Rotem 2
Loitering Munitions (LM) evolved in Israel in the mid-1970s, based on operational lessons during the Yom Kippur War, where Israel failed to achieve sufficient air superiority over enemy air defences. In the years that followed the 1973 war, the Israeli defence establishment encouraged industry research and development in unmanned and autonomous capabilities for the Suppression and Destruction of Enemy Air Defences (SEAD/DEAD), measures that paved the way for manned aircraft to strike those Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) sites.
The Harpy ‘suicide drone’ conceived in the mid-1980s was one of these solutions developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) Missile Division. Harpy comprised of swarms of autonomous aerial platforms equipped with a radar-seeker and warhead. It could loiter for hours at high altitude inside a SAM- Defended Area and, once threat radar became active, it rapidly engaged that radar, steeply diving to hit the radar with devastating effect.
Evolving through decades of operational service, the Harpy was recently modernised in modernised in two aspects: A-new Anti-Radiation (AR) seekers offering improved target location, identification and classification and extended frequency coverage, particularly in the lower frequency bands- utilising a modern and versatile platform, the system now offers longer loitering, of up to nine hours. Its unique autonomous capabilities and ground based operability turn Harpy into a disruptive capability against land-based adversary Anti-Access/Access Denial assets.
To excel as multi-mission combat system, IAI evolved its autonomous LM to be remotely operated, conducting reconnaissance and surveillance missions with the ability to attack targets immediately as they are detected. For such missions, ‘Man in The Loop’ control was first introduced with the Harop –a loitering platform with maritime capabilities powerful enough to carry a sophisticated multi-sensor EO payload, large warhead, data link and enough fuel for a 9-hour mission. Sharing a common platform with Harpy NG, Harop delivers imagery intelligence in real-time over a two-way data link. Once a target is detected by the operator, from distances hundreds of kilometres away, Harop is commanded to attack, dives in on the designated target and activates its large warhead. The approach azimuth, as well as the dive angle is selectable by the operator, to suit various operational scenarios.
Here at Defexpo 2020, IAI is displaying its LM family with its newest member- Mini Harpy, a newly-developed loitering munition, based on unique IAI development and technology, the Mini Harpy combines the capabilities of the company’s two flagship loitering missiles, the Harop and the Harpy, offering detection of broadcast radiation with electro optical capabilities. The Mini Harpy is a tactical system designed for field or marine units. It can be launched from land, marine and helicopter borne platforms, providing complete independence in intelligence collection for an updated situational picture and closing the attack circle at low cost.
The system was designed to provide operators with control up to the last moment, including cessation of attach at any stage. Electrically powered, it is extremely quiet, carries shaped charge of approximately eight kg and operates in mission range of 100 km for duration of two hours and 45 kg in weight.
A smaller LM from IAI is the Rotem, designed specifically for warfare in complex terrain and urban areas. It employs a folding multi-rotor as a platform, multiple imaging and IR cameras for sensors and multiple acoustic transducers to detect and avoid obstacle and safely manoeuver narrow urban streets or dense vegetation. Its payload bay holds enough space to carry warhead of one kilogramme or extra batteries, extending the mission endurance from 30 to 45 minutes. It is operated by a single soldier using simple point and click commands on a tablet controller, similar to the one operating the Green Dragon.
Boaz Levi, IAI Corporate Vice President and General Manager of the Systems, Missiles & Space Group stated, "IAI's advanced loitering munitions offer an operational solution to the complex arena experienced by armies, with a special emphasis to the congested naval arena warfare. The new naval adjustments made to the loitering munitions provide an excellent solution for costal protection, Combat Ships, Offshore Patrol Vessels and Patrol Boats. The unique organic independent capabilities provide an operational flexibility to the naval commending level, both at the intelligence level and at the operational level"
Harop launched