DEFENCE
Smart nav/attack system for Kfir
HAIFA
Elbit Computers is producing
the nav/attack system for
Israeli Aircraft Industries'
latest Kfir C7 fighter-bomber.
The System 82 weapon deliv-
ery and navigation system
(WDNS) features a stores
management computer and
head-down CRT display
which enables the aircraft to
deliver smart weapons such as
TV-guided bombs and
missiles.
System 82 is the latest in
line of Elbit nav/attack
systems developed for the
Israeli Air Force which began
in 1971 with licence-
production of US weapon-
delivery equipment for the A-
4 Skyhawk. This system was
later adapted by Elbit for use
on the Kfir by adding naviga-
tion capability, improving and
augmenting weapon delivery
modes, and increasing
reliability.
Jason IN AS
In 1977 Elbit and Singer-
Kearfott co-operated to
develop the Jason inertial-
based nav/attack system for
Israeli F-4E and RF-4E Phan-
toms, which would be more
reliable and maintainable,
and higher performing, than
the original equipment. The
F-4 Update WDNS intro-
duced 0-8 n.m./hr navigation
and 7mrad weapon-delivery
accuracies and a 300hr mean
time between failures
(MTBF). This system, which
includes a digital mission
computer, rear-seat CRT
navigation display, and smart
weapon capability, is available
for retrofit on F-4s and weighs
some 55kg including inertial
platform.
The System 80 WDNS,
developed in 1980, was the
first to use an Elbit computer,
and was supplied as a one-for-
one box replacement for older
nav/attack systems in A-4s
and Kfirs. The inertial-based
equipment offered improved
weapon-delivery and naviga-
tion accuracy, and expanded
stores capability.
Now in production for the
Kfir C7, the System 82
WDNS is Elbit's first with a
stores management computer
to handle weapon release
"hands on throttle and stick".
Elbit's head-down display
542
Kfir cockpit with WDNS control
System 82 provides 0-6 direct visual bombing backup
n.m./hr navigation and 6mrad air-to-ground mode. A stores
weapon-delivery accuracies management computer and
with a 500hr MTBF and armament control and display
impressive redundancy. panel go to make up the stores
management system; the 4in
Six units go to make up
System 82. The digital central CRT can display sensor or
weapon video plus alpha-
computer comprises a 16-bit
processor, program memory, numeric weapon inventory,
release parameter, or
and symbol generator. An
independent backup com- malfunction warning data. A
puter with its own symbol keyboard control terminal is
generation provides lead- used to enter and extract data
computing optical sight from the nav/attack system.
backup air-to-air mode and A headup display completes
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box forward of the pilot's right
hand
System 82.
System 82 weighs in at
about 52kg excluding inertial
platform, so Elbit has assem-
bled a simplified version
which lacks the stores
management and backup
capability. Providing the
same accuracy and reliability
as System 82, the lighter
inertial-based System 81
comprises central computer,
control terminal, and headup
display.
Low-cost systems
For trainers, light-attack
aircraft, and interceptors
Elbit offers the low-cost
weapon-delivery system
(LCWDS) providing a
lOmrad air-to-ground delivery
accuracy, improving to 3mrad
air-to-air, and with an 800hr
MTBF. Basic modes include
air-to-air "hotline" symbol-
ogy and lead-computing opti-
cal sight, plus air-to-ground
continuously computed
impact point and manual
release functions. If a Doppler
navigation system is fitted,
toss bombing and waypoint
navigation are available. The
LCWDS, comprises a 10kg
central computer and 3kg
control terminal, and can be
used with a headup display or
simple gunsight.
The components that go to
make up System 82 and its
derivatives are available sepa-
rately, such as the stores
management system with its
computer and display unit,
which together weigh some
20kg. Elbit is already working
on the nav/attack system for
the IAI Lavi. This will feature
a smaller, faster central
computer.
0 AEL Israel is producing
self-protection systems for
fixed-wing aircraft and heli-
copters. The SPS-200 detects
and displays pulsed radar
threats within the l-8GHz
frequency range. A separate
receiver handles continuous-
wave radars. A 3in CRT
azimuth indicator displays
type, bearing, relative lethal-
ity, and status of analysed
radar threats, and the system
can be coupled to a chaff/flare
dispenser. The SP-20 is a
lightweight warning set for
helicopters.
FLIGHT International, 27 August 1983