Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) introduces the ELI-3312 sensor suite, based on electro-optical Hostile Fire Location (HFL) and radar sensors. The system is designed for Remote Controlled Weapon Station (RCWS) rapid target acquisition and situational awareness. Designed by ELTA IAI’s subsidiary the ELI-3312’s unique combination of RCWS sensors integrating HFL and a Doppler radar, allows for the automatic detection of hostile fire from light weapons, machine guns and rocket-propelled grenade launchers, and enables rapid retaliation by precise counter fire. The lightweight and compact sensor suite permits fast and simple integration to any type of vehicle or weapon type.

Asymmetric warfare is challenging modern mechanised military forces to supply actionable battlefield intelligence and retaliate rapidly against incoming threats (given their growing capabilities and attack angles). The first layer of defense is to use long-range sensors on vehicles to detect threats before those threats can bring their weapons to bear upon the vehicle. Then, by using long-range weapons, the vehicle’s crew can engage and destroy the threat – by using the combined capabilities of long-range electro-optical and radar sensors on the ground vehicle, thus rapidly closing the sensor-to-shooter cycle.

“The main lesson we have learned from recent asymmetric ground battles is that survivability of the armoured vehicle team depends on their ability to rapidly and efficiently detect and retaliate against incoming threats”, Mr. Nissim Hadas, IAI Executive VP & ELTA President explained: “This premise, long ingrained in aerial and naval warfare, is now permeating to the ground-based warfare, and will be a decisive factor in future conventional or asymmetrical combat.”

Through the intervening years, from large-scale wars to low-intensity conflicts, Cat construction equipment has played a significant role in supporting military engineers. Caterpillar Defense & Federal Products is dedicated solely to handling the federal acquisition regulations and unique requirements governing this military business. This dedicated team manages business transactions directly for the defense arenas. The Defense and Federal Products Division provides the flexibility to create an entirely new class of construction equipment or design and manufacture modifications to our standard products. The following examples of both modified and newly designed machines are representative of the Caterpillar commitment to developing specialized equipment to meet your specific needs:

The Cat Armored 966H Wheel Loader is a highly productive machine. The Type I machine is equipped with a 4.5 cubic yard rock bucket. The Type II machine is equipped with a 5.0 cubic yard general purpose bucket. Heavy Loaders provide unsurpassed operational readiness for the construction of airfields, roads, landing zones, defensive berms,
and anti-tank ditches. The armored crew protection kit (CPK) on the 966H was developed with the Soldier’s protection and survivability in mind. The armored cab provides the operator with 360° protection, including the roof and the floor, from small arms and fragmentation threats. The transparent armor provides excellent operator visibility of the machine and surrounding work area. These features of the CPK allow the soldier to complete military tasks safely and effectively.

The Cat Armored 966H Wheel Loader also demonstrates its versatility by lifting barriers for installation, stockpiling material such as gravel, and performing various demolition functions. The articulation point is located near the midpoint of the machine, increasing balance and durability, and allowing for superior maneuverability in tight operating conditions. Both the implement and steering controls are responsive to operator input, allowing exceptional control of the machine and its attachments. The 966H is also a selftransportable unit with a maximum travel speed of 23.2 MPH.

The Cat D7R-II Bulldozer is a highly productive machine. The machine is equipped with either a hydraulic winch, or
a multi-shank ripper. The D7R-II provides unsurpassed operational readiness for the construction of airfields, roads, landing zones, defensive berms, anti-tank ditches, and other key military construction missions. This bulldozer can also be used to pushload scrapers, which greatly increases worksite efficiency. The D7R-II Bulldozer is air transportable in the C-5 or C-17 in a driveon, drive-off configuration. It can also be transported on the M870 or HETT trailers.

Configured with a full-width push plate for pushloading scrapers, the D7R-II Bulldozer blade is aggressive in penetrating and loading material, as well as designed for superior load retention. The bulldozer blade, with moldboard construction and high tensile strength, resists torsional bending and distortion while maintaining durability. The variable line pull and line speed winch is hydraulically driven for precise load control during reel in or reel out. The winch is equipped with a drawbar and three fairlead rollers. The adjustable pitch ripper, with three straight shanks, is designed to penetrate tough material fast and rip thoroughly for improved dozing.