(Israel Defense) Arie Egozi - Underwater threats are becoming more severe. Seaport and offshore oil and gas drilling rigs have become targets for terrorists. Elta, a subsidiary of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), realized years ago that state-of-the-art sensors are required in order to spot underwater threats. Ram Agadi of Elta, a leading manufacturer of radar systems, explains: "While a standard radar sensor cannot detect a submarine traveling even a few meters under the sea surface, a SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) sensor can do it easily. In other words, what could not be achieved using the old sensors can now be achieved using SAR sensors of the type installed on airborne vehicles as well as on Israel's spy satellites." In order to protect seaports and maritime installations all over the world, Elta develops smart sensors based on optics, sonar and radar technologies. It manufactures an underwater net that constitutes an elaborate sensor. If anyone touched or attempted to cut it, it would trigger an immediate alert. "We manufacture this high-tech net ourselves and have already delivered a few, which now guard the entrances of several harbors around the world." Elta has also developed a system of underwater loudspeakers. When a swimmer or diver is detected in the water, he may be addressed in the style of "you have been spotted, surrender!"
2013-01-04 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive