Defense Update Newscast

Israel, Germany Cooperate in the Development of Loitering Weapons

Representatives of the Israeli and German ministries of defense signed an agreement to cooperate in the development of new types of loitering weapons. According to the agreement, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and the German Rheinmetall Defense company (RDE) will cooperate in the development of network-centric systems that will provide land forces with the means for persistent surveillance, targeting and attack of high value targets by loitering munitions.

RAFAEL Introduces Helicopter Launched Mini-UAV

RAFAEL is adding a dramatic new capability to attack helicopters – the ability to launch mini-UAVs when airborne. The company is demonstrating this capability on their attack helicopter simulator (Helicoat). “The Skylite was originally developed as a canister launched mini-UAV, so its modification into a helicopter-borne system does not require drastic redesign” says Menachem Dvir from RAFAEL. The canister-launched Skylite is displayed loaded on a quad Spike launcher, identical to a launcher already cleared for helicopters such as the Spanish Tiger attack helicopter. “When on a mission, helicopters can deploy the Skylite to scan an without exposing themselves to anti-aircraft threats, such as shoulder fired missiles (MANPADS) and RPGs. When targets are detected, Skylite hands over the images to the crew, for prosecution with precision guided weapons such as Spike ER. Attack helicopters are already using UAVs to facilitate accelerated ‘kill chains’. Therefore, offering such capability as an integral capability is the next logical step” said Dvir.

USAF Displays an Armed Predator at the Paris Airshow

The US Air Force is displaying this week its first armed UAV, the MQ-1 armed Predator. The aircraft is on display configured with two Hellfire AGM-114P Hellfire missiles and MTS EO payload.

Elbit Unveils Full Size Hermes 900 Model

Via Cellular from the Paris Airshow: Just finished assemblying the Hermes 900 UAV, Elbit System's Yoeli is proud to show the newborn...

WASP 3 Micro UAV on Display

Paris, via Cellphone: Aerovironment unveiled the new Wasp 3 micro UAV at UV Europe. Weighing only 430 gram, these systems are equipped with two color video cameras and an uncooled thermal sensor. The first systems will soon be deployed with USAF joint tactical air control teams and later by the USMC.

IAI Unveils Heron TP in Paris

Paris via Cellphone report: Israel Aerospace Industries unveiled today a model of its newest Medium Altitude Long Endurance MALE at the UV Europe conference. A full scale model will be on display at the Paris Air Show next week. The giant UAV, known as Heron TP or Eitan made its maiden flight 11 months ago in Israel. The first production aircraft are being built under contract for the Israel Air Force.

Elbit Systems Introduces a New MALE UAV - Hermes 900

Addressing the growing demand for tactical, medium altitude long endurance (MALE) UAV platforms, Elbit Systems is unveiling a new 'mid-size' platform called Hermes 900. Positioned between the successful Hermes 450 and the long endurance Hermes 1500 twin engine craft, the new Hermes 900 will weigh 970 kg (Maximum takeoff weight) and a wingspan of 15 meters. While offering all Hermes 450 capabilities, the new aircraft features larger multi-payload configurations (up to 300 kg), higher flight altitude and extended flight time without the need for external fuel tanks. Read more on the new HERMES in today's DEFENSE UPDATE.

More ScanEagle Hours to Support Australian Troops in Afghanistan

Boeing Australia Limited has been awarded a AUD$20 million contract to support Australian units deployed in Afghanistan, with surveillance and reconnaissance services, provided by the company's ScanEagle Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) for a period of six months. According to a Boeing Australia announcement, the level of ScanEagle services to be provided will be at a significantly higher operational tempo those currently being provided for the Army's Overwatch Battle Group in Iraq, where a similar service was launched in November 2006.

Hermes-450 UAVs to Fill British ISTAR Gap Until the Watchkeeper Arrival

UAV Tactical Systems Ltd. (U-TacS), a UK based joint venture between Elbit Systems Ltd. (NASDAQ:ESLT) and Thales UK, has been awarded a contract worth approximately $110 million by Thales UK deliver a Hermes 450 UAV units to provide an urgent intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR) support for the UK Armed Forces. The program will commence immediately and will take place over the next few years. The contract includes training of the UK MoD staff in use and maintenance of the system, and the provision of contractor logistic support (CLS) and program management services. Hermes 450 will be used supplemented by the Watchkeeper UAV system, as it becomes operational around 2010. Spain recently selected another Israeli UAV, the Searcher, to support its forces in their planned deployment to Afghanistan.

RAFAEL Introduces Extended Skylite-B Mini UAV

RAFAEL unveiled an enhanced version of the Skylite B mini UAV system, with offering twice the mission endurance (up to three hours), and three times the operating range (up to 35 km). The improved system also includes an encrypted digital communications and data link. Skylite B is competing on an IDF planned procurement of mini UAV systems for the infantry battalions. The IDF is also also interested in a larger mini UAV to be operated as an organic ISR asset at the brigade level. The new version of Skylite will better position its system to accommodate various requirements. The Skylite B system was developed under cooperation between RAFAEL and BlueBird Aero Systems.