Elbit Systems’ engaging multimedia presentation demonstrates a cross-section of the Company’s products and capabilities which seamlessly integrate to deliver persistent area surveillance and control for a complex operational scenario.
The mission is to seize and control a defined area utilizing Elbit Systems’ innovative networked response based on the WAAPS (Wide Area Aerial Persistent Surveillance) concept comprised of the SAND (Smart All-Terrain Networked Detectors), PAWS (Passive Approach Warning System), MUSIC (Multi-Spectral Infrared Countermeasure) and the Hermes 900 Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS).
The Scenario A Special Forces team is briefed for their mission: the Hawk special operations assault helicopter must drop a Delta ground force into a hostile urban area and then execute a safe extraction. The mission is to be supported by the airborne WAAPS directing intelligence from the initial pick-up phase until the mission’s completion.
The mission relies on WAAPS for accurate real-time surveillance in order to ensure full security of the helicopter, designated safe zones and c ommand posts. This is accomplished by a series of next-generation air and ground sensors and cameras, fused together to show a single, high-resolution view of the designated areas.
En route to the drop-off, a Hermes 900 sensor triggers an alert indicating hostile anti-aircraft activity. A missile launched against the aircraft is detected by an independent protection system – PAWS. The incoming missile is tracked and defeated by MUSIC – the laser-based DIRCM (Direct Infra-Red countermeasure) system.
Then the SAND network registers ground activity from an enemy approach area. WAAPS immediately directs spot beams and sensors to the area of interest and Hermes 900 transmits real-time video images revealing the enemy with a missile launcher. Target coordinates are designated to a COIN2 fighter, and the enemy is neutralized.
WAAPS detects a breach in the safe zone’s virtual perimeter and delivers a real- time video of two moving objects to the control center. Using a cockpit video conference with multiple video inputs to gauge the speed and position of all forces, the control center concludes that Delta’s mission will be completed before the enemy’s ETA. As a result, engagement is avoided, rendering the mission a complete success.
Elbit Systems’ networked multi-layered WAAPS concept, a cutting-edge combination of air and ground sensors, made this all possible. The sensors seamlessly combine to seize and secure a specific area, thereby enabling the forces to keep the entire region under real-time persistent surveillance and communicate critical intelligence to all relevant forces.
The following systems were deployed in persistent area surveillance and control:
SAND (Smart All-Terrain Networked Detectors) is a networked array of buried seismic sensors that detect and track the movement of people and vehicles in any terrain and sight conditions.
MUSIC laser based DIRCM system for protection of aircraft from MANPADS is an advanced laser based DIRCM system that protects all types of aircraft and helicopters against man-portable heat seeking surface-to-air missiles known as MANPADS.
PAWS (IR Passive Approach Warning System) is the only operationally proven IR-based missile warning system (MWS). PAWS is a highly effective family of operationally deployed staring IR missile approach warning systems for attack and support helicopters, fighter planes, transport aircraft and more.
Hermes 900 medium altitude long endurance (MALE) UAS is a multi-role UAS that boasts reliability and an unmatched safety record, even when operating in all-weather conditions. It features large multi-payload configurations, laser designators, and electronic intelligence sensors (ELINT, COMINT, SIGINT) to detect, identify and locate enemy communication emitters and ground-based, airborne and ship-borne radars in even the most hostile scenarios. Hermes 900’s key features include accurate target designation capabilities, high flight altitudes and extended flight times.
