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INTERNATIONAL

The trusted source for defence technology information since 1976

The rise of the ship-based anti-aircraft, anti-surface and land-attack missile followedthe initial development of missile technology by Germany during World War Two.It was said that the birth of the missile heralded the death of the naval gun.

Barrels Still Needed at Sea

Robots in Convoy

Thomas Withington 8

Ian Kemp14

Forward Observer Gear GetsTarget Right

36

Surfing the Micro-Wave32

Business4

Digest62

Index to Manufacturers and Advertisers2

Robots

Infantry: optics

Drone update

Warfare Has Changed,So Should Have Methods Paul V. Alpo

Complete Guide Supplement

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20

36

44

50

Contentsissue 4/2009

armada INTERNATIONAL 4/2009

Long-range Snipers26 Artillery

Strike Drones: Persistent, Preciseand Plausible Roy Braybrook

20 Drones: armed

Spreading the SpectrumAmongst Friends J. Keggler and T. Withington

Complete Guide Supplement

Tactical Radios Urban Warfare

Ian Kemp

Eric H. Biass

Thomas Withington

Sigint Aircraft: Fly High, Listen Closely44 Intelligence

Valéry Rousset and Antoine Philippe

The Tambourine (Algo)rhythm50 Technology

Johnny Keggler

Water Lane Insertion56 Naval: small craft

Thomas Withington

byComplete Guide

4 armada INTERNATIONAL 4/2009

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Big Deals in ShortCompany Amount Event From Whom

Patria and ThalesRaytheonSystemshave signed a € ten million contract tosupply medium-range radars to Finland.The contract also covers the upgrade ofThalesRaytheonSystems long-rangeradars and will see Patria providing soft-ware design, equipment shelter rearma-ment and modifications.

Thales will deliver 13 Smart-S Mk 2surveillance radars to Lockheed MartinCanada for installation on CanadianPatrol Frigates under the Halifax ClassModernization Program. Deliveries willtake place between 2010 and 2015, withall to be fully operational by 2017.

DCNS was awarded a contract from theFrench DGA to study and design aSynior demonstrator that can classifyand identify uncooperative naval tar-gets. DCNS will work with Thales andOnera during the first 18-month phase toproduce a technical and financial propos-al for a Synior demonstrator.

Tencate Advanced Armour will supplyits Ceratego composite armour panelsfor the Dutch Army Patria XA-188vehicles currently deployed inAfghanistan. Delivery of the Cerategoarmour has begun and will be completedby October 2009.

Field Aviation has delivered a highlymodified Dash 8 Q300 maritime surveil-lance aircraft to the Icelandic CoastGuard, under a $ 30 million contract.Field Aviation was the contract prime,

Northrop Grumman has delivered tworetrofitted BQM-34 Firebee aerial targetsto the US Navy. These upgraded targetswere modified from the BQM-74E productline with current production avionics hard-and software. Northrop Grumman is toretrofit 15 BQM-34 Firebees under anoriginal August 2005 award.

Raytheon was awarded a $ 166.9 millioncontract from the US Navy for Lot 9 pro-duction and delivery of the Aim-9Xinfrared-guided air-to-air missile. Thiscontract will provide Aim-9X Block I missiles and introduce Block II missilesinto the inventories of the US militaryand its allies.with Bombardier Aerospace supplying

the basic Dash 8 and L-3 Communica-tions the sensor systems. The Q300 MSAhas a multi-mission capability thatincludes search and rescue, maritime sov-ereignty and medevac activities.

Lockheed Martin has delivered the firstNon-Recurring Engineering AN/TPQ-35counter-fire target acquisition (EQ-36)radar system to the US Army under a $ 120 million contract awarded in 2007.The original contract called for five sys-tems, but in 2008 contract options exer-cised now call for additional twelve EQ-36radars. The EQ-36 locates firing positionsof rocket and mortar launchers.

Of Special Note

D assault Aviation has completedthe turnover of the first Rafale F3combat aircraft to the French

Navy. The Rafale F3, sporting the num-ber 27 on its airframe, is fitted with thelatest digital avionics and is now certi-fied to carry the AESA radar. This is thefirst of twelve to be delivered to thenavy between 2009 and 2014 and isexpected to undergo a series of full-loadcatapult tests on the Charles de Gaullewhen she puts to sea in September.

Rockwell Collins $ 12.1 million Design prototype soldier-worn computer for GSE programme US Army

IAI $ 150 million Delivered first batch upgraded Kfir fighter jets Colombia Air Force

Northrop Grumman Not applicable Began E-2D Advanced Hawkeye low-rate initial production US Air Force

Lockheed Martin $ 60 million Continue depot maintenance for Lantirn targeting pods US Air Force

EADS Undisclosed Develop country-wide border security programme Saudi Arabia

Saab Undisclosed Supply fire control computers for combat vehicles Denel Land Systems

Lockheed Martin $ 4 million Develop technology for F/A-18E/F IRST programme Boeing

Northrop Grumman $ 213.8 million Provide long-lead materials for building LPD 26 US Navy

Renault Trucks Defense Undisclosed Provide 33 Sherpa 3 for Syracuse III military satcom programme Thales

Teledyne TSS Undisclosed Delivered eight SG Brown Meridian gyrocompasses Turkey Coast Guard

Lockheed Martin Not applicable Delivered 1000th vertical-launch Asroc missile Japan

L-3 Link $ 31.8 million Build CH-47F trainer for US Army flight XXI pgm Computer Sciences

ST Electronics S$ 20 million Provide navigation/seamanship training and training ship RS Navy

Rheinmetall € 54 million Supply eight Wiesel 2 120 mm mortar systems German Army

Northrop Grumman $ 27 million Ensure C4I elements share critical information US Navy

ITT € 5.25 million Supply hard/software upgrates to Embedded GPS Receiver US Army

Northrop Grumman $ 4 million Develop software architecture for cyber warfare system US Joint Forces

Derco Aerospace Not applicable Distribute line of C-130 and F-16 products Ametek

Saab SEK 105 million Address drone sense & avoid issue for regular airspace EDA

Marshall Land Systems Undisclosed Supply 28 tail lifts to Man Support vehicles UK MoD

Raytheon $ 5 million Create cross-domain security solution Maryland Procurement

Qinetiq $ 3.7 million Provide C3I test support for expeditionary vehicle US Marine Corps

Lockheed Martin $ 16.5 million Deliver Paveway II Enhanced Laser Guided Training Rounds US Navy


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Class 214 submarines. These new Turkishsubmarines will be equipped with an air-independent, fuel cell propulsion. The 66-metre-long boats will be built by GölçükNaval Shipyards near Izmit.

Stevens Aviation was selected by AerialSurveillance Systems to install Flir Sys-tems EO/IR sensors on Skyeye 350Hawker Beechcraft King Air 350 aerialsurveillance aircraft. Flir Systems willprovide either its Brite Star III or brand-new Star Safire HD sensors for the pro-gramme. General Atomics Aeronauti-cal Systems will supply its Claw missioncontrol software, which will also be inte-grated by Stevens Aviation.

fighting vehicle and infantry fightingunits. Eurospike is jointly owned byDiehl BGT Defence, Rheinmetall andRafael. The contract contains options fora further 1160 Mells missiles wortharound € 120 million.

Renault Trucks Defense has received anadditional order for its Sherpa Carriertrucks from Nato; the vehicles are des-tined for Nato’s Combined Joint TaskForce headquarters.

Northrop Grumman and Cobham willprovide the Vis-X Vehicular Inter-communication Systems Expanded forthe US Army’s Communications andElectronics Command. Up to 500 systemsper month for the first year and 2000 peryear thereafter are required under theten-year, $ 2.4 billion contract.

Iveco Defence Vehicles will deliver tenLight Multirole Vehicles (LMV) to theSlovak Army by end-2009 through acontract signed in late-June. The SlovakArmy is the ninth military service toselect the LMV for front-line duties.

Thales will supply twelve NBC Recon-naissance vehicles built around Mowag’sPiranha IIIC to the Swiss Army by end2011. Mowag will integrate Thales’ NBCsensing, analysis and evaluation solution,with Thales to ensure functionality withnetworking and power management sys-tems. The first pre-series vehicle, commis-sioned in 2006, is included in this order.

Remotec has signed an agreement withODF Optronics to provide the latter’sEyedrive mini robot to US customers.ODF, from Israel, produces a range ofcombat-proven robots; the Eyedrivebeing an observation and surveillancevariant that provides real-time 360°audio and video surveillance. Remotec isa subsidiary of Northrop Grumman.

fighting vehicles. The contract, worth € 1.3billion, was signed with the federal pro-curement agency (BWB) and PSM – a50:50 joint venture with Rheinmetall andKrauss-Maffei Wegmann. Deliveriesunder this order will begin in 2010.

Avon Protection Systems received anadditional $ 22.3 million contract fromthe US Department of Defense underthe Joint Service General Purpose Maskprogramme to provide more than 700,000Chemical B canisters (spares and filters)for the company’s M50 chemi-cal/biological protection mask.

Boeing has received a $ 750 million, ten-year contract from the US Air Force toprovide engineering support for the B-52 bomber. Under the Engineering Sustainment Program, Boeing will supportsoftware, communication, avionics andelectrical systems and provide an in-flightemergency support hotline to aircrews sopilots can contact Boeing engineers totroubleshoot problems in real-time.

Saab has received a development orderfrom the Swedish FMV to continueupgrading work on the Gripen multi-role fighter. The SEK 350 million orderwill keep the Gripen’s maturation in linewith the Swedish Armed Forces’ long-term plans. This order covers aircraft inSweden, Hungary, the Czech Republicand Thailand.

Raytheon has received a $ 154.8 millioncontract from the Canadian Navy toconduct 30 sets of overhauls and convert21 Phalanx Block 1B Baseline 0 systemsto Baseline 1. Raytheon will provide spares,repair services and technical support. Thework will be completed by 2017.

Patria has signed a € 240 million agree-ment with the Swedish Materiel Adminis-tration (FMV) to supply 113 AMV 8 � 8armoured wheeled vehicles to theSwedish Army under project AWV 2014.The contract covers delivery of five vari-ants and an option for an additional 113vehicle systems. The vehicles will be builtin Finland between 2010 and 2014.

Boeing Defence UK announced that amodified UK Chinook Mk 3 helicoptercompleted its maiden test flight on 6 June.A Boeing-led team that includes Qinetiqand GE Aviation Systems is workingwith the Royal Air Force in revertingeight Mk 3 Chinooks to be compatiblewith the RAF’s fleet of 40 Mk 2 helos andflight-worthy to support missions inAfghanistan in 2009.

Ceradyne has acquired all business andassets of Diaphorm Technologies – a bal-listic combat helmet manufacturer. The $ 9.5 million agreement saw Ceradyneacquiring all technology and intellectualproperty as well. Announced in the samenews release Ceradyne submitted a pro-posal to the US Marine Corps SystemsCommand for the production ofEnhanced Combat Helmets.

Atlas Elektronik will provide supportservices to ensure operational readinessof 16 IMCMS mine warfare systems forthe Belgian and Royal Netherlandsnavies. Atlas will set-up a technical ‘hot-line’ to deal with obsolescence and configuration management. The servicecontract length is 15 years; covering theentire lifecycle of Belgian Flower classand Dutch Alkmaar class mine counter-measures vessels.

Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft andMarineforce International have signeda construction order with Turkey for six

Eurospike has received a € 35 millioncontract to supply the Bundeswehr with311 lightweight, multi-purpose SpikeLR guided missile systems (Mells) forthe German Army’s new Puma infantry

Rheinmetall Defence has received thegreen light from Germany’s BWB to beginserial production of 405 Puma infantry


Electronic mission aircraft belong to a rare type of military aviation worldwide.The primary role of sigint aircraft has evolved from strategic intelligence datacollection of adverse air defence (elint) and command & control networks to amore tactical exploitation of mostly radio signals (comint) in the current opera-tional context.

Valéry Rousset andAntoine Philippe

T he advantages of intercepting signalsfrom the air remain obvious, butwhile the standoff capability afford-

ed by aircraft to support allied strike mis-sions carried out since the Vietnam Warare still of value, the recent change inthreat patterns has been challenging theclassical role of sigint aircraft.

One of the major changes stems fromthe fact that threats are now more eva-sive, having moved away from the radaremissions that are easily vulnerable toever-smarter interception, location andsubsequent soft or hard kills (jamming orphysical destruction from precision-guid-ed ammunition, like anti-radar missiles).Then there is the advent of more agile,stealthy and smaller combat units, whichhas complicated the task of finding andkeeping track of enemy forces, a situationthat was exemplified by the war in formerYugoslavia.

High-demand, Low-density Unexpectedly, the main challenge is gen-erated by the new information and com-munication technologies themselves.With civilian technologies increasinglyavailable to both civil and military usersworldwide in the form of low-powermobile phones and with the brunt ofinformation exchanges increasingly car-

from new technologies and battlespacedigitisation. Micro-miniaturisation anddigitial signal processing have opened anew era in mission package development,since cumbersome hardware tailored tosignal threats can now be replaced bymuch more modular, reprogrammablepayloads, that increasingly rely on com-mercial technology. The volume, flexibili-ty and user-friendly operation resultingfrom this major shift has mostly benefit-ed the intelligence analyst with, in turn,an increased service quality reaching thewarfighter, thanks to the generalisationof network-enabled, information-centriccapabilities. Northrop Grumman, Elta,Thales or Eads sigint equipment suppli-ers have thus specialised in the design

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Poseidon, are bidding forthe EP-X programme

ried by underground cables of the Inter-net rather than aerials, the task of moni-toring enemy signals has become a formi-dable challenge for airborne assets. Tothe need to shift frequencies in order toreach the lower communication bands ofGSM and professional mobile radios hasbeen added a requirement to cope withhigher-band satellite commercial com-munication networks of the likes ofInmarsat and Thuraya.

This being said, however, the require-ment for high-frequency monitoring hasnot subsided, with threats from lowertechnologies still used in Africa or Cen-tral Asia. In other words, the interceptspectrum is quite demanding as it nowencompasses a 3 MHz to 18 MHz range,within which a lot of very exotic signalsare inserted, emanating fromGSM/GPRS to professional mobileradios and tactical line-of-sight systemsto name but a few. Last but not least, mostconventional militaries have embarkedon tactical radio modernisation pro-grammes, resulting in increased dataexchanges affordedly met by new digital,frequency-agile combat net radios – anightmare recently made worse for sigintinterceptors by the fielding of software-defined radios, with their on-demandwaveform generation and multiplestreams of high-bandwidth dataexchanges.

Fortunately, sigint payload designersand operators (mostly American, Euro-pean and Israeli) have also benefited

A typical threat that might have to beaddressed amongst many others, isthis radar that commands S-300missiles. (Armada/AP)

and integration of these new-generationdigital payloads, together with new analy-sis tools, on legacy and new aircraft ordrones. Such joint-level and rare assets assigint aircraft can now cue forces in thefield to provide alert, network surveil-lance, mapping or denial, as well asincreasingly accurate target identifica-tion and location. For example, the old-style formation trios of RC-12 Guardrailsflying a straight, parallel line to the bor-der to collect sigint for the NSA over sev-eral days are a view of the past. Althoughthe Guardrail is still flying, the currentRC-12S mission aircraft have undergonea thorough mission payload modernisa-tion, with Conops and Conuse allowingthe interception-exploitation loop totighten, resulting in airborne exploitationand decision-aids tools feeding groundstations in near-real time via satcommsand datalinks.

Similarly, this miniaturisation andautomation has facilitated Command,Control, Communications, Computers,

Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnais-sance (C4ISR) integration, resulting in agrowing contribution of sigint to all-source intelligence, surveillance andreconnaissance. Last but not least, stan-dardisation and graphics-based situation-al awareness allow sigint mission special-ists to disseminate their electronic enemyorders of battle or geolocated intercept-ed communications to any non-specialistover combat networks, serving tacticalcommanders down to company level andsaving technical analysis parameters forlater, to feed the expert ‘green slimes’ sit-ting far away.

copters (as in Poland or Russia) and tac-tical or medium- to high-endurancedrones flying in support of lower-echelonarmy units as part of a joint, network-enabled capability. Meanwhile, the moreclassical ‘jewels of the crown’ – larger sig-int mission aircraft – are being beefed upwith multiple sensors or advanced on-board multi-source collection capabili-ties, and integration of the mission systemis syndicated towards full-spectrumexploitation. Lastly, supporting thecovert side of sigint, new payload devel-opment, modular installation and remoteexploitation allow general-purpose air-craft, such as the venerable C-130 Her-cules, to conduct electronic intelligencemissions with a mere sigint pod, whichcan look like an auxiliary fuel tank to theuntrained eye. With operations closer tocivil aviation and a respectableendurance, new-generation or mod-ernised sigint aircraft derived from lightcommercial or business aircraft now cuesensors on commercial communicationsto enforce border surveillance or home-land security missions, with applicationsranging from crisis monitoring to count-er-smuggling and counter-piracy.

Tomorrow’s Sigint Missions?The 2010s decade will see a new genera-tion of electronic warfare platforms,mainly derived from the commercial avi-

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In South America the airborne electronic warfare effort is exemplified by this multiple-sensor Embraer 145 RS. (Embraer)

Although disarmed, true-to-life air-defence systems like this SA-3photographed at Nellis Air Force Basecan be quite useful in crew trainingthreat identification process.(Armada/AP)

Based onintelligence datareceived fromairborne platforms,a missionpreparation systemsuch as this SagemHelipsys provides avisual impression ofthreat areas andvolumes. (Sagem)

ation world. The Boeing 737, which takesadvantage of several successes, in theUnited States first, then on the interna-tional market clearly appears as the suc-cessor of the US Navy EP-3 Aries II. Thisanswer to military needs arrives on timeto balance the economic crisis that strikescommercial aviation.

In January 2006, a new generation wasborn when Boeing announced the launchof the sigint version of its 737. Integratingnetwork-centric communications, it canbe used for strategic intelligence missionsor within time-sensitive targetingprocesses. For Boeing, it is a derivative ofthe P-8A Multi-mission Maritime Air-craft (seen in the title picture of this arti-cle) produced and developed for the US

Of course, this modernisation efforthas gone mostly unnoticed, having takenplace in the shadow of legacy sigint air-craft programmes, marginally augmentedby new types over the last decade. How-ever, miniaturised payloads, software-driven exploitation and multi-source col-lection have rejuvenated electronicmission aircraft, while costly aircraft cali-bration is receding in favour of more mod-ular installation on smaller airframes. Newplayers can thus provide these more com-pact solutions without designing a full sys-tem, like Aselsan in Turkey or Rohde &Schwarz in Germany, or L-3 Communica-tions in the United States.

Recent years have then seen thedevelopment of light sigint aircraft, heli-

Navy. This sigint version of the 737 maynow capitalise on the choice of India forthe P-8 Poseidon. The aircraft is a candi-date for the EP-X (Electronic PatrolExperimental) programme aimed atreplacing the ageing fleet of LockheedMartin EP-3E Aries II turboprops. In 28January 2008, the US Navy asked Ameri-can defence contractors to design, andultimately build, a new sigint platform.Although the number of aircraft in thepotential EP-X order is relatively smallby American procurement standards – 14to 24 – the final selection could have sig-nificant influence on how first-tier mili-taries conduct maritime surveillance fordecades to come. The US Army exploits afleet of eight DHC-7 Airborne Recon-naissance Low aircraft. Two ARL comintaircraft will be converted into ‘multi-intelligence’ aircraft. Supporting thewarfighter in guerrilla warfare, thesemodified aircraft are equipped withcomint, imagery, synthetic aperture radarand moving target detector mission pay-loads controlled via open-architectureworkstations.

By comparison, Europe does not offertoday any significant sigint programmes.Focused on international needs, itsanswer is embodied in the Airbus solu-tions promoted by Eads, with a sigint ver-sion of the Airbus A320 aircraft. Both theB737 and the A320 are able to integrateadditional mission payloads and worksta-tions during their operational life andaddress future requirements. In bothcases the platform can take advantage of

efficient, reliable and economicalengines, namely the GE/Snecma CFM-56. The Leap-X engine programme, forexample, will bring a 16% fuel consump-tion reduction as of 2015. The aircraft alsohas increased capabilities: longendurance at high altitude, quick transla-tion to theatres of interest far from home-land base and integration in networked

from air-defence systems. Flying in com-mercial airways, such aircraft are also thevisible tools of nations that have a world-wide security policy and want to display astrong diplomatic position in internation-al crises. On the same segment, Russia ispromoting a solution based on itsIlyushin 76.

Biz BaseThese renewed versions of classical sigintaircraft compete with business jets, butalso unmanned platforms: drones and sig-int satellites. The market for sigint air-craft smaller than the costly airliners isgrowing. These solutions integrate thebest cost-effective ratio, considering thefact that the essential is in payloads andmission systems provided the aircraftpresent the minimal level of performanc-es in term of endurance and operatingaltitude. The basic Gulfstream G550 canreach 51,000 feet and has a range of 6750nm at Mach 0.8. More discrete, more eco-nomical, business jets have all the char-acteristics to meet the needs of several airforces, including American, Israeli andEuropean, that are already familiar with


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Based on the Northrop Grumman RQ-4 Block 20 Global Hawk airframe, the Euro -hawk’s role will be to locate and identify radar threats and monitor hostilemanoeuvres. (Eurohawk)

In spite of the fact that France’s two Gabriel electronic warfare aircraft are gettingseriously long in the tooth, no serious replacement has yet been identified.(Armada/AP)

With aerials sticking out from every suitable position in addition to its belly-mountedsynthetic aperture radar, this Heron will find it very difficult to hide the true nature of itsmission. (Elta Systems)

operations (in particular for data fusionprocess for targeting, or suppression ofenemy air defence missions). Moreover,the type will eventually have an in-flightrefuelling option for longer missions.Operating in stand-off missions, taking-off from safe zones, it can operate far

Gulfstream and Beech aircraft for exam-ple. These more economical solutionsrely on a large choice of business orregional jets. Embraer and GulfstreamAerospace are now seen as the mostactive aircraft manufacturers producingand developing special sigint versions oftheir civil products. The Indian Air Forceoperates a single Gulfstream III SRA. Toreplace its aging fleet of sigint Beechcraftaircraft, at the end of 2001 the IsraeliDefense Force opted for the GulfstreamV, acquiring a fleet of three to the tune of$ 174 million. Elta, a subsidiary of IsraelAerospace Industries, was later awardeda $ 250 million contract by the IsraeliMinistry of Defense to install a compre-hensive sigint and C2 mission suite.

Gulfstream now promotes three air-craft: the G450, G500 and G550. TheG500 long-range business jet is designat-ed the EC-37SM as an economic off-the-shelf elint or special mission solution.Italy is also interested by the G550.

Already in service in Brazil, the EMB145 RS/AGS has received a very goodwelcome on this competitive sector. In2008, India’s Air Force signed a deal withEmbraer for three EMB 145 AEW&C(Airborne Early Warning & Control) air-craft. This programme includes two sigintand seven target towing/reconnaissancemission aircraft with communicationjammer capabilities. System integratorRaytheon offers both: the aircraft – thehistoric relations with the Hawker andBeechcraft families – and the payloads. Itis known that Dassault Aviation has thecapability to develop sigint version of itsbusiness jets. It was the case with its olderFalcon 50.

Britain and France will soon have toface the replacement of their respectiveNimrod R.1 and C-160G TransallGabriel. In the first case, a batch of threeUS Air Force KC-135R Rivet Joint air-frames within a possible foreign militarysale is seriously considered to address theuncertain Helix project. This option iscriticized by some who underline a possi-ble loss of sovereignty over this sensitiveand somehow symbolic mission. Combataircraft still offer versatile solutionsthrough the use of internal electronicwarfare systems, or podded systems con-nected by datalinks to a ground station,such as the Thales Astac pod. The pod isused on French Air Force Mirage F1s, onvarious Mirage 2000s, as well as on Japan-ese RF-4Es. This solution offers the oper-ational advantage of the ability to collectsignals from a platform that retains all thecapabilities of a combat aircraft: speed,manoeuvrability and self-defence, every-thing that avoids the risk of ‘Aries landsin China’ type scenarios.

In France, sigint will become a criticalissue for the defence policy of a nationthat has worldwide commitments andthat is now back in the Nato military com-mand. Indeed the modernised DC-8Sarigue strategic sigint aircraft was with-drawn just two years after its last mod-

ernisation and the upgrade or replace-ment of Atlantique 2 maritime patrol air-craft (some of which fitted with comintpayloads) will have to be seriously exam-ined, while a successor will have to befound for the two Gabriels. Will France,which has recently opted for a brand-newsigint ship as well as Essaim and Elisa sig-

turisation, automation and remote oper-ation. The Israeli Heron, also operated bythe Indian Navy, reflects this option.South Africa and Britain have similarplans to equip their tactical drones with asigint payload. Recently, Germany select-ed the Eurohawk, a version of theNorthrop Grumman RQ-4 Block 20Global Hawk of the US Air Force, withthe sigint payload developed by EadsGermany. Launched in January 2007, theprogramme is run within a € 430 millioncontract to Eurohawk by a joint venturecompany formed by Eads and NorthropGrumman. However, a drone operatorhas to bear with a very serious limitation:drones are not allowed to fly in civilianairways, according to the current ICAOregulations.

Pallets for Cargo Flexible and economical solutions may alsobe offered by modular pods and palletisedsensors and workstations fitted under awing or in the cargo bay of transport air-craft like a Lockheed Martin C-130J andeventually the future Airbus A400M.

Sigint can be performed by other mis-sion aircraft that are already well adapt-ed to carry electronic payloads likeAEW&C (such as the Saudi RE-3s), mar-itime patrol aircraft or tankers. For aero-space companies and their air force cus-tomers, the only limit is the sky.

Over the years, sigint mission packageshave gradually gained independencefrom their host aircraft. Compact pay-loads, modular design, software-definedoperation and network-enabled capabili-ties are coming of age to blend sigint mis-sions into wider C4ISR capabilities, con-tributing to information dominance fromheadquarters to the warfighter. With theemphasis now put on land warfare andgrowing armed forces electronic warfarecapabilities, the sigint mission aircraft isno longer an air service prerogative, butpart of a ‘jointness’ in air, land and mar-itime operations. This evolution chal-lenges its ability to stay aloft and monitorvery-low-power signals from afar, espe-cially in dense, urban environments. a

V aléry Rousset is a member ofthe Guerrelec Association,which is the French chapter of

the Association of Old Crows whilstAntoine Philippe is an expert at theFrench Institute of Strategic Analysisin Paris.

Authors’ Brief Bio

The Eurohawk’s Elint payload is developed by Eads to provide the hale drone with anautomatic mode that enables it to provide a continuous survey of a wide area of theelectromagnetic spectrum. (Armada/EHB)

int satellite payloads, leave the airbornesigint duty to its allies?

Drone BaseSigint systems based on drones also havetheir advocates, thanks to payload minia-

Two components ofthe electronicwarfare Heron arethe EL/K-7071comint gear (left)and the EL/M-2055radar, bothdeveloped by EltaSystems.(Armada/JK)

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Convoy operations and other logistics missions could be the first use of largerobots. However, the role of remote-controlled armed robots able to look andshoot ‘around the corner’ in dangerous urban environment situations may soongain momentum.

Ian Kemp

T he Multifunctional Utility/Logisticsand Equipment (Mule) being devel-oped by Lockheed Martin is one

component of the US Army’s recentlyterminated Future Combat Systems(FCS) project, which is expected to bepulled through to the successor ArmyBrigade Combat Team Modernizationprogramme.

The US Department of Defense’sJoint Ground Robotics Enterprise identi-fies four broad mission sets for such vehi-cles: � force protection missions includingexplosive ordnance disposal, route clear-ance/demining/area clearance/mobility,fire fighting and decontamination� logistics including transportation, refu-el/resupply, battlefield medical applica-tions and humanitarian assistance� reconnaissance including perime-ter/site security and early warning, shortrange (around the corner), long range(outside weapons range) and chemicalbiological nuclear radiological and explo-sive sensing � direct contact with lethal effects andless-than-lethal effects.

The Mule is intended to perform ele-ments of each of these mission sets.

The Mule is comprised of four majorcomponents: a 6 x 6 Common MobilityPlatform, the ANS, a Centralized Con-troller and three mission equipment pack-ages. The mission equipment packagesenable three variants to be assembled: � the XM1217 Transport Mule (Mule-T)is designed to ‘carry about one tonne of

With a weight of 3.5 tonnes, all Mulevariants will be transportable by CH-47Chinook helicopter. The Mule featuresan advanced 6 x 6 independent articulat-ed suspension coupled to in-hub motorspowering each wheel which enables it toclimb a 1.5-metre step, cross a 1.5-metregap, traverse slopes greater than 40%,ford water to a depth of 1.25 metres andcross obstacles as high as half a metrewhile compensating for varying payloadweights.

General Dynamics Robotic Systems isleading the development of theAutonomous Navigation System (ANS),which will perform the driving navigationfunction. A smart navigation system is thekey element of a robot if it wants to be trulyautonomous, as it will have to carry out thebrainwork to understand the surroundingsand plot a course accordingly.

The navigation system has been testedin a series of Robotic Convoy Experi-ments (RCX) beginning with Phase I

Robots

Appropriate task for aMule: bear loads

equipment and rucksacks for dismountedinfantry squads with the mobility neededto follow squads in complex terrain’. Itwill be used for casualty evacuation� the XM1218 Countermine (Mule-CM)variant will be equipped with the GroundStandoff Mine Detection System(GStamids) enabling it to detect and neu-tralise mines and mark cleared lanesthrough minefields� the XM1219 Armed Robotic Ve-hicle – Assault-Light (ARV-A-L) will be equipped with a reconnaissance, sur-veillance and target acquisition packageand armed with a small-calibre gun andfour Javelin missiles to support dis-mounted infantry units.

Lockheed Martin’s Multifunctional Utility/Logistics and Equipment (Mule) unmannedground vehicle is being developed in three variants: XM1219 Armed Robotic Vehicle –Assault-Light (left), XM1218 Countermine (centre) and XM1217 Transport Mule (right).Prototypes will be delivered from 2011. (Lockheed Martin)


Robots

conducted in August 2007 at White SandsMissile Range, New Mexico. This wasdesigned to ‘test basic robotic convoyfunctionality and accuracy with obstacledetection and avoidance technology’. Thetest vehicles were a General DynamicsStryker Infantry Carrier Vehicle and anLMTV. During the trials the vehicleswere driven in tele-operation mode andalso navigated independent of soldiercontrol. Phase II of the RCX was con-ducted in mid-2008.

The army is scheduled to deliver thefirst of 16 prototypes – five Mule-Ts, sixARV-A-Ls and five Mule-CMs – in mid-2011 for testing scheduled to continueuntil 2013.

General Dynamics, in collaborationwith the US Army Research Laboratory,has developed the 4 x 4 TacticalAutonomous Combat-Chassis (Tac-C)which is designed to be driven by a sol-dier or programmed to operateautonomously. The Tac-C has beendesigned to have the speed and perform-ance of an off-road vehicle. A high per-formance turbo-charged diesel enablesthe Tac-C to achieve speeds of up to 128km/h when manned and 56 km/h cross-country and up to 88 km/h on roads in theautonomous mode. The vehicle can carrya payload of 900 kg. Initial trials havefocused on such roles as cargo carrier andmedical evacuation. Further develop-ment could see an assault variant

equipped with a reconnaissance mast, anautomatic-loading 60-mm mortar and adirect fire weapon such as a 12.7-mmheavy machine gun.

In late 2008 General Dynamicsreceived a contract from the US Special

technology in convoy missions, such asthe 26 January 2009 CooperativeResearch and Development Agreement(Crada) between Tardec and OshkoshDefense. The starting point is Oshkosh’sTerramax, which is based on the compa-ny’s 4 x 4 Marine Tactical VehicleReplacement logistics vehicle. This fea-tures the company’s Command Zonedrive-by-wire technology which allowscomputer-controlled steering and directelectronic control of the acceleration,braking and transmission systems. TheTerramax features a lidar (light detectionand ranging) system, camera-basedvision and a GPS/IMU system for opera-tion and navigation purposes. The Terra-max participated in the Darpa’s 2004 and2005 Grand Challenge events and the2007 Urban Challenge, and significantly,was the only purpose-designed militarylogistics platform to participate in theseevents. The Terramax was one of only

The Israel Defense Force is evaluating the G-Nius Unmanned Ground SystemsGuardium for border patrol duty and other force protection functions. (Elbit)

A Lockheed Martin Squad Mission Support System follows a US Army infantry squadduring the Army Expeditionary Warrior Experiment Spiral E at Fort Benning, Georgiain late 2008. (Lockheed Martin)

Oshkosh’s TerraMax,seen here duringDarpa’s 2007 UrbanChallenge, is basedon the company’s 4 x4 MTVR logisticsvehicle. Oshkosh hasreceived contractsfrom the US Army andUS Marine Corps toexploit thistechnology. (Oshkosh)

four vehicles to successfully complete the2005 course.

The Crada covers a three-year collab-orative effort to integrate the ConvoyActive Safety Technology (Cast) surro-gate system onto the Terramax to ‘createa lead vehicle that can navigate and oper-ate in missions, while communicatingroute information to another unmannedfollower vehicle’. All vehicles in the con-voy must be capable of safe ‘near-autonomous’ operations among vehicles,people, animals and other obstacles atoperational speeds and in tactical envi-ronments. Oshkosh will also provide non-proprietary platform information toassist in the integration of Cast technolo-gy into the Heavy Expanded MobilityTactical Truck (HEMTT), the HeavyEquipment Transporter (Het) and othervehicles that it supplies to the US Army.At the US Army Tactical Wheeled Vehi-cle Component Technology Demonstra-tions in Yuma, Arizona in January 2006,Oshkosh demonstrated the transition oftechnology from the Terramax to a Pal-letized Load System (PLS). The PLS,which features an onboard load handlingsystem and a 16.5-tonne payload, isdesigned to transport containers carryingammunition and other critical supplies orlarge tanks holding fuel or water.

In a parallel effort, Oshkoshannounced in March that the US Naval

Operations Command to supply theCombat Autonomous Mobility System(Cams) already demonstrated in the Tac-C to support a Joint Capability Technolo-gy Demonstration.

Automated ConvoyBoth the army and US Marine Corps arefunding a range of technology initiativesto explore the potential for using robotic

Surface Warfare Center is sponsoring acollaborative project to develop andevaluate potential uses of the Terramaxas a Roboticized-MTVR in different mis-sion-specific scenarios.

Tardec is managing the Cast pro-gramme, which is intended to develop alow-cost robotic convoy capability forcurrent force tactical wheeled vehicles.Tardec has set a target cost of a roboticretrofit kit for under $ 20,000 per vehicle.The technology was publicly demonstrat-ed integrated onto two BAE FMTVlogistics trucks during the WarfigherExperiment I, held at Fort A P Hill, Vir-ginia in October 2007. The Cast systemdoes not remove the driver from a vehi-cle. Instead it enables drivers behind thelead vehicle in a convoy to switch to arobotic mode, which allows the driver toconcentrate on situational awarenesssuch as roadside bombs and other threats.In the demonstration the two trucks werefitted with a global positioning system, asensor package consisting of two laser

detection and ranging sensors, an adap-tive cruise control millimetre wave radarwith two colour cameras, a communica-tion link and an operator’s control boxwith on, off, follower and leader buttons.In the ‘follower’ mode the system main-tains a set distance between vehicles. Thegoal is for convoys to operate at speeds ofbetween 60 and 100 km/h on dirt roads.As rear-end collisions are one of the lead-ing causes of convoy ‘breakdowns’ onoperations it is intended that the Cast sys-tem will also improve safety.

Israel’s Guardium In mid-2008 the Israel Defense Forcereceived its first Guardium for evaluationand the system has since entered service.The Guardium was developed by G-Nius,a joint venture formed by Elbit Systemsand Israel Aerospace Industries. TheIsrael Airport Authority is evaluating theGuardium for possible use as part of itsairport security system. The Guardium is

based on the 4 x 4 Tomcar light all-terrainvehicle that is used by the Israel DefenseForces and Israeli Border Police and can carry a payload of up to 300 kg,including a light armour shield to protectvital systems. It can carry a wide varietyof sensors, including video and thermalcameras, with auto-target acquisition and capture, microphones, loudspeakersand a two-way radio. The Guardium can also be equipped with lethal wea-pons such as a machine gun or less-than-lethal weapons. The 80-km/h-top-speedvehicle features autonomous operationallowing for precise steering across pre-defined routes programmed in itsmission profile. Any weapon system thatmight be fitted is directed and fired by operators in the main control centre,who can also opt to drive the vehicle byremote control. Possible uses for theGuardium include perimeter and con-voy security, surveillance and reconnais-sance, communications relay, armedaction and logistics.

The Wiesel’s rear end compartment carries the ‘garage’ of the Telemax, which, onceon the ground, deploys its variable configuration tracks. It is here seen carrying acamera. (Armada/EHB)

The Wiesel 2Systronic is part of Rheinmetall’s‘Move-It’demonstrationprogramme. Itserves as theremote controlstation of theTelemax robot andAir-Robot, but canitself be remote-controlled. Three ofits cameras can beclearly seen on thenose of the vehicle.(Armada/EHB)

The curious structure on the ‘bonnet’ ofthe Wiesel 2 serves as a take-off padfor this miniature quadruple-rotor drone known as the Air Vehicle.(Armada/EHB)

Rheinmetall’s Move-It More focused on urban environments,one of Rheinmetall’s field of researchwork involves the use of a Wiesel 2 asbase platform for its ‘Move-It’ systronicdemonstration programme. The vehiclecarries a rear-mounted, radio-controlled,rubber-tracked Telemax robot thatdeploys without requiring its operator to dismount, as well as a quadruple-rotorAir-Robot drone that uses the Wiesel 2Digital’s ‘bonnet’ as take-off pad. Themain objective of the two-man crewWiesel 2 Digital is to allow a squad toexplore the vicinity of the vehicle beforeengaging itself into a hazardous area orstreet. Should the ground or airbornescouts not suffice to clear the path ahead,and knowing that an armoured vehicle isa target of choice for adequately-armedinsurgents, the crew can dismount andremote-control the Wiesel 2 itself whilstremaining under concealed cover. TheWiesel is equipped with three nose-mounted cameras and one mast-mount-ed camera while onboard control and dis-play systems are also used to analysepictures provided by the Air-Robot orthe Telemax. a

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Unmanned aircraft are becoming America’s strike system of choice, not only indealing with fleeting counterinsurgency targets, but also in actions of dubious legality, where the use of conventional aircraft could have worse political consequences. Their success has been a major factor in limiting US Air Force purchases of fifth-generation fighters.

Roy Braybrook

L ightweight air-to-surface missilesnow under development will openthe ground-attack role to far greater

numbers of drone platforms. This in turnwill pave the way for heavier, stealthy,dedicated unmanned combat air vehicles(Ucavs).

HistoryThe first armed projects were America’sWWII radio-controlled bombers: the USArmy Air Force’s Operation Aphroditeusing Boeing B-17s, and the US Navy’s

began combining the 1040-kg GeneralAtomics MQ-1L Predator-A and the 48-kg laser spot-homing Lockheed Martin AGM-114 Hellfire missile.

The first armed Predator sortie overAfghanistan took place on 7 October 2001.The first operational strike oc curred on 4February 2002, when a convoy of light 4 x 4swas attacked. First use in the close supportrole occurred on 4 March 2002 during Ope -ration Anaconda, when a mountaintop AlQaeda gun emplacement (which had sur-vived attacks by Boeing F-15Es and Lock-heed Martin F-16s) was destroyed.

Another strike, also by the CIA’s Special Activities Division, followed in Yemen on 3 November 2002. In thiscase the MQ-1L operated from Djibouti,where Camp Lemonier now serves as the main US base for counter-terroristoperations in the Horn of Africa.

US Air Force drones carried out 112 such attacks over Iraq andAfghanistan in 2007. Its Predator-A andGeneral Atomics MQ-9 Predator-B, whichthe service named Reaper, fired Hellfiresduring 132 operational sorties in 2008. Fir-ings averaged only one sortie in 45.

Unpublicised are the correspondingfigures for the CIA, which – judging by theagency’s avtur (JP4 and F34) fuel deliveryinvoices – is operating Predator-Bs fromShahbaz and Shamsi in Baluchistan (Pak-istan) for in-country strikes against AlQaeda and Taliban targets. In the sameregion, the CIA may also be using airfieldsat Bandari, Dalbandin and Pasni.

It may be noted that the 4763-kgReaper is cleared not only for Hellfirebut also for the much heavier GBU-12Paveway II, GBU-38 Jdam and GBU-49Enhanced Paveway II, based on 227-kg(class) warheads.

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edThe Northrop Grumman GBU-44/B Viper Strike has beenused in Iraq on the same company’s MQ-5B Hunter

Project Anvil with Consolidated PB4Ys.Neither programme was successful.

Armed drones next appeared at thetime of the Vietnam War. The US AirForce carried out weapons trials with theRyan AQM-34 Firebee, and the US Navyemployed the torpedo-carrying Gyro-dyne QH-50C/D Dash helicopter for several years.

Current ApplicationsUnarmed lightweight drones developedin Israel in the 1970s inspired America to develop much larger designs, capableof carrying off-the-shelf air-to-surfacemissiles. In February 2001, weapons trials

The US Navy’s Spike missile is illustrated during trials on the Lew Aerospace Inventus-E drone, which has a gross weight of only 13.6 kg and a maximum payloadof 4.1 kg. (Lew Aerospace)


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Lighter WeaponsThe $ 70,000 Hellfire was designed forlong-range supersonic precision attackson heavily armoured vehicles, and is anexpensive overkill in many contempo-rary engagements. In addition, its war-head produces collateral effects that arenot always desired.

The weight of the Hellfire restricts itscarriage to relatively large drones, repre-senting only a small fraction of the USfleet.The Air Force global total for Pred-ators and Reapers is less than 150, where-as the American services have over 6000smaller drones in southwest Asia alone.Other drones suitable size-wise for theHellfire weight category include the 4650-kg IAI Heron TP, the 1650-kg Elbit Sys-tems Hermes 1500, the 1633-kg GeneralAtomics MQ-1C Sky Warrior, the 1430-kgNorthrop Grumman MQ-8B Fire Scout,the 1300-kg ATS Smart Eye, the 1150-kgIAI Heron1, the Boeing Hummingbird A160T and the 970-kg Elbit Hermes 900.New projects are exemplified by the 1815-kg Aurora Flight Sciences Excalibur, thetwin-engined BAE Systems Mantis andIndia’s Aeronautical DevelopmentEstablishment Rustam.

At Airshow China in late 2008, ChinaAerospace Sciences & Technology(CASC) showed a model of the 630-kgcanard configuration CH-3 drone withtwo AR-1 air-to-ground missiles, thoughtto be in the Hellfire weight class.

Lighter missiles such as the 33-kgfibre-optic guided Rafael Spike-ER canextend carriage to drones such as the 630-kg ATS Noble, the 550-kg Elbit Hermes450, the 492-kg Saic Vigilante, the 350-kg

Sagem Sperwer Mk II, the 210-kg Aero-nautics Defense Systems Aerostar, the200-kg Schiebel Camcopter S-100, the170-kg AAI RQ-7B Shadow 200 and the147-kg DRS Sentry.

Extremely light weapons such as the 2.4-kg Spike (developed by the USNaval Air Warfare Center) might armplatforms such as the 82-kg LockheedMartin Sky Spirit, the 77-kg Raytheon(formerly the Swift Engineering) KillerBee-4 and the 43-kg Elbit Skylark II.Warloads studied earlier for the KillerBee included the Mk 32 40-mm grenadelauncher, LE Systems’ laser eye dazzler,

A light launch weight implies a smallwarhead, but this would be acceptable formost targets in America’s current opera-tions. Such a warhead would also restrictcollateral effects, making the launch deci-sion easier.

Lightweight drone-launched missileswill bring close air support under thedirect control of forward army units,rather than involving a chain of com-mand back to brigade level.

Guided RocketsLaser guidance and control kits for theGeneral Dynamics Hydra 70 and BristolAerospace CRV-7 series are being de -veloped. Notable examples include BAE Systems’ Advanced Precision KillWeapon System-II (APKWS-II) andLockheed Martin’s Direct Attack Guid-ed Rocket (Dagr).

A team combining Alliant Techsys-tems (ATK) and Elbit Systems is devel-oping the 70-mm Guided Advanced Tactical Rocket (Gatr). In 2008 Raytheonwas awarded a contract by the UnitedArab Emirates to work with EmiratesAdvanced Instruments (EAI) in develop-ing the Talon laser-guided Hydra 70.

The NorthropGrumman X-47B,shown here inmock-up form, isthe world’s leadingstealthy Ucav. Firstflight is scheduledfor 11 November2009, and the firstUS Navy carriertrials are due in2011.(Armada/RB)

and American Technology’s Long RangeAcoustic Device.

It is anticipated that guided munitionsdelivery by the US Navy/Marine CorpsStuas/Tier II will be required at a laterstage. Various drones in the 40-to-80-kgclass are proposed. (In this programmeNorthrop Grumman has licensed the Batseries to Raytheon).

Of the above, the leading example isprobably the BAE Systems APKWS-II,which is now in the system developmentand demonstration phase. Since late 2008it has been directed by the US Navy, tak-ing over from the US Army. It is antici-pated that production will begin at theend of 2009, primarily for the US MarineCorps Bell AH-1W.

Turkey’s Rocketsan is meanwhiledeveloping the all-new Cirit 70-mm rock-et with laser guidance, initially for theAgustaWestland T-129 attack helicopter.Tests firings are scheduled for later in 2009followed by production start in 2010.

Whereas these laser-guided rocketsrequire target designation to continuethroughout missile flight, the US Navy’sLow-Cost Guided Imaging Rocket(Logir), being jointly developed withSouth Korea, will provide a true fire-and-forget weapon.

It is being suggested that the conven-tional warhead of a 70-mm rocket may beaugmented by an electromagnetic pulse(EMP) damage mechanism. Even if thetargeted tank were not penetrated, it wouldthen have no ignition or electronics.

Developed with company funds, the turbofan-powered General Atomics Predator-CAvenger is the latest in the series, combining quick response, reduced signature andthe warload of the Predator-B. (General Atomics)

Lockheed Martin’sDirect Attack GuidedRocket (Dagr) has anose-mounted laserseeker, rather thanBAE Systems’ APKWS-II arrangement of small sensors on thefour canards.(Lockheed Martin)

In the context of guidance and controlkits for existing ordnance, it may be notedthat GPS-guided mortar bombs are beingdeveloped by General Dynamics (81 mm,4.5 kg) and ATK (120 mm, 17.7 kg).

Viper StrikeFollowing the Hellfire AGM-114P (withexpanded seeker travel to suit mediumlevel firings), the next major US dronearmament development has been the 20-kg Northrop Grumman GBU-44/B ViperStrike, a laser-guided derivative of theBat unpowered acoustic-homing anti-armour submunition.

The Viper Strike has been employedby the US Army in Iraq, using as platformthe 816-kg Northrop Grumman MQ-5BHunter. The first strike occurred on 1September 2007, when personnel of theUnmanned Aerial Surveillance Compa-ny of the 25th Infantry Division attackedinsurgents planting a roadside bomb nearQayyarah.

The missile is carried in a tube and isejected forwards following release of thetube from the drone.The manufacturer isreportedly trying to reduce the weight ofthe missile to 11.3 kg, to make it suitablefor the 168-kg AAI RQ-7B Shadow 200.The Viper Strike is also being supportedby the US Air Force Special OperationsCommand as armament for the Lock-heed Martin AC-130. Designated SpecialOperations Precision Guided Munition(Sopgm), this development employsGPS/INS for mid-course guidance.

In a slightly lighter category, Raytheonis exploiting its experience with theFGM-148 Javelin anti-armour missile andErgm guided artillery round to develop a20-kg air-launched weapon named Grif-

fin. Some observers suspect that the CIAhas funded this development.

Thales is developing the 12.7-kg Light-weight Multirole Missile (LMM) for droneapplications. It could be in service as earlyas 2011.A later version will have a wing kitto extend range to 20 km.

The US Army’s longer-term plans forthe Sky Warrior and Fire Scout include ananti-radiation missile to attack the GCSof enemy drones, and a family of urbanwarfare air-to-surface missiles weighingonly 0.9 kg.

modules of the GIWS (Rheinmetall/Diehl)Smart 155 artillery round.

Fighter DronesThe armed drones so far discussed arebasically sensor platforms that have vary-ing levels of ground-attack capability.Such aircraft have achieved considerablesignificance in recent years, but wouldsuffer heavy losses if faced by an inte-grated air-defence system.

If conventional aircraft are to operateover the latest access-denial systems withtolerable attrition rates, these grounddefences must be reduced in effectivenessby newer airborne assets, probably com-bining cruise missiles, ballistic missiles andUcavs (dedicated fighter drones).

Weapon tests paving the way forUcavs have included the release of a Mk82 bomb from Northrop Grumman’sScaled Composites Proteus demonstra-tor in March 2005. In January 2008 the US Air Force carried out a firing of a 363-kg Raytheon Harm missile from aQF-4 Phantom drone.

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ed Russia appears tobe following the US pattern forUnmanned CombatAir Vehicles, theRAC-MiG Skatmock-up unveiled at Maks 2007looking much likethe Boeing X-45project. (RAC-MiG)

Another weaponthat would lenditself to armingdrones is the IAIanti-armour Lahat,as evidenced bythis quad pack(normally forhelicopters) underthe wing of aHeron TP at the2007 Paris AirShow.(Armada/EHB)

More SubmunitionsLightweight anti-armour missiles alreadyexist in the form of guided submunitions.One of the leaders in this field is TextronSystems, which produces the 3.4-kgSkeet.This is dispensed spinning from the29-kg four-round BLU-108/B, to providean inward-spiralling ground-scan with itsinfrared sensor, which detonates the self-forging warhead. One derivative is the4.5-kg STS (Selectively-Targeted Skeet),which has a Samara Wing and tangentialrockets to provide the necessary spin.

A recent development in submunitionsis Textron’s 29-kg Alternate Payload -Bomb Live Unit (AP-BLU), an unguidedcylindrical fragmentation warhead that inthe case of manned aircraft is dispensedfrom the GPS/INS-guided ten-round 450-kg Clean Area Weapon (Claw).

For drones a single BLU-108 or AP-BLU (or five STS in tandem) can be car-ried in Textron’s new Universal AerialDelivery Dispenser, which is GPS guidedand has an empty weight of 18.2 kg. Thesubmunitions are ejected axially forwards,breaking off the dispenser’s nosecap.

Other submunitions include the 6.5-kgBofors Defence/Nexter Bonus and the twin

The first production Ucav is likely tobe General Atomics’ jet-powered Preda-tor-C or Avenger, which first flew on 4April 2009. The Avenger has a Pratt &Whitney Canada PW545B turbofan, areduced radar signature, a foldable wingand an internal weapons bay for 120-kgclass guided bombs.

The US Navy’s Ucav-D programme,based on the 20,200-kg Northrop Grum-man X-47B demonstrator, was launchedin August 2007. The first of two air vehicles is due to fly on 11 November2009, followed by the second around one month later. Carrier trials are sched-uled for 2011. If successful, the X-47Bcould provide the US Navy with anunmanned option for an ‘F/A-XX’around 2025.

The industries of France, Germany,Italy, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland areco-operating on the Dassault-led Neuronprogramme, the drone of which is due tofly in late 2011. Russia is developing its own combat drone in the form of the RAC-MiG Skat (Skate), which was unveiled at Maks 2007. At Zhuhai in2008 China showed models of two proj-ects: the Warrior Eagle and ShenyangDark Sword. a

The Thales Lightweight MultiroleMissile (LMM) is shown mounted onthe BAE Systems Fury drone, an armedreconnaissance and close supportderivative of the company’s Hertisensor platform. (BAE Systems)



The rise of the ship-based anti-aircraft, anti-surface and land-attack missile followed the initial development of missile technology by Germany duringWorld War Two. It was said that the birth of the missile heralded the death ofthe naval gun. Gone were the days of warships smashing each other to pieceswith their shells; the post-war years’ developments allowed naval combatantsto prosecute their aircraft, land and enemy shipping targets from stand-offranges with high-speed missiles.

Thomas Withington

N aval guns remained on ships, buttheir calibres steadily reducedfrom the Mk VII 16-inch guns

used by the US Navy’s Iowa class battle-ships (although these vessels remained in service until after the end of the ColdWar and did use their guns in anger dur-ing the Cold War period). Naval guns stillhad a place in post-war naval tactics, butwere primarily intended for shore bom-bardment, anti-aircraft fire and close-inde fence against aircraft and missiles.However, eighteen years after the lastgun onboard the USS Missouri fell silentafter bombarding Iraqi coastal positionsin Ku wait during Operation DesertStorm, the naval gun is enjoying a renais-sance.

While no-one would seriously suggestthat the anti-ship missile is about to bereplaced by the heavy gun in this role, the need to attack coastal targets in sup-port of amphibious operations, to engagesmall vessels like pirate boats or drugsmugglers and the requirement to defenda vessel against ever more sophisticatedmissiles, aircraft and waterborne terrorist

netic rail guns which could significantlyimprove range and striking power.

BAE Systems provides an impressivespread of naval barrelled weapons acrossa range of calibres, including the Mk 38Mod 2 Minor Calibre 25 mm. The typecan engage small boats and fast surfacetargets and uses the Rafael Mk 25 Typhoonweapon system (see below) and theAlliant Techsystems M242 Bushmastergun. The Bushmaster’s rate-of-fire is 180rounds per minute (rds/min) and it has arange of 1.3 nautical miles (nm). Also inthe BAE Systems stable are the Bofors 40 Mk 3 and Bofors 57 Mk 3. Reachingout to seven nm in the case of the Bofors40 with 40 mm rounds, this weapon has a rate of fire of 220 rds/min, with theBofors 57 57-mm firing 200 rds/min at arange of eight nm. The Bofors 57 has beenselected for the Bertholf class NationalSecurity Cutters operated by the UnitedStates Coast Guard (USCG).

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The Oto Melara 76/62 Super Rapid iscapable of 120 rds/min sustained fire

threats mean that the naval gun is still an indispensable weapon on warshipdecks. Customers have a range of small-(7.62 mm to 40 mm), medium- (40 to 76 mm) and heavy- (above 76 mm) calibreweapons to choose from to engage smallboats, missiles and low-flying aircraft, in thecase of the small-calibre weapons, plusland-based hard targets and enemy landforces with the medium and heavy-calibreweapons. Moreover, future innovationscould see the development of electro-mag-

BAE Systems hasdelivered over 90Mk 38 Mod 2Stabilized MinorCalibre Gunsworldwide. Integralto the weapon is theRafael Mk 25Typhoon weaponsystem. The gun canalso be remotelycommanded from aship’s CombatInformation Center.(BAE Systems)

Although in nowhere near the usage ofsmall- and medium-calibre weapons,heavy-calibre guns are used by severalnavies. BAE Systems’ Mk 45 Mod 4 127mm outfits the Flight-8A Arleigh Burkeclass destroyers, with the Mod 2 versionbeing deployed on the Ticonderoga classguided missile cruisers operated by the USNavy (although these vessels are beingretrofitted with the Mod 4 version, whichhas a longer barrel). BAE Systems alsooffers the Advanced Gun System (AGS)which is scheduled to equip the Zumwaltclass guided missile destroyers to providea 155 mm weapon capable of firing tenrds/min with a range of 64 nm.

EuropeBritain’s MSI Defence Systems buildssmall-calibre systems such as the DS25/3030-mm weapon. This is being installed onthe Royal Navy’s Type-23 Duke classfrigates. The DS25/30 has a reduced radarand infrared signature and gyro-stabilisa-

Mk 30-1/2, Millenium 35 mm and the 155mm Monarc concept demonstrator (anaval adaptation of the PzH 2000 how-itzer turret). The company’s Mk 20 DM5Automatic Cannon is the armament forthe S20 Pintle Mount which is ideal forsmall vessels given that the weapon haslow recoil. The MLG 25, meanwhile, has anon-deck penetrating design that freesup the number of locations where thisweapon can be mounted and is ideal forall sizes of surface combatant.

Rheinmetall’s MLG 27 weapon canengage shore, land and air targets and beused as secondary armament on large ves-sels or as the primary on smaller craft. Interms of the weapon’s range, it can hit sur-face targets at 2.1 nm and aerial targets at1.3 nm. As regards small calibre weapons,


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One of Nexter’smost recent navalweapon systems is the Narwhal,which has beenordered by Kuwait.The day-and-nightgyro-stabilisedremotely controlledsystem is based onthe company’s well-proven 20 mmgun technology.(Nexter)

Claimed by BAESystems to be themost compact navalgun of its kind inthe world, thecompany has soldthe Mk 45 Mod 4to the US Navy andnine other forces.(BAE Systems)

the company’s MLG 30 uses air-burstammunition and can reach similar rangesto the MLG 27. Finally, with a 1000 rds/minrate-of-fire, the company’s Millennium 35mm naval gun has a range of up to 2.7 nm.Single- and twin-mount weapons pro-duced by Rheinmetall include the Mk 30-1, which has a 1.6 nm range while thetwin-barrelled Mk 30-2 has what the com-pany claims is the highest rate of fire for a30 x 173 mm calibre weapon.

At the heavier end of the spectrum is Rheinmetall’s 155 mm Monarc system,which was co-developed with Krauss-Maffei Wegmann, Thales Nederland andThyssenKrupp Marine Systems. The

Kuwait has also become a customerfor the Rheinmetall 27 mm MLG 27Mauser Light Gun system, which wasinstalled as part of the coast guard’s purchase of VT Halter Marine’s Mk V-Cfast interception boats. This represented

tion. Nexter Systems builds the NavalRemote Weapon Highly Accurate Light-weight-20A gun mounting, a.k.a Narwhal-20A, which can carry an array of guns.These include Nexter’s M621 20 mm, theDCNS/Nexter M693 20 mm, MS11 25 mmor the Nexter M781 30 mm weapons. Testsof the Narwhal have been completed onthe Subahi class patrol vessels operated bythe Kuwaiti Coast Guard.

the first international sale for the weaponwhich had, up until then, only been usedby the Deutsche Marine (German Navy).The MLG 27 Mauser is designed tobridge the gap between 20 mm and larg-er 40 mm systems. Like BAE Systems,Rheinmetall produces a range of navalbarrelled weapons including the S20 Pintle Mount, 20 mm Mk 20 DM5, 25 mmMLG 25, 30 mm MLG 30, 30 mm

Like Nexter’s Narwhal, Rheinmetall’sMLG 27 relies on existing airbornegun applications, namely the Mauser27 mm. It fires, inter alia, specificallydeveloped frangible rounds.(Rheinmetall)

The Advanced GunSystem producedby BAE Systems isdesigned as a nextgeneration heavy-calibre weapon forUS Navy and USMarine Corps ope -rations in littoraland coastalregions. The gunhas an automaticmunitions handlingsystem. (BAE Systems)

rationale behind the Monarc was todevelop a system that could use the gunturret from a PzH2000 self-propelledhowitzer, but which could be mounted ona ship and would have a range of 21.5 nm.The weapon was originally to have outfit-ted the F-125 class frigates, although theintegration of the weapon reportedlyproved difficult and instead the OtoMelara 127/64 Light Weight Gun Mount(see below) was selected.

Oto MelaraAlong with Rheinmetall, BAE Systems,Nexter and MSI Defence, Europe’s othermajor naval gun producer is Italy’s OtoMelara. The small-calibre weapons in -clude the 12.7 mm Mod 517 gun and theM584 Modular Gun System which offersa choice of Oerlikon Contraves or ATKM242 Bushmaster 1 for the 25 mm fit, orthe Mauser Mk 30-2 or ATK Mk 44 Bush-master 2 as 30 mm armament. A similarmodular approach has been employedfor the company’s Marlin-WS 30 mmgun, which was selected for the Hollandclass support ships of the KoninklijkeMarine (Royal Netherlands Navy) withinstallation earmarked for completion by2011. With a 450 rds/min rate-of-fire, OtoMelara’s Single Fast Forty Multi-purposeNaval Gun Mount is designed to engagesurface vessels and aircraft, while the Sin-gle-30 30 mm weapon offers a rate of fireof 700 rds/min and a choice of a 25 mmgun if desired by the customer.

At the heavier end, Oto Melara’s Twin40L70 Compact Naval Gun Mount candispense up to 600 rds/min, with theoption to increase the rate of fire to 900rds/min with the installation of a pair ofSingle Fast Forty guns. The Twin 40L70 hasproven very popular and has been sold to20 navies. Also able to hit surface and airthreats is the 76-mm 76/62 Compact NavalGun Mount which, the company says, canbe installed on any type of surface vesseland can fire 100 rds/min. The 76/62 SuperRapid version has been selected to equipthe Aquitaine class Fremm multi-purposefrigates of the Marine Natio nale (FrenchNavy). This version will feature a low-observable gun cupola, the first of which


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eapons gun for Germany’s F-125 frigates. This

takes the form of the 127-mm 127/64 LightWeight Naval Gun Mount. The weaponhas a range of up to 54 nm and comple-ments the company’s 127/54 Com pact GunMount designed for destroyers andfrigates. It is worth noting that the F-125vessels are also outfitted with OtoMelara’s Hitrole 12.7-mm remote-con-trolled gun turrets, which have an extend-ed depression capability enabling the gunsto hit targets at very close range.

Self DefenceAlthough producing a small-calibre pro -duct, Raytheon has nevertheless carvedout an impressive niche supplying itsfamous Phalanx Close-In Weapon Sys-tem. Since the type’s debut in 1980, over850 examples have sold across the worldto 21 countries. The Phalanx can deliver adevastating 4500 rds/min which can turnan anti-ship missile sized target into littlemore than dead metal. The Block 1Bupgrade for the weapon was initiated in2005 and adds the ATK 20 mm Mk 244Enhanced Lethality Cartridge to the gun,along with a new search-and-track radar,a flir system and improvements to theweapon’s barrel life.

BAE Systems selected RafaelAdvanced Defence Systems’ Mk 25Typhoon Naval Stabilised Weapons Sta-tion for its Mk 38 Mod 2 gun. The Mk 25Typhoon is in turn based on the OWS-25Overhead Weapons Station that Rafaeldeveloped for the Achzarit, Puma andM113A2 Ultra armoured vehicles usedby the Tzva HaHagana LeYisra'el (IsraelDefense Force). As a naval system, theMk 25 Typhoon has been sold to Aus-tralia, Greece, India, Singapore and SriLanka. It has also been purchased by theHeil HaYam HaYisraeli (Israeli SeaCorps).

Denel produces the 35DPG 35-mmgun, which has a range of 2.15 nm and 3.2nm against air and sea threats respective-ly. The weapon outfits the South AfricanNavy’s Valour class frigates. Kongsberg ofNorway also produces a small-calibresystem in the shape of the Sea Protector,which includes a 12.7-mm Browning M2

Rheinmetall’sMillennium 35 mmNaval Gun Systemis the only medium-calibre naval gunwhich is capable ofattacking fastmoving air threatsat ranges of up to2.4 nm, accordingto the company.(Armada/TW)

Oto Melara’s Marlin-WS has theoption for either 25 or 30 mmammunition. The modular constructiongives customers a flexible design andthe weapon can also be linked to acustomer-specified electro-opticalsystem. (Oto Melara)

will be installed in 2009 with the secondfollowing in 2011, the remainder beingcompleted at five-month intervals.

As mentioned above, Oto Melarasecured the contract to produce the main

One of the mostfamous navalbarrelled self-protection weaponsis the RaytheonPhalanx. Belchingout over 4000rds/min, the gungives excellent pro -tection againstincoming threatssuch as anti-shipmissiles. (Raytheon)

and M240 7.62-mm machine gun, both ofwhich are positioned on a stabilisedmount that absorbs the weapon’s recoil.Thales Nederland, for its part, producesthe Goalkeeper system, which can fire upto 4200 rds/min against anti-ship missilesout to just beyond one nautical mile.However, with a weight of 9902 kg and2.5 metres of deck penetration, the Goal-keeper is primarily designed for largerships.

Rationalising RoundsThe Royal Navy is currently in the mar-ket for a 155 mm heavy weapon and hascommissioned the Centre for Opera-tional Research and Defence Analysis(Corda) at BAE Systems to study theoptions. The centre is examining the fea-sibility of using the 155 mm shells of theBritish Army’s AS90 self-propelled how-itzer as part of the Future Coastal Sup-pression Concept Study. The rationalebehind the employment of 155-mmammunition is not only to provide theRoyal Navy with more striking power,but also to slim down the navy’s logisticalburden by allowing a common munitionto be used by the heavy armament ofboth services. The aim is to integrate the155-mm shell with the Mk 8 Mod 1 gunmount currently used by the Royal Navyon its destroyers and frigates. Test-firingsare expected this year.

The US Navy, meanwhile, is also look-ing towards acquiring new munition toequip its guns and BAE Systems has part-nered with Lockheed Martin to developthe 127-mm Long Range Land AttackProjectile for the Advanced Gun System(see above). To this end, the efforts ofboth companies have thus far yielded a

Electromagnetic GunsThe US Navy may choose to abandon tra-ditional gun designs altogether in favour ofan electro-magnetic weapon that couldaccelerate a shell to speeds of up to Machseven. The Electro-Magnetic Rail Gun(EMRG) initiative calls for the develop-ment of a gun that could fire a shell to arange of around 188 nm using an electri-cally powered weapon. The destruction ofthe target would be realised with the sheerkinetic energy of the projectile. The gunwill use electro-magnets to give the shellan extremely high muzzle velocity, supply-ing the projectile with both its hittingpower and range. Aside from the reach andstrength of the weapon, one of the majoradvantages could be the elimination ofchemical propellants and explosives thatneed to be stored onboard warships.

However, there is much work to dobefore such weapons are ready for instal-lation on tomorrow’s US Navy surfacecombatants. The energy consumption ofthe EMRG is still quite large. As a com-parison, a test firing of a prototype land-


As well as thelarge- and medium-calibre naval guns,the US Navy stilluses smaller-calibreweapons forgeneral short rangedefence. Thisincludes equipmentlike the GatlingGAU-17A Minigun.(US Navy)

Kongsberg’s SeaProtector systemcan host a numberof different gunsand has beendesigned as aremote-controlledweapon station.The design is basedon Kongsberg’sM151 Protectorproduct used onGeneral DynamicsLand SystemsM1126 Strykervehicles.(Armada/TW)

based weapon at the US Naval SurfaceWarfare Center at Dahlgren, Virginia,accelerated the projectile to Mach Sevenwhich enabled the 90 mm shell to embeditself up to 20 metres into shipping con-tainers filled with sand. The US Navy islooking for the electromagnetic gun tohave a hitting power of around 64 mega-joules of energy, which is roughly theequivalent to a freight train travelling at96 km/h. Yet to reach such levels, the gunwould have to develop 120 megajoules,which would require around 40 gigawattsof electricity. As a comparison, a heatwave in Chicago in 1995 required thegeneration of 19 gigawatts of electricityto keep the city’s air conditioning sys-tems working. Such levels of power couldtask a ship’s electrical system to the limit.Moreover, moving shells at such highspeeds through the barrel could triggerits rapid degradation. These are seriouschallenges to overcome and yet the Navywants to be in a position to test a 110-nm-range gun in 2016, with a weapon readyto be fielded by 2025. The Navy envis-ages that the ERMG could then be retro-fitted onto older vessels. a

The future face ofdestruction: the USNavy’s Electro-Magnetic Rail Guncould deliver highlydestructive effectsover a very longrange. The weaponwould also eliminatethe need to store theexplosive propellantson a ship, which canconstitute a majorsafety hazard. (US Navy)

test flight of the projectile over a 59 nau-tical mile range. An integrated GlobalPositioning System/Inertial NavigationSystem ensures the accuracy of theround, which is reported to have a circu-lar error probable in the region of around50 metres.

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Tactical radios, battlespace computer networks, rugged laptops and tablet com-puters, wide-area networks at headquarters – essentially all communicationdevices require some sort of cryptographic protection. Conversely, a bevy ofhighly co-ordinated hackers, some even financed by rogue governments, arestanding at the ready to accept the challenge offered by what industry may viewas powerful encryption; and what the hackers view as mere child’s play.

Johnny Keggler

O n 1 April 2009 Elcomsoft, arguablythe US leader in password recov-ery software, reported a new dis-

covery in breaking cryptographic algo-rithms – with a shaman’s tambourine(http://www.elcomsoft.com/tambourine.html?r1=pr&r2=april1). While this maysound like some sort of joke (please notethe date) the company’s real products aretestament to how easy breaking intopassword-protected computers and doc-uments can be with legal off-the-shelfproducts.

To continue this thread, the same com-pany’s website blog mentions that newly-released open source hardware and soft-ware solution is available, «…for testingthe security level of one’s own wirelesskeyboard transmissions» or to ‘demon-strate’ sniffing attacks. The universal wire-less keyboard sniffer Keykeriki wasdesigned to be small and versatile, but with‘expandable’ capabilities. A keyboard snif-fer detects and records keystrokes.

Hackers aside for a moment, EltimaSoftware offers an over-the-counter, total-ly legal keystroke logging software pack-age called Power Keylogger. The companyinsists that this program, «secretly moni-tors and captures all keystrokes, mouseclicks, passwords, visited web-pages andlaunched applications; tracks received andsent e-mails and lots more».

this the fact that, purportedly, it takes onetrained user quietly parked in a secludedspot near an urban combat zone with oneof today’s highly advanced signal analyz-ers to jeopardize what was hithertobelieved to be a perfectly secure battle-field communication system.

Closing DoorsIn late 2008 Thales Australia developed anew cryptography team to provide arange of certified network encryption forhigh-security environments. This willinclude data security and key manage-ment, Layer 2 and 3 IP encryption andVoIP secure communication.

Nato has selected the Cryptel IP secureVPN (Virtual Private Network) fromThales as its standard IP cryptographic

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Lockheed Martin’s AEHF,will soon be relayiing

unbreakeable quantumcrypto messages

There are innumerable websites to befound that are dedicated to computerhacking, e.g., www.geniushackers.comprovides a list of the world’s top ten besthackers (the most respected).

Casual surfing has uncovered a whitepaper detailing how a group of three hack-ers from the University of Luxembourgconstructed a chosen-key distinguisherand a related-key attack on the full 256-bitkey AES encryption algorithm. Add to

The Sectra Tiger XSencryption productsprovide the NordicBattlegroup withsecure land-based andsatellite-routedcommunicationbetween commandcentres, vehicles anddismounted troops.The user interface wasdesigned in such away that the systemcan be operated as ifit were a cell phone.(Sectra)


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equipment. The company’s TCE 621/Band 621/C allow centralized security man-agement and cover Tempest AMSG 720Bprotocol. The Cryptel IP is certified to pro-tect data from French Secret and NorwayNSM High Grade classified to Nato Cos-mic Top Secret, and offers up to 100 Mbpsfull duplex data rate.

A VPN is essentially a computer net-work in which some links are carried bythird-party networks (usually the Inter-net). The VPN creates a ‘tunnel’ in whichcryptographic tunneling protocols pre-vent snooping or packet sniffing, authen-tication blocks any attempts at identityspoofing and can therefore provide mes-sage integrity.

In May 2009 the US Air Force award-ed a General Dynamics C4 Systems-ledteam, that includes SAIC, Ultra Electron-ics-Prologic and General Dynamics Infor-mation Technology, a $ 30 million, six-yearcontract to design and install the RemoteRekey Modernization programme, whichallows the remote, central management ofcryptographic keys for equipment located

Complex LocksAustria’s Mils Electronic provides one-time key (OTK) algorithms along with itsMils Block Cipher and optional AESencryption to its customers. The companycan deliver OTKs or more than 100 MBusing ‘true’ random noise generatorsthrough the M111 Security Controller chipof its Milscard – this length crypto keysounds most involved but Mils contendsthat to provide a truly unbreakable streamcipher encryption algorithm the key mustbe as long as the plain text, it must be trulyrandom and must be used only once.

The Advanced Encryption Standard isthe successor to the original DataEncryption Standard and was adopted in2001. These are both block cipher designs(as opposed to a stream cipher). AES wasdeveloped by two Belgian cryptogra-phers, Joan Daemen and Vincent Rijmen.

This image fromAustria’s MilsElectronic illustratesjust how complexupper-level echeloncommunicationsecurity can be. Averitable tower ofcryptographicequipment, USBencryption keysand networkconnections areoften required toensure messagetraffic protection.(Mils Electronic)

The Taclane-micro (KG-175D) from GeneralDynamics C4 Systemswas introduced inDecember 2007 asthe industry’s smallestand lightest full-bandwidth, inlinenetwork encryptor. Therugged unit provides200 Mbps throughput,is certified to TopSecret codeword andis compliant withNSA’s Haipe IS.(GDC4S)

A graphic view of the coverage afforded by Sectra’s Tiger XS VoIP encryption system.The Nordic Battlegroup uses the Tiger XS to make secure calls over commercial linesand the Internet. (Sectra)

throughout the 50 US states. The RRKtechnology will also be used to updateinformation security for the IFF systemsprotecting US airspace. RRK design anddevelopment will last until 2012 withimplementation schedules for Northcomair-defence systems in 2013.

AES has a block size of 128 bits and threepossible key sizes, 128, 192 and 256 bits.The US Government certified AES toprotect classified information in systemsapproved by NSA.

Mils VPN products use a customizableversion of the Mils Block Cypher, allow-ing unique algorithms to be implementedinto a system. Mils VPN uses exclusivelygenerated cryptographic keys and highlyadvanced intrusion detection/preventionmethods. With this level of security, a‘misplaced’ rugged laptop can be thoughtof as truly ‘rugged’.

The company adds that the only wayto ensure a 100% unbreakable ciphermethod is the simple one-time key. Mils’random one-time key stream is not gen-erated by an algorithm or formula butfrom a true random noise source. Onceused the key stream is destroyed immedi-ately so the same key cannot be usedagain, even by accident.

European StandardThe US Coast Guard and many high-level European ministries communicateusing Tetra networks, developed by Swe-den’s Sectra for European governmentauthorities and defence departments. Thecompany launched what it claims is thefirst truly independent solution, a digital

radio cryptographic design that is embed-ded into a smart card that is inserted intoa Tetra terminal, whereas users can useany voice terminal to communicate.

Sweden’s Defense Material Adminis-tration ordered Sectra’s Tiger XS voiceencryptor for the Nordic Battlegroup,which includes 2800 soldiers from Swe-den, Finland, Norway, Estonia and Ire-land. The Tiger XS provides IP-basedcommunication over satellite links, andthe soldiers can make secure calls overnational landline and GSM networks.

The Tiger XS voice encryptor has beenapproved to pass mobile voice communi-cation up to and including Secret UE, andthe company’s tactical encryptor can bemounted in vehicles or carried ‘married’to a tactical radio.

In May 2009 the security authority ofthe Netherlands invested SEK 15 millionfor the ongoing development of Sectra’sTiger XS systems for use in all Dutchministries, for secretaries of state and theDutch defence forces.

What’s the Haipe?Viasat offers its KG-250M and -250Tencryptors for airborne platforms such ashelicopters, aircraft and drones (the -250Mis also cleared for Humvee-types). The KG-250M is reportedly the first Type 1 Haipedevice specifically designed for secure net-working on mobile platforms.

High Assurance Internet ProtocolEncryptors (Haipe - now Haipe IS) areNSA-compliant Type 1 devices that can

encrypt multicast data using a pre-placedkey. Other Haipe devices include the L-3Communications KG-245X (offering up toten Gbps), General Dynamics’ Taclane(Tactical Local Area Network Encryption)KG-175 and the Ectocryp from Eads.

Hiring the HeaviesIn October 2008 Lockheed Martin estab-lished a new Center for Cyber SecurityInnovation to use «integrated cyber secu-rity technologies and a defense-in-depthapproach» for its own and customer’s net-worked systems; in June 2009 Raytheoncompleted acceptance testing for its Dis-tributed Common Ground System Inte-gration Backbone – intelligence-sharingsoftware that is installed in more than 100systems around the world; May 2009 Aus-trian physicists discovered a new break-through in quantum cryptography whichwould allow unbreakable encrypted mes-sages to be ‘bounced’ off satellites…

With the advent of VoIP and over-the-air IP radios the encryption methodsonce confined to specific domains (air-waves, Ethernet networks, Internet) are

The programmable Alsace KG-250M from Viasat of Carlsbad, California, is an NSA-certified Haipe IS version 3 in-line network encryptor that provides Type 1 multi-suitesecurity for communication up to Top Secret/SCI. Haipe IS v3 adds IPV6 andadvanced networking features. (Viasat)

E ncryption comes in many forms,not the least of which is one of thefirst lines of defence: the pass-

word. Secure Computing announcedthe results of a commissioned studythat surveyed 100 IT professionals andsecurity decision makers in companieswith 500 or more employees. Theresults revealed that over 70% haveno data loss prevention system safe-guards for corporate e-mail, and only28% had implemented a system toprevent data leaks. Add to this thewell-known fact that around 34% ofcomputer users still use the word Password as their computer systemlogin, and one finds what effectivelyamounts to a hacker’s paradise.

P.A.S.S.W.O.R.D.

now called upon to protect from attackson all quarters. Technology is bustlingalong, keeping pace with threats fromsimple interception to well-planned andexecuted hacking assaults.

A former Vice Chairman of the US JointChiefs of Staff suggested, «Cyberattack istoo important a subject for the nation tobe discussed only behind closed doors».Governments are fully aware of thethreats to defence assets and are begin-ning to adopt a more flexible approach tothe problems; this is illustrated by the June2009 hiring of the Dark Tangent by the USHomeland Security agency advisory coun-cil. The Dark Tangent a.k.a. Jeff Moss, isthe creator of the Defcom hacking com-munity (which will have its 17th annualmeeting in Las Vegas).

Measures such as this may seem a bitextreme, but why would one not recruitthe best examples of a threat to help indeveloping innovative defensive andoffensive strategies? a

The US National Security Agency has recently certified Release 2.0 of the Sectéra Edgesmartphone. This Secure Mobile Environment Personal Electronic Device is Scip andHaipe IS compliant and operates with Taclane encryptors over the US Government’sSecure Internet Protocol Router Network. (General Dynamics C4 Systems)

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For marine and riverine operations, special operations forces typically have sev-eral types of insertion craft at their disposal to get commandoes and their equip-ment from a mother ship, or from over-the-horizon, to their objective. Principally,they make use of surface craft such as rigid or non-rigid inflatable boats, assaultcraft, canoes and sub-surface vessels such as swimmer delivery vehicles.

Thomas Withington

R igid inflatable boats, assault boatsand canoes have obvious attractionsto commandoes. The first two are

fast and can carry a number of troops andtheir equipment. The craft also maintaina relatively low profile, making themhard to spot from land or from a distance,even more so when the craft are operat-ing at night. The small size of these vesselsalso makes them easy and unobtrusive tocarry in a cargo aircraft, below a helicop-ter or on a ship. Canoes cannot carryquite the volume of the assault craft orboat, but as they are powered by the com-mandoes themselves paddling with oars,they are extremely quiet and canapproach the target in almost completesilence. Interestingly, boats and canoesare also relatively inexpensive. This givesthem a high degree of expendability,meaning that they can be destroyed oncea team has arrived at its objective toensure that the group leaves no trace ofits movements. In the case of the canoe,they can be folded up and packed away inreadiness to cross other waterways theymay encounter later in the mission.

Several companies around the world inEurope, the Middle East and the UnitedStates are producing assault craft, boats,canoes and swimmer delivery vehicles. Forexample, CMN of France produces theIntercepteur DV15 class of high-speed

surface-to-air missiles, in addition to sur-veillance radar, electro-optics and a com-bat management system.

Also based in France, Sillinger offers anumber of assault boats including the3.82-metre, 24-kt 380UM, which cancarry seven. The larger 4.2-metre, ‘eight-seater’ capacity 425UM can reach 25 kt, asimilar speed to the company’s 5.2-metre-long 525UM design, with a capaci-ty of 12 to 14 passengers. The ten-passen-ger 4.7-metre 470UM craft has a topspeed of 30 kt, along with the 630UMboat which can reach similar speeds andaccommodate 20 in its 6.4-metre hull. Thecompany’s 570UM 5.7-metre, 24-kt boatcan carry 16. Sillinger also produces rigidinflatables; the figure in the designationindicates the length in centimetres: the

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The Impact Rib fromBrunswick is built with a

fibreglass hull and fabric tube

insertion craft. With a top speed over 50 knots (kt) these small boats can carryup to four occupants. Constructed fromcarbon fibre and epoxy resin, the craft canalso house integrated communication and navigation suites. The company’s DV33design has a slightly lower top speed of 45kt, but larger accommodation for up to tenoccupants. The DV33 displaces around 85tonnes and can also be outfitted with gunsand short-range surface-to-surface and

Sillinger of Francebuilds several assaultboats which can carryup to 20 personnel, asis the case of this630UM, but eightother models areavailable for use asinsertion craft.(Sillinger)

330 Rib UM, 380 Rib UM and the 425,470, 490, 525, 650 and 765 Ribs. Theseboats can carry between five and 22 peo-ple depending on sea condition.

ZodiacNo mention of insertion craft would becomplete without discussing Zodiac ofFrance. The company's inflatables andrigid inflatables are a standard item in thewaterborne commando's tool bag. Zodi-ac produces a wide range of militaryproducts including the inflatable boatranges of Grand Raid (4.2 to 4.7 metres),Heavy Duty (5.3 to 7 metres), Series G(3.8 to 4.7 metres) and most widely recog-nised and used by the special ops com-munity, the Futura Commando, whichincludes four models with lengths rang-ing from 4.2 to 5.3 metres. Zodiac alsoproduces 'catalogue' types in the sea rigidinflatable range including the SRMN andthe more sophisticated SRR.

The Zodiac portfolio also comprises theHurricane range, which are fully cus-tomised rigid inflatable models; from 4.7 toeleven metres in length. The range consistsof aluminium or glass-reinforced plastichulls, air or foam collar, inboard or out-board power and most of the larger mod-els have options for cabins. They are usedby military and paramilitary organisationswith the option of air transport and air-drop capability. The latest use a steppedhull for speeds in excess of 60 kt.

CanoesIn terms of canoes, Nautiraid of Franceproduces the SB Commando Mk VI two-seater kayak which is used by the FrenchArmy and Navy. The craft has a length of5.4 metres and weighs 40 kg. The SBCommando Mk VI can also carry up to350 kg. Arguably the most famous canoein the special forces world is the KlepperKayak. These folding canoes produced byKlepper in Germany can carry two andare up to 5.3-metres long.

From Race to InterceptUsually associated with producing high-speed racing boats, Italy’s Fabio Buzzihas developed the High Speed InterceptCraft, which displaces around 6.3 tonnesand can carry one 40-mm Mk 40 grenadelauncher, a single 12.7-mm machine gunor two 7.62-mm weapons. The companybuilds a host of other vessels suitable forcommando missions including the Rib242 which can reach speeds of up to 26 kt,the Rib 33” and Rib 33”SC which canreach speeds in excess of 53 kt. The SCversion is particularly suitable for inser-tion missions, given its extended cockpitand accommodation for up to twelve.

Damen Shipbuilding of the Nether-lands builds the Interceptor series of fastboats which includes the 1202, 1503, 2004and 2604 models. The 1202 is capable ofspeeds up to 55 kt, has an aluminium con-

struction and an 11.5-metre length.Damen’s Interceptor 1503 has a hulllength of 15 metres, plus a similar con-struction and top speed to the 1202 craft.The 2004 model has a 20-metre hull lengthand can reach speeds of up to 50 kt. Final-ly, the largest vessel in the series is the2604 with a 26.1-metre length and a 51-kttop speed. Both the 2604 and 2004 modelshave an aluminium construction.

Swedish MettleAt the heavier end of the dedicated inser-tion craft spectrum is the Combatboat-


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Zodiac boats have emerged as aparticular favourite of special forcesworldwide. Here is seen an FC530being used in rescue operations duringHurricane Katrina in the United Statesin 2005. (Zodiac)

One of the attractions of rigidinflatable boats for special forcesoperations is the relative ease withwhich the craft can be transported ordelivered, as is illustrated here with aUS Navy boat that was air-droppedfrom a Lockheed Martin C-130transport aircraft. (US Navy)

Zodiac’s F470 Ribis designed formilitary small boatoperations. Thecraft can also beoutfitted withinflatable armouredpanels to afford theoccupants a degreeof protectionagainst small armsfire and to protectthe boat againstabrasion. (Zodiac)

90H craft produced by Dockstavarvet ofSweden. This craft can travel at up to 45kt when laden with up to 4.5 tonnes ofcargo or 21 troops. For self-defence, thevessel can be equipped with machineguns or a remote-controlled weapon sta-tion that can be commanded from theboats’ wheelhouse. Even a 120-mm mortar has been installed on the CB-90H,giving it significant firepower.

UAE ‘Specials’Asis Boats of the United Arab Emiratesproduces a wide range of military rigidinflatable boats. These include the S-6-5,S-8-0 and S-9-5 designs with lengths of 6.4,7.8 and 9.8 metres respectively. These craftcan carry nine, twelve and 16 occupants(1.9, 2.8 and 4.2 tonnes at full displace-ment). Their maximum speeds range from27 to 31 kt. Other company offeringsinclude the eight-metre STL-8-0, whichcan carry either 13 personnel or twotonnes of cargo. Emirates Marine Tech-nologies builds swimmer delivery vehi-cles, notably the Class 5 design with a car-bon-fibre construction. The vessel is

9.3-metres long, contains sonar, globalpositioning and inertial navigation sys-tems and has a maximum speed of over sixkt. The Class 5 can carry two divers and450 kg of payload.

From Tyre to BoatBritain’s Avon Inflatables has suppliedinsertion craft in the form of rigid inflat-able boats for many years. Two of thecompany’s favoured products for com-

mandoes are the CRRC 450 and CRRC520Mk 2 Combat Rubber Raiding Craft.Both of these vessels can be air-droppedor deployed from a submarine. The 4.5-metre CRRC 450 can carry up to 730 kgof cargo or up to ten personnel. This craftcan also reach speeds of 20 kt. The 5.2CRRC 520Mk 2, meanwhile, can carry upto 1136 kg of cargo or up to twelve troopsand can travel at similar speeds to theCRRC 450 model.

Avon is joined by Delta Group inBritain, which has produced a 10.5-metre,43-kt patrol vessel for the Finnish BorderGuard as well as a three-metre, 38-knotcraft for the Irish Navy. The company hasalso produced 10.5-metre, 44-kt fast craftfor a Middle East customer, plus a rangeof craft for the British Ministry ofDefence including designs ranging from6.2 to 7.9 metres capable of speeds ofbetween 35 and 44 kt. Delta Group also

supplied the Royal Netherlands Navywith an 11.7-metre, 44-kt fast craft.

Alston, Cumbria is the British home ofKSA (Underwater), which builds theSubskimmer swimmer delivery vehicle.The craft can be deflated to enable it torun underwater using electrical thrusterswhile the craft’s outboard motor issealed. The Subskimmer has a range offive nautical miles when operating at twoknots, and 100 nm when operating on thesurface at 20 kt.

Brunswick of the United States offersa wide range of boats suitable for inser-tion missions. The company’s Guardianfamily includes several models that comein a range of sizes from 4.7 metres inlength to 8.2 metres, while the Justice lineoffers boats with a length of between 5.7metres and 9.7 metres. Brunswick also pro-duces two 8.2-metre models; the Chal-lenger and the Vigilant. The robust design


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The Combatboat-90H has been one of the special forces insertion craft success stories.The design provides a high speed, the ability to carry significant loads and a hull thatcan be outfitted with substantial armament. (Dockstavarvet)

Avon of the United Kingdom produces the CRRC 525Mk 2. This small craft has asignificant cargo capability, being able to carry around twelve troops at speeds of upto 20 kt. (Avon)

A rare sight perhaps? A Greekcommando stands guard next to aTurkish Zodiac. Zodiac has sold somany types of inflatable boats over theyears that the manufacturer’s name hasbecome the popular way of calling thistype of craft, regardless of the actualmanufacture. (Nato)

of Brunswick’s craft has won the compa-ny orders from around the world. To thisend, its vessels are used by navies andmarine corps in more than 20 countries inAfrica, Asia, Europe, the Middle East,North America and Latin America. InMarch this year, Brunswick unveiled anew family of rigid inflatable boats calledImpact. The company offers these boatsin a range of sizes from 4.2 to 11.8-metreswith a number of propulsion optionsincluding diesel, inboard, water-jet oroutboard engines.

Another American supplier is VTHalter Marine of Pascagoula, Mississippi.The company is best known for its HighSpeed Interdiction and Special Opera-tions Craft. These boats can be construct-ed from aluminium; fibre reinforced plas-tic, steel or high-grade composites. Interms of armament, the vessels can carrysmall or medium-calibre weapons andmissiles. Optronics and radar can also befitted. Arguably the most famous craftconstructed by VT Halter Marine is theMk V class used by the United States

Naval Special Warfare Command. TheMk Vs can reach 40 kt, displace 54 tonneswhen fully loaded and can carry 16 fullyequipped troops.

Willard Marine supplies fast craft tothe US Navy and Coast Guard, alongwith numerous other armed servicesaround the world. The smallest craftoffered by the company is the 4.9-metreSea Force 490. Of the same length is thecompany’s Sea Force 490 Solas rescueboat. Both of these designs have a 599-kgmaximum capacity. The Sea Force 540comes equipped with either single or twinoutboard motors and is 5.4-metres longwith a maximum capacity of 748 kg.Willard Marine produces the 6.7-metre,2812-kg maximum-capacity Sea Force

670 in outboard, inboard and Solas res-cue boat versions.

Willard Marine’s portfolio includes the7.3-metre Sea Force 730 offering a 1349-kgmaximum capacity. Of a similar length, butwith a 1679-kg capacity the company buildsa rigid inflatable craft to US Navy stan-dards, which is available in both fibreglassand aluminium construction. The eleven-metre Sea Force is also built to standard USNavy specifications and has an 8165-kgmaximum capacity. Military fast boats withcabins include the Sea Force 730 Cabinoffering a 2037-kg maximum capacity. Aheavier cabin design is available with the8.2-metre-long 3307-kg capacity Sea Blaz-er 820. Other large cabin vessels include the10.7-metre, 10,886-kg maximum capacityLong Range Interceptor, which can reachspeeds of 45 kt and the eleven-metre, 8165-kg maximum capacity Sea Force‘Enforcer’. Although it is not fitted with acabin, the 13-metre, 1588-kg maximumcapacity 43 Assault High Speed Intercep-tor can reach speeds of 60 kt. Finally, two ofthe largest cabin boats by Willard Marineinclude the 13.4-metre Open Ocean FastResponse, which has a maximum capacityof 15,512 kg and the 14,061-kg maximumcapacity, 17-metre Sar Fire Boat.

Iraqi maritime police patrol the waterways using a Safe Boats vessel. The manufacturerhas carved out a niche as a supplier of fast craft for law enforcement and militaryusers. Safe Boats also builds the Small Riverine Craft for the US Marine Corps. (USDepartment of Defense)

VT Halter Marine of the United States builds the Mk V high-speed SOF insertion craft.The Mk V joins the Combatboat-90H as a dedicated metal-hulled boat which, despiteits size, can still carry large cargoes or troop numbers at high speed. (VT HalterMarine)

One of the latestproducts fromBrunswick is theImpact family. Thecompany offers hullsizes ranging from4.2 to twelvemetres and achoice of inboard,water-jet oroutboard enginepropulsion options.(Brunswick)

Based in Seattle, Washington, SafeBoats International produces the SmallUnit Riverine Craft for the United StatesMarine Corps. This boat has a length oftwelve metres and a combat displace-ment of one tonne. Accommodation canbe provided for up to 18 troops and thevessels can reach a sprint speed of 39 kt.At normal speeds, range is in excess of250 nm. Three machine gun mounts areincluded and the boat is transportable ina Lockheed Martin C-130 fixed-wingtransport or externally on a Sikorsky CH-53 helicopter.

Given the growing concern regardingthe increase of maritime piracy in theRed Sea, the Gulf of Aden and the Indi-an Ocean, the United Nations unani-mously passed a resolution towards theend of 2008 allowing the pursuit ofpirates on land. The craft surveyed abovewill provide naval commandoes acrossthe world with the capability to approachpirates and other targets, at speed, withlethality and stealth. a

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Multiple-launch rocket systems were originally designed on both sides of thedefunct iron curtain to saturate area targets during the Cold War (interestingly,they were designated multiple-rocket launch systems on the then Soviet side).The introduction of precision-guided munitions has made it the weapon of choicefor asymmetrical warfare.

Ian Kemp

A ccording to Colonel David Rice,US Army Project Manager of Pre-cision Fires Rocket and Missile

Systems,«The GMLRS [Guided MultipleLaunch Rocket System] has brought thefield artillery back into the urban fight».His statement reflects the transition ofthe Lockheed Martin Missiles and FireControl Systems Multiple Launch Rock-et System (MLRS) from a Cold War sat-uration weapon designed to ‘clear gridsquares’ to a ’70-km sniper system’ whichoffers significant advantages over closeair support, including faster responsetime and reduced collateral damage.

The MLRS was developed by Lock-heed Martin (then Ling Tempco Vought)and its European partners for the armiesof Britain, Germany, France, Italy and the United States. Like other multiple-rocket launchers, it was designed to rapidly unleash large volumes of fireagainst area targets. The original M26MLRS rocket was tipped with a 156-kgwarhead carrying 644 M77 Dual-PurposeImproved Conventional Munition(Dpicm) shaped-charge blast fragmenta-tion bomblets; a single salvo of twelverockets can completely blanket a squarekilometre with these submunitions. The2008 Convention on Cluster Munitions(CCM) re quires the European MLRS

the Netherlands (22), Norway (12) andTurkey (15). Finland bought 18 of theDutch launchers in 2006.

The US Army is upgrading its launch-ers to the M270A1 configuration whichfeatures the Universal Fire Control Sys-tem (UFCS), which enables the weaponto launch the GMLRS while anImproved Launcher Mechanical System(ILMS) allows the launcher to be aimedsix times faster than the original M270.The first upgraded launchers were re -turned to service in 2002. Several inter-national customers are upgrading theirlaunchers to the comparable M270C1export configuration.

Britain installed the UFCS on 15launchers to upgrade them to theM270B1 configuration and a battery oflaunchers has been deployed inAfghanistan since April 2007. These have received further upgrades includ-ing; bar armour around the cab withappliqué armour plates beneath andmine protection plating, new energyabsorbing seats, an enhanced day andnight vision capability from three ther-mal imaging cameras with screens fordriver and vehicle commander, a roof-mounted machine gun and air condition-ing. To support the extra weight the vehi-cle’s suspension has been upgraded.

The US Army Aviation and MissileCommand, on behalf of the British Min-istry of Defence, awarded LockheedMartin a $ 59 million contract in March2009 for additional UFCS kits to upgradeanother twelve launchers. This followedthe ministry’s decision in May 2008 tocancel the planned acquisition of theLightweight Mobile Artillery WeaponsSystem (Rocket) a lightweight launcherdeveloped by Lockheed Martin UK Insys

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partners to phase out weapons such asthe Dpicm. Although the US Govern-ment is not a signatory to the CCM theDepartment of Defense’s Policy on Clus-ter Munitions commits the department tophasing out cluster munitions which‘result in more than one per cent unex-ploded ordnance’.

The MLRS system now comprises theMLRS Family of Munitions, the ArmyTactical Missile (Atacms) Family ofMunitions and two launchers, the originaltracked M270 MLRS launcher and thenewer wheeled M142 High MobilityArtillery Rocket System (Himars).

Old and New Launchers Designed to support heavy mechanisedforces the M270 MLRS launcher is basedon the stretched chassis of a BAE Sys-tems M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehi-cle; an elevating turntable launch mecha-nism carries two pods each of six 227 mmrockets which can be ‘ripple fired’ in lessthan a minute. Before production fin-ished Lockheed Martin built 1000 M270launchers for the US Army, while a fur-ther 292 systems were built in Europeand the USA for the European partners:France (55), Germany (150), Italy (24),and the UK (63). Additional MLRSlaunchers were sold to Bahrain (9), Denmark (12), Egypt (26), Greece (36),Israel (54), Japan (77), South Korea (29),


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based on an HMT Supacat 600 series 6 x 4 high-mobility vehicle that could be loaded with a single MLRS ‘six pack’or one Atacms.

Eads/Dornier developed the EuropeanFire Control System, which was first field-ed in 2006, to modernise the MLRS sys-tems of the other European partners toenable them to launch the GMLRS. Theindustrial team includes Diehl BGTDefence, MBDA and Avio. Lockheed Mar-tin received a $ 14.6 million contract inearly March 2009 to upgrade six ofBahrain’s M270 launchers to the M270C1configuration, and anticipates that otherexport customers will request the same.

The Himars has been developed sincethe early 1990s to provide the US Armyand US Marine Corps with MLRS fire-power on a vehicle light enough to be car-ried by the C-130 Hercules tactical trans-port aircraft. The Himars consists of aturntable launcher, which carries a single‘six pack’ of 227-mm rockets or oneAtacms, mounted on a BAE Systems Tac-tical Vehicle Systems five-tonne Family ofMedium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV) 6 x 6chassis. Designed from the beginning tolaunch the GMLRS the Himars incorpo-rates both the UFCS and the ILMS.Three of four prototypes built under a1996 contract were delivered to thearmy’s XVIIIth Airborne Corps and dur-ing Operation ‘Iraqi Freedom’ in 2003launched more than 12,000 227-mm rock-ets and 450 Atacms. The army plans toorder 375 Himars, while the US MarineCorps is seeking 40, although these fig-ures are likely to change as the newObama Administration reviews bothforce structure and procurement projects.On 31 December 2008 Lockheed Martinreceived its fourth full-rate productionorder, worth $ 180 million, for 57 armylaunchers and seven US Marine Corpslaunchers for delivery by March 2010.

The Himars is the focus for MLRSexport efforts. In September 2006 theBush Administration notified the USCongress of the proposed $ 752 millionsale of 20 launchers to the United Arab

Range MLRS (ER-MLRS) 227-mm rock-et which can carry a reduced load of 518bomblets to a range of 45 km. To attackhigh-value targets in depth LockheedMartin developed the Atacms for thearmy. The original M39 Block 1 missile, 32of which were launched during the 1991campaign, carried a 591-kg warhead, con-taining 950 M74 anti-personnel/anti-materiel bomblets, to a maximum range of165 km. In 1990 the M39A1 Block 1A mis-sile was fielded, which has a minimumrange of 70 km and a maximum range of300 km although to achieve this the num-ber of bomblets was reduced to 300. TheAtacms has also been bought by Greece,South Korea and Turkey.

The transformation of the MLRS to aprecision fire system began when the USArmy and its European partners award-ed a 48-month System Development andDemonstration (SDD) contact for theGMLRS in November 1998 to LockheedMartin, partnered with Diehl, MBDAand Avio. Using the ER-MLRS rocket asa basis the consortium integrated an iner-tial measurement unit and a global posi-tioning system into the rocket, along with canards in the nose, enabling theGMLRS rocket to deliver a warhead towithin a five-metre circular error proba-ble (CEP) at 70 km. Lockheed Martin hasdemonstrated the ability of the GMLRSto hit targets at 85 km and achieve a CEPof only three metres. Low-rate initial pro-duction of the M30 GMLRS, equippedwith a cargo warhead carrying 404 M85Dpicms, began in mid-2003, however theUS Army announced in January 2006production of GMLRS rockets wouldshift to the M31 Unitary model. The M31features an 89-kg high-explosive frag-mentation warhead, developed by Gen-eral Dynamics Ordnance and TacticalSystems under subcontract to LockheedMartin, which provides a point strikecapability. A new tri-mode fuze, whichentered series production in 2009, can beprogrammed for point impact, delay det-onation or airburst mode.

Emirates including missiles and a train-ing and support package. The followingSeptember Congress was notified of theproposed $ 330 million sale to Singaporeof 18 launchers, 32 XM31 Unitary HighExplosive GMLRS Pods, 30 M28A1Practice Rocket Pods and support equipment. Deliveries to both countriesare underway.

Rockets When it came into service in the early1980s the unguided M26 MLRS rocketwas the longest-range artillery munitionused by Nato, able to strike targets out to 31,600 metres. During the 1991 US-ledoffensive to recapture Kuwait more than230 US Army and twelve British ArmyMLRS launchers showered unguidedrockets upon Iraqi troops with devas -tating effect.

Concern that several Iraqi 155-mmartillery systems outranged US cannonartillery guns prompted the US Army tofund development of the M26 Extended

A US Army Multiple Launch Rocket System launcher fires a GMLRS rocket duringoperations in Iraq. (US Army)

A US Army Himars launched two Amraam air-defence missiles in March 2009 in afeasibility demonstration of the ‘common launcher’ concept. (Lockheed Martin)

The weapon debuted in combat on 9 September 2005 when eight GMLRSUnitary Urgent Materiel Release rocketsfitted with an interim point detonation/delay fuze destroyed two insurgentstrongholds more than 50 km away.

About 95% of the more than 1200GMLRS Unitary rockets fired by US(more than 700) and UK (about 500)forces in Afghanistan and Iraq until April2009 were against targets in urban areasand one-quarter of all missions were insupport of TIC. Both statistics reinforcethe importance of precision. The USArmy awarded Lockheed Martin a $ 372million delivery order on 29 December2008 for 3780 unitary and 4782 GMLRSReduced Range Practise Rockets, whichare expected to be delivered by the end of 2009.

In mid-2005 the British Army becamethe first export customer for the GMLRSwith a $ 55 million order. As deliveriesbegan in 2006 the initial rockets were fit-ted with the Unitary UMR warhead. TheGerman Army, for its part, plans to pro-cure 402 GMLRS Unitary rockets by2012 and 600 fitted with the DM 702A1Smart 155 mm sensor-fuzed ammunitionbeing developed by Diehl for use withboth the MLRS and cannon artillery. TheGMLRS Smart warhead ejects four sub-munitions over the target, which are ableto engage both mobile and stationarysemi-hard and hard targets.

Future Developments As the US Army intends to retain theMLRS system until 2050 it is planning anumber of enhancement projects includ-ing a ‘dial a yield’ warhead which couldbe optimised for the planned target.

To replace the M30 Dpicm warhead itintends to field a GMLRS AlternativeWarhead, which complies with the policyon cluster munitions. Two contractors arescheduled to receive contracts in thethird quarter of FY09 for the 16-monthintegration and demonstration phase.Lockheed Martin will work with the cho-sen warhead designer for the subsequent36-month engineering design, develop-ment and manufacturing phase. An initialoperating capability is planned for the

GMLRS instead of the Atacms,providinga number of operational, cost and logisti-cal advantages. Incorporating an adverseweather tri-mode seeker (Sal/MMW/I2R)the GMLRS Two (previously known asthe P44) will provide the ability to attackmoving targets, faster flight times (2.9 min-utes to 40 km and five minutes to 60 km)and the ability to load ten missiles in astandard MLRS/Himars pod and all-azimuth target approach. Potential war-heads could include a 7.7-kg shapedcharge or the 12.7-kg Lockheed MartinHellfire II Metal Augmented Chargethermobaric warhead.

Tests of the GMLRS Two are alsoplanned to explore the weapon’s useagainst airborne targets. In March the USArmy conducted a ‘common launcher’feasibility demonstration at White SandsMissile Range when two modifiedAdvanced Medium-Range Air-to-AirMissiles (Amraam) were launched froma Himars.

Collaboration with South Korea? South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Pro-gram Administration announced on 22April that it had decided to develop anindigenous 230-mm twelve-barrel MRLby 2013 to replace the 36-round 130-mmDaewoo Kooryong MRL that entered

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y BAE Systemsproduces theIncreased CrewProtection cab forthe Himars.(Lockheed Martin)

US forces have launched more than 540Atacms Unitary rockets in Iraq andAfghanistan. (Lockheed Martin)

S pin Out 1 of the US Army’s Future Combat System project includes the XM501Non Line-of-Sight - Launch System (Nlos-LS) being developed by Netfires, apartnership between Lockheed Martin and Raytheon. Spin Out 1 technology is

intended to reach operational brigades from 2011 and under present plans will befielded at a rate of six brigades per year. The Nlos-LS consists of a ‘platform-inde-pendent’ Container Launch Unit (CLU) with a computer, communication system and 15 Precision Attack Missiles (Pam). TheCLU’s self-contained tactical fire controlelectronics and software enables remoteand unmanned operation. The Pam is a 1.5-metre-long, 53.5-kg, modular missile that iseffective against moving and stationarytargets to a maximum range of 40 km usingGPS/INS guidance. Once in the targetarea, the Pam uses a dual-mode uncooledimaging infrared/semi-active laser seekerto acquire and guide the missile to the target. Alternatively, the Pam can be pro-grammed to attack a requested target position; targeting data can be updated dur-ing flight. The Pam has a two-stage boost sustain rocket motor and a fragmentation-wrapped, shaped-charge warhead designed to defeat armoured vehicles, soft targetsand field fortifications. Netfires completed the first and second guided test flights ofthe Pam on 22 and 24 November 2008 at the US Army’s White Sands Missile Range,New Mexico.

third quarter of FY15. The EuropeanCooperative Development Partners have‘expressed a desire’ to join the project,according to Amcom.

For the GMLRS+ project LockheedMartin is using the semi-active laser (Sal)guidance kit that it developed for the 70-mm Direct Attack Guided Rocket.Among the promised advantages are: ex -tended range, possibly 125 to 130 km, all-azimuth target approach, simultaneousarrival of multiple rockets fired by thesame launchers and ‘over the shoulder’ ofthe designator approach. Extending therange would allow users to employ the

service in 1981. The Republic of KoreaArmy, concerned about the threat ofmassed North Korean forces, places anemphasis on both saturation and precisionfire. Hanwha, which produces the 130-mmrockets for the Kooryong, will be respon-sible for system integration and the pro-duction of guided and unguided rocketswhile Doosan will build the launcher.South Korea has 156 Kooryongs in servicealongside 29 M270 and M270A1 MLRSlaunchers. Lockheed Martin has discussedwith the South Korean government andindustry the potential for co-operation inthe project. a



The ever-present need to engage targets on the so-called 24-hour battlefield is the major driver behind the growth of the forward observer system market.Not only must today’s forward observer be able to detect targets in all weathersand during the day or night, but they must report the position of these targetsto artillery units, other troops or aircraft.

Thomas Withington

M any of the systems surveyedbelow have modems and com-munication links integral to their

design, which allows the observer totransmit data across battlefield informa-tion systems, significantly reducing therisk that the co-ordinates are misheard inthe cacophony of battle.

A myriad of systems offering compre-hensive capabilities are available on theinternational market, two of which, theJim-LR (see title picture above) and Jim-MR are produced by Sagem DéfenseSécurité of France. The Jim-LR weighsaround 2.8 kg and, despite being a cooledsystem, is inaudible from 50 metres. Itincludes three fields of view – wideband,narrowband and x2, x4 and x8 zoom. TheJim-LR can be used to detect a tank atnine kilometres but its user can recognisea tank at 3.5 km. A laser rangefinder andpointer are also included, the former ofwhich has a five-kilometre range, alongwith a Global Positioning System anddigital magnetic compass.

The Jim-MR is designed for close com-bat and includes two fields of view (wide-band and x2 electronic zoom) with theability to detect a tank at 3.5 km and re -cognise it at one.A 2.5 km laser range finderis included, along with a digital magneticcompass. The Jim-MR was recently adopt-ed for the Félin soldier programme.

tripod/monopod with a goniometer andnorth-finding gyro. The system has twelvehours of battery life. Typical ranges of thethermal sensor are nine and four kilome-tres for the respective detection andrecognition of a vehicle. The integratedeye-safe laser rangefinder has a reach inexcess of ten kilometres.

Jena-Optronik provides the WBBGhand-held thermal imager for the GermanArmy’s IdZ-ES warrior programme. Theunit can perform image fusion of theinfrared and CCD channels. Positioninformation and video sequences can berelayed through wireless transmission inreal time. At night detection is to fivekilometres and recognition at 3.8. Thelaser measurement range for its part,stands at four kilometres.

NorwaySimrad Optronics in Norway producesthe modular FOI2000 which includes thecompany’s LP10TL observation system. It includes a Flir Systems FTI thermal

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Weighing 2.8 kg, the Sagem cooledJim-LR can detect a tank at nine kilometres

GermanyJenoptik in Germany produces a hand-held thermal imager (HHTI) for surveil-lance and reconnaissance applications.The instrument is based on an uncooledthermal sensor that runs without anacoustic signature and is equipped with alaser rangefinder. The HHTI can detect aperson at five kilometres and a vehicle ateight.

Jena-Optronik, a subsidiary of Jenop-tik, produces the Nyxus for intelligenceand reconnaissance missions. The devicecombines a high-performance binocularwith a cooled thermal imager. The Nyxuscan be used hand-held or mounted on a

Sagem’s Matis is athird-generation seriesof thermal imagers.The companyproduces the hand-held Matis HH seenhere, but also theMatis MP, Matis STDand Matis LR for avariety of applicationsranging from missilelaunchers to vehicles.(Sagem)


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imager which has a dual field-of-view, aVectronix Goniolight digital goniometerplus a Diehl Mk 11-7 north-finding gyro.One of the strengths of the system,according to Simrad, is its modular con-struction which allows the operator tochange components rapidly and config-ure the FOI2000 exactly to the missionrequirement, by adding a laser designatorfor example. The LP10TL’s left ocularlens displays the thermal image and theman-machine interface, although thethermal image is only seen when this sys-tem is attached. The interface has an intu-itive menu using the Windows CE oper-ating system. It is of modular, ergonomicand rugged construction, and can be usedin either a hand-held or tripod-mountedconfiguration. The LP10TL has dual x7 orx12 zoom options, and can be externallyconnected to communication systems oran external power supply. A number of‘optional extras’ can be added including aGlobal Positioning System (GPS), digitalcamera, laser-pointer or a night visioncapability.

SwitzerlandVectronix builds a number of systemsincluding the Goniolight designed fordismounted forward observers and tacti-cal air controllers. The Goniolight can beconnected with an external GPS, tacticalradio, gyroscope or an external powersupply. Several versions are availableincluding one outfitted with a pair of Vec-tor rangefinder binoculars. The same sys-tem can also be fitted with an additionalgyroscope (Goniolight G-V). The Gonio-light TI comes outfitted with a SagemMatis HH TI camera, while the Gonio-

light G-TI offers both the TI camera andthe gyroscope. The company notes thatcustomer-specified laser rangefindersand TIs can also be integrated.

Vectronix produces a host of hand-held rangefinder binoculars – 17 Natocountries have purchased examples from the company’s Vector family. AllVector binoculars include an eyesafelaser rangefinder, x7 magnification, a

the range correction between a missedround and a target.

Vectronix’ Moskito eyesafe laser range -finder binoculars can measure rangeazimuth and vertical angle and can be usedfor fire control by forward observers. Thebinocular includes a built-in GPS reviverand can be connected to external devicessuch as a Rockwell Collins Dagr(Defense Advanced GPS Receiver) orPersonal Advanced GPS Receiver. TheMoskito provides x5 magnification andx3 magnification for night viewing, theproduct’s range-finding capability is up tofour kilometres. The company also manu-factures the Big35 Night Binocular,which offers x3 magni fication.

FranceThales designed the Sophie forwardobserver range to offer the soldier a logis-tically unobtrusive cooled system thatwas designed around a binocular config-uration. Thales claims that this productline was the first hand-held, long-wave TIsystem to operate without an externalcooling system.

The Thales Sophie-MF has a tenkilometre rangeand can hand-off itsfootage to otherusers via an RS-422datalink. (Thales)

The initial Sophie model procured forthe French armed forces was an 8-12µlong-range infrared system. This was thewaveband of choice for all Nato forces asit provides good dust and smoke penetra-tion capabilities. The initial Sophie sys-tems had a four-degree field-of-view,although this was decreased to a three togive better long-range performance.

The Sophie-MF long-range multi-func-tion binocular and thermal imager systemincorporates an eye-safe laser rangefind-er, along with a magnetic compass, inter-nal GPS, colour daylight camera and aneye-safe laser pointer. It covers the 8-12µspectrum and includes three fields of view(wide, narrow and x2 electronic zoom).The device is cooled using a rotating Stir-ling micro-cooler and has a range of up toten kilometres. It also in cludes an RS-422datalink and can operate in temperaturesof between -40°C to +55°C.

The Sophie-ZS operates in the 3-5µband and uses a zoom lens as opposed toa two field-of-view telescope. The zoom

Also known in theUnited States as theAN/Pas-21, Flir’sSeespot-III can be usedeither as a self-contained forwardobserver system, orwith a laser targetdesignator. In 2005the Seespot-III wasdesignated asessential equipment forUS Army Tactical AirControl Parties. (Flir Systems)

digital magnetic compass and anti-re flective caps which work to minimise the risk of the user being detected. Moreover, both the the Vector-IV Niteand Vector-21 have night vision capa -bilities. Other design features includewireless Bluetooth data transfer alongwith an RS-232 port for hard-wired trans-fer from the binoculars to other externaldevices. A fall-of-shot calculator displays

The Moskito binocularfrom Vectronixincludes an autogatedimage intensificationtube that adjusts therangefinder to ambientlight conditions whichcan change rapidly,particularly in urbanterrain. (Armada/JK)


lens is able to magnify a target at longrange as well as give a 15° surveillanceview. The multi-function version of theSophie-ZS is called the Sophie-XF.

Also operating across 8-12µ wave-lengths is Thales’ Elvir ModularUncooled Infrared Camera, which can be used either as a stand-alone hand-held thermal imager or as part of a binoc-ular system. It can detect a man at 1.5 kmor a tank at up to 3.2 km. Three lensoptions are available, including 25 mm, 80 mm or 100 mm which give x1, x3.3 and x4.2 magnification respectively.

IsraelEl-Op of Israel produces the Coral hand-held 3-5µ thermal imaging binocularcamera which is used by the UnitedStates Marine Corps (where it is desig-nated AN/Pas-22). Its accessories includean add-on x2 zoom telescope, an integralcompass, GPS receiver, and a clip-onlaser pointer and rangefinder. The Coral-CR advanced hand-held lightweightthermal imaging camera has integralGPS, an eyesafe laser rangefinder, GPSand magnetic compass. The Coral-CRboasts a very low acoustic signature. The

Coral-LS thermal imaging camera, whichis also used by the US Marine Corps, hasa low acoustic signature and a x1 to x4continuous zoom.

Other El-Op products include the Intimhand-held, lightweight thermal imager,which has over five hours of battery life and

ruggedised design and, because it is anuncooled system, produces no acoustic sig-nature. The Mars hand-held thermal imag-er, for its part, has a con-tinuous zoom, inte-grated laser range-finder, digital magneticcompass and GPS. The Artim-LR compactthermal imaging camera and sight has dualfield of view and can be operated viaremote control.

Azimuth Technologies has a range ofsystems including the Atlas-LT, which canbe carried in a single backpack, madeready for use within two minutes, cancarry up to twelve kg of sensors and has alaser rangefinder. The goniometer hasimpressive precision of up to 1 mil andthe Atlas-LT can be connected to a com-munications system.

The Atlas-Pro has an accuracy of up to 0.3 mil in both axes and north-findingprecision of one mil. The Atlas-Pro can transfer target data in a voice, free text orvideo format via a built-in communicationsystem which includes wireless Lan (LocalArea Network) and Ethernet.

Designed specifically for the infantryis the company’s Atris-MP, which is built

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With a range in excess of 20 km, the TLS 40 from Carl Zeiss Optronics combines along-range rangefinder with observation binoculars, a twelve-channel GPS and digitalcompass, a digital camera and digital voice recorder into a compact kit weighing lessthan two kilos. (Zeiss Optronics)

around a lightweight tripod with option-al wireless control and the ability torecord and store data. The System LevelImprovement Kit, better known by its‘Slik’ acronym, is designed for targetinganti-tank missile launchers on the battle-field and is adaptable to any missilelauncher system, according to the compa-ny. Incorporated into the Slik is a laserrangefinder, compass and hand-heldcomputer. The computer also includes aGPS system and can send data to highercommand levels when connected to aVHF/UHF radio.

United SystemsFlir Systems has worked with SimradOptronics (as noted above) on that com-pany’s LP10TL and produces a host of for-ward observer systems. These include theRanger-HRC high-resolution, mid-waveTI system, which has a number of contin-uous-zoom telescope options. TheRanger-HRC includes a cooled TI, andx12.5 zoom telescope with autofocuswhich has a 640 x 480 focal plane arrayoperating across the 3-5µ range. The

BE Meyers of theUnited States producesthe Izud 1000P nightvision system, which is a lightweight yet far-reaching forwardobserver system thathas the capability tospot targets at rangesof 43 km. (BE Meyers)

El-Op’s Coral hand-heldforward observersystem operates in the3-5 µ waveband. Thecompany notes that theproduct has a numberof applicationsincluding border andcoastal security, andlaw enforcement tasks,as well as militaryreconnaissancemissions. (ElbitSystems)

a compact design. The Lapis-L is anuncooled thermal imaging sight for day andnight observation, has a compact and

Ranger-HRC also has multiple fields ofview and includes a colour TV camerawith standard, long-range and ultra-long-range fields-of-view. An optional eye-safelaser rangefinder with a 20-km reach isalso available with a digital magnetic com-pass, GPS and geo-pointing and position-ing systems. The Ranger-HRC is joined bythe Ranger-II/III system which includes atwo field-of-view TI sensor operating inthe 3-5µ waveband. The Flir ThermovisionSentry-II includes a 320 x 240 long-waveVOx (Vanadium Oxide) microbolometerwith two fields of view and a x12 continu-ous zoom daylight TV camera.

A number of binoculars are producedby Flir Systems including the MilcamRecon III Lite (type designation AN/Pas-26) medium-range lightweight system.Using a 640 x 480 VOx microbolometer,these binoculars sense in the 8-12µ wave-band and also include a visible colourchannel and a laser pointer. They can betripod-mounted or hand-held and weighunder 2.3 kg. With three fields of view; a 640 x 480 and a 320 x 240 VOx micro-bolometer; the Milcam Recon IIILocatIR includes an eyesafe laserrangefinder, an integral digital magneticcompass accurate to 0.3 mil, plus an inte-gral GPS system and an optional laserpointer. The Milcam Recon III ObservIR(type designation AN/Pas-24) has a com-parable imaging specification to the Mil-

and weighs 2.4 kg. The Seespot III+ is adual role imager used for reconnaissanceand observation missions as well as laserspot imaging.

The Milcam Recon III ObservIR cansense in the 3-5µ and 8-12µ ranges andweighs less than three kilograms. This isoffered with an optional laser pointer.The Milcam Recon III Ultralite has a x2and x4 digital zoom, and covers the 8-12µspectral band with a 640 x 480 VOxmicrobolometer. The system has up tofour hours of battery life and weighsunder 1.7 kg. The Seespot-III hand-heldthermal and laser spot imager sensesacross the 4.5-4.8µ and 1.06µ frequencybands and weighs 2.4 kg.

BE Meyers of Richmond, WashingtonState, manufacturers the Owl pocketscope which includes an integral ImageGuard system that shuts down the scopeif subjected to excessively bright light toprevent damage. The Prowler NightVision Pocket Scope is also a Generation

III night vision system and includes thesame Image Guard technology and has aruggedised aluminium body. The companyis to unveil a new line of products de signedfor forward observation which includesthe Izud family of infrared illuminatingand pointing laser. The Izud 200PO andthe Izud 1000P have the capability to illu-minate targets out of 39 km and 43 kmrespectively. Offering illumination out to6.5 km at night and 300 metres during theday, the company’s GBO-III green laseris designed for daylight illumination or inconditions with ambient light levels dur-ing dusk or dawn that are too high fornight vision systems to work.

The sophistication of forward observ-er equipment is expected to improve alongwith the equipment’s portability andergonomics. The combat theatres ofAfghanistan and Iraq will have a stronginfluence regarding the features that willbe incorporated on tomorrow’s systemssuch as longer-range detection, improvedimage clarity and better data sharingcapabilities. a

The Coral-LS is seenhere with a laser de -signation and range-finding system. Thisallows the product tobe used as a targetingsystem for close airsupport operations. Its lightweight andcompact size makes it highly portable.(Elbit Systems)

cam Recon III LocalIR, and is designedfor higher mobility surveillance applica-tions where laser rangefinding is notrequired. This is also offered with anoptional laser pointer. Other Flir systems

Getting ‘iron onto target’ is a vital mission in today’s war zones. Troops from the 341st

Infantry Division of the Romanian Army perform reconnaissance on a target using aforward observer system in Iraq. (US Department of Defense)

Containing an integralGPS, SimradOptronics Groups’Vingtaqs system caneither be used as astand-alone system orintegrated onto avehicle. The unitincorporates a laserrangefinder and targetillumination system forthe tactical air controlmission. (SimradOptronics)

include the Seespot-III+ (type designa-tion AN/Pas-21A) hand-held thermaland laser spot imager that senses acrossthe 4.5-4.8µ and 1.06µ frequency bands

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as being unmanned althoughhis craft’s rudimentaryautopilot electronics broughtin an embryo of ‘self-piloting’notion.

UVS InternationalThe miniaturisation of elec-tronics was already consid-ered a major achievement atthe time, but this was still afar cry from what is achievedtoday both in electronics andelectric motors. This wasdemonstrated in a particu-larly spectacular mannerduring the UVS Internation-al conference by ProxDynamics. Flying in the din-ing hall to the bemusementof the visitors, this Norwe-gian firm’s diminutive heli-copter showed an absolutelyastonishing degree of stabili-ty, both in transitional andhovering flight phases.Known as the PD-100 BlackHornet, this nanocopter isstill under development, butshould become available inthe second half of 2010. Theabove craft photographed bythe author (sans body) iswhat the manufacturer callsa third-generation model,but a fourth-generation typewith proper bodywork isexpected to fly towards theend of the year. In flight, thehelicopter is amazingly quietand can really take one bysurprise. In order to reducemechanical difficulties and


inside of the cover containsthe display, the ‘first page’holds the various touch-but-ton controls (includingautonomous point-to-pointflight and automatic searchpatterns), but open this andthe hollow book housesthree helicopters. The latterhave a rotor diameter of tencentimetres, weigh 15 gramsand can fly for up to 30 min-utes before requiring freshbatteries.

Whether Aeroviron-ment’s Switchblade qualifiesas a drone or purely a weaponis pretty much food for con-jecture, but a film presentedduring the UVS Internation-al conference definitelymakes it a seriously lethalflying object. The launchtube is held up at an angle ofabout 45° and in the roughdirection of the target, the

Surfing the Micro-Wave

By the time these lines are written, printed and read the Paris Air Show, with its endlessflood of announcements on man-less vehicles, will have lived and gone and will be report-ed in the next issue of Armada. However, as a prelude to the French great aeronauticalbiennial service, an event of comparatively minor importance took place in Paris, namelythe UVS International symposium.

The Prox Dynamics Black Hornetnanocopter in flight

Eric H. Biass

U se of the word ‘minor’was made in the intro-ductory paragraph.

Indeed, while this mightsound inappropriate in termsof impact, it still is valid interms of scale. But just forhow long? Real break-throughs were announced inthe field of drones before thegreat ‘Le Bourget Salon’, likelong-awaited live demon-strations of drones in theNapoleonic skies, but howlong will it be before suchevents become the norm andfighter aircraft cutting upscars into the flesh of theskies to fill them up withseemingly soothing wing-tipgenerated smoke fall intooblivion? Probably as long asit took for television to fullyswitch from black and whiteto colour. Just think: howmany people watched theever so important Apollo 11mission on colour television?That was only 40 years ago!Concorde had just started tofly with a control panel thatwas more reminiscent of aWW II Lancaster than ofwhat one would expect of asound speed-busting ship.

Yours sincerely at the time,although already comfortablyacquainted with truly pilotedaircraft, had an inclination forthe radio-controlled variety,but never considered his craft

weight the tail rotor is pow-ered by its own electricmotor. Developed with themilitary market in itscrosshairs (Prox Dynamics’brochure makes no uncer-tain allusions to specialforces), the nanocopter isequipped with autopilot(with inertial navigationsystem), a GPS receiver anda nose-mounted camera.The ultimate aim for ProxDynamics is to deliver a kitwhereby the control systemwould be the size of a smallbook: open it horizontallylike a laptop computer, the

The 50 øre coins provide a useful scale to evaluate the size ofthe Black Hornet’s electric motor. Out of focus in the back -ground is the even smaller tail rotor motor. (Armada/EHB)

co-ordinates of which areentered into the device’sGPS via its laptop-like con-trol station. Designed to beas small as, say, a 60-mm mor-tar round, this weapon popsout of its launch tube,deploys its wings as onewould unfold the blades of apocket knife (hence itsname) and heads for its tar-get upon which it eventuallytakes its deadly dive. Aero -vironment’s InternationalBusiness DevelopmentDirector Peter Austermann,however, remained absolute-ly tight-lipped on the statusof this programme and thewarhead used, but thefootage mentioned aboveshowed that the weapon wasin a pretty mature stage ofdevelopment and probablyalready under evaluationand testing with the Ameri-can armed forces. Offering around-up on Aeroviron-ment’s activities, Auster-mann announced that thecompany is now testing «anNBC version of the Wasp»,whereby the aircraft is flownout to a suspect area fromwhich it brings back air sam-ples. Turning to the Puma thesame speaker showed thatthe drone was truly an ‘all-environment’ vehicle, as itcan land in water withoutsuffering any damage what-soever. It can land in a mudpuddle and simply bewashed clean with a gardenhose. More interestingly,


Austerman announced thatnew batteries now doublethe Puma’s endurance tofour hours.

ElsewhereIn the United States, the USNavy completed the secondtest series of its NorthropGrumman Fire Scout MQ-8B onboard the USS McIn-erney at the beginning of thesummer. The tests, whichincluded fully autonomousflight, mark the first opera-tion of the verti-lift craftonboard a US Navy frigate(the previous at-sea opera-tions had been conductedfrom the USS Nashville – anamphibious transport dock).According to NorthropGrumman this second seriesof tests brings the Fire Scout

Not only does the RCV flat twin operate on JP-8 or petrol, but italso features an unusual solution for its valves, since they areof the rotary type instead of the more usual reciprocating gear.(RCV)

ities by acquiring worldwidemarketing, development andmanufacturing licence forRCV Engines’ four-strokeflat twin drone engine. Bothfirms are currently develop-ing an electronic enginemanagement system andhope to be able to offer theengine to the market in early2010.

Nano AgainBetter known for its popularseries of mini drones, Aerovi-ronment appears to havesuccumbed to the growingcharms of the nanodronenymph as testified by itsrecent developmental workon the Nav (Nano Air Vehi-cle) programme sponsoredby the US DefenseAdvanced Research ProjectsAgency (Darpa). The com-pany has recently beenawarded an extension toPhase II of the project, whichincludes designing and build-ing a flying prototype. Planscall for the Nav to climb anddescend vertically, fly side-ways in both directions, obvi-ously forward and back-wards – all under remotecontrol. Aerovironment isemploying biological mimic-ry in the design of the nanobird, where wing flapping isthe mode of lift and propul-sion and painting the vehicleto match birds found in thelocal environment. Goals ofthe Nav programme are todevelop a ten-gram aircraftthat can fly at ten metres/sec, withstand 2.4 metres/secwind gusts, operate in build-ings and have a one-kilo -metre command and controlrange. The recent $ 2.1 mil-lion Phase II extension willcontinue through summer2010. a

Not a hummingbird,but a Nav – theflapping wingnanodrone currentlybeing developed byAerovironment.(Aerovironment)

one significant step closer tooperational evaluation status,since they were part of theNavy's risk-reduction planfor the programme, «in antici -pation of eventual test anddeployment onboard a Lit-toral Combat Ship».

In Israel, Bental Tech-nologies announced that ithad entered into a co-opera-tion agreement with 3W tointegrate its G032 starter-generator into the Germanfirm’s 157-cc drone engine.The Bental space and weightsaving device initially acts asa starter motor and thenturns itself into a power gen-erator once the thermalengine is running.

EnginesIn an interesting develop-ment Ultra Electronics, interalia manufacturer of com-pact gas generators for mili-tary aircraft through its Pre-cision Air Systems division,has widened its field of activ-

The best of both worlds:Bental’s G054 is at thesame time a starter motorfor drone thermal enginesand a power generator.The G054 was selected tofire-up and charge thebatteries of the ElbitHermes 90. (Bental)

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GMR LeavesDrawing BoardThe Boeing-led JTRS Ground MobileRadio team, which includes BAE Sys-tems, Rockwell Collins, NorthropGrumman and Harris, has formallyannounced that it had completed thedesign phase of the GMR radio and thatengineering development models areentering testing to validate their actualcommunication capabilities. The testswill be conducted through early 2010 atthe Electronic Systems Center at FortHuachuca, Arizona and at the contrac-tor team’s labs across the USA. Thesoftware-defined GMR is designed tobridge the gap between legacy commu-nication equipment and the new gener-ation of battlefield radios, and providesoldiers with a platform to share voice,text message and near real-time videofootage through a secure, multi-chan-nel, mobile ground network. Moreinformation on the GMR programmeand JTRS can be found in the Com-plete Guide to Tactical Radios that waspublished in tandem with this issue.

Smartronix has designed multi-functional Radio DataAdapter (RDA) cables to con-

nect one’s rugged laptop directly tothe Harris PRC-117F or the ThalesPRC-148 radios. The RDA com-bines the functions of existing cablesand adds data modem capabilities.The driver software maps the stan-dard laptop COM ports to the radioports, whereby all computer datapasses through a single USB port.Smartronix can customise a solutionfor other tactical radios.

Cables for the PRCs

A first-hand report on WW II actions thatprobably were at the inception of mod-ern special operations, this book was

written by Prince Valerio Borghese who even-tually took the helm of the famous (or infa-mous) Decima Mas, a secret section set up bythe Italian Navy in 1939. The book was writtenin 1950 and then translated by the Prince him-self in 1953. Although he was assisted in thistask by a Briton, the text still oozes of excessiveLatin pride, which only adds to the account’sauthenticity – and drama. Indeed, underwatertechnology then was in its infancy. The verynature of these covert offensive operationsimplied that they had to be performed at nightand, to make things even worse, in winter totake advantage of the season’s longer nights.Initially, the Decima employed fast motorboatsmodified to carry bow-mounted torpedoes,their operators driving them at full speedtowards the ship to be attacked, only slippingbackwards into the water with a special surfingboard-like float at the very last moment. TheDecima then moved on and developed modi-fied torpedoes enabling two frogmen (as they

are referred to inthe book) to piggy-back and ride theminto harbours andunder the keels oftarget ships, uponwhich the explosivenose sections of the‘maiali’ (pigs) weredetached and ade-quately affixedoverhead. When allwent well - whichseldom was thecase - the frogmenwere to swim out toan agreed pick-up point. In spite of heavy lossesBorghese’s men managed to wreck havocaround the Mediterranean, particularly inGibraltar and Alexandria. Their operation wasso covert that one of the Decima bases was locat-ed in the hull of a semi-sunk trawler in the har-bour of Algesiras – right under the windows ofthe British consulate. Reprinted by the NavalInstitute Press, and definitely worth reading.

On the Armada Bookshelf – Sea Devils

On the Armada BookshelfThe Military Balance 2009

The International Institute for Strategic Studies

T he IISS – International Institute for Strategic Studies – publishes this annual assessment ofglobal military capabilities and defence economics. The Military Balance 2009 is an in-depthstudy of arms procurements, defence equipment and organisations and budget information.

Powerful facts on defence economics, coupled with a 2009Chart of Conflict that includes a world map surrounded bydetailed statistics on global conflicts (highlighting selectareas where water issues may eventually lead to dispute orconflict), multi-national peace support operations, drug-related conflicts in Mexico and Colombia and referencelinks to the IISS online Armed Conflict Database. Thisauthoritative reference edition provides specific strategicinformation required by international think tanks anddecision-makers who demand thorough insight intotoday’s global defence structure. The inside back cover isof special note as it provides an interesting 2008 timelinemap of selected piracy incidents off the coast of Somalia.

Of Methanoland BirdsThe proliferation of droneshas bred a plethora of designsand ideas to make them small-er, lighter, quieter and givethem longer ‘staying’ power.Ultracell, a leading producerof fuel cells for mobile appli-cations, has announced itspartnership with the Centerfor Unmanned Air VehiclesExploitation (Cue) and theUS Air Force Research Labo-ratory in Dayton, Ohio to fur-ther develop UAV powerplanttechnology. Ultracell willbuild ten fuel cell systemsbased on its XX25 reformedmethanol fuel cell (RMFC)technology, which hasreceived US military Technol-

ogy Readiness Level 7, topower future drone aerial andground systems. Ultracell’sXX25 system has proven to

provide extended runtime in alightweight package. Thephoto above shows the XX25at right and the XX55.

Steyr Enginesin US Vehicles

AM General and SteyrMotors of Austria have signeda license agreement for theproduction and distributionof Steyr’s M16 monoblockdiesel engines (similar to thetype seen in this Armada

photo) in America. Thisrecent move opens the doorfor the successful Austriancompany to promote itsengines and technology to theAmerican military armouredvehicle market. Steyr Motorswas the focus of an article inArmada International’s issue2/2009, page 50.

High-speed USBat SealevelConnecting one’s tactical radioto a laptop or hand-held PDAcan be a matter of plug-and-transfer with Sealevel Sys -tems’ ACC-188 high-speedsynchronous serial adapter.The USB synchronous radioadapter cable is compatiblewith Sincgars, EPLRS,MBMMR, Mbitr and JTRSradios and available with avariety of radio connectors(for more radio informationsee the Complete Guide toTactical Radios supplementaccompanying this issue).

Connecting your PDA or lap-top facilitates the sending oftext messages, e-mails, files,images, GPS data, calendar/agenda information and othersystem files and data. A pow-erful, hot swappable, pro-grammable FPGA chip that isEMI shielded transmits overHF, UHF and VHF and up to76 kbps via satcom. The ACC-188, which is powered by theUSB bus, includes US govern-ment developed (and owned)PDA-184 software that pro-vides a graphical user inter-face for information transferover the Data Control wave-form.

O n 26 June DCNS’ Cherbourg shipyard held its ‘firstcut’ ceremony for the new Barracuda nuclear-pow-ered attack submarine. This second in the Barracuda

programme line, which will replace the currentRubis/Améthyste class between 2017 and 2028, will carry amixture of next-generation F21 heavyweight torpedoes,SM39 anti-ship missiles and MDCN naval cruise missiles. Theboat’s missions will include deployment of commandos andspecial forces units, intelligence gathering, anti-sub and anti-surface warfare and mine-laying and land strikes.

e-pydtelstt-eo--e,

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Next Issue (October/November 2009): 18 September, Advertising: 21 August

Complete GuideMobility – Air, Sea, Land

Due to the emergence of buried and road-side bombs, suicide attacks and shoulder-fired anti-armour weapons for example,light and medium fighting and troop-trans-port vehicles have ‘put on’ a tremendousamount of weight due to the heavier protec-tion they require. This has in turn started topose a problem with airlift, and newer typesof aircraft are required.

GPS Jamming & Spoofing

GPS receivers are available to all andenable one’s enemy to navigate more easilyand accurately lay his guns. Local jammingtherefore becomes a useful weapon, butspoofing is even smarter as it provides wrongreadings without the enemy noticing.

Soldier Situational Awareness Devices

The equipment designed to keep dismount-ed soldiers in the information loop. Person-al Data Assistants, Vehicle C2I systems andBlue Force Tracking systems. These systemsprovide GPS, digital maps, some have video,all provide two-way voice, data or videocomms.

Gunsight Optics

Seeing a target before it sees you is para-mount in short-to-medium-range combat,and a weapon’s sighting system is the firstline of defence. A plethora of sighting andaiming devices are available for any situa-tion, with holograms, red dots, aiming reti-cules and other solutions vying for attention.Weight and ruggedness is important.

Training Aircraft

With fighter aircraft becoming increasinglycomplex and therefore expensive to oper-ate, reliance on training aircraft to bringpilots to operational level is also increasing.The challenge is to keep those training air-craft as cost-effective as possible and yetmake them duplicate the capabilities of theactual fighter aircraft.

Wall-breaching Weapons

Wall breaching almost rhymes with urbanwarfare and thus brings about the notion of«collateral damage». Systems are devised toenable building walls (as opposed to bunkerwalls) to be pierced without: 1- blowing upthe entire building; 2- endangering one’sown troops and civilians in the vicinity.

Coastal Attack Missiles

In addition to typical ground cruise missiles,the arsenal of anti-ship missile is now dou-bling its capabilities to attack coastal infra-structures, thanks to sensors that are capableof better discriminating targets from a clut-tered background.

Digital Mapping

Still paper maps are not forgotten – justgone, for now. Myriad defence companiesprovide mapping services, but it is theGeospatial Information Systems (GIS) thatfuse the map info together into intelligencethat is served to the client. Capturing theimages, fusing the info and dissemination areall important aspects.

Paris Air Show Report

One of the industry’s leading exhibitions iscovered by Armada editors. The Paris AirShow at Le Bourget, France.

Drone Update

The regular unmanned aircraft review, thatbrings readers up-to-date with the latest de -velopments of this fast-moving discipline.

Oria – NewMission DisplayA new flight and mission dis-play system designed for mili-tary transport and specialmission aircraft has beenrevealed by Elbit Systems.The Oria features primaryflight and navigation displays,a flight management system, asynthetic vision system and anintegrated head-up display.

The graphically oriented sys-tem was designed to be mod-ular and expandable throughsoftware upgrades. The Oriasystem is kitted with Ord-900displays, which is Elbit’s slim-line, lightweight, low-powerprimary flight and missiondisplay line. The Oria can beintegrated with the aircraft’score communication, naviga-tion, surveillance, EW or EOequipment.

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