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    Skylark Miniature Aerial vehicle

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    (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

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    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)

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    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

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    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

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    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.

    Black Shark Heavyweight Torpedo

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    Whitehead Div., Alenia Defesa, Finmeccanica (Europe)

    Whitehead Division of Alenia Difesa – a member of the Finmechanica group, presented a full scale version of its Black Shark dual purpose, wire guided Heavyweight torpedo, equipped with one of the Astra acoustic head and a new powerful propulsion system. The Black Shark is also equipped with an advanced sensor capability, allowing the target classification function even in very complex and unfavorable underwater scenarios. This weapon was developed for the Italian Navy requirements and was later selected to equip the Chilean and Malaysian Scorpene class submarines and is considered a strong candidate for the Indian selection, if a Scorpene design will be selected here as well.

    FH-77 155mm Howitzer

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    The upgraded FH-77 155/52 howitzer will be equipped with on board navigation, positioning, control, alignment and ballistic calculation systems, automatic servo controlled gun laying, and intra-battery radio communications, facilitating intra-battery networking over a 5 km range.

    One of the unique operating modes of this howitzer is the MRSI – Multiple rounds Simultaneous Impact – can be programmed to fire multiple projectiles at a target in different trajectories, designed to impact accurately over the target as a salvo, within 3 seconds.

    SWS Defense also developed the FH55BW protected, truck mounted howitzer, capable of “shooting and scooting” a salvo of six rounds within 90 seconds. existing systems, and competition for the supply of future systems for the Indian Army. Soltam, from Israel also displayed some of its systems.

    BAMSE

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    SAAB designed the BAMSE to provide a complete air defense solution with all-weather, all-target capability. The missile should operate at a range of 20km, outranging most stand-off EO controlled weapons, operating at altitudes up to 15km. The high velocity missile uses a combined effect warhead with shaped and fragmentation charge, detonated by impact and proximity fuse. The missile is guided by Command to Line of Sight (CLOS) by the Fire Control Radar (FCR). The missile has high acceleration and high velocity maintained throughout the operational range, which contributes to high maneuverability throughout the engagement envelope. It is designed to counter various threat profiles, from small, high velocity targets such as anti-radiation missiles to relatively slow, low flying cruise missile type targets.

    BAMSE battery comprises a surveillance and coordination center (SCC) comprising of the Erricson AMB 3D radar (or similar systems) with C4I functions, as used by the Swedish Army, and two Missile Control Centres (MCC) associated with the SCC can be dispersed over a distance of 10 – 15km. Each MCC can be deployed in 10 minutes and is provided as a self contained unit carrying six ready to fire missiles and an integral erectable 8 m’ mast fitted with the Ka band FCR (NATO could use K band), Thermal Imaging Sight (TIS), IFF interrogator and weather sensor. Reloading six missiles onto the MCC can be performed in less than four minutes. The MCC is operated by a crew of two seated in an operating cell protected from ballistic and NBC threats.

    Ground Based Air Defense System

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    The British Army is planning to field the network enabled, Ground Based Air Defense (GBAD) system by the year 2007, to introduce major improvement in its capability to defend against all types of modern air attacks including combat aircraft, attack helicopters, cruise missiles and unmanned air vehicles.

    GBAD will utilize the existing Rapier Field Standard C and High Velocity Missile (HVM Starstreak) air defense systems with an overarching Air Defense Command, Control, Communication, Computers & Intelligence (ADC4I) structure to provide earlier identification of targets at longer ranges and enhanced ability to combat threats. Such system, integrating legacy weapons systems and supporting assets, is judged to be essential to enable targets to be identified before they become a direct threat, to ensure the safety of friendly aircraft and eliminate fratricide as demonstrated in Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) in 2003.

    At the current stage, two teams are competing on the 1 billion pound program – one is Team Athena, a consortium led by Lockheed Martin, which comprises Lockheed Martin UK Ltd Integrated Systems, Lockheed Martin Naval Electronics & Sensor Systems, Alenia Marconi Systems, EDS, Westland Helicopters, INSYS Ltd, System Consultants Services Ltd and Advanced Systems Architectures Ltd. The other contender is a consortium led by the European Aeronautic Defense and Space (EADS), comprising EADS (UK) Ltd, EADS (N&G) and MBDA. Final selection is expected in 2005.

    Phase 1 program will aim to achieve the required improvements incrementally from 2007 to 2010 to match the expected threat up to 2020. Another prime purpose of the program is to reduce the running costs of Rapier FSC and HVM by considering obsolescence issues and changes to existing support and training arrangements to improve efficiency and thus realize savings. Replacements for Rapier and HVM will be considered later in the program (phase 2). It is planned that the GBAD Phase 2 program will be taken forward collaboratively through a Memorandum of Understanding signed In 2003 with NATO allies – Germany, France, Italy, The Netherlands and Norway.

    GoldenEye Ducted-Fan VTOL UAV

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    GoldenEye-50 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), a vertical takeoff and landing aircraft is designed to carry surveillance and chemical agent detection sensors to restricted, hard to reach, or dangerous locations.

    GoldenEye 80 is the third version of vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) capable aerial vehicle designed by Aurora Flight Sciences under the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) programs. It is being developed under the Organic Air Vehicle (OAV-II) program, addressing requirements for the U.S. Army’s Future Combat Systems (FCS) program.The 65 inch long (1.65 m’), 150 pounds (68 kg) uses a propulsion system based on heavy fuel (diesel) engine, embedded in a ducted fan assembly, enabling both forward or vertical flight and hovering, with very low acoustic signature. GoldenEye 80 takes off and lands vertically but can transition to horizontal flight using wings. Because GoldenEye 80 is fully autonomous, a pilot is not required to fly the aircraft. It is designed to carry an advanced multi-sensor payload, comprising a high resolution video camera, a high resolution infrared camera for night viewing, a laser rangefinder, a laser tracker, and a laser designator. The payload is under developed by FLIR Systems, under a separate program managed by the US Army’s Night Vision Lab.

    GoldenEye 80 is the third generation ducted fan aircraft developed by Aurora. The first, GoldenEye 100, was a proof of concept aircraft first flown in 2003 under the “Clandestine UAV” project. This success led a smaller aircraft, the GoldenEye 50, which in 2005 successfully demonstrated the ability to transition to and from horizontal flight using wings that “float” rather than being rigidly attached to the plane’s body. GoldenEye 80 combines the stealth features and the performance features of the earlier programs with a heavy fuel engine and an advanced sensor payload to create a mature and effective system. Aurora’s partners in the GoldenEye development program include General Dynamics Robotics Systems, Northrop Grumman Corporation, and Athena Technologies.

    Aurora is currently building the first of four GoldenEye-50 flight test aircraft. GoldenEye-50 made its first flight in July 2004. First autonomous transition to and from horizontal flight was performed in April 2005. Demonstrated were performed to US Army Ranger, Cavalry and Artillery and the forces of a NATO country. During this period Goldeneye 50 performed over 35 flights. GoldenEye family UAVs platforms were selected by DARPA to provide the basic platform for the OAV II Program, expected to be integrated into the US Army FCS program. The UAV is being developed by Team GoldenEye, an industry team led by Aurora Flight Sciences with Northrop Grumman, Signal Systems Corporation and General Dynamics Robotics Systems.

    Designed for a wide array of missions including ship-based operations, the fully-VTOL aircraft has the capability to provide maritime law enforcement teams with a bird’s-eye-view during interdiction and boarding operations, and first responders with reach into dangerous areas and over obstacles. Low acoustic signature is an important feature required for the OAV’s clandestine surveillance mission, because it reduces the standoff distance required for the aircraft to perform surveillance without being observed. According to Matt Hutchison, Aurora’s Vice President of Tactical Systems: “Our work on GoldenEye’s muffler system has created a new standard in acoustic signature suppression for ducted fans without sacrificing engine power or payload capacity,” In flight tests the UAV demonstrated acoustic signatures consistently below limits set by DARPA for the OAV-II program.

    Goldeneye’s design offers rapid transition from hover to horizontal flight and high-speed dash performance. Among GoldenEye’s many features is unconventional performance that enables it to take-off and land vertically, like a helicopter, then level off into horizontal flight by virtue of rotating wings. Goldeneye 50

    GoldenEye’s engine is housed in a ducted-fan configuration that includes a propeller fully-enclosed within a cylindrical body – a design that integrates advanced lightweight structures and innovative flight controls to achieve remarkable performance. This configuration makes it safer for people working in the area of operation, and also makes the GoldenEye-50 quieter than a similarly sized helicopter. Golden-Eye-50 is the GuideStar flight control system developed by Aurora’s sister company, Athena Technologies. GoldenEye-50 stands 70 cm tall, has a wingspan of 1.4 m’, has a gross takeoff weight of 10 kg, and has a payload of 1 kg. The aircraft can cruise up to 1 hour at 100 km/h with a maximum speed of 280 km/h.

    The GoldenEye-50 is derived from the larger GoldenEye-100. Originally developed under DARPA’s Clandestine UAV (CUAV) program, GoldenEye-100 carries a 11 kg payload. Flight testing of this aircraft began in September 2003.

    M-46S Gun Modernization

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    Soltam Defense Systems  is currently modernizing the Indian 130mm M46 artillery systems, converting them to the M46S version, the conversion utilize the existing carriage and recoil system of the Russian original 130mm gun, fitted with the 155/45 cal tubes, which use standard 155mm artillery ammunition including ERFB/BB projectiles with charge 11 which extend the firing range up from 27.2 up to 39 km.

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