Lockheed Martin's F-16I (nicknamed Viper) fighters have been the backbone of the Israeli Air Force for several years, but the active work of companies such as IAI, Rafael and Elbit has made the Israeli Viper one of the most advanced fighters. in the world
Electronics
By developing its own industrial potential, Israel has de facto reduced the number of systems that could fall under foreign embargoes. And therefore Israel has good systems in almost every sector of the electronics industry (air defense radars are described in the air defense section of this series of articles)
The key players in this area are undoubtedly Elbit, Elisra and Elta, although as will be noted below, Rafael also has something to say in the radio business. The smaller companies discussed below are also entering the market with interesting systems. The part devoted to electronics, which reviews the latest achievements of these companies, is divided into sections: radio stations, electronic warfare, combat control and operational control systems, and silencers.
Radio stations
PNR1000 - ELBIT
Command and control systems (see below), perhaps, are nothing without means of communication, and here Elbit Systems offers a small, lightweight, full-duplex ultra-short-wave personal radio station PNR-1000 Personal Net Radio. There is no limit to the number of listeners in the network of the PNR-1000 radio station, which can receive three speakers at any given time. The radio station can handle the transmission of voice messages and data; the latter at a speed of 320 kbps. The radio station can be loaded either proprietary Elbit communication protocols, or protocols used by the customer, while the radio station itself coordinates its work in the network. Elbit says that the range of the PNR-1000 is about twice the range of its already obsolete CNR-9000 radio station. The transmission range is up to two kilometers in open space, from 700 meters to one kilometer in urban surroundings and up to 500 meters in the jungle.
The Elbit Military-IP Radio (MIPR) is a portable / portable VHF transceiver with data rates up to 4 Mbps. Typically used as a base transceiver, MIPR can be used at the brigade level as well. The radio station is loaded with proprietary Elbit protocols or customer communication protocols. Finally, the THF-8000HF radio from this company has a baud rate of 92 kbps. It is available in three configurations: portable, transportable or stationary. The portable version weighs up to 4 kg, its power is 25 W, although it increases in the portable version to 125 W.
TAC-4G LTE - ELBIT
Elbit's other communications innovations include the TAC-4G LTE cellular network, built around an encrypted cellular network and controlled from a ground vehicle. Such a network could provide deployed troops with a conventional cellular network that can be used by conventional cell phones, but in encryption mode. Once connected to the network, these cell phones can be used for viewing photos and videos, transferring data and normal voice calls. Deploying multiple ground vehicles to manage the network creates some degree of redundancy so that the network will continue to function even if one of the machines stops working.
MP-DF-100 - ELISRA
Elbit Systems is the parent company of the Elisra Group, which manufactures a range of specialized electronic platforms, such as the MP-DF-100 portable tactical radio intelligence system. The MP-DF-100 system operates in the 25-3000 MHz range and can be used both in motion and stationary. This radio intelligence system allows soldiers to classify and locate transmitters. When used in a stationary position, the MP-DF-100 can build a tactical map of local emitters and their frequencies. Elisra is currently working on the next Comint / DF variant. It will have a smaller receiver and a hot swappable battery. Both the MP-DF-100 and Comint / DF models can transmit their reconnaissance data across the entire tactical network of radio stations or satellite communications.
RAVNET-300 - RAFAEL
With an excellent reputation in the missile business, the Israeli company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems also specializes in military communications. For example, it manufactures the Ravnet-300, an aircraft-mounted dual-band (VHF / UHF) radio, currently in service with the Israeli Air Force and Navy; in the navy, it is used for ship-to-air data transmission. The Ravnet-300 has a data rate of up to approximately 300 kbps and provides high quality, low latency voice data, including full duplex communications up to 180 nautical miles (333 km). In addition, compatibility with the Mil-Std-1553 protocol allows the Ravnet-300 to be installed on various aerial platforms that have this data bus.
Despite its relatively short service life (5-6 years), the Ravnet-300 will be replaced in the coming years with a new aircraft radio station also produced by Rafael, called NetCore (also known as BNET-AR). In its early stages of development, NetCore can already provide three-channel communications in the form of VHF / UHF and satellite communications. The base unit of NetCore has a small form factor - smaller than that of the Ravnet-300 model. The company says it can import communication protocols compatible with NATO standards for use with Link-16 (a type of military tactical real-time communications network); at the same time, the communication protocols must be compatible with the communication protocols developed for the American Joint Tactical Radio System program (JTRS - reprogrammable radio stations using a single communication architecture). In terms of benefits, NetCore outperforms Ravnet-300 in data transfer rates, offering 1.5 Mbps. The radio is designed for future software updates and has accessibility features that can control and coordinate the entire network.
In terms of operational control, NetCore has an integrated GlobalLink airborne operational control network, also developed by Rafael. GlobalLink can transmit voice, video and data messages between aircraft and between aircraft and ground. The network can conduct video exchange, provide situational data such as information on allied forces, and act as a warning system for dangerous proximity. The company says that in addition to basic tasks, the GlobalLink network can perform additional functions, in particular, to schedule tasks for helicopters. NetCore is expected to enter service with the Israeli Air Force over the coming years and will eventually be installed on all airborne platforms. With the commissioning of the NetCore radio station, the Israeli Air Force will run a parallel implementation of the GlobalLink network.
BNET - RAFAEL
BNET is a family of broadband programmable radios that includes the airborne BNET-AR system (described above) carried by the BNET-V and the manual BNET-HH. The BNET-HH model provides a data rate of two megabits per second on a single 1.25 MHz channel, and the BNET-V model has a data rate of up to 10 Mbps on all non-contiguous independent 1.25 MHz channels. Although the radio is primarily intended for data processing, it can also transmit voice data over IP and operate over air and ground communication channels. The company calls BNET-V / HH "Israel's JTRS" because it is capable of importing NATO-standard communication protocols. Rafael supplies both of these radios to the Israeli armed forces. It is also negotiating with two European non-NATO countries on the procurement of these systems. From an ergonomic point of view, the BNET-HH is not that heavy, weighing only 1.2 kg including the battery. The BNET-V variant weighs a little more, about 7 kg. It is worth noting that BNET-V can also be used in an aviation configuration. Both radios are compatible with the programmable communications architecture that was developed under the US JTRS program to define specific standards to improve the portability of communications protocols in programmable radios. The BNET-V radio has a frequency range of 20-2000 MHz, which can be extended to the S-band 2000-4000 MHz. Likewise, the range of the BNET-HH radio station can be extended to L-band (1000-2000 MHz) and S-band at the request of the buyer. The output power of the radio stations is 5 W (BNET-HH) and 50 W (BNET-V).
BNET is a family of broadband programmable radios created by RAFAEL
The PRC-710HH from Elbit Systems, marketed under the Tadiran brand, is a lightweight handheld VHF radio. An additional amplifier provides up to 20 watts of power. The company claims it is the lightest handheld frequency hopping radio on the market.
SOURCE OF SOUND
Silence can be golden, but not on the battlefield. Source of Sound sells its in-ear noise canceling systems worldwide. Soldiers need to hear, they need to be in control of the combat situation, but at the same time they need to be protected from the loud sounds of the battlefield. In order to imagine what the noise of the battle costs in monetary terms, the company announced the following figure: every year the American government spends more than $ 1.2 billion on compensation related to hearing loss.
Source of Sound, a noise canceling company, is bringing the MiniBlackBox and its newer Clarus to the market. These systems have been extensively tested and tested. The Israeli army has ordered several hundred of these systems and has already received them. Each ear-tip contains a small microphone for picking up ambient noise and the in-ear telephone itself. They are connected to the control unit, which houses two PTTs for two radio stations or two channels, plus a volume wheel for adjusting the level of external noise and communication sessions. The earbuds come in standard earbuds, which the company offers in five different sizes. The MiniBlackBox and Clarus systems constantly monitor ambient noise levels and if there is a sudden sound of an explosion or gunfire, the headphones automatically cut out loud noise to protect the wearer's hearing. On AAA batteries, the systems can operate for more than 45 hours, although operation from a soldier's radio station is possible.
MAXTECH NETWORKS
Much has been done by Israel's burgeoning computer industry. The experience and knowledge developed in the civilian sector was created and accumulated thanks to the investments that the country, since its founding in 1948, has spared no expense in defense technology. Companies such as MaxTech Networks supply both tactical radios and communications protocols. In terms of communication protocols, she develops software for well-known companies such as Selex and Thales, where it is loaded into the transceivers of these companies. The company has developed its new MaxTech SDR UHF radio station, which has been tested by one of its customers. The radio has built-in analog FM communication protocols that can be connected to civil radio networks used by emergency services, such as the Ministry of Emergency Situations, at the same time, it allows you to organize networks with narrowband and broadband communication channels. MaxTech has completed deliveries of its new system. To illustrate how its products can integrate with existing communications networks, MaxTech revealed that it is working on a project in the Far East that will equip its radios at remote police stations located in isolated border areas. The police will use MaxTech radios, whose traffic will be transmitted over a network protocol that will link these radios to satellite communications systems and existing cellular networks so that they can communicate with command centers at the local and national levels.
UTC
Underwater communication has never been easy. Although sound travels faster in water, humans have not gained the ability to speak and understand under water and, most likely, will not be able to do so for the next several thousand years. UTC's Underwater Digital Interface (UDI) system partially solves this problem. It is an acoustic modem for exchanging text messages between underwater swimmers. Using ultrasonic waves, the system provides complete digital communication, transmission and reception using a single antenna. Each device can transmit 14 predefined messages, and they can be added to the device from a laptop via a USB cable. After sending a message to other recipients, the sender receives confirmation that the message has been delivered. To help swimmers in an emergency, the UDI system, which comes in the form of a wrist-worn display, has an SOS button. When you click on it, it conveys the location of the swimmer and the depth at which he is. Each wrist display has a range of up to one kilometer; with continuous use, the battery lasts for 10 hours. The product has been tested at depths of up to 100 meters. Each Acoustic Modem network can connect up to 14 swimmers.
Electronic warfare
SEWS-DV
Given the company's expertise in defense electronics, it is not surprising that Rafael offers products in the field of electronic warfare (EW). For example, the SEWS-DV maritime electronic warfare system covers the radar range of 0.2-40 GHz of the electromagnetic spectrum. SEWS-DV is in service with the Israeli Navy. It can be installed on submarines, surface ships, as well as on patrol aircraft of coastal aviation. Although the company does not give specific details, it claims that SEWS-DV has an extended threat library, although it is empty when sold and the buyer fills it himself as the SEWS-DV system is used.
The frequency allocation in the SEWS-DV system makes an important contribution to the protection of the ship. Anti-ship missiles typically use millimeter-wave Ka-band guidance radars. A feature of the flight path of such missiles is that they tend to fly as close to the surface as possible in order to prevent detection, which is also facilitated by their relatively small physical dimensions. Consequently, such electronic support systems, such as SEWS-DV, can relatively easily detect unmasking missile radiation, after which the ship can take evasive actions through aggressive maneuvering, use countermeasures or launch a kinetic attack.
SPS-65 (V)
Elbit Systems also does not shy away from electronic warfare systems. Several years ago, it announced its new products, including the SPS-65 (V) 5 electronic reconnaissance and jamming platform. According to the company, the SPS-65 (V) 5 platform offers a wide range of capabilities and is quite competitive in size, weight and power consumption. The frequencies covered by the SPS-65 (V) 5 range from the lower range (approximately 64-88 MHz) to 18 GHz. For signals, the system can detect conventional pulse repetitions, continuous waves and high pulse repetitions. In addition, the SPS-65 (V) 5 provides a laser warning function for multiband laser, single or multiple pulsed lasers. The SPS-65 (V) 5 system can be taken on board various types of aerial platforms, including drones that are compatible with the MIL-STD-1553 data bus, as well as the RS422 and RS232LAN technical standards. Elbit Systems manufactures the SPS-65 system in several versions including (V) 1, (V) 2, (V) 3 and (V) 5. The main differences between these options are in the consistent reduction in the number of electronic units. For example, the SPS-65's “brains” are housed in a single quick-change unit, which in turn is connected to eight laser and radar sensors installed at different locations on the aircraft, which allows for 360 ° all-aspect coverage. In the medium term, Elbit intends to develop a 40 GHz extension, which will require more antennas to be installed on the aircraft. Elbit Systems has several SPS-65 (V) 5 customers who are planning to equip their manned platforms. In addition, the company hopes to receive an order from the Israeli armed forces for the SPS-65 (V) 5 systems for installation on drones.
Rafael SEWS-DV shipborne digital electronic warfare system. Its operating frequency range is 0.5-40 GHz, which allows it to detect anti-ship missile millimeter-wave radars; in addition, it is capable of performing the functions of electronic suppression
SKYFIX
The SPS-65 (V) is joined by the SkyFix radio intelligence and direction finding system, which is an electronic warfare equipment installed on drones. The SkyFix system consists of a family of products including SkyFix Comint / DF, SkyFix / G, which can jam tactical networks, and SkyFix – Cellular, which can jam cell phones. All SkyFix products can search the entire range of targets, monitor and classify selected frequencies, and jam. The SkyFix system is installed on the Hermes-450 drone, as well as on the larger Hermes-900.
SkyFix combined with SkyJam
Battlefield management and operational management
DAP - ELBIT SYSTEMS
Elbit Systems, based in Haifa, has established itself as a leading supplier of military electronics since its founding in 1967. She is currently leading the development of combat control software for the Israeli army's DAP (Digital Army Program), which runs on the Tiger / Torc2h broadband network. The DAP system, which entered service in 2008-2009, provides a combat control system for all branches of the military, including armored, artillery, engineering units, infantry, reconnaissance and logistics units. It connects all echelons of command, from the corps level and down to the individual soldier.
The DAP program is built around a basic software suite that adapts to the level of command and branch of service where it is operated. For several years, Elbit has been working on algorithms that can "clean up" the amount of information that comes from sensors at different levels of command, so that users do not "drown" in the data. This will be implemented in the DAP system through new software, which will be widely used by the Israeli army in the next couple of years.
Operational management - MPREST
MPrest also specializes in operational control (OA) software. She took an active part in the development of the operational control architecture for the Iron Dome air defense system. The strength of the company lies in the fact that it develops a typical infrastructure for an OA system, which can then be sold to customers and adapted to their requirements. For example, the Israeli Air Force has also adapted a similar infrastructure. MPrest says it can install an op amp system in less than 24 hours using its generic functional blocks. In the civil sector, MPrest is developing an op amp system for Israeli electrical companies. It will be able to connect up to 300 sites, both inhabited and uninhabited. Mprest OS Windows-based OS software has been used in a wide variety of applications, from drone ground control stations to border security systems.
Mufflers
PHANTOM TECHNOLOGIES
Israel is very well aware of how deadly and destructive cars filled with explosives can be. Unsurprisingly, Israeli companies such as Phantom Technologies make analog and digital cell phone jammers and other equipment to combat directional roadside bombs and explosive vehicles. This equipment can be in the form of wearable and mobile tactical jammers, power amplifiers, and jamming systems for large areas, such as prisons where the use of cell phones is prohibited. For mobile security, Phantom Technologies supplies convoy silencers in the form of vehicle-mounted systems and hidden transport devices.
SKYFIX - ELBIT
The SkyFix system is an on-board electronic warfare equipment installed on drones (already mentioned earlier regarding installation on Hermes-450 and Hermes-900). In fact, it consists of a family that includes SkyFix Comint / DF and SkyFix / G, as well as a system for jamming mobile communications SkyFix – Cellular.
ATALD - IMI
In terms of survivability and protection systems, here IMI has made some progress with its Atald airborne decoy target, since it was adopted by the US Navy. The system can be configured with various equipment - radio frequency, infrared or combined - simulating modern targets in order to "overload" the defensive systems of an enemy ship. Atald can generate various decoys, simulate the effective reflection area and speed of targets, and also be programmed for certain characteristics of their flight. The carrier has a length of 2.34 meters, a wingspan of 1.55 meters, weighs 170 kg and can reach speeds of up to 260 m / s due to its turbocharged engine weighing 77 kg. When flying at low altitudes up to 6800 meters, the decoy target has a flight duration of 18 minutes, which increases to 35 minutes when flying at altitudes up to 9000 meters.
Elbit Systems leads the Israeli Army's Command and Control Automation (DAP) program, which provides command and control software across the Tiger / Torch broadband network for all branches of the military
The stabilized optoelectronic system (pictured Minipop) is a highly sophisticated, tightly packed combination of electronics and precision mechanics.
Stabilized optoelectronic systems
This area is mainly divided between Elbit, IAI, Controp, Top I Vision and Esc Baz, which produce many systems, although Rafael has its own Toplite system here, which, according to the company, has set a unique record, since it is installed “on every ship US Navy"
Initially more focused on aerial applications, stabilized "balloons" as they are sometimes called are now becoming an integral part of remotely controlled and robotic land and sea systems. In terrestrial applications, they are highly regarded for their ability to capture high quality images of distant objects, such as from the top of a telescopic mast. In the maritime realm, they are absolutely essential on robotic speedboats.
ELBIT
The Elbit product line includes four main products: Amps, Compass, Dcompass and Microcopass.
The heaviest of them is the Amps system weighing 85 kg, designed for long-range observation of the sea space from large aircraft, both manned (as a rule, special aircraft and helicopters for observing the coastal strip) and unmanned (for example, it can be its own drone Hermes 900 by Elbit). The sensors included in it, as a rule, are configured according to the needs of the customer (there is already one European buyer), but mainly include a CCD camera, an infrared camera and an infrared radiation converter on a CCD matrix. Image analysis is greatly simplified through the use of our own GPS and inertial navigation system, which allow accurate image referencing to the terrain.
The system of optical reconnaissance or survey search optoelectronic station Compass weighing 38 kg and a diameter of 15 inches is more intended for offshore platforms. Its high-resolution daytime channel uses a wide-format color CCD camera with three fields of view, namely 0-6 ° x0, 45 °, 21, 25 ° x16 ° and 25 ° x19 °. The third generation cooled infrared camera is based on a 640x512 matrix. The laser sensors include two channels, one for an eye-safe 154μm rangefinder and one for targeting with a 1.064μm laser, although an 830nm emitter compatible with night vision systems can be used.
The Dcompass system, designed for aerial platforms, also has a diameter of 15 inches and is essentially the same configuration, only a 1394x1040 pixel CCD camera is added and geolocation due to an inertial measurement unit. The ball weight varies from 33 to 38 kg.
The 8.2-inch Microcompass optoelectronic system weighs 9 kg and provides 360 ° azimuth and + 30 ° / –90 ° elevation coverage. It includes a CCD camera with a magnification, 3-5 μm second-generation thermal imager with a matrix of 640x512 pixels and fields of view of 2.5 ° x2 ° and 17.5 ° x14 °, a target illumination device compatible with 830-μm night vision goggles with a range of 10 km and an optional 1, 54-micron laser rangefinder with a range of 4 km. As a rule, the system is installed on drones and ground robots.
A line of popular stabilized optoelectronic systems from Elbit: Amps, Compass and Microcompass
Micropop (top) and Minipop are typical members of IAI's Tamam family of stabilized systems.
Recce-U sales have already reached 60 units and, based on its capabilities, could eventually approach the 1,300 Reccelite systems sold mark
The ubiquitous Toplite system is installed on helicopters, airplanes, ships, telescopic masts of ground vehicles
IAI
The IAI division of Tamam specializes in all types of electronic reconnaissance and navigation systems and it is not surprising that it has developed a full line of gyro-stabilized optoelectronic systems, from the simple Pop 200, the more complex Mosp series to the latest advanced Pop300D-HD systems, which were sold over 1000 pieces worldwide.
The Pop 300D-HD system weighing 20 kg and a diameter of 10.4 inches includes (as can be seen from the designation) a 3-5 micron high-resolution thermal imager with a matrix of 1280x1024 pixels on indium antimonide. The daytime channel has nothing to brag about, since it is based on a CMOS sensor with a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels. In addition, a dual (1.06 μm and 1.54 μm) eye-safe laser rangefinder, an 830-nm laser pointer and a video tracking machine are installed.
RAFAEL
Rafael's 16-inch stabilized, hardened Toplite “ball” is designed for a range of aerial, land and marine applications. The system with higher characteristics, designated Toplite III, includes a 3-5 micron thermal imager with a 640x480 matrix with fields of view of 1 ° x0.77 °, 4.4 ° x3.3 ° and 24 ° x18 °. The 59 kg system also houses a day camera (large selection), a 1.54-micron laser rangefinder and a dual-range 1, 06/1, 57-micron laser rangefinder.
In the context of sensors that are often installed on drones, Rafael's Recce-U should also be mentioned. The container system is in fact a smaller and lighter version of the highly acclaimed Reccelite system found on fighter jets or larger long-range reconnaissance aircraft; Reccelite itself is a descendant of the previous Litening system.
Shown at an exhibition in Paris in 2009, the Recce-U station can be installed on MALE drones, such as Heron and larger; she was ordered by Italy, the Netherlands, Germany, Spain and operated in Afghanistan. The system works in conjunction with a stationary or mobile ground station via an SDV-53 data transmission channel with a range of 250 km, collects both digital infrared and "visible" high-resolution images, can combine and glue them in real time, although some images can be enlarged if necessary … The gluing is seamless because it is done at the pixel level.
With similar characteristics (it can detect power lines from an altitude of 4500 meters), the Recce-U system becomes especially useful when searching for roadside landmines, as it can perform high-precision image overlays, which makes it easier to identify changes in the form of open ground or displaced objects. The Recce-U system passed proof tests, during which 144 objects were hidden. In an hour and a half, she found 126 of them.
The flagship product of Controp is a gyro-stabilized platform weighing 22.5 kg with a 3-5 micron thermal imager and a day camera, which, among other things, is installed on Navy helicopters and drones. Controp pioneered continuous zoom thermal imaging camera
These small (knob given for scale) and lightweight Stamp series stabilized optoelectronic systems were developed by Controp. In the center, the D-Stamp system has a x10 magnification CCD camera with an inertial tracking mode with an optional coordinate hold mode. The U-Stamp on the left has an uncooled thermal imager with two fields of view, while the TR-Stamp on the right houses a cooled 3-5 μm thermal imager, a CCD camera with zoom and a laser rangefinder.
Among the light stabilized sensors for light drones manufactured by Top I Vision, there is a 950 gram day camera Lev 2 (top) and a 1.5 kg Lev 6 camera, to which an uncooled thermal imager has been added.
CONTROP
Controp is known primarily as a supplier of small stabilized optoelectronic systems for small and lightweight drones. Even numerous light drones made in other countries are equipped with one or another model of the Stamp series.
However, the 210-man company also manufactures larger and more powerful stabilized stations for helicopters (for example, DSP-1), offshore platforms and vehicles of all types, as well as powerful thermal imaging cameras (including a stabilized Spider system for balloons with a range of 15 km). automatic intrusion detection systems and stabilized antenna towers. The 3rd generation Fox thermal imager with 320x256 sensor, installed on the most unexpected systems (including Tamam Mops and Controp DSP-1), features automatic gain control and image enhancement functions. Currently, exports account for 84% of Controp's business, a figure that was only 3% 15 years ago.
One of the latest AVIV-LR systems from Esc Baz. Based on an uncooled Layla thermal imager, its digital signal processing function allows the addition of a daytime CCD camera. The AVIV-LR system also has an optical zoom of 25-225mm
TOP I VISION
Drone maker Top I Vision (already mentioned in this article series) also produces its own line of stabilized avionics for light hand-launched drones. The Lev 2 series stabilized on two axes weighs up to one kilogram. The company also manufactures systems of the Lev 4 series weighing about 3.5 kg with a CCD camera with x40 magnification; the Lev 6 Dual series with a total weight of 1.5 kg includes a day camera and an uncooled thermal imager.
ESC BAZ
Esc Baz specializes in wired, wireless and portable surveillance systems, as well as tactical communications systems for the national security and military. Its surveillance and monitoring systems include turnkey solutions for perimeter protection, armored vehicle protection and rapidly deployable mobile systems.
Most of the tactical systems from the Esc Baz catalog, including those from the category of portable surveillance systems, for example, the remotely controlled modular surveillance system AMI, are designed to monitor the battlefield at close, medium and long distances. Another Rooster remote-controlled surveillance system features a motorized panoramic head that can accept handheld thermal imaging binoculars or other optoelectronic sensors, allowing soldiers to observe without fear of being spotted by snipers. These systems are remotely controlled by Esc Baz's multifunctional Max and Max II monitoring and control systems.
The company's portfolio includes a series of short-range and long-range monitoring and surveillance systems. Currently, Esc Baz is mainly focused on new uncooled long-range systems capable of detecting a person at a distance of 6 km. One of them under the designation AVIV-LR, designed for military and paramilitary structures to perform surveillance and monitoring tasks, is based on a high-precision panoramic unit and a day / night sensor. The night channel in this system is represented by an uncooled Layla thermal imager with digital video signal processing. The camera has a built-in video input for an optional daytime CCD color camera for enhanced daytime imaging. The system has an optical continuous magnification of 25-225 mm, two built-in video processors and a video stabilization function, which allows you to get the highest quality picture. With the addition of a GPS laser rangefinder and gyrocompass, the AVIV-LR can become a targeting aid. In addition, the system can also integrate with other systems such as radars, fencing systems or unattended ground sensors. When a 25-micron thermal imager with a 384x288 pixel matrix is embedded, the AVIV-LR device allows you to identify a person at 4100 meters and recognize him at 1300 meters, while a 17-micron thermal imager with a 640x480 matrix increases these figures to 6100 and 1900 meters, respectively.
Above is the IAI Amos-5 satellite. There have already been several launches of the Shavit rocket (below) from the Palmachim complex. The rocket is capable of launching a load weighing 800 kg into orbit
Space
In addition to satellites, IAI manufactures Shavit launch vehicles. This rocket was first launched in September 1988. Missile launches are made from the Israeli Air Force Palmachim, located in southern Israel on the Mediterranean coast. The launch is carried out in a westerly direction in order to avoid a missile flight over the territory of Israel's neighboring countries.
Maintaining and strengthening Israel's air force is a top priority for IAI, although the company is also active on the "last frontier" in the space sector. Currently, one of the most successful projects of the IAI company is the Amos-4 satellite - the latest in the Amos series of communication satellites. This satellite weighs about 4,000 kg and has a power of 4,100 watts. Amos-4 was launched into geostationary orbit in August 2013 to provide communications coverage for Southeast Asia and is still in orbit today. IAI's Amos-5 satellite, launched in December 2011, was intended to provide communications services over Africa, the Middle East and Europe, but was lost in late 2015. The launch of the next satellite, Amos-6, is due in 2016. It will weigh about 4500 kg and will be equipped with 40 transponders (repeaters). The satellite is expected to replace the outdated Amos-2, launched back in 2003. It will provide communications services over the Middle East, Europe and the East Coast of North America, including television, radio and the Internet. It is possible that the Amos-6 will be followed by the Amos-7, although the development of this satellite has not yet begun.
Along with the Amos family of communications satellites, IAI has developed the next generation OptSat-3000 reconnaissance satellite. With a mass of 400 kg and a planned service life of about six years, OptSat-3000 will provide high-resolution panoramic and multispectral images. It is expected to launch this year. If this does not happen, the project will be closed. For radar surveillance, IAI has created TecSAR, a 24-hour synthetic aperture radar reconnaissance satellite that performs four-mode imaging. It was launched in 2008 and is still in orbit today. Images captured by the TecSAR satellite are transmitted to Earth via an X-band data link.
The Israel Defense Industry series has been completed.
