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.

Traveling cross country at high speed enables security teams or special forces to save time, effectively chase fleeting targets and control larger areas with fewer forces. The vehicle accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in less than three seconds, and can reach a top speed of 185 km/h cross country. It can carry a payload up to 300 kg weight, is equipped with extra strong cooling system supporting operations in tropical/desert conditions.

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.

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.

Unlike other surveillance aircraft, the Air Tractor was built to be operated from farm fields and dirt roads, and maintained out of the back of a truck. Photo: CAV

The Air Tractor AT-802U today completed its Trans-Atlantic flight, from Newfoundland to the Azores to England, to display its new capabilities at the 2010 Farnborough Air Show. Air Tractor and Air Tractor Military Dealer CAV (Combined Air Ventures LLC) will display the aircraft and demonstrate its new electronics, sensors and weapons. The AT-802U prototype made its international debut last year at the Paris Air Show. This year at Farnborough the aircraft is displayed with a militarized cockpit, Wescam MX15Di stabilized EO sensor turret, integrated with large HD displays and the all-new glass cockpit. Real-time video can be transmitted directly to ground units using the L3 Rover datalink.

The Air Tractor 802U has a militarized cockpit, Wescam MX15Di stabilized EO sensor turret, integrated with large HD displays and the all-new glass cockpit. Real-time video can be transmitted directly to ground units using the L3 Rover datalink. Photo: CAV.

Unlike other surveillance aircraft, the Air Tractor was built to be operated from farm fields and dirt roads, and maintained out of the back of a truck. It has the capability to reduce the cost and footprint of military operations while bringing state-of-the-art sensors and weapons to remote and austere locations. The exceptional 10-hour time on station of the Air Tractor and the massive 8,000-pound useful load allow the aircraft to carry a wide range of sensors and weapons. Five optional weapons load out configurations, including four 500 or 1,000 pounds laser guided bombs and two GAU-19 multi-barrel 12.7mm guns with over 2,900 rounds, six Mini-Talon GPS-INS guided precision standoff attack weapons, four rocket pods loaded with 28 rockets, eight Hellfire missiles or a mixed load of four Hellfire and 16 DAGR laser guided rockets. CAV specializes in creating customized, low-cost, turnkey utility aircraft solutions for border and coastal patrol, surveillance, counter-insurgency, oil spill clean up, and a wide variety of other applications.

The Air Tractor 802 – the largest agricultural aircraft in production and the most successful single-engine firefighting aircraft offered an excellent starting point for the modification The Air Tractor 802 “U” version at Farnborough displays military capabilities previously only available in aircraft that cost 5-10 times more.

The U.S. Air Force specified a requirement for 100 Light Attack/Armed Reconnaissance (LAAR) for which the AT-802U, AT -6 and Tuccano were considered, along with remanufactured vintage aircraft such as the OV-10. Back in 2009 LAAR was considered  for rapid  fielding by 2013; however at present no formal request for proposal emerged.   AT-802 are currently used by the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs for counter-narcotics operations.

The 1.93 m long Mini-Talon developed by Moog FTS is a 100 pound GPS/INS guided glide weapon. After the weapon is dropped from the aircraft it deploys its glide wings (1.91m' span) flying guided by GPS/INS to the target, Its warhead weighs about 12 kg. Its accuracy is believed to be within the 10 foot Circular Error Point (CEP). Photo: CAV

An HH-60G Pave Hawk from the 66th Rescue Squadron, Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., flies over the desert terrain of southern Nevada during a training mission. The 66th Rescue Squadron's primary mission is the recovery of downed pilots and is one of only five active duty rescue squadrons in the Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Robert W. Valenca)

Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation and Lockheed Martin Corp. (NYSE:LMT) are joining forces to compete to replace the U.S. Air Force’s fleet of 112 Combat Search and Rescue HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters. The agreement positions Sikorsky as prime contractor, with Lockheed Martin as the major subsystems supplier.

The team will offer an advanced version of Sikorsky’s UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter for the Air Force’s HH-60 Personnel Recovery Recapitalization program (HH-60 Recap) calling for replacement of existing helicopters with an equal number of new platforms, requiring minimum airframe modification or mission systems development. The initial operational capability is expected in fiscal year 2015, as the first four helicopters are declared mission ready.

Sikorsky and Lockheed Martin have already teamed on two Navy S-60 programs – the SH-6B and MH-60R/S, systems deployed on the later could be implemented in this USAF program. In April 2010, the companies announced a teaming agreement to compete jointly for the U.S. Navy’s revived VXX Presidential Helicopter program. The companies will share facilities, experience and engineering talent for both opportunities.

An HH-60G Pave Hawk, assigned to Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., fires off flares while demonstrating evasive maneuvers during a firepower demonstration held at the Nevada Test and Training Range. (USAF photo by Airman First Class Brian Ybarbo)

SOTACS personal camouflage from Saab Barracuda. Photo: Saab

The Saab Group (STO:SAABB) has been awarded a new contract for the delivery of multispectral camouflage systems developed and produced under the ‘Saab Barracuda’ brand, with a total value of approximately US$90 million (MSEK 670). First shipments of the camouflage systems will begin in 2010 and continue for four years. “We continue to attract new and existing customers around the globe,” said Tomas Samuelsson, head for Saab’s business area Dynamics, noting that Saab Barracuda’s advanced camouflage technology products have now been exported to more than 50 countries. Saab Barracuda camouflage and signature management systems offer advanced solutions for force protection, by decreasing the enemy’s ability to detect and engage the protected targets. These camouflage solutions are employed to protect camps, vehicles and personnel against hostile sensors and enemy target acquisition.

Sherpa Light from Renault Trucks Defense, displaying at the dynamic demonstration at Eurosatory 2010. Photo: Noam Eshel

At the 2010 Eurosatory Renault Trucks Defense introduced the refined ‘Sherpa Light‘ family of tactical vehicles, featuring the 13.3 ton, 4×4 transport vehicle designed specifically to support special missions. Carrying five soldiers and up to 2.6 tons of cargo, the new Sherpa provides high mobility light forces, traversing all types of terrain with sufficient payload capacity to support paratroops, marines and light infantry on extended missions. The vehicle is transportable by C-130 and A400M transport aircrafts. The platform is based on the Sherpa 2 introduced two years ago at Eurosatory 2008. Our video coverage will be posted soon…

Two HDT M2 diesel motorcycles displaying their offroad mobility at Eurosatory 2010. Photo: Noam Eshel

At the dynamic demonstration at the recent Eurosatory 2010 exhibition in Paris, France the U.S. company HDT displayed new diesel powered M2 cross motorcycle and U1 tactical four-wheeled ’quad’ tactical support all-terrain vehicle, both vehicles are designed for special ops. Both M2 and U1 are powered by a single-cylinder engine – the MAC-C1 advanced multiple heavy fuel engine consuming almost any type of liquid carbon fuel. According to HDT, the development of the 760 cc M1030-M2 engine and motorcycle was purpose-built for military applications. The M2 has a maximum speed of 152km/h and a range of 653km at 90km/h.

The MAC-C1 Quad ATV demonstrating off-road mobility at Eurosatory 2010. Photo: Noam Eshel

The U1 comes in a two and four seat configuration. The two-seat version is the support vehicle, accommodating two soldiers and ample room to carry equipment on a rear flat cargo bed. Both all-terrain quad vehicles have a 1,340 cc engine with a continuously variable, belt drive transmission running two or four-wheel drive. Both variants have a rollover cage, but on the tactical vehicle there is a quick exit for the rear-facing seats.

Our video coverage will follow soon, stay tuned…

Quad and M2 diesel motorcycles at the dynamic demonstration - Eurosatory 2010. Photo: Noam Eshel