The Micro-Viper is a man-portable, light weight, tracked robotic platform designed to perform effectively in both outdoor and indoor environment as well as in underground scenes. The Mini-Viper is equipped with 360 degree vision by multiple staring video cameras. Photo: Noam Eshel, Defense-Update

Following are first impressions from today’s exhibition at Latrun, Israel.

The Mini-Panther from IAI Malat made a surprise appearance at Latrun today. Mini-Panther is a 12 kg tilt-rotor UAV which provided the first proof of concept for the Panther line of vehicles. IAI plans to develop a wide range of aerial vehicles, configured for VTOL, high speed, tethered (kite-like platforms that can disconnect the tether and hover for extended period), as well as manned platforms. This photo shows a unique feature of the Panther - the flat lifting body and the payload bay that will eventually enable the vehicle to drop off or collect objects using a miniature manipulator arm. Photo: Noam Eshel, Defense Update

The Pincher from Rafael is a mini-robotic counter-IED system, employing pirophoric arrows to deflagrate and deactivate explosive charges from a distance of 15 meters. The photo shows the payload and launchers stacking 4-16 pencil-sized rocket-propelled arrows fired precisely to hit a suspected charge. Photo: Noam Eshel, Defense-Update

IAI/Malat Panther weighs 65 kg and carries the Mini-POP payload. Its power sources are suffucient to sustain about six hoiurs of flight. Panther could be equipped with rechargable or primary batteries or a hybrid system comprising a battery and fuel cell. Photo: Noam Eshel, defense-Update

The Mule from Urban Aeronautics continues flight testing, and has demonstrated stable hovering and low level flight. Photo: Noam Eshel, defense-Update

The Mule is designed to be transportable in heavy transport helicopters such as the CH-53 and EH-101, C-130 and C-17. In the operational scenarios, flying at a speed of up to 100 knots, Mules will offer safe evacuation of casualties from hot combat zones and an effective means of pushing supplies forward to combat troops. Photo: Noam Eshel, defense-Update

Eltics continues to move forward with its Black Fox thermal stealth system. At the Latrun event Eltics demonstrated its latest Black Fox prototype, designed to demonstrate the ability of the system to blend the signature of a full size vehicle with its surrounding, effectively providing 'thermal stealth' capability. Photo: Noam Eshel, Defense-Update.

IAI Ramta displayed at Latrun a stretched version of the RAM armored vehicle, fitted with an assault or rapid evacuation ramp designed to enable access to higher floors in urban areas. Photo: Noam Eshel, Defense-Update

IMI has unveiled a modified version of the Russian Tigr (Gaz-233014). The vehicle received an armor and automotive upgrade in Israel and was displayed at Latrun mounted with IMI's Bright Arrow - the active protection system integrated weapon station. Photo: Noam Eshel, Defense-Update.

Plasan displayed the new 'Sandcat Commando' - a semi-protected long range patrol vehicle, offered with all-round protection, rear flatbed, roof gun mount and heavy duty suspension for improved mobility on rough roads. Photo: Noam Eshel, Defense-Update

In 2008 the Israel Police has selected and ordered a specially configured version of the Sandcat. Photo: Noam Eshel, Defense-Update.

IMI unveiled the Hornet - a new all-terrain vehicle (ATV) assembly designed for air assault (helicopter-borne) mortar teams. The two vehicle team comprises of two ATVs, equipped with target acquisition and precision aiming systems, mechanically reclined mortar assembly kit and ammunition carrier.

After unveiling the mini-Spike in last year's Latrun event, RAFAEL is now focusing on the integration of the lightweight missile with existing Spike kits, while reducing the weight and improving performance of the entire system. Designed as an anti-personnel guided weapon, Mini-Spike provides precision attack capability at ranges exceeding 1300 meters. Photo: Noam Eshel, defense-Update.

IAI Elta displayed the latest generation of its EL/I-6001 unattended ground sensor Network (UGSN) offering continuous tactical area monitoring. Photo: Noam Eshel, defense Update

Elbit presented the SAND - Smart, All-terrain Networked Sensors, advanced, persistent sensor that can monitor a wide area, detect and track human or vehicle movements and report alerts over secure, wireless networking. Photo: Noam Eshel, Defense-Update

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Elbit Systems has developed a number of battle management systems designed for armored combat vehicles. This system employs the TORCH system employed by the IDF as part of the Digital Army Program (Zayad). Photo: Elbit Systems

Elbit Systems Ltd. announced today that it was awarded an approximately $56 million tank upgrade contract from a customer in Asia. The tank upgrade project will span over 24 months and include the installation of battle management systems (BMS), and optronic observation and surveillance systems. The current program is a follow-on upgrade Elbit Systems is conducting with this specific customer (the identity of the customer was not released).

Due to political implications and U.S. technology transfer limitations, Israeli companies are restricted in offering defense systems to a number of Asian countries. Among these, Azerbaijan, India, Singapore and Thailand fit the vague description provided by the company.

It was reported in the Indian media that the Indian state owned DRDO is cooperating with Elbit Systems in the development of Battlefield Management System for the Indian indigenous Arjun tank. BMS integration could follow as part of the continuous Indian upgrades of the T-72M tanks and, and, possibly with the T-90S.  Such BMS allows the tank to network with other fighting units, enabling several tanks to network with other each other, to effectively engage multiple targets. On the other hand, Azerbaijan has recently received 62 T-72 tanks from Russian military surplus. Azeri T-72s have already been updated with new fire control and remotely controlled weapon station.

Kinetics Ltd. established in 1985, is a world leading developer, manufacturer and supplier of life support, auxiliary power, filtration and hydraulic systems for land systems and armored vehicles.

Kinetics develops, qualifies, produces and fields systems and components for a wide range of tracked, wheeled, stationary and airborne military platforms, including Main Battle Tanks (MBT), Self Propelled Howitzers (SPH), Armored / Infantry Fighting Vehicles (AFV / IFV), Armored Personnel Carriers (APC), Mines Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles (MRAP), Tactical & Tactical Support Vehicles (TV / TSV), Utility & Utility Support Vehicles (UV / USV), Rocket Launchers, Shelters and Tents. Specific applications are also tailored for helicopters and aircraft.

Kinetics’ main product lines includes the following systems:

• Life Support Systems
• Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning
• NBC / CBRN Protection
• Auxiliary Power Units (APU)
• Hydraulic Systems & Components

The company has been the principal supplier of the Nuclear, Biological, Chemical (NBC) protection system and Individual Crew Cooling Systems (ICES) for Israel’s Merkava main battle tank, from the first model to the current Merkava Mk4 tank. The company has also developed and produces an integrated system, combining air conditioning, NBC protection and auxiliary power generation into an integrated Life Support System (LSS). The system combines the functions of NBC/CBRN protection and detection, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), providing individual crew and equipment cooling (ICECS), with automatic fire suppression (AFS). An evolution of Kinetics’ LSS also accommodates an Auxiliary Power Unit (APU).

Tailoring each solution to meet the specific requirement of both the platform and customer, based on qualified and fielded solutions, Kinetics maintains the collective experience, technical skills and know-how necessary to introduce sophisticated, integrated systems, meeting the harsh operating environment and the toughest environmental conditions, military platforms are expected to meet in combat.

Website link: www.kinetics.co.il

Kinetics Fields of Activity:

Kinetics customizes life support systems (LSS) and Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC) for a wide range of wheeled and tracked armored fighting vehicles, MRAPs, self propelled guns and other vehicles.

Kinetics Life Support Systems (LSS)
These systems also comprise Environmental Control Systems (ECS) providing Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVA) for operations in conventional warfare. These systems fully support filtration of dust, smoke and potentially hazardous agents that could be encountered by the warfighter in asymmetric warfare. Back

Kinetics NBC / CBRN Protection (CBRN)
The company also produces collective NBC protection systems designed for NATO-AEP-54 standard. Such systems were developed and produced for the Piranha 3 and 4 vehicles, Pandur 2 and Armored Modular Vehicle (AMV) AIFVs, as well as in the NEMO self propelled mortar system. The system has also been integrated into the JLTV technology demonstrators
developed by Lockheed Martin. Back

Auxiliary Power Units such as those are integrated in main battle tanks like the M-1A2 Abrams and Merkava Mk4.

Kinetics Auxiliary Power Units (APU)
Kinetics has developed and fielded a ange of APUs for external and internal installation on military vehicles. These APUs are provided as standalone systems or integrated with Kinetics’ Life Support Systems (LSS-APU), providing auxiliary power, NBC/CBRN Protection and Heating, Ventilation & Air-Conditioning (HVAC). Back

APUs can be used to support the individual platform on a ‘silent watch’ with the engine shut down, keeping low noise and thermal signatures. To support the increased power demand for add-on high power electronic equipment, the APU can be used as a ‘co-generator’, operating in parallel with the platform main engine, while stationary or on the move. It can also be used to power off-board consumers. Back

Hydraulic Systems & Components
Other fields of activity at Kinetics include hydraulic systems and components, used in armored vehicles for various roles, such as transmission and braking and track tension mechanism.

Among the military hydraulic systems developed and produced by Kinetics are hydraulic elements for control systems supporting turrets, gun or missile launchers, and enhanced suspension systems for military vehicles. Such products are currently integrated in Merkava and M-1A2SEP main battle tanks, HIMARS mobile rocket system and the M-109A6 Paladin self-propelled gun. Back

Elbit Systems (NASDAQ:ESLT) announced today the  acquisition of the three defense companies owned by the Israel based Mikal group for a net payment of $69 million. These companies include artillery and mortar producer Soltam, armored vehicle refurbishing expert Saymar and EO specialist ITL.

Following a significant setback over a major export program, striving for cash, Mikal sold 19% of its share to Elbit for $18 million. This was only the first step, Mikal expected Elbit to further raise its ownership ownership of the entire group. However, after long discussions that lasted about a year the two sides agreed on Elbit acquiring Mikal’s interests in its main subsidiaries rather then the whole group, for $87 million. Mikal could receive more payments in the future, subject to the acquired subsidiaries achieving certain business goals.


Elbit picked the three companies considered to be synergetic to its activities, rather than acquiring the group as a whole. As Elbit Systems already holds about 19% of Mikal, it will transfer its shares the other Mikal shareholders for $18 million.Upon completion of the acquisition, Elbit Systems will hold, a 100% interest in Soltam and Saymar. As for ITL, which was a bitter competitor for the company’s electro-optical systems, Elbit will increase its ownership from 19% to 87.85%. Elbit has increased its holdings in ITL in the recent days, buying over 2% of ITL floating shares. The balance of ITL’s shares are traded on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange. Last month Elbit failed to buy out all ITL’s outstanding shares, offering over $3 million for the acquisition of 14.35%. The recent announcement will probably renew this buyout momentum.

Joseph Ackerman, President & CEO Elbit Systems

Welcoming the new companies and their employees to Elbit Systems, Joseph Ackerman, Elbit Systems’ President and CEO acknowledged the acquisition is synergetic to Elbit Systems, saying: “the combination of Elbit Systems’ existing capabilities with the technologies of Soltam, Saymar and ITL in platforms, propulsion and electro-optics, will enable us to further enhance our portfolio of solutions to both the Israeli and the global defense market”.

What are the benefits for Elbit Systems?

The synergies gained by this acquisition are significant to Elbit, particularly in the case of Soltam, where the company gains access to the market of main weapon systems. In contrast to past years, artillery and mortars are sold today as integrated systems, combined with command, control, communications, target acquisition and means battle damage assessment, opening new opportunities for the entire group capability – observation systems, data communications, EO payloads and unmanned aerial vehicles. In the past Elbit was working with Soltam as a subcontractor, offering mortar fire control computers but did not have the benefit and advantages available to a prime contractor.

The ability to perform projects a platform prime-contractor open the full potential for Elbit to exploit other opportunities, domestic and international markets and increase profitability, management and control of the entire program. Another new activity for Elbit is ammunition (also produced by Soltam) – sofar Elbit avoided this field and focused on enhancing weapons produced by other manufacturers into ‘smart weapons’.

The synergies with ITL are more complex, as ITL has recently expanded into many of Elbit Systems’ fields of activities, including thermal imagers, enhanced Night Vision Devices, target acquisition and situational awareness systems. The two companies are offering competing product lines of weapon sights, target acquisition systems, etc. Yet, Elbit considers part of ITL’s legacy specialization in image intensifiers (I2), laser markers and range-finding as synergetic to its activity. Besides their fierce competition, the two companies have also worked together – in Israel ITL’s eyepiece is operationally used as part of the Elbit Systems Dominator solution for the IDF’s future soldier program.

Elbit Systems (NASDAQ:ESLT) announced today the  acquisition of the three defense companies owned by the Israel based Mikal group for a net payment of $69 million. These companies include artillery and mortar producer Soltam, armored vehicle refurbishing expert Saymar and EO specialist ITL.

Following a significant setback over a major export program, striving for cash, Mikal sold 19% of its share to Elbit for $18 million. This was only the first step, Mikal expected Elbit to further raise its ownership ownership of the entire group. However, after long discussions that lasted about a year the two sides agreed on Elbit acquiring Mikal’s interests in its main subsidiaries rather then the whole group, for $87 million. Mikal could receive more payments in the future, subject to the acquired subsidiaries achieving certain business goals.

Elbit picked the three companies considered to be synergetic to its activities, rather than acquiring the group as a whole. As Elbit Systems already holds about 19% of Mikal, it will transfer its shares the other Mikal shareholders for $18 million.Upon completion of the acquisition, Elbit Systems will hold, a 100% interest in Soltam and Saymar. As for ITL, which was a bitter competitor for the company’s electro-optical systems, Elbit will increase its ownership from 19% to 87.85%. Elbit has increased its holdings in ITL in the recent days, buying over 2% of ITL floating shares. The balance of ITL’s shares are traded on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange. Last month Elbit failed to buy out all ITL’s outstanding shares, offering over $3 million for the acquisition of 14.35%. The recent announcement will probably renew this buyout momentum.

President and CEO of Elbit Systems, Joseph Ackerman

Welcoming the new companies and their employees to Elbit Systems, Joseph Ackerman, Elbit Systems’ President and CEO acknowledged the acquisition is synergetic to Elbit Systems, saying: “the combination of Elbit Systems’ existing capabilities with the technologies of Soltam, Saymar and ITL in platforms, propulsion and electro-optics, will enable us to further enhance our portfolio of solutions to both the Israeli and the global defense market”.

What are the benefits for Elbit Systems?

The synergies gained by this acquisition are significant to Elbit, particularly in the case of Soltam, where the company gains access to the market of main weapon systems. In contrast to past years, artillery and mortars are sold today as integrated systems, combined with command, control, communications, target acquisition and means battle damage assessment, opening new opportunities for the entire group capability – observation systems, data communications, EO payloads and unmanned aerial vehicles. In the past Elbit was working with Soltam as a subcontractor, offering mortar fire control computers but did not have the benefit and advantages available to a prime contractor.

The ability to perform projects a platform prime-contractor open the full potential for Elbit to exploit other opportunities, domestic and international markets and increase profitability, management and control of the entire program. Another new activity for Elbit is ammunition (also produced by Soltam) – sofar Elbit avoided this field and focused on enhancing weapons produced by other manufacturers into ‘smart weapons’.

The synergies with ITL are more complex, as ITL has recently expanded into many of Elbit Systems’ fields of activities, including thermal imagers, enhanced Night Vision Devices, target acquisition and situational awareness systems. The two companies are offering competing product lines of weapon sights, target acquisition systems, etc. Yet, Elbit considers part of ITL’s legacy specialization in image intensifiers (I2), laser markers and range-finding as synergetic to its activity. Besides their fierce competition, the two companies have also worked together – in Israel ITL’s eyepiece is operationally used as part of the Elbit Systems Dominator solution for the IDF’s future soldier program.

Elbit Systems reported today revenues of US$603.3 million in sales for the second quarter of 2010, 18% below its reported revenues in second quarter of 2009 and 2.4% below the consecutive (Q1/2010) quarter. The company’s sales have been dropping for the past two quarters, after peaking at $732 million in the third quarter of 2009.

Orders Backlog is at Record High

President and CEO of Elbit Systems, Joseph Ackerman

On the bright side, in the first two quarters the company has increased its order backlog by $314 million, with $111 million added in the past three months, bringing the order backlog to a record level of $5.358 billion in June 30th. “We are encouraged by the renewed increase in our backlog over the past two quarters,” said President and CEO of Elbit Systems, Joseph Ackerman. “It provides us with a foundation for future growth. Elbit Systems remains well positioned strategically, operationally and financially, and the long-term prospects for the company remain promising.” Of this backlog, 61% is scheduled to be performed during the next 18 months. Approximately 71% of the backlog relates to orders outside of Israel.

Delayed Programs Hit C4I Systems

While being one of the company’s growth engines the C4I systems areas was blamed for the reduction in sales, in the second quarter the company points at its domestic and European markets as the problematic regions. In the first quarter of 2010 delays in receipt of C4I and land systems orders, and reduction in short-term projects, contributed to a decrease of 5.9% in sales, compared to the first quarter of 2009. In the second quarter the decrease in C4I sales has contributed to lower gross profit – ($186.3 compared to $211.9 million).

Nevertheless, C4I continues to be the company’s core strength. In March 2010 Elbit Systems has won a $298 million contract in Australia, for the supply of advanced C4I equipment for the Australian Battlegroup and Below C3 modernization program. BGC3 will enable the Australian Army to achieve a major portion of its goal of operating a ‘networked brigade‘ under an all-connected ‘network centric warfare’ type of operation. As part of the new program, communications systems will be integrated into over 1,000 vehicles and supplied to equip more than 1,500 soldiers. In June 2010, Elbit Systems was awarded a contract to supply a Latin American Army with Command, Control, Computer & Communications (C4I) systems and Electronic Warfare (EW) systems, valued at approximately $130 million. The project, to be performed over the next three years, is a part of the Army’s extensive modernization program and is designated for all echelons, from the maneuvering forces up to the command headquarters. The new, unified communications network will facilitate a real-time common operational picture of the battlefield providing the Land Forces with enhanced operational performance and situational awareness, as well as improved force protection and prevention of “friendly fire”.

A Billion Dollar Investment in R&D

“Over the past two years we have spent close to a billion dollars on R&D and business development on a gross basis, a very significant amount for any company. We believe that these investments represent a valuable asset which provides the foundation for our long-term growth and leadership in the defense electronics industry, despite the current challenges we face in the area of revenue growth.” Ackerman added. Since the beginning of 2010 Elbit Systems have invested over $110 million in R&D, reflecting increased efforts on development and adaptations of the company’s products to the market requirements.

Elbit Systems reported today revenues of US$603.3 million in sales for the second quarter of 2010, 18% below its reported revenues in second quarter of 2009 and 2.4% below the consecutive (Q1/2010) quarter. The company’s sales have been dropping for the past two quarters, after peaking at $732 million in the third quarter of 2009.

Orders Backlog is at Record High

On the bright side, in the first two quarters the company has increased its order backlog by $314 million, with $111 million added in the past three months, bringing the order backlog to a record level of $5.358 billion in June 30th. “We are encouraged by the renewed increase in our backlog over the past two quarters,” said President and CEO of Elbit Systems, Joseph Ackerman. “It provides us with a foundation for future growth. Elbit Systems remains well positioned strategically, operationally and financially, and the long-term prospects for the company remain promising.” Of this backlog, 61% is scheduled to be performed during the next 18 months. Approximately 71% of the backlog relates to orders outside of Israel.

Delayed Programs Hit C4I Systems

While being one of the company’s growth engines the C4I systems areas was blamed for the reduction in sales, in the second quarter the company points at its domestic and European markets as the problematic regions. In the first quarter of 2010 delays in receipt of C4I and land systems orders, and reduction in short-term projects, contributed to a decrease of 5.9% in sales, compared to the first quarter of 2009. In the second quarter the decrease in C4I sales has contributed to lower gross profit – ($186.3 compared to $211.9 million).

Joseph Ackerman, President & CEO Elbit Systems

Nevertheless, C4I continues to be the company’s core strength. In March 2010 Elbit Systems has won a $298 million contract in Australia, for the supply of advanced C4I equipment for the Australian Battlegroup and Below C3 modernization program. BGC3 will enable the Australian Army to achieve a major portion of its goal of operating a ‘networked brigade‘ under an all-connected ‘network centric warfare’ type of operation. As part of the new program, communications systems will be integrated into over 1,000 vehicles and supplied to equip more than 1,500 soldiers. In June 2010, Elbit Systems was awarded a contract to supply a Latin American Army with Command, Control, Computer & Communications (C4I) systems and Electronic Warfare (EW) systems, valued at approximately $130 million. The project, to be performed over the next three years, is a part of the Army’s extensive modernization program and is designated for all echelons, from the maneuvering forces up to the command headquarters. The new, unified communications network will facilitate a real-time common operational picture of the battlefield providing the Land Forces with enhanced operational performance and situational awareness, as well as improved force protection and prevention of “friendly fire”.

A Billion Dollar Investment in R&D

“Over the past two years we have spent close to a billion dollars on R&D and business development on a gross basis, a very significant amount for any company. We believe that these investments represent a valuable asset which provides the foundation for our long-term growth and leadership in the defense electronics industry, despite the current challenges we face in the area of revenue growth.” Ackerman added. Since the beginning of 2010 Elbit Systems have invested over $110 million in R&D, reflecting increased efforts on development and adaptations of the company’s products to the market requirements.

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.
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.

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

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.