Rafael's Typhoon and Toplite on Australian Patrol Boats

Rafael Armament Development Authority, HAIFA, Irasel: The Australian Ministry of Defense launched its new Armidale Class patrol boats last week outfitted with the Typhoon naval stabilized gun mount produced jointly by Rafael Armament Development Authority Ltd and General Dynamics Land Systems, and the Toplite targeting payload produced by RAFAEL. The Armidales will be used to protect the northern coasts of Australia.  
 
Defence Minister Robert Hill said that the Typhoon, which will hold the Bushmaster cannon together with the Toplite electro-optic targeting system will provide a capability not previously available to the Navy.  
 
The Typhoon is a remote-controlled, lightweight, naval stabilized weapon station designed for medium-sized cannons (20-30mm).  
 
The Toplite is a highly stabilized, multi-sensor, electro-optic targeting & observation payload used in the search and tracking of naval and airborne targets during the day, at night and in all weather conditions. The Toplite originates from the well-known Litening navigation and targeting pod.  
 
The Typhoon and Toplite systems have been sold to numerous countries around the world including the US Navy and the Israeli Navy has a great deal of experience with both systems.  
 
The Typhoon weapon station, combined with the Toplite electro-optic targeting payload, is the most effective, operational solution for terrorist threats and for the protection of naval forces.  
 
Another weapon station developed by Rafael is the Mini-Typhoon. It is designed for smaller caliber weapons (Browning 0.5, MPMG 7.62 and 40mm grenade launchers). The Mini-Typhoon has also been sold to several countries including Australia and the United States.  
 
Mr. Giora Katz, Director of Rafael's Naval Systems Directorate, says that “Rafael offers a wide variety of unique, cost-effective solutions for the operational problems facing force protection today.”  
 
RAFAEL designs, develops, manufactures and supplies a wide range of advanced defence systems for all branches of the Israel Defence Forces and other armed forces worldwide. These leading-edge products are based on RAFAEL's vast technical and operational experience. In addition to its defence technologies, the company has also formed partnerships with civilian counterparts to develop commercial applications based on its proprietary technology. RAFAEL has a workforce of over 5000 employees and registered sales of over $800 M in 2004.