Top 5 Technological Innovations of 2017
Israel is often referred to as the “Start-Up Nation” and is world renowned for its technological advancements. In this spirit, the IDF has made strides in the technological field. In 2017, the IDF integrated new technology, including 62 Merkava tanks, 30 “Namer” armored personnel carriers, 150 operational trucks, 35 night vision goggles, 180 multicopter drones, 40 loaders, 400 parachutes, 21,000 aiming devices, 120 Chevy Savannas, and 257 Jeeps. All of this new equipment helped the IDF take steps towards the future.
16.01.18
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1. Yahalom Glasses
Fighting on screens and using virtual reality goggles used to be just for gamers, but that’s no longer the case. Soldiers in the Yahalom Unit of the Engineering Corps are using these same goggles for an entirely different purpose; overcoming the challenges of underground warfare.
VR (virtual reality) goggles allow these soldiers to learn about several different types of ammunition in a visual and accessible way. There are three kinds of VR goggles that are currently used. The first allows the user to coordinate their movements in the real world with those in the virtual space. The second has built- in motion detectors. The third type is controlled using a mobile remote control, meaning one can walk around and choose objects on which to focus.
2. UAV with Night Vision
Until recently, the IDF only used UAVs for daylight photography. Thanks to new thermal cameras with night vision capabilities, the “Matrix” UAVs can focus on small objects, even something as small as an assailant raising a knife to attack someone.
The Matrix as a whole is more advanced than the UAVs that the IDF used previously. It can stay in the air longer, focus on small objects and fly just over a mile high.
3. Armored Personnel Carrier
The 603th Battalion of the 7th Brigade began using the “Namera” - a new armored personnel carrier. The “Namera” has control and shielding systems, a powerful engine and a particularly large firing range. It also has a "windbreaker" protection system, which detects and destroys anti-tank missiles and explosive devices in real time.
The “Namera” represents a major technological step forward, as its abilities allow soldiers to better defend themselves and Israeli civilians.
"This is one of the most significant developments within the battalion, the brigade, or the Engineering Corps," said the outgoing commander of the 603rd Battalion.
4. Parachute Folders
Previously, parachute folders had to fill out forms for each stage of the folding process. However, the ROAM system is streamlining the process. The parachute folders scan a barcode that keeps track of the stages of the process automatically.
Even the fighters who use parachutes are spared the paperwork, and in order to get a parachute, all they have to do is swipe the soldier’s ID and put them in the new system. While the system is based in the folding room, it’s also used operationally on the field. The system allows soldiers to transfer the software to tablets and simplifies the process for the parachute folders and the paratroopers.
5. Unmanned Vehicles
The “Panda” and the “Robattle” are the IDF’s largest UGVs (unmanned ground vehicles). The “Panda,” an unmanned D9 bulldozer, can maneuver through rough terrain, detecting explosive devices (such as mines), and defend armored vehicles under fire. The “Robattle” can change size according to the mission specifics and is extremely mobile.
Both of these UGVs represent huge feats in the IDF’s ground defense capabilities. Unmanned vehicles are the way of the future and the IDF’s integration of the “Panda” and the “Robattle” are steps towards the future.
