Liteye OLED Helmet Mounted Displays

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Nov 21, 2005

Liteye 450 helmet mounted display (HMD) introduced by mid-2005 is a rugged, waterproof lightweight display that snaps into a standard PVS-14 military helmet mount, replacing the NVG tube. This self-contained color monocular OLED display weighs only 100 gr. including all the electronics providing ‘plug and play’ connection to any mobile computing device. Liteye can be used on left or right eye.

displaying “true color” 800×600 full color resolution, Liteye LE-450 supports standard SVGA, NTSC, PAL, RS170 and RS232 signals.

By early 2005 Liteye introduced the LE-500, a rugged helmet mounted display unit which offers user selectable see-through capability and patented optics that have been engineered specifically to optimize the OLED display. LE-500 can be used as a standard HMD or for augmented reality applications. The design is optimized to provide high definition and visual clarity of data and minimum distortion, under all lighting conditions, in covered or see-through modes of operation. The device can be set to display 16:9 and 4:3 image aspect ratio, the display is 800×600 full color SVGA compatible; supporting up to 256 gray shades monochrome video. LE-500 has a low power consumption. It can operate on four AA batteries for 35 hours, or feed from a central power distribution source via standard USB connection.

Rechargeable Power For Military Use

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Nov 21, 2005

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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. Therefore, using regenerable power is becoming critical for military planning.

The use of rechargeable technology has many benefits for military users, especially in cost saving and logistics. However, rechargeable Ni-Cd batteries have high specific weight, low energy density (NiMH) and limited capability in low or high temperatures, when compared to primary technology, and therefore, were used mainly for training. Recent technologies made significant improvements in energy density and reduction of total cell weight, especially with the introduction of lithium-ion and Lithium ion polymer rechargeable technologies.

The British Army is currently fielding a new range of rechargeable power sources for its Bowman battlefield communications system, the next generation communications system for the UK military. The new Lithium Ion batteries will replace Ni-Cd cells used in the current Clansman systems. The new batteries will power portable radios, handheld computers, Global Positioning Systems and encryption devices. The US Army is also moving some units to use rechargeable batteries. For example, Units in Afghanistan are now using only rechargeable batteries such as BB 2590.

The British Army is currently fielding a new range of rechargeable Li-ion batteries, replacing older and heavier Ni-Cd cells. The lightweight batteries offer much improved operation in extreme temperatures, with a range of -51C to +75C degrees. The temperature performance of the Cell will end the practice of “shirt stuffing” whereby the existing Ni-Cd battery is carried next to the skin in an attempt to keep it warm. Extended operational life and lower weight also improve the soldier’s load factor. A typical 6 man patrol will have full control over its battery resources, and be able reduce its attributable battery weight load from 14kg to less than 3kg – giving advantages in both mobility and capacity for other equipment.

When properly implemented, self charging of batteries enable re-use of inventory and reduced burden on the supply channels. In the absence of electric power, charging can be done through solar power, windmills and hand-crank generators and fuel cells. Future recharging technologies are also in development, utilizing photo-voltaic and kinetic power sources.

Additional Parts of this article :

Powering the Land Warrior
Military use of Primary Lithium Batteries
Rechargeable Power For Military Use
Logistic Aspects of Military Batteries
Logistics of Military Rechargeable Battery

Al-Thalab (Fox) – Long Range Patrol Vehicle

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Nov 21, 2005

Al-Thalab, Long Range Patrol Vehicle (LRPV) designed by Jankel Armouring Ltd. was developed in the UK and carried field trials in the UK and Jordan. Development and production is carried out under a joint venture with Jordan’s King Abdullah II Design & Development Bureau (KADDB). The vehicles will be produced in Jordan starting early 2006, for use by the kingdom’s security forces.

Al-Thalab is designed for patrol missions, internal security, reconnaissance and border patrol forces. Designed for long range missions, LRPV can travel on 1,500 km missions without resupply, carrying a crew of four, including driver, commander and two crew members and a payload of 1,700 kg, including supplies for 10 days. Two weapon stations are mounted at front and rear, providing a stable static firing position. The vehicle is fitted with two antenna mounting bases and power takeoff points for radio equipment. The vehicle uses Toyota 79 chassis (4×4 Landcruiser pickup), which is common in most countries worldwide. The vehicle can be sustained over long periods in remote areas with limited or no support. Mechanical components are of a basic design and not overly reliant on electronic management systems, thus enabling field repairs wit standard automotive parts.

Heron MALE System – Medium Altitude Long Endurance UAV

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Nov 21, 2005

The Heron (Mahatz) MALE UAV system has been developed by IAI / Malat, to carry out strategic reconnaissance and surveillance. Initially deployed with the Indian defense forces, for high altitude land surveillance and maritime patrol missions, the Heron has been acquired by the Israel Air Force and Turkish defense Forces, for similar applications.

In May 2005 IAI announced the Turkish procurement contract worth $150 million, under which a joint company owned equally by IAI and Elbit Systems will be subcontracted by the Turkish TUSAS Aerospace Industry (TAI) to supply Heron UAVs, Elbit Systems ground systems and payloads for the Turkish MOD. Another contract worth of $50 million was signed with Israel MOD for the supply of Heron UAVs and multi-year support. According to IAI, the delivery of the first system is imminent. The IAF designation of the new UAV will be “Shoval” (Trail in Hebrew). It will replace the Searcher I and II currently in service.

A derivative of the Heron named Eagle was selected by the French Air Force, to provide strategic and theater reconnaissance, intelligence collection and communications support. It is also expected to operate in the maritime surveillance and anti-surface warfare role. The UAV is powered by a 115 hp Rotax 914 engine and is designed to operate on missions of over 40 hours at an altitude of 30,000 feet. It can carry multiple payloads at a total weight of 250kg.

An enhanced version of the Heron, called Heron TP or Eitan, is developed for the Israel Air Force. Both vehicles are fully autonomous throughout the mission, including the automatic takeoff and landing phases. The vehicle is designed to carry multiple payloads, and perform multiple missions, such as COMINT, SIGINT and IMINT or SAR, IMINT and communications relay etc. Eagle can carry several types of sensors, including maritime patrol radar (MPR), different types of SAR/MTI, EO/IR payloads, SIGINT, COMINT, laser designator, communications relays etc.

Holographic Weapon Sight (HWS)

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Nov 21, 2005

The Holographic Weapon Sight (HWS) developed by EOTech is widely used by the US Special Forces. HWS is available in several versions, including Model 510 daylighht sight and 550 day/night vision compatible sight. In the HWS, the aiming reticle is projected on the display using a holographic pattern, which is instantly visible in any lighting condition, utilizing a 10,000,000:1 bright to low reticle contrast ratio, regardless of the shooting angle.

The standard A65-1 aiming reticle’s outer diameter is about the size of a 6 foot target – an average height of an adult man seen from a distance of 100 meters. Moving out to 200 meters, the same target will occupy half of the outer ring diameter. This enables an intuitive range measurement of a man-sized target at ranges of 100 and 200, up to 400 meters (half radius).

HWS can be used with night vision viewer in tandem configuration. The sight can be used with both eyes open, improving peripheral view and situational awareness. Reticles are designed as large, see-through patterns, efficiently enabling target acquisition and tracking without obscuring the aim-point. Since the holographic pattern can be generated even on a fraction of the display surface, the sight can function even when the display is shattered, or covered with mud or snow. The flat anti-reflective lens eliminates any reflective glare signature.

Model 510 is waterproof and submersible up to 3 meter depth. Model 550 is sealed against water up to a depth of 10 meters. A new modification of the HWS sight is the Hollographic Magnified System (HMS) which uses a dual-purpose reticle ballistically matched to the NATO 5.56 round. Range estimation is facilitated by four dots, measuring man-sized targets at range gates of 0-300, 400, 500 and 600 meters. The brightness settings of the HMS were relocated to the side of the sight, enabling the attachment of an X4 magnifying scope for precision fire at extended range. The sight is powered by two standard AA 1.5 volt batteries which can last for up to 900 hours (hi-power lithium batteries). To date, EOTech is gearing for manufacturing of 70,000 sights of which 60,000 are on order for the US Special Operations Command, 6,000 for the Army and 2,000 for the USMC.

DSEi-2005 Exhibition Review – Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAV/UAS)

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Nov 20, 2005

A new MOD program calling for the early demonstration of loitering weapons was unofficially unveiled at DSEI, with MBDA and Ultra displaying systems providing persistent coverage, deterrence and kill of enemy targets over a wide area and extended period of time. At present LMCD program is focusing on two systems – the White Hawk, proposed by MBDA based on IAI’s E-Harpy and the BLADE, proposed by Ultra, based on an armed version of the EMIT/RAFAEL Sparrow M. The loitering weapon will be able to deliver fast effects over a wide area, with pin-point accuracy.

Thales presented the Watchkeeper UAV system, expected to field by 2010 providing intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance services the British Army. The program’s cost was trimmed to GBP700m with the decision to focus on a single platform (WK-450) and standard shelter-based Ground Control System (GCS).

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DSEi-2005 Exhibition Review – Infantry Systems

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Nov 20, 2005

Infantry systems presented at DSEi included a wide range of weapons, accessories and gadgets designed to fit current warrior’s needs and future infantry suits such as the British FIST.

The British Army’s Future Integrated Soldier Technology (FIST) program is progressing well. At a briefing at DSEi, Thales indicated the program is on time and budget to proceed to the next phase of validation testing in October 2005. In the development and evaluation process Thales and the Defense Procurement Agency conducted some 50 equipment mini-trials as part of the system functionality testing and risk reduction process.

While FIST improves the full capability of the infantry warrior, the greatest enhancement of this capability will come from the introduction of command, control, communications, computers and intelligence (C4I) tools to the section level. Systems such as situational awareness applications are not expected to be available to all section members, but mainly to the junior combat leaders. At present, the section’s elements will include commander, grenadier, gunner and marksman – each role will be provided for by a specific variation of the FIST design. FIST suits will retain the current SA-80 A2 assault rifle. This weapon is already equipped with an optical sight’ a 40mm grenade launcher will be fitted to the grenadier’s weapon.

Significant attention was given to optical rifle sights, widely used inlow-intensity conflict operations, where precision and minimizing collateral damage becomes imperative. Among the sights on display were new systems from Trijicon, Aimpoint, Elcan, a thermal sight from Raytheon, and first release of the Viper advanced weapon sight, integrated with fire control unit, developed by ITL. Other warrior oriented systems on display included wearable PCs, eyepieces, earphones supporting directional audio reproduction, using 3D audio, power management systems and batteries etc.

Raytheon displayed an early model of its Close Combat Thermal Targeting Sight (CCTTS) using an uncooled thermal detector based on vanadium oxide (VOx) 8-12 micron focal plane array, offering 320 x 240 pixel resolutions. With a weight of 1.7 kg it is designed to fit standard MIL-1913 or PCAPS interface on 5.56mm rifle systems, providing 18° field-of-view with x3 zoom capability. The system is equipped with built-in infrared (IR) laser pointer and IR illuminator operating in the 850 nanometre range, making it compatible with current night-vision goggle systems.

Wearable Gadgets

Quantum3D THERMITE, now in full production, was displayed at DSEi for the first time. THERMITE is a man wearable, high performance, real-time tactical visual computing device. As a man-portable computer, the new computer supports real-time 2D/3D tactical visual processing utilized for embedded training, mission rehearsals and deployed C4ISR applications. The small size THERMITE weighs one kilogram without batteries. 3D images and “virtual environments” processed by wearable computers such as THERMITE can be displayed by lightweight visors, such as the Z800 3D visor, developed and produced by eMagine.

Z-800 provides immersion-capable 3D computing experience, enabling the soldier or combat analyst to be surrounded with visual data they need to conduct realistic training. Apart from training, such immersive viewers can be used for remote control of systems, command and control. The viewer comprises two Organic LED (OLED) microdisplays providing full-motion stereo video in 16.7 million colors. The visor weighs less than 8 oz and provides an image resolution and size comparable to 105 inch projection screen viewed from four meters. To support the virtual reality scene, 3D audio communication can be used. 3D audio applications are already considered for Soldier modernization systems. One such program is under development by a team led by Sennheiser Canada under the Canadian Soldier Integrated Headgear System (SIHS) program.

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DSEi-2005 Exhibition Review – Artillery & Fire Support

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Nov 20, 2005

Responding to a British requirement for deployable heavy artillery, BAE Systems unveiled a new modified truck, called Portee, designed to carry and support the M777 lightweight artillery. Giat will be competing with their gun carrier – Ceasar. Both companies are also eyeing other opportunities primarily down under in Australia, where other companies such as Soltam and Denel and SWS are competing for a mobile artillery program. Soltam also promoted its new mortar carrier system Cardom, which is already in production for the US Army Stryker brigades, mounted on the Stryker APC. A different version of Cardom is also under final evaluation for the Israeli Defense Forces.

Precision artillery projectiles were also on display, including Excalibur and SMART. Advanced mortar munitions on display included the PGMM under development at ATK and the laser guided Israeli Fireball, developed by IAI/MBT – both 120mm mortar shells.

New details about the British MOD Loitering Munition Capability Demonstration (LMCD) program surfaced here, as several exhibitors, including Ultra Electronics, Lockheed Martin, Diehl and MBDA unveiled precision guided loitering munitions proposed for a forthcoming MOD evaluation and demonstration. Such loitering weapons are required to provide persistent coverage, deterrence and kill of enemy targets over a wide area and extended period of time. The loitering weapon will be able to deliver rapid effects over a wide area, with pin-point accuracy. A more conventional concept of a loitering weapon is the armed UAV.

While no such UAV platforms were on display, Northrop Grumman were open to discuss the capabilities of its Viper Strike weapon, designed for deployment from endurance platforms such as UAVs of the Heron, Hermes and Predator class, as well as the AC-130 gunship. EDO displayed its newly released lightweight weapon’s carrier, developed especially for UAVs, while Lockheed Martin brought a model of the SMACM, currently under development in the US.

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DSEi-2005 Exhibition Review – Land Combat Systems

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Nov 20, 2005

General Dynamics UK highlighted the hybrid electric powered AHED platform, which is being prepared for testing for the UK FRES program. The same platform is one of the prime candidates for some of the US Army Future Combat Systems manned and unmanned platforms. A different platform, also using hybrid electric propulsion to drive the Advanced Modular Vehicle was displayed by BAE Systems Land Systems. This vehicle designated SEP is offered in wheeled and tracked versions is also expected to undergo evaluation as candidate for the FRES program. Barco introduced its advanced panoramic display concept designed for “closed hatch” operation. The displays can be used as “virtual windscreen”, offering wide viewing area for the combat vehicle’s crew, including integrated, enhanced sensor-based visibility, weapon and sensor cueing, and situational awareness. A different version called Virtus is developed under cooperation with Rheinmetall Wegman, using mini-display showing sensor-fusion by visible and IIR sensors. Virtus is already available for demonstration with the German Boxer.

BAE Systems Land Systems brought the new Panther Command and Liaison Vehicle (CLV) one of seven pre-series production vehicles. The Panther was equipped with a remotely controlled Defender 7.62mm Self-Defense Weapon Station (SDW) equipped with 7.62 machine gun and a day/night sight. The vehicle on display was configured as a command vehicle, equipped with multiple Bowman radios, and situational display for the commander. Other displays are serving the driver’s station and weapon station’s operator. First production Panthers are due for delivery in mid-2006, in time for the vehicle’s entry into service by 2007. Up to 15 variants of the Panther are expected to be used by the British Army, and Royal Air Force Regiment.

Also on display at DSEi 05 was the Eagle IV 4×4 military tactical vehicle developed by MOWAG. So far the company has built some 500 of previous generations of the Eagle. The Swiss company expects Denmark to be the first country to order up to 85 vehicles. The vehicle shown at DSEi 05 was equipped with an Elbit Overhead Remote Controlled Weapon Station (ORCWS), mounting 7.62 mm machine gun. Other features include a battle management system and nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC) defense system.

Upgrading and modernization programs for armored vehicles highlighted at DSEi 05 included armor upgrade for CV90, upgunned Challenger 2, modernized AMX10P and more. The potential gun conversion for the British Challenger Mk 2 tank, has been tested with Rheinmetall’s NATO standard L/55 smoothbore cannon. Replacement of the British rifled L30 120mm gun will enable the British Army to standardize its ammunition supplies with NATO and other coalition forces, yet it will require phasing out of some types of ammunition, including squash head (high explosive) projectiles, which are considered efficient against structures and bunkers, a significant capability for contemporary urban warfare. Other modernization programs are pursued for the CV-90 family of vehicles. Another modernization program recently announced is the upgrade of Giat’s AMX10 tracked armored personnel vehicle. The French Army plans to modernize up to 108 vehicles of this type into the AMX10P version under a EUR50m. Modifications will improve the vehicle’s protection with appliqué armor, new suspension system and strengthened gearbox. The vehicles are scheduled to be installed with the SIR battle management system as soon as the new version is released.

BAE unveiled at the show a new up-armored version of the CV-90, while RAFAEL displayed a British up-armored FV-432, equipped with new generation reactive armor modules and an elevated, remotely controlled 30mm gun mount (RCWS-30) designed by RAFAEL. Remotely controlled weapon systems are becoming popular with wheeled armored vehicles, as they provide significant firepower, situational awareness and effective operation in low intensity and urban scenarios by minimizing crew exposure while maximizing firepower effectiveness and precision. In addition to RAFAEL’s RCWS30, other weapon stations on display at DSEi included Elbit System’s ORCWS, externally mounting a 30mm cannon on the Swiss MOWAG Pirhana IV, leaving the entire fighting compartment available for crew stations and storage. Recon Optical introduced its CROWS with a light machine gun and 30 mm cannon.

Heavy ammunition for artillery and tanks was here on display, including smart precision 120mm gun projectiles/missiles from GIAT, Rheinmetall, IAI and ATK. These included a concept of the French Polinege, developed by Giat, the Israeli MBT LAHAT, marketed in Europe under cooperation with Rheinmetall. LAHAT has recently been test launched from a German Army Leopard 2A4 tank.

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DSEi-2005 Exhibition Review – Homeland Security and Force Protection

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Nov 20, 2005

The UK plans to replace its Wheelbarrow Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) system with up to 100 modern robotic system, under the Cutlass Main Explosive Ordnance Disposal Control System program, attracted the interest of EOD robot manufacturers including Foster-Miller, a US subsidiary of QinetiQ and Telerob, a Rheinmetall subsidiary, teaming with Marshall SV of the UK.

Foster Miller recently announced that the US Armed Forces increased their order for its robots for up to 1,200 units, at a total cost of $124m. Foster Miller’s Talon weighs less than 45kg and is considered to be one of the fastest in the robot market. Talon is also offered in an armed version, called Sword. Configured with either an M240 or M249 machine guns or Barrett 50-calibre rifle for, Sword can be used for armed reconnaissance missions.

Telerob’s “Teodor” of which 200 units have been produced so far, is already operational by the German Army and Australia. The system designed for the British Cutlass program weighs about 300 kg and travels at a maximum speed of 9 km/h. Mounting eight cameras, the robot is equipped with an extra-long, eight axes manipulator arm, which can move heavy objects of up to 20 kg. The system can automatically draw one of four types of armament from the weapon’s magazine.

The issue of combating improvised explosive devices (IED) was addressed by Netline from Israel, displaying a range of communications jammer devices, used for vehicle protection and neutralizing communications at a locality where EOD teams are operating. Innovative spray-on armor was demonstrated by Dynashield. Rapid barrier construction systems were displayed by Bastion.

On the light armored vehicles side, a first view of the Iveco/BAE Systems’ Panther Light Command Vehicle was on display, as well as the Eagle IV from Mowag. The Eagle was equipped with Elbit’s ORCWS weapon station, mounting a 7.62mm machine gun. An armored version of the Unimog all terrain vehicle was on display at Armor Holdings. A new light tactical vehicles unveiled here was Al-Thalab (Fox) long Range Patrol Vehicle based on the Toyota LandCruiser.

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DSEi-2005 Exhibition Review – Electronics & C4I

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Nov 20, 2005

Following the trend demonstrated in the past few years, exhibitors’ emphasis is shifted from weapon systems to command, control, communications and sensors (C4I), focusing on current European systems, such as the General Dynamics UK BOWMAN, EADS’s Blue Force Tracking, and SIT from GIAT. Elbit Systems, with assistance from the Israel defense Forces Ground forces Command, provided a first glance into the operational TORC2H C4I system. Advanced solutions displayed here highlighted sensor processing, image processing and digital mapping solutions. These included two Israeli systems – RAFAEL’s Golden Bay, IAI’s RICNET. DSEi provided a stage for Pyramid, a subsidiary of the Sarnoff group to launch its new product range, designed for advanced image, video processing etc.

BOWMAN systems and derivatives dominated the exhibition not only at General Dynamics UK’s displays but on other areas, where it was installed in several combat vehicles, demonstrated in training systems, embedded in avionics and ships to support joint operations, and demonstrate various identification, maneuver control, planning and support applications. BOWMAN has been accepted as the centerpiece of the British Army’s land forces and Royal Marines’ tactical communications. The system provides secure voice and data communications infrastructure capable of supporting a range of network enabled C4I systems. Procured under a £1.7 billion communications modernization program, BOWMAN is replacing the obsolete Clansman radio communications system. Initial systems have already been deployed with the British contingent in Iraq. The program was expanded to include an information infrastructure operating on top of the communications systems, as part of the ComBAT, Infrastructure and Platform Battlefield Information System Application (BISA).

Other countries have expressed interest in the system. One of the m was the Royal Netherlands Navy which recently awarded a contract worth EUR94 million to General Dynamics UK for a New Integrated Marines Communications and Information System (NIMCIS), based on BOWMAN.) This is the first export contract for the BOWMAN C4I system. The systems are expected to be installed on tactical vehicles such as the BAE Systems Land Systems Hägglunds BvS 10 armored all-terrain tracked vehicles recently ordered for the forces.

Much interest was focused on the first Sentinel R.1 Airborne Stand-off Radar (ASTOR) aircraft, which made its first flight with the radar payload in the same week. Four additional aircraft are undergoing modifications for future installations. Sentinel will provide the RAF and British Army with deep ground surveillance and targeting capabilities all-weather synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and ground moving target detection (GMTI) capabilities. This flight marked the end the radar and platform integration phase, which suffered from considerable delays. System’s testing is moving ahead at Raytheon’s with both the air and ground segments, proceeding into flight tests by the first quarter of next year.

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Shadow – Reconnaissance, Surveillance and Targeting Vehicle (RST-V)

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Nov 20, 2005

Under the Reconnaissance, Surveillance and Targeting Vehicle (RST-V) program, the Marine Corps, DARPA and the Office of Naval Research (ONR) demonstrated the capabilities of a prototype hybrid electric drive designed for recce missions. The vehicle, dubbed Shadow, is an advanced technology demonstrator 4×4 vehicles, which can be carried internally in the V 22 tilt-rotor, CH-53, CH-46 helicopters and C-130 transporters, providing quick deployment and deep insertion capability.

It was constructed with advanced materials to reduce weight and improve protection and survivability. Hybrid-electric propulsion system and advanced suspension is utilized to improve on-road and cross-country mobility. The vehicle is equipped with an RST mission package including navigation/geolocation capability, surveillance, reconnaissance and target acquisition systems, wireless and on-the-move satellite communications and advances situational awareness systems.

The Shadow is considered as a future successor to some of the M151 A2 fast attack vehicle and the AM General Humvee in USMC service. In fact, due to the spacious interiors derived from the distributed drive system, the Shadow has an internal space equal to that of the Humvee. Several configurations are planned for the Shadow, including reconnaissance, command, light strike, anti-armor, and mortar weapons carriers forward observer, forward air controller, battlefield ambulance, air defense weapon carrier, logistics and personnel carrier etc.

The basic vehicle is designed to carry a crew of four. The hull is constructed of aluminum, with optional use of armor kit protecting against small arms fire and mines. Bulletproof transparent windows are also optional. Main armament is a 7.62 or .50 caliber machine gun, or 40 mm automatic grenade launcher. Javelin missiles can be included in the vehicle’s combat load. The mission package consists of an a 3 meter high telescopic mast, equipped with electro-optical sensors and laser rangefinder for day/night observation.

The hybrid-electric drive is based on a front mounted Detroit Diesel DI-4V 2.5 liter turbocharged, intercooled diesel engine, rated at 114kW. The diesel powers an electrical 110kW generator feeding individual in-hub motors at each wheel. The in-hub motors are rated 50kW each. All electrical motors and generators are supplied by Magnet Motors. Backup power is provided by two rechargeable Li-Ion battery packs provided by SAFT. The batteries are rated at 20kW hours output with 80kW peak used in “bursts”. The Shadow can travel at a maximum speed of 112km per hour on road. At a speed of 50 km/h the vehicle will reach a range of 758km consuming 95 liters of fuel. Up to 32 km can be travelled on battery power only. The pneumatic suspension enables reduction of the vehicle’s height and width. At minimum ground clearance, the vehicle can “crawl” at a height of only 10 cm from the ground in acoustic and thermal “stealth” mode, driving silently on battery power with the diesel engine shut off. The height adjustment feature is useful to improve survivability and facilitate internal loading in air transports such as V22. When rapid acceleration or maximum torque is required for steep gradients, both diesel and electrical engines are operated to gain maximum power and torque. This mode is also used for rapid recharging of the batteries.

GDLS is currently upgrading the prototype vehicles to evaluate their use as utility carriers, prime movers and electrical generators for various applications. The upgrade will include a 30kW export power capability generated by the vehicle’s hybrid electric drive, which could power battlefield loads such as the Unit Operations Center and radars. The vehicle will be evaluated in an operational environment in early 2006.

Loitering Munition Capability Demonstration – LMCD

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Nov 20, 2005

LMCD – Loitering Munition Capability Demonstration – an MOD program calling for the early demonstration of loitering weapons, providing persistent coverage, deterrence and kill of enemy targets over a wide area and extended period of time. The loitering weapon will be able to deliver fast effects over a wide area, with pin-point accuracy.

Several systems were displayed at DSEi, presumably pitching for this program. Among these were the new SMACM from Lockheed Martin. This weapon can be used as an armed expendable UAV or a reconnaissance vehicle. It is compatible with most combat aircraft and BRU-61A launchers. TARES, advanced version of the German Taifun. MBDA and Ultra Electronics, the two companies selected to continue to the next phase of the program presented operational and available platforms, and both include Israeli partners.

Ultra has teamed with Rafael, EMIT and Raytheon, to offer the BLADE (Battlefield Loitering Artillery Direct Effect), based on a modified Sparrow M UAV designed and produced by EMIT. The vehicle has an endurance of six-hours. It is configured with a nose mounted forward looking EO payload and has a capacity to carry additional fuel or other payloads, including explosives. In the Blade configuration, the UAVs could be operated in “searcher” and “killer” roles. On board EO sensors will be used to identify and classify targets, and check battle damage. The killer UAVs will also be able to actively seek and destroy high priority targets. It is assumed that the UAVs will be able to coordinate their search patterns to take advantage of the persistence and availability of sensors over a wide area.

MBDA is leading a consortium including IAI, QinetiQ, Insys and Carnfield University. Its proposed weapon is the White Hawk, a derivative of the Harpy radar killer drone, developed by IAI and operational in several armies. IAI has also developed; under a joint venture with Raytheon (now a member of the competing team) an extended version of Harpy (also known as E-Harpy) called Cutlass. This UAV was reportedly offered to Turkey which already operates the Harpy. White Hawk, believed to be based on this platform, integrates an EO sensor and an explosive charge of a significant weight on a single platform. According to MBDA, the basic endurance requirement is for several hours but the program expects endurance growth in the future to the range of 20 hours, matching the capabilities of UAVs.

Rheinmetall Defence Electronics (RDE) displayed the new Tactical Advanced Recce Strike System (TARES), an evolutionary step from its Taifun killer drone. RDE successfully completed a series of test flights which tested the sensors, and verify the vehicle/GCS long range communications capabilities via datalinks and communications relays. During these tests TARES achieved its required operational radius of 200km. The homing device uses a thermal imaging sensor and a target imaging processor.

MX-Series EOIR Payloads

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Nov 15, 2005

L3 Wescam’s MX series include several sizes of advanced multi-sensor payloads for use on aircraft, helicopters and unmanned vehicles. MX-12 is relatively lightweight, weighing less than 55 pound (25 kg). MX-12 packs up to five sensors, and has an integral inertial measurement unit (Fiber-Optical Gyro IMU) mounted on the inner gimbal, with payload, to enable active control of the entire bench. The system provides accurate and flexible viewing and target tracking capabilities and geo-location capabilities. MX-GEO features are supported by the series’ IMU equipped payloads, including smooth, hands free target tracking (eliminating over-steering), ability to lock all sensors on a precise geographic coordinate, and aiming the Line Of Sight at that fixed point regardless of aircraft movement or obscurations. The system also supports geo-focus, setting the focus on new scenes with a flick of a switch. The system will maintain steady focus and automatically refocus the subject while flying above broken cloud cover.

MX-15D is a growth version of MX-12. It is designed with more powerful optics and stabilization to achieve high accuracy geolocation and high stabilization. MX-15D supports up to 6 sensors including color daylight zoom camera, mono daylight camera with spotter lens, and high near IR sensitivity for optimal haze penetration. The optional eyesafe laser operates in wavelength that provides maximum performance in adverse weather conditions.

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