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    DEFEXPO 2004 – Homeland Defense

    Mahindra, the large Indian vehicle manufacturer unveiled its Striker lightweight high mobility combat vehicle, designed for armed reconnaissance and mounted patrols. The vehicle was displayed mounting four Milan missiles and a 7.62 mm machine gun. Mahindra also exhibited the Rakshak Plus, a protected vehicle designed for rapid  reaction teams, mounted patrols and transportation of commanders and VIP. Rakshak Plus utilizes interchangeable armor protection plates designed to stop multiple 7.62mm hits. The protection suite consisting of hardened steel, high performance polyethylene and aramid laminates and bullet proof glass. The protection suite was designed by Plasan Sasa.
    Mine protected vehicles are currently deployed by units of the Indian security forces, and positive experience with initial systems indicated that more of these vehicles should be used. Several exhibitors at DEFEXPO included mine protected vehicles in their displays. Indian Ordnance Factories brought the real thing – an armored troop carrier, fully protected against heavy mine blasts under the tires and hull, besides being immune to small arms fire. To add to the crew protection, the vehicle is also equipped with a multi-purpose remote control weapon station, developed by RAFAEL.  The station enables observation, target acquisition and firing from within the protected vehicle, and accommodates a 0.5 cal heavy machine gun, 7.62 MG or automatic grenade launcher, and has options for stabilization and slave modes. Similar systems were also presented by foreign companies, including Alvis OMC of South Africa which have sold such systems to India in the past. Mahindra plans to introduce its own version for a mine protected vehicle – and is negotiating the local production of the Israeli RAM 2000 mine protected armored vehicle.
    Another vehicle displayed by Mahindra is the Mobile Multi-sensor Surveillance System (MMSS), developed under cooperation between Mahindra, IAI/Elta and Esc Baz of Israel. The system is designed to operate as unattended ground sensor, transmitting surveillance data and images back to a regional command and control center. The vehicle can be equipped with a wide range of sensors, including the IAI/Elta integrated multi-sensor payload, utilizing the POP stabilized EO payload containing a color CCD, cooled thermal imager and a laser rangefinder package, the EL/M-2129 ground surveillance radar (or similar derivatives, locally built in India) and the Comet electronic compass. Another option is the Controp CEDAR IR automatic intruder detection system. Cedar was recently selected for the protection of the Olympic park in Athens, during the 2004 Olympics. Another low cost solution was also provided by Esc Baz from Israel, integrating a remotely controlled color day camera and uncooled thermal camera with a laser pointing device. Esc Baz officials at Defexpo told Defense Update that similar systems are already used for the protection of elements along the Israeli buffer zone and security perimeters around some isolated civilian settlements.

    DEFEXPO 2004 – Armor & Anti-Armor

    Many Russian companies participated as part of the Rosboronexport pavilion. Among the participants was Electro Machina, state company, which demonstrated advanced systems for tank upgrading, including the Shtora-1 system, believed to be part of the Indian T-90 program. KBP presented an active armor protection solutions, including the Drozd. Other modernization programs are offered for the Russian BMP-3 by Kurganmashzavod. Further upgrading options were discussed by Mahindra, which is collaborating with Kinetics for the integration of Climate Control Systems (CCS) and Life Support Systems (LSS) for the new T-90 tank and BMP-2.Other improvements proposed include the installation of missile/gun systems such as the Kuliver, on troop carriers such as the BTR-80 and BMP series vehicles. This turret combines the firepower of the 2A27 automatic gun with the range and long range precision of the Kornet-E missile.

    The Russian Artem company displayed the COMBAT anti-tank laser beam riding missile, which can be fired through the 125mm gun of the T-80UD, T-84, T-72AG, B and C models.

    A modernization program for T series tanks was also highlighted by KBP. The improvements enable day/night operation at extended range, firing of ammunition and missiles on the move, automatic tracking which improves target handling by 3 – 6 times, compared to manual track – and improved gunnery techniques. The system includes an improved the fire control system, gun stabilization and ballistic computer, and installation of separate gunner and commander’s sights. The introduction of new optics enable the use of gun fired laser beam riding anti-tank missiles, such as the 9M117M1 missile (for 115mm guns) and 9M119M missile (for 125mm guns).  The missiles use semi automatic line of sight (SACLOS) Radio Frequency (RF) guidance and can hit targets at maximum range of 5 – 6km penetrating up to 950mm of ballistic steel. Previous versions of this munitions included the 9K112 Kobra (also designated AT-8 Songster NATO code).

    Another laser guided system displayed here was the Lahat, designed by IAI/MBT. This laser homing projectile can be fired at targets designated by the firing tank or any other source (UAV, infantry or helicopter) therefore, enabling the firing platform to disengage immediately after firing. Lahat can hit targets well beyond the range of conventional tank ammunition. The new missile recently passed field tests and live firing from Arjun tanks in India, and IAI has signed an agreement for local production of the missile. The Indian Army expects to take delivery of all 124 Arjun units on order, by early 2006.

    Lahat missiles are designed for 105 and 120mm guns, and can also be accommodated with 125mm guns. The system was displayed in the tank gun configuration, as well as in its a lightweight quad launcher, which can be carried on ground vehicles, helicopters, as well as light aircraft or UAVs.

    DEFEXPO 2004 – Artillery Systems

    Artillery systems captured  significant attention at the exhibition. Improvements for the Bofors FH77 currently in Indian service were presented by SWS Defense the company was willing to discuss some details about its proposal for the modernization of the 155/52 howitzer and the FH55BW autonomous, mobile (truck based) version. Soltam is currently converting Indian M-46 artillery to M-46S standard and is also competing on the upcoming Indian procurement tender for towed, autonomous gun systems. For this program Soltam proposed for this program the autonomous ATHOS 2052 155mm /52 cal system. the company also offers a truck mounted artillery version – ATMOS which was recently chosen for the ATROM program in Romania. South African Denel which is also competing for the lucrative Indian program was also represented with a broad range of artillery systems. The company displayed the Condor T-5 155mm/52Cal truck mounted gun, and the autonomous T-6 self propelled guns, both seem of interest for Indian procurement programs. Another system, the LWSPH was presented by Singapore technologies Kinetics. Two self propelled advanced mortars were also on display – Soltam’s CARDOM and ST Kinetics Super Rapid Advanced Mortar System (SRAMS) – both 120mm mortar systems.

    Artillery precision guided munitions for artillery were represented by a wide range of guided munitions for artillery and mortars, enabling fire units to engage targets with very high precision. The Krasnopol152/155 mm, Kitolov 2M 122mm and Gran 120mm mortar projectiles, which are already in use with the Indian Army.

    Responding to the Indian enthusiasm for artillery employment, several companies also promoted advanced dedicated maintenance and support systems for artillery. AGI Ltd from the UK presented the AGICAM, a visual inspection system used for inspecting the barrel bore gauges. The camera is inserted into the barrel and provides either 360 degree peripheral view or a detailed focus on a particular area in more details, by utilizing a 90 deg. Viewing head. The images are sent to the inspection system via wireless link. A different inspection system developed by AGI is the BG20, which monitors the wear along the bore of the gun barrel. Software tools enable filing and storage of measurements by individual barrels, and tracking of specific units approaching or exceeding tube abrasion. Another system, Solclean, was demonstrated by Soltam, The semi automatic cleaning system handles 76-155mm, rifled or smooth bore barrels in 1 – 4 hours, using a special chemical foam for removing copper, brass and normal combustion residues without the use of ammonia or abrasive materials.

    DEFEXPO 2004 – Missiles Displays

    One of the most impressive weapons at the show was the Indo-Russian  Brahmos anti ship missile, designed in a ship launched, submarine launched, coastal launched and air launched versions. A different (subsonic) cruise missile was the Club-S family including the 3M-14E and 3M-54E missiles, displayed by the Russian Novator experimental machine design bureau. MBDA ALSO presented models of its leading products, including the new  Exocet MM40 Block 3, currently in full scale development. Advanced torpedoes were also presented here – two of the leading European manufacturers of Torpedoes were presented here, with full scale models of their products. Finmeccanica displayed the Whitehead BlackShark and Atlas Elektronik brought a scaled model of its heavyweight modular Sea Hake Mode 4 which is an evolutionary development the SEA HAKE heavyweight torpedo in as a standard weapon with some of the NATO navies. Other naval products on display included various countermeasures for ships and submarines, including the new SeaPike ASW weapon, and the Siren, presented by BAE.

    Air defense systems were a common sight at DEFEXPO. MBDA presented two systems – the Mica VL in its land based and naval configurations, and the SAMP/T air defense system, utilizing the Aster 30 missiles. RAFAEL unveiled at DEFEXPO its new concept of “full spectrum solutions”, and chose to demonstrate these solutions with the new SPYDER integrated short range air defense system. Raytheon displayed a model of its SLAMRAAM, The company believes that the US missiles will be suitable for the planned Indian replacements of some of their air defense assets, and provide an adequate answer to an evolving threat of cruise missiles and precision attack weapons.  Contraves brought a complete system of the 35mm Skyguard equipped with the AHEAD system while Kentron was ready to discuss some aspects of its Umkhonto missile, encouraged by its success in selling this system to Finish Navy. Russian air defense systems at the show included the 9M317 (SA-11) missile presented by DRPE. This missile is used in the BUK M1-2 land based SAM and with the Naval Shtil-1 system. These missiles are providing a modern replacement for ageing systems such as the SA-6 (which is the Akash missile, locally produced in India), offering enhanced immunity against countermeasures, and effective engagement of faster, smaller targets including cruise missiles and guided weapons. KBP displayed the 9M311 missile, used in the Pantsir S1 mobile air defense system. An upgraded version of this type is also proposed with the Hermes air defense system.

    Two man-portable anti tank missiles shown at DEFEXPO were the Israeli SPIKE MR/LR, and the Raytheon/Lockheed Martin Javelin. Both missiles are competing head to head in several countries, where acquisition of light weight anti-tank systems for infantry units meets priority bids. Through an attractive cooperation with local industries in Europe and Asia, Spike had a head start in Europe – in Finland, Netherlands and Poland, as well as in few undisclosed markets. The missile is also in service in Singapore and Israel. Javelin, widely fielded with the US Army and Marine Corps, won many of the recent competitions – in the UK, Norway, Australia and New-Zealand. Both Javelin and Spike are currently competing on a Canadian Army procurement program. India has yet to decide which missiles are suitable for its future programs. Raytheon sources told Defense Update that so far, Javelin has not been proposed here but the company views the region as an important market for future sales. MBDA has also chosen DEFEXPO as a stage where it previewed its Future Combat Missile System (FCMS), designed for medium and long range engagement of armored targets, by infantry and cavalry units.

    Other anti tank missiles at DEFEXPO 04 included the Russian Kornet-E and the Konkurs-M anti-tank missiles. The later is locally produced in India.

    Dutch Digitized Soldier Program D2S2

    The Dutch Digitized Soldier System (D2S2) program is under development by the Thales Group. The company was awarded this contract in October 2004. The company will deliver the prototype systems which will be the key components of the future Dutch digitized soldier system. These components are expected to provide the Netherlands’ infantry with a communications infrastructure to meet its future forces’ operational needs.

    Thales will provide the soldier radios, central processing computers and control units and dedicated soldier and commander interactive displays which will be operated as an “individual network” integrated into the company chain of command. The system will be linked to the Netherlands Army’s command & control battle management system.

    The development is a joint initiative of the Netherlands Ministry of Defense and Thales and will be performed in cooperation with TNO, the Netherlands’ Organization for Applied Scientific Research. Prototype systems will be tested in 2005, with production units planned to go into service in 2006. Thales is already contributing to major soldier modernization programs in the United Kingdom, in Germany and in Norway.

    Autonomous Wide Area Search Munition (AWASM)

    An Autonomous Wide Area Search Munition (AWASM) is developed by Lockheed Martin for the USAF. The program is integrates a two-way data link in precision guided miniature loitering missile to enable wide area search and destroy. Under the proof-of-concept demonstration the company is integrating a data link into a wide area search munition, to transmit detected target information to a Command & Control (C2) authority and receive engagement authorization for one of the previously detected targets. AWASM will use a Laser Detection and Ranging (LADAR) seeker to automatically determine target aimpoints using demonstrated Automatic Target Acquisition algorithms. The munition will be compatible with F-16, F/A-22, Joint Strike Fighter, B-1 and B-2 aircraft. It will also be able to dispense from a Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) rocket or an Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) missile.

    Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS)

    The Low Cost Precision Guided Rocket concept has evolved as a response to a US Army Low-Cost Precision Kill initiative, started in 1996. The idea was simple – strap a laser seeker on a 2.75″ Hydra 70 rocket. Originally, Hydra 70 was originally designed as a family of rockets, used for area suppression, but with additional sophistication, it is transformed into a high precision, low-cost weapon, which provides the precision of a hellfire missile with significantly less collateral damage. The rocket’s blast-fragmentation warhead is also more suitable for urban warfare and low-intensity conflict.

    General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products and BAE Systems designed the M151Guided Warhead Block I modification for the 70mm rocket. This warhead retains the same fuse and warhead section of the standard M151, adding a mid-section which includes four semi-active laser seekers are embedded in the wing roots of forward canards, which are used for flight control. The Distributed Aperture Semi-Active Laser Seeker (DASALS) technology utilizes an array of four fixed detectors, which provide the same accuracy at a lower cost, compared to a gimbaled seeker. The complete assembly is emplaced between the warhead and rocket motor assemblies. The modified warhead length is extended from 4.2 cm to 90.9 and increase in weight from 4.2kg to 8.9kg. M151 Block I is currently under development and is scheduled to enter low rate initial production by 2006. Subsequent improvements of other Hydra 70 warheads and elements are planned for future production blocks.

    The Guided APKWS technology demonstration program was launched in 2002 and until September 2004 completed five flight tests, hitting targets at ranges of 1,500 to 5,500 meters.

    AMAP Protection System

    IBD unveiled its new Advanced Modular Armor Protection (AMAP) composite armor concept, follow-on to their combat proven Modular Expandable Armor System (MEXAS) protection, which has provided basic protection suite for over 12,500 combat vehicles worldwide, AMAP, utilizes ultra-fine powders made from nano-particle ceramics to create thinner, lighter but tougher ceramic modules. AMAP is already utilized for a number of new applications including the protection kits for the Italian army’s MLV, the Norwegian CV-9030 and Swedish CV-9040 armored vehicles. New add-on armor suits are on development for Patria’s 8×8 AMV IFV and command vehicles, scheduled for deliveries to the Finnish and Polish armies.

    Command Post Of the Future (CPOF)

    CPOF.

    The latest trend in C2 tech is Command Post Of the Future (COPF), a system currently deployed at division level, enabling division and brigade commanders to discuss and collaborate when processing information, share ideas, and attend virtual meetings without assembling at one place. As of October 2006, over 500 units are operational with US forces in Iraq.

    CPOF runs on a commercial off-the-shelf computer workstation with three screens that provide a shared environment that distributes, manipulates and displays, current operational information about the locations of all friendly units, known enemy forces, and relevant operational plans. Information, including images and data, is seen in two and three dimensions across the distributed workspace. Commanders can be better informed and thus make better decisions, by sharing situational awareness and collaborating with headquarters.

    Commanders attending the virtual meeting do not have to attend in the same location, or even the same country, to discuss and draw on the same map. CPOF was developed as a technology demonstration by DARPA. The prototype was deployed with the 1st Cavalry division and is currently operating in Baghdad, connecting the division HQ and five brigades. DARPA is expanding the system with the introduction of advanced visualization tools such as multi-screen video wall, video and audio conferencing and online collaboration tools, allowing brigade commanders to communicate, collaborate and share information. The first unit receiving the enhanced CPOF was the 3rd US Infantry Division. The program transitioned from DARPA to the Army in February 2006. CPOF is now managed by PM Battle Command at Ft. Monmouth, NJ, which directs the program’s deployment, sustainment and feature development for the Army. In May 2006, the U.S. Marine Corps launched an engineering design to determine how CPOF could be integrated into its Combat Operations Centers. CPOF was also used in the U.S. Air Force’s Joint Expeditionary Force Experiment 06 (JFEX 06) at Langley AFB, Va., and the U.S. Joint Forces Command Urban Resolve 2015 series of experiments in October 2006.

    CPOF enables forward command elements to reduced staff to operate C2 systems. In the distant future, advanced CPOF systems will eliminate parts of the brigade’s Tactical Operations Centers (TOC) primarily the forward and assault TOC which could be transformed into virtual TOCs. COPF relies on wideband data-communications links currently available to the Army, via military and commercial satellite communications services. The commander’s battleboard is interfaced to the system supporting all communication, collaboration, and information feeds he needs.

    The system is maintained as “liquid information” in database format, which separate the data from the viewing space. This method enables faster visualization and optimal maintenance of large volumes of constantly changing information. The system gathers real-time and near-real-time feeds from multiple C2 applications. Constant monitoring of the battlefield is provided, by tracking the combat elements on maps or satellite photos and video feeds from battlefield sensors, following enemy forces through intelligence reports, ground observations, forward units or UAVs. Commanders no longer have to call on the radio to check the status of each unit. CPOF support commercial presentation style briefings, including map, photos and video. The participants can respond, sketching out their comments on the shared “Battleboard” presented in each location and at the central CP’s video wall. The Agile Commander program provided a scalable, reconfigurable operator environment which enabled commanders to access all command post information and functions anywhere, anytime, utilizing advanced MOSAIC and Global Mobile networking.

    October 6, 2011: As part of the planned enhancements under a $78 million two year contract awarded to the manufacturer, General Dynamics C4, CPOF’s collaboration capabilities will be expanded, with users able to see and share information from multiple control systems, including ground, aviation, logistics, fires and airspace control systems. The system will also integrate the ‘next-generation command and control architecture’, increasing the number of concurrent users sharing the same information from hundreds to thousands. This will allow users who are purposely or inadvertently disconnected from the network to continue their collaborative efforts without interruption to operations or loss of data. The work done to enhance the collaborative command and control capabilities for the CPOF system directly supports the Army’s Mission Command Collapse initiative in which several mission command and control systems are collapsed into a consolidated product line.

    Aladin Mini UAV

    Designed as a Miniature Aerial Vehicle (MAV), Aladin is currently operational with recce units of the German Army. The MAV is powered by an electrical motor. It has a takeoff weight of 3 kg. Typical missions of 45 minutes are flown over 5 km range, at an altitude of 30 – 200 meter above ground. Aladin is designed for autonomous missions. It carries an integral EO payload which can be replaced by other mission specific payloads. The control station comprises a 2D or 3D for navigation and mission planning, which also includes obstacle avoidance, based on a 3d terrain model, monitoring displays, video displays and digital recording modules.

    Active Defense System (ADS)

    Active Armor Countermeasure system developed by Akers and IBD for the CV90 120 light tank

    IBD developed an active protection concept utilizing a kill mechanism based on blast effect. The system is already implemented in two programs, AAC developed by Akers for the Swedish MOD and Shark, developed in cooperation with Thales, for the French Army.

    blast The system uses laser warning sensors to spot threats at very close range (five meters). The threat warning is handed over to the countermeasures array, located in strategically located multiple modules, which create a hemispherical coverage of the protected platform. Based on the threat parameters, the best location is selected for activation, launching an explosive charge which creates a strong blast effect but without fragments, which counteracts with the incoming projectile (IBD claims the blast countermeasures are effective against both CE and KE threats).

    A seequence of an intercept of an RPG by the AAC countermeasure system

    The intercept is performed at a very close range (up to two meters). The choice of such a close range is derived from the requirement to minimize collateral damage or threat to nearby troops. (This is also evident in another German development – the CLARA reactive armor by Dynamit Nobel). The operating parameters of the ADS require substantial base armor to protect the vehicle from fragments resulting from the intercept, which maintain substantial residual kinetic energy to create some damage to soft skinned vehicles. The system is undergoing testing and was already proposed for two ADS programs currently considered by European armies.

    SHARK Active Protection System

    The SHARK active protection system is developed under cooperation between Thales and IBD. It is designed to protect armored fighting vehicles from shaped charge (RPGs and anti-tank missiles) and IED while degrading the potential threat of KE threats. The system utilizes the distributed architecture developed by IBD, which provides full 360 degrees hemispherical coverage, with distributed, overlapping sensor-countermeasures modules located all around the vehicle. Each module covers a specific sector, detecting any threat fired toward the vehicle and engaging it by blast effect at close-in range, specifically designed to comply with operational restrictions of urban environment. SHARK requires about 560 microseconds to detect, analyze, and launch a countermeasure. At this time, an incoming missile or RPG will travel some 15 meters – which is the minimum safety zone which should be protected by the system. The French developers claim that by using distributed modules and close-in intercept, their system achieves much faster reaction time, about 40% less of competing systems, while operating at much shorter range.

    The system is designed to protect from multiple attacks. Maintaining reaction time of less than one milisecond (from threat detection to kill), engaging targets at at close range (about 15 meters) and in different directions. SHARK is designed to operate under all weather conditions and is agnostic to the vehicle’s or turret attitude.

    IQBOT

    The IQbot was designed to provide surveillance and first response capability in area contaminated by chemical, biological or radiological / Nuclear (CBRN) agents. The platform uses proven systems adapted from Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) robotic platforms providing high mobility in urban and rural terrain, including stair climbing and obstacle crossing. At a total weight of 400kg, (150kg payload) IQbot reaches a maximum road speed of 25 km/h and up to 10 km/h in rough terrain and operate for over 5 hours.

    The platform mounts video cameras and proximity sensors, sending up to four video streams, back to the control unit. Payloads include Thermal / IR camera, electronic countermeasures and a range of sensors, including chemical, biological and radiological sensors and probes. For the CBRN surveillance mission it is equipped with the HAPSITE chemical detection and identification system, providing rapidly deployable remote sensing capability. Alternative payloads can accommodate biological sensors, radiological sensors, thermal / IR cameras and electronic countermeasures. The robot is remotely controlled from a hand held unit which can also be linked back to a network for net-centric connectivity. The complete set can be transported in an EOD vehicle.

    Close-Range Active Defense (CARD)

    Close-Range Active Defense (CARD) munitions are proposed by RUAG as means for active protection of armored fighting vehicles, threatened by infantry and anti-tank weapons at close or medium range. When deployed in urban combat, such vehicles are often engaging targets at very close ranges, where employment of the main gun or automatic cannons is not effective. For these situations, CARD offers an effective means to deliver fragments at close range, even behind protection.

    CARD uses controlled fragmentation technology which is already implemented in the 81 and 60mm MAPAM (Mortar Anti-Personnel Anti-Material bombs) which guarantees that all fragments are of the same size and energy, contributing to increased lethality and well defined safety zones (for accompanying troops). Each CARD is lauched from standard smoke launchers to a range of 35m’ and is programmed to burst at a height of 2-7 meters above surface, generating over 1,000 0.3 gram fragments. CARD can be launched from standard smoke launchers which can be turned into an active defense system. RUAG plans to have CARD in low rate production for testing by late 2004 and will be able to deliver the system by mid 2005.

    Unmanned Systems in BOA Program

    The French BOA program will include several unmanned vehicles for airborne and ground applications. Among the systems considered are Autonomous Ground Vehicles (UGV) which will be used to carry sensors and various loads in assistance to dismounted infantry equipped with FELIN suits. Systems under considerations are small robots, (EOD vehicle size) used for short range sensor deployment, surveillance of urban environments, and larger weapons carriers, used either in tele-operated or autonomous operating modes. The program evaluates various concepts including human-robot interactions.

    One such concept is focused on the use of a wearable display computer, which is also considered for FELIN. With operator assistance, the robot will optimize the negotiation of obstacles, focusing on the main points of interest, while scouting an objective. The computer will be able to display images captured by the sensors, generate maps of the interior in buildings using of distance measuring devices or detect moving objects.

    The organization of autonomous control architecture will be examined, with evaluation of navigation and orientation (concepts including inertial measurements, vision and telemetry, odometry and GPS). Aspects unique to the cooperation among groups of robots will be studied. mobility means to be examined, will include combinations of wheeled, tracked and legged mobility systems. Under a different program the French OPART system was developed as a video sensor dedicated for robotic applications. The sensor utilizes two video images taken through a split lens which provides both wide field of view and aimable narrow field of view imaging. The system is considered for applications such as unstructured road boundaries tracking and target acquisition.