Tel Aviv. HattoriX, the innovative fire support system launched by Elbit Systems at the end of 2018, recently completed a series of demonstrations for eight Western European countries.
Operational with the Israeli Defense Force since 2019, HattoriX is a passive/active target acquisition systems that uses Artificial Intelligence to enable Forward Observers and similarly tasked tactical teams to close sensor-to-shooter loops with three intuitive touches on a screen: a touch to acquire the target, a touch to issue the precise target coordinates, and a touch to send all of the target information to the fire systems.
The capability demonstrations in Europe were performed in urban locations and in open fields, in both day and night, simulating a variety of operational scenarios. During the demonstrations, users had the opportunity to experiment, first hand, with the capability to passively and rapidly acquire Category 1 targets (Target Location error of few a metres), facilitating effective engagement of Time Sensitive Targets.
Featuring payload agnostic mission computer that runs proprietary software, photogrammetry algorithm and an Augmented Reality (AR) overlay of real-time C2 data, HattoriX performs automatic fusion of Geographical Information System (GIS) database, pre-loaded targets data, payload’s visual feed, and C2 information, thereby enabling the tactical user to intuitively issue CAT-1 targets without using any emitters, and seamlessly feed acquired targets and additional target information (image, video, description) into any Battle Management System.
Interfacing with any Electro-Optical payload of choice, HattoriX is comprised of a Goniometer, a mission computer, a touch-screen display unit and a lightweight tripod. HattoriX also includes a remote-controlled configuration for extended force protection. Users include FOs, Forward Air Controllers (FAC), Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTAC), reconnaissance teams, field intelligence and Special Forces.
The Hattorix is another systems that adds capabilities to the infantry soldier.
In recent years the Israeli company continuously expands the capabilities of its DOMINATOR warrior combat suite. Lately, Elbit introduced other soldier systems SmartEye, ballistic eyewear that provides dismounted commanders with a geo-oriented head-mounted C2 display.
Projecting a see-through Augmented Reality (AR) symbology on the visor and enabling real-time image detection, SmartEye provides users with instant situational awareness. SmartEye interfaces with multiple visual sources, including weapon sights, Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and input from reconnaissance units.
Smart WristView, a compact, low-power, rugged wrist-strapped C2 display, providing warriors with a quick and convenient view of operational data in combat situations without altering weapon’s hold, further enhancing situational awareness and team-level C2 capabilities.
SmartSight a C2 add-on to most existing day and night weapon sights, projecting see-through AR symbology, laser rangefinder data and a compass onto the soldier’s weapon sight, greatly improving target acquisition capabilities and combat effectiveness. And SmartNVG, a C2 add-on to most existing NVGs providing superimposed AR navigation and operational symbology on any vision imaging system, significantly improving effectiveness in night operations. SmartNVG is compatible with both HDMI and Android.
-The writer is an Israel-based freelance journalist
