Shilat Optronics Ltd.

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Introduction

The need for high-resolution, efficient stand-off aerial observation for security surveillance and response cannot be underestimated. Whether for routine or explosive ground operations, decision-makers require a reliable tool capable of accurately and quickly conveying information to them, without endangering the responding forces.

 

Existing Airborne Solutions

Until recently, aerial observation for law enforcement, border control and Homeland Security (HLS) was carried out using manned aircraft. Lately, the development of Unmanned Airborne Vehicles (UAV) has prompted the intensive use of such craft for such applications. Nevertheless, significant limitations arose in their use:

Operational Employment – a high level of operator skill and extensive training were required.

Safety – the operation of UAVs in highly populated areas posed a severe risk due to the possibility of communication failure or loss of eye contact with the platform.

Performance – normally the observation performance of a UAV mandates a very close approach. This can be highly problematic in police and security scenarios.

Operation Time – the UAV is limited to several tens of minutes and requires frequent landing for replacement of batteries.

Existing solutions which are based on tethered aerostat are expensive, large size and complex for deployment.

 

Light Eye

General

Light Eye is an advanced, very lightweight unmanned aerostat-mounted observation system designed especially for stand-off, wide coverage air observation. Based on unique patented electro-optic technology, Light Eye provides quick access to security-related information with a very high quality aerial imaging capability.

Owing to its very small size (volume < 3.25m3, lifting capacity ~ 2.5kg), Light Eye does not require any flight permits (according to US and Israeli regulations), thereby enabling significant operational flexibility. Furthermore, the system’s compact size enables it to be transported in a small car or carried by two persons on foot.

Light Eye is designed for high altitude flight of up to 800m, with coverage of 360°, giving it a significant advantage over existing aerostats.

Light Eye’s payload incorporates superior stabilization capabilities, which enable high quality imaging in very narrow fields of view (high magnification). Image data acquired by the aerostat-mounted payload are transferred via a patented optical fiber integrated in an ultra- light weight tethering communication cable to a laptop-based operator unit. This eliminates the need for radio transmission, allowing for high-bandwidth, secure communication. Integrated data recording capabilities enable playback of the observed scenarios for further investigation and analysis.

Light Eye is easy to deploy from a vehicle or by ground anchoring in the field, with less than 15 minutes required to achieve an operational image. After system set-up, up to six hours of operation are ensured using a single battery pack.

Light Eye is in operational use by the IDF and Israeli Police Forces with impressive results. A low-cost alternative to the expensive helicopter or UAV, Light Eye provides the enhanced availability required to boost security capabilities from the air. 

 
 

 
 

Applications

 

Law Enforcement, Crime and Violence Prevention

With very fast deployment, and the ability to operate undisturbed in a crowded urban environment, Light Eye is the ideal solution for aerial observation, surveillance and control from a range of several kilometers.

 
 

Traffic Control and Traffic Law Enforcement

Light Eye is in use by police forces for identifying and apprehending road offenders. The system automatically follows the target and records the event until

arrest by responding forces. These records have been approved by the Israeli authorities as evidence acceptable in a court of law.

 
 

Emergency and Disaster Management

Light Eye is a very effective tool for disaster management, fire prevention, and forest fire alert. It has played an active role in rescue and recovery by the IDF rescue units.

 
 

Border Patrol

Combined with a night vision payload (currently under development), Light Eye gives powerful coverage of border activity. With a 5 km recognition range and up to 800m flight altitude, it provides wide-area coverage even under adverse environmental conditions. Furthermore, the system can be operated from a patrol vehicle driving at speeds of up to 40km/h, with the system aloft several hundreds of meters above the vehicle and streaming high quality video.

 
 

Coast Guard

Under poor observation conditions, typical of marine environments, Light Eye provides a breakthrough in coast guard observation and control. With simple deployment, combined with the ability to operate when the marine vessel is sailing at speeds of up to 20 knots and in strong winds, Light Eye is the ideal solution for marine observation.

 

Broadcast of News and Sporting Events

The combination of very high image stabilization, operational safety and ease of use, combined with the absence of any licensing or permit requirements, make Light Eye an attractive tool for aerial coverage of news and sporting events. The system is widely used for this application, giving broadcasters a special vantage point and strategic coverage capabilities.

 

 

Light Eye for Marine Applications

Light Eye is a mini-aerostat ISR system with an unique stabilized electro optical payload enabling superior aerial imaging. The aerostat can be deployed from small or large vessels.

 
 
 

Summary of Main Features and Advantages

• Very light weight and small dimensions

• Does not require flight permits

• Ultra-high image resolution (X 36)

• Unique image stabilization

• 360° observation, coverage to up to 800m

• Image data transfer via high-bandwidth channel

• Secure fiber-optic communication

• Capable of withstanding severe environments

• Quick deployment (

• Easy to operate by a single crew member

• Low maintenance and operation costs

• Capable of future growth, including thermal camera integration

 

 

SHILAT Ltd.

SHILAT, founded in 2007, is an innovative electro-optics company that offers several proprietary technologies for defense and homeland security applications. Using inexpensive and readily available components, our smart solutions provide a unique combination of functionality, small size and low cost. From our base in Rehovot, Israel, our highly experienced team works with clients worldwide to tailor products to their specific needs. Our current partners include the Israeli Defense Forces, foreign governmental agencies, and major defense and homeland security players in Israel and abroad.