing important details or losing tracks of moving targets. A functional solution for this problem is offered by “photo navigation” – building wide area mosaic of the area from individual video frames, or individual views taken in a special “stepping” mode. These images are geo-referenced to a standard grid and can also embed intelligence data and ‘blue force’ locations to provide optimal situational awareness. Stepping images can be obtained by standard or special payloads.
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