SMARTSHOOTER & Roboteam unveiled autonomous tactical robot

SMARTSHOOTER and Roboteam unveiled an integrated solution of an autonomous tactical robot equipped with a AI-based weapon station that automatically home in the target and hit it with maximum precision. The robot is operated remotely using control system that makes it possible for the operator to both observe the area from distance and to fire. Also, since the SMARTSHOOTER’s sight is capable of precisely hitting drones, the integrated solution can serve as a tactical UAV interception device at the battleground. The solution can also be used in urban scenarios, patrol missions and border defense.  

The integrated solution is the outcome of combining Roboteam’s TIGR robot and SMARTSHOOTER’s SMASH Hopper, a Light Remotely Controlled Weapon Station (LRCWS). TIGR (Transportable Interoperable Ground Robot) is a tactical robot, designed to cope with explosive ordinance disposal, hazardous material handling and intelligence missions. Its height is 95cm, it weighs around 75kg, and it can be carried by two persons.  Among other features, it has high maneuverability in complex terrain conditions, at any weather and also stair-climbing ability. Its arms are characterized by 5 degrees of freedom, which makes it highly flexible in operating the weapon station, and it also equipped with HD camera and night vision facility. 

SMASH Hopper is a 15kg weapon station (tripod-like, also called “Pan Tilt Unit” in military terms) that carries a gun equipped with the smart fire control system SMASH, SMARTSHOOTER’s flagship product. The system, which can be mounted to any assault rifle, is homing in the target through electro-optic sensors and track it using AI-based image processing. The automatic target homing in allows the operator to effortlessly point the weapon, and once locked, he pull the trigger, and let SMASH do the rest.  

Both companies will present the integrated solution at the Eurosatory 2022 Military Exhibition in Paris mid June. It seems that the companies are planning for an extensive cooperation, as they both say SMARTSHOOTERS’s systems can be integrated with any Roboteam’s platforms. 

Currently, Roboteam had developed 5 ground robot systems and a flying robot, remotely navigated and designed to carry and land robotic systems. All Roboteam’s robot families are meeting the JAUS/IOP standards, which allows for generic device mounting on the system depending on the mission, such as hazard material detecting sensors, vision devices and more. Significant component of this system is the algorithmics and software, which makes it easy for the operator to intuitively perform complex and advanced operations in the battleground, while taking advantage of the autonomous capabilities and managing complex system of multi-platform and multi-sensor.

Smart Shooter reveals ultra-precise fire control system for UAVs

SMART SHOOTER, a designer, developer, and manufacturer of innovative fire control systems that significantly increase the accuracy and lethality of small arms, reveals the SMASH Dragon: an armed drone system incorporating Smart Shooter’s combat-proven SMASH Technology that ensures precise target elimination.

Presented by the company for the first time, SMASH Dragon is an advanced robotic weaponry payload that can be mounted on different drones and other unmanned aerial platforms. It can incorporate various types of assault rifles, sniper rifles, 40mm, and other ammunition with great precision. Extremely lightweight and therefore allowing long mission endurance, SMASH Dragon integrates a unique stabilization concept with the SMASH technology that enables the system to accurately hit static and moving targets while flying.

Featuring SMASH’s proprietary target acquisition and tracking algorithms as well as sophisticated computer vision capabilities, the remotely operated SMASH Dragon Offers the SMASH technology’s fast and precise hit capabilities and other exclusive benefits while engaging targets from the air.

The company stated that the system has successfully completed live firing tests and is currently under advanced stages of development. 

Michal Mor, SMART SHOOTER CEO: “Smart Shooter’s SMASH technology offers precise elimination of threats at ground, air and sea. We are now happy to offer the same precise, combat-proven target engagement technology mounted on an unmanned aerial platform that can be controlled from a distance. When it comes to drones, platform weight is a critical factor as it impacts mission endurance and cost, and we are proud to announce that the extremely lightweight SMASH Dragon meets this criterion”.

One shot – one hit

SMART SHOOTER is a world-class designer, developer, and manufacturer of innovative fire control systems that significantly increase the accuracy and lethality of small arms. With a rich record in designing unique solutions for the warfighter, SMART SHOOTER technology enhances mission effectiveness through the ability to accurately engage and eliminate ground, aerial, static or moving targets during both day and night operations.

Designed to help military and law enforcement professionals swiftly and accurately neutralize their targets, the company’s combat-proven SMASH Family of Fire Control Systems increase assault rifle lethality while keeping friendly forces safe and reducing collateral damage. With a unique technology that makes it possible for every battlefield element to be connected with every other battlefield element, SMASH creates a micro-tactical network that dramatically enhances real-time situational awareness and ensures that the entire platoon shares a common operational picture.

The company’s experienced team of engineers combine electro-optics, computer vision technologies, real-time embedded software, ergonomics, and system engineering to provide cost-effective and easy-to-use solutions for modern conflicts. 

Fielded and operational, Smart Shooter SMASH family of solutions provides end-users with a “One Shot – One Hit” capability across multiple mission areas, creating a significant advantage for the infantry soldier and ultimately revolutionizing the world of small arms and optics.

SMART SHOOTER’s headquarters are based in Yagur, Israel, and its American subsidiary, Smart Shooter Inc., is located in Virginia. Smart Shooter also has offices in Düsseldorf, Germany, and in Canberra, Australia. 

SMART SHOOTER  announce a new contract with the US Marine Corps 

SMART SHOOTER announced that the United States Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory, through its Rapid Capabilities Office (MCRCO), has recently purchased several of its SMASH 2000 smart fire control systems for Test & Evaluation.  The systems will be delivered this Fall. 

The company has also signed a cooperative research & development agreement with US Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division (NSWC Crane). Under this agreement, the US Navy will evaluate the use of SMASH technology on ships and vessels for Counter-UAS purposes. This collaboration aims to perform joint integration and evaluation of Smart Shooter’s technology with weapons and ammunition currently supporting the US Navy’s mission. With an increased hit probability for small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) and increased engagement range, Smart Shooter’s SMASH technology has demonstrated the potential to increase the Navy’s ability to engage sUAS at the individual level – using existing weapons and ammunition in inventory.

SMASH Fire Control System (FCS) is an external add-on solution that can be integrated into any type of military rifle. Once the user identifies the target (independently or using the detection system guidance) and locks on it, SMASH tracks its movements and synchronizes the shot release to assure a fast and precise hit on the target.  SMASH can be operated as a stand-alone solution as well as combined with other systems to provide an effective multi-layer defense solution.

SMART SHOOTER won Individual Weapon Overmatch Optic (IWOO) project

In February 2020, the US Department of Defense’ Irregular Warfare Technical Support Directorate (IWTSD) selected SMART SHOOTER, a world-class designer, developer, and manufacturer of innovative fire control systems, to develop the solution for its Individual Weapon Overmatch Optic (IWOO) project.

Last November, SMART SHOOTER reached an important milestone in successfully completing the IWOO Critical Design Review.  This means the IWOO design has been approved by IWTSD and will now move to prototype production with delivery of the first functional system next Fall.

The IWOO program was initiated by IWTSD to provide tactical operators overmatch capability against long range static and moving targets, both day and night. SMART SHOOTER won the competition and began development using proven technologies from its SMASH line of Fire Control optics and inserting new capabilities such as a variable x1- x8 zoom – all stitched together with combat-proven fire control algorithms to assure the hit.

The IWOO system automatically detects, highlights, and tracks potential targets – including drones – using a see-through display which enhances the user situational awareness. Built-in fire control processing continuously calculates the optimal firing solution to provide the user with clear, discreet guidance, firing only with the best chance of neutralizing the target, delivering first-round hit capabilities time after time.

“We value this important opportunity to partner with IWTSD to develop the IWOO system, and are honored to provide operators with an unmatched optic capability against modern threats and the types of terrorist attacks that we are increasingly seeing on streets and battlefields around the world” Ms. Michal Mor, CEO of SMART SHOOTER said.

“We are very pleased with the progress SMART SHOOTER has made with the IWOO design” said Michael Trexler, Special Operation Forces Combat Support Coordinator / Program Manager, at IWTSD.  “We look forward to conducting operational testing and evaluation using the dual-capabilities of IWOO prototypes in 2021 against ground targets at increased ranges and to take-down drones.”

one shot – one hit

SMART SHOOTER is a world-class designer, developer, and manufacturer of innovative fire control systems that significantly increase the accuracy and lethality of small arms. With a rich record in designing unique solutions for the warfighter, SMART SHOOTER technology enhances mission effectiveness through the ability to accurately engage and eliminate ground, aerial, static or moving targets during both day and night operations.

Designed to help military and law enforcement professionals swiftly and accurately neutralize their targets, the company’s combat-proven SMASH Family of Fire Control Systems increase assault rifle lethality while keeping friendly forces safe and reducing collateral damage. With a unique technology that makes it possible for every battlefield element to be connected with every other battlefield element, SMASH creates a micro-tactical network that dramatically enhances real-time situational awareness and ensures that the entire platoon shares a common operational picture.

The company’s experienced team of engineers combine electro-optics, computer vision technologies, real-time embedded software, ergonomics, and system engineering to provide cost-effective and easy-to-use solutions for modern conflicts.

Fielded and operational, Smart Shooter SMASH family of solutions provides end-users with a “One Shot – One Hit” capability across multiple mission areas, creating a significant advantage for the infantry soldier and ultimately revolutionizing the world of small arms and optics.

India’s Navy purchased Smart Shooter’s smart sights to combat chinese drones

Against the backdrop of renewed tensions in recent months between China and India in the eastern Ladakh region, the Indian Ministry of Defence has signed a procurement contract with the Smart Shooter company from Israel in order to purchase the company’s smart shooting system for the Indian Navy. The system is mounted on small arms and zeroes in on the target using AI-based image processing to help the soldier fire accurately. The Indian Ministry of Defence has decided to purchase the upgraded system, Smash 2000 Plus, which is also designed to intercept drones. It was not stated what was the scope of the order and what are the delivery dates.

At a press conference held on December 4 on the occasion of the Indian Navy Day, the navy chief of staff Admiral Karambir Singh said that the acquisition of the Israeli sights was intended to address the possible use of attack drones by China. As part of its military deployment in the area, the Indian Navy also stationed Israel IAI’s Heron UAVs, a Boeing P-i8 naval reconnaissance aircraft and MQ-9B Sea Guardian UAVs from the American General Atomics Aeronautical Systems.

The rifle becomes smarter

The Admiral announced that the Navy intends to purchase additional submarines and even aircraft carriers. “The Indian Navy is determined to protect our national interests.” There is a long-standing border dispute between China and India at various points along the Ladakh province of the Kashmir region. In May, against the backdrop of infrastructure work being carried out by India in the Galwan River Valley, the conflict intensified and escalated into an armed conflict in which 20 Indian soldiers and 43 Chinese soldiers were killed. Since then there have been several more incidents in the area and the Indian Army has directed many forces to the area. Although Ladakh is very far from the sea, tensions between China and India may also spill over into the maritime arena.

Smart Shooter was founded by two former members of Rafael’s missile division, CEO Michal Mor and CTO Avshalom Erlich. It has developed the Smash Fire Control System to be mounted on top of every assault rifle using a rail. The system zeroes in on the target using electro-optical sensors and monitors it using AI-based image processing algorithm. An automatic tracking allows the soldier to aim effortlessly, and when the weapon is positioned at the right angle – the trigger is released automatically.

[Pictured above: India’s Coast Guard ships. Photo: Indian Navy]

US and The Netherlands exemine Automatic Sight

Above: A Dutch soldier during the drills. Source: Dutch Ministry of Defence

The US Army and the Royal Netherlands Army recently conducted live trainings examining the Smash 2000 Fire Control System of Smart Shooter from Kibbutz Yagur (near Haifa). The system is mounted on small arms, and zeroes in on the target using AI-based image processing to assist the soldier to shoot more accurately. The US Army tested the system by firing on ground targets, while the Dutch army tested its drone-interception capabilities using small arms. Both armies characterized the exercises as successful.

The Dutch exercise was carried out at a military facility in the town of Harde (Netherlands), with the participation of combat soldiers from the air force, navy, and the special forces. As part of the exercise, they were equipped with Colt rifles which were outfitted with Smart Shooter’s Fire Control System, in order to test whether it allows infantry soldiers to eliminate low flying drones using their personal weapons.

The soldiers fired at drones of various types and sizes from a distance of up to 165 yards. The company stated that all targets were eliminated. The Dutch Ministry of Defence has also issued an official announcement about the experiment, seemingly hinting at the strategic importance it assigns to the system. Smart Shooter estimated that the success of the two trials constitutes a significant milestone in introducing the solution to the world’s leading armies.

Small arms take down a drone

Dr. Abraham Mazor, VP of Marketing and Development at Smart Shooter, told Techtime that the exercise is the result of four years of working together with the Dutch army. “The Dutch army has examined the functioning of the system in its operational scenarios and in accordance with the threats it faces. The exercise was defined as a success according to the criteria they set. I believe it will lead to the acquisition of the system”. According to Mazor, “The simplicity of the system stood out no less than its accuracy. The soldiers arrived without prior experience, and after a short instruction of several minutes were able to take down drones.”

Drones that were shot with small arms equipped with Smart Shooter’s Fire Control System
Drones that were shot with small arms equipped with Smart Shooter’s Fire Control System

Drone interception using small arms is one of the key scenarios which interest armies around the world. Recently, the US Department of Defense (DoD) incorporated the system in the Counter Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-sUAS) program. Mazor: “Our system provides a response to this new kind of threat. There are many systems that know how to take care of drones. However, there is no system that allows a soldier to independently intercept a drone without supporting systems such as a remote radar.”

“The existing systems are based on disrupting drones by electronic means. In the future, drones will be autonomous, without a communication unit or GPS, and in a formation of a drone fleet, and therefore electronic warfare will be less effective. Militaries understand that, and some are considering the possibility that in every combat platoon there will be a trained soldier who can intercept drones.”

The rifle ceases to be a “Statistical Weapon”

Smart Shooter was founded by two former members of Rafael’s missile division, CEO Michal Mor and CTO Avshalom Erlich. It has developed the Smash Fire Control System to be mounted on top of every assault rifle using a rail. The system zeroes in on the target using electro-optical sensors and monitors it using AI-based image processing algorithm.

SMASH 2000 Fire Control System on top of an assault rifle
SMASH 2000 Fire Control System on top of an assault rifle

An automatic tracking allows the soldier to aim effortlessly, and when the weapon is positioned at the right angle – the trigger is released automatically. Mazor: “Smart Fire Control Systems will become an integral element in all modern combat perceptions. The rifle cannot continue to remain a statistical weapon. We upgrade the level of infantrymen to the world of missiles: at the technological level, in the perception, and in production and assembly.”

Jumping targets within 440 yards

The exercise conducted by the United States Army took place during September 14-24 at the APG training facility in Aberdeen, Maryland. During the exercise, the soldiers were equipped with assault rifles which were outfitted with Smart Shooter’s Fire Control System and fired thousands of magazines at stationary, moving, and jumping targets at ranges of 25-440 yards. At the end of the exercise, the accuracy rates were compared to those typical of using standard sights.

The exercise was funded and supervised by the Army Combat Capabilities Development Command. Smart Shooter is currently active in about 15 countries, mostly through subsidiaries or local representatives (in the US and Germany), as well as through collaborations with security contractors such as Thales in Australia, TBM in the Netherlands, and Opto S&D of the Akaer Group in Brazil. “We are in the midst of a very extensive marketing activity, which includes demonstrations and procurements.”

RADA and Smart Shooter selected by the DoD to Counter-Drone program

Two Israeli companies, RADA and Smart Shooter, made the shortlist of suppliers selected by the US Department of Defense (DoD) for the Counter Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-sUAS) program. The DoD’s aim is to asses the technologies that will be used to detect and intercept hostile drones and UAVs in various scenarios, and to implement the strategy across the Army. The DoD will also plan to develop a uniform command and control architecture that will ensure interoperatibility between the various systems.

RADA develops portable tactical radars that are used in anti-drones air defense systems, while Smart Shooter has developed a smart fire control system for small arms, which homes in on the target by employing AI-based image processing, and assists the soldier fire accurately. The two technologies are already in operational use by American forces as an anti-drones measure.

A multi-layered strategy

In its program, released a couple of weeks ago, the DoD defined four types of systems to address different threat scenarios: Fixed/Semi-Fixed Systems, Mounted/Mobile Systems, Dismounted/Handheld systems, and Command and Control Systems. The two Israeli technologies are designated for two different layers of protection: RADA’s radar is used in air defense systems, usually stationed on marine vessels, detecting UAVs from medium range of a few miles and intercept them by various means such as laser or radio blasts, whereas Smart Shooter’s sight allows a foot soldier to bring down the drone with his personal weapon.

The DoD examined about 40 systems, of which only 7 were selected. It is difficult to estimate the volume of orders that both companies are expected to benefit from the program, as it depends on future budgeting and the procurment plans of the various military arms. According to a Congressional Research Service report, the DoD plans to invest at least $500 million in 2021 in research, development and procurement to implement the program.

RADA’s radar took down an Iranian drone

RADA has developed a new breed of compact radar that can be mobilized along with combat forces in the field. They are able to detect relatively small and short-range threats, and therefore serve as the means of detection in active protection systems for armored vehicles – which detect and intercept mortars and RPG – and in short-range air defense systems, which identify and intercept  UAVs. In the DoD’s program, RADA’s radar has been designated for the category of mounted and mobile systems. It is also embedded into the only marine defense system (LMADIS) selected at this stage for the program.

RADA has not revealed the manufacturer of the whole system that incorporates the radar, but it is most likely the X-MADIS system manufactured by the US-based company Ascent Vision (AVT). That can be surmised as both companies reported seperately that their systems took part ib the shooting down of the Iranian drone that approached the assault ship USS Boxer while it cruised in the Persian Gulf in June 2019. Ascent Vision’s system is able to detect a drone from a range of several miles and intercept it using a strong RF blast, which disrupts the communication link between the drone and the remote operator.

RADA’s CEO Dov Sella said that the DoD’s choice constitutes a recommendation for all security apparatuses. “It emphasizes the positioning of our radars as the primary option for any C-sUAS solution. We believe that this selection will increase our share in this growing market in the near term.” Counter-Drone efense systems are the most growing end market for RADA’s tactical radars. It has previously been reported that the U.S. Navy has already purchased about 150 of the company’s radar systems for assimilation into its air defense systems. RADA’s radar is also installed in Rafael’s drone interception system, Drone Dome.

To transforms every soldier into a sniper

Smart Shooter’s system was selected as one of the only three systems in the fourth category defined by the DoD: dismounted/Handheld Systems. If address the most direct confrontation, in which an infantry soldier need to destroy a drone hovering above with only his own weapon. It is exceptionally hard: The soldier is at great disadvantage vis-à-vis the drone, and his chances of hitting it are slim.

Based in a Kibbutz near Haifa, Smart Shooter was founded by two ex-Rafael’s rocket division, CEO Michal Mor and CTO Avshalom Ehrlich. The company developed a fire control system named SMASH, that can be fitted using a rail on top of any assault rifle. The soldier operates a system that homes in on the target using electro-optical sensors and tracks it using AI-aided image processing. It automatically aiming at the target, which allows the soldier to point the weapon effortlessly, and when the barrel is at the right angle the trigger is automatically released. The company estimates that the system dramatically improves the accuracy rates, even by less-skilled infantry soldiers, and even under poor visibility and under pressure and fatigue, and minimize the risk of harming the uninvolved.

The system is being used by the United States Army Special Forces in Iraq and Syria, and also by special units of the IDF on the Gaza border. Company CEO Michal Mor said that the DoD’s selection of the company’s technology comes after close collaboration with the Combating Terrorism Technical Support Office (CTTSO). “Our solution enables an accurate, swift and simple elimination of a hostile drone. Choosing us is a testament to the operational value that our technology has for the mission.”