Tadiran Spectralink-developed equipment delivers real-time video images to cockpit
The Israeli air force is equipping its combat helicopters with a Tadiran Spectralink-developed datalink that will enhance an aircraft's ability to operate with unmanned air vehicles while undertaking complicated strike missions.
The service's Bell AH-1 Cobra attack helicopters have recently gained the ability to receive realtime video images datalinked from the UAV's payload, and its Boeing AH-64AApaches are also set to receive the system.
The air force's combat helicopters have played a major role in attacks against Palestinian guerrillas operating in the West Bank and Gaza. UAVs are being used to locate and identify targets.
Once able to see the real-time imagery, helicopter crews can reduce the time needed from target identification by the UAV to missile launch, and can locate, identify and destroy moving targets in urban areas.
Before the availability of the new system, target information was relayed to the aircraft by voice from the UAV's ground control station.
The new datalink and display system is also set for integration with Israel's future AH-64DApache Longbows, the first of which will be delivered next year. These are also expected to be equipped with locally developed communications and electronic warfare equipment for use during special missions, which will be carried in a developmental below-fuselage pod.
The air force's flight-test centre is evaluating the design using an AH-64A equipped with a prototype glassfibre-reinforced plastic container. From this month the testing will progress to conducting flights with working payloads. These trials will be used to assess the effects of the container on the Apache's flying characteristics.
Previous concepts for installation of the new systems in the aft end of the Apache were rejected because they altered the helicopter's centre of gravity, says the air force.
ARIE EGOZI / TEL AVIV
Source: Flight International
