ITT is introducing new Wide Area Airborne Surveillance (WAAS) sensor architecture and a special WAAS payload at the AUVSI 2010 exhibition opened today in Denver, CO. The new architecture enables the warfighter to access collection of data from multiple sources. The new stabilized multi-megapixel-class day/night payload designated WAAS-W comprises a turret sensor designed to operate with the new architecture.

WAAS-W generates multiple high resolution views of specific regions, simultaneously, across the payload’s widest footprint, enabling users to track multiple targets in different parts of the field of view. The system enables the user to instantly obtain high resolution, detailed images sufficient to track dismounts. The payload uses two separate imagers, 160 day/night imager and 64 megapixel mid-wave infrared imagers covering a wide field of view with fixed optics, producing two simultaneous feeds updated at a rate of several frames per second.

For more information on WAAS see also Defense Update article “Night Eyes for the Constant Hawk” published 19 September, 2009.

We also suggest the coverage of ITT’s “Broad Area Persistent Surveillance System” on Defense-Update.

AAS-W generates multiple high resolution views of specific regions , simultaneously, across the payload's widest footprint, enabling users to track multiple targets in different parts of the field of view. Photo: ITT

ITT is introducing new Wide Area Airborne Surveillance (WAAS)sensor architecture and a special WAAS payload at the AUVSI 2010 exhibition opened today in Denver, CO. The new architecture enables the warfighter to access collection of data from multiple sources. The new stabilized multi-megapixel-class day/night payload designated WAAS-W comprises a turret sensor designed to operate with the new architecture.

WAAS-W generates multiple high resolution views of specific regions, simultaneously, across the payload’s widest footprint, enabling users to track multiple targets in different parts of the field of view. The system enables the user to instantly obtain high resolution, detailed images sufficient to track dismounts. The payload uses two separate imagers, 160 day/night imager and 64 megapixel mid-wave infrared imagers covering a wide field of view with fixed optics, producing two simultaneous feeds updated at a rate of several frames per second.

For more information on WAAS see also Defense Update article “Night Eyes for the Constant Hawk” published 19 September, 2009.

We also suggest the coverage of ITT’s “Broad Area Persistent Surveillance System” on Defense-Update.

Elbit Systems is expanding its family of man portable unmanned ground systems with the introduction of two new models. During a recent exhibition the company displayed the new robots, in addition to a wide range of advanced land and C4I solutions. The new members of the VIPeR family of intelligent and portable robots include the Mini-VIPeR and Maxi-VIPeR, which join the VIPeR robot, already operational in the Israel Defense Forces under the Hebrew name “Pazit.”

All VIPeRs are designed for portability and high mobility; the robots are configurable for multiple types of missions by add-on sensors, modules and payloads, tailored to specific tasks. The Viper is controlled by a single operator, and is designed to negotiate obstacles typical of an urban environment, such as climbing stairs and rubbles, when performing surveillance, reconnaissance and support troops in urban warfare missions.

The VIPeR vehicle uses the “Galileo Wheel”, a patented wheel that can be transformed on the move into a triangular track, developed by Galileo Mobility Instruments ltd. This unique automotive system enables the robot to climb stairs, negotiate difficult terrain, move over barricades, dense vegetation and other obstacles.

Elbit Systems' Mini VIPeR small, portable unmanned vehicle. Photo: Noam Eshel, Defense Update

The Mini-VIPeR and Maxi VIPeR robots use a more common track system. While the two new robots bear some resemblance to the Beagle, developed by Elbit Systems of America, a closer look at the two new robots reveal more similarities to the locally designed VIPeR. The larger version uses a wide, heavy duty track system, adapted from the VIPeR for outdoor operation over rugged terrain. The smaller robot uses a narrow track, more suitable for indoor operation.

Both have body mounted sensors, flat top and bottom surfaces, for the mounting of mission payloads.  The Mini-VIPeR is a light-weight, one-person portable system (weighing approximately 3.5 kg), equipped with advanced sensors that allow full operation in adverse terrain. Thrown into a dark tunnel or tossed through a window, into a room, the mini-Viper allows warfighters to survey structures before entering. The larger, yet compact Maxi-VIPeR robot is designed to carry sensors and tele-operated manipulator arms, for the handling of unexploded devices and other hazardous materials including radioactive materials.

The U.S. Army is planning to field at least 36 Beechcraft 350ER aircraft equipped for persistent surveillance and reconnaissance, under the Enhanced Medium Altitude Reconnaissance Surveillance System' (EMARSS), Photo: U.S. National Guards

The U.S. Army is embarking on an acquisition program of a new aerial surveillance manned aircraft designated ‘Enhanced Medium Altitude Reconnaissance Surveillance System’ (EMARSS), augmenting tactical ground units with persistent surveillance, intelligence gathering and situational understanding, supporting their ‘Overwatch’ capability. The new program of record represents a low-risk approach to field advanced, critical intelligence gathering capabilities based on the field operationally Hawker Beechcraft 350ER (C-12) aircraft.

The EMARSS will be equipped conduct reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition operations in support of ground combat units in overwatch and to maintain a persistent presence over demonstrated at-risk areas. The program calls for the delivery of four engineering and manufacturing development aircraft within 18 months of contract award. The Army will have an option to buy four additional aircraft as part of the low-rate initial production phase. These aircraft will support the Army’s Aerial Exploitation Battalions (AEB), operated under the Army Intelligence and Security Command (INSCOM).

Proposals for the program were submitted in June 2010. The program calls for the delivery of four engineering and manufacturing development aircraft within 18 months of contract award. The Army will have an option to buy four additional aircraft as part of the low-rate initial production phase. Northrop Grumman, Boeing and L-3 are known to compete for the program as prime contractors. While Boeing and Northrop Grumman are eying the program which surfaced as a major C4ISR program of record, L-3 is well positioned to compete with the experience it gathered through the Liberty MC-12 platform. The C-12 has also been operating successfully on airborne counter-IED missions, supporting Task Force ODIN in its IED hunting activities in Iraq and Afghanistan.