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    BirdEye 500 Backpackable UAV

    By
    Noam Eshel
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    BirdEye 500 mini UAV aimed provides real time airborne surveillance, reconnaissance and over the hill intelligence for forward units at battalion level and below. The system is equipped with a gimbaled payload, which provides sharp pictures at a range of several hundred meters, as required for close range operations.

    The aircraft’s takeoff weight is 5 Kg, wingspan is 2 meters and its length is 1.5 meters. A system is comprised of three electrically powered unmanned aircraft and a portable Ground Control Station (GCS). The back packable system is carried in two backpacks and can be operated by a crew of two soldiers. The system can be assembled and ready for its mission within a few minutes. Operation is simple, no special skills are needed and training time is short. After a quick assembly in the filed, Spy There can operate on a 60 minute mission, flying autonomously toward a designated waypoint assigned by the mission control system. The system can operate at a range of 10 Km.

    Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) recently unveiled a new family of miniature UAVs designed for military, paramilitary, security and civilian applications. The family comprises the Bird-Eye 100 and Bird-Eye 500 low cost miniature UAV weighing 1.3 and 5 kg respectively. Both MAVs are designed for operation at a very low altitude, and are launched by hand or bungee. Both unmanned aircraft went through a series of tests recently. Bird-Eye went through a thorough evaluation by the Israel defense Forces, while Bird-Eye 500 was demonstrated in the Netherlands, to the local police. Flight demonstrations in the Netherlands were carried out by Condor UAV B.V, IAI’s newly assigned European distributor for miniature UAVs. During the flight demonstrations the UAVs were operated over farmland area on highway and monitoring and fire watch missions, which also provided introduction and orientation prior to safety approvals required for the final phase – flying over the Amsterdam metropolitan area, within the Control Tower Region (CTR) airspace controlled by the Schipoll airport.

    The IAI team demonstrated the system’s silent operation, its ability to operate in high winds, and the minimal logistic footprint required for its operation. Using a high resolution gimbaled color camera, and flying dedicated flight patterns using an autonomous auto-pilot system, Bird-Eye 500 equipped with a typical gimbaled 850gr optical payload was flying at a speed of 25 – 45 knots, at an altitude of 500 feet above the ground, enduring strong winds. The mission included the monitoring of rail tracks in the vicinity of the Amsterdam central train station, mobile vehicle tracking, crowd control, waterway monitoring, and other missions performed to the complete satisfaction of the Amsterdam police. The performance of the MAV were compared to performance of manned aircraft and were reported as superior in all aspects. Chief-Commissioner of the Amsterdam Police, who attended the demonstration said that the police is interested in the new technology and see the opportunities to use mini UAVs in their police work. Condor UAV B.V., the Haarlem based Netherlands’ distributor of IAI/MALAT’s Mini-UAVs for civilian applications will be responsible for the marketing and customer support in several European countries.

    Personal Role Radio

    By
    admin
    -

    PRR is a short range radio operating independently of any infrastructures. Currently available systems are functioning in the 2.4GHz and High UHF bands, offering effective short range communications with low interference and adequate bandwidth utilization. Most systems are offering duplex conference operating modes, and selective one-to-one (peer to peer) communications. PRR communicators rely on a network concentrator unit (which could be one of the radios) to communicate with all systems and act as system synchronization unit. Some systems are designed to operate without synchronization, enabling truly independent communications.

    Modern intra-squad specialized Personal Role Radios (PRR) offer effective communications within the squad and between combat teams, enabling effective dismounted infantry operations at a level previously reserved only for Special Forces.

    Current PRRs offer conference operating mode, when the commander can speak to all soldiers and get their responses) or in peer-to-peer (one on one). Systems utilize full duplex communications which is mimics natural voice communications. PRRs support line of sight communications at ranges of few hundred meters, and sustain continuous operation for 10 – 12 hours (sufficient for overnight activity). Systems support mainly voice but some can also transfer data at low bit rate, to distribute reports, preset messages etc. As PRRs operate at very low power and high frequencies, there are significant difficulties in communications in urban terrain, mountainous area and densely wooded (jungle) environments. Another limitation is the absence of data communications, and low data rate offered by those sets that do support data communications. Future systems, currently under development in the USA, are part of the Soldier Level Integrated Communications Environment (SLICE) program, which will be part of the Future Force Warrior infantry combat system.

    Land Warrior System

    By
    admin
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    Start < Page 2 of 6 >

    The basic Land Warrior suit includes weapons,sensors such as laser rangefinder and day/night cameras, clothing, protection system integrated with load carrying equipment, and headgear, based on a helmet, equipped with integrated speaker, microphone and optical display. The system’s hub is the mission computer which interfaces with all system’s components via a 10 port hub. The computer links directly with the squad communications and ‘leader communications’ systems; it also manages the system’s sensors and displays, runs various navigation and situational display functions and as well as display and power management. The system is powered by rechargeable batteries with mission endurance of 6 – 10 hours. The initial systems were designed with dual processor architecture, but following initial trials, shifted to a simpler, single processor system. Another improvement included the shift from Windows based operating systems to Linux, which proved to be more reliable.

    Land Warrior Electronic Gear

    The intra-squad radio uses a helmet mounted antenna, operating a wireless local area network, covering up to 1,000 meters with line-of-sight communications. The Land Warrior system operates in a soldier-to-soldier wireless network, for short-range data and voice transmissions. The current system uses the Multi-band Intra-/Inter-Team Radio (MBITR). The helmet also mounts an Active Matrix organic light emitting display providing a field of view equivalent to two 17-inch computer monitors placed in front of the soldier’s eyes. It presents the Daylight Video Scope (DVS) and Thermal Weapon Scope (TWS), as well as text messages, maps and satellite images which can be downloaded in about 8 minutes. Maps are displayed to all team members. Display control and interface are provided by a mouse and weapon mounted programmable switches. Each member of the team is identified by an individual Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card. The SIMcard also determines the echelon and role of the user – team, squad or company, commander, sniper, support team, rifleman etc. Individual members will have access to a different set of assets and capabilities and automatically get specific “packages” of information. Commanders can also use the Commander’s Digital Assistant (CDA) package, which is already fielded with combat troops on a ruggedized PDA. The system is equipped with 5 channel GPS receiver tracking the soldier’s position with approximate 10 meter resolution. A pedometer augments the GPS and tracks the movement of the soldier in locations where GPS coverage is unavailable. The location of each soldier is refreshed every 30 seconds, and transmitted over the intra-squad network for situational pictures updates. Two rechargeable batteries are currently provided for each suite, to power the sensors and systems for 4 – 6 hours. Batteries are located on the right and left sides of the soldier’s belt. Alternative primary batteries can also be used for extended missions of up to 10 hours.

    Land Warrior Weapons

    The current Land Warrior suits utilizes the M4 Carbine, equipped with picatinny rail mount for the thermal sight, daylight video scope (x1.5 – 6 zoom available) and a multifunction laser, providing target marker, azimuth and rangefinder. The new XM-8 rifle could replace M-4 as initial suits are deployed in 2006. Day and night sights render aiming crosshairs superimposed on the helmet mounted sight to enable effective non-line of sight weapon’s aiming and target acquisition behind coverage. The weapon has three programmable buttons for push to talk (PTT), switching screens on the helmet mounted display and saving snapshot pictures as displayed on the viewer. The weapon is connected to the hub via an umbilical cable.

    Additional parts of this article:

    Land Warrior & Stryker Warrior Programs

    By
    admin
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    Start < Page 1 of 6 >

    The goal of Land Warrior is to enhance a soldier’s mobility, situational awareness (command and control and communications), lethality, sustainability and survivability. According to its original schedule the US Army planned to field the Land Warrior Initial Capability (IC) systems in 2004. According to the revised schedule, only test items will be deployed in October 2004 with initial systems supplied only Special Operations and Ranger battalions but even these are not being delivered and the entire program is shifted to start in 2006. Operational testing of improved, more mature Land Warrior suits will be with mechanized Infantry Stryker brigades, redesigned as Upgrade I, or Stryker Warrior systems. Such testing is currently planned toward 2006. Despite the delays, the program is maintained at a high priority, and is now managed in a faster spiraling development path, pushing subsystems to the field as soon as they mature. Among the near term applications resulting from this process included issue of personal protection body armor improvements, lighter-weight helmets and the Commander’s Digital Assistant (CDA).

    The integration and optimization of Land Warrior components and suits focusing on Upgrade I phase, optimized for the infantry teams operating with the Stryker APC. Future Stryker infantry teams will be able to utilize their Stryker Warrior combat suits for mounted, as well as dismounted operations. Through 2015, the U.S. Army is expected to procure up to 34,000 Land Warrior suits at a total program cost of around $8 billion.

    Additional parts of this article:

    Skjold Surface Effect Ship

    By
    admin
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    The Norwegian Navy has an operational requirement for operations over a long coastal line, in the Economic Exclusion Zone (EEZ) and in support of international operations. The Navy requires to operate a large number of vessels, equipped with relatively large weapons load. One of the systems that will take the challenge is the new 270 tons Skjold Surface Effect Ship (SES). In November 2003 the Norwegian Navy ordered five Skjold class boats to join the first boat, in service since 1999, which is currently undergoing reconstruction.

    The Skjold class boat utilizes an an advanced GRP (glass reinforced composites) construction, designed as an air cushion-integrated catamaran design, that offers excellent cruising speed, high transit speed, and high agility in open sea and shallow-water operability. The deck area, parts of the bulkheads, superstructure and hull areas are constructed of hard composite foam (Polymethacrylimide or PMI), which serves as structural sandwich for demanding structures offering superior strength-to-weight ratio and high resistance to temperature. The weight savings achieved by utilizing the foam is approximately 2000 kg.

    The stealth design uses extensive Radar Absorbing Materials (RAM) construction in the load carrying structures. Specific attention has also been made to develop special doors and hatches for reduced radar cross section. Other signature reduction techniques are applied to reduce thermal and magnetic signatures. The missiles are integrated inside the GRP hull, to further reduce signature and streamline the external envelope.

    The first Skjold prototype built in 1997 is powered by two main engines – Rolls Royce Allison 571 KF 6000kW (2×8160 Hp) gas turbines driving two kaMeWa 80SII waterjets. The cushion is pressurized by lift fans, powered by two MTU 12V TE92 735 kW engines. The combined propulsion offers the boat to accelerate and maintain top speed above 47 knots, at sea state 3, and 55 knots in calm water. The boat can also travel at 8 knots by diesel power. In January 2004 Pratt & Whitney Marine Systems, Inc., was contracted by the Norwegian shipyard Umoe Mandal, to supply gas turbine propulsion for COGAG configuration (combined gas turbine and gas turbine) systems for the six Skjold boats (five new, one reconstructed). Each gas turbine propulsion system will feature two ST18M marine gas turbines and two ST40M marine gas turbines. The ST18M and ST40M are free turbine turboshaft engines derived from Pratt & Whitney Canada’s PW100 and PW150A aviation turboprop powerplants respectively.

    Skjold will be equipped with Kongsberg surface missiles, currently under development, and an Oto Melara 76mm super rapid gun mount or an 57 mm or 76 mm gun will be installed on the fore deck. and integrates eight Mistral anti-aircraft missiles, for self defense. The first Skjold class fast patrol boat prototype became operational in 1999, as part of the Norwegian Navy modernization of its Missile and Torpedo boat units. Five more boats was are on order.

    The Skjold design provides a basis for the proposed US Navy future Littoral Combat Ship (LCS), proposed by the Raytheon-led Team LCS.

    Skjold SES prototype shown during sea trials and voyage to the USA.

    Specifications:

    • Length 47 m

    • Beam 13.5 m

    • Draft 0.9m on cushion, 2.2m off cushion

    • Displacement 270 tons fully loaded

    • Speed at SS3 47 knots

    • Range 800 nautical miles

    • Crew 15 – 18

    •  CODOG Propulsion:
      2×6,000 kW gas turbines and 2×350 kW diesel

    • Armament: 8xSSM Missiles

    • Air Defense: SAM

    • Guns: 57 / 76mm automatic gun

    • Command and control: SENIT 2000 system

    Siren Active RF Naval Decoy

    By
    admin
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    Siren is an active jammer deployed from standard RBOC decoy launcher on board the surface ships. The reaction time of the decoy is 7 seconds, which are required for the downloading of the threat’s identification profile, flying a rocket assisted trajectory over a distance of 10 miles, where the decoy is suspended under a parachute, and prepares a repertoire of deception and jamming signals tailored for anticipated specific threat. Utilizing a mirror like directional reflector, Siren scans the area for targets and when the target is located, it focuses its transmission at a narrow arc where the incoming threat is detected. Since the decoy is fired remotely from the ship, a home on jam countermeasures will also deviate the missile from its target.

    Squadron Information Management Network – SIMNET

    By
    admin
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    Information Management Network
    Implemented in F-16I Squadrons

    The Negev Squadron will be the first unit to deploy the new Squadron Information Management Network (SIM Net), an advanced information recording and management network available for training and debriefing available at the squadron level. A network based mission debriefing system designed by RADA. SIM NET is composed of the Ground Debriefing Station (GDS), for aircrew debriefing, and the Maintenance Debriefing Station (MDS), for maintenance debriefing. Comprised of commercial PC-based system, GDS processes the flight data and operation parameters recorded during the flight and reproduce a graphic display of the actual air combat situation including all participating aircraft. This reproduction is fully synchronized with the video and audio recordings. The system can be used for multiple aircraft training, operational tactics training and safety events debriefing, as well as air-to-air and air-to-ground mission debriefing.

    F-16I Maintenance Debriefing Systems: system incorporates two elements, one embedded in the flight data recorder, which tracks all the databus data flows, and the other – which process reconstructs, interprets the data and displays it to the maintenance teams, for evaluation of events and malfunctions experienced during the flight. The performance analysis is provided by the use of the data MARS flight data analysis software developed by Ampol Technologies. The system synchronizes and concurrently displays data from up to four video channels, four audio channels and four Mil1553 databus channels. The system will be integrated into all the operational aircraft and will also support the flight testing phase, and acceptance process of the first F-16I aircraft in Israel. Similar systems are also used for flight testing, on US Army helicopters and some USAF aircraft.

    Wolf Multi-Purpose Armored Vehicle

    By
    admin
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    The Wolf, designed by RAFAEL and Hatechuf, is a common platform designed with an “open protected space” concept, which allows for a high degree of flexibility and configuration for a variety of missions. The Wolf was proposed as a protected troop carrier and command vehicle, designated logistics vehicle, rescue vehicle and protected ambulance. The vehicle offers a high level of protection and is approved by the Israel Defense Forces. The armor protection envelope can be built independently of the vehicle, and can be easily reinstalled on other vehicles of the same model.

    Tactical C2 System

    By
    admin
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    A digital mobile ground C4I system, developed by Ness technology, provides tactical units and maneuver forces with access to images, maps etc, via ruggedized computers and hand held PDAs. The system enables field commanders to locate enemy targets and identify friendly forces in real time. Ness introduced special algorithms for decision support, including assessment of optimal forces for rapid response, and prediction of shortest rout. The system can be employed in command vehicles and with dismounted troops. The system utilizes a powerful mapping and graphic tool developed by Ness, navigation (GPS) and orientation module, rout planning and display and auto-centered moving map.

    ShockRounds Electrical Shock Ammunition

    By
    admin
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    ShockRounds will pack a miniature electric shock mechanism into standard 37mm, 9mm and 12 gauge ammunition, including rubber or frangible bullet, offering non lethal capability at an effective range of 100 meters. The electrical shock is generated by the impact energy, which excites a piezoelectric crystal to deliver a shock of up to 175 joules (x6 more than conventional “electric fences”. This shock has enough energy to temporarily incapacitate the threat. The new ammunition could be tuned to generate for various degrees of shock upon impact, ranging from lower level jolt for riot deterrence, to a discharge designed to cause immediate and temporary incapacitation by disrupting the offender’s nervous system. The program is currently in a pre-prototype phase, after validating the technology and demonstrating the concept. According to plans, the system could mature within two years (end of 2007).

    ShockRounds are being considered to be inserted into standard non lethal ammunition of various calibers from 37 to 9mm, fired from standard weapons, including multiple shots and automatic fire. The 37mm application could be compatible with police 37mm launchers. These munitions are non-penetrating and could be used for “behavior modifying” applications. Another application is the 12 gauge police-caliber rubber bullet. Since this bullet is designed to produce decreased wound, electrical shock effect could decrease the number of shots required to incapacitate a threat. 9mm or 10mm standard police-caliber bullets are both lethal munitions. They could be modified into less-lethal versions by using electrical shock effect. Since the stopping power of the new ammunition will not rely primarily on the pain or damage caused by a high velocity impact, but on the high voltage discharge, their velocity of the bullet could be reduced to optimal level that guarantee effective stabilization and performance at the required range.

    Tactical C4ISR (RTC)

    By
    admin
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    The RAFAEL Tactical C4ISR (RTC) system provides tactical units with independent support for mission planning, navigation, situational awareness and target acquisition and engagement. Employed with mobile and dismounted forces, including Special Forces, the system can also interface with other systems in a wide area to establish large scale networking. The RTC links to standard combat net radios to access the network and transfer data between the network’s units. RTC provides battle management support including target acquisition, allocation and management of all firing assets under the commander’s control, as well as fire management and control of individual firing units such as anti-tank missiles. This application was formerly known as Spike C4I and was tested with Spike equipped units where it demonstrated how it can simplify the communications between different element in the group, increases the agility and precision of the supported forces, and accelerate the sensor-to-shooter cycle between reconnaissance and assault forces while minimizing the risk from fratricide “friendly fire”. The system can also integrate various sensor platforms including individual sights of the anti-tank weapons, UAVs and other airborne sensors, acoustic sensors and observation posts.

    Spider Unattended Ground Sensor

    By
    admin
    -

    Spider is under development at Textron Systems and ATK under the Objective Force anti-personnel component program. The system is designed to protect friendly forces and shape the battlefield while minimizing risk to friendly troops and non-combatants. In January 2005 the US Army decided to accelerate fielding of the Matrix remote munitions control system, which is a lead-in version to the Spider. The Army awarded ATK Twenty-five Matrix systems to be delivered to U.S. forces and deployed in Iraq by June 2005. Matrix is a portable, reusable, soldier-in-the-loop system that can be used in either a lethal, or a non-lethal mode. The program is managed by Project Manager Close Combat Systems and the U.S. Army Armaments, Research, Development and Engineering Center (ARDEC).

    The Spider’s Munition Control Unit (MCU) is a pedestal fitted with six munitions launchers each covering a sector of 60 degrees, and a communications module which links the Spider with its remote operator. The MCU communicates with the Remote Control Unit (RCU) by direct wireless link, or via field communications repeaters. On operator command, the Spider autonomously deploys trip wires corresponding to each sector. When a trip wire is activated, a signal is sent from the sensing MCU to the Remote Control Unit (RCU).

    Based on that signal, the operator’s own observation of the field, and other situational awareness and guidance from the chain of command, the operator can direct the detonation of the grenades associated with the trip wire detection. The operator may delay this action, to allow more intruders to penetrate further into the kill-zone and deploy multiple charges for maximum effect. Munitions include self-activated grenades, operator activated claymores or various non-lethal munitions. The MCU is powered by a replaceable battery and can sustain continuous operation for 30 days. The system can be recovered and replenished with new grenades after an engagement. The Spider can be deactivated on command, to enable safe recovery or passage of friendly forces. The RCU uses a rugged laptop computer equipped with a touch screen to provide full control of an area up to 1,500 meters deep. Each RCU enables the monitoring and activation of a single or multiple charges.

    SPICE Aerial EO Weapon’s Guidance Kit

    By
    admin
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    SPICE precision guidance kit, is designed for the Mk-83 and Mk-84 type bombs, including IMI’s PB-500 and enhanced penetration bombs. The 4.2 meter long SPICE equipped bomb is capable of precision strike from a standoff range of up to 60 kilometers, when launched by F-16 class aircraft from an altitude of 42,000 feet. Target acquisition is relatively simple, as the pilot has to fly to a predestinated launch area, where he can select the specific target to be attacked from the SPICE memory. After launch, the weapon is navigated by means of GPS and Inertial Navigation System (INS) (Ring-Laser Gyro), to the target area, where the imaging sensor is activated, and adding scene matching to the weapon’s navigation.

    The SPICE locates various reference points and correlates them to find the predicted location of the target even without GPS input. At the terminal homing phase, the weapon is guided exclusively by the electro-optical sensor, to overcome target location error and GPS jamming. Since SPICE is not dependent on laser designation, at close-in distances, the weapon recognizes the exact shape of the target, correlated with the 3D model stored in its memory, which was based on intelligence information.

    SPICE’s attack profile can be set to dive steeply onto the target. As the target image gets larger, the weapon selects the exact aimpoint to assure high precision minimizing collateral damage. RAFAEL also offers an optional data-link to provide attack verification and initial battle damage assessment. Unlike many PGMs, the SPICE does not rely exclusively on 1760 bus, and therefore, can be employed on various types of aircraft. Several targets can be preloaded on each weapon. Targets data, flight path and scene details are stored on a detachable memory unit, which can be loaded on the weapon before takeoff. Prior to weapon release, the pilot selects the specific targets. As SPICE is independent of the aircraft data bus, it is autonomous from the aircraft software update cycles, and can enhance the operational capability of operational forces without special preparations and aircraft modifications.

    ROEE Light Tele-Operated Robotic Weapon ATV Platform

    By
    admin
    -

    ROEE, a light weight tele-operated unmanned ground vehicle is being developed by the Israeli Technion Land Systems Division.

    This radio controlled system operational system demonstrates high cross-country mobility and payload carrying of up to 500 kg, including a TV camera and weapons mount, such as the 0.5″ machine gun as demonstrated at LIC 2004.

    The platform uses an All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) chassis and carries a remotely controlled weapon mount and sensor payload. Both payloads can be separately controlled by the operator, or slaved to the camera line of sight. ROEE can rapidly deploy firing elements and sensors to positions located at high risk, exposed locations, thereby reducing the risk to soldiers without risking the mission. The robot can be integrated in a security system, as a part of perimeter defense system, or be deployed as an ambush platform, to monitor, and secure enemy susceptible movements paths.

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