Lethal AI: Rafael unveiled Deep-Learning Target Recognition

Photo above: SPICE-250 under the wings of F-16

Rafael Advanced Defense Systems announced that it has successfully tested and demonstrated a new Automatic Target Recognition capability for its SPICE-250 air-to-surface munition. The newly-unveiled ATR feature is a technological breakthrough, enabling SPICE-250 to learn the specific target characteristics ahead of the strike, using advanced AI and deep-learning technologies.

During flight, the pilot selects the target type to be attacked and allocates a target to each weapon. The weapons are launched towards the vicinity of the targets, using their INS for initial navigation. When approaching the target area, the weapons use the ATR mode for detection and recognition of the targets. Each weapon homes-in on the pre-defined target, either autonomously or with a human-in-the-loop, aided by the ATR algorithm.

SPICE (250, 1000, 2000) is a family of autonomous, air-to-ground weapon systems that attack targets with pinpoint accuracy without depending on GPS navigation in GPS-denied environments. It has a standoff range of 100 kilometers, and can be equipped with either general purpose or penetration 75kg class warhead. SPICE-250 uses a common aircraft interface and Smart Quad Rack (SQR) which simplifies the effort needed for aircraft integration. Four SPICE-250 weapons are carried on each SQR. SPICE is combat-proven with the Israeli Air Force and in operational service with a number of international customers.

Elbit Announced Deep Learning Photography Pod

AI is gradually become a reality in the modern battlefield. This week, Elbit Systems  launched its CONDOR MS, a new Long Range Oblique Photography (LOROP) system that introduces Multi-Spectral (MS) sensing capability and Artificial Intelligence (AI) analytics to stand-off strategic intelligence gathering missions. CONDOR MS integrates three high resolution Electro Optic (EO) sensors into the Company’s certified and widely operational CONDOR2 system: Visible & Near Infra-Red (VNIR), Medium-Wave Infrared (MWIR), and Short-Wave Infrared (SWIR).

Elbit said in a press release that this unique combination extends coverage area in day, night and adverse weather conditions. Deep learning algorithms and precise geo-location enable the CONDOR MS to identify a large number of targets at extremely high rates.The CONDOR family of systems is integrated onboard a variety of platforms. Among them the F-16 A/B/C/D/I, F-4, SU-30 as well as B-737.

 

The German Army Chose Elbit Personal Radios

Following a competitive solicitation and technical testing, Elbit Systems’ subsidiary in Germany was selected to provide the German Army with the E-LynX soldier radios (PNR 1000) in handheld and vehicular configurations. The new soldier radios will be used at the platoon and company levels and will be installed onboard various combat vehicles, including the SPz PUMA.

The contract involves a transfer of technology agreement to facilitate local development and manufacturing of the E-LynX soldier radios that will be supplied to the German Army, and the development of further extensions and capabilities. Development and production will be done in the company’s facilities in Ulm, Germany.

E-LynX is a Software Defined Radio (SDR) aimed to provide secure and reliable communications on the battlefield. It consists of strong error correction algorithms to eliminate the lost of data packets, and a self-healing, self forming ad-hoc networking capabilities to ensures robust data communications of several megabits per second at adaptable bandwidths. The devices for the German Army consist of networked combat solutions in both open field and in urban areas.

The radio system provides forces with the capability to use several voice groups in a single channel and fast data services. The radios that will be supplied feature advanced networking waveform with unique concurrent flooding techniques that extend range over a multi-hop network.

Elbit Completes the Acquisition of IMI Systems

Photo above: IMI’s Extended Range Artillery Rocket EXTRA

Elbit Systems announced today that it completed the acquisition of IMI Systems (IMI) for a purchase price of approximately $495 million. Additional payment of approximately $27 million is contingent upon IMI meeting agreed performance goals. Bezhalel Machlis, Elbit’s President & CEO,said that Elbit has a proven track record of successfully performing major acquisitions. “This acquisition will be beneficial for Israel’s economy, for both companies’ employees and customers and for our shareholders.”

This is the largest merger in the Israeli defense industry. IMI was established more than 8 decades ago, and manufactures precision munitions, Combat mobility, survivability and protection systems, armor solutions and HLS and Crisis management. Among them, Rockets, Missiles and Active Protection Systems (Iron Fist). It employs approximately 2,000 employees. Annual revenues are more than $500 million.

Following the deal, Elbit reorganize its structure: IMI will join the newly announced Land Division that includes the advanced artillery systems unit (previously Soltam), Kinetics unit which provides Auxiliary Power Units, Air Conditioning and Life Support Systems for tracked and wheeled military vehicles. The deal marks the beginning of intense competition between Elbit and Rafael, who supply its own active protection system called Trophy, to the US Army.

Elbit is a giant  defense systems provider with $895.2 million revenues in the third quarter of 2018 and NASDAQ market value of about $5.16 billion. It operates in the areas of aerospace, land and naval systems, command, control, communications, computers, intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance (C4ISR), unmanned aircraft systems, advanced electro-optics, electro-optics, signal intelligence systems, data links and communications systems. It is also the supplier of the F-35 Helmet Mounted Systems (HMS) that pilots to view flight data, sensor and 3D location-based information within direct line-of-sight (LOS).