Modern Battlefield Technologies

[Kunal Biswas]

Data Link Solutions - Mission Scenario Video


In a constantly shifting battle space, Data Link Solutions with Link 16 capability keep coalition warfighters operating as one prepared and aware force. This combat scenario video demonstrates how our products help warfighters accomplish their mission and safely returning to base. All elements are connected to the Link 16 network using technology provided by Data Link Solutions -- the DLS MIDS-LVT, MIDS-LVT2, MIDS JTRS, MIDS-FDL, MIDS-on-Ship and URC-138.

 

[H.A.]

Boeing Non-kinetic Missile Records 1st Operational Test Flight

CHAMP high-powered microwaves degrade or destroy electronic targets without collateral damage

HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah, Oct. 22, 2012

A recent weapons flight test in the Utah desert may change future warfare after the missile successfully defeated electronic targets with little to no collateral damage.

Boeing and the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Directed Energy Directorate, Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., successfully tested the Counter-electronics High-powered Microwave Advanced Missile Project (CHAMP) during a flight over the Utah Test and Training Range that was monitored from Hill Air Force Base.

CHAMP, which renders electronic targets useless, is a non-kinetic alternative to traditional explosive weapons that use the energy of motion to defeat a target.

During the test, the CHAMP missile navigated a pre-programmed flight plan and emitted bursts of high-powered energy, effectively knocking out the target's data and electronic subsystems.

CHAMP allows for selective high-frequency radio wave strikes against numerous targets during a single mission.

"This technology marks a new era in modern-day warfare," said Keith Coleman, CHAMP program manager for Boeing Phantom Works. "In the near future, this technology may be used to render an enemy's electronic and data systems useless even before the first troops or aircraft arrive."

CHAMP is a multiyear, joint capability technology demonstration that includes ground and flight tests.

Boeing Non-kinetic Missile Records 1st Operational Test Flight

So can this be used as a sort of a flying gun....firing at the incoming missiles and then staying in the air and firing at the next target

 

[cobra commando]

Field Testing a Four-Legged Robot

DARPA recently completed field testing of its LS3 four-legged robot system at Fort Pickett in central Virginia. An agency press release reported the following:

Working with the Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory (MCWL), researchers from DARPA's LS3 program demonstrated new advances in the robot's control, stability and maneuverability, including "Leader Follow" decision making, enhanced roll recovery, exact foot placement over rough terrain, the ability to maneuver in an urban environment, and verbal command capability.

Here's a video that shows some of the action:

[video=youtube_share;hNUeSUXOc-w]http://youtu.be/hNUeSUXOc-w[/video] Creepy!! (but cool)

http://defensetech.org/2012/12/26/field-testing-a-four-legged-robot/

 

[cobra commando]

Remotely Controlled Flail Assists Counter-IED, Demining Missions

Remotely Controlled Flail Assists Counter-IED, Demining Missions

The M160 MV4 flail robot built by the Croatian company DOK-ING is operating in route clearing activities in Afghanistan.

The US Army has been using the M160 remotely controlled flail robot built by the Croatian company DOK-ING in Afghanistan for route clearance missions. The Croatian built MV4 remotely controlled tracked mine clearance system has already demonstrated its ability to battle improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and Un-Exploded Ordnance (UXO) in Afghanistan and other war zones like Iraq, Nicaragua and Srilanka. By using the new robot, soldiers can clear routes without putting themselves in danger. Fielding of the M160 MV4 has been a priority of C-IED specialized 'Task Force Rampant' for some time now, said Command Sgt. Maj. Leonard Meeks of TF Rampant. The task force is engaged in developing and implementing techniques, tactics and procedures utilizing new technologies and capabilities for route clearing, combating IEDs in Afghanistan.

The M160 MV4 employs a 'flail' system, comprising a rotating shaft with 34 rotating chain hammers attached to disturb the surface of the ground in an attempt to detonate or unearth deadly mines and unexploded ordnance. The flailing action is designed to establish a safe path of travel for dismounted troops in the area. The system is effective in destroying anti-personnel mines on all types of terrain, soil and vegetation. The five-ton MV4 robot is produced by the Dok-Ing Company in Croatia. The company has already deployed more than 100 vehicles in demining operations throughout the world. Apart from the US Army in Afghanistan, MV4 vehicles are also operating in support of demining and route clearing operations with the military forces of Sweden, Iraq, Nicaragua and Sri-Lanka.

The vehicle uses robust frame, with the engine and vital components protected by steel plates to be survive all types of anti-tank mine. Due to its small dimensions the MV4 can be employed in confined spaces, such as house yards, orchards, wooded areas, riverbanks and other types of terrain, which are not accessible to larger machines. MV4 can be fitted with a variety of tool attachments including flails, used as the standard counter-mine tool. Other attachments include tiller, roller, dozer blade or gripper. The different tools are used to destroy even the smallest anti-personnel blast pressure mines and the most dangerous types of bouncing fragmentation mines. The remotely controlled vehicle can clear up to 2,200 square meters per hour when used in continuous mode. The company also produces the MV-10, a larger, heavier system designated to clear anti-tank mines.

The remote control unit developed for the MV4 and the larger vehicle MV-10.

The M160 MV4 is the first of its kind here and is the latest addition to the Mobilization Training Center, the route clearance training program at Fort Bliss. The first detachment from the First Army Division West's 5th Armored Brigade's "Task Force Rampant," recently trained with the new vehicle at Ft. Bliss, as part of their preparation for deployment to Afghanistan. "Having this equipment available to train our reserve-component forces during their pre-mobilization training will allow these units to arrive in their forward-deployed theaters with a unique and critical skill set," said Lt. Col. Aaron Dorf, Task Force Rampant commander.

The two-day training event included familiarization training, instruction of field maintenance and basic driving and maneuvering control skills. Following the proficiency training phase, operators were taught how to negotiate obstacles and conducted a practice run over 3,100 meter long test lane. Key to effective flailing was the ability to employ the M160 MV4 using a variable tool speed, the correct downward pressure and gear. Prior to entering the unclear area, soldiers must perform a soil test to check the effectiveness of the settings, and then adjust as necessary.

M160 MV4 robot negotiating a minefield in Afghanistan

The larger MV-10 is designed to destroy anti-personnel and anti-tank mines.

Remotely Controlled Flail Assists Counter-IED, Demining Missions | Defense Update - Military Technology & Defense News

 

[sayareakd]

 

[cobra commando]

Lockheed Martin Demonstrates High-Energy Laser C-RAM Application

Lockheed Martin's ADAM system demonstrates UAV tracking prior to laser engagement. Photo: Lockheed Martin


The Lockheed Martin Area Defense Anti-munitions (ADAM) prototype laser weapon system successfully destroys a rocket target flying on a wire at a range of 1.6 kilometers on Dec. 10, 2012, replicating similar demonstrations conducted earlier this year. Since August, the system has successfully engaged an unmanned aerial system target in flight at a range of approximately 1.5 kilometers (0.9 miles) and has destroyed four small-caliber rocket targets in simulated flight at a range of approximately 2 kilometers (1.2 miles). Acquisition, tracking and destruction of the target took approximately three seconds.

Lockheed Martin's Area Defense Anti-Munitions (ADAM) system is a laser weapon system that is designed to defeat close-in improvised rocket and unmanned aerial system (UAS) threats. The system is self-contained to conduct the full engagement sequence against rockets and accepts an initial external radar cue to engage UASs. The system uses a 10-kilowatt fiber-laser developped by the company to provide the performance needed for these types of threats. The system precisely tracks targets in cluttered optical environments and has a tracking range of more than 5 kilometers (3.1 miles). It can as a standalone system and to engage unmanned aerial systems with an external radar cue.

A sequence from a video showing an rocket destroyed by the ADAM laser weapon

ADAM detects the threat and within seconds, locks on the target and establishes an aim point. When the system declares a valid aim point, it fires the laser on the target, long enough to negate the rocket or UAS. Lockheed Martin has successfully demonstrated the ADAM system in a series of tests against representative airborne targets in 2012.

Lockheed Martin developed the ADAM system under independent research and development funding. The system is configured as a land-based transportable system.

[video=youtube_share;3pO2A5oJyX0]http://youtu.be/3pO2A5oJyX0[/video]

Lockheed Martin Demonstrates High-Energy Laser C-RAM Application | Defense Update - Military Technology & Defense News

 

[arnabmit]

I guess 100% fiction, but low profile design could be very effective!

[video=youtube_share;crGVfOrv78Y]http://youtu.be/crGVfOrv78Y[/video]

 

[arnabmit]

Thrust vectoring capabilities demonstrated by prototype Su-37

[video=youtube_share;1GdfnTLKcvM]http://youtu.be/1GdfnTLKcvM[/video]

[video=youtube_share;bWN3-s9ACpw]http://youtu.be/bWN3-s9ACpw[/video]

[video=youtube_share;wgmxc-X3XZ4]http://youtu.be/wgmxc-X3XZ4[/video]

 

[cobra commando]

Northrop Grumman Eyes Indian Market for Delayed LEMV

The long-endurance multi-intelligence vehicle (LEMV) first flew last August. Northrop Grumman has proposed the hybrid airship to India for border and maritime surveillance. (Photo: Northrop Grumman)

Northrop Grumman has proposed its long-endurance multi-intelligence vehicle (LEMV) hybrid airship to meet new Indian requirements for border surveillance, AIN has learned from a senior official at the country's Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). The huge, unmanned LEMV was being developed for U.S. Army missions over Afghanistan, but has fallen behind schedule. It first flew last August, one year later than promised.

In a presentation to the MHA, Northrop Grumman described the LEMV as a lighter-than-air (LTA) vehicle that offers "a revolutionary capability in persistent surveillance with reconfigurable payloads to meet emerging multi-mission needs." Discussions began a year ago, followed by presentations to the Border Security Force (BSF), which is controlled by the MHA. The official said that Northrop Grumman had emphasized cost savings resulting from a reduced force structure, since one LTA could replace 25 medium-altitude, long-endurance (Male) UAVs, the company claimed. It suggested a cost of only $20,000 to keep the unmanned LEMV in the air for three weeks, carrying a 2,750-pound sensor and communications payload. Northrop Grumman offered to integrate indigenous intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) payload options on the LTA, which has modular payload bays.

The MHA is expected to release a request for proposals in March for surveillance solutions over seven different areas. The LTA will likely be bid for maritime surveillance, as well as for over remote areas along India's borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh. The MHA is expected to purchase approximately five such systems. India is expected to spend an estimated $30 billion on homeland security by 2016, mostly for policing, but also including surveillance systems.

No further progress with LEMV flight-testing in the U.S. has been reported since the first flight. The prototype flew with pilots on board, and without any payload. Last October, an Army general suggested to the website Inside Defense that the LEMV might never be deployed to Afghanistan. By press time, neither the U.S. Army nor Northrop Grumman had responded to AIN's request for an update.

The Long Endurance Multi-Intelligence Vehicle (LEMV) lands after a successful first flight. - YouTube

Northrop Grumman Eyes Indian Market for Delayed LEMV | Aviation International News

 

[arnabmit]

[video=youtube_share;OM2x5QraDRU]http://youtu.be/OM2x5QraDRU[/video]

 

[arnabmit]

[video=youtube_share;2wAvxQfusWU]http://youtu.be/2wAvxQfusWU[/video]

 

[arnabmit]

[video=youtube_share;bjiq44DgDf0]http://youtu.be/bjiq44DgDf0[/video]

 

[cobra commando]

Lockheed Martin's SMSS Unmanned Autonomous Vehicle Operates Via Satellite Control

SMSS load carrying mule undergoing field testing. Photo: Lockheed martin

Lockheed Martin completed demonstrated the capability to control the Squad Mission Support System (SMSS) robotic vehicle beyond line of sight. The demonstration took place at Camp Grayling, Mich.where the SMSS was controlled via satellite link 200 miles away. The robotic vehicle conducted several battlefield surveillance operations while being controlled via satellite from the U.S. Army's Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center in Warren, Mich., over 200 miles away.The demonstration proved that the combination of autonomy, vehicle mobility, surveillance sensors and satellite communications can provide a means of battlefield situational awareness while keeping soldiers out of harm's way. During the demonstration, SMSS was equipped with a Gyrocam 9M Tactical Surveillance Sensor and a General Dynamics SATCOM Technologies "SATCOM-On-the-Move" system.

"These demonstrations allow the Army development communities to better understand capabilities available to them with SMSS right now," said Joe Zinecker, director of combat maneuver systems at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. "We are showing our customers innovative ways to employ SMSS vehicles in missions while demonstrating that we are ready to move from technology development to fielding these valuable and mature new capabilities."

Gyrocam M9 stabilized EO sensor mounted on a telescopic mast carried on the SMSS robotic platform. Photo: Lockheed Martin

SMSS incorporated a telescopic mast carrying the Gyrocam 9M stabilized EO payload, acquiring on-the-move, high-resolution electro-optical and thermal video. Through the tests, SMSS movements and sensor functions were controlled and monitored from the remote station via tele-operation, demonstrating control of the vehicle through the satellite. In another simulated mission, the operator defined a pre-planned route with the SMSS employing autonomy to navigate the course with minimal operator intervention, performing various autonomous functions, such as 'follow-me', 'go-to-point' and 'retro-traverse'.

Lockheed Martin conducted several demonstrations of the SMSS for the U.S. Army during 2012, outfitting the vehicle with different mission equipment packages to conduct logistics, counter-IED, mobility, dismounted-soldier support, and reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition. Four SMSS vehicles were successfully tested by soldiers in Afghanistan in 2012 as transport and logistics vehicles to lighten the load for soldiers in combat operations.

"The concept of an affordable common mobility platform coupled with specialized mission equipment packages is the right answer for UGVs to reduce development, production and sustainment costs, while providing maximum flexibility for commanders," Zinecker said. "SMSS continues to demonstrate its readiness to enter into an engineering and manufacturing development program."

Lockheed's SMSS Unmanned Autonomous Vehicle. Photo: Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin's SMSS Unmanned Autonomous Vehicle Operates Via Satellite Control | Defense Update - Military Technology & Defense News

 

[cobra commando]

Lockheed Martin - Squad Mission Support System (SMSS) [480p] - YouTube

 

[cobra commando]

Mini-Robots for the US Army

The US Army awarded iRobot and QinetiQ North America two procurement orders for small robotic vehicles, representing the new class of small/miniature robotic systems designed for counter-IED and surveillance missions. iRobot Corp will supply the iRobot 110 'FirstLook' robotic systems, under was awarded $14 million order from the Army, to be fulfilled by August 2013. QinetiQ North America Inc. was awarded about $13 million to supply the Dragon Runner-10 Micro Unmanned Ground Vehicle (MUGV).

Mini-Robots for the US Army; iRobot First Look & QinetiQ DragonRunner 10 - YouTube

 

[cobra commando]

Watch This Robotic Dog Throw Cinder Blocks With Its Head

Big Dog handles heavy objects.
The goal is to use the strength of
the legs and torso to help power
motions of the arm. This sort of
dynamic, whole-body approach to
manipulation is used routinely by
human athletes and will enhance
the performance of advanced
robots. Boston Dynamics is
developing the control and
actuation techniques needed for
dynamic manipulation. The
cinderblock weighs about 35 lbs
and the best throw is a bit more
than 17 ft. The research is funded
by the Army Research
Laboratory's RCTA program.


Dynamic Robot Manipulation - YouTube

 

[cobra commando]

Sand Flea is an 11-lb robot with
one trick up its sleeve: Normally it
drives like an RC car, but when it
needs to it can jump 30 feet into
the air. An onboard stabilization
system keeps it oriented during
flight to improve the view from
the video uplink and to control
landings. Current development of
Sand Flea is funded by the The US
Army's Rapid Equipping Force.


Sand Flea Jumping Robot - YouTube

OMFG :shocked: want!

 

[cobra commando]

Smart IED-Jammer Provides Electronic Surveillance

Cassidian, the defence and security division of EADS, has developed a new-generation multifunctional jamming system that significantly enhances the protection of vehicles against radio-controlled improvised explosive devices (RCIEDs). The new mobile jammer combines the smart jamming functionality with signals intelligence (also known as Electronic Support Measures – ESM), allowing detailed understanding of the threat, thus significantly improving mission planning and force protection.

According to the company, the multifunctional jammer analyses the signal spectrum around a vehicle and is thus in a position to jam the radio signals intended to trigger a roadside bomb in a targeted manner rather than by barraging noise over a wide spectrum, blocking friendly communications or operating over specific bands, leaving vulnerable gaps that could be exploited by insurgents.

Cassidian's multifunctional jammer features the new, ultra-fast Smart Responsive Jamming Technology to substantially enhance the level of protection. This system detects and classifies radio signals intended to ignite roadside bombs. It then transmits jamming signals in real-time, which are tailored exactly to the hostile frequency band. Thanks to the new digital receiver and signal processing technologies it is thus possible to achieve reaction times of well below a millisecond.The new jammer also employs the SMARTscout extension, providing signal intelligence battlespace picture – a task that previously could only be accomplished by relatively complex systems which are difficult to deploy and consume a lot of energy. SMARTscout allows the user to deploy numerous sensors in theater, at relatively low cost, and to obtain an 'electronic order of battle' of radio communication threat situation in less time. This new capability assists the user in gaining force protection and the intelligence essential for planning of further operations.

"Lessons learnt in recent conflicts prove that the enemy often changes the type of radio transmission used for triggering signals in asymmetric scenarios," explains Elmar Compans, head of the Sensors & Electronic Warfare unit at Cassidian. "Continuous analysis of threats and the resulting adaptation of countermeasures are therefore indispensable. Using our SMARTscout system, both of these tasks can be done faster and with reduced effort."

Integrated into a light vehicle – to be seen here a "Wolf"-class car – Cassidian's multifunctional jammer can explore the electromagnetic spectrum and at the same time counter attacks with radio-controlled roadside bombs. Photo: Cassidian

Cassidian's Smart IED-Jammer Provides Electronic Surveillance | Defense Update - Military Technology & Defense News

 

[W.G.Ewald]

Are RCIEDs detonated by any frequencies outside of cell phone frequencies?

Due to historical reasons, radio frequencies used for cellular networks differ in the Americas, Europe, Africa and Asia. The first commercial standard for mobile connection in the United States was AMPS, which was in the 800 MHz frequency band. In Nordic countries of Europe, the first widespread automatic mobile network was based on the NMT-450 standard, which was in the 450 MHz band. As mobile phones became more popular and affordable, mobile providers encountered a problem because they couldn't provide service to the increasing number of customers. They had to develop their existing networks and eventually introduce new standards, often based on other frequencies. Some European countries (and Japan) adopted TACS operating in 900 MHz. The GSM standard, which appeared in Europe to replace NMT-450 and other standards, initially used the 900 MHz band too. As demand grew, carriers acquired licenses in the 1,800 MHz band. (Generally speaking, lower frequencies allow carriers to provide coverage over a larger area, while higher frequencies allow carriers to provide service to more customers in a smaller area.)

Cellular frequencies - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[arnabmit]

Boeing and Sikorsky to team up on X2-based rotorcraft for U.S. Army

Sikorsky's coaxial X2 Demonstrator may have taken its last flight, but the rotorcraft's design will serve as the basis for a new aircraft proposed by Sikorsky and Boeing. The companies will submit a joint proposal to build the new aircraft for Phase 1 of the U.S. Army's Joint Multi-Role (JMR) Technology Demonstrator (TD) program that aims to deliver the next generation of vertical lift utility and attack aircraft.

Sikorsky's X2 Demonstrator, which made its first flight in August 2008, is notable for its coaxial rotor design that sees its two main rotors counter-rotating on the same vertical axis. This configuration, coupled with a "pusher prop" at the rear of the aircraft supplying auxiliary propulsion and an advanced fly-by-wire system, helped the X2 set an unofficial world speed record for a helicopter on September 15, 2010, when it reached a speed of 250 knots (288 mph, 463 km/h) in level flight.

It is this proven design that Samir Mehta, president of Sikorsky Military Systems, says Boeing and Sikorsky will leverage to deliver an aircraft with an "efficient 230-knot (265 mph, 426 km/h) cruise airspeed, improved hover efficiency, and weigh-optimized design in an affordable package." He added that the design would "offer the Army reduced risk, a 100-knot improvement in speed, a 60 percent improvement in combat radius, and 50 percent better high-hot hover performance."

The two companies will share leadership on the project, with Sikorsky taking the lead for the JMR TD Phase 1 proposal and Boeing taking the reins for Phase 2, which is the mission systems demonstrator program.

Phase 1 proposals must be presented to the U.S. Army Aviation Applied Technology Directorate by March 6, with the one or more winning bids expected to be announced in late 2013. The demonstrator aircraft will be expected to be in the air in 2017.