Unveiling new, cutting-edge technologies
Elbit Systems SkEye WAPS
Elbit Systems has revealed its innovative wide area persistent surveillance solution, SkEye WAPS. Developed specifically to address requirements raised by defence and law enforcement agencies, responding to natural disaster recovery events, terrorism and homeland security threats, SkEye WAPS comprises advanced capabilities in the field of imagery intelligence gathering, providing a complete high-resolution picture and up to 80 square kilometre coverage of the Area of Interest (AOI) to a large number of users. SkEye WAPS provides a clearer picture in lesser time, thus exponentially increasing trust in the decision making process. While looking over a large Area-of Interest (AOI), operators can zoom into multiple Regions of Interest (ROI) simultaneously and understand the connection between them. This is achieved without neglecting rest of the area, which is still being recorded and constantly analysed. At heart of the system is an airborne segment consisting of the EO sensor unit, an advanced image processing unit, a large mass storage unit and analysis applications. Via an embedded data link, the relevant information is transmitted from the aircraft to the SkEye, Control and Management Center (SCMC) (fixed or mobile), which can be integrated with the customer’s Command & Control (C2) solution.
Elbit introduces the SkyStriker
At the 2017 Paris Air Show Elbit Systems launched the SkyStriker, a remotely operated electro-optical, precise guided Loitering Munition (LM) designed to “seek, locate and engage” various targets for the tactical level corps. SkyStriker is able to locate, acquire and strike operator-marked targets enabling high-precision performance. The system’s electric propulsion provides a low acoustic signature and enables covert low altitude operations. Owing to its flight speed capability, it can cover a distance of tens of kilometers within minutes. Upon reaching the target area, it can loiter and pursue the target for up to two hours.
SkyStriker offers quick deployment and ease of operation in the field, provides forces with the ability to observe and identify an enemy target before delivering a rapid precision airstrike. Its remote operation capability reduces operators’ exposure to detection or enemy fire while guiding the LM to its target. In addition to high accuracy, long range and a significant loitering time, the SkyStriker is capable of carrying up to ten kilogrammes of munitions. The system also provides significant flexibility such as the ability to choose any target, to engage at any direction and in various angles (shallow to steep) while significantly decreasing costs. Moreover, SkyStriker enables the operator to abort a strike up to two seconds to impact, to re-engage and in case of lack of authorised targets to order a safe return home.
Controp’s unique, compact UAS payload
Controp Precision Technologies Ltd launched the T-Stamp-XR, its unique, compact payload for UAS with “exceptional thermal sensor optics” at the Paris Air Show 2017.
T-Stamp-XR, a new member of the Controp Stamp family of gyro-stabilised miniature EO/IR payloads for UAS, weighs only 3.5kg. It is comprised of a high sensitivity HD day camera, a cooled thermal imaging (TI) camera, and an optional laser designator or laser pointer. The built-in INS on the Line-of-Sight provides precise and accurate target coordinates, geolocation, hold-to-coordinate and pointto- coordinate capabilities. The optional laser pointer is available for onboard target pointing. Additional features includeonboard automatic video tracker, image enhancement, local automatic gain control (AGC), picture-in-picture (PIP), digital video output, and optional H.264 video output. The T-Stamp-XR enables tactical interoperability with other platforms in the theatre, and has low life-cycle costs due to a unique and high endurance cooled TI detector.
Controp Helicopter EO/IR payloads
Controp has announced sale of several iSky-20HD (formerly Shapo-HD) and iSky-50HD (formerly DSP-HD) EO/IR payloads to the Israeli Police, to be installed on new helicopters and integrated with Churchill Navigation Mission Systems.
Controp’s line of six medium and long-range aerial payloads (iSky-20, 20HD, 30, 30HD, 40 and 50HD) were uniquely developed for the challenging and often turbulent aerial environment and they provide solutions for most medium and long-range aerial surveillance platforms. Features include a continuous optical zoom lens in the day (or high definition-HD) and thermal imaging (SD/HD) cameras, gyrostabilised gimbals and multi sensor options including Eyesafe Laser Range Finder (ELRF) and/or Laser Pointer, all of which provide “outstanding” capabilities. The iSky systems can be installed on helicopters, fixed wing aircraft and unmanned aerial systems (UAS), and may be integrated with the platforms’ systems. Ideal for manned or unmanned airborne platforms, all of the iSky systems include real-time Image Enhancement Features, built in INS, automatic target tracking and are successfully operated, fully integrated and deployed by Search and Rescue (SAR), border surveillance, law enforcement, special operations, maritime patrol and force protection units.
Rafael’s new SPIKE LR II
Rafael Advanced Defense Systems have unveiled the Spike LR II, a new 5th generation variant of the Spike Family that can be fired from vehicles, helicopters, ships and ground launchers. The new missile was presented for the first time at the Paris Air Show in June. Rafael has meanwhile supplied over 27,000 Spike missiles and systems to over 26 countries. Spike LR II is an advanced multipurpose missile, weighing only 12.7 kg, designed for modern warfare with almost full commonality to the Spike missile legacy and can be launched from any Spike launcher. For increased lethality, Spike LR II includes two unique state-of-the-art advanced and highly capable warhead configurations: a tandem HEAT warhead configuration, enhancing armour penetration capability by more than 30% and a new multipurpose blast warhead which includes controlled fusing (by the gunner) for control of the desired effect.
Spike LR II has a range of 5.5 km when fired from ground launchers (an increase of more than 35% beyond the 4 km range of the original Spike LR) and up to 10 km when fired from a helicopter (using alternative option of RF Data link). The Spike LR II has a modern electro-optical seeker which includes a high quality uncooled IR sensor and an advanced high definition colour day sensor. The new seeker includes capabilities of a smart target tracker with AI features.
Spike LR II was designed against new modern targets with low signature, timesensitive characteristics. To counter this, Spike LR II includes an embedded IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) for missions of third party-target allocation, allowing the firing of the missile to grid target coordinates, including advanced armour and protection systems. The Spike LR II is one of the only missiles in the world with an inherent CAPS capability.
Rafael’s missile from Protector USV
Rafael Advanced Defense Systems recently completed the development of an additional mission module for its Protector Unmanned surface Vehicle (USV), in use by a number of naval fleets around the world, including the Israeli Navy. The development was completed as part of a series of successful tests performed by Rafael, in which a number of missiles were launched from the Protector and hit simulated enemy targets. This was the first-ever missile firing from an operational, remote-controlled USV.
During the test Rafael fired a number of Spike missiles, a family of precise, electrooptical, precise missiles that can be launched from aerial, land and naval platforms. This new capability allows pin-point attack of land or naval targets, enabling safe vessel operation from, with no risk to the operating force, from a remote command and control room or from aboard other naval platforms.
The Protector has been in use since 2004, allowing its developers and engineers to accumulate vast experience to continue its spiral development. Rafael has recently supplied a significant number of Protector USVs to a number of fleets and civilian bodies around the world, in accordance with the growing need for a remotely-operated vessel with modular payload carrying capabilities, based on mission needs.
IAI’s Long Range Artillery Weapon System tested
Firing trials of Israel Aerospace Industries’ (IAI) LORA (Long-Range Artillery weapon system) have been completed, following trials which consisted of launching a longrange LORA missile to a pre-planned target at sea. “This was one of the most complex trials we held over the past few years and a technological breakthrough for IAI’s missile development operations. The trials were held according to a full operational outline, including an assessment of the system’s manoeuvring, assault and precision capabilities,” stated Boaz Levi, Executive Vice President and General Manager ofSystems, Missiles & Space Group. “The impressive results attest for the system’s maturity and advanced capabilities,” he added.
Designed as an artillery weapon system which consists of a long-range tactical ground-to-ground missile developed by IAI’s MALAM division, the LORA is intended for strike scenarios with a range of up to 400 km and boasts precision range of 10 meters or better. The LORA missile weighs approximately 1,600 kg.
IAI’s Green Dragon Loitering Munition for Naval use
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has introduced a new variant of its Green Dragon loitering munition for naval use. IAI’s loitering munitions were on focus at the Paris Air Show and the tactical land version of the Green Dragon was successfully demonstrated in a series of trials recently in a full operational scenario. To meet the specific requirements for use in the naval arena and for operation from navy vessels, IAI has made several adjustments to the Green Dragon canister and communication antenna. The naval variant of the Green Dragon tactical, lowcost loitering munition has been designed to provide significant situational awareness and firepower in a compact envelope to combat ships, offshore patrol vessels and patrol boats. Green Dragon has up to 3 kg warhead and extremely high accuracy. The electricelectro-optically guided munition has a loitering time of 90 minutes, during which its operator can collect visual intelligence of surrounding area areas – especially in congested waters and shore targets at a range of up to 40 km.
The Green Dragon is launched by a small rocket-assist motor from a sealed, marine approved canister and as many as 12 units can be carried even on a small vessel. IAI’s family of loitering munitions includes the Harpy, Harpy NG, Harop, Rotem and Green Dragon.
Elbit Systems’ multi-mission Seagull USV demonstrated
Seagull, Elbit Systems’ Multi-Mission USV, recently participated in the binational MCM trials for unmanned maritime systems that were organisedby the Directorate General of Material Resources (DGMR) of the Belgian Defence Ministry. Taking part in the trials conducted at the beginning of June off the Belgian Zeebrugge Naval Base, were several companies operating different types of unmanned underwater and surface vehicles. Seagull is a 12-metre long USV that can be operated from a mother-ship or from shore stations. It provides multi-mission capabilities including Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), Mine Hunting & Mine Sweeping (MCM), Electronic Warfare (EW), maritime security and underwater commercial missions, leveraging modular mission system installation and offering a high level of autonomy. It features inherent C4I capabilities for enhanced situation awareness and mission endurance of more than four days.
Elbit Systems introduces the SPEAR MK2
Elbit Systems has unveiled its latest version of the Spear mortar system : the Spear MK2, an upgraded version of the operationally proven Spear mortar system, which is a 120 mm fully autonomous modular mortar system. The Spear’s latest version has a high recoil reduction capability, while not affecting the Cardom mortar system and the Spear’s well known effectiveness. The mortar system is easily installed on a variety of lightweight combat vehicles allowing agility and performance of tactical operations. The upgraded system provides improved situational awareness, wider area coverage, quick deployment and has autonomous or manual activation requiring only two three crew members. The mortar system is deployed and operational within only sixty seconds, equipped with a command and control system providing battlefield management and situational awareness capabilities, fire missions’ prioritisation and monitoring of personnel assignments.
Elbit Panoramic Cockpit Display for the F-35
Elbit Systems of America have been awarded a contract by Lockheed Martin Aeronautics to develop a cockpit display replacement for the F-35 fighter. The development contract is for the Technology Refresh 3, Panoramic Cockpit Display Unit. The award further expands Elbit Systems of America’s work on the F-35, which already includes power amplifiers, structures and sustainment work. In addition, Elbit Systems of America, together with Rockwell Collins, also supplies the F-35 Helmet Mounted Display System, through their joint venture Rockwell Collins ESA Vision Systems (RCEVS).
Controp’s High Definition EO/IR Camera Payloads for small boats
Controp has revealed its new iSea-20HD - High Definition (HD) EO/IR camera payload for small boats. The introduction of the new iSea-20HD completes Controp’s iSea family of four EO/IR payloads with HD capabilities, including the iSea-30HD, iSea- 40HD, iSea-50HD and now the new iSea- 20HD. The new iSea-20HD is a compact and lightweight (9.4-inch, diameter 24 lbs.) payload, which includes a high resolution thermal camera with x15 continuous zoom lens, HD colour continuous zoom Day Camera with Low Light Mode and an Eyesafe Laser Range Finder (ELRF) and/ or Laser Pointer as options. This addition of the new iSea-20HD to Controp’s family of EO/IR payloads compliments Controp’s wide variety of options for all maritime missions and platforms – from the iSea- 20HD 9.4-inch, 24 lbs. system up to the iSea-50HD 14-inch, 66 lbs. system. These camera payloads are used worldwide for Coast Guard and Maritime surveillance/ observation applications and provide an “outstanding” man-machine interface (MMI) and flexibility.
Hero-400EC Long-Range Lethal Loitering System by UVision
UVision Air Ltd, has unveiled the Hero- 400EC, its new enlarged, extended-range, “extremely precise” loitering munition system. The system’s cruciform aerodynamic design delivers high-accuracy and reduces collateral damage. Its electric motor enables it to loiter silently above a target, ready to instantly respond to pop-up threats. The Hero-400EC is a “revolutionary Loitering Munition System using man-in-the loop technology and advanced Electro-Optical Infra-Red (EO/IR) payloads that can locate, track and strike static or moving targets with pinpoint accuracy and surprise”. The system features a low noise and thermal signature modular multi-tube launcher that is adaptable to a wide range of platforms, thereby offering air, land, and sea capabilities. The abort capability allows automatic reentry into the loitering mode, re-engagement of the enemy, or return to the recovery area using a parachute. The Hero-400EC has a maximum take-off weight of 40 kg and a warhead weight of 10 kg, with an endurance of up to 2 hours.
RADA testing “On-The-Move” capabilities of its Tactical Radars
RADA Electronic Industries Ltd. has announced successful completion of a major milestone, significantly advancing the operability of its tactical radars for the manoeuvere force, providing ‘On-the- Move’ (OTM) capability, which is a highly desirable and very important operational requirement by tactical manoeuvere forces, especially when encountering low, slow and small-sized threats such as armed drones and tactical unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
This capability was recently demonstrated to “a strategic customer” under a field test which was highly successful. The radar’s demonstrated early detection, continuous and accurate tracking of a wide variety of small-sized, low and slow aerial targets from a continuously moving vehicle on varied terrain. RADA’s upgraded RPS-42 MHR-based counter-drone radar systems with OTM capability will be delivered to this particular customer, as well as others, in July 2017.
RADA has implemented the OTM capability on its family of Multi-Mission Hemispheric Radars (MHR) and Compact Hemispheric Radars (CHR) by integrating its radars with Inertial Navigation System (INS). In addition, it has implemented and completed the testing of the sophisticated algorithms and signal processing techniques required for OTM.
IAI EHUD Systems for Israeli Air Force
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) will provide EHUD, ACMI System to the Israeli Air Force to be used for training between combat aircraft and the Lavi. The Israeli AF has ordered the air combat manoeuvring instrumentation (ACMI) systems from IAI’s MALAM division. EHUD will be mounted on various combat aircraft as part of the training schedule until installation of fixed systems. In this manner, 4th generation combat aircraft will be able to undertake combat scenarios with the Lavi, which are already equipped with the EHUD communication system. MALAM is IAI’s system house and the developer and manufacturer of the “esteemed, longstanding EHUD training system”. To date, over 1,000 air combat manoeuvring instrumentation systems have been shipped as well as hundreds of debriefing systems. EHUD is also the standard ACMI of NATO nations.
IAI’s Heron 1 UAS for Maritime Patrol
The Israeli Air Force is replacing its manned Sea Scan maritime patrol aircraft, with Israel Aerospace Industries’ (IAI) maritime version of the Heron 1 (Shoval) unmanned air vehicle systems set to take over in this role. The Air Force have ordered additional Heron 1 UAV Systems equipped with a maritime radar and electro-optical payload that will make them more suitable for their growing role in carrying out maritime patrol and intelligence gathering missions on everyday bases. The maritime model of Heron 1 consist an advanced electro-optical payload - the MOSP, made by the TAMAM division of IAI and the lightweight airborne maritime surveillance radar made by ELTA. The maritime Herons will provide comprehensive protection of naval borders and strategic infrastructures to meet the operational needs.
IAI installs Alpha Surveillance Radar on OPV
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has recently completed the installation of t he advanced Alpha (Advanced Lightweight Phased Array) ELM-2258 radar system on Israeli Navy’s Saar 4.5 missile boats, which have proceeded on operational sea trials. The Israeli Navy is expected to receive two more ALPHA radars by the end of 2017, a total of 11 systems, to be installed on the Navy’s missile ships. The light weight innovative radar system is based on full digital AESA technology by ELTA Systems Ltd., a Groupand Subsidiary of IAI (IAI/ELTA) and is an integral part of the combat systems installed on the missile ships.
The
Alpha is a rotating AESA radar, capable of producing a large number of
simultaneous beams for maritime and aerial targets, and to provide a high
quality situation picture in the most extreme marine environment. The radar can
perform several tasks at the same time, such as: detection and classification
of naval targets, tracking of a large number of targets, and integration into
guided missile systems for defence and attack. Owing to its size, it can be
installed on small and medium-sized vessels such as corvettes, missile ships
and medium-sized patrol ships. In addition, the radar provides a solution for
upgrading existing navy vessels or installation on new platforms.