Armes de fabrication Israelienne

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Citation :

In the mid-70s a group of IAI (Israel Air Industries) engineers and IAF (Israeli Air Force) officers began a new project to develop an ultra modern Israeli fighter aircraft – a project that was supposed to take a quantum leap for aeronautics.

Designed to be the most advanced of its kind in the world by any standards, the Arie (Lion), would give the IAF a reliable option to the advanced US F-15 and F-16 types. Although it has never came through, the Arie became the cornerstone of another future and most ambitious project ever, an Israeli breakthrough to develop and produce the Lavi, the Israeli dream aircraft to outmatch the F-16.


Background

In response to the French embargo forced upon Israel after the Six-day warin 1967, a decision was made to strive for independence in the development of major weapons systems. Israel had already acquired the means to build good copies of the French Mirage, but wanted to be much more than just a clone maker.
The commander of the IAF (1982-1987), Gen. Amos Lapidot: said, “The essence was to create a technological infrastructure to develop and manufacture weapons systems in the three major weapons systems platforms – tanks, aircraft and ships. Behind that concept, were three basic rationales: First, Israel should not, and could not rely on foreign countries very volatile foreign policies. Secondly, the Israeli air force always strives to develop and use new war tactics and strategies, and was in constant need of new equipment to fulfill those operational objectives. Third, a national strategy to promote Israel 's and IAI's state-of-the-art technological accomplishments". This last point doesn't come over so well in English - by implication, these accomplishments would deter aggression, save money on expensive foreign weapon imports and maybe help Israeli exports.


Development

In 1974, an IAI team was set up to begin the Arie project. As no government approval had yet been received to produce it, the program was simply codenamed “R&D project”. Ovadia Harrari, who would later become head of the Lavi program, was to lead that endeavor.
The IAI decided to develop the Arie based on the technological knowhow acquired from the Kfir project, particularly from the Kfir-Canard program – the improved version. In fact, the first proposal which was put on hold by the Air Force, was to develop an aircraft to be named “Super Kfir” – a regular Kfir whose original J79 engine was replaced by an F100 model, the same as in early F-15/F-16s versions. That new engine would substantially increase the Super-Kfir's flying performance. However, due to the Air Force's strict specs requirements, a new draft was called for, in spite of the Kfir/Arie's visual similarities.
Over thirty different configurations were evaluated. The IAI tested several engine models, including the British Rolls- Royce RB-199, which powers the European Tornado aircraft. Soon, the options were reduced to just two. The F-100 single engine plane, or a twin-engine version.
The later, codenamed Light Weight Fighter-4 (LWF-4), was to be powered by two General-Electric F-404 engines as used in the F-18. “Looking at the different designs of the Arie, one can notice that it is an extensively modified Kfir” explains Harrari ,“ the aircraft is visually different, but its roots lay in the Kfir”.
The new future fighter aircraft, which was now codenamed “Hadish” (innovative), could be described as a single seat light fighter, capable of reaching 2.4 Mach speed, a 75,000 ft altitude ceiling, with a 480 km combat radius. Armament: would have been a 30-mm cannon and medium range air-to-air missiles. Avionics would include a radar, a helmet sight and an integral electronic warfare system. In addition, the aircraft would have low optical and radar signatures. Even the US F-15 and F-16 could not match these features at that time.
The outstanding question: An air-to-air fighter, or an air-to-ground attack aircraft?
During its initial design phases, the 1973Yom-Kippur war broke out, and the Israeli Air Force focused its attention on the battle proven air-to-air configuration concept, as air power and air superiority consist basically of air-to-air combat missions. Therefore, about 90 percent of the “Hadish” capabilities would be directed for air-to-air combat.


Technologies and Avionics


The Arie had several technological breakthroughs. It was designed to be the first Israeli aircraft to deploy digital fly-by-wire flight control system (at that time, cutting edge technology). This fly-by-wire concept, permitted the engineers to design an aerodynamically non-stable platform. Hence, they could achieve a small and highly maneuverable aircraft.
In the air-to-air version, to cope with enemy intruder aircraft, and keeping its air-superiority capabilities, the Arie would be equipped with advanced avionics and special ordnance systems: a highly sensitive Israeli radar capable of acquiring low-altitude flying targets. Advanced electro-optical systems would enable the Arie to locate ground targets at night.
Another breakthrough, was the pilot's option to use his helmet mounted sight, easing his combat workload. In the mid-70's these systems were nearly unheard of. It would take another ten years for the helmet mounted sight to become operational in any type of combat aircraft.
The Arie's cockpit resembles to a great extent that of the F-16's early versions. Besides the Head-up Display (HUD), a Monochromatic Display was mounted in the cockpit to display the radar's viewpoint.
The Pilot's view was close to 360º visibility– a life and death factor in air combats. This is now the normal design in both Western and Russian combat aircraft from the F-15 onwards.
The Arie's ordnance would include an improved 30-mm DAPA cannon, assorted air-to-air missiles, iron bombs, and precision guided ordnance. Max. military load is: 7 tons.
Although that aircraft was not meant to be a stealth aircraft, some basic stealth features were studied to give it the option to strike heavily fortified missile zones. This objective was based on the lessons learned during and after the 1973 Yom-Kippur war, when Israeli fighters had to face a huge number of SAMs. The Arie would also be equipped with an advanced Electronic-Warfare system produced by Israel , giving the pilot an early warning signal to lock on to enemy threats and jam them.
Studies were made to drastically reduce its radar signature, making it extremely difficult to be detected by enemy radar. For example, its bomb load was to be stowed inside a conformal ventral capsule, to reduce its radar cross section.


A Paper's Lion

According to the program timetable, the Arie's initial development phase should have been completed by mid 1979. Until then, the IAI would have to complete flight tests, select and define all the contractors.
By that year's end, an initial test flight was scheduled for the first of three prototypes.
By mid 1980, 10 pre-production aircrafts should be completed, with regular production to begin in the following two years. The Air Force should be receiving the first production Arie by the end of 1983. Delivery of 100 aircraft would be completed by the end of 1985.
Meanwhile, the IAF was leaning towards the US aircraft option. Rumors indicated that the USA would finally agree to sell Israel F-15s and F-16s. Finally, a decision was made to order the US aircraft. and scrap the Arie.
In August 1975, the IAF's chief, the (late) Gen. Benny Peled released a document defining the IAF's policy in relation to the Arie project. The document recommended the US F-15s and F-16s. Based on his assessment, the IAF began a procurement program of F-15s to be delivered by 1976. Moreover, it had been determined that the F-16 in principle answered Israel 's operational needs for an air superiority aircraft for the 80s. As a result of intense pressure on the IAF, Gen. Benny Peled decided to respond with a letter on May 10, 1976 , stating the reasons not to progress with the Arie: The US would agree to sell Israel F-16s. It had also been agreed that the US would sell Israel the F-100 engine, and there were not sufficient funds to keep the project moving.
“The fundamental knowledge that led to the development of the Lavi relied on the experience acquired from the “Hadish” and Arie”, says Gen. Lapidot, who created the Lavi project board, and commanded the Israeli Air Force by the time the project was canceled. “It can be definitely stated that the Arie, the Nesher and Kfir programs, added significantly to the development of the Israel Aircraft Industry (IAI), so that when we gave the “go ahead” for the Lavi, we already had a complete infrastructure in place and ready to work. In 1980, we decided to build a smaller version of the Arie. It is not by coincidence that it was named the Lavi. Lavi is a Lion (Arie), although a very much younger and smaller one”

Type Single-seat, multi-role aircraft
Max. speed 2.4 Mach
Max. altitude 75,000 feet
http://www.israeli-weapons.com/weapons/aircraft/arie/Arie.htm

Ce drone doit prochainement entrer en service dans Tsahal.

Merkava 4

Citation :

Israel Developing a New Version of the Arrow Missile


Israel Aerospace Industries is developing a new version of the “Arrow” missile that will be quicker and more accurate.

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) is developing a new version of the “Arrow” missile that will be quicker and more accurate than its predecessors, an official said Thursday, according to Kol Yisrael radio.

Speaking at a program as part of the annual Researchers’ Night at Tel Aviv University, the director of the Arrow 3 program at the IAI, Inbal Kreis, said that the new missile system will be able to intercept ballistic missiles at high altitudes, far beyond the borders of Israel.

In February, the Ministry of Defense successfully carried out a flight test of the Arrow 3, in conjunction with the U.S. Missile Defense Agency.

The Arrow 3, which is supposed to be an improved version of the Arrow 2 system, is part of the multi-layer defense system that is intended to protect the state of Israel, which also includes the Iron Dome system and the Magic Wand system.

Iron Dome deals primarily with short range missiles, and has proven to be very successful, especially during last year’s Operation Pillar of Defense, when it was able to intercept 84% of the rockets and missiles fired at Israel by Gaza terrorists. Magic Wand will deal with the medium-range threat.

Development of the Arrow 3 is expected to take two more years, whereas Magic Wand is due to become operational in 2014.

The previous generation of Arrow missiles became operational use 13 years ago and batteries are placed in different places throughout Israel.

http://www.israelnationalnews.com

Citation :

US Iron Dome Production

The feasibility of transferring a part of the production of the interceptor missiles to the US, in order to speed up production rate and utilize US aid funds, is currently under examination

IsraelDefense has learned that the US and Israel are currently examining the feasibility of transferring a part of the production of Iron Dome interceptor missiles from Israel to the US.

The Iron Dome system was developed by Rafael and became operational in 2011.Since then, it has intercepted hundreds of rockets launched from the Gaza Strip at towns in Israel's southern region. Thus far, interception percentages have been recorded at around 90%.

The system consists of a surveillance and guidance radar system (manufactured by Israel Aerospace Industries' Elta Division), a command and control center and interceptor missiles. The interceptor missiles are only launched if enemy rockets are expected to fall in an area defined in advance as a protected area, according to the system's calculations.

According to official publications, the system is effective against rockets launched from a distance of between 7 and 40 kilometers. Rafael has recently developed a new version of the Iron Dome system which offers an extended operational range.

So far, the US has financed the production of four Iron Dome batteries, and proceedings have recently been initiated in the US Congress to authorize an additional $600 million grant for financing four additional batteries and a substantial amount of interceptor missiles.

Now it has been reported that Israeli government and defense officials have been communicating with US counterparts in a joint examination of the feasibility of having a part of the manufacture of the interceptor missiles done on US soil. This transfer is intended to speed up production rate and allow the use of US aid funds for the acquisition of the missiles, as these funds can only be used for procurement in the US.

A similar cooperative effort was made in the past when Boeing manufactured missiles for IAI's Arrow system on US soil. It has been reported that the intention is to have the Iron Dome interceptor missiles manufactured in Israel and in the US simultaneously. However, according to initial estimates, the cost of manufacturing in the US has turned out to be substantially higher than the cost of manufacturing in Israel, which could end the plan.

Government officials from both countries are currently involved in examining this initiative. If they decide to proceed with US production, the task will probably be assigned to Raytheon Missile Systems, a partner of Rafael in the development and production of the David's Sling missile defense system, designed to intercept short/medium-range missiles, large caliber rockets and cruise missiles.

With regards to the David's Sling system, the project timetable appears to have been delayed, and it seems that the system will not become operational prior to 2015, as opposed to previous estimates according to which it was to become operational in late 2014.

http://www.israeldefense.com

Hatehof Navigator

Plasan Sasa SC1 Spider

Uvision Hero 400 drone kamikaze equipé d'une tete militaire de 8 kg

UVision Hero 30

Hatehof CBRN

Citation :

New ASW Helicopter System

IAI is negotiating the marketing of the Skimmer system, developed for naval mission helicopters.The system includes torpedo missiles for engaging submarines from the air

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) is currently in discussions with several naval helicopter manufacturers and naval forces around the globe regarding its new “integrated naval package” intended for installation on helicopters.

IAI started marketing the Skimmer system in recent months. The system was introduced for the first time at the LAAD exhibition in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in April 2013.

Sources at IAI said that the package they developed is intended to convert existing or new helicopters into maritime mission helicopters. The range of missions assigned to helicopters includes maritime patrol as well as the spotting and engaging of surface vessels and submarines.

The “package” includes, among other things, a maritime radar system by IAI's Elta division, a sonar system, various weapon systems including air-to-surface (antiship) missiles, electro-optical surveillance systems, thermal surveillance systems and other elements. Any helicopter fitted with this package will be able to communicate with UAVs on maritime patrol missions, so that it may engage naval targets identified by the UAV which scans large sea areas. The helicopter will also carry C2 systems in order to communicate with ground stations or large missile frigates.

IsraelDefense has learned that the Skimmer package can be adapted to the Russian-made Kamov-32 helicopter, among other things. This particular helicopter is in service in many armed forces around the world, including Vietnam and India, and is regarded as a prime target market for the Israeli defense industries.

http://www.israeldefense.com

Citation :

IAI veut vendre son Kfir en Europe  

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) compte sur un prospect au sein de l'Otan pour lancer une version évoluée de son avion de combat Kfir, baptisée Block 60. "Nous réfléchissons à cette version depuis environ deux ans", explique-t-on chez IAI. Le Kfir Block 60 pourrait intégrer des équipements encore plus performants que les Kfir colombiens livrés en 2009, comme un radar à balayage électronique actif (AESA) et une liaison de données tactiques L16 compatible Otan.

Les Kfir livrés à la Colombie sont équipés du radar EL/M-2032 à balayage mécanique, fourni par la division Elta d'IAI. Celui-ci serait remplacé sur un hypothétique Kfir Block 60 par l'EL/M-2052, un radar AESA également développé en Israël. La liaison 16 permettrait quant à elle d'intégrer l'appareil à une architecture de commandement et de contrôle otanienne.

Si les derniers Kfir sont sortis des usines israéliennes il y a plus de vingt ans, IAI se montre optimiste quant au potentiel de ces cellules. "Nous disposons d'un parc d'environ 50 appareils qui ont été mis sous cocon après avoir réalisé quelques centaines d'heures de vol seulement", explique le commercial israélien, qui affirme pouvoir livrer des appareils affichant un potentiel de 8000 heures de vol.

D'après IAI, un Kfir Block 60 coûterait seulement un tiers du prix d'un chasseur neuf de quatrième génération à l'achat, tandis que son coût à l'heure de vol serait 75% moins onéreux que celui d'un appareil dernier cri. Sans doute se quoi en faire réfléchir plus d'un, par ces temps de disette budgétaire…

http://www.air-cosmos.com/defense/iai-veut-vendre-son-kfir-en-europe.html  

Citation :

Thales avec Elbit (Israël), face à Safran : Guerre des Drones.

Lors du prochain séjour de François Hollande en Israël (17et 18 Novembre), il est quasi certain qu’à un moment donné un sujet va être mis sur la table : la coopération franco-israélienne en matière de drone. Les israéliens vont tout faire pour valoriser le savoir-faire du pays en la matière. (D.A)
Challenges (Copyrights) : "On pensait la guerre des drones dans le rétroviseur. Erreur: elle est repartie de plus belle, glissant d’un duel EADS-Dassault à une lutte entre Thales et Safran. Certes, sur le segment des MALE (drones Moyenne Altitude, Longue Endurance), la France a finalement fait le choix du drone américain Reaper, développé par General Atomics, au détriment du Heron TP de l’israélien IAI. Les deux premiers des douze exemplaires prévus seront déployés d’ici la fin de l’année au Sahel, les premiers pilotes français s’entraînant actuellement sur la base de l’US Air Force de Holloman, au Nouveau-Mexique.
Mais cet épilogue ne concerne que les drones MALE. Un nouveau front est désormais ouvert entre Thales et Safran sur le segment inférieur, les drones dits “tactiques”, pour le remplacement des Sperwer actuellement en service dans les forces françaises. Ces engins n’ont pas les capacités ni le rayon d’action d’un MALE, mais ils permettent des missions d’observation, de surveillance du champ de bataille ou de réglage de tir d’artillerie. Un rôle essentiel sur les théâtres d’opérations extérieures, où la flotte de Sperwer a été mise à rude épreuve.
Acheter le même drône que les britanniques ?
Le marché, sans être gigantesque, a de quoi aiguiser les appétits: le Livre blanc prévoit une cible d’ “une trentaine de drones tactiques”, et la loi de programmation militaire 2014-2019 envisage deux systèmes à l’horizon 2020, soit 14 drones. Deux drones s’affrontent : Thales apparaît depuis trois ans comme le favori, avec son Watchkeeper. Sagem, filiale de Safran, mène une implacable guérilla, encore plus intense depuis le salon du Bourget, pour placer son Patroller. Comme un remake de la guerre EADS-Dassault sur le projet mort-né de drone MALE 100% européen il y a quelques années.
Jusqu’à très récemment, l’affaire semblait entendue : l’armée de terre française porterait son choix sur le Watchkeeper, une variante du drone israélien Hermes 450 (Elbit Systems). Ce drone, “européanisé” par la filiale britannique de Thales, a déjà été commandé à 54 exemplaires par les forces britanniques. Dans le cadre de la coopération lancée par le traité de Lancaster House le 2 novembre 2010, l’idée est d’aligner les deux armées sur le même matériel. L’armée de terre française a testé la machine à Istres cet été, la France devait logiquement embrayer sur une commande de Watchkeeper à Thales.
Le rival du Watchkeeper s’appelle Patroller
Le schéma n’apparaît désormais plus si évident. Pour une raison simple : la campagne d’essais du Watchkeeper en France s’est très moyennement passée. “Les résultats ne sont pas encore ceux que nous espérions”, reconnaissait le chef d’état-major des armées Edouard Guillaud le 12 septembre dernier devant les sénateurs de la commission de la défense. Le délégué général pour l’armement Laurent Collet-Billon était encore plus clair le 2 octobre, devant la commission de la défense de l’Assemblée nationale: “S’agissant des drones tactiques, nous avons évalué le Watchkeeper de Thales Royaume-Uni, et nous estimons que cet appareil manque à ce stade de maturité”, assurait-il sans fard.
Les propos ne sont pas tombés dans l’oreille d’un sourd : Safran s’agite de plus belle en coulisses pour pousser une solution alternative, le drone Patroller. Cet engin, un dérivé d’un motoplaneur développé par le groupe allemand Stemme, est beaucoup plus gros que son concurrent israélo-britannique, ce qui en fait une sorte de « mini drone MALE » : 680 kg de masse à vide contre 327 kg au Watchkeeper, et une charge utile de 250 kilos contre seulement 80 kg au concurrent israélo-britannique. Il vole plus haut (25.000 pieds contre 16.000), plus vite (220 km/h contre 157) et tient mieux face au vent de travers, comme l’avait souligné le Sénat en novembre 2012.
Un drône quasiment 100% français
Mais c’est avant tout l’argument du Made in France que Sagem s’emploie à brandir : la cellule est allemande, mais une bonne partie des équipements est conçue par Sagem lui-même (boule optronique, station-sol…). La R&D est faite à Eragny, en région parisienne, la fabrication le serait à Montluçon, comme pour le Sperwer. Les boules optroniques sont fabriquées à Dijon, et les cartes électroniques en Bretagne, à Fougères, dans l’ancienne usine de téléphones mobiles reconvertie dans les équipements militaires.
Même Thales pourrait être embarqué sur le drone. Sagem assure en outre, comme l’avait dévoilé Air et Cosmos en juin, que des armements pourraient être embarqués sur le Patroller, comme le petit missile antichar Brimstone de MBDA, ou des roquettes guidées par laser.
A l’inverse, souligne-t-on chez Safran, le Watchkeeper est conçu sur une cellule israélienne de l’industriel Elbit Systems (le Hermes 450), et l’essentiel du travail sur la charge utile serait faite au Royaume-Uni, la boule optronique étant même faite par Elbit en Israël. Autre point faible de l’offre Watchkeeper, Thales se débat avec des problèmes techniques qui ont engendré un retard de trois ans sur le calendrier initial de livraisons aux forces britanniques.
De quoi faire réfléchir dans l’aréopage de la défense. La commission de la défense du Sénat milite même ouvertement pour l’ouverture d’un appel d’offres, ce qui, assure-t-on à Challenges, agace beaucoup la DGA. Les sénateurs avaient déjà montré leur pouvoir d’influence ces dernières années sur le sujet des drones, en dézinguant le Heron-TP du tandem Dassault-IAI au profit du Reaper américain. Une nouvelle guerre des drones risque bien d’avoir lieu".

http://www.israelvalley.com/news/2013/10/19/41529/thales-avec-elbit-israel-face-a-safran-guerre-des-drones

Citation :

IAI Develops an Advanced Counter-Mine & IED UGV


Israel Aerospace Industries’ (IAI) Ramta’s Division is developing an unmanned ground penetrating radar sensor designed to detect deep buried and surface-laid mines and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). The system designated Mines and IED Detection System (MIDS) has completed the last phase of engineering testing and have begun building a technology demonstrator. The demonstrator is slated to be ready for field testing by the end of 2014.

An onboard IAI-manufactured electro-optic payload with day/night cameras will provide remote operators with situational awareness and enable visual surveillance from a safe distance. On-board navigation systems allow the vehicle to travel along a precise series of preprogrammed or operator designated waypoints and record and transmit the exact location of discovered threats.
MIDS will carry a remotely-operated weapon system slaved to the electro-optic payload for self-defense against enemy combatants or for detonating threats on the operator’s command. The system will also be equipped with a small dozer blade able to clear obstructions, and a lane-painting/marking system for designating both a safe path for following vehicles/troops and for outlining the location of discovered threats.



http://defense-update.com/20131021_iai-develops-an-advanced-counter-mine-ied-ugv.html

Citation :

IAI to Supply Heliborne Weapon Systems Based on LAHAT Missiles



Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) was recently awarded a ‘substantial contract’ for the delivery of a ‘large number’ of LAser Homing ATtack (LAHAT) missile systems, to be used as a primary weapon system combat helicopters, the company announced yesterday. The land based variant of the missile has already been selected to equip the Indian Arjun MKII in its gun-fired configuration.
The contract (the awarding country was not disclosed) includes the integration and necessary modifications supporting the new capability. The system comprises multiple quad-pack launchers (up to 4 per helicopter), the MOSP-3000 (Multi-mission Optronic Stabilized Payload) day/night observation, targeting and designation system, a firing computer, avionics and multifunction displays – all manufactured by IAI. The installation and testing of the systems on board the helicopters will also be performed by IAI.
The LAHAT missile is an advanced lightweight guided missile with pinpoint accuracy at long ranges (> 8km). The missile is carried in a quad-pack launcher that weighs about 75 kg, including four missiles, canisters and launcher. The complete system comprising four, eight or 16 missiles, can be installed on different types of helicopters in addition to existing systems. The system significantly improves the combat capability of current and new attack, assault and utility helicopters, by extending missile range, improving accuracy and increasing the weapon quantity carried by each platform.
Additional capabilities include Line Of Sight (LOS) and Non-Line of Sight (NLOS) firing, a small launch signature and an extremely light launcher. This enables the helicopter to carry a sufficient number of missiles (8-16), substantially enhancing its firepower, while maintaining its maneuverability and endurance even at high temperatures and high altitudes.
Originally developed as a gun-launched missile, LAHAT has already been demonstrated to be launched from 105 and 120mm gun barrels, as well as from rail launchers on combat vehicles, small patrol boats, special operations vessels and dismounted ground launchers.



http://defense-update.com/20131025_iai-to-supply-heliborne-weapon-systems-based-on-lahat-missiles.html

Rafael samson NL

Elmo Motion Control (cerveau moteur et autres)

Aero Sol Ltd

Mantissa sensors

Solutions naval, Elbit Systems


Systèmes terrestres,Elbit Systems

RoboGuard de chez Magal

Salon IHLS

IAI B767 MMTT

IAI Heron a ADEX 2013

AUS&R Expo 2013