Elbit Systems, a world leader in tactical ISTAR platforms and systems, is presenting at the Eurosatory 2016 exhibition in Paris a comprehensive offering that seamlessly integrates many existing technologies into one holistic solution that allows rapid and accurate intelligence flow, resulting in highly efficient fire engagement. The new ISTAR Dismounted Solution (“ISTAR DS”) is designed for application by artillery Forward Observer Officers (FOO), Forwar d Air Controllers (FAC), Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTAC) and other special operations teams.
Utilizing the latest in surveillance technology, ISTAR DS effectively synergizes various systems and assets into an all-in-one ISTAR solution, giving decision-makers in observation posts the ability to quickly process and disseminate information collected from various platforms and sensors, and as a result, allocate the required munitions for the specific target, at the right time. Among its various capabilities, the ISTAR DS delivers Wide Area Persistent Surveillance (WAPS) while minimizing the sensor-to-shooter cycle (the time it takes to find, identity, and engage a target) from several minutes to seconds. In addition, the very low Target Location Error (TLE) provided by the solution, enables accurate munition engagement on the battlefield.
At the heart of the solution is a hand-held mission computer that delivers networked interoperability to ISTAR DS team commanders, allowing them to receive extensive data from various intelligence sources and translate it to rapid and accurate fire engagement on the target via the most appropriate available munition. Using the mission computer, it is possible for the operator to plan, execute and monitor coordinated missions involving multiple ground and air forces, including jet fighters, attack helicopters and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). The mission computer also supports Battle Damage Assessment (BDA) through video recording and After Action Review (AAR).
Other key ISTAR DS components are Elbit’s man-portable target acquisition system, SupervisIR™ advanced WAPS system, Skylark™ I-LEX or Skylark 3 miniature unmanned airborne platforms, high-performance multi-sensor payloads, (such as the LVSW-D,an advanced laser designation system with Spot-on-Target (SoT), verification and unique SWIR, FLIR and CCD capabilities), as well as a long-lasting battery pack and hand-held video downlink terminal. Together, these components allow for nearly instantaneous GPS and laser-guided capacities against a variety of targets.
“ISTAR DS is a unique solution that offers dismounted teams an independent intelligence collection and analysis capability for immediate target engagement from the ground, air or sea,” said Elad Aharonson, General Manager of Elbit Systems’ ISTAR Division. “In addition to its lightweight capabilities, ISTAR DS delivers a complete end-to-end solution starting with terrain dominance achieved by the SupervisIR, through detailed investigation and analysis of a suspicious target by the LVSW-D, to laser designation on the target, either from the ground or air utilizing the Skylark payload, to autonomous utilization of munitions for effective and accurate engagement of the target.”
