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    Israel Offers Mi-24/35 Upgrades

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    The wide availability of Mi-24/35 “Hind” helicopters in the third world and Eastern European countries is attracting aviation industries specializing in modernizations to offer upgrading packages for this rotorcraft. More than 3,000 Hinds designed by the Russian design bureau Mil, were built and produced in Moscow, Rostov and Arsenyev factories since their 1970 inception. About 1,500 are believed to remain in service in some 30 countries. Modernization and “Westernization” packages are currently offered by the Russian Rostvertol company, as well as by a number of western companies, from the UK, Israel and South Africa.

    The Russians introduced basic modifications with their Mi-24 design, with the installation of cockpit lighting modifications, compatible with night vision goggles. Other improvements include the installation of US supplied FLIRs, GPS navigation systems, (as provided to the air force of Zimbabwe). Further modifications are now promoted by Rosvertol

    The first major modification was performed on a Mi-24/35 fleet, probably in India. The Israel Aircraft Industries Tamam electro-optics company performed a comprehensive conversion for the an unidentified Mi-24 fleet, with the introduction of night operation capability. Designated `Mission 24′ (shown in photo above), the modification included 25 helicopters fitted with the Tamam Multi-mission Optronics Stabilized Payload system incorporating TV, FLIR imaging and automatic target tracker, and an IAI/MLM mission computer. The cockpit was modified to comply with night vision goggles lighting and a monocular helmet sight.

    El-Op, currently a subsidiary of Elbit Systems, has also proposed a derivative of its COMPAS thermal/TV optronics payload for Mi-24 installation. The company offers its comprehensive upgrading suite for Mi-24s, including a digitized, highly integrated “glass cockpit”, and enhanced weapons systems integration. The helicopter retain the Russian 9K113M Ataka missiles, but will also be able to use western anti-tank missiles chosen by the operating air force. For example, Poland recently announced the selection of the Israeli Spike ER (formerly known as NT-D) was chosen.

    Hunter UAV Completes Testing of new BAT Derivative – laser guided Viper Strike Munitions

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    The US Army completed firing tests of the Northrop Grumman Viper Strike precision munitions, fired from an IAI/Northrop Grumman Hunter UAV. Viper Strike is a derivative of the BAT “brilliant Attack munitions”, which uses a semi-active laser guidance. The new weapon is designed for operation over built-up and urban area, where visibility and collateral damage risks restrict the use of flat trajectory attacks from the air (such as with the Hellfire missile). In the tests, the new weapon scored 7 direct hits out of nine launches. Various types of tactical targets were  engaged included pickup trucks, tanks using countermeasures and multiple rocket launchers.

    During the initial round of tests, four inert munitions carrying flight data recorders were dispensed to verify system performance. For the actual demonstration, nine tactical munitions fitted with laser sensors developed by Elbit Systems and IAI/MBT Division, and live warheads, were deployed against a recognized set of simulated enemy targets. Seven of the nine scored direct hits, rendering their targets tactically inoperable. The remaining two munitions missed their targets by a few feet but still inflicted measurable damage. The causes of these two misses are being analyzed in detail along with the rest of the data.

    These tests were part of a program designed to demonstrate the operational capability of the Hunter/Viper Strike integrated system. According to Emmitt Gibson, V.P. for precision munitions at Northrop Grumman’s Electronic Systems sector, the demonstration validated the Viper Strike concept and provides the US Army with an armed UAV with a lethal precision strike capability.

    This method of operation was already proven successful in Afghanistan, when general Atomics Predator  UAVs, operated by the CIA and the US Air Force, have fired Hellfire missiles from high altitude. It is believed to participate in a similar deployment in Operation Iraqi Freedom, as part of the SSM and SAM suppression missions and in precision strikes against high priority targets.

    X-Guard – New Towed Active RF Decoy

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    RAFAEL recently released details about a new towed active decoy,  designed to protect combat aircraft from radar seeking threats, such as semi-active and active (radar) homing air/air and surface/air missiles. The system called X-Guard lures the attacking missiles away from the protected platform, by creating an attractive false target signal which diverts the homing missile from the platform. The smart decoy is designed to defeat advanced tracking techniques, including modern “Monopulse and Look on Receive-Only (LORO) techniques. The system is linked to the aircraft’s defensive avionics and EW system through a fiber-optic cable operates over a wide frequency range, to counter various types of radars and missiles. The decoy is retrievable and can be deployed several times during a mission.

    Tank Sight System

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    Tank Sight System built by Vectop Battlefield Imaging Systems integrates an array of CCD/ICCD video cameras installed in different positions around an armoured fighting vehicle, to enable the crew to cover “dead zones”. An array of four cameras provide a complete peripheral coverage (360 degrees) of a tank, including movement backwards. The IDF uses the Tank Sight System in Merkava types, including Mk3 and Mk4.

    Typhoon Stabilized Marine Gun System

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    The view of the controller's console (left seat) as seen at the bridge of a Israel Shipyards Shaldag Mk II fast patrol boat.

    Typhoon stabilized marine gun system developed by RAFAEL is compatible with many automatic cannons. The system total weight is 690 – 750 kg (including the gun), and it can be fitted with various naval guns, including 20, 23, 25, 27 or 30 mm guns produced by Boeing, Oerlikon, Mauser or Giat. Typhoon can be installed on small deck space and does not require deck penetration. The gun is equipped with 160 – 210 rounds stored on the mount, (actual number depends on caliber). Additional ammunition is stored below deck.

    The view of the controller's console (left seat) as seen at the bridge of a Israel Shipyards Shaldag Mk II fast patrol boat.
    Typhoon stabilized gun mount, demonstrating the 23mm system

    The system is also fitted with an on-mount day/night camera (CCD/ICCD and FLIR) which is integrated in the remote control loop. The system is capable of traverse of +/- 120 degrees and elevation between –12.5 to +40.5 degrees. Stabilization accuracy of 0.2 mrad. Typhoon can be remotely controlled from the deck, either independently, from the control console, or automatically, slaved to the Electro-Optical Director (EOD) system or radar. The system is equipped with an internal fire control system that calculates line of fire output based on line of sight information provided by internal or external sensors. Line-of-fire stabilization enables the crew to effectively engage targets in great precision from safe stand-off distance, and at rough sea conditions. This capability contributes an essential deterrence in coast guard and law enforcement missions, and dramatically improves crew safety in counter terrorist activities, where the patrol boats frequently become targets for suicide bombers. Typhoon guns can also be operated manually, if any of the automatic systems fail.

    Typhoon G (20 mm gun mount) was selected as the standard gun mount for the Israeli Navy patrol boats, including Shaldag Mk II, Super Dvora Mk II and Mk III.

    Ofeq 5 – Israel Launch New Spy Satellite

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    Ofeq 5, The latest satellite in the Ofeq series was launched by an IAI/MLM Shavit satellite launcher, from Palmachim missile test center on the Israeli Mediterranean coast on May 28, 2002.

    Ofeq 5 is a reconnaissance satellite carrying a remote sensing payload that will enable it to perform its high-resolution observation missions for national needs. Ofeq 5 is believed to be capable of delivering both panchromatic and color images, at resolutions substantially exceeding those provided by Israeli commercial satellite services (0.8 meter).

    OFEQ-5, built by IAI/MBT, belongs to the class of small and lightweight satellites. Its launch weight is about 300 kg, it has a height of 2.3 meters and 1.2 meter diameter. It is a three-axes stabilized, lightweight satellite platform, adapted for high-resolution observation, scientific, or, technological payloads. Its design is based on the proven technologies employed in the Ofeq series.

    The satellite circles the Earth, from East to West, every hour and a half, at an approximate angle of inclination 143 degrees. OFEQ-5’s lightweight allows for maximum agility over target to yield rapid image acquisition. It acquires images in swaths ahead of satellite trajectory, beneath it and lateral to it.It is designed to operate at altitudes between 370 and 600 km above the surface of the Earth. Higher altitudes will prolong its mission duration in space while lower altitudes enable higher ground sampling resolutions imagery. The projected lifetime of the satellite is approximately four years.

    IAI Bedek is currently developing the follow-on satellite in the Ofeq program, designated Ofeq 6. It will employ a more advanced payload, capable of all-weather operation. It is not clear yet, if the sensor will employ cloud penetration capability provided by radar or imaging, or night and limited weather penetration, enabled by thermal imaging.

    Images: Ofeq 5 shown at IAI/MBT before loading into the Shavit satellite launcher. (page middle – the satellite shown in deployed comnfiguration).

    Ofeq 5 specifications:
    Launch weight:  ~300kg
    Length:  2.3 m
    Diameter:  1.2 m
    Orbit:  370 – 600 km
    Orbit:  elliptical polar
    Inclination:  143 deg.

    US Army To Test Smart Munitions on UAVs

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    The US Army is conducting flight testing of an armed version of the IAI/TRW Hunter unmanned Aerial Vehicle, as part of evaluations of an armed UAV  concept. This method of operation was already proven successful in Afghanistan, when general Atomics Predator  UAVs, operated by the CIA and the US Air Force, have fired Hellfire missiles from high altitude.

    According to a recent announcement, TRW Inc. was awarded contract to test the the Brilliant Anti-Tank (BAT) Submunitions on a Hunter unmanned aerial vehicle. The company is also demonstrating the employment of IAI/MBT Lahat laser guided missile from a UAV. Hunter will be tested with a complement of two weapons, one under each wing, allowing the operator to release them on command.

    Improved Brilliant Anti-Tank munitions (BAT) seen in the terminal attack phase, as it homes in to attack the top deck of a tank target. These munitions are homing on the target's acoustic, thermal and milimetric-wave radar signatures. BATs are planned for deployment in advanced ATACAM missiles. (Image: Northrop Grumman).

     

    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

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    Tamir Eshel
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