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    Sniper XR (Pantera) Targeting pod

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    The new targeting pod selected by the US Air Force is designated “Sniper”. It was developed by Lockheed martin, together with an export version is called “Pantera.” The design is based on a mid-1990s candidate for the US Navy advanced targeting pod system. The wedge-nosed, long-range targeting pod design features a third-generation mid-wave Flir system, diode-pumped laser operating up to 40,000 feet altitude, enhanced stabilization, a laser spot-tracker, laser marker, CCD television camera and a combat-identification capability. Its modular design has half the parts count of the company’s Lantirn targeting pod, is self-boresighting, requires two-level maintenance (flight line and depot) and can be disassembled quickly with common hand tools.

    Slightly shorter than its Lantirn predecessor, the 440lb Sniper pod has a 30cm diameter. The pod’s wedge-shaped nose is made of highly durable sapphire which is transparent to visible and infrared wavelengths, and presents extreme durability to impact and damage. The unique design gives Sniper a semi-low-observable characteristic, but also makes it compatible with fighters carrying the system on an engine inlet. At supersonic speeds, an oblique shock surface forming on the pod reduces disturbances in air entering the inlet.

    Some of these modules are repackaged in a targeting system designed for the Lockheed Martin Joint Strike Fighter. To preserve stealth characteristics, the system is carried internally, with a window beneath the fighter’s nose.

    Photo on this page: Ground crew at Edwards Air Force base is preparing a Lockheed Martin Sniper XR targeting pod for test flight. Testing of the pod is scheduled to continue through 2002.(US Air Force photo by Tom Reynolds).

    Sniper XR Specifications
    Length: 239 cm
    Diameter: 300 mm
    Total weight: 440 lb
    Operational altitude: +40,000
    Sensor: 640×480 FPA
    Daylight sensor: CCDTV
    Wide Field of view: 4×4
    Narrow field of view: 1×1
    Field of regard: +35 / -155
    Roll: continuous
    Laser: Diode pumped laser designator:

    Litening Targeting Pod

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    RAFALE Missile Division

    LITENING incorporates in a single pod all the targeting features required by a modern strike fighter. The LITENING program, launched by Israel’s Research and Development authority RAFAEL in 1992, combines multiple sensors for maximum flexibility in a single pod at low cost. The original pod included a 1st Generation FLIR, a TV camera, a flash-lamp powered laser designator, laser spot tracker for tracking target designated by other aircraft or from the ground, and an electro-optical point and inertial tracker, which enabled continuous engagement of the target even when the target is partly obscured by clouds or countermeasures.

    Above: An Israel Air Force/Lockheed Martin F-16D equipped with a Rafael Litening I targeting pod. The IAF plans to procure the more advanced version of Litening III for its F-16C/D/I and F-15Is, in addition to the versions currently deployed. Below: Litening II breakdown view.

    This integrated array enabled the pilot to effectively detect, recognize, identify, track and engage ground targets in day, night and under adverse weather conditions. With the pod’s systems they can designate such targets by laser, for attack by other aircraft or by precision guided weapons carried on board. The pod integrates the necessary laser rangefinder and designator, required for the delivery of Laser Guided Bombs, cluster and general purpose bombs. Laser spot detection is utilized in cooperative missions, for rapid orientation, detection and recognition of targets, marked by other forces. Identification of aerial targets from BVR ranges is also provided with the INS assisted gimbaled sensors, as the sensors can continuously point to the target’s direction, irrelevant to the aircraft position, or interference of clouds or obscurants. This combination also enables employment of the sensors in “point of interest” mode, where LITENING enables free maneuvering during and after the attack path, while maintaining the target clearly visible and marked for precision attack. The same sensors can provide imagery for night navigation as well as hit verification and battle damage assessment after the attack.

    Below: Litening II+ pod fitted to an Air National Guard F-16 aircraft.

    The evolution of the Litening pod continued with the Litening III version, which utilized a more capable Gen III (3-5micron) FLIR, with a 640×480 digital detectors array. This system is also equipped with a target marker, which improves the coordination of ground and air forces, by designation of targets by day or night. Litening III system is also equipped with a dual-wavelength diode-pumped laser, which is compatible with training (eyesafe) and wartime operational modes. The system also employs electronic image stabilization, to provide cleaner images of targets, acquired at long standoff range.

    Logistically, the integration of the pod is easy and straightforward; it can fit the centerline or E/O pod mounts available with most modern aircraft and require no structural changes in the aircraft. Pods can also be installed on different aircraft, in support of specific missions. For example, the US Reserves currently field eight pods per wing. The pod requires minimal maintenance and technical support on the flight line. It is self boresighting in flight, therefore requires no alignment prior to the mission and improved accuracy during operations.

    The Israeli targeting pod was procured by14 air forces, including the US Air Force Reserve’s and Air National Guards for their F-16 Block 25/30/32 Fighting Falcon. Other air forces operating the system include the US Marine Corps (AV-8B), Israeli air Force (F-16), Spanish and Italian Navy (AV-8B) and Spanish air force (F/A-18), German Air Force (Tornado IDS), and the Venezuela (F-16A/B). The pods were also selected for South Africa’s Grippens, India’s Mirage 2000, MiG-27 and Jaguar. The most recent inquiry for the pods came in March, for a planned procurement of F-16s by Austria. The pod is also fully integrated in the Eurofighter, F-5E, MiG-21 and other types. Testing are underway to integrate the pod with Boeing F-15I operated by the Israel Air Force.

    Litening III Specifications:
    Length: 220 cm
    Diameter: 406 mm
    Total weight: 440 lb
    Operational altitude: +40,000
    IR Sensor: 640×480 FPA Mid-IR wavelength
    Daylight sensor: CCDTV
    Wide FOV: 18.4 x 24.1
    medium FOV: 3.5×3.5
    Narrow field of view: 1×1
    Field of regard: +45 / -150
    Roll: +/- 400
    Laser: Diode pumped laser designator, dual wavelength
    Laser spot tracker
    IR target marker

    Super Dvora Mk III Fast Patrol Boat

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    Manufacturer: Israel Aircraft Industries / Ramta

    Super Dvora Mk. III is the latest generation of the venerable Dvora/Dabur family of fast patrol boats (FPB). Selected again in January 2002 by the Israel Navy as its next generation FPB, the Mark III has superior operational capabilities evidenced in higher interception speeds against sea targets, increased operational ranges, incorporation of more advanced stabilized weapon systems, and improved human engineering and accommodations for the crew.

    Super Dvora Mk III is 25-meter long, has an operational radius of 700 nautical miles while reaching speeds in excess of 45 knots at a full displacement of 65 tons. In its attack mode, Ramta is currently working a number of new configurations for the flexible Super Dvora platform, among them the “Strike”, or what Ramta refers to as the “Littoral Warrior”, equipped with a variety of very advanced precision weapon systems. In addition to the Israel Navy, the Super Dvora has been sold to nearly a dozen other international customers.

    EROS A Satellite Payload

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    The high resolution space camera installed in the EROS A satellite, is believed to be similar to the one used in the Ofeq 3 payload. EROS B will use a more advanced sensor, providing finer resolution. (Image: Elbit - ElOP photo)

    EROS provides an important insight into the Israeli space imaging capability. According to ElOp, the camera currently deployed on Eros A is operating at an altitude of 500 kilometers, and is capable of taking high-resolution pan-chromatic pictures of an area of 14 x14 kilometers, at a resolution of 1.9 meters.

    The high resolution space camera installed in the EROS A satellite, is believed to be similar to the one used in the Ofeq 3 payload. EROS B will use a more advanced sensor, providing finer resolution. (Image: Elbit - ElOP photo)

    However, applying unique scanning methods called “over-sampling” techniques, carried out by the manufacturer, have already doubled the system’s performance, providing imaging of a 10×10 kilometer area at resolution of 1 meter with the existing satellite, with vertical separation of 5 meters, providing accurate mapping and 3D modeling capability of the terrain.

    The next satellite in the EROS series, called EROS B launched April 25, 2006 is equipped with a pan-chromatic sensor capable of an initial resolution of 0.70 meters, from an altitude of 500 kilometers.

    Menashe Broder, CEO of ImageSat told Defense Update that the company is considering launching the satellite to an altitude of 500 kilometers, at the initial phase of its lifespan, to yield higher resolution imagery, if market demands will dictate higher resolutions. ImageSat is offering clients around the world to share the satellite resources and control the payload of the satellite when it flies over their area of interest by becoming Satellite Operating Partners (SOP). This scheme provides customers with near-real-time imagery, which is processed and distributed from a local ground station during the satellite’s overflight of the area. According to Noam Zafrir, VP Marketing at ImageSat, clients can also order imagery of specific locations, which is provided by the company upon request, with rapid response times, unparalleled in the world market.

    SHIPON Anti-Tank Weapon

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    Shipon, anti-tank weapon is in development at the Rocket Systems Division (RSD) of IMI. Shipon is a new shoulder launched infantry weapon system based on an unguided rocket, capable of defeating tanks and fortified targets from a range of 600 meters. Two versions of Shipon ammunition are currently in development – the dual mode anti-tank/anti-fortification rocket uses a tandem shaped charge warhead designed to defeat advanced reactive armour and penetrate up to 800mm of armoured steel. The anti-fortification/anti-personnel rocket is designed to penetrate walls, and explode inside building for maximum effect. Other types of ammunition are considered for future development, including extended range rockets.

    Shipon rocket utilizes the combat proven SMAW (B-300) propulsion system, RSD is currently evaluating the introduction of soft-launch propulsion, to enable operations from buildings and bunkers. Offered as a low-cost weapon, Shipon is designed to fill the gap between anti-tank rockets and expensive missiles. The development of the missile is in an advanced stage, and initial demonstrations are expected by 2003. A major development effort is focused on a unique fire control system which is attached to the disposable canister. The FCS is designed to implement a unique, real-time cross-wind measurement along the trajectory to the target. Other functions include range-finder, automatic compensation for launcher inclination, moving target engagement capability, automatic cross-hair repositioning and other advanced features, which contribute to achieving hit probability over 50% at a range of 600 meters. The fire control system takes less than one second to calculate and set the gunner’s aiming point to hit a target as far as 1000 meters away. Shipon system weight is 9 kg.

    SHAVIT Satellite Launcher

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    Israel Aircraft Industries MLM Division Shavit satellite launcherSHAVIT is a three-stage satellite launcher, powered by three solid fuel rocket motors. The first two stages lift the launcher to an altitude of approximately 110 km. From this point, the launcher continues to gain height while coasting up to approximately 250 km, where the launcher positions itself and ejects the satellite shroud. After the separation of the main instrumentation compartment and while the launcher is spinning, the third stage motor is ignited. Thus, the satellite is inserted accurately into its transfer orbit at an altitude of approximately 260 km.

    Utilizing an innovative concept for launch preparation, SHAVIT is relatively independent of the launch site and provides full testing of the launcher on the launch pad. This configuration enables satellite launch from different launch sites, according to customer requirements. Shavit is offered in two versions,

    • LK-A – For 350 kg-class satellites in 240 by 600 km elliptical polar orbits;
    • LK-1 – a future derivative of the current missile, to be utilized to lift 350 kg-class satellites in 700 km circular polar orbits.

    Photos: Ofeq 5 launched into space on May 28, 2002 at the IAF Palmachim missile test center, on the Israeli Mediterranean coast. The Shavit LK-A satellite launcher is believed to be a derivative of teh IAI MLM/IMI Jericho 2 missile (Pictures: IAI)

    Metaverse iFrame Demo

    By
    Tamir Eshel
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