ISRAELI INGENUITY

IDF Reveals Revolutionary Shield System for Armored Vehicles - Arieh O'Sullivan (Jerusalem Post)
The IDF has revealed a revolutionary new protective shield system for armored vehicles that intercepts and destroys missiles and rockets with a shotgun-like blast just before they hit. The Trophy system, shown in public for the first time this week, is seen as a major milestone in weapons design since it reduces the need for heavy armor for vehicles. According to Rafael, the Defense Ministry's armament development authority, the system works against all types of guided anti-tank missiles and rockets, including rocket-propelled grenades. The system's antennas and radar can detect incoming projectiles from 360 degrees, its computer calculates their approach, and then determines the exact moment and angle to fire its neutralizers - small metal pellets. Trophy also works while the vehicle is in motion and is effective against short-range and simultaneous threats.

See also New Weapons Systems Revealed at IDF Conference - Arieh O'Sullivan (Jerusalem Post)
Accompanying the second annual IDF conference on Low Intensity Conflict is an exhibit of weapons and training utilities used in low intensity conflicts. Revealed for the first time in public are digitalized mobile headquarters and a robot, unmanned security vehicle (USV) to be deployed along the security fence.

See also Israel Showcases Latest High-Tech Military Inventions (AFP/Yahoo) Israel Aircraft Industries presented a smart mortar bomb, called "FireBall," with pinpoint accuracy guided by GPS. The "Eye Ball R1" is a high-tech camera packaged into a hand-held impervious ball, which can be thrown into any building, tunnel, or cave to enable remote observation from relative safety. The Mosquito UAV measures 12 x 14 inches [30 x 34 cm], has a silent motor, and offers real-time high-quality video for up to 60 minutes, flying at 300 feet.