IRIS-T Surface launch is also offered for EADS/LFK system under cooperation with BGT offers a new generation VSHORAD missile that can be used to upgrade LeFlaSys utilizing the vertical launch, LOAL capability, the missile will be capable of detecting low-level helicopter targets against ground clutter. Further development consider autonomous, passive systems, utilizing hypersonic missiles also developed by BGT. The system uses tandem booster and is based on the IRIS-T technology.
120mm Stun Cartridge (SC) for Tank Gun
IMI introduced a stun cartridge, specially developed to enable tanks to use their main guns in deterrence, without risking the large number of casualties and collateral damage that frequently occur under MOUT combat conditions. The stun cartridge can be used in situations where rapid dispersal of crowd is required, for suppression of sniper fire from residential building, or when hostile civilians are trying to approach the tank. The effective range of the ammunition is between zero to 30 meters, as firing creates the noise and pressure/blast similar to a live cartridge, though without the metal fragmentation. It also produces a cloud of smoke with plastic pellets covering in the proximity of the tank.
Multi-Effect / Sprinkler CS Grenades
The multi effect grenades are using both CS and small explosive charges to provide an unpredicted “surprises”. After throwing the grenade it emits high flow of CS smoke but after few seconds it surprisingly explodes with a stunning effect, accompanied by the dispersion of different contents such as CS powder, rubber pellets, coloring and marking agents, sticky grease mixture or any other material. The grenade is constructed of soft materials, including cardboard and plastic parts to eliminate risk to humans when it explodes. The company also offers a fast rotating “Sprinkler” grenade which turns up to 8 times per second, therefore making it almost impossible to be picked up by the crowd to catch and throw back at the security forces.
Black Widdow Micro UAV
The “Black Widow” which was tested as part of DARPA’s MAV program, was a small fixed wing vehicle, designed in a circular platform. Its weight was only 50 gr. half of which amounted to the weight of the primary batteries. The Black Widow was powered by an electric motor that accelerated it to a maximum flight speed of 20 m/sec. In few years, the Black Widow program progressed from a vehicle that flew for only 2 minutes with no payload to a vehicle that could fly 30 minutes, to an altitude of 769 ft, and transmit color video to a base station 1.8 km away. The evolutionary Black Widow platform equipped with an increased wing surface area and wing loading (still within the 15 cm limitation) demonstrated maximum flight speeds of 40 miles per hour. Further improvements in propeller efficiency increased to a dramatic 82%; and 22 minutes in flight duration, using a “heads down” flight control through an on-board color video camera. The Black Widow airframe and propulsion system ultimately evolved to reach 30 minutes endurance, and flight range of 17 kilometers at a cruising airspeeds between 38 to 53 km/h. The control system was capable of “autohold” for heading, altitude and airspeed.
AeroVironment developed a light weight a transportable, Universal Ground Control Unit for the Black Widow, comprising of a control unit with the size of a laptop computer and an antenna. All the relevant data is superimposed on the colored daylight readable video image, as it is down-linked from the vehicle. Information includes the magnetic heading, altitude, airspeed and the health of the MAV. The widow is launched automatically from an expendable cassette pneumatic launcher, about the size of a cigar box.
To extend the communications range of the system, the Widow is supported by an aerial relay installed on another MAV – the Pointer, which will fly higher to accomplish a non-line-of-sight relay system for video transmissions. In this configuration, the Black Widow/ Pointer team can support operational deployment at urban or rugged and mountainous terrain, at ranges of up to 20km.
Climate Control Systems for AFV
Climate Control Systems (CCS) and Life Support Systems (LSS) for the new T-90 tank and BMP-2. Similar systems have been installed in the Israeli Merkava tanks. The Indian army is interested in Climate Control Systems (CCS) due to the excessive heat levels experienced in AFVs, which severely impact the reliability of electronic equipment. LSS are utilizing an air conditioning system, which feeds clean, cool air into the fighting compartment. The CCS is suitable for applications where limited power is available, as it utilizes “spot cooling” of selected electronic equipment. Similar concepts are also applied with micro-cooling for the crew, by the use of collective NBC protection and individual cooling suits.
Parascope Urban Rifle’s Sight
MTC Technologies announced a new rifle sight capable of direct or indirect firing which can be mounted on any weapon that has a Picatinny 1913 Rail weapon mount. It allows the soldier to place a laser dot on target and fire around corners, into buildings, over barriers or behind shelter, using a variety of off angle firing positions, with only the hands and forearms exposed. The new sight requires no zeroing, calibration or external power source.
The new device contains a five-sided prism. It has viewing ports from the rear for normal firing, and from the side for indirect firing. The lightweight sight can be mounted on the rail or carried in a pouch for quick mounting.
According to stated John Longhouser, MTC’s President and head of its Land Forces Group, Parascope can be available for fielding within a year (late 2005) after completing field testing. The new sight was developed by MTC Technologies with funding from Army’s Communication-Electronics Command (CECOM) and the Department of Defense’s central research and development organization, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). MTC develops various systems for close combat and warrior programs, including helmet mounted displays, camouflage systems.
Skylark Miniature Aerial vehicle
Elbit has developed the Skylark miniature UAVs, a manpacked system designed for tactical close-range surveillance and reconnaissance missions, artillery fire adjustments as well as force protection and perimeter security.
The mini UAV is quickly assembled before the mission and is launched by hand. Recovery is performed by a deep stall maneuver, which lands the vehicle safely on a small inflatable cushion, at a pre-designated point. the cushion is designed to protect the payload on landing. The entire mission is flown autonomously, feeding real-time continuous video and telemetry data to the portable ruggedized ground station. Its wings and tail surfaces are constructed of a lightweight composites, the fuselage tubular boom is also made of composites. The avionics and payload systems are contained in a pod carried below the boom. The gimbaled payload utilizes a daylight CCD or an optional FLIR for night operation, which can be rotated by four gimbals. In February 2004 Elbit won an IDF Ground Forces Command contract to supply the Skylark for evaluation and testing as an organic UAV system, to be operated by infantry units.
BUK M1 9K37M1/2 Air Defense System
The Russian BUK-M1 (NATO code name SA-11 GADFLY ) surface-to-air medium-range missile system is designed to engage aerial targets, including aircraft, cruise missiles, helicopters as well as short range ballistic missiles (Lance missiles can be intercepted at a range of 20 km and altitude of 16 km).
It can also “home on jam”, in response to enemy jammers, as well as defeat incoming HARM anti-radiation missiles. The missile offers better maneuverability and improved capability compared with the earlier generation SA-6 which was combat proven during the 1973 Arab-Israeli war. Fully deployed the BUK M1 system can simultaneously engage up to six targets from any direction.
A BUK M1 combat unit comprised of up to 72 missiles deploys into firing position in five minutes. The unit includes target acquisition radar, the 54K6E Command Post, up to six 9A310M1 Self-propelled AD Vehicle self-propelled transporter launcher vehicles carrying the 9M317 surface-to-air guided missiles, and up to six 9A39M1 loader-launchers. The BUK M1 is currently deployed with the Indian Army. The BUK M1 (SA-11) can engage aircraft targets flying at a maximum speed of 1,200 meters/sec. at ranges of 3 – 42 km, at an altitude of 150 to 25,000 meters.
The ground based Buk M-1/2 ADMS is mounted on tracked vehicles for mobility and is designed for protecting mobile and stationary assets from a wide variety of air attacks. Each one can engage up to six targets attacking from any direction. The BUK M-1/2 consists of several elements including six Self Propelled Missile Carriers (9A310M1 / 2) carrying four missiles each, a 9C18M1 Target Acquisition Radar (TAR), a 9C470M1-2 Command Post (CP) vehicle and a 9A39M1 launcher/loader (LL). A Polyana D4M1 can control up to four of these systems.
SkyRanger Self Propelled Air defense System
Orlikon Contraves is developing an mobile air defense vehicle that utilizes its 35mm AHEAD system. The integrated system will be installed in a turret, which will include the gun system, and an electro-optical search and track system, providing passive, autonomous target acquisition capability. The system will also be integrated into a battlefield forward area air defense network, and receive targeting information via datalink, from remote radars and other sensors. The company unveiled the first prototype of the SkyRanger in Eurosatory 2004. Testing of the system are expected to continue for two years, and a final version will be ready field trials by mid 2006. The system is proposed as follow on for both eastern and western SPAA systems such as the Shilka ZSU-23/4.
M-337 – Multi-Purpose High Explosive Tank Rounds from IMI
(HE-MP-T) tank round, designed to provide tank crews a “secondary” ammunition to replace the High Explosive/Anti Tank (HEAT) round currently used by armored forces of most armies. HE-MP-T offers superior performance to HEAT in all missions, except the anti-tank role. The new round provides a complimentary companion to the IMI’s Kinetic Energy (KE) round, designed for dealing with non armored targets, such as bunkers, light armored vehicles, buildings, dug-in personnel, etc. HE-MP-T provides optimal and cost effective ammunition for modern armor employed in a variety of support tasks in asymmetric warfare, fighting in open area and urban terrain.
The new HE-MP-T follows the success of IMI’s Anti-Personnel/Anti-Material (APAM) cartridge, which has become standard 105mm ammunition with the IDF. Its 120mm derivative is currently in development for the Israel Defense Forces and is scheduled for fielding by 2009.The new round follows a similar design and shape, but is equipped with a unitary, enhanced fragmentation high explosive warhead instead of the six submunitions used with the APAM.
HE-MP-T is designed for operation throughout the effective range of the 120mm gun, up to ranges of 4,000 – 5,000 meters. It uses a tungsten fragments envelope to enhance lethality in the anti-personnel role. It uses an electronic programmable fuze setter (IFS) linked to the Fire Control System (FCS), to enable airburst effect over a designated area, penetration of walls, thin armor or fortification (employing time delay) or explosion on impact, using super-quick activation. HE-MP-T is designed as an Insensitive Munition (IM) offering the highest safety and improved logistics.
Integrated Radar/EO Surveillance System
IAI Elta is proposing a sensor platform based on radar and EO technologies. Elta is currently offering an integrated mast mounted sensor group, which is based on a lightweight, modular payload such as the IAI/TAMAM POP-200, which can be fitted with a variety of observation systems, including color CCD and a FLIR, which can mount an x1.4 magnification lens, laser rangefinder/marker, an EL/M-2129 ground surveillance radar and an electronic compass. The system can operate independently or in a synchronized operation, where the radar searches for targets over a wide scan sector and points the EO payload at suspicions targets. The payload can be elevated on a high mast, to provide wider coverage, or suspend under an aerostat at even higher altitudes. The system is also deployed with RAFAEL’s Stalker II system, currently in IDF service, as well as for aerostat platforms. IAI/Ramta has also demonstrated an elevated POP200 based mobile observation system designated Giraffe, installed on the new IAI/Ramta RAM-2000 vehicle
Combat Identification Device (CID)
Designed by Luminex, the CID uses Infrared technology for tactical marking in order to prevent friendly fire among tactical units. It is currently in use by IDF elite special-forces. The LIR has a unique ergonomic design which makes it easy to operate. The IR light is emitted by 4 high-power IR Light Emitting Diodes (LED) identified by NV systems only.
R-400 CROWS – Remotely Controlled Stabilized Weapon Station
RAVEN R-400 is type classified by the U.S. Army as the M101 Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station (CROWS). Over 560 such systems were ordered by the US Army through a series of urgent material requirements (UMR), contracted to Recon Optical in less than 18 months. To meet this demand, Recon Optical’s new lean manufacturing facility is capable of producing hundreds of units per month. In December 2006 Recon Optical delivered 44 Raven R-400 to Australia for integration on the Bushmaster armored vehicles.
Recon Optical offers two remotely controlled, stabilized weapon stations – R-400 CROWS, and the Raven R-200, which is designed for applications requiring lighter, lower recoil weapons such as the M240/249 and future XM-307 ACSW. Fully armed and loaded (M240) the stabilized R-200 weighs below 173 lbs. (78.5 kg), well below the Army’s 200 lbs (90.7kg) threshold. It accommodates the CROWS Electro-Optical System (EOS) provided with x25 zoom capable day optics and cooled thermal sensor providing two fields of view. According to company sources, a small batch of R-200– Lightning has been supplied to the US Army.
A recently introduced alternative is the XM116 from L3 Communications, developed specifically for the Mk19 and other support weapons. The U.S. Army is currently evaluating the system for possible deployment on light armored vehicles, including armored recovery vehicles, future light trucks and other tactical vehicles.
The system currently fielded mounts various weapons from 5.56 machine guns up to the M230LF 30mm automatic cannon and the Mk-19 40mm grenade launchers. The system uses a multi-sensor day/night electro-optical payload for target acquisition and aiming. In the newly modified version, SRWS was redesigned with a lower profile, lower height and reduced frontal signature. It also uses appliqué ballistic protection and less exposed cabling for improved survivability.
The sensor package was also improved with the introduction of an integrated InSb 320×256 FPA and a CCD camera with x27 zoom lens offering 26.5 – 1.3 FOV. Other functions include video stabilization, lead compensation, automated sector scan function and optional video tracking. The system can be programmed with up to 200 target reference points. SRWS provides continuous traverse of 360 deg., completing a full traverse in four seconds. The gun can elevate from +60 to -20 at a pointing accuracy of +/- 0.3 mil and under-fire stability of 2 mils.
In 2005 ROI has teamed with Fire Control Systems (FCS) and EOS Technologies (EOST) of Tucson, Arizona, subsidiaries of Electro Optic Systems, Limited (EOS) of Australia, to provide the fire control and sensor components for CROWS. The CROWS SRWS mount is also capable of carrying the lightweight 30mm automatic gun (left picture).
BMP-3 Modernization Programs
The upgraded BMP-3 retains the 100mm and 30mm automatic guns and ATGMs, and introduces an improved BZS-1 gunner’s sight, which also feeds images to the commander’s position. The new sight is integrating a SAGEM thermal imager, automatic target tracker and laser rangefinder. Such sight will enable both commander and gunner to search and engage targets. Protection is improved with appliqué armor, and the introduction of active countermeasures such as the Arena E and Shtora-1 defensive system. The powerplant upgrade is also included, utilizing the UTD-32T 660hp diesel engine and new air conditioning system.
UK Military Tests Radio Frequency Directed Energy Weapon System for Anti-Drone Defense
The British Armed Forces have successfully tested a revolutionary Radio Frequency Directed Energy Weapon (RFDEW) capable of neutralizing drone swarms at a fraction of conventional defense costs. The system, developed by a UK-based consortium led by Thales, can disable multiple unmanned aerial systems for as little as 10 pence per engagement.
XTEND Defense Secures $8.8M Contract for AI-Driven Tactical Loitering Munitions
XTEND, an AI-driven drone technology expert, has been awarded an $8.8 million contract by the U.S. Department of Defense to supply VR-operated Precision Strike Indoor & Outdoor (PSIO) small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS), a first DoD-approved loitering munition platform for both indoor and outdoor operations. With cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI), these tactical drones deliver real-time, high-precision strikes, redefining smart munitions in modern warfare.
The PLA’s Global Power Play: A Deep Dive Into China’s Military Strategy and Ambitions
The US Department of Defense's annual report on Chinese military and security developments was presented to Congress today. In this post and podcast, we dissect the report, which isn't just another geopolitical overview. It’s...
Greece’s Land Forces to Get Switchblade Loitering Weapons and Advanced Rocket Launchers
Greece is actively modernizing its military capabilities with two significant procurements. Firstly, the Government Council for Foreign and Defense Affairs, known as KYSEA, has approved the purchase of approximately 590 U.S.-made Switchblade loitering munitions,...
Weekly News Summary – Week Ended 15 December 2024
Preparing to continue our weekly review, we are utilizing AI systems to organize, process, and present a weekly news summary covering defense tech. There is still a long way to go; we'd like...
Diehl’s Sky Sphere set to Defeat UAS, OWA Drones Head-On
Diehl Defence has teamed up with Skysec to develop a drone interceptor. Diehl works with Skysec’s subsidiary, Skysec Defence, to modify the original civilian-oriented net-arresting interceptor into a hard-kill system suitable for military missions....
Defense Update Weekly News Summary
Welcome to the latest episode of Defense-Update News Summary! In this episode, we dive into this week’s developments in defense technology, military acquisitions, and strategic partnerships worldwide.
Some of this week's highlights include:
Elbit Systems...
