Elbit’s electronic watchtower certified by US

5 April, 2016

Following the successful operation of the first Integrated Fixed Tower, Elbit is expected to build watchtowers along the Mexican border for $145 million. A previous Boeing project was canceled after failing to meet requirements

Following the successful operation of the first Integrated Fixed Tower, Elbit is expected to build watchtowers along the Mexican border for $145 million. A previous Boeing project was canceled after failing to meet requirements

The first operational tower, active since August 2015
The first operational tower, active since August 2015

Elbit System’s Integrated Fixed Tower border surveillance system has been certified by the Chief of the US Border Patrol after meeting the operational requirements. The approval is the result of intensive testing of the first Integrated Fixed Tower system deployed August 2015 in Nogales, Arizona. The analysis determined that test results and agent feedback confirm that the system adds surveillance capability, thus significantly enhancing the Border Patrols capabilities and agent security.

2The certification of the first tower was a necessary step for the implementation of the $145 million project won by Elbit in 2014. The certification opens the door for the deployment of further Integrated Fixed Towers System according to plans devised by the Arizona Border Patrol.

The watchtowers supply Border Patrol Agents long range 360-degree surveillance capability. Elbit had to fulfill very demanding specifications: the System is required to identify adults at a range of 5-7.5 miles day or night within a 3 second time frame – even when parts of the body are concealed.

The video image supplied by the towers has to be of a quality allowing the operator to easily recognize human figures. For each tower  a designated surveillance zone is defined. In this zone, the tower systems preform automated surveillance and reporting without the need for a specific request by a human operator. The towers are set to monitor low flying airplanes, adults moving by foot, riding animals of driving motor vehicles.

Installation of sensors on top of a tower
Installation of sensors on top of a tower

Each tower is built on a site chosen by the Border Patrol, and carries surveillance cameras and radar systems. In addition, Elbit is required to supply control stations as well as communication infrastructure between the tower and the control stations. The control stations receive information from the tower sensors, analyzing it, thus supplying a complete picture in real time. The project is carried out by Elbit’s Texas based subsidiary Elbit Systems of America. The company’s CEO, Raanan Horowitz, said that Elbit is ready to proceed with additional deployments.

Elbit succeeded where Boeing failed

Elbit’s success is all the more interesting, considering it is a result of Boeing’s failure. In 2006, Boeing was chosen to implement the SBInet project to secure the Arizona-Mexican Border. Boeing was required to build a system of sensor carrying towers, control stations, rapid deployment patrols and UAVs providing aerial coverage of the border zone.

According to various estimates, the US government intended to invest more than $2 billion in the project. But the planned system did not meet requirements and the Department of Homeland Security made clear signs it is not content with the projects development. In 2011, the department completely withdrew all backing for the project, designating the intended funds for other border security systems.

In this round, following Boeing’s unsuccessful attempt, all the contenders had to present systems based on proved technologies. After a hard competition, Elbit won the contract.

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Posted in: Aerospace & Defense , News

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