The Chinese opted to equip their new Type 98 with a different countermeasure suite, based mainly on defeating ATGM, by the use of directed high power laser. A typical is the JD-3 “Dazzler” system comprises of laser warning devices, a dome shaped sensor installed on the turret’s roof-top, and a box shaped Laser Self Defense Weapon (LSDW) which “fires” a laser beam at the illuminating source, either a tank gunner, helicopter or missile launcher. The system employs two modes of operation – the low power mode is used at the general direction of the threat, in a search pattern designed to locate the target’s optics. Once locked on a target, the laser switches to high power mode, to defeat the target by blinding the operator or saturating its electro-optical circuits.
RASS Rapid Armored Shelter System
RASS Enabled rapid assembly of fortified (bullet proof) constructions in various forms and shapes, by joining two basic shapes – square panels weighing 18kg each and triangular (8kg weight). The basic panel provides protection against fragments with velocities of up to 600m/s; for protection against small arms fire, a double-panel system would be typically be used.
F-16 E/F (Block 60)
The first order for 80 F-16 Block 60, which has been designated the F-16E/F version, was received from the air Force of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in early 2000. First production deliveries of the UAE aircraft are slated for April 2004. The F-16E/F resembles earlier F-16 aircraft in appearance only. Internally, the new model has an all-new cockpit that features all-digital instruments and three 5×7-inch color displays, HUD and helmet mounted sight and display. Additionally, the F-16E/F features a new avionics suite with highlights including a revolutionary Electronic Warfare (EW) system, the new APG-80 Agile Beam Radar (ABR) and a new Integrated FLIR Targeting System (IFTS), all provided by Northrop Grumman.
The aircraft is powered by a General Electric F110-GE-132 engine that produces 32,500 pounds of thrust. The new engine was flight tested on modified USAF F-16C at the Air Force Flight Test Center, Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. The new engine version features “blisks” (bladed-disks) in the three-stage modular fan section in lieu of traditional blades to improve performance and maintainability. The engine also incorporates an enhanced durability radial augmentor (afterburner) and exhaust nozzle, plus control software modifications to optimize engine performance at all flight conditions. The Block 60 aircraft and engine also will feature an auto-throttle capability.
Bigliani Class V – Fast Patrol Boat
Built by: Intermarine / Rodriquez Cantieri Navali Group
Intermarine, a member of the Rodriquez Cantieri Navali group has introduced the Bigliani Class V fast patrol boats family, including the V6000, 16.5m interceptors capable of a speed of 70 knots, and a similar model, V5000, an armed version develops a speed in excess of 50 knots. A larger, 25 meter boat, constructed from aluminium is offered with a combined propulsion which consists of two lateral props and one booster waterjet, developing a sustained speed in excess of 34 knots. Another design, the MV85, is a 27m boat, constructed of composites. 
Armed with a 30mm gun it is designed to sustain a speed in excess of 42 knots. The largest patrol boat from Intermarine is the MV115, a 35m boat, equipped with two 2560 kw MTU diesel engines they can reach a maximum speed of 35 knots with 135 tons full load displacement. The boat will are constructed from composite materials, with antiballistic protection Kevlar and will be armed with an Oto Melara 30 mm gun. The company is currently constructing three 35 m’ and ten 27 m’ V class boats for the Italian Custom authority, scheduled for delivery by 2005.
Lightweight Armor-Piercing Multi-Hit Insert (LAPMI)
Lightweight Armor-Piercing Multi-Hit Insert (LAPMI), a follow-on to the combat proven Small Arms Protective Insert (SAPI) currently produced by Simula. While SAPI is already providing good protection against the most common threats (over 250,000 already deployed), manufacturers are seeking weight saving, improved ballistic performance, especially multi-hit durability, and improved comfort. LAPMI weighs up to 1.70 – 3.25 kg (depending on size) and offers three-shot multi-hit protection against 5.56x45mm AP, 7.62x51mm (M80) FMJ ball round, 7.62x54R mm type LPS Dragunov round and 7.62mm APM2 armor piercing rounds. Its multi-curved geometry and modular design enable effective fit for most users, both male and female. Logistical advantages include a common design for fore and back inserts, high durability to drop and vibration, and improved resistance after exposure to hot or cold temperatures, diesel fuel, water or oil and direct fire.
IABS – RPG Active Countermeasure
IABS combines an inexpensive radar sensor and airbag systems which are inflated before the RPG hits the protected vehicle. The airbag disrupts the shaped charge fuse, as the projectile collapses upon itself, jamming the time-out fuse, thus defusing the shaped charge before it hits the vehicle’s skin.
During tests, the system was installed on up-armored Humvees doors, and demonstrated effective protection of the crew compartment. IABS was also effective in protecting the transparent armor (windows) which were broken, but were not penetrated by the RPG.
ASPS Self Defense System
Advanced Self Protection System (ASPS), a new generation of self-defense system, developed by Elisra Electronics Systems. The system includes both passive and active subsystems, and incorporates, for the first time of an F-16, both full azimuth coverage RWR and passive (EO) Missile Warning System (MWS). The system can detect pulse, CW, High PRF and Pulse Doppler signals, discriminate them from interference and prioritize the most threatening ones. The system points at a valid threat both visual and audible means. The MWS can also track a threat throughout the engagement. After detecting a missile threat, by its infrared signature, filters the background clutter by a narrow spectral window optimized to real-time signal, by an adaptive threshold. The threat assessment is determined by a after a rapid target algorithm, which tracks each threat frame-by-frame, analyzes target maneuverability, relative position, inertial data and angular velocity and intensity.
By using infrared imagery and signal processing, PAWS-2 detects and tracks incoming missile’s hot plume as it appears within a protective sphere surrounding the aircraft. The system discriminates between threatening and non-threatening missiles, by evaluating the missile’s trajectories. When it detects a threatening missile, PAWS-2 alerts the aircrew with a warning signal and automatically activates countermeasures such as flares and DIRCM. The ASPS’ active subsystem (jammer) can be used against enemy radars and radar guided threats. The system can employ a rich repertoire of deceptive signals, at various frequencies and power levels, to employ Doppler, range, AM and various noise techniques. The system is also integrated with the Advanced Countermeasures Dispensing System (ACDS) built by BAE Systems’ Israeli based subsidiary (formerly Rokar International). ACDS controls and dispenses various types of countermeasures, including chaff, flares and RF decoys produced by IMI, that adapt to the various phases of the engagement parameters. Special designs allows the ACDS to fire dual chaff cartridges double the number of on-board chaff stores per mission, and fire multi-spectral flares to response or a stronger decoy signal. The EW cockpit displays are provided by the Terma.
ARENA-E Active Protection System for AFV
A more complete hemispheric protection is the Russian Arena E – developed by the Russian company KBM. The system is designed to protect the tank from attacks of anti-tank guided missiles launched from the ground and by attack helicopter and lightweight anti-tank grenades (such as RPG). The system weighs between 1 – 1.3 tons (depending on the coverage and configuration) and uses a fixed, omni-directional radar, that covers a sector of 220 – 290 degrees around the tank. The protective charges are housed in a “belt” of 22-26 protective charges (depending on the turret size and shape), each positioned to cover a specific sector. Once an incoming threat is detected by the radar, the system ejects a charge above and sideways from the tank, to a position best suited for intercepting the target. As the charge explodes, it throws a deadly hail of fragments downward, to shutter and destroy the incoming projectile.
The system is capable of engaging incoming missiles, at speeds ranging from 70 to 700 meters per second. The system creates a virtual “cone” shaped shield at a radius of 20-30 meters from the tank, and its response time, from target detection to destruction is 0.07 seconds. When the system is triggered, a warning signal is activated, to warn infantrymen that may be following the tank to open some distance or take cover. The status of the Arena E system is unclear, although the system was seen in public since the mid 1990s, it is believed that funding problems delayed final development and deployment of the system.
While Arena-E provides an effective protection against many types of anti-tank threats, from RPGs to fast missiles such as Hellfire and TOW, it cannot defeat fast missiles (such as HVM) and tank projectiles, such as HEAT shaped charge projectiles and APFSDS penetrators. Different countermeasures are being examined to defeat these threats, including the deployment of steel bars, which are accelerated into the projected flight path of the incoming projectile. The kinetic energy discharged from the collision between the steel bar and the projectile can disintegrate or destabilize the projectile, shift it from its course, or cause it to hit the target at angles that do not facilitate effective penetration.
Aramid Fiber
Aramid fiber (1961) is a synthetic, fire-resistant polyamide fiber, extensively used in the aerospace and military for structural formations, asbestos substitutes and ballistic protection. Derivatives of the original aramid are Para-aramid fibers, such as Kevlar (also produced as Twaron). Military applications of aramid fibers are in flame resistant clothing, protective vests and helmets, and various composite materials.
AHEAD Air Burst Munition
AHEAD technology, developed by Oerlikon Contraves improves the capability of air defense guns such to engage and destroy aerial targets, from large aircraft to small targets such as missiles or PGMs. The gun fires short, 24 round burst of high velocity Ahead rounds aimed at the target’s intercept point. Every projectile is programmed by a muzzle based electromagnetic inductor, which sets an electronic timer to activate and separate the projectile into 152 heavy tungsten metal spin-stabilized sub-projectiles (3.3 gram each), forming a lethal cone shaped metal cloud, placed ahead of the target in its flight path.
AHEAD is designed to fit existing Skyguard air defense systems, operating twin 35/1000 rpm revolver cannon and Super-fledermaus. The manufacturer claims a very short response time for the system, as low as 4.5 seconds from target detection to firing. With the addition of AHEAD modernization, existing Skyguard fire are fitted with the fire control subsystems which enable the system to be operated as a stand-alone gun or in a “fire unit network”, separated up to three kilometers from each other. The fire units can exchange target search and track data at a fast rate, and share a common, full hemispherical situational picture to facilitate optimal target engagement by each fire unit. AHEAD technology is available today for naval Close-In Weapon Systems, as well as the remote controlled, point defense gun mount and mobile battlefield air defense systems, both are lightweight systems, transportable in a C-130.
The 30mm AirBurst Munition (ABM) is currently being qualified for the German Army for deployment with the Mk30-2 ABM cannon mounted on the Puma AIFV. A 35mm version optimized for ground-to-ground effect is being qualified for the Bushmaster III chain gun mounted on the new CV9035 IFV of the Royal Dutch Army. Denmark has also selected the ABM capability for its CV9035.
The ABM concept is also highly suitable as a Counter-Rockets, Mortars and Artillery (C-RAM). During the last year (2005) the Skyshield 35mm systems with ABM munitions were tested in the US and Germany and evaluated against typical C-RAM threats. Further trials are underway. The Israeli Ministry of Defense also evaluated the ABM solution for C-RAM.
The Power Vest
A futuristic “power fabrics” is currently in developed by SRI International, in collaboration with Hexcel Schwebel. The team proposes the utilization of multifunctional fabrics, embedded with thin filaments made of lithium ion compounds, shaped into long yarns, wound into high-strength polymer fibers. Such fabrics will provide both electrical power for a soldier’s equipment and protection against projectile impact. Such fabrics will reduce and distribute the weight of batteries that now must be carried separately.
TDA 2R2M Rifled 120mm Mortar System
A joint development by the US- Picatinny Arsenal and Thomson Daimler-Benz Aerospace (TDA) has created the Dragon Fire, an autonomous mortar system. The current prototype consists of a modified TDA 2R2M rifled 120mm mortar, with a maximum range unassisted/rocket-assisted of nine and 14kms respectively. It can be operated remotely by radio and can calculate (GPS) within three to five seconds its own location and elevation and bearing to the target. An on-board magazine holds 33 rounds ready to fire, and the package can be towed by a HMMWV tactical vehicle or fit inside a V-22 Osprey. A derivative, dubbed Mobile Dragon Fire, has been mounted on a USMC light armoured vehicle (LAV), and the addition of a gyro stabiliser should result in accurate fire on the move out to maximum ranges.
A second prototype, the Armoured Mortar vehicle, with a semi-automatic 120mm recoiling rifled mounted mortar, 2R2M, with an optional smooth bore version, was designed and developed by FNSS in cooperation with the Deutsche Aerospace.
Interceptor DV-15 – Fast patrol Boat
CMN is offering the Interceptor family of fast patrol boats, designed for coastal patrol, and special missions that require high speed interdiction, in the littoral water. Powered by two surface motors, the IDV 15 lightweight boat is designed for low draft (less than 0.8 meter), for operation in shallow water, to ranges of 200 nm. The boat offers minimum accommodation for a four men crew and heavy machine gun, for fire support. The 15.5 meter boat can sprint to a speed of 53 knots. The lightweight boat is designed for low draft (less than 0.8 meter), for operation in shallow water.
The boat offers minimum accommodation for a four men crew and heavy machine gun, for fire support. Two larger versions are designed for extended operations – DV 20 is a 20.2 meter long high performance craft, its structure is built from advanced composite materials, including carbon fiber and other advanced composites structures, hardened with epoxy resins, offering high resistance to sea conditions. DV 20 is powered by two 846 kW engines, developing maximum speed of 43 knots. Its range is extended to 350 nm. at max speed.
The boat is operated by a crew of 5, and can accommodate a Raptor GS optronic directed 30 mm gun turret. CNM is also developing a larger member of the Interceptor family. The DV 33 is also manufactured from advanced composites. The vessel will accommodate two 2,720 kW engines, to reach speed up to 45 kt. And range of 340 nm. This larger boat can accommodate a Raptor gun turret, surveillance, navigation and fire control radar and countermeasures systems.
FIST Program To Use New Chikara class rechargeable Batteries
AGM Batteries Ltd, a subsidiary of AEA, has announces in 2003 the launch of a new, high capacity Lithium-ion rechargeable cell called Chikara (power in Japanese) developed specifically for a 24-hour-mission-life HF (high frequency) radios. (four hours over the current maximum life). The new lightweight cell will retain AEA’s Li-ion capabilities but will sustain operation environment at -40C to +70C degrees range. Typical application are soldier modernization programs such as the Land Warrior and the FIST programs in the US and the UK respectively.
