An airborne electro-optical laser sensor designed to detect minefields has demonstrated the ability to detect simulated improvised explosive devices. The Airborne Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Minefield Detection System (ASTAMIDS) developed by Northrop Grumman, demonstrated this capability during an Army evaluation of the new system. The system was flown on the MQ-8B Fire Scout unmanned aerial system.

ASTAMIDS combines multi-spectral electro-optical sensors employing different sensing methods, including texture analysis and change detection, to spot recently buried objects suspected as mines or IEDs. In addition to its primary counter-mine and counter-IED mission ASTAMIDS also provides reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition capability. The system’s laser can also designate targets for laser guided munitions. Under the Army evaluation the system successfully designated targets for three Hellfire missiles.

Through a recent test series conducted in September 2010, ASTAMIDS flew 12 missions on an Army UH-1 and the Northrop Grumman owned MQ-8B unmanned vehicle. These flight tests evaluated the system’s C-IED nadir step stare, off-nadir road following and large area precision mapping capabilities.

These capabilities were supported by the new ‘ASTAMIDS Ground Exploitation Station’ (AGES), integrated with the systems’ ground control segment for the test. AGES processed streaming telemetry data obtained from the airborne sensor, enabling operators to identify target locations in near real-time.

The core of the system is the gimbaled, lightweight, multi-spectral, electro-optical and infrared imaging sensor designed to be flown on both manned and unmanned aircraft. The airborne payload weighs about 36 kg (80 pounds). Integrated with AGES processors and software, the system detects, locates and identifies ground targets, minefields, obstacles and IEDs, determines ranges to ground targets, and, as proven in the tests, designates targets for attack by laser-guided munitions.

According to the U.S. Army PM Close Combat Systems, “ASTAMIDS will give Army Brigade Combat Teams unprecedented situational awareness and target designation capabilities.” The near-real time response of the system is critical for counter-IED missions, as it provides warfighters with actionable intelligence minutes after a specific area is analyzed.

“These tests proved we’ve achieved our goal with ASTAMIDS – we can identify ground threats and deliver targeting-quality data to adjacent warfighters to destroy the threats and do that in near real time” said Dan Chang, Northrop Grumman vice president of Maritime and Tactical Systems.

Our second daily coverage of the Latrun event focus on electro-optical devices shown here. Among many familiar systems, Defense Update has picked several new systems and developers, that have made their first steps in bringing their innovative EO systems to the market. Some are brand new, demonstrated as prototypes and proof of concept demonstrators while others are already fielded and operational, primarily with special operations units.

The MPRS system developed by the IMI comprises a sight for day and night engagement, multi-switch control module mounted on the rifle and the ammunition - an airburst (AB) and time-delay (TD) grenade, self-destruct 40mm grenades. Photo: Noam Eshel, Defense-update

IMI's Time Delay and Airburst 40mm rounds are designed for the MPRS, offering the required lethality

Rattler is a miniature laser designator developed by Elbit Systems El-Op. It can be embedded into small multi-sensor payloads or used independently by forward units. Designed for applications where small form factor is of critical importance, Rattler can designate targets for all types of laser guided munitions and will excel in applications where laser guided munitions are fired in close proximity to friendly forces. Photo: Noam Eshel, Defense-Update.

IMI displayed the integrated weapon station and active protection system, actual technology demonstrator employing elements from the Iron Fist, high performance pedestal, moving both the weapon station and the APS. The installation also includes the Sentinel radar from Rada, and the 'soft-kill'

Girit (Badger) is a sensor optimized to detect and locate the position of hostile gunshots in open or urban area. Photo: Noam Eshel, Defense-Update

IDF Ground Forces Command displayed at Latron the new Coral target acquisition system, matched with Azimuth pedestal offering high precision targeting employing Azimuth's north finding apparatus. In areas where strong magnetic fields or significant magnetic deviation occurs, the north finding apparatus provides significantly better targeting accuracy. Photo: Noam Eshel, defense-Update

Elbit Systems is offering its small, combat sight for riflemen and sharpshooters. Photo: Noam Eshel, Defense-Update

Ethan, hand-held thermal camera designed for medium range surveillance; HHTI generates high quality images on the darkest nights, even through smoke or fog. The HHTI can be used for long range observation with “snap-on” lenses which allow increasing optical magnification 6X. The exceptional zoom capabilities and a use of bi-ocular makes the HHTI a superb tool for surveillance. The soldier can operate the HHTI while standing in a hand held position or by using a tripod to support it when lying on the ground. Photo: Noam Eshel, Defense Update

The Ground Forces Command is expecting to field the Lotus long range observation system. Photo: Noam Eshel, Defense-update

The Hornet mobile mortar we covered today is empowered by highly advanced target acquisition and fire control systems, enabling the small unit to rapidly fire standard mortar bombs or precision guided variants, and run away to a new, safer location. The target acquisition system employs pattented concept developed by Asio Technologies, enabling the vehicle to prepare for firing without accurate land survey. Typical accuracy provided by the Pointer is north position determination of 1 meter or 3-5 meters via GPS channels. Photos: Noam Eshel - Defense-Update

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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The Raytheon Company has acquired Technology Associates Inc., a privately held supplier to the U.S. intelligence community, providing system engineering support for mission-critical programs. Technology Associates’ capabilities include data extraction and analysis; digital media intercept and exploitation; embedded system programming; and information assurance services. Based in Reston, Va., Technology Associates was established in 1990 and has 110 employees.

Technology Associates will become part of Raytheon’s Intelligence and Information Systems (IIS) business. Technology Associates President Preston Harrelle joins Raytheon and will continue to lead business operations while taking on a broader cyberstrategy role across the Information Security Solutions (ISS) product line. “By acquiring Technology Associates and integrating its talent and expertise into our business, we’ll further strengthen our ability to meet the evolving needs of our customers.” Lynn Dugle, president of Raytheon IIS commented.

USJFCOM contractors use the Base Expeditionary Targeting and Surveillance System - Combined (BETSS-C) to look for suspicious activity on the range during Empire Challenge 10 (EC10). EC10 is an annual USJFCOM-led, multinational intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance demonstration that showcases emerging capabilities and provides lessons learned to improve joint and combined interoperability. (USJFCOM Photo by Air Force Staff Sgt. Vanessa Valentine)

As combat U.S. forces in Iraq convert from combat to ‘advice and assist‘ missions, some missions formerly carried out by the military are handed over to civil contractors. A key force protection security mission handed over recently is the operation of perimeter and remote sensors employed around forward operating bases in Iraq. These Base Expeditionary Target Surveillance Systems-Combined (BETSS-C) will now be operated by civil contractors, under a $70 million contract awarded to ManTech through U.S. Army’s Project Manager Night Vision/Reconnaissance, Surveillance and Target Acquisition (PM NV/RSTA). The recently announced contract covers the next 12 months, at a total amount of US$70 million.

BETSS-C enhances perimeter surveillance, battle command and force protection at joint security stations, forward-operating bases and combat outposts throughout Iraq. The system provides commanders with a digital map display of video, images and other information from ground sensors, pan-tilt-zoom cameras, mid- and long-range electro-optical/infrared sensors and radar mounted on towers, aerostats and other unmanned airborne vehicles.

“ManTech’s superior communications and electronics expertise, coupled with our extensive in-theater operations support experience will be a valuable asset to the BETSS-C program,” said Louis M. Addeo, president and chief operating officer of ManTech’s Technical Services Group. “We are proud to continue our support of the U.S. and coalition mission in Iraq.”

Related posts:

• Army Deploys 300th RAID Tower, Supporting Forward Base
  Protection by Persistent Surveillance and Dissemination System PSDS2
• Transition Marks Continuing Work for U.S. ‘Advise and Assist’ Brigades in Iraq

Saab 2000 aircraft carrying the Erieye Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) Radar system Photo: Peter Liander, Saab Group

The Saab group has been awarded a contract to deliver an Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) system comprising the Saab 2000 aircraft platform equipped with the ERIEYE airborne early warning radar system. The contract comprises a Saab 2000 aircraft equipped with the advanced ERIEYE radar system, ground equipment, logistics and support services, to be delivered over a period of 4.5 years. The identity of the customer has not been released but it is assumed to be one of the Gulf States. The number of aircraft to be delivered has not been released as well.

Earlier this year the UAE has ordered two smaller Erieye AEW systems based on the saab 340 platform. At the time official sources at the UAE explained the w340 is an interim solution, and that the country is still undecided on the long-term plans for its objective AEW capability, considering the Saab 2000, Boeing 737 and Northrop Grumman E-2D. Other nations in the region interested in acquiring AEW capability include Oman and Kuwait.

Another country that could be interested in such capabilities is South Africa where Saab sold the Gripen fighter aircraft and also operates local subsidiaries. In 2008 the use of Erieye was considered to bolster aerial surveillance and security during the World Cup games this year. However, the presence of such aircraft during the games was not reported. According to Saab, the Erieye airborne surveillance system in combination with the ground equipment provide a detailed picture of a situation which can be used in connection with, for example, border surveillance, rescue operations as well as in combating terrorism and organized crime.

“This contract can be seen as a further confirmation of our strong position in the world regarding not only the area of airborne surveillance but in systems integration and data fusion as well, says Håkan Buskhe,” CEO, Saab. “This surveillance system will provide the customer with improved solutions for defense and civil security.”

Saab’s ERIEYE radar is currently operated by the Swedish Air Force and Royal Thai Air Force and the UAE Air Force (on Saab 340 platforms). Brazil, Mmexico and Greece operate it on the Embraer 145 platform. The only Saab-2000 sofar is Pakistan.

On Thursday last week (Sept 30) the Pentagon awarded two competitive contracts for the delivery of advanced targeting pods for U.S. Air Force fighters. The Air Force will continue the procurement of two types of pods under the Advanced Targeting Pod – Sensors Enhancement (ATP-SE) program – the AAQ-33 Sniper from Lockheed Martin and AAQ-28(V) Litening – from Northrop Grumman and Israel’s Rafael. The total spending on the two systems over the life of the program could reach US$2.3 billion. The service is seeking to acquire an estimated 275 systems. At present, the contracts awarded to each of the two teams amount about $23 million each.

Recon Scout micro Robot can now be mounted on an extensible pole to act as a Pole Cam. Photo: ReconRobotics

ReconRobotics has introduced a new, versatile add-on to the Recon Scout Micro Robot enabling the use of the robot either as a remotely controlled sensor or static, elevated ‘Pole Cam’. The novel device enables military scouts to mount the Micro Robot on the 20 inch (0.52 m) long ‘Recon Scout Search Stick’, a quipped with actuated jaws that grasp the 1.2 pound Recon Scout micro robot.

The new ReconStick turns the remotely controlled Micro-Robot into a static, elevated 'Pole Cam'. Photo: ReconRobotics

The telescopic pole can be extended to 72 inch (1.78 m) in fully retracted mode, enabling scouts to easily see over a 12 foot (3.65 m) wall or into a second story window while maintaining protective cover. Throughout such inspections the robot transmits live video to a handheld operator control unit. The SearchStink can also be used to quietly place the robot at elevated or confined space, where it can then search the location for adversaries, IEDs or other threats. Once the inspection has been completed, the operator can use the jaws on the SearchStick to retrieve the robot.

According to Alan Bignall, president and CEO of ReconRobotics, more than 1,200 Recon Scout Micro Robots are currently operational, and the new device will provide users unique new capabilities to gaining visual access into walled compounds, rooftops, attics, ventilation systems, tunnels and crawl spaces. And because most Recon Scout robots are equipped with infrared optical systems, this visual reconnaissance can be conducted even in complete darkness. “This ‘Know Before You Go’ capability allows tactical teams to quickly and safely clear large multi-level structures before personnel enter these environments” Said Bignall.

Several branches of the U.S. military and international forces have deployed Recon Scout robots around the world, and are employed in route clearing operations, remote reconnaissance and IED inspection. Nearly 200 police and security agencies use Recon Scout robots for tactical reconnaissance, including the many police tactical teams as well as the FBI, U.S. Marshals, Border Patrol, DEA and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. When multiple robots are employed simultaneously in the same location, by different agencies, each robot operates on any of three transmitting frequencies, allowing police and military personnel to operate up to three robots in the same environment at the same time.

Australia is wiring 12 of its new Super Hornets to receive Electronic Surveillance and Attack systems, if and when such capability will be required. Photo: Boeing

Boeing is pre-wiring 12 of the Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF) Super Hornet for potential conversion of the aircraft for Electronic Attack role. At present the Australians have not decided whether to equip the aircraft with such capabilities. According to RAAF Group Capt. Steve Roberton, Officer Commanding 82 Wing currently operating these fighters, the ability to introduce an electronic attack capability on part of the Australian Super Hornets provides maximum flexibility for future missions. “Ultimately, if a decision to incorporate an electronic attack option is pursued, it will further expand the broad capability of an already formidable Super Hornet weapon system.” Robertson said.

Pre-wiring prepares the infrastructure on aircraft to feed RF signals, power, and cool the unique payloads associated with electronic surveillance and attack. Pre-wiring will enable a standard Super-Hornet Block II to carry Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) payloads (ALQ-218 radar band and ALQ-227 communications scanners) as well as the ALQ-99 Electronic Attack jammer. Both are currently employed with the U.S. Navy’s F-18G Growler. Australia is the first Super Hornet customer to follow the ‘pre wiring’ track. Boeing completed the production of the first batch of 12 Australian F/A-18E/Fs and is on schedule to deliver the last of the 24h Super Hornets in 2011. According to Boeing’s Australian Super Hornet program manager, Carolyn Nichols, the pre-wired configuration reduces the cost associated with future retrofit at a later date”

The 24 F/A-18E/F Block II Super Hornets ordered by Australia in 2007 are multirole aircraft, able to perform virtually every mission in the tactical spectrum, including air superiority, day/night strike with precision-guided weapons, fighter escort, close air support, suppression of enemy air defenses, maritime strike, reconnaissance, forward air control and tanker missions. Adding an Electronic surveillance and Attack capabilities will dramatically enhance the nation’s cyber-warfare potential to engage future adversaries with non lethal but highly effective, means.

BAE Systems announced today the planned acquisition of three intelligence services companies, for a total investment of almost US$300 million. The companies to be acquired are SpecTal LLC, Advanced Concepts Inc., and McClendon LLC – all part of the L-1 Identity Solutions Inc.’s (L1ID) Intelligence Services Group. Following the completion of the acquisition expected by the fourth quarter of 2010, BAE will add more than 1,000 skilled information and security employees to its workforce. This acquisition reflects its global strategy to enhance and grow its business in the area of customer support and services, which includes cyber and security as well as readiness and sustainment activities focusing on four key customer missions – intelligence and counterintelligence, homeland security, law enforcement and support to military operations. For the six months to 30 June 2010, this area of the business generated 49% of BAE Systems revenues.

Focusing on its core security activities, L1ID itself is being acquired by the French Safran group. This move is expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2011. L1ID provides Secure Credentialing Solutions, Biometric and Enterprise Access Solutions and Enrollment Services. These businesses are expected to have combined estimated Fiscal Year 2010 revenues of $486.0 million. The acquisition by Safran is expected to open international growth opportunities for L-1. According to Jean-Paul Herteman, Chief Executive Officer of Safran, the company plans to integrate L-1′s operations into its subsidiary, Morpho.