Aero India 2003

From ACIG.org

ACIG Special Reports
Aero India 2003 - Part 10
By B Harry
Sep 16, 2003, 04:35

ISRAELI EXHIBITORS

There's nothing quite like the Israeli Military Industry. The world leaders in aircraft upgrades with the abiltiy to easily challenge the American dominance in the feild of avionics and sensors, Israel continues to innovate with products like the Python-4, Litening, ITALD and Skysheild. Israel is India's second largest military supplier and their exhibits though smaller, were better presented than the Russian ones.

The Python-4 - where 'Looks will kill',to quote Rafael. The IAF is negotiating for the missile, for use on the Jaguar and Mirage-2000 fleets. At the same time, the existing Matra Magic-2 rounds are being locally upgraded to 'Magic-3' standard by BEL. Speaking of which,recent announcements by Rafael's Corporate Vice President of Business Development and Marketing, Dr.Eitan Yudildevich, included their desire to integrate a surface to air version of the Derby into one of BEL's radar systems. Both the AAM and ground launched versions employ datalink receivers and dual range modes of operation. Also visible are the Spike-SR(800m range, infantry only) and Spike-ER(8 km range, helicopter, infantry, LCV applications) ATGMs. Eagle eyed readers would also notice the Barak SAM behind the exhibit.

The well known Litening infrared,navigation and targeting pod which is already in IAF service and used in combat. Consisting of a FLIR, INS, laser designator, wide and narrow FOV CCD cameras and a laser spot detector/range finder, it is an unmatched integration of sensors into one small package. Based on the Litening's design and sharing the same ILS infrastructure, the lesser known Reccelite is an electro-optic reconnaissance pod with 75% commonality. It is capable of sending real time video and IR imagery through a datalink to ground controllers. It's digital flight recorder is capable of upto 2.5 hours of recording time.

The IMI Delilah is a modular stand off strike weapon powered by a turbojet engine for flexible mission profiles. Not completely visible is the MSOV(right), an air to ground stand off modular glide dispenser capable of a preprogrammed path upto a range of 100 km and a wide choice of warheads(675 kg) which can include upto 45 'smart' preprogrammed anti runway penetrators. Not pictured is the ITALD, a turbojet powered RF decoy intended to deceive and suppress enemy air defense.

This is the IAI Elta EL/M-2060P SAR Reconnaissance System for combat aircraft consisting of a detachable pod mounted Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and a built in bidirectional datalink. Near photo-quality real time SAR images are transmitted to the Ground Exploitation Station (GES). There are 3 modes of operation namely the STRIP mode for fast coverage and mapping at stand off ranges, the SPOT mode for high res detailed examination and GMTI mode for highlighting moving targets within the SAR strip. The pod weighs 590 kg and requires a power supply of 3.5 kW(typical). The ground datalink uses the Elta EL/K-1850 operating in the C or X band with full duplex capability and a range of more than 250 nautical miles.

The Spike-ER ATGM (inside the pictured heli-launcher canister) is a part of the Rafael HeliCOAT suite that endows substantial all weather anti-tank capability to any helicopter platform. The HeliCOAT includes a TOPLITE observation system, a self protection EW System, a Helmet Mounted Sight (HMS), FLIR/EO sensor and an appropriately modified cockpit. Spike ATGMs have most recently been sold to Singapore.

While the IAI Searcher-I/II and Heron are in Indian service, Silver Arrow, a subsidiary of Elbit,offer a whole new family of tactical UAV systems including the Hermes 450,Hermes 180 and Hermes 1500. The Ground Control Station(GCS),datalink and avionics are common to all Hermes UAVs which are surprisingly being offered for the civilian and commercial market as well. The Hermes 450 is in Israeli military service and is used for higher end roles.The Hermes 1500 is a unique Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UAV with twin engines that allow for a payload of upto 350 kg and an endurance of upto 25 hrs. With a wing span of 15 m, a gross weight of 1500 kg, and a 2000 litre internal fuel capacity, it is one of the larger UAVs in service.

Designed for simpicity, mobility and brigade level applications, the Hermes 180 is the latest member of the Hermes family. Using an all composite structure and powered by a 38hp. It is powered by a (28kW) UEL rotary engine and has an endurance of 10 hrs.

The star of Elbit's stand was their MiG-29 Sniper simulator. Though Romania abandoned their upgrade plan, Elbit continued to build on the exisiting features and this new offer is a step up from the original Sniper. The cockpit features two giant 6x8 inch AMLCD MFDs, an ElOp-967 HUD with an UFCP, HOTAS and the DASH Helmet mounted sight.Other features include an INS with GPS, digital moving map, IFF, onboard systems monitoring,mission computer and new communication and navigation systems. This simulator with the digital video recording system and audio, is offered along with the upgrade package itself.

IAI/Tamam's Plug-In Optronic Payload (POP-200) is fast becoming the standard EO sensor for UAV and helicopter applications. It combines a daylight TV camera with FLIR on an 11-inch gimbal, but does'nt feature laser optics. In the left background, one can notice a model of IAI's integrated Border and Coastal protection system, configured to detect, locate and target terrorists and illegal activities, 24 hours a day in all weather and visibility conditions. It integrates balloon based EL/M-8826 radars, UAVs etc.