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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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

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.

CONTROP specializes in the development and production of Electro-Optical and Precision Motion Control Systems. The company’s specialists have over 35 years of experience in Electro-Optical / Infra-Red (EO/IR) products for surveillance, defense and homeland security.

Company website: controp.com

CONTROP’s main product lines include automatic passive intruder detection systems for coastal surveillance, port and harbour security, border surveillance, security of sensitive sites, perimeter security surveillance and ground troops security; High performance stabilized observation payloads used for day and night surveillance on board UAVs, mini UAVs and aerostats/balloons, helicopters, light aircraft, maritime patrol boats and ground vehicles; Thermal imaging cameras with high performance Continuous Zoom Lens and state-of-the-art image enhancement features, and more. The company’s range of surveillance, defense and homeland security systems include:

Controp’s Main Product Lines

• Stabilized EO / IR Payload Systems
• Scanning & Observation Systems
• Thermal Imaging Cameras
• Stabilized Gimbals and Antenna Pedestals
• Flat Panel TV Monitors

CONTROP’s specialists design and assemble optical lenses (zoom), in high accuracy mechanical subsystems. The company’s products are also supported by in-house electronic design, of both analog and digital systems, software design and implementation, inertial stabilization, servo-loops design testing, with inertial and GPS-aided INS systems expertise.

CONTROP’s main product lines include: Automatic passive intruder detection systems for coastal surveillance, port and harbor security, border surveillance, securing sensitive sites, perimeter security surveillance and ground troops security; High performance stabilized observation payloads are used for day and night surveillance on board UAVs, mini UAVs and aerostats/balloons, helicopters, light aircraft, maritime patrol boats and ground vehicles; thermal imaging cameras with high performance Continuous Zoom Lens and state-of-the-art image enhancement features, and more. CONTROP’s products are in daily operational use by many of the most critical homeland security and defense programs worldwide.

The company has a vast in-house knowledge base in all technological fields related to inertially-stabilized electro-optical payloads, and their applications for airborne, land or naval applications. The company also has the required design, simulation and testing tools and equipment supporting the product’s life cycle, from CONTROP has mastered all critical technological aspects required for successful implementation and integration of technological advances in electro-optical systems, including system-level design, analysis and simulation of electro-optical and Infra-red (thermal) sensors – both cooled and uncooled thermal imaging cameras. The company’s R&D teams specialize in real-time image enhancement and image processing, video tracker hardware / software design, implementation and integration of laser systems.

CONTROP has mastered all critical technological aspects required for successful implementation and integration of technological advances in electro-optical systems, including system-level design, analysis and simulation of electro-optical and Infra-red (thermal) sensors – both cooled and uncooled thermal imaging cameras. The company’s R&D teams specialize in real-time image enhancement and image processing, video tracker hardware / software design, implementation and integration of laser systems.

Main Products:

Stabilized EO / IR Payload Systems

CONTROP’s payloads are gyro-stabilized in two or three axis, using 3, 4 or 5 gimbals for applications in helicopters, aircraft or ground surveillance vehicles, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, Unmanned Ground Vehicles, land vehicles or naval vessels, as well as sensors protecting fixed sites. These payloads can carry multiple sensors or a single camera, according to the user’s requirements. They come in different weight and performance levels, from 46 kg to 0.75 kg. Back

Scanning & Observation Systems

CONTROP was one of the world pioneers in the development of Scanning & Observation Surveillance Camera Systems. These sensors are providing both observation and panoramic scan capabilities using a single camera observation system. The company has been delivering such systems since the late 1990′s, meeting a wide range of operational requirements with numerous military and governmental agencies. Typical applications are Intruder Detection for border protection, perimeter security for air bases and other strategic sites, coastal defense and air defense applications. Back

Thermal Imaging Cameras

CONTROP developed a range of cooled and uncooled, high performance thermal cameras, providing night, daylight and adverse weather visibility. Typical applications of these cameras are for military, homeland security uses. CONTROP’s FLIRs are used throughout the company’s product range and also by other manufacturers and are also provided as an OEM sensor. Back

Stabilized Gimbals and Antenna Pedestals

The company offers Gyro Stabilized Gimbal Assemblies and Antenna Pedestals applicable for various optronic payloads and directional datalink antenna assemblies used on UAVs, aerial, naval and land-based systems. Back

Flat Panel TV Monitors

CONTROP also offers high brightness, ruggedized flat panel monitors for use with air, land and naval platforms and applications, including fixed and rotary wing aircraft, sea vessels and ground vehicles. These Super VGA displays are available in 15″, 10.4″ or 8.4″ LCD active matrix (TFT) screen sizes and are compatible to operate at altitudes of up to 20,000 feet. Back

Defense Update posts about Controp:

• SPEED-A, Aerostat-Dedicated Stabilized EO Payload System
• D-STAMP Daylight – Stabilized Miniature Payload
• DSP-1 EO Payload
• ESP-600 Lightweight EO payload
• MSSP-3 EO payload
• UAV Payloads on Display at AUVSI 2007
• Skylark 1 LE Mini UAV
• Israeli Battalions to Get Skylark 1 LE UAVs
• Aeronautics Displays the Orbiter, a New Small UAVs at the Paris Air Show
• Panoramic IR Scanners
• Red-Sky Short Range Air Defense System
• Ground Surveillance Vehicle – ZIBAR M