BENE BERAQ, Israel, 16 Nov. 2010. Combat helicopter avionics integrators at Elbit Systems in Haifa, Israel needed an airborne communications link for the Elbit HeliC3om C4I system for military helicopters. They found their solution in the Tactical Video and Data Link (TVDL) from Elisra Electronic Systems Ltd. in Bene Beraq, Israel. The Elbit HeliC3om system provides helicopter pilots with integrated battlespace video and data dissemination capabilities.
The TVDL, which is already fielded in combat helicopters, is an advanced video and data receiver/transmitter system that helps improve the hit rate of helicopter aircrews. The TVDL can be operated and controlled as a part of the Elbit HeliC3om airborne situational awareness system, which displays video and telemetry data in real-time on the its multi-function display (MFD) and feeds into target tracking and monitoring systems. Impact imagery, meanwhile can feed back to the TVDL for delivery to commanders and ground forces.
The TVDL helps create a common visual language among players in the battlespace, Elisra officials say. Aircrews can relay visual intelligence to commanders on the ground and receive a clear to shoot order without wasting time with unnecessary radio communications.
The TVDL's P-kit weighs slightly more than six pounds, and fits in cramped cockpits. It enables broadcast-quality video from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or ground-based sensors to display in the helicopter cockpit using HeliC3om. Video and data also can relay to other helicopters, ground forces, and combat information centers. It operates at L, S, or C band.
Elisra is 70 percent owned by Elbit Systems, and 30 percent owned by Elta Systems Ltd. in Ashdod, Israel -- an Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) subsidiary. For more information contact Elisra online at www.elisra.com, or Elbit Systems at www.elbitsystems.com.
