Israeli defence company Elbit Systems is currently developing a cognitive electronic warfare (EW) prototype and is aiming to have it operational within two-to-three years. As threats become more complex, Elbit has already begun testing algorithms which can counter modern radar frequencies threats.  

“We are currently very robust in the realms of infrared and ultraviolet jamming," said Col (Reserve) Irmin Menscher, v-p marketing and business development, Elbit Systems EW and SIGINT-Elisra. "The next version of our All-in-Small EW protection suite will have some extent of cognitive ability.”

The All-in-Small EW protection suite is reportedly installed on the upgraded Boeing CH-47SD Chinooks and AH-64D Apaches operated by the Republic of Singapore Air Force.

Elbit is showcasing its MUSIC (Multi Spectral Infrared Countermeasures) airborne self-protection systems at the Singapore Airshow, consisting of the J-Music, C-Music and Mini Music.

The company has also introduced the Light SPEAR EW self-protection system for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV). The standard Light SPEAR weighs 11-13 kg (approx. 23-27 lb), suitable for UAVs the size of the Hermes 450 and larger. They have a scaled-down version called the Micro SPEAR, weighing around 500 grams (just under 1 lb), for smaller UAVs such as the Skylark.

New to the Singapore Airshow is the Brightnite system designed to replace night vision goggles (NVG) in helicopter flying. Night flying with NVGs is limited to line-of-sight and when performance is degraded with moonless nights. Using eight FLIR cameras and three day-optics, Brightnite aims to give pilots a 190-degrees horizontal by 90-degrees vertical field of view, projected on the pilot’s helmet along with flight and terrain data.

“The key advantage is that it puts the pilot's view outside of the cockpit,” said Itzhak Huber, senior director, Elbit Systems Aerospace.

“We are working with Boeing to put this system on the Apache,” he revealed. ”What is important is that Brightnite has almost no latency–like on the Apache when the pilot turns his head. The image will also have a better depth of vision due to the mix of day and night sensors.”

An undisclosed NATO country will fly the first prototype in June and will eventually field them on eight of its helicopters.

Huber added that the system would be extremely relevant in Asia, with the unpredictable bad weather and operational requirements against bothunconventional and conventional threats around the region.