IAI in successful firing trial with the LORA
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has completed a dual operational firing trial with LORA (Long-Range Artillery Weapon System), a precise ballistic strike missile. The trial was designed and performed under COVID-19 restrictions as part of IAI's work plan, which includes demonstrating the capabilities of the advanced system to customers.
Held in the open sea, the trial included the launch of two long-range LORA missiles to a pre-defined hit point at sea. The complex trial included two scenarios to test and demonstrate LORA's advanced capabilities. The first scenario involved a short-range launch to 90 km and the second to a long range of 400 km. In its ground version, the weapon system was deployed on a ship in the open sea to comply with the safety requirements of trials of this type. The missile was launched from an operational system that comprises a command trailer and a ground launcher. Under both scenarios, the missile was launched to its trajectory, navigated its course to the target, and hit it with utmost precision. Developed by IAI's MALAM division, LORA is a sea-to-ground and ground-to-ground system which comprises a long-range ballistic missile, a unique launcher, a command and control system, and a ground/marine support system. The LORA system provides ballistic assault capabilities for multiple ranges with a precision level of 10 meters CEP.
Germany renews Service Contracts for IAI Heron 1
Airbus Defence and Space and the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) have signed a renewed service contract agreement for Heron 1 unmanned aerial systems (UAS) in operation in Afghanistan and Mali.
In Afghanistan, Heron 1 Services had been extended in March 2020, for the period June 2020/May 2021. It has successfully logged up more than 46,000 flight hours in over 4,100 operational flights. Also in March this year, the German Air Force passed the milestone of 10 years of Heron 1 operations in Afghanistan, with a first operational flight dating back to 17 March 2010.
Comparably in Mali, Heron 1 services has also been extended for the period August 2020/July 2021 (with an option for August 2021/July 2022). It has logged more than 11,500 flight hours in over 1200 operational flights. The system’s first flight in Mali dates back to 1 November 2016 after the first service contract was signed in July 2016.
UVision’s Hero-30 Lethal Loitering Systems in Service
UVision Air Ltd has announced that its high-precision, light-weight man-pack portable Hero-30 system is already in use by various IDF units. The Hero-30 have been procured by the Israel MOD and put to operational IDF forces use, after proving its highly advanced capabilities in an extensive process of evaluation, tests and trials, meeting strict IDF technological and operational requirements.
UVision’s Hero-30 Passes NATO Navy Trials
UVision Air Ltd’s high-precision, light-weight portable Hero-30 loitering munition system has been evaluated by a naval force of a major NATO member and proved its ‘remarkable capabilities’. The systems demonstrated abilities of high-precision strikes, tracking and lock-on on a moving target in various operational naval scenarios and mission-abort capabilities. The trial demonstrated the Hero-30 versatility and adoptability to various missions in a maritime environment.
Rafael and Mesko to co-produce Spike SR ATGM
Israeli company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. and Polish company Mesko, a PGZ company, have agreed to co-produce the shoulder-launched Spike SR (Short-Range) ATGM, as part of Poland's Pustelnik Programme.
The Spike SR is an advanced Fire & Forget missile, for ranges exceeding 2000 meters. The missile is simple-to-use and requires very short training. Spike SR is man-portable, weighing only (10kg), for day and night use, capable of defeating any type of armored vehicle or MBT. Spike SR is totally disposable, a feature that enables the soldier a higher level of mobility and maneuverability after firing.
Spike SR is the smallest member of the well-established, globally known and combat-proven Spike ATGM Family. Spike is in service in 34 countries, including 19 NATO nations, with over 34,000 missiles already supplied and more than 6,000 fired in tests and combat.
The SPIKE SR missile is designed for different ground combat scenarios, for the tactical maneuvering forces, platoon-level and for Special Forces. The Spike SR has unique operational characteristics that enable a high level of operational readiness. It can be carried easily by a solider without affecting maneuverability, enabling simple, intuitive and quick operation, with only a few seconds from "cold-start" to launch, in a variety of operational and environmental scenarios.
The missile's lethality is achieved by a tandem HEAT warhead with a precursor charge that defeats Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA), allowing the main warhead to achieve its full penetration of Rolled Homogeneous Armor (RHA). With a high-hit probability in all scenarios and ranges, the missile can operate in severe weather conditions (from -35˚C to 55˚C) and in complex combat scenarios, such as engagement of fast-moving targets.
The missile's standoff range ensures a higher degree of force survivability, as it does not rely on any means of designation (e.g. laser), enabling the force to stay hidden. Due to the fact that its operation does not require special training, infrastructure, or a designated gunner, Spike SR enables operational flexibility. The weapon system is an effective, powerful munition which does not require a central command and allows to decentralize and disperse the operators to cover more terrain, a relevant concept of operation for territorial defense forces.
Rafael in strategic partnership with Australia’s Naeco
Rafael Australia has announced a $1.3 million strategic industrial partnership with Australian company Naeco Pty Ltd, a Brisbane-based precision engineering small business specialising in thermal management. This industrial cooperation between the two will see the two firms come together to export these advanced cooling systems, as part of Rafael’s global supply chain, to provide its customers with state-of-the-art defence solutions.
Elbit demonstrates USV Capabilities to the UK MOD
Elbit Systems UK has completed a series of Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) trials with the UK MoD. The trials were delivered via Dstl's (Defence Science and Technology Laboratory) Progeny Framework, exploring how autonomous systems could support future ASW operations. Elbit Systems UK used its Seagull USV (Unmanned Surface Vehicle) for these trials, with the USA's L3 Harris providing the sonar. Seagull, Elbit System's multi-mission, multi-sensor USV demonstrated her autonomous ASW utility to the UK MoD, across the entire trials period, utilising her 'ASW Toolbox' solution throughout to show how the abilities of this system to offer a force multiplier for ASW operations.
Elbit integrates a mini-UAS Onboard the Seagull USV
Elbit Systems is expanding the operational capabilities of the Seagull Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) beyond Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) and Mines Countermeasure (MCM). Trials conducted in recenty were dedicated to the integration of a mini-Unmanned Aerial System (UAS), onboard the Seagull USV, further enhancing its intelligence gathering capabilities. The shipborne mini-UAS is capable of point water recovery and a takeoff weight of op to 15kg. The visual feed generated by the mini-UAS can be transmitted to the land based control unit of the Seagull USV and to the Combat Management System (CMS) of additional vessels.