Armada - Oct 2012

armada The TrusTed source for defence Technology informaTion since 1976

Issue 5/2012

international

October/November

armada The TrusTed source for defence Technology informaTion since 1976

Contents 5/2012

international

32

CyBeR WaRFaRe

CoDe of maSS DISRuptIon I thomas Withington

there is no doubt that today we live in a ‘wired’ world. the internet, world wide web and computer networks which span the world provide the nervous system which gets our groceries delivered on time, our medical records updated by our doctors and our mortgage payments processed each month.

08

20

44

C4ISR go South

Weapon of ChoICe foR Deep StRIke

VeRtIlIft CaRgo DRoneS

I WeSLey Fox

I LUCa peRUzzI

I Roy BRayBRook

54

59

euRoSatoRY paRt II

DRone WaR In SWItzeRlanD, anD neW Stuff elSeWheRe

I eRIC H. BIaSS anD paoLo VaLpoLInI

I eRIC H. BIaSS

C4ISR

SHoWS & exHIBItIonS

SLCMS

DRone UpDate

VeRtILIFt DRoneS

CoMpenDIUM SUppLeMent

lIght aRmouReD VehICleS

I paoLo VaLpoLInI, InpUtS FRoM eRIC H. BIaSS

armada

INTERNATIONAL

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01

Index

armada The TrusTed source for defence Technology informaTion since 1976

Issue 5/2012

international

October/November

I Index to advertIsers AiRBUS MiLiTARY AR MOdULAR ARMAdA SUBSCRiPTiON ASELSAN AVALON CERAdYNE DATRON ddC EXELiS ELECTRONiC SYSTEMS EXELiS NiGHT ViSiON FiSCHER FLiR IAi RAMTA idEX iNViSiO iVECO

05 53 41 43 60 23 15 57 19 17 61 47 05 C3 13 29

L3 WESCAM LAAd LEMO LEUPOLd LiMA LOCKHEEd MARTiN/KAMAN MBdA Mercedes-Benz MTU NEXTER NORTHROP GRUMMAN OdU OTO MELARA OTOKAR PACiFiC SCiENTiFiC RAFAEL

C3 67 65 55 63 51 25

C2 3 19 27, C2 59 31 09 33 C4

RAYTHEON RENAULT REViSiON RUAG SAGEM STEYR THALES TRiJiCON ULTRALiFE VECTRONiX ViASAT

21 C4 37 39 23 21 35 49 11 09 07

Entries highlighted with blue numbers are found Light armoured vehicles 2012-13 Compendium

I Index to Manufacturers Companies mentioned in this issue. Where there are multiple references to a company in an article, only the first occurence and subsequent photographs are listed below AEC

04

Harris

ACMAT defence

11

Hatehof Wolf

Agusta Westland

04

Hawker Beechcraft

Airbus Military

04

AM General

01, 02

06, 68 12, 14, 22 18

IAi

Panhard General defense 06, 07 Polaris

23

Raytheon

06, 12, 22, 24, 40

Renault Trucks

10, 11, 14

iBd desienroth

17

Rheinmetall

14, 17, 18

18, 59, 60

Atlas Electronik

04

israeli Military industries

10

Rockwell Collins

Arzamas

12

iTT Exelis

06

Rohde & Schwarz

18

iVECO

01, 11, 16

Rosoboronexport

04, 10

Kaman Corporation

04, 45, 46

Russian Helicopters

BAE Systems

01, 02, 04, 06

Bin Jabr Group Boeing

15

04, 06, 33, 34, 36, 66

KAMOV

52

Saab Systems

04, 23

52, 53 12, 16, 18, 18

Kaspersky Lab

38

Sapura

Bucher Guyer

03

Kerametal

12

Saymar

13

China National Percision

30

KMdB

14

Schelde

16

Cobham

06

KMW

17, 18

Selex Elsag

Creation-Babcock

15

KMW-Rheinmetall

12, 17

Selex Galileo

BrahMos

28, 30

Dassault Rafale

09, 16

dCNS

16

denel dynamics

18, 04

dRdO

30

EAdS

04, 10, 12, 14

EAdS Cassidian

Kongsberg L-3 Wescam

Sikorsky

04, 20, 24, 25

Sojitz

15 12, 16

61, 66

Mils Electronics

40, 42, 43

Fidelis Security Systems

04

Mowag

Finmeccanica

38

Navistar

FNSS

14

Northrop Grumman

Ford

04

NPO Novator

20, 21 01, 02, 06

General Tactical Vehicles

02

16

01, 03, 04, 06

Mercedes-Benz

GdELS

18

ST Marine

MBdA MdT Armour

Oshkosh defence Oto Melara Otokar

38

49, 52 04

Supacat Thales

15 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 22

ThalesRaytheonSystems

armada

INTERNATIONAL

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06, 12

15

TMV

12

02, 04, 05, 14

URO

13, 18

04, 06, 08 26 02, 05, 06 11

Volvo Group

10

Williams international

22

Zeller Corporation

04

zvezdochka Shipyard

28

02, 21, 22, 13

“ERRATA” UAV Wall Chart armada June/July 2012 Lockheed Martin/Kaman is the correct designation for K-Max.

02

18, 26

Selex Sistemi integrati

Lockheed Martin

12, 14, 18

Elbit

General dynamics

14 04, 06, 18

12, 14

armada cover.indd 6

04/10/12 10:55 AM

Our story on page 32 should induce a mega shiver to anyone involved with anything digital that has to travel by wire or air. The United States activated its Cyber Command in 2010.

The USCYBCOM as it is known, features subordinate units from the US Army, Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps. it is intended to provide cyber warfare support to US commands around the world. (US dod) Volume 36, Issue No. 5, October/November 2012 armada international is published bi-monthly by Media Transasia Ltd. Copyright 2012 by Media Transasia Ltd. Publishing Office: Media Transasia Ltd, Room No. 1205-1206, Hollywood Centre 233, Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong.

Tel: (852) 2815 9111, Fax: (852) 2815 1933 Editor-in-Chief: Eric H. Biass Regular Contributors: Roy Braybrook, Paolo Valpolini, Thomas Withington Chairman: J.S. Uberoi President: Xavier Collaco Sr. Manager International Marketing: Vishal Mehta Manager Ad Sales: Yusuf Azim Deputy Manager Marketing: Tarun Malviya Sales & Marketing Coordinator: Atul Bali Designer: Amal Mourya Production Manager: Kanda Thanakornwongskul Group Circulation Manager: Porames Chinwongs Chief Financial Officer: Gaurav Kumar Advertising Sales Offices  AUSTRiA, BENELUX, SWiTzERLANd Cornelius W. Bontje Ph: +41 55 216 17 81, cornelius.bontje@armada.ch  FRANCE Promotion et Motivation, Odile Orbec Ph: +33 1 41 43 83 00, o.orbec@pema-group.com  GERMANY Sam Baird Ph: +44 1883 715 697, sam@ whitehillmedia.com  iTALY, NORdiC COUNTRiES Emanuela Castagnetti-Gillberg Ph: +46 31 799 9028, egillberg@glocalnet.net  SPAiN Vía Exclusivas, Macarena Fdez. de Grado Ph: +34 91 448 76 22, macarena@viaexclusivas.com  UNiTEd KiNGdOM zena Coupé Ph: +44 1923 852537, zena@expomedia.biz  RUSSiA Alla Butova, NOVO-Media Ltd, Ph: (7 3832) 180 885 Mobile : (7 960) 783 6653 Email :alla@mediatransasia.com  EASTERN USA – EAST OF THE MiSSiSSiPPi RiVER Margie Brown, Ph: (540) 341 7581, margiespub@rcn.com  WESTERN USA – WEST OF THE MiSSiSSiPPi RiVER diane Obright, Ph: (858) 759 3557, blackrockmedia@cox.net  ALL OTHER COUNTRiES Vishal Mehta, Tel: (91) 124 4759625, Mobile: (91) 99 999 85425, (44) 11 5885 4423, E-Mail: vishal@mediatransasia.com Annual subscription rates: Europe: CHF 186. + 36. (postage) Overseas: USd 186. + 36. (postage) ABC Controlled circulation: 22,739, certified by ABC/WEMF, valid from autumn 2011.

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Tel: 66 (0)-2204 2370, Fax: 66 (0)-2204 2390 -1 Subscription Information: Readers should contact the following address: Subscription department, Media Transasia Ltd. Room No. 1205-1206, Hollywood Centre 233, Holywood Road, Central, Hong Kong.

Tel: (852) 2815 9111, Fax: (852) 2851 1933

Business ATLAS ELEKTRONIK Group has founded a subsidiary in Canada. ATLAS ELEKTRONIK Canada Ltd has been set up to establish a strong and reliable partnership with the Royal Canadian Navy and Canadian authorities. As potential main contractor, ATLAS Elektronik Canada will provide ATLAS products and solutions for current and future Canadian users.

BOEING and Sojitz Corporation have agreed to work together to offer advanced cyber security solutions in Japan to help protect critical government, civil and commercial information technology infrastructure. The agreement calls for Boeing to provide advanced network and data analysis tools, cyber security training and simulation platforms, and network protection solutions. Boeing will provide training to support Japan’s need for more cyber security experts. Sojitz will contribute its Japanese market expertise, information technology professionals and strong local partnerships.

BAE SYSTEMS Saudi Arabia has invested SAR-65M with Advanced Electronics Systems (AEC) and Rockwell Collins Deutschland (RCD) to bring into Saudi Arabia the repair capability for the Cockpit Interface Unit (CIU) and Interface Processor Unit (IPU), key avionics boxes on the Typhoon Aircraft, the Royal Saudi Air Force’s (RSAF) and Salam Project Office’s latest and most advanced fast jet aircraft.

ThE U.S. ARMY SUSTAINMENT COMMAND selected Lockheed Martin to compete for future opportunities to provide maintenance operations, supply support and transportation services through its new Enhanced Army Global Logistics Enterprise (EAGLE) program.

BAE SYSTEMS & EADS are exploring merger of the company. BAE SYSTEMS and EADS have a long history of

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collaboration, and are currently partners in a number of important projects, including the Eurofighter and MBDA joint ventures. The two companies confirm that they are now in discussions about a possible combination of the businesses. The potential combination would create a world leading international aerospace, defence and security group with substantial centres of manufacturing and technology excellence in the UK, USA, France, Germany and Spain as well as in Australia, India and Saudi Arabia.

ROSOBORONExPORT and Chinese company Poly Technologies, Inc. in August signed a contract for delivery of 52 Mi-171E transport helicopters to China in 2012-2014. The first eight Mi171Es are scheduled for delivery in 2012, with the rest slated for 2013 and 2014.

BOEING has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Korean province of Gyeongsangbuk-do and the city of Yeongcheon to establish an avionics Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility in the region that will service avionics components for the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) fleet of F-15K Slam Eagles.

AIRBUS MILITARY has reconfirmed that it will deliver the first four new generation A400M airlifters to customers in 2013 as planned, following the development of solutions to the recent engine issue, which prevented the A400M from participating in the Farnborough Air Show flying display.

L-3 COMMUNICATIONS STRATIS division has been awarded an indefinitedelivery/indefinite-quantity (ID/IQ) contract under the Agile Cyber Technology (ACT) program. Supporting the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), ACT has a funding ceiling of $300 million over the next five years.

GENERAL DYNAMICS has acquired Fidelis Security Systems, Inc., a market leader in cyber security tools that provide real-time network visibility, analysis and control.

ThE EUROCOPTER MILITARY Support Center, Germany currently is performing the comprehensive upgrade of 40 Bundeswehr Ch-53G aircraft to the Ch-53GA specification for both national and international deployment – providing the German armed forces with a modern fleet of these helicopters equipped for an operational lifetime lasting beyond 2030.

MBDA Germany has opened a new simulation and integration centre for air defence systems at its Schrobenhausen site.

KAMAN CORPORATION has completed the acquisition of substantially all of the assets and certain liabilities of Zeller Corporation (“Zeller”) by Kaman’s subsidiary, Kaman Industrial Technologies Corporation (KIT).

The acquisition of Zeller’s business expands KIT’s capabilities in electrical, automation and engineered systems, including motion control, machine vision, electrical controls and power distribution.

BOEING marks the 50th anniversary of delivering the first h-47 Chinook military helicopter. The company is nearing completion of a $130 million renovation of its production line near Philadelphia that will help it meet global demand for the latest model, the Ch-47F. AGUSTAWESTLAND has opened new Service Centre in Chile by AVIASUR which will provide maintenance and other support services for AgustaWestland commercial helicopter customers.

Business LOCKhEED MARTIN is commemorating the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Glenn L. Martin Company, which was incorporated on August 16, 1912, in Los Angeles, Calif.

L-3 COMMUNICATIONS has completed the acquisition of Thales Training & Simulation Limited’s civil aircraft simulation and training business

effective August 6, 2012. The company paid £83 million (approximately $130 million), subject to certain contractual adjustments to the purchase price, and was funded with cash on hand. The business, which is now known as L-3 Link Simulation & Training U.K. Limited, will become a part of L-3’s existing Link Simulation & Training division, which is part of L-3’s Electronic Systems Group.

I BIG DEALS IN SHORT Company

Amount

Event

From Where

BOEING

$ 22.7 Million

Contract for Laser JDAM sensors.

NAVAIR

BAE SYSTEMS

$ 17.5 Million

Next Generation Knowledge Base Design and Systems Integration Services task order.

DIA

LOCKhEED MARTIN

$ 111 Million

Contract to modernize the Apache TADS/PNVS to M-TADS/PNVS .

US Army

L-3

$ 181 Million

Contract for the production of CDL hawklink.

US Navy

LOCKhEED MARTIN

$ 35.98 Million

Contract for long range radar.

US Airforce

RAYThEON

$ 125.3 Million

Contract to modernize and add new capability to an Air Force Early Warning Radar (EWR) system.

Missile Defense Agency (MDA) and US Air Force

NORThROP GRUMMAN

€ 30 Million

Contract to provide inertial and satellite navigation systems for Tranche 3 of Eurofighter Typhoon

Eurofighter Consortium and Alenia Aermacchi

ITT Exelis, NOVASOL

$ 7 Million

Contract to develop a laser communications system for the US Navy Marine Corps.

U.S. Navy’s Office of Naval Research

OShKOSh DEFENSE

$ 67 Million

Contract to deliver more than 260 Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacements (MTVR)

MARCORSYSCOM

COBhAM

$ 15 Million

Contract to supply Obiggs Inerting Units for US army apache helicopters.

US Defense Logistics Agency

LOCKhEED MARTIN

$ 152 Million

Contract for Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod (ATP) sustainment support

US Air Force

RAYThEON

$ 230 Million

Contract for 14 Standard Missile-3 Block IA missiles and five SM-3 Block IB missiles

Missile Defense Agency (MDA)

ThALESRAYThEON SYSTEMS

$ 44.9 Million

Contract to upgrade the Receiver Exciter (REx) in the Improved AN/TPQ-37 Firefinder radar

US Army

BOEING

$ 85 Million

Contract to provide performance-based logistics for US air force F-15 radars

US Airforce

BAE SYSTEMS

$ 20 Million

Contract to supply 57mm Mk 110 MOD 0 guns and engineering support

US Navy and Coast Guard

LOCKhEED MARTIN

$ 65 Million

Joint Light Tactical Vehicle EMD phase

US Army and Marine Corps

BAE SYSTEMS

$ 78 Million

Contract modification to produce canisters for Mk 41 and Mk 57 Vertical Launching Systems (VLS)

US Navy

COBhAM

$ 30 Million

Contract to develop and supply the Auxiliary Fuselage Fuel Tank (AFFT) for the KC-390

Embraer Defense and Security

BAE SYSTEMS

$ 23.5 Million

Delivery order for the lightweight laser target locator US Army module (LTLM), TRIGR™

GENERAL DYNAMICS C4S

$ 53.9 Million

Order for Joint Tactical Radio System & accessories

US Army

COBhAM

$ 65 Million

Contract to supply electronic systems to Boeing’s Wideband Global SATCOM satellite programme

Boeing

GENERAL DYNAMICS

$ 16.3 Million

Contract for nuclear-maintenance for submarines

US Navy

hARRIS CORPORATION

$ 6.5 Million

Contract for Falcon III multiband handheld radios

US Airforce

06

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YOU FOCUS ON THE MISSION. WE FOCUS ON THE NETWORK THAT MAKES YOUR MISSION FLY.

True Broadband for Live HD Video and Network Access that Feels Like You Never Left the Ground

WORLDWIDE MOBILE BROADBAND 500,000+ Mission Hours | 250+ Aircraft | 500+ Terabytes Mission Data Technology, Network, and Service by ViaSat viasat.com/focus +1 760.893.2777 Copyright Š 2012 ViaSat, Inc. All rights reserved. ViaSat and the ViaSat logo are registered trademarks of ViaSat, Inc. All other trademarks mentioned are the sole property of their respective companies. Specifications subject to change without notice.

C4ISR

C4ISR Go SouTh

Computerised Command, Control, Communications and Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance are a powerful force multiplier. These core enablers of Western information superiority for more than three decades are now spreading in the Southern hemisphere, allowing emerging militaries of Northern Africa, the Gulf states or South and East Asia to integrate sensors, command and shooter assets and conduct network-centric operations.

An early and deadly C4ISR system in Islamic hands. Despite its crude local situational awareness display, the AWG-9 radar and its multi-target tracking abilities enabled Iranian Grumman F-14As to fly as airborne early warning and control systems in the early 1980s, cueing air defences against incoming Iraqi aircraft (Northrop Grumman).

Wesley Fox

T

he recent years have seen a steep rise in procurement and deployment of advanced military power. On the one hand, the current operational context has led the United States and its allies to field an increasing number of sensor, command and shooter assets to

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cope with asymmetric threats in a coalition environment. The Afghan and Iraqi theatres of operations are the prime field of action for these systems, but other areas, such as the horn of Africa or South East Asia, are now hosting American and allied C4ISR assets to support operations against

terrorist groups or monitor local crises.

On the other hand, the growing wealth of some local military powers, and the struggle for scarcer resources, have met an acute perception of threats, either from an international standpoint (defending borders against an aggressive neighbour)

or from a transnational standpoint (fighting illicit trade or terrorism from groups operating abroad or in international waters and crossing into national borders). This context resulted in accelerated procurement of advanced weapons in Northern Africa, the Persian Gulf and East Asia.

However, this sometimes impressive procurement remains largely focused on the visible (and classical) tip of military might: agile platforms (multi-role fighter aircraft, combat ships, tactical helicopters, tanks and armoured personnel carriers); better radars (air defence, littoral or battlefield surveillance); more lethal weapon systems (combined gun and missile anti-air, long-range artillery, or precision guided munitions). As modern as it may be, the value of this hardware arsenal has been questioned in recent years against an integrated, better coordinated, and more aware adversary. Since the 1980s operations in the Falklands, the Bekaa Valley, Kuwait, former Yugoslavia and Iraq have shown that individual platforms and weapon systems weigh little against a networked adversary fitted with integrated command and control

and exploiting intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance assets in a short sense-understand-disseminate intentsynchronise effects loop. This finding is even more present in asymmetrical conflicts, where weapon systems are far less relevant than advanced sensor systems or cooperation and coordination through interoperable communications and information systems.

I

TEETh ANd bRAINS

This is probably why a few regional militaries are now balancing their classical procurement of new platforms and weapon systems with less visible means to connect them, control them and synchronise them for precision strikes at standoff range. Like conventional weaponry, such procurement raises the issue of local integration and maintenance.

Unlike aerospace or advanced electronics technologies however, C4ISR rely on new technologies of information and communications that are spreading and settling fast Southwards in the current globalisation process. Moreover, as modern assets laden with sensitive electronics are costlier, forcing a reduction

in numbers, C4ISR integration allows to draw the best on limited assets. This is the striking lesson of operations over Libya in 2011, when only six Dassault Rafale opened a decisive air war by striking an entire elite combat brigade, while cruise missiles pounded air defence and C2 deep inside Libya. Later, a few ships with combat helicopters commanded the Libyan coastline day and night and a handful of multi-role fighter-bombers picked targets in urban or hilly areas.

The move towards building C4ISR capabilities in the Southern hemisphere is still slow and cautious; it has seen a first phase of transferring equipment capabilities (sensors, platforms, weapon systems) in the 2000s, but a new, stronger trend has appeared during the current decade, namely the acquisition of both C4ISR systems and the means to sustain and develop them locally. We will review a few examples across C4ISR key components.

I NETWoRkEd, mobIlE CommuNICATIoNS Robust networking has been defined as the cornerstone in the NetworkCentric Operations concept. However, as

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C4ISR Exposing a fighter from the 1990s to a 1940s bombing run may prove a bad idea against long-range acquisition sensors and guided weapons, despite this Su-34 modern avionics and manoeuvring abilities. C4ISR maximises employment of weapon systems (Rosoboronexport).

communications interoperability remains moot, bandwidth requirement rise to accommodate growing voice, data and imagery requirements fed by the recent proliferation of digitised sensors in the sea, air, land, space and information dimensions of the battlespace.

Few countries have seized the immense task of harmonising infrastructure, and deployed and tactical communications in a joint perspective. The US, with the Global Information Grid and its more recent Landwarnet Army infrastructure, are leading the way, whereas France appears as a European leader with recent upgrade

10

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communications, as well as infrastructure and geographical challenges, have led some regional powers to choose mobile satellite communications, based on a dual network of anchor and mobile stations able to accommodate secure military communications, mostly in Ka-band.

EADS Astrium, Thales Alenia Space and Thales Communications are thus teaming in the UAE to provide Yahsat with dual-use mobile satcoms at over 1Mbps for on-the-move users. In Qatar, a similar capability will combine onthe-pause satcoms with GSM phone and professional mobile radio (PMR) services, thanks to vehicular, multi-link integrated tactical communications nodes allowing civil-military interoperability.

In Malaysia, the launch of Astriumbuilt MEASAT-3B in 2013 should allow the joint force command to use a steerable X-band antenna and four transponders for national defence communications.

Broadband PMR is also perceived as a

of its Thales-delivered RITA N4 deployed networks to accommodate mobility and throughput of deployed battlegroups below brigade. This leadership reflects in the Gulf, where Thales has been delivering the Zagil tactical network to the UAE Army.

Key building blocks of these secure, highdata rate solutions have also been adopted in Asia, with Thailand becoming a recent user of the Thales TRC 4000 tactical lineA satcom on-the-move capability as part of-sight communications. Interoperability of the dual-use Yahsat programme, was with combat net radios is provided by delivered to the United Arab Emirates by tactical network nodes featuring network Thales and GD C4. It allows command on-themanagement services over IP. move with voice, data and video exchanges in Fast development of mobile the megabit-per-second class (Thales).

ultralife innovation powering communications

a-320 Family 20-Watt manportable tactical amplifiers Ultralife’s family of 20-watt amplifiers continues to grow. Ultralife offers tactical, 20-watt amplifiers for applications including manportable, vehicular, and UAV/space use. Additionally, the A-320 family supports JTRS waveforms such as SRW, ANW2, EPLRS, DAMA, HAVEQUICK, and SINCGARS. The new A-320V2 provides PR4G support in all modes of operation. ▶ Cost effective performance increase to handheld radios ▶ Lightweight; most units weigh 24 ounces (.68 kilograms) ▶ Combat proven

UB0032 primary battery The UB0032 is a non-rechargeable battery with 110% more capacity than the BA-5590U. ▶ 12 yr. shelf-life w/80% capacity ▶ 15V/30V - 16Ah/32Ah - 480Wh

a-320HVA handheld vehicle adapter UBBL35 conformal battery The UBBL35 is a rechargeable, conformal 15V battery that is wearable and easily concealed. ▶ Supports Smart Battery Data Spec V1.1 - SMBus Spec V1.1 ▶ 15V - 8Ah - 120Wh

The A-320HVA is the ideal “jerk-and-run” solution for communications on the move. Now you can use almost any handheld in your vehicle with our A-320 series of 20-watt tactical amplifiers. ▶ Adapts to tactical and non-standard vehicles ▶ Use the same handheld - mounted or dismounted ▶ Universal radio pocket accepts 16 radios (includes variants)

Made in the USA

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C4ISR

national backbone for new voice and data content to mobile, dismounted users, and EADS Cassidian Tetra PMR networks have a lion’s share in the Middle East, serving Defence & Security users.

Emerging military powers still view C4ISR as mere target data exchanges between weapon systems, as in the early NCW concept. This is why datalinks are viewed as the cornerstone of networkcentric operations, and have been defined as a national priority in the UAE to match Nato Link 16 role in air operations.

In Thailand as well, the national Link-T is developed in partnership with Saab Systems and national industry. The next step will be to extend data exchanges to non-real time, non-combat, beyond tactical objects of interest, as defined by Nato in the broader battlespace object category. Sharing information about the tactical entities enhances situational awareness, allowing command and control, but also cooperation and coordination on a broader scale. This capability, hardly approached in new C4ISR users, requires

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bridging the gap between tactical, real time information borne by datalinks, and non-real time tactical situation generated in C2 systems.

I INTERopERAblE CommANd & CoNTRol

Unified networking is a pre-requisite to nation-wide or deployed topdown command and control. All-IP communications and associated network management services (prioritization, dynamic routing, mobility management) are key enablers of integrated C4I. However, the formidable efforts launched in the US, Europe and Israel to merge C4I on a common information and communications infrastructure are hardly matched outside these advanced C4ISR users. The UAE, however, have made a first move, when the several-hundred million Euro Emirates Command & Control System (ECCS) project was granted to Emiraje, an EADS local joint venture, after a multi-year competition against Raytheon and Thales in 2011. The ECCS is meant

A Raytheon/Beech 1900D Multi-Mission Surveillance Aircraft in the Algerian South. Combining SAR/GMTI battlefield surveillance radar, stabilized L-3 Wescam optronics turret, and comint sensors, this platform and its Hummer-integrated ground exploitation segment form a slightly lower configuration from its Nato equivalents, and is extensively used in the Western Sahara or the Sahel belt (WF).

to provide shared situational awareness throughout the Army, connecting to joint operations and intelligence centres, and special operations commands. In Malaysia, the network-centric operations project pursues similar objectives, with a first phase granted to Sapura and expected to yield early capabilities in 2013.

Despite a setback in the UAE for ECCS and Artillery C4I (against Thales), Raytheon has been delivering its air, joint and Army C2 systems in Algeria since the end of the last decade. Thales Raytheon US (Fullerton, California) are providing their Command View joint C2 system, recently extended towards Army headquarters. In

INVISIO V60

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The INVISIO V60 depicted in actual size

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The new INVISIO V60 Control Unit is a hearing protection and communication system with electronic hear-thru and impulse noise protection.

With the INVISIO X5 Dual In-Ear Headset, that uses the patented INVISIO Bone Conduction Technology, the INVISIO V60 system provides crystal clear communication even in the most extreme environments without compromising comfort during all day use.

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C4ISR Brunei, a similar requirement for Joint Operational Command has been met

by Northrop Grumman Information Systems UK. In Oman, EADS Cassidian is using experience garnered with its Joccis system (a Java-based C2 system provided to Belgium in the mid-2000s).

Other emerging C4I users have made a national C2 system choice as exemplified

by Thailand’s locally-developed e-Army C2 program for higher headquarters now reaching operational capability and India is pursuing similar goals. These top-down initiatives take time to root in joint or Army headquarters and seldom extend below brigade to mobile command posts to battalion, company and below.

Requirements for fast data exchange on combat net radios form a distinct area of expertise, often triggering pragmatic, bottom-up requirements to equip Army battlegroups with Battle Management Systems to share tactical situations and synchronise manoeuvres. India has been preparing a large BMS programme for several years, while Malaysia has launched an ambitious, integrated battlegroup C4I programme around an FNSS 8x8 modular combat vehicle. Teaming with Turkish FNSS vehicle manufacturer,

South African Denel weapon system provider, and Sapura Thales electronics integrator, the Malaysian 8x8 programme led by DefTech is aiming at networking 257 different digitised Pars APCs in 12 variants, managed by tactical C2 and ad hoc mission systems. Convergence with

A Turkish FNSS Pars 8x8 combat vehicle.

Deftech of Malaysia are driving a newgeneration programme to digitise 257 locally-produced variants with state-of-theart Denel weapon and fire control systems, and Sapura-Thales vehicle networking, battle management and mission systems (FNSS).

the higher-level NCO program is not yet contemplated. It is thus surprising that large combat vehicle acquisition programmes in Algeria (Rheinmetall Fuchs APCs or T-90S main battle tanks) or Thailand (more than 210 Ukrainian BTR3E1 infantry fighting vehicles and 49 Oplot main battle tanks, an improvement of the T-84), or Indonesia (Ukrainian Oplot tanks, Russian navalised BMP-3Fs, and this summer surplus Leopard 2A6) have yet to be accompanied by battlegroup C4I requirements, or even vehicle digitisation programmes to integrate sensor, radios and weapon systems on a vehicle data network (as reflected in the recent upgrade of 135 of its nearly 400 UAE BMP-3s to “M� standard with Russian vetronics and fire control systems).

In the naval arena, battle management C4I have long been operational to manage large combat ship sensor, weapon and A Senit 2000 combat management system produced by DCNS and Kongsberg for new-generation Skjold fast missile craft.

Managing sensors, datalinks, electronic warfare and weapon systems, this latest-generation CMS is battling against competitors in Asia, though the Norwegian Skjold constitutes a prestigious reference for coastal operations (DCNS).

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SIMPLE. RELIABLE. THE MOST IMPORTANT FEATURES ON THE BATTLEFIELD

The PRC7700H is an IP addressable, software defined HF manpack radio ready to go where you go.

The PRC7700H combines DSP-IF circuitry and powerful microprocessors in a robust manpack configuration that is also suitable for rack-mounting or desktop use. It is capable of transmitting up to 25 Watts PEP continuous RF power over a 100% duty cycle. The DSP-IF and audio circuitry are optimized to support voice and data services.

Contact us at sales@dtwc.com to learn more about communications solutions from Datron.

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C4ISR

communications suites. However, the diffusion of advanced, more complex platforms has led to a growing number of export deals featuring the latest combat management systems (CMS) alongside new frigates or Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV). Recent acquisitions in Morocco, Malaysia and Thailand illustrate this new trend. Morocco, after purchasing two Sigma-class frigates from Schelde, has acquired a Fremm multi-mission frigate from DCNS in France with proven Thales Tacticos Combat Management System on the Sigmas, and a newly-developed DCNS Setis on the Fremms.

In Malaysia, DCNS also best Thales with its Polaris CMS on-board to equip the six new Gowind-class vessels. Although these powerful C4I systems will integrate the complex on-board environment, they will remain at tactical level, as no fleetwide maritime C4I (networking CMS, command information systems and maritime safety information systems on a fleet-wide intranet) seem to exist outside America, British, French or Nato navies.

The modernization of the Royal Thai Navy fleet is accompanied by a similar upgrade in combat management systems.

The important Saab deal for involving the

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Gripen fighters and Erieye Saab 340 early warning and control aircraft is extended to several datalink contracts with local industry. This results in greater integration between air force and naval combat systems, and the HTMS Chakri Naruebet, as the legacy flagship, has received the Saab 9LV combat management system enabling connectivity with the air force tactical picture. The Naresuan class, derived from Chinese Type 053 missile frigates, is also receiving Saab’s 9LV Mk 4 CMS as part of a 2011 upgrade package for HTMS Taksin and Naresuan frigates to leverage sensors and fire control systems from Saab and Thales. The Swedish CMS, already equipping Canadian Halifax-Class multimission frigates and Australian Navy ships, is thus offering interoperability to Thailand for coalition operations. The recent delivery of an Endurance-class LPD from Singaporian ST Marine will feature a C-Flex CMS from Terma’s C-series command and fire control systems.

However, with the command role of the new HTMS Angthong LPD, it remains to be seen whether it will be equipped with an operational Maritime command and control system able to manage joint amphibious operations, as can be found

A busy expeditionary flight of Dassault Mirage F1CT ground attackers and F1CR recce aircraft in Chad in 2012. These modernized platforms can interoperate with similar types in Northern and central Africa in coalition short sensorcommander-shooter loops, to fight increased guerilla and terrorist threats in the wake of Ghaddafi’s Libya break-up (Armée de L’Air).

on French Mistral Class command and projection ships, fitted with a 1000 m2 networked command infrastructure to host C4I systems. In Asia, the only planned fleet-wide C4I system looming is the uncertain Indian Samvahaad.

I

mulTI-SENSoR ISR

The new face of asymmetric warfare brought a severe burden on intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance requirements, leading to what is now referred to as “non-traditional ISR”. This move was initiated in Afghanistan and Iraq with acute requirements to detect and monitor armed groups planting roadside bombs or conducting hit-and-run ambushes. Innovations on these theatres are now motivating acquisitions in Africa to face Islamic terrorism in Maghreb and

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C4ISR

Sahel, or in South Asia to track radical Islamists and Maoist groups. In the latter region, the complexity of the maritime environment also calls for multi-sensor networking to cope with piracy, smuggling and increased tensions over freedom of navigation in the South China Sea. In 2000, Algeria ordered from Raytheon (today Hawker Beechcraft) six modified Beech 1900D multi-mission surveillance aircraft, compatible with legacy transport aircraft. Based in the South, they produce full-motion video or SAR/GMTI data of ground surveillance, thanks to a stabilised Wescam MX-15, a Raytheon HiSAR ground surveillance radar and an L-3Com datalink. This wide-area surveillance system complements narrower field-of-view Denel Dynamics Seeker 2 drones acquired in 2000 and 2008. The drone’s 50-Kg payload can be either electro-optical or Saab-Grintek comint gear. These valuable sensors will probably contribute to the border surveillance system contract awarded last year to EADS Cassidian, with the contribution of Zeiss and Rohde & Schwarz.

In South Asia, Raytheon HiSAR-

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equipped Beechcraft have been provided to Sri Lanka to support the fight against LTTE. They were used in coordinated operations with IAI Searcher 2s and MiG27s, notably in the 2009 Wanni operation that defeated LTTE guerilla. Although similar requirements have led the Royal Thai Air Force to procure 12-hour endurance Aeronautics Aerostars, the acquisition of multi-source exploitation software provides a clear added-value to raw sensor dissemination, and serves the purpose of integrated C4ISR enabling shared tactical pictures. The Selex Galileo Vantage multi-sensor management facilitates tactical exploitation in a C2 system by converting sensor feed into tactical situations. This software package will probably be used in conjunction with Kronos coastal surveillance and air defence 3D radars delivered by Selex Sistemi Integrati to cover the Southern and Eastern sectors of Thailand.

I SuppoRTING oR ChAllENGING ThE WEST?

The evolution from isolated hardware

The MC-12W “Liberty” multi-sensor airborne surveillance platform. Based on a Hawker Beechcraft King Air 350 and integrated by L-3 Com, the use of this relatively lowcost asset is spreading in the fight against terrorism. American allies, such as Pakistan or Saudi Arabia, are familiarized with the intelligence products delivered by this type of system, cross-cueing radar, imagery and comint sources for irregular warfare missions (US Air Force).

procurement to C4I systems is slow beyond advanced military powers. However, the spreading of C4ISR capabilities in the South is inevitable. It is a challenge to western superiority, as French forces have learned in Ivory Coast in November 2004 and Russian Forces in Georgia in August 2008, when they were confronted by Israelimade C4ISR gear. This is why training and technology transfer with Allied countries must be accompanied by threat training in the field of C4ISR, a capability only available in the America where dedicated adversary forces regularly challenge Nato squadrons and brigade combat teams, using realistic, “South-style” C4ISR suites.

Identify and neutralize threats.

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[NYSE: XLS] Photo courtesy of the U.S. Air Force.

Taken by Tech. Sgt. Michael Holzworth.

www.exelisinc.com Exelis and “The Power of Ingenuity” are trademarks of Exelis Inc. ITT is a trademark of ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, LLC., and is used under license.

Copyright © 2012 Exelis Inc. All rights reserved.

SLCMS

SLCMS: WeapON Of ChOiCe fOr Deep STrike

The first MBDA missile de croisière naval (MdCN) test firing from an underwater platform simulating the future Barracuda nuclear-powered attack submarine launch conditions was carried out in June 2011.

The missile will equip the new French navy’s SSN from 2017, acquiring 50 sublaunched version units. (DGA)

Coalition forces on 19 March 2012 launched Operation Odyssey Dawn to enforce a “no-fly zone” over Libya. Cruise missiles from US Navy submarines and destroyers began the attack on the integrated air and missile defence system, with over 160 Tomahawk cruise missiles launched in the initial days of the multi-faceted military operation. Moreover Britain also participated with a Trafalgar class submarine launching Tomahawk land attack missiles.

Luca Peruzzi

S

ince 1991, sea-launched cruise missiles have participated in the opening phase of main conflicts and crises including Operation Desert Storm, Desert Fox and Iraqi Freedom in the Persian Gulf, Allied Force in the Balkans and Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. These conflicts and crises have registered a progressive increase in the usage of cruise missiles from underwater

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platforms, from less than 5 per cent to more than 30 per cent in Iraqi Freedom. In the opening rounds of Operation Odyssey Dawn, the percentage of Tomahawk cruise missiles fired from American and British submarines has substantially increased.

A submarine’s endurance, autonomy and relative stealthiness permit pre-strike positioning well before the beginning of hostilities or the deepening of a crisis.

The unseen underwater platform doesn’t require to deploy a force that might otherwise adversely influence diplomatic activities. In the meantime, the submarine can conduct surveillance and intelligence in support of future operations or can be discretely withdrawn if diplomacy wins over arms. Moreover the submarine force can be used to project surgical power ashore with cruise missiles and provide

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See how SeaRAM is protecting Independenceclass Littoral Combat Ships. Visit: Raytheon.com | Keyword: SRam1 Follow us on: © 2012 Raytheon Company. All rights reserved.

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SLCMS

support to special forces operations when the need arises and thereby reduce the overall mission impact on the adversary nation’s population.

Interestingly, recognition of the effectiveness of submarine-launched cruise missiles in the land-attack role has led naval forces around the world to increase their attention towards these systems. A number of countries with a technology edge or funding capabilities, especially in the Eastern regions of the world, have developed or are working on cruise missile technologies, or alternatively acquiring the systems for their deployment from multiple platforms, including their submarine fleets.

I

The TOMahaWk Saga

Operation Odyssey Dawn in March 2011 saw the 2,000th Tomahawk landattack missile (TLAM) fired in anger.

The same operation also marked the first use of Tomahawk cruise missiles from an SSGN (Florida Ohio cruise missile submarine class boat). The boat fired over 90 missiles, proving the value of covert precision volume strike capability without having to be resupplied. The Tomahawk employment in the Libyan crisis followed the script of major operations since 1991, when the Raytheon cruise missile was used for the first time in the initial stages of Operation Desert Storm, due to the minimal collateral damages and reduced manned platform loss requirements.

Approximately 290 Tomahawk missiles

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were launched from US navy’s surface ships and submarines, achieving a reported 85 percent mission success rate, according to Raytheon documentation.

More recently, after a final assessment of more than 230 Tomahawk strikes on Libyan soil, which were carried out by both US Navy’s surface and underwater platforms and a single Royal Navy nuclear attack submarine, the operation was described by US Navy representatives as the most successful one in the missile’s history. The Tomahawk programme dates back to the 1970s and an initial shipborne version (Block II), the TLAM-A, achieved initial operational capability in 1984. This was followed by the Block III and the current Block IV (Tactical Tomahawk or TLAM-E) respectively in 1993 and 2004. The latter was conceived to greatly enhance mission control and provide additional flexibility to the missile.

The Tactical Tomahawk (which is the conventional variant) adds important enhancements to the Block III version’s inertial navigation system, Tercom terrain contour matching system, Digital Scene Matching Area Correlation (DSMAC) system, GPS, navigation, control and mission computer suite leading to a reported CEP (Circular Error of Probability) of less than 10 metres and lower production costs. These enhancements offer the capability to reprogram the missile in flight via a twoway UHF satellite communications to strike any of 15 pre-programmed alternate

The Libyan crisis marked the first Tomahawk cruise missile launch from a SSGN (Florida Ohio-class) submarine that fired over 90 missiles, proving the value of covert precision volume strike capability without having to be resupplied. (US Navy)

targets or redirect the missile to any Global Positioning System target coordinate, and allows the transfer of health, status and Battle Damage Information (BDI) messages. The Block IV missile is capable of loitering over a target area, according to US Navy, to respond to emerging threats or, with its onboard camera, provide battle damage assessment information.

Delivered in surface-Mk 41 VLS (vertical launcher system), underwater Nato-standard 533 mm torpedo (capsuleprotected), or VLS launcher (Container Launching System, CLS) versions (RGM/ UGM-109E), the 6.25-metre (with booster) Tactical Tomahawk has a launch weight of 1,452 kg (with booster) and is powered by a Williams International F415-WR-400 turbofan engine and ARC Mk135 solid-fuel booster affording it a 0.75 Mach speed and a 900 nm range with a unitary 454 kg conventional warhead.

In service with both US Navy surface and underwater platforms (including Ticonderoga class cruisers, Arleigh Burke and future Zumwalt classes of destroyers, Los Angeles, Seawolf, new Virginia SSNs and Ohio class SSGNs), the Tactical Tomahawk has also been operational since March 2008 onboard

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SLCMS In addition to US Navy’s vessels and submarines, the latest TLAM-E version of Raytheon Tomahawk cruise missile is also in service with Royal Navy’s nuclearpowered attack submarines. Seen here is the first successful launch of a Tactical Tomahawk from first-of-class Astute in November 2011. (Crown Copyright/MoD)

planning and network centric enabling enhancements, the TLAM-E is subjected to a comprehensive spiral upgrade path, which currently includes the full integration of GPS-equipped Selective Availability Anti-Spoofing Module (SAASM) and the development of the Joint Multiple Effects Warhead Royal Navy’s Trafalgar SSNs and has been System (JMEWS) programme. First successfully tested for the first time on the successfully demonstrated in a live test new Astute class SSNs in November 2011. in October 2010, the joint US Navy/ While The Netherlands and Spain have British programme is looking at a new abandoned the same missile procurement warhead that will not only preserve the for budget reasons, the Australian’s SEA same blast-fragmentation capabilities 1000 programme for the development of the current one, but add enhanced of a new class of submarines opens a penetration capabilities to cope with hard long-term requirement to equip the new and buried targets (HDBT). Together boats with a land-attack strike capability, with the new warhead and, according to with Raytheon’s Tactical Tomahawk and US Navy 2013 budget request, a thirdMBDA’s Scalp Naval as candidates. party in-flight targeting (3PT) system 2011 also marked the 500th will be demonstrated that allows dynamic operational test firing, which validates targeting and re-tasking of the missile. tactics, techniques and procedures for “Using these technologies, combatant using Tomahawk missiles in combat. commanders will have the reliable option According to programme representatives, of neutralizing heavily defended and the US Navy is looking into jointly using dynamic targets without the incursion of Tomahawks and small drones operated manned platforms”, the document states. by special operations teams, where the The Fiscal Year (FY) 2010-17 funding latter send targeting data to a control supports the procurement of 196 Block centre that can redirect the missiles onto IV missiles per FY, while in June 2012, the target. Moreover, the Tomahawk time- Raytheon was awarded a $338 million of-flight has been shortened to make the contract to replace the 221 missiles weapon system more tactically relevant, expended in operations, in addition to the while testing-only activities have been allotted yearly procurement. conducted by Raytheon to allow the I SCaLp NavaL Tactical Tomahawk to hit moving targets.

In addition to the weapon system The Missile de Croisière Naval (MdCN) programme, as the French Navy officially command and control, mission calls the naval version of the air-launched Scalp cruise missile, which was developed and produced by MBDA for French air force and navy as well as for the British and Italian air forces, originated in 2000 after the Balkan War. In December 2006, MBDA received the notification from the French Defence Ministry’s Délégation Générale pour l’Armament (DGA) regarding the development and production of 250 Scalp Navals (as it is more commonly referred to), although the contract was later reduced to 200 missiles worth €1.13 More than 2,000 Tomahawk cruise missiles have been employed in combat operations, since Operation Desert Storm. In addition to GPS enhancements and a new warhead, a third-party in-flight targeting (3PT) system will be demonstrated that allows dynamic targeting and re-tasking of the missile.

(Navair/Raytheon)

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mastering the seas lock on to mbda solutions

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SLCMS Difficult to imagine that these two missiles are basically the same under different skins. From the original airlaunched Scalp (left) the Scalp Naval has had to undergo severe repackaging to make it eligible for launch from naval vertical launchers and torpedo tubes.

(Armada/Eric H. Biass)

billion, with 150 units to be employed from the vertical launching system (VLS) of the Aquitaine class of ships that are also known as the Fremm frigates, while the other 50 were allocated for launch from the Nato-standard 553 mm torpedo tubes of the new Barracuda class of nuclearpowered attack submarines.

The 5.5-metre missile (6.5 metres with booster) has a 49 centimetre-diameter cylindrical airframe due to the constraints of canister encapsulation and launch from a VLS or torpedo tube. It features a pointed nose, a wing mounted within the fuselage, a pop-out underbelly air intake and three tail fins. The Scalp Naval benefits from all the experience garnered by MBDA with the earlier air-launched Storm Shadow/ Scalp programme, maintaining a great deal of system commonality between the two versions, including the systems supplied by Thales and Selex Gailileo.

The nose of the missile houses the radio altimeter, GPS/INS system with a 10-channel GPS receiver, laser-ring gyro Inertial Measuring Unit (IMU) and the Terprom (TERrain PROfile Matching) device, followed by the imaging infrared terminal-guidance system with an automatic target recognition capability.

The central and rear sections enclose the multi-effects 250 kg unitary warhead, the fuel tanks and the management system, as well as the Microturbo TRI 60-30 turbojet engine. As both versions use a common releasable booster, the surface-launched model is characterized by a self-contained canister (CTV, Conteneur de tir vertical) to be accommodated in the DCNS-supplied A70 launcher, while the submarinelaunched version uses a protective shell (DCM, dispositif de changement de milieu)

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for torpedo tube ejection and protection until the missile propelled by the booster breaks the surface and ignites its turbojet engine.

According to French Navy documentation the 1,400 kg (at launch) MdCN has a 540 nautical mile range at high altitude (or 324 nm at lower levels) and a high-subsonic speed of Mach 0.8.

Mission planning is common with its airlaunched stablemates, but is prepared with the French navy’s SIC 21 command and control system.

The first two test firings representative of a missile in Fremm frigate configuration from a production series Sylver A70 launcher were successfully conducted in May 2010 and July 2012. While the first was focused on the initial and cruise phase, the later validated the missile’s terminal phase with its autonomous guidance suite. The first firing from an underwater platform simulating the launch conditions prevailing on the future Barracuda nuclear-powered attack submarine was however achieved in June 2011. This successfully validated the launch phase that involves the change of environment from water to air as well as the missile’s

flight, according to MBDA. The validation firing with a pre-series VLS frigateconfigured missile will be conducted from the second-of-class Normandie Fremm in 2014. Past and future activities on the surface launched version will, says the manufacturer, facilitate and reduce tests and firings of the underwater-configured missile that is to be ready for the first-of class Suffren (Barracuda) SSN when it enters service in 2017. Regarding future development of the Scalp missile family, French Navy documentation loosely refers to some upgrading activities of the air-launched version for the Rafale-M between now and the end of the decade, which could be possibly extended to the naval version.

France and Britain are both looking deeper into the future, however. Indeed, as part of the November 2010 joint Declaration on Defence and Security Cooperation, the two Governments have indicated at their summit meeting last February that they are working on a new joint programme known as the Future Cruise Anti-Ship Weapon (FC ASW) Russian export agency is marketing the NPO Novator developed Klub (P 900 Alfa/SS-N-27 Sizzler) family of missiles, including the 3M14 (SS-N-30) landattack derivative of the 3M54 anti-ship missile, here seen in the foreground.

Offered in both surface and submarinelaunched versions, the land-attack version is equipped with a tailored and enhanced navigation suite including an active radar seeker for terminal guidance.

(Armada archives)

SLCMS The MBDA Missile de Croisière Naval (MdCN) in the vessel-launched version, will equip Aquitaine-class Fremm frigates as of 2014. French Direction Générale de l’Armement has successfully conducted two test-firings of this version, of which 150 are being acquired. (DGA)

intended to eventually replace current cruise and anti-ship missiles in service, including air-launched and naval versions of Scalp/Storm Shadow, Tomahawk, Harpoon and Exocet missiles.

In December 2011, and on Behalf of the two nations, France’s DGA awarded MBDA UK and MBDA France a contract for two initial studies on a future cruise anti-ship weapon. This two-year study is aimed at evaluating the technology and systems options for such a weapon, which is to enter in service towards the end of next decade.

I

rUSSiaN reSpONSe

The development of the Tomahawk prompted the Soviet Union to develop a response in the mid- or late 1970s. This was the RK-55 Granat/3M10 (SS-N-21 Sampson) land-attack cruise missile.

Originally intended for nuclear-strikes

with a 200 kT warhead, it was adapted for the land-attack role, using 410 kg of conventional HE. The Granat has a range of 3,000 km with a CEP (Circular Error of Probability) of 150 metres and its inertial navigation system is complemented by Tercom guidance using a radar altimeter. Four classes of Russian SSN (Victor III, Akula, Sierra I and Sierra II) use their 533mm torpedo tubes to fire the type.

NPO Novator developed the Klub (P 900 Alfa/SS-N-27 Sizzler) family of missiles from the 1980s as a successor to the RK-55 Granat. The two missile designs are similar, but the Klub (also spelt Club) has a shorter range to enable it to be exportable under the international Missile Technology Control Regime.

The 6.20-metre (8.20 m with booster) 3M14 (SS-N-30) land-attack derivative of the 3M54 anti-ship missile has a barometric altimeter for terrain following and a combined inertial navigation and GPS/Glonass updates. According to Russian sources, the terminal flight phase is conducted through the ‘Korrelatsionaya’ system. With a technology similar to the Scene Matching Area Correlation (Smac) used by the Tomahawk, this ensemble guides the missile to a set of coordinates within a pre-programmed image surrounding the target, offering a high degree of accuracy (although this depends on intelligence data). The range of the 1,770 kg missile with a 400 kg HE

warhead is of 148 nautical miles, with a cruise speed of Mach 0.6 or Mach 0.8.

The Klub-S submarine-deployed variant is canister-launched through 533 mm torpedo tubes and is reported to be installed or to equip the latest Russian Federation Navy's nuclear or conventional underwater platforms, including (Project 885) Yasen class nuclear SSN and (Project 677) Lada conventional submarines.

Some military sources also indicate the retrofitting of older platforms.

Both the surface- and submarinelaunched versions of the Klub missile family have enjoyed export successes, being sold to China, India and Vietnam, with some sources reporting Algeria.

The Russian Zvezdochka shipyard has recently completed the upgrade of the last Indian navy’s Kilo class submarine, giving it the capability to launch Klub-S family missiles through torpedo tubes, although problems have been encountered in the integration process. Vietnam is to receive its first so-equipped Kilo in 2013, while Algeria is reported to have gained such capability during the recent Kilo retrofitting activities.

A submarine-launched version of the 8.9-metre and 3,000-kilo P-800 Yakhont/3M55 Oniks (SS-N-26) ramjetpowered supersonic anti-ship missile is reported to have been developed and, according to some sources, has been tested from underwater platforms. The 67-centimetre diameter of the body precludes launch from any size of Russian torpedo tube, so this variant is to be vertically launched. It is to be installed onboard the new Yasen (Project 885) attack submarines, which are equipped with eight multiple VLS and planned to be delivered to Russian navy within this year. Although this missile has been developed as an anti-ship weapon system with an 80 to 160 nautical mile range, a land-attack version is reported to be in the pipeline.

More recently, the Russian Federation Deputy Defence Minister, Vladimir Popovkin revealed the development of a new naval weapon system, which has In addition to the ground and shipbased models, the Russian-Indian BrahMos supersonic missile is also being developed in an air- and underwater launched version, the later reported to conduct initial test firing this autumn.

Here depicted the air-launched mock-up.

(Kees Otten/Wim Das)

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Always in its element Alway element.

Iveco DV’s range of Multirole Vehicles, Tactical and Logistic Trucks and Armoured Fighting Vehicles covers the full spectrum of on- and off-road military requirements and represents a well thought through, comprehensive and effective response to the needs of the military customer. Iveco recognises that these needs change in response to the evolving operational environment, developing doctrine and changing threat. As a part of the company’s commitment to our cus-

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tomers’ needs, we aim to identify or anticipate at an early stage how requirements are likely to develop.

As a result, the whole product range is subjected to a continuous development process. Evolving needs are fed back to Engineering, who in turn develop a steady stream of enhancements in terms of payload, mobility and protection. Where necessary, complete new vehicle families are developed.

SLCMS

been identified as the ‘Zircon-S shipbased hypersonic missile system’, while both the anti-ship and land-attack cruise versions of the Klub missile family have been selected to equip current and future underwater Russian navy platforms.

I SUperSONiC aND iNDigeNOUS WeapONS: iNDia Based in India, the Indian-Russian BrahMos Aerospace joint-venture between NOP Mashinostroyenia and India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) agency has been working on a sub-launched version of the BrahMos for some years and is expecting to test the weapon system in 2012.

Drawing extensively on technology developed for Yakhont, the two nations entered into an agreement in February 1998 to jointly develop the PJ-10 BrahMos missile. Production of subsystems is shared between Russian and Indian supply chains, with final assembly performed at a new integration facility in Hyderabad, India.

The 3,000 kg , 8.4-metre missile is launched with a rocket engine and is then powered by a ramjet, giving it a top speed of Mach 2.8. It can fly as low as ten metres above the surface and is armed with a 200-kilo warhead for the ship/land attack variant and a 300 kg warhead for the airlaunched version. The maximum range of 156 nautical miles is imposed by the requirement to comply with the Missile Technology Control Regime restrictions agreement, of which Russia is a signatory.

First tested in June 2001, it was inducted into service with the Indian navy in 2005, while the Army introduced the Block 1 missile in June 2007. BrahMos Aerospace is currently working on improved subversions of the missile, with enhanced guidance systems and software, but is at the same time involved in the development of a hypersonic (Mach 5 to 7) BrahMos 2, which is planned to be test-fired in 2017.

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Air- and underwater-launched BrahMos versions are also being developed, and after a series of postponements, the latter is to be test-fired sometime in the second half of 2012, according to the joint-venture representative. It was originally intended to equip the future class of conventional submarine known as the “Project 75I”. In addition, as a spin-off of the successfully tested BrahMos Block 3 model developed for the Indian Army, BrahMos Aerospace is to offer the Indian navy the same version, characterized by a supersonic vertical attack mode capability. This is to be used against adversary aircraft carrier battle groups, with a reference to the new naval platform being readied by China.

While the BrahMos retains its important status as a first example of a partially indigenous missile, the Indian DRDO has been working in a parallel on 540-nm range subsonic weapon system.

Its existence was first revealed in 2006.

Known as the Nirbhay (“fearless”) it is a major step towards independence from Russian or other foreign technology.

While so far the contribution of Russian industries was understood to be mainly limited to the engine, the future missile is expected to be powered by an Indian turbojet or turbofan. Developed by DRDO’s Advanced Systems Laboratory (ASL) in Hyderabad, the new cruise missile is expected to take to the air as these lines are printed, according to the same laboratory’s representative. Though shrouded under secrecy, in the Nirbhay is described as being similar to the Tomahawk or the Club (SS-N-27), with a length of six metres, a body diameter of 50 centimetres and a launch weight between 1,000 and 1,500 kg. Powered by an engine based on a Russian-built NPO Saturn engine, it would cruise at Mach 0.7 (other sources report 0.8-0.9) and have loitering and terrain-hugging capabilities.

Other characteristics would include a

Developed mainly for vessel and land applications, the Chinese thirdgeneration C-602 (YJ-62) missile, is also proposed for sub-launched operations, although no proof of such version development activities has been so far unveiled directly or indirectly. (Armada/ Luca Peruzzi)

range of warhead payloads of around 450 kg, inertial navigation system/global positioning system (INS/GPS) guidance with an active radar terminal seeker and a range of between 430 and 540 nautical miles. The new indigenous cruise missile is to be deployed by all armed services on a wide range of platforms including naval surface and underwater platforms, in the later case launched from torpedo tubes.

I

ChiNeSe DeveLOpMeNTS

The People’s Republic of China has developed, produced and put into service its own range of long-legged cruise missiles, mainly derived from Russian technology obtained with legal and illegal trading of equipment from Russia and Tomahawk technology recovered from crashed missiles. The HN-2C (HN stands for Hong Niao, or Red Bird) is the submarine-launched version of the airlaunched HN-2. Reported to be in service since the early of the 2000s, and according to released images of the air-launched version, the HN-2C resembles the Russian weapon systems. With a range of 755 nautical miles and inertial/GPS guidance, it is reported to provide a five-metre CEP. Since the HN-2C entered service, the Chinese defence research institutes and industries, in particular through the China National Precision Machinery Import and Export Corporation, have developed and produced indigenous products, the latest iteration of which is the third-generation C-602, unveiled for the first time in 2006.

Developed mainly for vessel and land applications, the YJ-62 is also proposed

for sub-launched operations although no evidence of such a development has been given or leaked.

According to the US Department of Defence’s “Military and Security Developments Involving the People’s Republic of China” 2011 report to Congress, the Chinese navy’s Song, Yuan, Shang and the still-to-be-deployed Type 095 nuclear-powered attack submarines, will be all capable of launching a future long-range anti-ship cruise missile identified as the CH-SS-NX-13, although no timeframe was given regarding the completion of the missile’s development.

I

aSiaN reSpONSe

In an expected unveiling of its military capabilities, South Korea has declared that it has deployed a new cruise missile to retaliate against North Korea in case of reckless provocation. It is believed that the missile is the 810-nautical mile range surface-to-surface Hyunmu-3C (or Hyon Mu 3). Resembling the RGM/UGM-109 Tomahawk, the South Korean weapon is understood to be 6.15 metres long, with a body diameter of 0.52 metres and a launch weight of 1,500 kg. The warhead is believed

to be conventional and weighs 315 to 450 kg while the navigation suite would involve inertial, GPS and Tercom systems. Vertically launched surface and underwater versions are believed to be under development (or may even be already developed) to equip both King Sejong class destroyers and future KSS III submarines.

Pakistan’s Hatf is set to include a submarine-launched version. The development of such a capability with a nuclear and conventional payload, became more obvious after the latest flight trails conducted last May with a new ground-based multi-tube missile launch vehicle, offering enhanced targeting and employment options for the Hatf VII (or Babur) missile. In parallel, the Pakistan navy has announced the creation of a Naval Strategic Force Command to provide, according to a released statement, a second strike capability against India.

Resembling the Tomahawk, the landbased version of the Hatf VII has a length of 6.25 metres, diameter of 0.52 metres and weighs 1,500 kg. Equipped with a turbofan, the latest missile version is reported to have a 540 nm range with a 450 kg conventional or nuclear warhead.

I

iSraeL NOT TraiLiNg BehiND

According to recent reports (which emerged from German sources connected to the recent expansion of the underwater force through the acquisition of a sixth Dolphin-class submarine equipped with air-independent propulsion system) on the Israeli capability to maintain a nuclear second-strike capability with cruise missiles on board its Type 800 Dolphin conventional-propulsion submarine force, the new Strategic Israeli Command has sub-launched long-range weapon systems tipped with both nuclear and conventional warheads. Israel is reported to have secretly conducted test launches of a cruise missile system in May 2000 in the Indian Ocean.

Although these reports were denied by Israel and the missile was never seen, the latter is reported to be based on the Popeye Turbo, which is itself a turbojet-powered version of the rocket-propelled air-launched Israeli air force Popeye (know as the AGM-142 Have Nap in American service). This longer version would have a 809 nm range with a 200 kg payload and would be launched from the Dolphin’s four 650 mm (together with six-533 mm) tubes, which are also used for special operations forces.

Cyber Warfare

Code of Mass disrupTion

There is no doubt that today we live in a ‘wired’ world. The internet, worldwide web and computer networks which span the world provide the nervous system which gets our groceries delivered on time, our medical records updated by our doctors and our mortgage payments processed each month.

Thomas Withington

a

rmies, air forces and navies around the world are increasingly reliant on computers to provide command and control, gather and store intelligence, manage logistics and even provide telemedicine services for soldiers in the field. Much as the communications revolution has changed our world, the very reliance that both the military and civilian domains place on networked computer systems has opened up a new front which can be attacked by state and

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non-state actors alike. Little surprise then, that a number of firms and public sector enterprises are both developing cyber weapons, and the means of defence against such threats. Many of these efforts are understandably classified. However, Armada will attempt in this article to shine some light on a selection of the cyber attack and defence endeavours which have been discussed in the public domain.

I

suTer

One company which is thought to have

extensively developed cyber warfare weapons is BAE Systems. The company has reportedly developed a computer programme known as ‘Suter’, as part of the so-called “Big Safari” programme run by the United States Air Force. Much of the work of Big Safari is shrouded in tight secrecy, although it is thought that the programme is charged with aiding the development of advanced weapons systems for specific applications which can enter service relatively rapidly.

Suter is believed to comprise three

The Israeli Air Force may have employed a computer virus during an attack on a nuclear reactor in Syria in 2007. The raid, which featured Lockheed Martin F-16Is, may have employed a cyber attack to shut down Syrian air defences. (US DoD)

distinct incarnations (Suter-1, -2 and -3).

Overall, Suter is designed to monitor and disrupt enemy integrated air defence systems (IADS), and the programme may have been integrated onto some unspecified drones operated by the United States armed forces. The Suter-1 variant allows its users to monitor the activity of an IADS, presumably enabling them to see the Recognised Air Picture (RAP) which the network generates, and to see groundto-air weapons statuses, and the location of their deployment.

Similar information may be obtained from Suter-1 regarding the dispersal of air surveillance radars and the communications links which hold an IADS network together.

Suter-2 is said to enable the user to take control of the IADS and then manipulate what personnel manning the IADS see on their radar screens. Suter-3 takes these capabilities a step further by allowing the user to also take control of weaponry which may be incorporated within the IADS, such as the systems described above.

“…air defence personnel may not even realise that their systems are being hacked and manipulated while Suter is in operation.”

Unsurprisingly, how these three versions of Suter achieve such feats is kept secret, although Suter is thought to have been used in Iraq and Afghanistan, and may be operational onboard United States Air Force Boeing RC-135V/W Rivet Joint electronic

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Cyber Warfare

Integrated Air Defence System networks can be vulnerable to cyber attacks aimed at deriving intelligence from the network, or even at shutting it down. Radars such as this Northrop Grumman AN/TPS-63 have to be safeguarded against any intrusion by hackers. (US DoD)

intelligence as well as drones. Furthermore, it may have been employed during Operation Neptune Spear on 2nd May last year during which the Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden was killed by elite team of commandoes from US Navy Seal Team Six. Suter could have been utilised to help fool part, or all, of Pakistan’s ground-based air defences as the helicopters supporting the mission traversed to and from their objective in Abbottabad in northern Pakistan. Suter's great advantage may be its subtlety: While a conventional air defence suppression/destruction campaign paralyses an IADS through a combination of jamming and kinetic attacks using, among other weapons, antiradiation missiles, air defence personnel It was reported in October 2011 that Ground Control Stations used by US Air Force RQ-1 Predator drones may have been hacked with a keystroke logging software designed to record the inputs of the Predator pilots. (US DoD)

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may not even realise that their systems are being hacked and manipulated while Suter is in operation.

I

operaTion orChard

Some cyber warfare experts have suspected that similar technology may have been

developed by Israel, and employed during Operation Orchard when Israeli warplanes destroyed a Syrian nuclear reactor located in the Deir ez-Zor Governate in the east of the country on 6th September 2007. Israel employed non-stealthy Lockheed Martin F-16I and McDonnell-Douglas/Boeing

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Integrated communications?

Cyber Warfare The world’s militaries increasingly have to concern themselves with protecting the vital critical infrastructure which helps a country to function, as well as ensuring that their own computer networks are safeguarded. (Nato)

F-15C/D combat aircraft during the raid, flying these aircraft across some of the most densely defended stretches of territory in the world, with the Syrians seemingly none the wiser as to what was going on. However, there has never been any confirmation of this, and the use of cyber weapons during this raid remains pure conjecture.

The military implications of programmes like Suter, and the possible use of cyber weapons during the Operation Orchard reactor attack are clear. The potential offered by zeros and ones to wreak havoc on a computer network cannot be discounted. Although the civilian world woke up early to the danger of attacks on the computer networks upon which their smooth running would depend, and the subsequent chaos which this could cause, the military have been arguably slower on the uptake. Yet armies, air forces and navies around the world have to face three vexing challenges, namely the possibility of cyber attacks on their own Command, Control, Computers, Communications, Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (C4ISTAR) systems and networks, disruption of a nation’s critical infrastructure such as its power generation, government networks and health service (to name just three), and attempts to steal secrets from defence companies, government and the military

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itself. Effectively, the military now have to add a fourth dimension to the land, sea and

“Once it has done its work, Flame can be removed from a computer without a trace.” air of a nation that it is already tasked with protecting.

US Air Force Boeing RC-135V/W Electronic Intelligence aircraft may have been outfitted with the capability to use the BAE Systems’ ‘Suter’ electronic attack programme, which is believed to be able to infect hostile IADS. (US DoD)

I

NCIrC

Although the uptake on cyber defence may have been arguably slow around the world, momentum is gathering. On 8th March, Nato’s Consultation, Command

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Cyber Warfare

A sailor monitors an Intrusion Detection System (IDS) on board the USS Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier.

The IDS is designed to detect any unauthorised attempts to access the ships’ electronics systems. (US DoD)

and Control Agency (NC3A) awarded a contract to a consortium of companies to bring the existing Nato Computer Incident Response Capability (NCIRC) up to full capacity by the end of the year.

This work has two key strand. Firstly it will further enhance the protection of Nato’s existing computer networks. Secondly, it will deepen the capabilities of Nato’s member states to deal with cyber attacks, strengthen cross-Alliance cyber defence know how and enable rapid reaction teams to deal with cyber attacks on members if and when they occur. The value of the deal, which is around €50 million, represents the largest investment made in cyber defence by the Alliance to date.

Nato launched the NCIRC initiative

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in 2003 and the system was activated in 2005. The NCIRC will now be taken to full operating capability by the Finmeccanica Cyber Solutions Team which involves Selex Elsag, Vega and Northrop Grumman. In total, the work will provide information assurance for up to 50 Nato sites in 28 countries around the world.

I

KaspersKy

The private sector is playing an important role in protection against cyber attacks in other ways. The Kaspersky Lab, based in Moscow, has become a household name in providing computer security for everything, from humble home desktop computers to hugely complex security networks used by large organisations.

In May this year, the firm identified a malware programme known as ‘Flame’.

Flame was discovered by the firm when it was asked by the United Nations Telecommunications Union to examine a computer virus which had infected

computers used by the Iranian Oil Ministry. Flame is reportedly able to enter a computer network from a USB key, and then log audio traffic which may be using voice-over-internet protocol programmes, keystrokes, screenshots and internet traffic.

Once it has done its work, Flame can be removed from a computer without a trace.

The origin of the virus remains a mystery.

Various reports have claimed that it may have been developed by the US Central Intelligence Agency and National Security Agency, or possibly by Israeli cyber warfare experts given the number of organisations in Iran which were effected by the virus.

That said, computers in Israel, along with machines in Egypt, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Syria and Sudan were infected by the virus.

Iranian machines had been targeted in 2010 by a worm which became known as Stuxnet. This was able to infect computers assisting Iran’s alleged nuclear weapons programme.

In addition to its work on Flame, the

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Cyber Warfare

Kaspersky Lab is working to decode the secrets of a malware known as Gauss. In mid-August it appealed to cryptographic experts around the world to help it decode the ‘warhead’ which is delivered by the malware. This warhead enables the malware to monitor financial transactions, and has targeted financial institutions in the Middle East to this end. Like its Flame counterpart (see above), is delivered via a USB key. This is to enable its infection of stand-alone computer networks which, for security reasons, are not physically connected to the internet. Once inside a system it works to gather information on passwords to access email, social networking sites and bank accounts. Like Stuxnet and Flame, Gauss has infected thousands of computer systems around the Middle East region.

The danger that viruses such as Stuxnet, Flame and Gauss can pose to the civilian and military worlds do not need to be spelled out here. Such threats are prompting the efforts of organisations like Nato, which has moved forward with its NCIRC initiative and the 2010 establishment of

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the US Department of Defense's US Cyber Command (USCYBERCOM). In order to beef up its cyber security, Raytheon was awarded a contract worth $3.1 million in July this year to develop technology to allow the preservation of computer networks in high-threat environments when such networks are suffering persistent attacks.

To answer this requirement, Raytheon has developed the Morphing Network Asset to Restrict Adversarial Reconnaissance (MNARAR) software which effectively allows cyber warfare experts to change and modify a computer network and the applications that the network would host in a way which is invisible to a potential aggressor. These modifications can also be performed in an unpredictable fashion, but will not interfere with the management of the network by its administrators.

The logic behind MNARAR’s approach is to prevent the characteristics of a network remaining fixed, thus denying an aggressor the ability to build up a picture of how that network functions in order to exploit its weakness. An analogous example of this behaviour would be the frequency-hopping

The appearance of the Stuxnet worm in June 2010 was a reminder of how vulnerable computer systems could be to such a virulent computer virus. The worm was particularly effective against some releases of Siemens control software.

(Wikimedia Commons)

characteristics of military tactical radios which frustrate jamming as the position of the transmission in the electromagnetic spectrum changes unpredictably with great rapidity. The US Army’s Communications, Electronics, Research, Development and Engineering Centre’s Space and Terrestrial Communications Directorate is overseeing the MNARAR’s implementation.

General Dynamics, for its part, has netted an order worth $86 million to provide information assurance services and cybersecurity to the United States Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA). As part of the work, the company will provide network defences and secure the data resources of the DIA both at home and abroad.

I

Mils eleCTroniCs

Although several defence companies have

the defence decIsIon-maker’s fIrst-choIce reference Journal armada InternatIonal & compendIum serIes offers you InsIght & analysIs to stay ahead.

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Cyber Warfare Mils Electronics produces a range of computer and communications security systems. These enable the user to rapidly configure their systems and networks to be protected against a variety of threats, from email security, to safeguarding internet traffic and file integrity. As with the transmission of a car, security solutions can be rapidly configured to deal with the threat at hand. (Mils)

moved into the arena of cybersecurity and cyber warfare, dedicated providers are assisting the fight against the hackers. One such firm is Mils Electronics of Austria.

The company offers a wide range of cyber Armies typically move around a vast quantity of intelligence using sophisticated battle management systems.

The communications links which knit these networks together must be able to withstand electronic attack. (Armada/TW)

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security services. These include message and data encryption, and the firm provides its wares to clients in the diplomatic, law enforcement and political worlds, as well as in the military. Capabilities offered by Mils Electronics include Secure Messaging, which the company says can protect a message for its entire lifespan regardless of where the message is transmitted and archived. Similar levels of security are offered via the MilsMessage service which

provides a secure messaging service via email or other telecommunications systems.

A rugged communications terminal is provided by the company via the MilsMachine which can be used to facilitate secure messaging in harsh environments. Secure, closed user groups can be established via the MilsAdministrator Windows application, while the MilsGate protects a headquarters’ or an office’s Local Area Network (LAN). Employees who are travelling can access the LAN securely using the MilsAgent, with both the MilsAgent and MilsGate being managed and controlled using the MilsManagementCenter.

Customers using Windows Explorer can opt for the MilsCourier which provides added data security by encrypting files and folders, while the MilsGenerator permits true random key production using a desktop PC.

I

CyberVision

While the products offered by companies

such as Mils Electronics provide an excellent means of securing the computers and computer networks used by organisations for their day-to-day running, other companies market products which have dedicated, specialist applications in mind.

ThalesRaytheon Systems, for example, has developed CyberVision which is designed to secure computers, communications networks and sensors that are integral to the smooth running of a modern integrated air defence system.

Designed to detect any intrusion in an integrated air defence system, CyberVision can work not only with ThalesRaytheon products, but also with legacy and third-party radars and IADS architectures. Broadly speaking, any IADS typically includes the air surveillance radars that each produce a local picture of the activity in the airspace around them. These radars send their pictures to regional air operations centres which populate these radar pictures with an aircraft's identity, its flight plan, tracks and plots. These regional centres then send this information overlaid onto their radar pictures to the national centre where the national RAP is produced.

CyberVision contains four major elements: The operation of the integrated air defence system networks are monitored by embedded CyberAgents. The status of these networks is presented to the user via CyberVision’s HyperVision subsystem, with the CyberSupervisor selecting the appropriate response to any intrusion attempt detected by the CyberAgent.

CyberVision can protect against several types of threat. These include “insider threats”, where the network is targeted by malicious acts involving individuals who already have access to the IADS, and “advanced persistent threats”, which constitute a prolonged campaign by hackers to obtain intelligence on how the IADS may operate, or what information the IADS itself is collecting and presenting.

CyberVision can help to protect against so-called ‘Zero-Day Threats’ where a virus seeks to exploit a technical weakness in a network which is as yet unknown to the systems’ designers.

I

Cyber Warfare is here to stay.

The efforts of the United States and Nato, not to mention private sector enterprises involved in safeguarding computers

and computer networks, underscores the seriousness with which the threat is being taken.

A cyber attack is arguably one of the most effective asymmetric weapons. A relatively small programme loaded onto a USB stick can wreak havoc, which can cost tens if not hundreds of millions of dollars worth of damage. Moreover, unlike traditional weapons systems, cyber weapons only require a code to be written and not the years of painstaking, not to mention expensive, research and development efforts that new combat aircraft, vehicles, ships or precisionguided weapons require.

However, the comparative ease with which such weapons can be developed may be a double-edged sword as this similarly means that the computer programmes which will provide protection against such threats can be drafted with relative rapidity. Stuxnet, Flame and Gauss may have been the opening gambits in the unfolding history of cyber warfare, with the sophistication and survivability of computer viruses set to increase in lethality and sophistication in the future.

VERTILIFT DRONES

VERTILIFT CaRgO DRONES Some experts believe that large fixed-wing commercial freighter aircraft could be flying in uninhabited form within 20 years. However, the first essential stepping-stone toward that goal will be much smaller military cargo helicopter drones, dependably delivering supplies to combat outposts in inaccessible and dangerous areas, by day and night and in all weathers.

Roy Braybrook

T

he viability of the unmanned cargo helicopter will hopefully be demonstrated by on-going trials in Afghanistan, but it may be difficult to sustain development momentum after the withdrawal of combat forces in 2014, with the consequent switch in United States emphasis to operations in the AsiaPacific region. The future of the cargo drone could depend on navies adopting such vehicles as the most economical way to resupply ships at sea, thus encouraging commercial entities to use them to support offshore oil rigs.

I

aFgHaNISTaN

The American-led contingency operation in Afghanistan, a country known for its mountainous terrain, appalling roads and ungovernable tribes, has predictably encountered difficulties in supplying combat outposts (COPs).

Ground convoys are often at the mercy of insurgents using IEDs (improvised explosive devices), land mines and RPGs. The use of manned helicopters avoids the threat posed by IEDs and mines, and provides faster response to

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urgent resupply demands. However, it is far more costly, and in the landing zone provides easy, high-value targets for RPGs and small arms.

Unmanned cargo helicopters would eliminate the risk to aircrew, and offer the prospect of dependable night-time operation with few losses. In comparison with the current generation of GPSguided parafoil systems, drone helicopters can achieve far better delivery accuracy, and are self-recovering.

According to some estimates, in an extreme environment such as that in Afghanistan, unmanned cargo helicopter operations could actually cost less than surface transport.

Forward resupply in Afghanistan has been a serious problem for both the US Army and Marine Corps. However, the Army currently appears to have concluded that cargo helicopters drones represent only a partial solution, and only in the longer term (recently quoted as “seven to ten years”). Thus, although such drones have been the subject of Army trials, they have not become a priority for that service.

It consequently fell to the US Marine

Corps to take the lead in formulating a requirement for an ‘Immediate Cargo UAS’ to be deployed in-theatre.

I

K-MaX

The foundations for an unmanned aerial resupply system were laid in 1998, when

Based on the Bell 407, the Northrop Grumman MQ-8C Fire Scout drone is under development for the US Navy.

It is required primarily as a sensor platform, but will also be used to haul cargo. (Northrop Grumman).

the US Navy and Marine Corps employed a manned Kaman Aerospace K-Max to simulate a drone in vertical replenishment (vertrep) trials, supplying units ashore from small, high-speed vessels.

The 5440-kg K-Max is a ‘synchropter’ with a pair of intermeshing two-blade

rotors. The baseline (manned) K-Max was designed for intensive operations with sling loads, primarily in commercial logging and pipeline-laying. It can carry a load of 2720 kg at sea level, reducing to 1815 kg at 10,000 ft.

K-Max is certificated by the FAA

(Federal Aviation Administration) to carry sling loads at altitudes up to 15,000 ft, with a never-exceed airspeed of 148 km/hr. The 38th and last K-Max was delivered in 2004.

There are currently 22 flyable K-Max aircraft (including the two being trialled by the US Marine Corps in Afghanistan armada

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VERTILIFT DRONES Two Unmanned K-Max drones have been the subject of operational tests in Afghanistan, delivering sling loads to Combat Outposts, and thus eliminating the risk to pilots and losses in ground convoys.

(Cpl Lisa Tourtelot, US Marine Corps).

in optionally-manned form). Kaman and Lockheed Martin each have one test aircraft, and the remaining 18 are in commercial operation with various companies based in six countries.

In 1999 Kaman was awarded a US Navy contract to develop a remote piloting package for K-Max, and in May 2000 the K-Max flew for the first time in optionallymanned form. It took part in a series of demonstrations for the US services throughout the decade.

In March 2007 Kaman joined with Presaging future developments of the high performance Boeing A160T Hummingbird (here photographed at the Phantom Works), it has been exhibited painted in black (recalling its Darpa origin as a stealth helicopter) and armed with air-ground missiles. (Eric H. Biass).

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Lockheed Martin to form Team K-Max, to develop and promote a more advanced optionally-piloted version, named Unmanned K-Max. Lockheed Martin was

to provide the mission-specific avionics and sensors, and would later serve as prime contractor.

In April 2009 the Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory issued an RFI (request for information) for an ‘Immediate Cargo UAS’ for the autonomous delivery of urgent supplies to forward operating bases in Afghanistan.

In August 2009 Kaman received on behalf of Team K-Max a $860,000 demonstration contract from the Marine Corps.

Boeing received a $500,000 contract to demonstrate its smaller but conceptually more advanced 2950-kg A160T Hummingbird (later designated YMQ-18A).

The Northrop Grumman MQ-8B Fire Scout, Canada’s Mmist CQ-10B SnowGoose and a proposal from Piasecki Aircraft all failed to reach the shortlist.

At that stage the Marine Corps goal was to move 9070 kg in a 280 km round trip, within 24 hours. This was later cut back to the ability to transport 2720 kg per day. The drone was to be capable of lifting an individual load of 450 kg, which opened the field to much smaller aircraft than K-Max. The new cargo helicopter was required to cruise at 130 km/hr, hover out of ground (OGE) at 12,000 ft, and operate at altitudes up to 20,000 ft. It was also to drop its load with an accuracy of ten metres relative to a preplanned aimpoint, which is significantly better than the 50-100 metres achieved by GPSguided parafoils.

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VERTILIFT DRONES

The A160T was designed to achieve a quantum leap in helicopter performance, hence external loads were to be mounted in a low-drag ventral pod. (Boeing).

In December 2010 Navair (US Naval Air Systems Command), on behalf of the Marine Corps, issued contracts to Lockheed Martin and Boeing’s Frontier Systems subsidiary, aimed at deploying Immediate Cargo UAS drones to Afghanistan. It was planned that two Unmanned K-Max aircraft were to be deployed at a cost of $45.8 million, and two A160Ts for $29.9 million.

Before deployment could take place, Unmanned K-Max underwent a five-day QRA (Quick Reaction Assessment) in Arizona under the US Navy’s Cargo UAS programme. In the course of the QRA, the aircraft carried single loads of almost 1600 kg and moved a total of 15,150 kg.

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The teams were contracted specifically to operate in Oconus (Outside the Continental US) combat areas. In theatre, they would work with a Marine Corps Expeditionary Brigade drone squadron (VMU-1 ‘Watchdogs’) in a new unit named the VMU Cargo (later renamed Cargo Resupply) UAS Detachment.

Two Unmanned K-Max aircraft arrived in Afghanistan in November 2011. The world’s first operational cargo delivery mission by a drone helicopter was flown by an Unmanned K-Max on December 17, 2011, when three pallets of supplies totalling 1590 kg were ferried from Camp Dwyer to Camp Payne in Helmand province. The two have since averaged a combined total of six sorties per day.

The aircraft are generally operated

by Lockheed Martin personnel, mainly at night and cruising above small arms

fire. Their records include carrying a single load of 1905 kg, and transporting a total of 13,063 kg in a single day.

Approximately 227,000 kg was carried in March 2012 alone.

If the Afghanistan deployment (recently extended to 30 September 2012) is judged successful, the Unmanned K-Max will be tested under a wider set of conditions.

In the event of an order for new-build Unmanned K-Max aircraft, the airframes would be constructed by Lockheed Martin at Jacksonville, Florida and final assembly would be performed by Kaman at Bloomfield, Connecticut. The jigs and tools are all available, and Kaman is considering the use of a variant of the Honeywell T53-17B engine in place of the original –17A1 (the military equivalent of the T53-L-703).

The stated US Navy intention is to

In Sikorsky’s Fly-By-Wire Laboratory at Stratford, Connecticut, a design engineer practises control of an unmanned FBW UH-60M using a Tactical Common Data Link and a touch-screen hand-held controller. (Sikorsky).

acquire an interim system that will serve until at least 2016, when a ‘programme

of record’ Cargo UAS with greater performance is planned.

I

a160T

Whereas K-Max was designed specifically as an aerial crane, the A160 was conceived in response to a Darpa vision of a stealthy surveillance rotorcraft with an endurance

of 48 hours. It was to have a ceiling of 30,000 ft with a sensor payload of 135 kg, performance figures well beyond the reach of a conventional helicopter.

In 1998 Darpa awarded an Atcd (advanced technology concept demonstration) contract to Frontier Aviation, basically to explore the latter’s

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VERTILIFT DRONES The Darpa Walrus Hybrid Ultra-Large Aircraft (Hula) project aimed to expand America’s strategic airlift capacity, delivering personnel and supplies nonstop anywhere in the world. It was to have a range of 22,000 km and a payload of 500-1000 tonnes. Walrus was cancelled in 2010. (Worldwide Aeros).

Optimum Speed Rotor (OSR) patent for a rigid-blade rotor that could be slowed in flight to minimise drag.

The first of five piston-engined Frontier Aircraft A160s flew in 2002. The company was taken over by Boeing in 2004, and the A160T with 426 kW Pratt & Whitney Canada PW207D turboshaft flew in June 2007. The first production A160T followed in March 2011.

The speed, range and endurance of the A160T benefit from its OSR, streamlined shape, retractable landing gear and high fuel fraction. The 2950-kg A160T is roughly half the weight of K-Max, but is faster and can achieve longer ranges. It can carry a payload of up to 1135 kg with reduced fuel. The A160T has hovered at 20,000 ft OGE, and demonstrated an endurance of 18.7 hours with a payload of 135 kg. It can cruise at 130 km/hr with a 1135 kg sling load, and at up to 260 km/hr with a cargo pod.

Some 14 A160Ts were completed at the former Frontier plant at Irvine, California, before manufacture switched to a new Boeing production line at Mesa, Arizona, where four have so far been completed.

The A160T has been purchased by Darpa, the US Army Aviation Applied Technology Directorate (AATD), Navair, the US Army Unmanned Aircraft Systems project office, and US Special Operations Command (Socom).

I

US aRMy

Following Socom trials in Belize with A160Ts equipped with a foliagepenetrating radar, three of these drones were transferred to the US Army for tests in Afghanistan with the BAE Systems Argus wide-area imaging system. These tests were intended to provide a basis for the Army’s Northrop Grumman RQ-5 Hunter replacement, the Mrmp (Medium-Range Multi-Purpose) drone that is planned for In the longer term, the US Army appears likely to adopt an optionally-piloted version of the Sikorsky Black Hawk, seen here in the form of UH-60Ms carrying sling loads in Kosovo. (US Army).

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VERTILIFT DRONES

Future requirements for vtol cargo drones are likely to include the ability to insert and extract special forces. Such operational flexibility could be provided by a drone version of a helicopter such as the Kamov Ka-226T, which has a removable ‘people-pod’. (Russian Helicopters).

service in the second half of the decade.

However, disillusioned by a series of A160T accidents, in June 2012 the Army issued a stop-work order to Boeing.

The service envisions that from 2020 a quarter of its resupply missions will be flown by drones. The Army’s AATD is meanwhile developing building-blocks to facilitate the use of cargo drones. The Atuas (Autonomous Technologies for UAS) programme will use a K-Max to investigate drone landings at preplanned offsets from a ground beacon. It will also test the use of a radar to scan the surrounding area and select a landing site, and investigate the feasibility of autonomous pickups from forward sites.

The Army (which is the Pentagon’s lead service for maturing rotorcraft technology) is also considering the conversion of some

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existing manned utility and transport helicopters to optionally-manned form.

A Sikorsky UH-60MU (a trial installation aircraft with fly-by-wire controls) is to be evaluated in optionally-piloted form

by AATD under its Mural (Manned/ Unmanned Resupply Aerial Lifter) programme. Sikorsky intends to use a company-owned S-76 with FBW controls to explore sensor-based obstacle avoidance and flight-path planning.

The Army is also studying the concept of a single manned helicopter (such as a Sikorsky UH-60) controlling up to five “slaved” cargo drones. This would allow the drones to operate with only line-of-sight communications, eliminating the need for satcom. The Sumit (Synergistic UnmannedManned Intelligent Teaming) programme is to be launched by AATD in FY2014.

I

FUTURE REqUIREMENTS

The Unmanned K-Max may well prove suitable for a small unit in Afghanistan and (looking further ahead) US special forces in Africa and Latin America.

However, as the Marine Corps turns its attention back to longer-term amphibious

operations, its cargo drone requirements will inevitably be modified. Deck space limitations favour the use of a multi-role aircraft, that can not only deliver sling loads ashore, but also insert and extract special forces.

This operational flexibility may suggest the use of a removable ‘people-pod’ as developed for the 3800 kg Kamov Ka226T, which has a crew of two and an optional pod for seven passengers.

The K-Max is FAA-certified to carry two personnel on seats mounted externally (and the Unmanned K-Max could carry a third person in the cockpit) but Kaman has so far taken the people-pod concept only to the preliminary design stage.

For the moment, the US Navy is more concerned with improving cargo drone operations in Afghanistan. In September 2011 the ONR (Office of Naval Research) outlined plans for a five-year $98 million prototype programme aimed at giving such vehicles greater autonomy, paving the way for their eventual use in casualty evacuation.

The ONR’s Aacus (Autonomous Aerial Cargo/Utility System) is expected to produce sensors and control systems that

would allow the drone to select its own route and navigate in a GPS-denied environment, and choose its approach path and landing site, even on sloping terrain with obstacles. It must also be able to operate from ships up to sea state four. The first Ascus flight demonstration is expected in FY 2014.

The US Navy’s aim is a Cargo UAS that from sea level will carry a 725 kg load over a distance of at least 108 km, cruising at a speed of at least 130 km/hr, and delivering the load with an accuracy better than ten metres. Operating from an airfield at 12,000 ft, it must carry a payload of at least 340 kg. It must be able to operate at night and in all weather conditions.

Assuming that the US Navy’s Cargo UAS goes into production, it is expected to be used from the 41,000-tonne T-AKE (Auxiliary Cargo and Ammunition) ship series, led by the USNS Lewis and Clarke, and the USNS Sacagwea.

The interim system may use the 17,225-tonne USNS Ponce (LPD-15), which is being urgently modified to serve in the Middle East as an “afloat forward staging base” for small patrol boats, helicopters and drones.

It might be conjectured that for the longer term the Marine Corps may favour a scaled-up A160T for its superior aerodynamic performance and reduced radar signature.

Funding a new cargo drone would probably require the support of another service. In August 2011 the US Army’s Mrmp project, which was scheduled to lead to contractor selection in FY2014, was blended into the Navy’s Mrmuas (Medium-Range Maritime UAS) programme.

Mrmuas was to be primarily an ISR drone with such a long endurance that a ship with two air vehicles could provide 24/7 coverage at 555 km radius for special forces ashore. However, the requirement included a resupply mission with a sling load of 680 or 1360 kg. The US Navy specified IOC (initial operational capability) in 2019, and a limited capability in 2016.

In February 2012 the US Navy cancelled the Mrmuas programme.

In the same month the US Army LIA (Logistics Innovation Agency) hosted a Cargo UAS day for industry, requesting information on drones capable of carrying loads of 2270-3630 kg and cruising at speeds of at least 465 km/hr (50% faster than a clean A160T). They were to be able to take off and land at a height of 12,000 ft and an ambient temperature of 35 deg C (ISA+46 deg).

In the present economic climate, the development of a really fast unmanned helicopter seems unlikely, but there appears to be sufficient interest in cargo drones to justify an interim aircraft to expand operational experience and serve as a platform for the systems that will allow a greater level of autonomy.

The only platform likely to be available and satisfy the US Army Cargo UAS payload target is the 10,660-kg Sikorsky UH60MU. If the payload figure is relaxed, this would open the field to the 5443-kg Unmanned K-Max, the 2950-kg A160T, and the 2720-kg Northrop Grumman MQ-8C Fire Scout.

Looking further ahead, in late 2011 AAI signed a 40year agreement with Carter Aviation Technologies on the development of an SR/C (slowed-rotor/compound) cargo drone, designed to carry a 1360 kg load for a range of 2400 km at a speed of up to 465 km/hr.

Russia has lagged behind in this field, but the 3800-kg Kamov Ka-226T (with the optional people-pod and a ceiling of 24,000 ft) could well provide the basis for a useful cargo drone. The company’s latest drone helicopter project is the multi-role 3000-kg Albatross, which is due to fly in 2017.

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Shows & Exhibitions Part two

Visited and photographed by

Eric H. Biass and Paolo Valpolini

I vab Mk3

Renault Trucks Defense unveiled the latest version of the Véhicule de l’Avant Blindé, better known as the Vab. The Mk3 iteration on show was in 6x6 guise, tipping the scales at 20 tonnes gross – a considerable weight increase compared to the original Vab, courtesy of the considerable level of protection provided. This being said, the vehicle maintains a 7.5-tonne payload that enables it to bear a medium calibre turret.

At the exhibition it sported a BAE Systems turret. While length and height have slightly increased, respectively to 6.7 and

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2.2 metres, width remains at 2.55 metres to preserve maximum mobility, even in urban terrain. The front cabin hosts a crew of two, while ten dismounts are seated in the back on mine-absorbing seating, an overall protected volume being of 13 m3. A monocoque armour steel welded structure provides the basic protection while this can be brought up to Level 4 ballistic with add-on armour. According to Renault, mine/IED protection can grow to Mrap standard, namely Level 3a/3b. The Mk3 has three different engine options, currently a 320 hp Euro III and a 340 hp

Euro V, while a 400 hp Euro V option will be available in the future. The maximum speed is of 105 km/h while maximum range of 890 km can be achieved with the standard 300-litre tank. The vehicle is transportable inside a C-130 or an A400M. Renault envisages numerous variants.

Something that is eased by the adoption of the “Battlenet Inside” open architecture vetronics developed by the company and now adopted on many Renault vehicles.

Developed mostly for export, the Mk3 aims at replacing existing Vabs as well as M113s and BTRs.

I CIO: FrECCIa rECCE and CEntaurO rECOvEry

On the Iveco-Oto Melara Consortium (CIO) stand two versions of the 8x8 Centauro family were exhibited for the first time at Eurosatory.

The newest, the Freccia Reconnaissance, is being developed for the Italian Army, which plans to introduce it in its Medium Brigades,

starting with the “Pinerolo” Brigade. Two of its regiments are, incidentally, already equipped with the Freccia infantry fighting vehicle. The Reconnaissance version of this 8x8 features a Selex Galileo Janus panoramic sight, also used on the IFV version for platoon and company commanders. However, the main difference of the “recce” is the presence of four 120 mm tubes flanking the Hitfist turret to launch the Horus micro-drone also developed by Oto Melara, that sends back the images captured by its sensor suite to the vehicle crew. Born to be launched by a 120 mm smoothbore tank gun, the Horus is powered by a brushless electric motor that activates a puller propeller. Launched via a pneumatic system, the 2 kg carbon fibre bird deploys its 1.65-metre span wings and cruises at 16 metres per second but can das at 30 metres per second. Its battery affords it a 25-minute endurance, the data link range being of about 5 km.

The other vehicle shown is already in service with the Spanish Ejercito de Tierra: the recovery version of the Centauro armoured car is deployed within Spanish cavalry regiments, but strangely enough has not yet been acquired by Italy. The Centauro Recovery is equipped with a nine-tonne crane, a 20-tonne winch, a towing set, a 5 kW APU, a dozer blade, a hydraulic power take, and rear hydraulic jacks. (Armada/ Paolo Valpolini)

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Shows & Exhibitions

I CnIM: brIdgIng thE gaP

One of the stars at the mobility demonstration was definitely the Cnim Modular Assault Bridge, already acquired by the French Army, the 13th Engineer Regiment of which will deploy it to ensure mobility support to Leclerc tank regiments.

Known in France as the Sprat (Système de Pose Rapide de Travure), the system is based on a 10x10 all-terrain vehicle that

transports two bridge sections. These can be deployed in the form of two bridges, each 14.3 metres long, or as a single 26-metre bridge, the latter being deployed in less than 10 minutes; the shorter bridge can withstand a 120-tonne vehicle while the longer one can bear 70 tonnes, which is enough for a Leclerc. The bridging vehicle is equipped with an automatic laying/ recovery system that allows to quickly

deploy the bridge. Powered by an 800 hp engine the truck features independent suspensions and has an armoured cabin that allows the two-man crew to deploy the bridge while remaining protected. In operation a second vehicle, not equipped with the laying/recovery system, transports two further elements that are installed on the launching truck once this has deployed the first two. (Armada/Paolo Valpolini) I dragOnFly rEady FOr SalE

Although it is not the first time that it is displayed by Sagem at Eurosatory, the Dragonfly is here seen in its production configuration. Born as the NX110 and originally made by Novadem, the quad-rotor light drone is now said to be “mature and ready to sell” according to a company official. It has been offered to the French armed forces and demonstrated in field tests during which it showed that it could withstand 30 metres/second winds and reach a ceiling of 300 metres. The Dragonfly, which is seen as a possible companion of a Félin squad, carries a fixed camera (which can be CCD or an uncooled infrared) that is canted downwards by about 10°, offers a 30-minute endurance and a datalink range of seven kilometres.

If used in conjunction with the French Army Félin soldier system, the drone’s hand-held ground control unit interface enables the platoon members to receive geo-referenced pictures and videos recorded by the aircraft. The Dragonfly weighs 1.2 kg (camera included) and has a diameter rotors turning of 1.10 metres. Folded, it fits in a roughly 38 cm tall canister. (Armada/Eric H. Biass)

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I SOuvIM 2: aFghanIStan ExPErIEnCE

The original configuration of the Souvim 2 (Système d’Ouverture d’Itinéraire Miné), the mine-clearing system developed by MBDA for the French Army, has been widely affected by the need to quickly deploy an IED-clearing system in Afghanistan. Minetriggering trailers have been dropped in favour of a new configuration of the mine detecting vehicle to enable it to rid a road of any possible bomb. The VDM, Véhicule de Détection de Mines, has a one-man crew, the driver being hosted in a high-mounted narrow cabin to minimise possible blast effect. The vehicle is equipped with a magnetic decoy, the Dedale, and with a

front roller, the Calife 2, the role of which is to detonate pressure plates bombs and pressure mines. The Calife 2 also carries an infrared decoy that triggers IR remotecommand explosives, while trip-wires are countered by tilt-rods located at the front of the roller. In this configuration the vehicle is known as the VDM+. It has a combat weight of nearly six tonnes, and is thus normally shod with special tyres to reduce footprint pressure in order not to detonate mines with the vehicle, this being the role of the front roller. However those tyres were considered inadequate for mountainous area use and were thus replaced with tractor-type tyres in Afghanistan. Operational speed is around

15 km/h. The Route Clearance Package deployed in Afghanistan includes one VDM+, a Buffalo equipped with the typical hydraulic arm as well as the ground control station for the two IT180 Infotron/Thales rotary wing drones (also featured in the Part One of this report in Armada 4/21012, page 35) and four Nexter Aravis armoured vehicles. Once back from Afghanistan the Souvim 2 development programme will be resumed, possible growth including the installation of a ground penetrating radar on the VDM, while the French Army is closely following improvements in high-power microwave systems aimed at neutralising electronic triggering circuits. (photos from MBDA)

Shows & Exhibitions

I hx2 wIth aCtIvE PrOtECtIOn

Amongst the numerous Rheinmetall wares scattered around the company’s impressive outdoor compound (which includes a huge two-level building) and in addition to the other vehicles displayed there and described in the first part of this report in Armada 4/2012, was a remarkable armoured HX58 flatbed lorry, which had the peculiar feature of being the first vehicle in this class to be equipped with an active self-protection system, produced by the German ADS company, part of IBD Deisenroth. The APS system was demonstrated in 2011 and consists of a sensor which, when triggered by an incoming rocket-propelled grenade, ejects an effector at a very short range from the vehicle to destroy the warhead without setting it off. (Armada/Eric H. Biass) I MInIE FuSES IMagES

Thales provided an interesting demonstration of its new Minie-Dir night vision helmet-mounted monocular system, which has the ability to fuse

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the image of an infrared module into the image intensification Minie-D unit. Contrary to other systems, which combine or optically superimpose the two sorts of images, Thales claims that

its system is the first to electronically combine the two sources. The Thales system offers a field of view of 51° and weighs 470 grams, the battery being mounted at the back of the helmet.

DRone UpDate

DRone WaR in SWitzeRlanD, anD neW StUff elSeWHeRe Switzerland is known for its watches, chocolates and on-time trains, but does not – or rather no longer does – develop its own aircraft, although the drone the Confoederatio Helvetica still operates now, the Ranger, is often labelled as a Ruag product.

Eric H. Biass

The ill-fated Ruag Ranger would have retained a similar configuration as the Ranger, but with everything scaled up by a factor of two, number of engine pistons (four) and weight (500 kg) included. It would have had a synthetic aperture radar (see belly gondola) and even a satcom link. (Armada/Eric H. Biass)

t

he Ranger, which in fact started life as an IAI Scout that was heavily modified by IAI, is now coming up for replacement. The most noticeable modifications made

by Ruag to the original Israeli drone is the skid landing gear to enable it to land on stony and unprepared surfaces. The heavy implication of this modification is that the Ranger had to be catapult launched. Improvements to the wing also enabled the Swiss aircraft to see its all-up weight increase to 285 kilos from the Israeli’s original 260. Strangely enough, Ruag had come up with a Super Ranger design a few years ago, even unveiling it

DRone UpDate at the 1997 Paris Air Show in the form of a mock-up, but the project rapidly fell by the wayside, as Ruag itself was still in a full industrial resizing process.

The Rangers, of which the country ordered about 25, is now getting long in the tooth, the latest ADS.95 iteration having been introduced in 1998.

Switzerland is thus in the process of identifying a successor and, for the time being, the choice was boiled down to two much larger types, namely the IAI Heron 1 and the Elbit Hermes 900, which are able to provide an endurance of between 24 and 40 hours (depending on payload vs. fuel configuration) as opposed to the Ranger’s four.

It must be said that the requirements have changed and that surveillance missions must now sweep much larger areas than two and a half decades ago, which is the reason why one-tonne class drones are now being looked at, as opposed to the Super Scout’s 500 kilos.

A true mAlE DRonE was thus needed.

In addition, the new drone type will have to remain in service for up to three decades, if not more. Why look into only two drones originating from a single

country when the United States, and particularly General Atomics, could offer its Predator? Well, it seems that the Swiss authorities like to preserve their nation’s neutrality and right to operate its systems without being asked any questions and without any conditions, which is not always the American government’s way of doing things.

At the time of writing, the Heron 1 was being tested from the Emmen base near luzern in central Switzerland, even operating at night over the skies of Geneva in the south-western tip of the country near the French border. By the time these lines are read, the other contender – the Hermes 900 – is likely to have started it own series of demonstration and assessment flights. A whole series of examinations will ensue, leading to a selection in 2014.

However, the whole acquisition process of a batch of six systems to the tune of between 300 to 400 million Swiss Francs (logistics and training included) will have to be approved by the Swiss parliament in Bern, although the current aim for armasuisse, the Swiss procurement agency, is to see the acquisition integrated into its 2015 defence programme. Should

everything run smoothly, the new drones will be gracing the Swiss skies with their presence as of 2017.

I

in ameRiCa

more news on the Euro Hawk will appear in our IlA Berlin air show report in the next issue. However, the co-producer of that drone, northrop Grumman, has in the meantime been selected by the US Army to supply an extra 44 Starlite radars to equip its Gray Eagles. Weighing a mere 30 kilos (65 lb) the Starlite unsurprisingly is of the synthetic aperture variety with ground moving target indicator, but also has a dismount moving target indicator capability. The system was also demonstrated on the US Army’s Persistent Threat Detection aerostat. The abovementioned radars are due for delivery between April 2013 and march 2014.

Talking of lighter-than-air craft, northrop Grumman’s lemv long– endurance multiple-intelligence gathering airship took to the skies for the first time on 7 August from Joint Base mcGuireDix-lakehurst. Jointly developed by the Army and northrop Grumman, the huge craft (it’s about the size of football field) is

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The Hermes 900 is one of Elbit’s latest creations, having been exhibited in full-scale mock-up form at the 2007 Paris Air Show (as photographed here by the author). It had its maiden flight in 2009 and was ordered by the Israeli Air force the following year. Chile, Colombia and mexico (the latter not officially) followed between 2011 and 2012. A large front radome hides a satcoms dish, while a belly gondola betrays the presence of an Elbit synthetic aperture radar. A gimballed electro-optical chin-mounted turret rounds up the description of the main sensors.

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HeRon 1

Compared with the Hermes 900, the Heron (retroactively rebadged Heron 1 after the introduction of the much larger, but similarly configured, Heron TP) is an older design, having had its maiden flight in 1994. However, it can also claim long ownership by export customers such as India (both air force and navy), the German Air Force, the Brazilian Air Force, the Turkish Air Force, without forgetting the French forces that operated it under the Harfang designation (a sort of northern Europe owl). It was also photographed by the author in mock-up form at the 2007 Paris Air Show.

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based on a British ship called the HAV304 built by Hybrid Air Vehicles in Cranfield.

Being able to operate at altitudes of 20,000 feet with a radius of action of some 3000 km, and stay aloft for 21 days with a A quick glance at the footage of the Lemv’s first flight and the extraordinary inertial forces the nacelled engines had to fight, an enemy’s first ally will be adverse weather commanding a drifting of the airship to less perturbed, but remoter, airways. (Northrop Grumman)

generator able to pump out 16 kW of power (this is enough to run a wealth of sensors simultaneously), the lemv will be able to provide a number of services to the fighter and its command on the ground, thanks to its numerous sensors that range from synthetic aperture radar (with it goes without saying ground target moving indicator), infrared and other optical sensors, communications relay, sigint and elint sensors, blue force tracking facilities and probably other

The Predator now has a Block 1-plus iteration, which had its maiden flight on May 24 according to an announcement made by its manufacturer General Atomics on 5 September. According to General Atomics the “Block 1-plus was designed for increased electrical power, secure communications, auto land, increased Gross Takeoff Weight (GTOW), weapons growth, and streamlined payload integration capabilities. With the completion of development, testing, and expected Milestone C decision this fall, follow-on aircraft to the MQ-9 Block 1-plus configuration will be designated “MQ-9 Block 5”, (General Atomics)

sensors that will emerge given the power supply and transport capabilities such a leviathan can offer.

In fact the lemv, once transferred in the region where it would be called to operate, would, like the J-Stars in the 1990s, be able to monitor vehicle convoys, roads and so forth, but over much longer periods of time, without interruption. It goes without saying that being an airship devoid of high-speed manoeuvring capabilities, the lemv can only be deployed in controlled airspace areas that are by definition ridden of hostile aircraft and missiles.

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Digest

PYROS™ SMALL TACTICAL MUNITION SCORES A DIRECT HIT

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aytheon has completed a successful warhead and guidance system test of its Pyros™ small tactical munitions. The end-to-end test validated the weapon's guidance modes (semi-active laser and global positioning system), its height-ofburst sensor, electronic safe, arm device and multi-effects warhead.

During the test, Pyros was dropped from a Raytheon Cobra unmanned aircraft in parameters closely approximating those typically seen in current contingency operations.

ADVANCED PRECISION KILL WEAPON SYSTEM

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S Navy has awarded contract to BAE Systems to add Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS®) onto the MQ-8B Fire Scout UAV. The system is being integrated onto the Fire Scout in response to an urgent operational need and is being prepared for rapid deployment. BAE Systems will support this rapid APKWS integration by performing system analyses and modeling based on its high fidelity, integrated flight simulator.

The APKWS is the US government's only program of record for the semi-active laserguided 2.75-inch rocket. US Marine aviators recently completed the initial operational test and evaluation phase of the APKWS program, firing successfully against stationary and moving targets from AH-1W and UH-1Y helicopters. The APKWS system has since been deployed in Afghanistan and the company continues to ship units to theatre for use against insurgent forces.

JLENS TO DEFEND AGAINST MISSILES & SWARMING BOATS

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ombatant commanders moved one step closer to being able to detect, track and engage threats such as swarming boats and incoming cruise missiles, around the clock, from hundreds of miles away. US Army soldiers have completed mission operator training on the Raytheon Company JLENS elevated, persistent over-the-horizon sensor system.

JLENS uses a powerful integrated radar system to detect, track and target a variety of threats. This capability better enables commanders to defend against threats, including hostile cruise missiles, low-flying manned and unmanned aircraft, large calibre rockets, and moving surface vehicles such as boats, SCUD-launchers, automobiles and tanks.

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40KW HIGH-ENERGY LASER POWER DEMONSTRATED

MBDA Germany has achieved a power of 40 kW using its high energy laser demonstrator during a laser firing campaign. The laser power generated by patented beam coupling of fibre lasers was successfully demonstrated for the first time in the world.

In the target tracking and firing tests, MBDA Germany demonstrated performance features such as the burning of mortar shells in just a few seconds. The laser with a power of 40 kW also pierced 40 mm thick steel plates in a few seconds. Target tracking runs that were demonstrated in previous trials were also successfully repeated.

The tests demonstrated the good beam quality of the lasers used and the precise and low-loss merging of the individual beams. This is the only way to ensure that targets are neutralised rapidly and reliably.

CONNECTORS FOR HARSH ENVIRONMENTS

F-35 COMPLETES FIRST AIRBORNE WEAPONS SEPARATION he F-35 Lightning II accomplished a significant test milestone on August 8 when the aircraft successfully released a weapon in flight.

BF-3, a short take-off and vertical landing F-35 variant, executed an inert 1,000-pound GBU-32 Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM) separation weapon over water in an Atlantic test range while travelling at 400 knots at an altitude of 4,200 feet.

The release was the first time for any version of the F-35 to conduct an airborne weapon separation, as well as the first from an internal weapons bay for a fighter aircraft designated for the US Marine Corps, the United Kingdom and Italy.

The milestone marks the start of validating the F-35's capability to employ precision weapons and allow pilots to engage the enemy on the ground and in the air.

U.S. Navy photo used with permission without endorsement

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MK45 NAVAL GUNS UPGRADE

oil and fuel resistant

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high shock and vibration resistance

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AE Systems recently received a $25.7 million contract from the US Navy to overhaul and upgrade two Mk 45 naval guns bringing them to the 5-inch 62-calibre Mk 45 Mod 4 configuration. The Mod 4 is an upgrade to the Mod 2 design, which significantly enhances overall mission performance.

Upon delivery, the two gun systems will be installed on new construction Arleigh Burke Class (DDG 51) Destroyers. The 5-inch Mk 45 Mod 4 includes strengthened gun and mount subsystems, advanced control system enhancements, a modern touch-screen user interface and a low maintenance gun shield.

vibration absorbtion flange arctic grip or knurled design lightning test passed

LEMO SA - Switzerland Phone : (+41 21) 695 16 00 Fax : (+41 21) 695 16 02 info@lemo.com

Digest PAC-3 MISSILE INTERCEPTS TACTICAL BALLISTIC MISSILE TARGET

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ockheed Martin’s PAC-3 Missile successfully destroyed a tactical ballistic missile (TBM) target today at White Sands Missile Range, NM, in an Operational Test conducted by the US Army Test and Evaluation Command.

The test involved three incoming targets; two Patriot-As-ATarget TBMs and one MQM-107 drone. A ripple launch of two PAC-3 Missiles successfully engaged the second TBM. Preliminary data indicate all test objectives were achieved.

Three additional PAC-3 tests are scheduled for the second half of 2012, including flight tests that will demonstrate the Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) capability in both the Patriot and MEADS systems.

Lockheed Martin’s Dallas facility is the prime contractor on the PAC-3 Missile Segment upgrade to the Patriot air defence system. The PAC-3 Missile Segment upgrade consists of the highly agile, combat-proven PAC-3 Missile, the PAC-3 Missile canisters, the Fire Solution Computers and the Enhanced Launcher Electronics System.

FINAL TYPE 45 DESTROYER ON SEA TRIALS

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UNCAN, the sixth and final Type 45 destroyer built by BAE Systems, has set sail from the company’s Scotstoun shipyard to embark on her first stage of sea trials off the west coast of Scotland.

During three weeks at sea, DUNCAN will undertake an extensive programme of trials that will include testing of her power and propulsion systems, auxiliary and domestic services.

DUNCAN is on track to be handed over to the UK Royal Navy in the first half of next year. This follows the handover of DEFENDER, which was accepted off contract in a ceremony at Portsmouth Naval Base in July, 2012 DUNCAN, named after Admiral Lord Viscount Adam Duncan who commanded the Royal Navy to victory over the Dutch Fleet in the Battle of Camperdown in 1797, is affiliated with his home town of Dundee as well as Belfast.

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oeing recently linked one of its advanced fighter cockpit simulators in St. Louis, USA with a simulator more than 5,000 miles (8,000 kilometers) away in Porto Alegre, Brazil, demonstrating the effectiveness of sharing advanced situational awareness and training technologies between the United States and Brazil.

The simulation, which also involved Elbit Systems' Brazilian subsidiary, AEL Sistemas S.A., is part of Boeing's efforts to strengthen ties with Brazilian companies. The exercise lasted approximately 25 minutes on August 29, 2012

SUPER HORNET FLIGHT TESTS ADVANCED MISSION COMPUTER

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oeing and the US Navy have successfully flight tested a new mission computer that will expand the performance of the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler.

The new Type 4 Advanced Mission Computer (AMC) increases computing power and accelerates image and mission processing functions. Those advances will support new systems being incorporated onto the aircraft, including a Distributed Targeting System, Infrared Search and Track, and a new high-definition touch-screen display.

The new AMC was tested on a Navy F/A-18F during a 90-minute flight at Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, California, verifying that it met critical safety and system requirements. Additional testing is also planned.

Digest NEW ROBOTIC SYSTEM FOR REMOTELY DISARMING IED

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arris demonstrated its new RedHawk™ system used for remotely disarming improvised explosive devices (IEDs) during the AUVSI Unmanned Systems North America conference in Las Vegas, Nevada, August 6-9, 2012 Designed using input from hundreds of Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) operators, RedHawk is tailored for the demanding missions of explosive ordnance disposal technicians and first responders. RedHawk's intuitive haptic feedback enables operators to "feel" objects remotely as they manipulate and disarm IEDs. It provides users with the intuitive control and feedback that enables human-like robotic manipulation while keeping operators out of harm's way. Haptic technology takes advantage of the sense of touch by applying forces, vibrations, or motions to the user.

The RedHawk family of solutions consists of a modular, expandable system of wireless haptic controllers, precision manipulators, UGVs and accessories that can be adapted for specific missions. The RedHawk MP-R is a bolt-on retrofit solution that can be added to the more than 7,000 UGVs already operating in the field. RedHawk AGS is a highly-integrated UGV system based on an advanced mobility platform.

NEXT ISSUE DEC 2012/JAN 2013: 30 NOV, ADVERTISING: 15 Nov 2012 Wheeled Howitzers: Very much like every large weapon system since the Berlin wall was brought down to its foundations, howitzers had to adapt to the new warfare demands in terms of firepower and mobility. Generally mounted on modified lorries, some are even able to drive through a motorway toll gate.

Medium-calibre Remotely Controlled Turets: Their raison d’être is twofold: decrease their size and particularly their height to reduce the overall visual signature and exposure of its occupants (gunner or gunner cum commander) by placing these under the protection of the vehicle itself. This way of doing is gaining momentum amongst armed forces.

Electronic Tablets: Very much like your smart ‘phone or pocket computer, these devices are now becoming popular with soldiers to enable them to stay abreast of developments affecting their immediate surroundings.

Drones Built to Bomb: Although initially intended to carry out surveillance missions, certain larger types have been adapted to carry out ground suppression missions. However, smaller and even larger types are now being devised for the sole purpose of redesigning ground targets.

AIR & MISSILE DEFENSE RADAR SYSTEMS

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orthrop Grumman has successfully completed initial range testing of its Air and Missile Defense Radar (AMDR) system offering for the US Navy.

The company's AMDR system completed Near Field Range testing, which validated the AMDR's digital beam forming performance, tuning techniques and reliable system operation. Subsequent Far Field Range testing at Northrop Grumman's radar test site in Baltimore included successful full-power operational demonstrations.

AMDR is a next-generation radar system planned for the Navy's Arleigh Burke-class destroyers and a range of Future Surface Combatants. Designed as a scalable, multimission radar system, the centerpiece of AMDR is its active electronically scanned array (AESA) S-band radar. It is intended to provide unprecedented situational awareness to detect, track and engage ballistic missiles easily in high clutter environments.

Northrop Grumman is completing a $120 million, two-year contract to develop and demonstrate mature technologies required for the AMDR S-band radar and radar suite controller. The company has delivered more than 500 military and commercial S-band radars that are in use today, and offers a modular, open architecture approach for AMDR that enables future scalability for various platforms. In July, 2012. Northrop Grumman delivered its proposal for the AMDR S-Band Radar and Radar Suite Controller Engineering and Manufacturing Development and low rate initial production phases of the program.

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SHOW REPORT: ILA A report on this air show held near Berlin that is gaining more and more importance on the defence scene.

Drone Update: Just 550 identified drone types in 2005, but over 1500 by mid 2011. This regular column enables the reader to keep abreast with this ever-growing segment of the defence industry.

Compendium Special OPS Equipment for Urban, Desert , Jungle, Arctic warfare This new Compendium looks into the equipment specifically required by special operations teams to carry out their missions in very specific environments.