Fixed Track Perimeter Defense Out – UGV’s In!

Fixed track perimeter protection – an idea that did not mature. (see video)

Unmanned ground vehicles (UGV) are winning in the completion aimed at selecting the best perimeter protection. The other competitor, the fixed track system, has actually lost in spite of some minor efforts to prove that it has capabilities.

In recent years, a number of innovative technologies have been tested in an effort to solve the problem of protecting very sensitive installations. The aim has been to supply a solution that will be efficient and at the same time cost effective.

Large perimeters, are currently protected by mainly by different types of fences sometimes combined with sensors and manned patrols. This in parallel to the attempts to replace manned patrols with UGV’s

One concept that was demonstrated in Israel a few years ago , is based on building a fixed track around the perimeter and use it to carry optronic payloads that will detect any attempted intrusion.

One system was based on a monorail on which moving optronic payloads are moving around the protected area. The system was based on moving “riders” that carried the sensors the riders themselves moved on the monorail by high velocity inducted magnetic power system.

The payload could reach a 80 kmh speed and accelerate from 0 to 80 kmh in 11 seconds.

Another idea that did not leave the drawing board, was based on tethered hovering platforms, that circle the perimeter on some sort of rail and monitor the area with optronic payload.

The two ideas did not mature to an operational system protecting an Israeli crucial installation.
While the above proposed solution were deserted , the use of UGV’s is gaining popularity and at that point , it seems that they will replace at least part of the manned patrol vehicles used today.