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

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.

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

LRAS3 target acquisition system mounted on an M1200 Armored Knight.

The US Army Communications & Electronics Command in Washington awarded Liteye Systems a contract valued up to $22.6 million, for the delivery of monocular displays for the LRAS3 target acquisition system. Deliveries will begin immediately and span over five years. The total quantity to be delivered has not been determined yet but could exceed 4,000 units.

Liteye LE-600 monocular display used for the enhancement of LRAS3 target acquisition systems. Photo: Liteye

The U.S. Army is fielding the new Monocular Display augmenting  the Long-Range Advanced Scout Surveillance System (LRAS3), multi-sensor target acquisition systems that detect, recognize, identify, and geo-locate targets at long distances. The monocular displays selected for the program were developed by Liteye Systems. The display consists of Liteye’s Military Off the Shelf  (MOTS) LE-600 miniature display, that can be used in helmet mounted or hand held viewer modes of operation. The handheld system comprises a high-resolution OLED microdisplay, energy efficient electronics and optics, all packaged in a compact form factor, built to meet military-standard.

The LRAS3 is deployed with scout platoons at infantry and armor the battalions, providing the scouts autonomous, long range, line-of-sight reconnaissance and surveillance capability. The system automatically determines Far Target Location (FTL) coordinates for any target ranged to by the operator. The system is currently mounted on US High-Mobility Multi-purpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWV) and the Stryker Armored vehicles, M707 Knight, and M1200 Armored Knight Support Vehicle. The system can also be dismounted, using a tripod and battery pack.

The U.S. Army Long-Range Advanced Scout Surveillance System (LRAS3) produced by Raytheon. Seen here is the dismounted configuration, which will now employ a monocular display improving the operator usability and orientation. Photo: Raytheon

The Army evaluated different alternatives for the display, and determined that the a small monocular viewer is preferred, because of its small package and flexibility while maintaining high performance required to accurately display the LRAS3 video. The new display will greatly reduce the weight of the dismounted package, enabling systems operators to maintain good orientation and situational awareness, while operating the system on or off the vehicle.

Related links:

Military Applications Using OLED Microdisplays

The U.S. Army Research Development and Engineering Command (REDCOM) have ordered 660 Enhanced Night Vision Goggles (ENVG) from three manufacturers for testing, toward massive fielding of new ENVGs in upcoming years. The awarded companies are ITT, L-3 Insight Technology and DRS Systems. The three contracts, each valued around US$250 million, cover the delivery of the 220 systems in the base year, (2010) and options for the delivery of production quantities in the years 2011-2013. The Army is expecting to field new and improved digital fused imaging goggles by 2014.

Sofar ITT has been producing the Army’s first generation AN/PSQ-20 ENVG under a sole source indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract worth about $560 million. This contract expires by the end of 2010. ITT has already provided over 2,400 ENVG systems with another 6,500 to be delivered on the current contract.

The development of the ENVG began in the year 2000. First models were fielded in 2008 with special operations units. By early 2009 the 10^th Mountain Division was the first regular Army unit to receive few hundred items . The recent follow-on contracts address an ENVG follow-on program, with ITT has addressed with an updated version of the current ENVG system, called ‘Spiral Enhanced Night Vision Goggle’ (SENVG). This new device is designed to meet high volume production rates and the critical performance requirements of the ground-based soldier.

The SENVG incorporates the 18 mm image intensifier tube and a display beam combiner assembly (DBCA) utilizing an OLED-XL microdisplay produced by eMagin. The SENVG utilizes several qualified ENVG subassemblies and is powered by three AA batteries, which reduces the logistics burden and gives the customer an estimated $130 million savings over the product’s life cycle. Through various system enhancements the SENVG has a digital upgrade capability that will allow the goggle to export fused imagery for transmission via battlefield networks.

Since the fielding of the ENVG PEO Soldier has been delivering ENVGs and in parallel, developing a lighter, more rugged digital system (ENVG-D), that will also support image transfer and display of images from other sensors and sights, Digital Video Recorders (DVR) and remote computing devices. The current systems are significantly more expensive and heavier, compared to the systems they are intended to replace – PVS-7 and PVS-14. The new ENVG (D) is expected to overcome these weaknesses and meet the Army’s objective weight and cost requirements.

Read more on the Enhanced Night Vision Goggles (ENVG) on Defense-Update.

The U.S. Army Research Development and Engineering Command (REDCOM) have ordered 660 Enhanced Night Vision Goggles (ENVG) from three manufacturers for testing, toward massive fielding of new ENVGs in upcoming years. The awarded companies are ITT, L-3 Insight Technology and DRS Systems. The three contracts, each valued around US$250 million, cover the delivery of the 220 systems in the base year, (2010) and options for the delivery of production quantities in the years 2011-2013. The Army is expecting to field new and improved digital fused imaging goggles by 2014.

Sofar ITT has been producing the Army’s first generation AN/PSQ-20 ENVG under a sole source indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract worth about $560 million. This contract expires by the end of 2010. ITT has already provided over 2,400 ENVG systems with another 6,500 to be delivered on the current contract.

The development of the ENVG began in the year 2000. First models were fielded in 2008 with special operations units. By early 2009 the 10th Mountain Division was the first regular Army unit to receive few hundred items. The recent follow-on contracts address an ENVG follow-on program, with ITT has addressed with an updated version of the current ENVG system, called ‘Spiral Enhanced Night Vision Goggle’ (SENVG). This new device is designed to meet high volume production rates and the critical performance requirements of the ground-based soldier.

ENVG (Enhanced Night Vision Goggle) Training

The SENVG incorporates the 18 mm image intensifier tube and a display beam combiner assembly (DBCA) utilizing an OLED-XL microdisplay produced by eMagin. The SENVG utilizes several qualified ENVG subassemblies and is powered by three AA batteries, which reduces the logistics burden and gives the customer an estimated $130 million savings over the product’s life cycle. Through various system enhancements the SENVG has a digital upgrade capability that will allow the goggle to export fused imagery for transmission via battlefield networks.

Since the fielding of the ENVG PEO Soldier has been delivering ENVGs and in parallel, developing a lighter, more rugged digital system (ENVG-D), that will also support image transfer and display of images from other sensors and sights, Digital Video Recorders (DVR) and remote computing devices. The current systems are significantly more expensive and heavier, compared to the systems they are intended to replace – PVS-7 and PVS-14. The new ENVG (D) is expected to overcome these weaknesses and meet the Army’s objective weight and cost requirements.

Read more on the Enhanced Night Vision Goggles (ENVG) on Defense-Update.

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

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

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

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

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

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

MBDA team Concept Vision leader and a user representative show the new concept weapons at Farnborough 2010. Photo: Tamir Eshel

MBDA has embarked on an innovative evolution of next generation weapon systems designed to empower future infantry and dismounted warfighters with advanced, yet unavailable capabilities. Ideas for the new concepts were received from MBDA employees Throughout the world, and from military users and veterans. According to Michael Mew, Lead ENgineer for the Concept Visions program, the new weapons could be developed based partly on technologies already available, and could be demonstrated through the upcoming years. ‘This program sets our goals and could challenge our design teams for years to come’ Mew told Defense Update.

SR-30 rotary UAV displayed in flight during the Farnborough Airshow 2010

The SR-30 UAS from the U.S. company Rotomotion, displayed in flight by Advanced UAV Technology (AUAVT), passing by the Farnborough control tower. This unmanned vehicle it was the first UAS to receive CAA permit to fly in non segregated airspace. It is powered by a gasoline engine. AUAVT plans to introduce another version based on the SR-30 called AT-30 with a dry weight of 7 kg, designed to carry more than half that weight – up to 4.5 kg of payload for more than three hours. (210 minutes). According to AUAVT it will be equipped with EO/IR payload, and despite the use of gasoline engine, its acoustic signature is only 55 dB at 50 meters.

The company offers a full line of Rotary UVS, carrying payloads from 4 to 700 kg on missions from less than an hour tomore than six hours. AT-10 is a small rotary wing UAV designed for surveillance missions. It can be configured with a large stabilized sensor payload. AUAVT offers a series of custom designed Rotary UAVs that can be designed for different missions, from a mini, back-packable electrically powered ‘whispering’ AT-10 ultra quiet helicopter (less than 40dB at 50 meters) carrying a 1.5 kg payload for up to 40 minutes to the AT-1000, shown below in the static area, carrying up to 350 kg payload on a 6.5 hour mission.

All systems are controlled with a computerized, hand held GCS offering ‘point and click’ routing, and joystick and touch screen operation for payload control. Video telemetry utilized IP based communications. Photos: Tamir Eshel

UAV aerial display, showing the SR30 and FanWing

FanWing demonstrated in flight over Farnborough a the 2010 airshow aerial display. Photo: Tamir Eshel

The FanWing STOL UAV technology demonstrator began flight testing in 2007. The FanWing concept uses a cross-flow fan along the span of each wing. The fan pulls the air in at the front and then expels  it over the wing’s trailing edge. In transferring the work of the engine to the rotor, which spans the whole wing, the FanWing accelerates a large volume of air and achieves unusually high lift-efficiency.

A STOL surveillance UAV based on the flight demonstrator shown at Farnborough shows unusually short take-off ability, as it leavs the ground after rolling for only one to three meters. The short-take-off capabilities make the application useful for operations originating from a  rooftop or short section of road. Such a vehicle could be developed as an urban surveillance UAV, that could fly slowly, manoeuvring through ‘urban canyons’, taking off and landing on rooftops, without using a catapult for takeoff or parachute for landing. An operational electrically powered FanWing UAV could weigh around 12 kg and carry 2kg of payload.