Defense Technology International - June 2008 - (Page 10)

AROUND THE WORLD NEWS BRIEFS ISRAEL ADDS COMBAT UGV Israel Defense Forces is procuring Guardium autonomous unmanned ground vehicles (UGV) for border patrol missions. The IDF has received the ﬁrst test vehicles, equipped with command-and-control systems. They will be used for field-testing and development of tactics prior to integration with patrol units. The IDF uses several versions of teleoperated and robotic vehicles, and plans to deploy a large UGV on the Gaza border this summer (DTI April, p. 8). Guardium, however, is the ﬁrst autonomous vehicle designed for combat operations with ground forces. The vehicle is supplied by Gnius, a joint venture established by Israel Aerospace Industries and Elbit Systems. It is a third-generation UGV, incorporating the experience and systems engineering of both companies in unmanned vehicles. The UGV is based on the all-terrain Tomcar platform. Its modular design can be adapted to other vehicles. While Guardium’s size is sufﬁcient for current mission plans, the IDF wants larger platforms for heavy payloads. A commercial version is being tested for airport security. I ELBIT GRAD ROCKETS GET LYNX UPGRADE AERONAUTICS DEFENSE SYSTEMS Israel is upgrading rocket battalions of an undisclosed former Soviet republic, as part of a large-scale arms transfer, sources tell DTI. One system has been delivered. The battalions are equipped with Russian Grad rockets on mobile launchers. Upgrades are based on Israel Military Industries’ Lynx, an autonomous, modular artillery system that ﬁres rockets and tactical missiles from one platform. The system deploys LAR-160 rockets with IMI’s Trajectory Correction System. This enhances the accuracy of free-ﬂight artillery rockets by adjusting trajectory during ﬂight (see story, p. 40). The upgrades will also improve target-acquisition systems. Battalions will receive an autonomous targeting capability provided by an Orbiter mini-drone from Aeronautics Defense Systems (ADS). At Eurosatory (June 16-20 in Paris), ADS will show Orbiter in a conﬁguration designed for range and endurance. During a recent demonstration in Israel, Orbiter located targets 50 km. (31 mi.) away. It relayed target video and coordinates to an artillery unit, and rockets were aimed and ﬁred. The drone monitored impact and transmitted aiming-correction data for a second volley. I CZECH MILITARY MUSCLES UP T-72 The Czech Republic has modernized 30 Soviet-era T-72 main battle tanks and three recovery vehicles. The prime contractor was VOP 025, a state-owned manufacturer of armored vehicles, working with prime subcontractor Nimda Group of Israel. The tanks, reclassiﬁed as T-72 M4 CZ, received 1,000-hp. turbocharged Perkins diesel engines. Coupled with Allison XTG 411 6N automatic transmissions, they improve acceleration, offroad performance and reliability. Tanks use the Turms/T ﬁre-control system from Galileo Avionica, which includes independent, stabilized day/night (thermal) sights for commander and gunner, and a computer and laser rangeﬁnder that enhances targeting at long range. Armor upgrades include reactive modules on the turret front (see photo), sides and roof. Laser-warning and ﬁresuppression systems were added, and the suspension and undercarriage have been modiﬁed for the drive 10 DEFENSE TECHNOLOGY INTERNATIONAL JUNE 2008 train and to accommodate extra weight and power. The military planned to modernize 130 tanks (two brigades) but only had funding for one battalion. I NIMDA GROUP AviationWeek.com/dti http://AviationWeek.com/dti

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Defense Technology International - June 2008

Defense Technology International - June 2008 Contents Around the World Science Watch Tech Watch Basic Black Self-Defense Fire-Resistant Perfezione Hyperspeed Trial Big Sky Cashing In Digital Links Hang Ten Sea Change Programs Update Two Steps Back Direct Hit Staying Power Potent Stinger Do No Harm Guard Duty The Net Cutting Edge First Person In Review Insight

Defense Technology International - June 2008

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