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From ACIG.org ACIG Special Reports AMERICAN EXHIBITORS (Click to expand images}  One of the most intriguing exhibits was the innovative Bell Eagle Eye Vertical UAV. When launched from a ship, the drone can survey inland territory up to 100 nautical miles away, flying a hi-lo-hi trajectory.  The Eagle Eye VUAV is an essential part of the US Coast Guard's controversial $17 billion Integrated Deepwater System Program which emphasizes on anti-piracy / maritime transportation, illegal drug and migrant interdiction, search and rescue, surveillance, fisheries and environmental protection, counter-terrorism and exclusive economic zones. The EADS CN-235-300M MPA is also a part of the Deepwater programme.  Model of the Bell AH-1Z Super Cobra. The new glass cockpit for the type is interestingly, similar to the one being designed for the HAL Light Combat Helicopter (LCH).  The Raytheon SLAMRAAM (Surface-Launched), essentially unmodified AMRAAMs mounted on a Humvee vehicle, is an outgrowth of the NASAMS-II programme for Norway. The system uses the AN/MPQ-64 Sentinel modification to the TPQ-36A radar and a Fire Direction Centre from Norway. The system is also in service with Spain.  The impressive SLAMRAAM control centre with the related consoles. The I/J (X)-band 3D narrow beam AN/MPQ-64 can also cue Stinger, AAA and VSHORAD-class missiles. The radar has a range of up to 75 km and uses the AN/TPX-56 IFF. It's configuration allows the weapons, radars and command posts to operate from widely separate battlefield positions.   The Patriot PAC-III needs no introduction. Raytheon had earlier made a detailed presentation of the system to the Indian Armed Forces and now awaits US Government approval to provide information on more specific points needed for export clearance.   The radar of the PAC-III system features improved detection range and thus an enlarged defended area. The Indian Navy's interest in the Fire Scout and Hawkeye-2000 AWACS also brought Northrop Grumman to DEFEXPO. Strangely, the company is pushing for the latter to be stationed on the recently acquired carrier Gorshkov and revealed that a variant with reduced payload for operation from a STOBAR configured carrier was under study. According to NG, the Indian Navy has a requirement for 8 Hawkeyes and the Indian Coast Guard wants two more. The US Navy will receive 12 Hawkeye-2000D in 2004.  A model of the Kaman K-MAX showing the intermeshing of the rotor blades. © Copyright 2002-3 by ACIG.org |