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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Navistar unveiled the new MTV, high mobility tactical truck based on the 7000_MV platform. Photo: Navistar Defense

Navistar Defense, LLC unveiled today a new, high-mobility medium tactical vehicle (MTV) at the Modern Day Marine Exposition. The MTV is based on the International 7000-MV platform. The MTV incorporates the DXM independent suspension and can also accommodate a variety of survivability and armoring solutions derived from the International MaxxPro Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle.

The MTV also incorporates automatic traction control, anti-lock brakes, self-diagnostics, advanced electronics systems optional central tire inflation system (CTIS). It is offered with two powertrain options – utilizing the MaxxForce D 9.3L and 13L powertrains. The vehicle is capable of climbing a 60 percent gradient and maneuvering 40 percent side slopes.

The MTV can be equipped with armor modules derived from the Army's MaxxPro MRAP vehicle. Photo: Navistar Defenseeled,

According to Archie Massicotte, president, Navistar Defense, since receiving the first contract in 2005 Navistar Defense has delivered more than 21,000 7000-MV vehicle platforms in 13 different variants. The current variant adds survivability and independent suspension technologies meeting the requirements of U.S. and allied nations operating in Afghanistan. The company recently completed building 1,130 MaxxPro Dash vehicles with the DXM independent suspension for fielding in Afghanistan. An additional 1,222 Dash units already in operation will also soon be retrofitted with the DXM suspension solution. Navistar medium tactical vehicles are currently in operation in countries such as Iraq, Afghanistan, Canada, Israel, Jordan and Taiwan.

Oshkosh is offering to enhance the HMMWVs used by the U.S. Marine Corps, extending their off-road performance, speed and payload capacity, retaining their original mission capabilities with the additional armor added through the years of combat in Iraq and Afghanistan. Photo: Oshkosh Defense.

Oshkosh Defense is offering to upgrade the Marine Corps HMMWVs, enhancing its off-road mobility, maneuverability, and speed, while retaining, and even improving its ballistic protection and introducing V-shaped under armor for additional blast protection. The key for this miracle is the TAK-4 independent suspension system, customizing the tactical utility HMMWV into a customized off-road vehicle. Oshkosh is presenting the customized HMMWV at the Modern Marine expo in Quantico, VA.

Current U.S. Marine Corps operational protection requirements call for add-on armor to improve the vehicle’s survivability (i.e., the Up-armored HMMWV, M1151A1 with B1 armor kit). With this up-armoring, the vehicle weighs in more than 1.5 tons above its originally designed Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and experiences performance, ride quality and mobility degradations. “Oshkosh offers a new way forward for the Marine Corps’ light vehicle fleet, and does so using its proprietary TAK-4 suspension, which has been proven in theater on multiple vehicle classes,” Said John Bryant, Oshkosh Defense vice president and general manager, Marine Corps Programs. “The HMMWV with the TAK-4 system improves vehicle ride height and performance, ride quality and restores the original vehicle payload capability – allowing for additional under-vehicle armor protection for improved survivability.”

TAK-4 independent suspension installed on a HMMWV. Photo: Oshkosh

The new suspension offers the vehicle a 70 percent off-road profile capability. The new suspension restores a 2,500-pound vehicle payload capacity in addition to the armor and occupants. Introducing 14 inches of independent wheel travel, the HMMWV can overcome obstacles and navigate rugged, mountainous environments. The vehicle’s performance is also improved in 40 percent increase in the maximum speed and a 46 percent improvement in braking. With ground clearance increases to 17 inches, and additional payload capacity, an under-vehicle V-shaped panel can be added, to further improve survivability from mine blasts and IEDs. The higher ground clearance further improves mobility and occupant visibility.

“We continue to see vehicles equipped with the TAK-4 thrive in places like Afghanistan – where unimproved roads and rocky, rugged terrain make up the battlefields.” Bryant added. The TAK-4 independent suspension system has already been used on more than 10,000 Oshkosh Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacements (MTVR) operated by the Marine Corps and Navy Seabees. It is also used on Oshkosh MRAP All-Terrain Vehicle (M-ATV).

British MOD selects Ocelot for LPPV Light Protected Patrol Vehicle program. Photo: Force protection Inc.

Force Protection Europe Ltd (FPE), developer of the Occelot light armored vehicle, has been selected as the preferred bidder in U.K. Ministry of Defense (MOD) Light Protected Patrol Vehicle (LPPV) program. According to FPE, the first Ocelot vehicles are expected to be available for the training of U.K. forces in 2011. The initial phase will require up to 400 new vehicles to be delivered by 2010-2011. FPE won this competition against the all British Supacat group, offering the Supacat Protected Vehicle (SPV) SPV-400.

Formal contract negotiations between FPE and the MOD are expected to begin shortly, to formulate final terms and vehicle quantities to be delivered. The Ocelot, proposed by FPE for the LPPV program was designed, developed and will be built in the U.K. by FPE and Ricardo plc. Other ‘Team Ocelot’ partners and main suppliers include Ricardo, Thales, QinetiQ, Formaplex, the U.K. MoD’s Defence Support Group and Sula Systems.

The vehicle has an approximate gross vehicle weight of only 16,500 pounds. Its cabin is made of a protective pod, made of advanced composite materials incorporating Formula One racing technology. Critical components such as the engine, fuel tank and transmission are contained in the V shaped armored ‘spine’ that deflects potential blast away from the pod, thus protecting the occupants and critical key components.

“The success of Ocelot in the United Kingdom’s LPPV program is extremely important to our corporate strategy of providing a broad range of survivability solutions, including in tactical wheeled vehicle programs” said Michael Moody, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Force Protection, Inc. “Internationally, Ocelot is expected to play a much larger role in providing potential customers a vehicle that incorporates not only a high degree of blast and ballistic protection but also superior mobility and maintainability – these levels are currently unequaled by any vehicle of its size on the battlefield. As such, we expect there could be significant demand for the Ocelot in the worldwide marketplace for years to come.”

Britain has been a loyal customer of Force Protection, buying hundreds of 6×6 and 4×4 Cougar vehicles, designated Mastiff (6×6), RidgeBack (4×4) and Wolfhound Tactical Support Vehicle (6×6).  Read more about the British armored vehicles acquisition here

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• Innovative Designs Pursue new Opportunities for Light Patrol Vehicle
• Ocelot Light Armored Vehicle | Photos
• Ocelot, Hawkei and Eagle Compete for A$1 Billion Australian Program

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

It’s tempting to look at the Army’s cancellation of the solicitation for a next-generation troop carrier and conclude that the service has lost its way in figuring out how to meet future combat needs. After all, this is the same service that spent a decade developing a successor to its Kiowa armed reconnaissance helicopter, killed it, and then killed the successor to the successor two years later. End result: Kiowa keeps flying for the foreseeable future. It is also the same service that spent $18 billion developing a net-centric family of future fighting vehicles — the “future combat system” — and then couldn’t convince defense secretary Robert Gates the program made sense. Such episodes don’t inspire confidence.


But most of what has gone wrong with Army modernization plans during the first decade of the new millennium can be traced to the fact that senior policymakers were pushing a concept of future warfare bearing little resemblance to the combat operations soldiers were actually conducting. When your civilian superiors are enchanted with capability-based, network-centric, transformational warfighting concepts but your force is straining to meet the challenge posed by lightly armed and elusive insurgents, it’s pretty hard to come up with a modernization plan that everybody likes. Secretary Gates changed all that by telling Army leaders to forget the fancy theories and focus on winning today’s fight.

So the Army’s revised plan for modernizing its armored vehicles is more practical than visionary, a focused effort to reconcile what is needed with what is affordable. The only new system in the plan is a “ground combat vehicle” that can be fielded in a few years while correcting deficiencies of existing vehicles noted in overseas conflicts. The reason the service pulled back its request for proposals last month was because it feared contractors had been asked to include too many features — a problem that could delay fielding while raising costs. The service is taking two more months to scrub its requirements before going forward. The other parts of the plan are mainly about upgrading existing vehicles to provide greater protection, mobility, awareness and firepower to soldiers as they deal with diverse adversaries employing unconventional tactics.

The basic building block of today’s Army is the brigade combat team, which comes in three flavors: heavy units dominated by Abrams tanks and Bradley troop carriers that provide maximum protection but are difficult to deploy quickly; infantry units that are easier to deploy but more lightly protected; and Stryker units organized around a wheeled (as opposed to tracked) combat vehicle that are more deployable than heavy units but more protected than infantry units. Current brigade combat teams thus offer an adaptable mix of protection and mobility that is tailorable to the character of whatever contingencies arise. That is the logical way to organize ground formations in an era of diverse threats.

The problem with the existing armored vehicle fleet is that it wasn’t designed to cope with improvised explosive devices. Efforts to adapt the fleet to the new style of warfare have used up all the space, weight, power and cooling capacity of the vehicles, leaving little margin for further improvement. The revised vehicle plan seeks to “buy back” that margin by upgrading Stryker, Abrams and Bradley while replacing much older M113 troop carriers. The new ground combat vehicle will replace one type of Bradley troop carrier so that a full squad of nine soldiers can ride inside with improved protection and awareness. It’s a reasonable plan, but given past mis-steps, the Army needs to keep its existing vehicles up to date as a hedge against future failures in fielding better equipment.

This analysis originally published by Loren B. Thompson, Ph.D. Lexington Institute

In April 2010 General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems (GD-OTS) has won a $3 million contract for a technology demonstration (TD) and evaluation of its competing MPM-NLWS candidate system known as ‘Medusa’, developed in cooperation with ATK Aerospace Systems.


The GD-OTS ATK team plans to modify the advanced 66mm grenade and launcher technology to provide improved counter-personnel and non-lethal capabilities that temporarily incapacitate targets through intense light, sound and pressure stimuli.

The Medusa uses an articulated launcher and fire control system, firing non-lethal grenade munitions with electronic, in-tube, range-programmable fuzing that provides precision placement of the non-lethal effect. In addition to the new MPM, the launcher will retain its capability to deploy the current inventory of 66mm non-lethal and obscuration-effect.

The SAND-X T-ATV is build to cross the desert as fast and safe as possible and support the troops. SAND-X T-ATV pilots can cross the dunes in every directions and can follow the given navigation route or choose theirs own path without large detours. Hard reaching locations in the desert, so called black spots, are now easy, fast and safe accessible for land forces with this new generation of desert vehicles. Photos: Sand-X Motors

Originally introduced as a recreational vehicle for the Gulf emirate’s elite, the Swiss company Sand-X Motors has recently introduced the military version of the Sand-X Tracked All terrain Vehicle (T-ATV) designated ‘Desert Patroller’, tailored for security and military market, special operations and military applications.

Sand-X flys over a dune crest.

T-ATV is an ATV category developed as an offshoot from a snowmobile. It uses a hybrid wheel and traction system combining low-pressure tires supported the front end, and a continuous track in the back, providing the traction. this combination offers high stability and safety at all speeds, slope angles and terrain. Like a motorcycle or snowmobile the T-ATV is steered by handlebars. As the name implies, it is designed to handle a wider variety of terrain than most other vehicles. With a single track providing traction, the Sand-X T-ATV does not need any ground clearance to overcome obstacles. On desert missions teams riding the Sand-X can cross the terrain to the target in a straight line, through dunes, rocks or other obstacles impeding mobility with other vehicles.

T-ATV is an ATV category developed as an offshoot from a snowmobile. It uses a hybrid wheel and traction system combining low-pressure tires supported the front end, and a continuous track in the back, providing the traction. this combination offers high stability and safety at all speeds, slope angles and terrain. Like a motorcycle or snowmobile the T-ATV is steered by handlebars. As the name implies, it is designed to handle a wider variety of terrain than most other vehicles. With a single track providing traction, the Sand-X T-ATV does not need any ground clearance to overcome obstacles. On desert missions teams riding the Sand-X can cross the terrain to the target in a straight line, through dunes, rocks or other obstacles impeding mobility with other vehicles.

The PLS Truck and trailer can haul a demountable flatrack or ISO container while climbing a 60% grade at full payload. Each flatrack secures as many as 10 supply pallets with a 16 ton capacity. Photo: Oshkosh defense

On June 29th, 2010 Oshkosh Defense has been awarded three contracts by the U.S. Army TACOM Life Cycle Management Command (LCMC), valued over US$0.7 billion for the supply of several Family of Heavy Tactical Vehicles (FHTV) variants of 1,274 Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Trucks (HEMTT A4).

Oshkosh will also deliver 621 Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV) trucks and 43 trailers. Photo: Oshkosh Defense

In addition, the company will deliver over 900 Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV) trucks plus add-on armor kits and trailers. The award also includes the refurbishment of existing heavy transporters, including 452 HEMTTs and 98 Palletized Load Systems (PLS) trailers. Deliveries are expected before October 2012.

Through the remanufacturing and recapitalization program developed by Oshkosh defense the heavily used trucks are returned to the manufacturer, stripped to their frame rails, completely rebuilt to ‘like-new’ condition and upgraded to the new A4 configuration. Through this process HEMTT vehicles get a more powerful drivetrain, improved suspension, a fully air-conditioned and armor-ready cab, plus structural changes and attachments enabling efficient replacement and upgrade of armor panels in the field.

Through the remanufacturing and recapitalization program the heavily used trucks are returned to the manufacturer, stripped to their frame rails, completely rebuilt to 'like-new' condition and upgraded to the new A4 configuration. Photo: Oshkosh Defense

Recapitalized vehicles are reset to zero miles and zero hours, and offer a significant cost savings compared to new vehicles.