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SpecialSupplement to ICAUV 2012
Unmanned Vehicles Trends and Developments
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Above: GroundBot helps increase security and cuts costs at places such as airports and harbours
4 W ord from the Editor UAVs evelopments in 5 D South Asia
10 U AV market to cross $94 billion in 10 years
Interview r. P.S. Krishnan: 8 D ADE to showcase its capabilities at ICAUV 2012
Unmanned Ground Vehicles 12 R obots Roam Across the Land
USVs / UUVs 14 I n the Deep and They Love It!
Unmanned Vehicles 16 I ndigenous
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Word from the Editor
The explosive growth in unmanned systems for employment in situations that are hostile or dangerous is transforming the way nations will fight wars in the future whether on land, over or under the seas or in the air. The capability to position and to remotely operate a sensor to gather intelligence, carry out reconnaissance and surveillance or to launch or operate a weapon system in a hostile battlefield environment without having to expose a human being to danger is the central theme of the technology that is at the core of an unmanned system. The enormous potential such technology offers at costs much lower than manned platforms was undoubtedly appealing and appears to have had a profound impact on the psyche, philosophy and the doctrine of all the three components of the armed forces the world over. Robert Gates, the former Secretary of Defense of the United States of America, before he demitted office, had stated that the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Lightening II due to enter service in 2016 or so, would be the last manned combat aircraft the United States Air Force would acquire. It has also been said that in another four decades, the land forces of the US who are pioneers in this field, will in all probability have an all robot military, where no humans would be directly exposed to enemy fire. While this may sound somewhat unrealistic or even bizarre at this point in time, the thrust of research and development and the phenomenal progress in the regime of unmanned systems made in a short span of time by the scientific community of the leading military powers, indicates that the future if not already here, is not too far away. The enhanced focus by the armed forces of a majority of nations on unmanned systems is clear evidence of shift in priorities. Experience with unmanned systems especially with the unmanned aerial vehicles in the wars in the Middle East, has served to
reinforce confidence in unmanned systems and has provided fresh impetus to accelerate developments in this area of military endeavour. In the war in Afghanistan, it is understood that there are more than 2,000 robotic land systems employed alongside human combatants to battle the forces of the enemy in some the world’s most inhospitable terrain. And these robotic systems are employed in tasks well beyond those envisaged initially such as mere explosive ordnance disposal. The trend is visible in the domain of unmanned aerial systems too. In the last one year, as compared with combat pilots, the US has trained larger numbers of operators of unmanned aerial systems. But there are problems to be overcome. Unmanned systems lack the capability of thinking, judgement and intelligence a human being can provide and hence will continue to require intimate supervision by humans. Efforts are on to develop, refine and build in artificial intelligence. However, at this point in time, success in this respect has been limited and hence a total replacement of the human from the zone of conflict does not appear to be feasible in the foreseeable future.
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Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Killer drone: An MQ-9 Reaper sits in a hangar during a sandstorm at Joint Base Balad, Iraq
Developments in South Asia
PHOTOGRAPHS: US Army, DRDO, SP Guide pubns & wikipedia
By Lt General (Retd) V.K. Kapoor Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are remotely piloted or self-piloted aircraft that can carry cameras, sensors, communications equipment or other payloads. They can be used for reconnaissance, intelligence-gathering, real time imagery, surveillance of a designated area and attack. More challenging roles include combat missions with specialised platforms. Such UAVs are known as unmanned combat air vehicles (UCAVs). They are designed to deliver weapons (attack targets) without an onboard pilot. Currently, operational UCAVs are under real-time human control, but future version may enable autonomous operation, for example with pre-programmed route and target details.
US and Israel During the last three decades or so, US and Israel have been at the forefront of UAV development in the world. Israel is largely responsible for much of the development that has happened in the UAV defence sector. The Hunter and the Pioneer, which have been used extensively by the US military, are direct derivatives of Israeli systems. The Pioneer was used in the Gulf War to good effect. Unmanned aerial vehicles are a huge growth industry for the US and its closest allies, and the source of one of America’s greatest military advantages. Starting in the mid-1990s, the unarmed Predator drone helped the US build an unprecedented, persistent surveillance system, capable of
spotting targets around the clock. Later, armed with missiles, the Predator became an aerial hunter, picking up hundreds of insurgents in Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan every year. The Reaper, which is a bigger and more powerful Predator, has proved its worth as a spy and as a more lethal killer. The secretive RQ-170 added a measure of stealth. To further improve the drones’ bombing prowess, the US military and industry are developing no fewer than three stealthy, jet-powered UAVs. Northrop’s X-47 killer drone, which will also be capable of flying off aircraft carriers, flew for the first time in early October 2011. The United States has a huge lead in the number and sophistication of unmanned aerial vehicles (about 7,000, by one official’s estimate, mostly unarmed). The US Air Force (USAF) prefers to call them remotely piloted aircraft and not UAVs perhaps to acknowledge the human role. It seems that the USAF is now training more pilots to operate drones than fighters and bombers.
Developments in Asia China’s Developments China has made the fastest progress. It introduced its first drone at the Zhuhai International Air Show five years ago and is now running UAV research centres at all defence companies in the country. The New York Times on October 8, 2011, reported SP’s to ICAUV ’12
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that at the Zhuhai air show in south-eastern China, in November 2010; Chinese companies unveiled 25 different models of remotely controlled aircraft. Among the 25 drones, China exhibited at the Zhuhai show, the WJ-600 unmanned bomber is believed to have the most formidable firepower. Visitors were shown a video of the WJ-600 drone finding and transmitting targetting information on something that looked like a US aircraft carrier fleet near an island that looked like Taiwan. A video animation of a missile-armed drone taking out an armoured vehicle was also shown. The entire presentation appeared to have pitched more marketing purposes than military threat. This is the biggest event as far as China’s aviation market is concerned, drawing both Chinese and foreign military buyers. While it cannot be said with any certainty that China has stateof-the-art technology for armed drones, what was evident was that the days of United States’ near monopoly on armed drones was coming to an end, with far-reaching consequences for global security, international law and the future of warfare.
China’s Major UAV Systems Apart from the “Harpy” UAV sold to China by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) in 1994, China has indigenously developed and manufactured a number of unmanned systems during the past 30 to 40 years, often based on western, primarily US-built UAV and UCAV concepts. China also has a number of man-portable mini-UAVs (such as the ASN-15), which are generally propellerdriven models for short-range tactical reconnaissance of ground troops. The following is the list of systems which focuses on some of the larger reconnaissance and combat concepts: • WuZhen-5 (also ChangHong-1) • Xianglong (“Sour Dragon”, Chengdu) • WuZhen-2000 (also WZ-9, Guizhou Aviation Industry Group) • ASN-206/ASN-207 (Xi’an ASN Technology Group Company)
However, it is by no means a comprehensive list. Some systems such as the ASN-104/105 and ChangKong-1 or a newer concept called “Combat Eagle” of the X-45 and Dassault Neuron UCAV variety have not been included.
Indian UAVs Asia Times Online has reported that if everything goes as planned, within the next few years, India should possess a fleet of at least 25-30 attack UAVs compared to fewer than five now with such capabilities. Until now, India has never admitted to using the armed UAVs. Sources say that the moves to acquire attack UAVs gained momentum after the Mumbai terror attacks in November 2008, with India’s Defence Chiefs pressing for their procurement as they have been used by America in the Afghanistan-Pakistan region to very good effect. Reports suggest that some surveillance UAVs may have been deployed in Maoist-infested areas, following the deadly attacks by the Maoists on the Central Reserve Police Forces in Chhattisgarh that have killed scores of security personnel. However, the ability of the reconnaissance UAVs to penetrate jungle foliage is questionable. In the case of Afghanistan-Pakistan region, Predators and Reaper UAVs equipped with Hellfire missiles and satellite tracking facilities, have caused much damage and have been used to assassinate known Taliban leaders. India has been procuring unmanned drones since the India-Pakistan Kargil conflict in 1999, having inducted over 100 UAVs in the decade that followed. These include Searcher I and II tactical UAVs and Heron, medium altitude long endurance (MALE) UAVs, mainly for reconnaissance and surveillance purposes. It seems that a few Harpy II (Harop) killer drones have been bought that function like cruise missiles. In September 2009, the Indian Air Force announced the induction of 10 Harop systems purchased for $100 million (`500 crore).
From DRDO’s stable: Rustom and Nishant UAVs
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Hunter-killer: Harpy 2 UCAV
The Harop was publicly unveiled to the world for the first time in India, in the lead-up to the Aero India 2009 show. Unlike the fully autonomous Harpy, however, the Harop is controlled in flight by a remote operator. The IAI Harop (or Harpy 2) is an UCAV developed by the MBT division of Israel Aerospace Industries. The drone itself is the main munition. This hunterkiller is designed for loitering the battlefield and attack targets by self-destructing. IAI developed the Harop for suppression of enemy air defence (SEAD) missions. But what makes them more advanced is that they also have electro-optical sensors to make them capable of even hitting important enemy military installations like missile sites. It is learnt from the media reports that India’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) has briefed Israeli arms suppliers that future UAV fleets to India should have a larger number of attack UAVs. Integration issues are not expected to be severe as the UAV technology is considered relatively simple and does not require complementary hardware installations. The Indian defence forces already have dedicated satellite links and channels that can be used by the attack UAVs. India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has undertaken development programmes for a smaller UAV, the “Nishant”. With its “Rustom” programme, however, India hopes to offer a UAV in the Heron/ Predator/ Watchkeeper class of MALE UAVs.
Pakistan UAVs A large variety of UAVs are manufactured by Integrated Dynamics at their facility in Karachi while some have been procured from abroad. These include: • Tornado is a target and decoy UAV with a range of over 200 km. It can reach a speed of up to 300 knots and can emit false radar signals to confuse enemy air defences. • Shadow is also a surveillance UAV that has a speed of over 200 km per hour and can operate within a 200-km range. The
United States has provided Pakistan RQ-7 Shadow UAV to support their counter-insurgency operations. Shadow UAVs are extremely popular within the US Army, providing warfighters better situational awareness in their operations. • Rover is a civilian UAV typically used for electronic news gathering and rapid information relay. • Nishan MK-II: The Nishan has a wingspan of over nine feet and is considered a high-speed aerial target or decoy. Its range is limited to 35 km. • Explorer is one of the two advanced civilian UAV systems offered by Integrated Dynamics. It has a 20-kilometre range and is equipped with sensors suited for scientific research programmes. • Border Eagle is a surveillance UAV that comes equipped with both a still and video camera along with a chemical monitoring module. Integrated Dynamics also features ground station units that are used in combination with the UAV systems. Pakistan has been pushing for multi-utility drones, apart from big armaments such as F-16 fighter jets from America, as part of its military aid package in exchange of taking on al Qaeda and now the Taliban in Afghanistan. However, so far, Washington has apparently limited the supply of tactical unarmed Shadow UAVs for intelligence-gathering purposes to its ally, while also withholding killer Predator drones.
Armed UAVs-Future Settings The qualities that have made armed UAVs so attractive to the US military and the CIA for counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency, appeal to many countries and conceivably, to terrorist groups and non-state actors too. The characteristics which make it so attractive are its capacity for surveillance and precision strikes, modest cost, and most importantly, no danger to the operator, who may sit in safety thousands of miles from the target. High-performance drones such as the US-made Predator cost between $10.5 million (`52.5 crore) and $20 million (`100 crore) each, far cheaper than an F-22 fighter jet available at $150 million (`750 crore). The proliferation of armed UAVs may result in this weapon system being available to the terrorist and insurgent groups in the future and this would prove to be a nightmare for security planners’ world over. In Pakistan, according to American officials, strikes from Predators and Reapers operated by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) have killed more than 2,000 militants; and the number of civilian casualties is hotly debated. In the future we possibly will face scenarios in which countries may use armed drones to settle scores. China could dominate South Asia, South East Asia and Central Asia while countries like Pakistan and India could carry out strikes across disputed borders. India could use it to carry out “hot pursuit” strikes across the line of control against terrorist groups in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK). Russia could send drones after militants in the Caucasus. Given the type of disputes that exist internationally, the likely settings for use of armed drones is endless. n SP’s to ICAUV ’12
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Interview
ADE to showcase its capabilities at ICAUV 2012 Dr. P.S. Krishnan ADE Director and Distinguished Scientist
PHOTOGRAPHS: ADE & SP Guide pubns
The Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), which organised the first International Conference on Autonomous Unmanned Vehicles (ICAUV) in 2009 as part of its Golden Jubilee celebrations, has made noteworthy progress. As it steps on the accelerator, ADE is faced with many challenges and many more opportunities. Here in an interview with R. Chandrakanth of SP Guide Publications, the ADE Director and Distinguished Scientist, Dr P.S. Krishnan dwells at length on the road ahead. Dr Krishnan has close to four decades of service in the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and has made several significant contributions in the field of flight controls, guidance and navigation systems for UAVs and Tejas programmes. SP Guide Publications (SP’s): After the hugely successful ICAUV 2009, it must be a major challenge going ahead. How distinct is the 2012 ICAUV going to be from the first one? What do you expect the high points to be of ICAUV 2012? Dr. P.S. Krishnan (Director): ICAUV 2009 was organised as part of ADE Golden Jubilee celebrations and it was a success story and a trendsetter in conduct of International Conferences in India. It was India’s premier, first and foremost Residential International Conference that was dedicated fully on unmanned aerial systems. This milestone event had 48 speakers (30 where from abroad) and 500 delegates representing 10 countries, who deliberated on the entire spectrum of UAV technologies right from aerodynamics, structures, propulsion, control and certification. ICAUV 2009 was well supported and patronised by 14 sponsors and 32 exhibitors covering 6 countries.
Having conducted this mega event, meeting the expectations of participants from India and abroad, in conducting second edition has been a big challenge for us. Our team has been working for last one year to make this event better than last time. In ICAUV 2012, we have introduced two new sessions, one exclusively for unmanned ground vehicles and other on unmanned underwater vehicles. We also planned two hours time on each day to enable the participants to interact with exhibitors. 43 organisations representing 5 continents from 15 countries are participating in this year. SP’s: From an Indian perspective, what were the key takeaways from the 2009 ICAUV? Have any partnerships, collaborations, research and development efforts materialised within the ADE and outside of ADE from the conference? Director:The main objective of conference is to bring the major international UAV players under one roof that helps ADE to showcase its capabilities to international UAV community and expand our knowledge through interaction and cooperation. It serves as a platform to get advertised and popularise the DRDO activities. The very fact that most of the sponsors came forward to join the conduct of this edition shows the visibility of ADE’s strengths in the area of UAVs and that is really the key takeaway which help us in building contemporary technologies of the cutting edge UAVs. SP’s: Coming to the development of UAVs per se, India has been slow and what needs to be done to accelerate development of UAVs?
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Interview
Director: Yes, India has been slow though we were amongst the first to start development of UAVs. For instance, 90 minutes endurance sparrow UAV was successfully fielded in army exercise brass tacks in mid-1980s. The Nishant took almost 12 years to develop but the Rustom-1 which uses all the Nishant technologies took only 5 years and so will Rustom-2. We would like to add that we are slow in absorbing the developed UAVs. SP’s: India has ambitious plans for using UAVs and UCAVs in the near future, all the requirements of the three military services are likely to be met by imports. What does this mean to ADE? Director: No comments on UCAVs. In respect of UAVs Nishant, Rustom-1 and Rustom-2 (after its development) and MAVs meet the specification of all the contemporary UAVs of the world. Together with the manufacturing partners we must meet the user’s ambitions of quality and quantity to curtail and stop the imports. SP’s: Though the Indian Army has received four Nishant UAVs its induction has been delayed. Are technical glitches the reason, if so, what measures are being taken to set them right? Director: There was a procedural delay in its acquisition and this delay is not due to technical glitches. Indian army placed the order, after they were satisfied with performance of the UAV. SP’s: Could you indicate the developments of UAV for antiterrorist and counter-insurgency operations? Director: ADE together with NAL and private industry has developed a number of micro aerial vehicles for the above purposes and are being evaluated by a number of paramilitary agencies.
SP’s: What is the status of Rustom-2 and has the vendor being shortlisted? Director: Rustom-2 is one of the prestigious projects launched by DRDO and ADE is the nodal agency for its design and development. Within a short span of one year, we are able to complete the design of all the systems and are in the process of procurement of these systems from various industries for starting integration from end 2013 by which time we will also have our integration partner from the industry. SP’s: Could you please tell us the status of AURA. Is it going to be completely indigenous development or will there be overseas inputs? Director: ADE is not the agency handling AURA and hence we can’t comment about the same. SP’s: There is talk about ADE developing a solar-powered UAV and that it is scouting for a foreign partner. Could you throw some light on this? Director: As a part of long endurance UAV programme, ADE is in the process of taking up development of solar-powered UAV. We are in the look out for foreign partners. SP’s: In the next 10 years what do you foresee would be the developments in unmanned vehicles and where would India figure in this development cycle? Director: ADE’s strategic analysis group has predicted that unmanned aerial vehicles’ growth will be exponential in the next decade and there will be huge demand for fully autonomous unmanned systems. ADE’s future programmes will be towards increase of levels of autonomy of these systems. n
Lakshya: Remotely piloted high speed target drone system developed by ADE
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Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
RQ-4 Global Hawk: US Navy’s Broad Area Maritime Surveillance (BAMS) UAV system
UAV market to cross $94 billion in 10 years By R. Chandrakanth
PHOTOGRAPH: Northrop Grumman
As nations modernise their armed forces and also work towards minimising risks to warfighters, the use of unmanned vehicles has started dominating military strategy. Consequently, the demand for unmanned vehicles is going to shoot through the sky. Unmanned platforms have gained currency at a rapid pace as they are used as force multipliers, performing intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, electronic warfare, target recognition and damage assessment. With such capabilities, nations are now investing heavily in unmanned vehicles systems. Several reports have indicated the kind of explosion that would happen in the unmanned vehicles market. Various figures are bandied about on the UAV market growth. Teal Group has estimated that the UAV market would cross $90 billion in the next decade, with annual expenditures doubling from the present $5.9 billion. IDC Research has pegged the global market at over $7 billion in 2011, and is expected to grow at CAGR of 4.08 per cent to reach in excess of $10 billion by 2021. While the figures vary from one survey to another, there is no doubt whatsoever of the humongous growth potential that exists.
US dominates The US with a defence budget of $900 billion for the fiscal year 2012 leads the world and China which comes next, reportedly has a budget six times less than that of the US. In the realm of UAVs, the US leads as demand for it is driven by both internal and external security threats and its role in the international political arena. The US has demonstrated the lethality of the unmanned vehicles in Iraq and Afghanistan and deploys them almost at will. The report suggests that the US will account for 77 per cent
of the worldwide research, development, test and evaluation on UAV technology over the next decade and about 69 per cent of the procurement. “We expect that the sales of UAVs will follow recent patterns of high-tech arms procurement worldwide, with the Asia-Pacific representing the second largest market, followed very closely by Europe,” said Teal Group senior analyst Steve Zaloga. “Africa and Latin America are expected to continue to be very modest markets for UAVs.” Significant UAV spenders include countries in the North American and European regions. The APAC (Asia-Pacific) region is also expected to invest considerably in UAVs as various security scenarios are emerging. According to one estimate, about 50 countries have started using unmanned vehicles extensively. The BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India and China) nations and also South Korea are going to be major players in the future and this is expected to spur joint developmental programmes. India is expected to induct a substantial number of unmanned vehicles into the armed forces as well in internal security agencies and to address their urgent needs, it has taken a multi-pronged approach – imports; joint ventures and indigenous production. Three categories of UAVs are much in demand across the globe and they are: a) medium-altitude, long endurance (MALE) UAVs due to the superior intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities; b) high-altitude, long endurance; and c) tactical UAVs (TUAV). In emerging markets, mini and VTOL UAVs are sought after that are cost-effective are sought after. However, as the UAV market itself is in the early stages of its market life cycle, some of the countries are investing heavily in research and development. The US and Israel have demon-
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strated their intent and are leading the markets. The dampener, however, is the global recession, but some of the countries have started looking at collaboration and partnership to offset recession and also to gain entry into new markets. “The UAV market will continue to be strong despite cuts in defense spending,” said Philip Finnegan, Teal Group’s Director of Corporate Analysis and an author of the study. “UAVs have proved their value in Iraq and Afghanistan and will be a high priority for militaries in the United States and worldwide.”
UAV Payloads The 2011 study provides 10-year funding and production forecasts for a wide range of UAV payloads, inc wwluding electro-optic/infrared sensors (EO/IR); synthetic aperture radars (SARs), SIGINT and EW Systems, C4I systems, and CBRN sensors, worth $2.6 billion in fiscal year 2011 and forecast to increase to $5.6 billion in fiscal year 2020. The UAV electronics market will grow steadily, with especially fast growth and opportunities continuing in SAR and SIGINT/EW, according to Dr. David Rockwell. “The payload portion of the 2011 study includes many new systems and system types, with expanded coverage of SIGINT/EW and SAR markets,” said Rockwell “Few now question the US Air Force’s claim that ISR is ‘the centerpiece of our global war on terrorism’, with production beginning for major
endurance UAV systems such as MP-RTIP and ASIP, new RDT&E programs such as wide angle EO/IR systems, a variety of ground and foliage-penetrating radars, and future development efforts to bring large-aircraft capabilities to small UAVs; tactical and mini/micro/nano-UAVs will continue to offer some of the best electronics opportunities over the next decade.”
Major players The dynamic sector has given birth to many companies, while the established ones are experiencing growth through organic and inorganic routes. In the recent past, there have been many mergers and acquisitions. The key global players are AAI Corporation, Aeronautics Defense Systems Ltd., AeroVironment, Inc., Alenia Aeronautica S.p.A., Aurora Flight Sciences Corporation, BAE Systems Plc, Bell Helicopters, CybAero AB, EADS, Elbit Systems Ltd., General Dynamics, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., G-NIUS, Honeywell Aerospace, Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd., Northrop Grumman Corporation, QinetiQ Group Plc, Raytheon Company, Sagem Défense Sécurité, Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC), Thales SA, Boeing, V-TOL Aerospace Pty Limited, etc. All in all there is considerable amount of traction in the unmanned vehicles sector and as newer technologies evolve, including UAVs flying just like birds and having weaponry, there is no stopping the drones. n
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Unmanned Ground Vehicles
Robots Roam Across the Land CUTLASS next generation Bomb Disposal Robot Northrop Grumman’s CUTLASS system offers the latest technology in a modular design, thereby enabling the user to deal with the full range of both military and improvised explosive devices. Its highly versatile design means that it is capable of accommodating a wide range of payloads, sensors and tools. The manipulator arm is equipped with a state-of-the-art gripper and has nine degrees of freedom for greater movement and agility inside limited spaces, such as the interior of a car. The robot is able to creep along at deliberately slow speeds for delicate operations and may accelerate to high speeds to enable rapid travel. The six-wheeled design offers mobility on all types of hard and soft terrain and in all-weather conditions.
PHOTOGRAPHS: northrop Grumman, irobot, Recon Robotcs, MacroUSA, qinetiq & rotundus.
iRobotNexGen Explosive Ordnance Disposal Robot IRobot’s PackBot 510 with EOD Kit is a second-generation explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) robot uses a game-style hand controller. The PackBot 510 is 30 per cent faster than its predecessor, drags larger objects, lifts twice the weight and has a grip that is three times stronger. The robot’s new hand controller is modelled after video game controllers, making PackBot 510 easier to use and more rapid operations in the field. In addition, the advanced track technology significantly increases the robot’s performance on rough terrain.
iRobot’s 710 Warrior Robot iRobot has released an updated version of its Warrior 700 robot. Like its predecessor, the newly launched 710 Warrior is designed for EOD (explosive ordnance disposal), reconnaissance and surveillance missions and can lift loads of up to 100 kg and carry payloads of more than 68 kg over rough terrain. The unmanned robot is controlled via an Operator Control Unit powered by iRobot’s Aware 2 robot intelligence software and can be fitted with optional obstacle avoidance sensors, compass and GPS.
The remote operator can monitor views from the robot’s multiple cameras in real time at distances of up to 800 metres.
Recon Scout XT Robot Recon Scout XT micro-robots are deployed at the fire-team level i.e., one robot for each four- to six-man fire team to maximise situational awareness and standoff distance during route and compound-clearing operations. More than 2,000 of the company’s recon Scout systems have been deployed by the US military and international friendly forces, and by hundreds of law enforcement agencies worldwide. Warfighters use the recon Scout system to determine the layout of the enclosed spaces, identify potential IEDs and to fix the location of friendly, indigenous or enemy personnel. Recon Scout XT weighs just 1.2 lbs (540 grams), and yet it can be deployed in five seconds and thrown up to 120 feet (36 metres). Known for its simplicity and durability, the XT can be controlled with a single button and can be recharged in the field using standard 5590 or 2590 batteries.
MacroUSA’s Armadillo V2 Micro UGV Measuring 28 cm long, 26 cm wide and 13 cm and weighing 2.5 kg, the Armadillo is similar in size and weight to the First Look robot. As such it is man-packable and throwable. It is built to withstand multiple 2.5 m drops onto concrete or 8 metre horizontal throws and will run for 1.5 to 2 hours in full operating condition or up to 12 hours in standby mode. The Armadillo comes with two front, one rear and two side colour day/night cameras to provide a 360-degree field of view. Capable of carrying a 3 kg payload, the robot can also be fitted with an optional turret with thermal camera that rotates 180 degrees. The robot has three speed modes: Creep, Normal and Escape, in which it can reach speeds of up to 5 kmph. It also has the ability to climb 45-degree slopes – depending on the surface material – and can be fitted with an optional climbing kit to tackle stairs.
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Unmanned Ground Vehicles
iRobot 110 First Look Eobot A small, light, throwable robot that provides hasty situational awareness, performs persistent observation, and investigates confined spaces, the iRobot 110 FirstLook is built to serve the military and law enforcement. It is ideal for a range of infantry missions and special operations, including raids and other close-in scenarios. Its relatively small size ensures it can get into tight spots to perform observations or investigations. The robot packs four cameras, two-way audio communications, and is controlled by a wrist-mounted touch screen operator control unit (OCU) with a built-in radio. Its batteries last up to six hours of runtime on a typical mission and 10 hours for performing stationary video recording.
Dragon Runner 10 QinetiQ’s latest micro unmanned ground vehicle (MUGV) is based on its Dragon Runner platform. The new Dragon Runner 10 (DR10) is built around the basic Dragon Runner design and is intended for military and first responder duties. At just 15 inches (38 cm) long, 13.5 inches (34 cm) wide and 5.8 inches
(15 cm) tall, and weighing just under 10 pounds (4.5 kg), the DR10 is small and light enough to be carried in a standardissue pack and be thrown into buildings and hostile environments for reconnaissance and surveillance missions. With the ability to carry payloads of up to five pounds (2.3 kg), the DR10 can be fitted with a variety of sensors, radios, cameras and a robotic arm.
GroundBot GroundBot is a robotic mobile platform that hosts cameras and sensors. This robust, lightweight, sealed sphere boasts impressive off-road performance. It also moves virtually silently. GroundBot can be remote controlled by hand or programmed to navigate by GPS. It’s augmented reality user interface is highly intuitive, boosting operator alertness and ensures full control. Weighing just 25 kg, GroundBot won’t get stuck in sand, mud or snow and is efficient and can run up to 10 kmph - without making a sound. It also can operate for 8-16 hours depending on mission profile. n
Taking the Risk for You
G-NIUS Operational Unmanned Ground Systems Drive You to Mission Success. Anywhere. Anytime. On Any Platform.
An IAI & Elbit Systems Company e-mail: marketing@g-nius.co.il • www.g-nius.co.il
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USVs / UUVs
In the Deep and They Love It! Protector: Unmanned Naval Patrol Vehicle The Protector is an integrated naval combat system, based on unmanned, autonomous, remotely controlled surface vehicles. Highly maneuverable and stealthy, the Protector can conduct a wide spectrum of critical missions, without exposing personnel and capital assets to unnecessary risk. The Protector’s anti-terror mission module payload includes sensors and weapon systems. The search radar and the Toplite electro-optical (EO) pod enable detection, identification and targeting operations. The weapon systems are based on Rafael’s Typhoon remote-controlled, stabilised weapon station, capable of operating various small caliber guns. The highly accurate, stabilised weapon station has excellent hitand-kill probability. Protector is mission reconfigurable through its plug-andplay design, allowing utilisation of various mission modules: anti-terror force protection; intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR); naval warfare and maritime, port security.
PHOTOGRAPHS: RAFAEL, aai corp, Qinetiq, BAE SYStems, Elbit & LOCKHEED MARTIN
Textron systems’ CUSV Textron systems advanced systems, an operating unit of Textron systems, recently announced that its common unmanned surface vessel (CUSV) has successfully completed the supervision of unmanned vehicles mission management by interactive teams (SUMMIT) demonstration sponsored by the office of Naval research (ONR). During the 10-day demonstration, the CUSV executed littoral combat ship (LCS) mine countermeasure missions as commanded by the SUMMIT software-based management system. “This event brought together many promising technologies for evaluation under relevant operational scenarios,” says Donald hairston, Textron systems advanced systems senior Vice President and General Manager. “Our CUSV exceeded 90 per cent mission availability during the exercise, and more importantly, demonstrated its ability to integrate seamlessly with naval assets to perform critical mine countermeasure missions safely and efficiently. “Our CUSV incorporates a reconfigurable payload bay, as well as an open architecture utilising commercial, off-the-shelf components. That has allowed us to easily integrate new payloads and capabilities to effectively execute
the many mission profiles required for these various events,” Hairston added. Textron systems plans to demonstrate the CUsV next during the second phase of Trident warrior 2011 in october in Norfolk, Virginia.
Blackfish USV Blackfish, QinetiQ North America’s unmanned surface vehicle (USV), provides a flexible and powerful solution for maritime force protection in ports and harbors. With a top speed of over 40 kt, Blackfish gets eyes on target fast while keeping the operator a safe distance from threats. With Blackfish on scene, the optional 2-dimensional high-resolution sonar and integrated pan-tilt unit allows authorities to locate, classify, and pursue underwater diver and swimmer threats. Blackfish features an above water high-resolution pan-tiltzoom (PTZ) video camera affording 360° surface views and 0-90° azimuthal imaging. When water conditions permit, an optional underwater video camera and lighting system provide even greater situational awareness. With an operational range of one km from its antennas, Blackfish can provide coverage of more than three sq km at ranges that allow time for target intercept and classification, giving more time for decisions in highstress situations. Blackfish mission endurance exceeds one hour with full power loading, enabling multiple missions on a single set of batteries. Battery replacement takes less than five minutes, putting Blackfish back on the job almost immediately. Blackfish is operated from QinetiQ North America’s common control unit (CCU), the latest digital controller for the Talon line of robots. Designed for a single operator, Blackfish does not require increased manpower.
Talisman UUV BAE Systems’ multi-role Talisman family of unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) provide a flexible capability for inshore mine countermeasures and harbour surveillance. Capable of being fully integrated into the mission systems of mine hunter surface vessels, Talisman can be deployed from shore, vessels of opportunity or small cranes. Currently a demonstrator platform supporting technology development of future mine countermeasures (MCM) capabilities, Talisman L is a two-man, portable, UUV system. Sup-
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USVs / UUVs
porting mission systems in-house programmes, Talisman L provides a flexible surveillance and protection capability for key facilities and assets, including harbours, inshore MCM and a range of oceanographic missions. Talisman L weighs only 50 kg, has a top speed of five knots, and patrol at the depths up to 100 metres for up to 12 hours.
Silver Marlin USV
singulier - Photo DigitalVision. (02 VA V2)
Elbit Systems’ Silver Marlin USV is an unmanned naval vehicle for maritime patrol missions equipped with a weapon station as well as observation and communication systems, which is capable of autonomous operation in ranges up to 500 km. This USV is designated for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, force protection/anti-terror missions, anti-surface and anti-mine warSagem UAVs, sharpening fare, search and rescue missions, your tactical sense. port and waterway patrol as well as electronic warfare. The Silver Marlin is a second generation USV and differs from those developed to date. It is fully capable of performing complete Best-selling tactical UAV system in Europe, SPERWER has become a reference. To meet the intelligence requirements of modern armies, SPERWER offers a comprehensive range of missions independently, such as: multi-mission / multi-sensor UAVs, operating in the most severe climatic conditions and departing and returning to homecomplying with NATO standards. www.sagem-ds.com port and maintaining an observation point. The autonomous system is designed for optimal performance on low-level control activiFlorida. Lockheed Martin will outfit the ties such as optimal turning rate, optimal speed for fuel conMarlinsystemswithsophisticatedsensors sumption, and accurate sailing and navigation with cruise senand imaging equipment to conduct sors and stabilisation systems to prevent capsising. commercial underwater inspections. The systems are well suited for use in the oil and gas industry as a Marlin AUV Space Florida and Lockheed Martin are testing and production safe and cost-effective way to inspect underwater infrastructure of a new autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) known as Marlin and pipelines, especially after severe weather conditions such in support of aerospace economic development in the state of as hurricanes. n SP’s to ICAUV ’12
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Unmanned Vehicles
Indigenous programmes take flight By SP’s Special Correspondent The DRDO recently conducted fresh tests of a slew of mini drones being prepared for the armed forces and paramilitary as part of the National Programme on Micro Air Vehicles (NPMICAV). The Black Kite, Pushpak and Golden Hawk micro air vehicles (MAV) were tested as part of a focused effort to build advanced MAVs. Integrated with thermal, daylight or night vision optics, the MAVs are being built to be capable of autonomous flight at an altitude of at least one km providing a realtime downlink of video, still imagery and other data if required. Black Kite units with wingspans of 300 mm and 430 mm have already been test flown in remote-controlled and autonomous modes, showcasing its capability to fly autonomously and demonstrate loitering capabilities, crucial for surveillance. The big challenge now is to perfect a flight control system that makes possible fully autonomous flight in a cluttered urban environment.
India’s Slybird MAV The Indian Slybird hand-launched mini unmanned drone is maturing with a series of regular test flights. Designed
as a 2-kg all-composite fixed wing unmanned system with an endurance of 1-hour and a 10-km range, scientists are extremely happy with flight test results and are ready to begin sensor integration for Phase-2 of flights. The drone, being developed for a service ceiling of 14,000 feet is intended for real time telemetry and video surveillance using miniaturised electro-optic payloads or a daylight/IR video camera. The team intends to deliver a drone with capabilities and performance similar to the Israeli Elbit Skylark (being partnered by HAL in India) and the American AeroVironment RQ-11 Raven. Slybird is a major thrust area under the NP-MICAV jointly by DRDO-ADE, CSIR-NAL, IITs, IISc and National Design and Research Forum of the Institution of Engineers. The National Aerospace Laboratory experimented successfully with a valved pulsejet engine on a miniature version of the Rustom-1 experimental drone. The development of man-portable tactical drones is aimed at the Army and paramilitary forces – both have are interested in acquiring such a capability.
PHOTOGRAPHS: NAL, DRDO & Northrop Grumman
Slybird MAV: The drone has a service ceiling of 14,000 ft
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Unmanned Vehicles / OEM
Advanced MAVs: Micro air vehicles which are developed for armed and paramilitary forces
DRDO ready to demonstrate indigenous AUV
DRDO UCAV programme moves forward In a significant boost to India’s classified unmanned combat aerial vehicle programme, titled AURA (autonomous unmanned research aircraft), the government is considering bestowing it with “major project” status. Sources in the Indian Air Force (IAF), the primary customer for the ambitious stealth UCAV, have been pushing for greater government support for a programme that is likely to be one of India’s most momentous in the future.
DRDO’s autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) is ready for user demonstrations and has already elicited deep interest from the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard following navigation trials at sea last year. Built for extended operations at a depth of up to 100 metres, for surveillance, intelligence gathering, mine detection, sea cordon operations etc, the AUV is understood to be priced at just over $8 million, making it one of the most competitively priced systems in the market today. With the Electronics Corporation India Ltd (ECIL) as an engineering partner, DRDO’s naval science and technology laboratory (NSTL) in Visakhapatnam is also trying to develop a variant of the AUV that can conduct more frontline activity like mine-laying. The AUV will have passive sonar and electrooptical sensors. n
Global Hawk: MQ-4C BAMS UAS
human perseverance, and human vision. Unmanned systems have demonstrated their value and today, they truly are indispensible in the conduct of so many vital missions. He said Global Hawk had reached its tenth anniversary and like virtually every other unmanned system that has been around for any period of time, Global Hawk has experienced an evolution in capabilities, uses, and service that were unimagined at the time it was unveiled.
Northrop Grumman: Over six decades in UAS business The Chief Executive Officer and President, Northrop Grumman Corporation, Wes Bush has said one characteristic of unmanned systems to keep in mind as we forge ahead with these technologies is that though they are unmanned, we should never be allowed to forget that these technologies did not invent themselves. These systems are expressions in metal and circuitry of human ingenuity,
BAMS The US Navy’s broad area maritime surveillance programme provides persistent maritime intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) data collection and dissemination capability.
Bat UAS Bat is Northrop Grumman’s family of multi-mission, persistent and affordable tactical UAS. BQM-74E aerial target and the Chukar III aerial target are turbojet-powered aerial target with high performance capabilities, while Firebird is a persistent multiple intelligence gathering air system. The Model 324 UAS is an autonomous, long range reconnaissance unmanned aerial system providing electro-optical and infrared imagery. n SP’s to ICAUV ’12
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OEMs
Heron: UAV with all weather capability
Combat Proven Systems from IAI India formally established relations with Israel in January 1992 and the ties between the two nations have flourished since, primarily due to common strategic interests and security threats. India is the largest customer of Israeli military equipment, accounting for almost 50 per cent of Israeli sales. In 1996, India purchased 32 IAI Searcher unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), electronic support measure sensors and an air combat manoeuvring instrumentation simulator system from Israel. Since then Israel Aerospace Industri5
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has serviced several large contracts with the Indian Air Force including the upgrading of the IAF’s Russian-made MiG-21 ground attack aircraft and there have been further sales of unmanned aerial vehicles as well as laserguided bombs. India has Heron, Searcher MK II and Harop from IAI in its fleet. As India is increasing procurement of UAVs in the range of about 1,500 unmanned systems in the next 3-4 years, the OEM interest certainly is going to be high. IAI which has already a strong presence in India and elsewhere too will be pitching for more. As of 2011, leased Herons or Heron variants are operating in Afghanistan on behalf of the Australian, Canadian, French, and German armed forces; and have participated in demonstrations involving US Southcom and its Latin American partners. With an unsurpassed track record of over 9,00,000 operational flight hours for over 48 customers on four, continents, IAI-MALAT is a global leader in comprehensive UAV-based solutions - offering the widest range of combat-proven systems such as the Heron family of UAVs, Heron TP, Panther family of UAVs, Bird Eye family, Ghost rotary UAV, Searcher MKIII, heavy tactical UAV, Mosquito micro UAS, Ranger tactical UAS and Scout UAV. n
PHOTOGRAPHS: IAI & Cassidian
Cassidian’s UAS footprints – from Europe to the global stage Barracuda is a multi-sensor system. It is Early this year, EADS’ defense and secubased on leading-edge technologies, allowrity subsidiary, Cassidian, and German ing Cassidian to achieve high-level compecompany Rheinmetall agreed to pool their tencies in advanced UAS; Euro Hawk UAS unmanned aerial systems (UAS) activities is a co-operation between Northrop Grumin a joint venture. This cooperation would man and Cassidian; Harfang MALE UAS include tactical and medium-altitude UAS dedicated to all-weather intelligence, surand aircraft cargo loading systems. veillance, reconnaissance at long distances Post the joint venture announcement, from the operating Air Base. Its radar chain Stefan Zoller, CEO of Cassidian stated, “As provides high resolution synthetic aperture Europe’s leading provider of unmanned radar (SAR) imagery and mobile target indiaerial systems, we see this as a logical cation (MTI); Atlante tactical UAS, ensuring step toward expanding our present UAS intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance programmes. We can offer our global cusmissions by day and night for ground forces tomers a full product range of customized deployed in theatre; Talarion long-endurance solutions, including tactical UAS and UAS For day and night aerial drone system designed for surveilfor medium- and high-altitude.” surveillance: lance, reconnaissance and target acquisition Cassidian already has a good portfolio of Atlante tactical UAS and Tracker, a robust system fully qualified unmanned systems, but is now pursuing an against most demanding military standards. aggressive marketing strategy. In its stables, it has: Barracuda, a demonstrator for test missions such as fast recon- Tracker (French contract DRAC) is a fixed-wing mini-UAS providing naissance, surveillance, targeting and battle damage assessment, day and night imagery in real-time to front line units. n SP’s
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OEMs
Flexible Solution: Herti UAV
Herti
BAE Systems project Mantis to India During Aero India 2009, BAE Systems put the arc-lights on Mantis, an autonomous UAV. The Mantis made its debut her but it is yet to make any breakthrough in the Indian market. However, it continues to focus on India, committed to a programme of investment and technology transfer in support of its strategy to become a major player in the Indian defence sector. This means building a long term businesses in India in multiple sectors across the company’s global capabilities in land, sea, air and security. “India has an experience in UAV and also it is interested in keeping pace with the latest technologies. Also, the terror attacks in Mumbai not only highlighted the importance of precision security but also how useful helicopters can be,” Andy Wilson, Director of Export Programmes.
The Herti platform has evolved from an extensive BAE Systems autonomous air vehicle and systems technology demonstration programme. Herti system offers a flexible solution, providing high quality imagery using a safe, reliable platform with current and future information networks. The system provides cost-effective surveillance and reconnaissance capability.
Mantis Mantis is an advanced technological demonstator Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS). BAE Systems and UK Industry started the Mantis Spiral 1 project under their own investment in January 2008. In March 2011, BAE Systems and Dassault Aviation signed a to collaborate exclusively on the preparation and submission of a joint proposal to the UK and French Ministries of Defence for the design, development, production and support of a Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Operational Unmanned Aircraft System (OUAS).
Taranis Taranis is an unmanned combat aircraft system advanced technology demonstrator. The project aims to contribute to the understanding of strategic UCAS, through the demonstration of relevant technologies and their integration into a representative UAV system. n
Elbit Systems for turnkey solutions Israel has demonstrated its capabilities as a major defence equipment manufacturing hub. It is borne out of its own domestic needs, but consequently it has become a key exporter of defence solutions. Beginning 2012, two Israeli weapons producers signed ‘mega deals’, including for drones, with ‘unnamed’ countries. The President and CEO of Elbit Systems has said “India, as one of the world’s fastest growing nations, opens many opportunities for us, in which we can offer our advanced proven technologies.”
PHOTOGRAPHS: BAE Systems & wikipedia
Hermes family In the Hermes family, Elbit has the following five UAVs: Hermes 1500: A twin engine MALE UAV system, it is capable of a maximum takeoff weight of 1,750 kg, altitude > 33,000 ft. Hermes 900: Hermes 900 which is a natural extension of the Hermes 450 tactical UAV systems, with full compatibility in missions and support infrastructure. Hermes 450: It is a versatile, long-endurance UAV. It is equipped with Elbit Systems’ Compass EO/IR/LD gimbaled electro-optical payload, and can adapt to a wide range of payloads. Hermes 180: Hermes 180 is close range UAV for brigade-level intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions.
Hermes 90: The Hermes 90 UAS is the smallest member of the Hermes family developed as a cost/effective, low signature, tactical UAS for manouevring forces.
Skylark I LE – Mini UAS Skylark I LE is a revolutionary, electrically-propelled and highly covert UAS mini/man-pack system providing ISTAR capabilities. Skylark II: Skylark II is a close-range, electrically-propelled tactical UAS, designed for day, night and adverse weather observation, data collection and target marking at mission ranges exceeding 60 kilometres. Silver Marlin: Elbit Systems has developed an unmanned naval vehicle for maritime patrol missions equipped with a weapon station as well as observation and communication systems. n SP’s
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OEMs
Honeywell’s Tarantula ready to cast the web In 2010, Honeywell Aerospace deployed compact UAVs over the dense forests of Bastar in the first trial run for anti-Naxal operations. Known as T-MAV, the compact UAV, weighing nearly 10 kgs, was put through the rugged terrains of the hills overlooking Kanker after its take off from Counter Terrorism and Jungle Warfare College in Kanker. Cruising over the hills, the UAV was scanning the dense growth below, providing thermal images of any movement on the ground, detection of improvised explosive devices (IED) and ammunition dumps. With intelligence gathering still a problem in Naxal areas, the UAVs are expected to help in gathering advanced reconnaissance and situational awareness functions Honeywell has a broad range of vehicle and missing management experience in the growing UAV industry. It is developing UAV technologies such as multi-UAV coordinated operation for surveillance and target acquisition and tracking; autonomous navigation system; and next generation air traffic management operation of UAVs through commercial air space.
Tarantula Hawk The Honeywell RQ-16A T-Hawk (Tarantula Hawk) is a ducted fan VTOL micro UAV. It is suitable for backpack deployment and
single-person operation. The MAV programme was launched by DARPA. Following a $40 million (`200 crore) technology demonstration contract to Honeywell Defense and Space Electronic Systems in 2003, the MAV project was transferred to US Army’s Future Combat System (FCS) programme to fulfill the need for Class I platoon-level drone. In May 2006, Honeywell was awarded a $61 million (`305 crore) contract to develop an advanced MAV. Featuring vertical takeoff and landing, the lightweight and portable T-Hawk is a combat-proven unmanned micro air vehicle that can be quickly deployed. It is easy to assemble and can be airborne within 10 minutes. With unique hover and stare capability, T-Hawk supports advanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) with real time video documentation. Day or night, the all-weather T-Hawk increases situational awareness. n
Sagem: European leader in optronics and tactical UAS Sagem, a high-tech company in the Safran group, is a global provider of solutions and services in optronics, avionics, electronics and critical software for the civilian and military markets.
PHOTOGRAPHS: Honeywell & Safran
Sagem’s UAV portfolio include: Patroller: Patroller, gathers Sagem’s UAV experience in a family of long-endurance surveillance UAV systems intended for dual-use governmental purpose in support of defence and homeland security missions. It is a family of one tonne-class long-endurance UAV systems. The long-endurance Patroller UAV family is based on a common EASA-certified platform, specially developed for mission aircraft and UAVs by the world-renowned German aircraft manufacturer Stemme. The avionics systems, the datalink and the ground control station are based on the existing and combat proven tactical Sperwer Mk.II UAV sub-systems. Patroller is available in three versions, depending on user missions and needs. Patroller-R for air force requirements; Patroller-M for maritime surveillance and Patroller-S for homeland security surveillance. Sperwer MK.II: The tactical Sperwer Mk.II UAV system is the ideal combat-proven tool to provide accurate observation, threat detection, direct support and target designation to land forces SP’s
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engaged in external operations. The Sperwer tactical UAV system is used on a daily basis in combat operations in Afghanistan and in other theatres of operation outside NATO. It is perfectly adapted to tactical missions at a brigade and task force level. It is launched in automatic mode by a catapult and recovered with a parachute. It can then be operated very close to the area of operations, The entire system is mobile on light trucks, providing maximum responsiveness and quick operation in support of troops in contact. Mk.II is the latest Sperwer standard that includes all the evolutions that have been made to the Sperwer system since 2003. n
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OEMs
Force Multiplier: Guardium Mark 3 UGV
Ingenious G-NIUS The G-NIUS unmanned ground systems (UGS) is a proof that IAI and Elbit systems can cooperate successfully and produce products and solutions which garner attention of the world. Some of the company’s products are already being used along the border between Israel and Gaza. Others are still in the development phase and are attracting interest from many armed services in the world. Endeavouring to balance some of the inherent asymmetries prevalent in today’s armed conflicts and to equip the military and law enforcement personnel with systems that reduce combat friction and expedite decision cycles, G-NIUS is developing a variety of unmanned ground system solutions, which are all based on a common, versatile and layered avionics suite. Whether it is 24x7, all-weather, all-terrain, homeland security missions or keeping human assets out of harm’s way and revolutionizing the way in which combat support and force protection
tasks are being currently accomplished, G-NIUS has solutions field proven autonomous ground systems! G-NIUS’ unmanned ground systems, such as the Guardium UGV, the Ronin Unmanned Technologies Demonstration Vehicle and other products, have features such as fluent and persistent navigation under poor GPS performance or independent of GPS functioning; real-time route planning and re-planning; panoramic artificial imaging of the physical domain (environment and obstacles) in all atmospheric conditions; advanced vehicle control; data fusion; video compression; cellular wireless communication, etc. Employing state-of-the-art technologies and various combinations of payloads, the Guardium UGV can be deployed in either closed perimeter sites, such as airports, energy plants and other strategic assets, or as a border patrol and protection apparatus. In combat support missions, the Guardium UGV command & control subsystem could be seamlessly integrated with User’s available C4I infrastructure, fixed or mobile, to enable the force commander to effectively combine it within its fighting and support formations. The AvantGuard unmanned ground combat vehicle (UGCV) expands the applications envelop to further encompass ground manoeuvring combat missions. The AvantGuard UGCV features superb manoeuvrability while operating in harsh terrain environments. n
PHOTOGRAPHS: G-nius & Schiebel
Camcopters for any mission Highly versatile and reliable, Schiebel's UAV, the Camcopter S-100, provides a unique balance of advanced capabilities, operational flexibility and outstanding performance. With its capability for autonomous flight and a fully redundant flight control system, the award winning Camcopter S-100 can fly a programmed mission without operator intervention. It is a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) system, eliminating the need for runways or launch and recovery systems. Whether for use at sea or on land, it has been engineered to aviation standards ensuring reliability on all mission types. The company expects to see the S-100 used in a variety of situations and for tasks previously unimaginable. The drones outstanding performance in recent high-voltage power line inspections in Austria again demonstrated the S-100 s versatility. Lately the S-100 performed power line monitoring flights for several days in Austria. At an average airspeed of 30 knots (55 kmph) also the poles, surge arresters and isolators were inspected. High-definition images taken with the L3 Wescam MX-10 payload were transmitted to the control station in real time. It was the first time in Europe that a UAS performed these inspection tasks, which are usually carried out by manned helicopters. The advantages of the Camcopter S-100 UAS for civil missions are obvious: This system is uniquely capable of penetrating areas that may be too dangerous for piloted aircraft or ground patrols. Its powerful surveillance capabilities provide constant real-time
information 24/7 without any need for prepared area and launch and/or recovery support equipment. This drone system operates day and night, under adverse weather conditions, with a beyond line-of-sight capability of up to 200 km, both on land and at sea. As Hans Schiebel, President of the Schiebel Group commented, “At Schiebel, we continually strive for perfection through a process of relentless and iterative improvement. This leads us to identify new applications for the S-100 in the vast civil market. We look forward to supporting our customers by meeting their requirements at much lower cost than any similarly equipped manned helicopter.” n SP’s to ICAUV ’12
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Training
PHOTOGRAPH: IAI
IAI UAS Academy – A Unique Training Solution
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has established the IAI UAS (Unmanned Aerial System) Academy – a unique solution for training and certification of UAS operators and technicians. The UAS Academy is based on IAI’s vast knowledge and experience of four decades in designing, manufacturing and operating UAS, as well as training UAS technicians and operators. In addition to providing a variety of training services to IAI customers within IAI premises and in other planned locations, the UAS academy redefines the training concept. It provides solutions to the growing need for trained and skilled UAS operation, maintenance and mission crews in various military, paramilitary and civilian facilities. The academy places special emphasis on the operational mission training experience and offers a generic and “cross platform” training services in new facilities. Basic and advanced courses are provided as well as recurrent training courses and workshops, special payloads operation courses, seminars for mission commanders and instructors, and qualification maintenance programmes. UAS academy addresses all UAS personnel – internal pilots, external pilots, payload operators of all types, technicians, mission commanders and instructors. The curriculum includes the wide spectrum of courses
required for training and qualification of UAS operators and technicians: Practical flight training, simulations with SemiSimulators and high fidelity UAS Mission Trainer (UMT) as well as theoretical training. In addition to reducing costs of operating UAS, training with the academy facilitates the availability of aerial platforms and airspace. The academy’s training is applicable to a wide range of customers with different experience, knowledge and background – from customers who are establishing basic UAS abilities – to well experienced customers interested in optimising their training abilities as well as those who intend to shift to the qualification and endorsement model, customary in flight schools worldwide. Tommy Silberring, General Manager of IAI’s Malat division, said, “I congratulate IAI’s Academy for setting the new standard of training in the UAS field, and for providing the best and most extensive training solution for IAI’s UAS operators as well as other UAS users. In today’s world where the need for UAS has become essential for every county, training by IAI’s team of experts will enhance the safety and operational capabilities of UAS operation and mission crews around the world and will become a key element of their success.” n
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