Israelis Hone Their Aircraft Products,
Upgrades for Others' Older Platforms

In recent years, Israel's aerospace industries have focused on aircraft upgrading and systems modernization, rather than construction of new platforms.

Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) and Elbit Systems are the two leaders in the field. Several aircraft and helicopter upgrading programs have reached maturity, and are represented here at the show.

Elbit Systems' latest modernization initiatives are focused on former Eastern bloc airplanes such as the Su-25, Mig-21 and MiG-29. On display here and flying daily in the air show is the Su-25 Scorpion, which features a new avionics suite developed in a joint program by Elbit, TAM of Georgia-the original manufacturer-and Elgad Engineering of Israel, which provided modernization kit engineering. The upgraded Su-25 flew for the first time in April.

Another newcomer at the show is the F-16 ACE (Avionics Capabilities Enhancement) demonstrator, which first flew last month following upgrade by a consortium of Israeli defense industries companies.

The F-16's original avionics fit dates back to the 1970s. Close collaboration between the Israeli defense industries and OEM Lockheed Martin facilitated systems integration of a comprehensive avionics upgrade that features a full glass cockpit with color displays and up-front controls. The avionics suite includes an open architecture design, enabling new sensors, datalink, and existing and new weapons systems to be accommodated on a "plug and play" basis without requiring hardware modification. Pilots are also provided with a helmet-mounted display and sight for out-of-the-cockpit view.

The IAI/Elta EL/M-2032 fire control radar, already aboard several upgraded fighters, is part of the F-16 ACE package. Israel requested this radar for its first batch of 60 new-build F-16Is, but was refused by the Pentagon. The radar offers advanced features such as SAR modes and provides superior air-to-air and air-to-ground performance.

The Israeli Air Force F-16 fleet is a primary candidate for the F-16 ACE program, but its decision to buy F-16Is has delayed go-ahead for upgrading its F-16A/Bs. However, since these older aircraft are expected to provide the main platforms for advanced training and ground attack missions, they will have to be made compatible with the IAF's advanced fleet. The ACE consortium expects flight tests of the two-seat demonstrator to continue through 2002, with initial serial upgrade starting during that year.
And what complementary weapon could fit the F-16 better than the latest addition to Israel's air-to-air missile arsenal-RAFAEL Derby? It is an all-aspect radar-guided weapon, designed for all-weather operations. The missile is capable of engaging multiple targets, from short-range to beyond-visual-range. For medium- to long-range engagements, the Derby can be operated in lock-on-after-launch mode. For short range dogfights, lock-on-before-launch mode is used. The missile's seeker is also configured to track targets against ground clutter. Derby uses a programmable radar seeker developed by IAI/MBT, and its processor provides high flexibility to counter electronic countermeasures. The missile is fully compatible with Python 3/4 launchers and logistics, making it a complementary solution for air forces requiring enhanced combat capabilities for modernized or new aircraft fleets.
The $75 million program to upgrade 48 Turkish Air Force Northrop F-5s, in which Elbit Systems is teamed with Israel Aircraft Industries and Singapore Technologies Aerospace, passed a major milestone recently with the first flight of the prototype. The modernization program consists of structure life extension and reinforcement carried out by the Turkish Air Force, and avionics systems upgrading, including weapon release, navigation and displays.

Another Israeli modernization initiative unveiled here at Le Bourget is the C-130 cockpit upgrade, aimed at enhancing flight safety and crew efficiency by reducing the pilots' workload. The new cockpit combines commercial off-the-shelf elements with tailored packages designed to meet customers' specific needs. By meeting Global Air Traffic Management requirements, the new design provides for worldwide operation for the next 20 years. The cockpit display consists of four 6-innch-by-8-inch multi-function color displays presenting each crew station with flight data and mission-specific information. Also featured are a Terrain Avoidance Warning System, Enhanced Traffic Collision Avoidance System, weather radar and windshear alert, and intuitive control and advanced capabilities for the digital flight control system, enabling CAT II landing approaches to be made. Optional systems include enhancements of combat systems such as an EW suit, as well as HUD, FLIR and night vision capability.

"Peak 17" is a modular upgrade package for the modernizing Mil Mi-8 and Mi-17 assault helicopters. The tactical upgrade package was first unveiled this year to promote specific programs in India, where IAI has already undertaken similar upgrades to the Mi-25 helicopter. The latest package expands the helicopter's mission envelope by providing full capability at night and in adverse weather, while significantly improving its battlefield survivability. It includes modern glass cockpit avionics, an EW suite, and a flexible armament package.

Another Israeli defense industries helicopter modification program is conversion of the Romanian Puma 330 Socat assault helicopter into a multi-role attack craft. A joint program performed by IAR of Brasov, Romania and Elbit Systems, Socat offers advanced crew stations, advanced target acquisition and guidance systems, and ability to launch precision-guided weapons. At Paris Elbit is demonstrating its generic helicopter glass cockpit, which offers state-of-the-art technology for new-build and upgraded helicopters for military and civilian use.

At the hub of the Israeli display at Le Bourget is the Arrow theater defense system. This year the full system is displayed, including the EL/M-2080 "Green Pine" early warning radar-the largest ever built in Israel. It is a transportable ground-based all-weather radar using phased array antennae. "Green Pine" can precisely predict the impact points of dozens of incoming tactical ballistic missiles, enabling early warning to be given to the civilian population in endangered areas.

The system also calculates location of the missiles' launching points, enabling real-time counter-attacks to be made against launchers. "Green Pine" accurately tracks all missile types and has potential interoperability with other air defense systems. Other elements of the system on display here include the "Golden Citron" fire control center, and the launcher and missiles. Each Arrow battery can handle dozens of simultaneous threats, of different types, within a wide spectrum of ranges and altitudes, providing effective protection for a large area.

Another project developed by Elta for national defense is the integrated coastal surveillance radar proposed as part of the European Fortress coastal protection program. Coastal borders are the preferred entrance into Europe for illegal immigration and drug smuggling. Elta's all-weather ACSR, integrated with day and night electro-optical sensors, will be capable of detecting, tracking and identifying targets such as small wooden and rubber boats used for illegal activities.

Silver Arrow, an Elbit Systems subsidiary, is displaying its Hermes 450S UAV in the static display area by the Israel Pavilion. This tactical, long-endurance UAV incorporates an advanced avionics system enabling autonomous flight and precise GPS navigation. The UAV on show here is the first model to be configured with satcom, permitting operation at beyond-line-of-sight ranges, and includes a synthetic aperture radar payload for all-weather detection and recognition of targets. The ground control station is equipped with advanced computerized systems as well as displays for mission planning, management and debriefing.
Elta is demonstrating its new EL/M-2055 lightweight synthetic aperture radar designed for UAVs. Capable of autonomous operation for reconnaissance and target detection and identification, the system can be employed in SAR and moving target indication (GMTI) modes. In SAR mode it produces radar images that approach photographic quality, and operates as a true all-weather, day and night sensor capable of penetrating cloud, rain, smoke, smog, fog and man-made camouflage.

While the SAR strip mode provides fast coverage of areas and mapping details sufficient for target detection and overall assessment of an entire region, the SAR spot mode will provide detailed examination of designated areas of interest at high resolution for target classification. In GMTI mode the system will detect and indicate moving targets within a broad range of velocities and over large areas, covering up to 360 degrees around the UAV's position. Images are transmitted via datalink to the ground station for real-time interpretation. The new radar is designed for installation in current UAVs, and is displayed here on the IAI/Malat Searcher II.