Abstract: A refueling device for use in in-flight refueling operation between a tanker aircraft and a receiver aircraft includes a selectively steerable body and a controller. The selectively steerable body configured for being towed by a tanker aircraft via a fuel hose at least during in-flight refueling, and includes a boom member having a boom axis and configured to enable fuel to be transferred from the fuel hose to a receiver aircraft along the boom axis during the in-flight refueling operation. The controller is configured for selectively steering the body to an engagement enabling position spaced with respect to the receiver aircraft and for aligning the boom axis in an engagement enabling orientation at the spaced position, and for subsequently moving the boom member along the boom axis towards the receiver aircraft for enabling fuel communication therebetween.

Abstract: A method for tracking an object that is embedded within images of a scene, including: in a sensor unit, generating, storing and transmitting over a communication link a succession of images of a scene. In a remote control unit, receiving the images, receiving a command for selecting an object of interest in a given image and determining object data associated with the object and transmitting the object data to the sensor unit. In the sensor unit, identifying the given image and the object of interest using the object data, and tracking the object in other images. If the object cannot be located in the latest image of the stored succession of images, using information of images in which the object was located to predict estimated real-time location thereof and generating direction commands to the movable sensor for generating realtime images of the scene and locking on the object.

Abstract: A method for tracking an object that is embedded within images of a scene, including: in a sensor unit, generating, storing and transmitting over a communication link a succession of images of a scene. In a remote control unit, receiving the images, receiving a command for selecting an object of interest in a given image and determining object data associated with the object and transmitting the object data to the sensor unit. In the sensor unit, identifying the given image and the object of interest using the object data, and tracking the object in other images. If the object cannot be located in the latest image of the stored succession of images, using information of images in which the object was located to predict estimated real-time location thereof and generating direction commands to the movable sensor for generating realtime images of the scene and locking on the object.

Abstract: A primary controller disclosed. The primary controller is configured for controlling operation of a drive system comprising a prime mover, a generator, and a motor, wherein the prime mover is configured to provide energy to the generator, which is configured to drive the motor. The controller comprises a speed controller configured for determining a target speed of the motor dependent on externally-supplied speed input and a torque controller configured for determining a target torque of the motor based on externally-supplied torque input and on parameters of the vehicle. The primary controller is configured to simultaneously determine the target speed and the target torque and to simultaneously control the prime mover, generator, and motor to operate the motor at the target speed and the target torque.

Abstract: A mounting set for use in mounting an external stores to a mounting station of an aerospace vehicle includes a mounting bracket arrangement and a strap arrangement. The bracket arrangement is configured for selective reversible engagement with respect to the mounting station and for cooperating with the strap arrangement. The strap arrangement is configured for securing the bracket arrangement to the stores in load bearing abutment therewith to enable transfer of loads between the stores and the mounting station via said bracket arrangement, in operation of said mounting set. A mounting system is also provided for mounting an external stores to an aerospace vehicle having two or more mounting stations, including a mounting set for each mounting station. Mounting methods are also provided.

Abstract: A vehicle for towing an airplane by receiving thereupon a nose landing gear of the airplane having an airplane longitudinal axis. The vehicle having a vehicle longitudinal axis and is configured to tow the airplane along a straight or curved path and comprises a controller for directing its operation, including maintaining the vehicle's in-phase position in which the vehicle longitudinal axis is parallel to the airplane longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An active IR signature target simulation system which includes: a platform having a known temperature profile and a preplanned flight trajectory; a heat source carried onboard the platform, capable of producing heat following a controlled heating plan; and a control unit connected to the heat source and configured for initiating the heat source, thereby modifying the known temperature profile and generating a desired temperature profile required for sensing a simulated target IR signature during a simulation time window at a desired line of sight from the platform to an observing sensor, wherein the platform is an exo-atmospheric missile which includes an inner shell and a perforated outer shell, and wherein the heat source is a thermally active material disposed between at least a part of the inner shell and a part of the outer shell.

Abstract: A method for tracking an object that is embedded within images of a scene, including: in a sensor unit that includes movable sensor, generating, storing and transmitting over a communication link a succession of images of a scene. In a remote control unit, receiving the succession of images. Receiving a user command for selecting an object of interest in a given image of the received succession of images and determining object data associated with the object and transmitting through the link to the sensor unit the object data. In the sensor unit, identifying the given image of the stored succession of images and the object of interest using the object data, and tracking the object in other image of the stored succession of images. The other image being later than the given image.

Abstract: It is well known that tunnels in many cases have been proven as an efficient means to overcome counter trespassing means and enable hostile entities to infiltrate a boarder or other restricted area. There is provided a method and system for efficiently detecting and locating underground tunnels.

Abstract: There is provided a proximity to a target, detection system, including a laser transmitter for transmitting a beam of radiation at a predetermined wavelength temporal and spatial shape, towards a target from which the proximity is to be determined, a small dimensions body having an opening for admitting radiation reflected from the target, the body housing a receiver for receiving the reflected beam radiation from the target and directing it towards a detector in the body for producing a signal. The detector includes a detection logic circuit allowing detection of reflected radiation for producing an output signal when the body is at a predetermined range from the target and in consideration of the temporal or spatial relative strength of the signal produced by the detected radiation of the reflected beam. A method for detecting the proximity of a body to a radiation-reflecting surface of a target, is also provided.

Abstract: A method for providing a controllable side force to an air vehicle having a vertical stabilizer arrangement includes (a) selectively causing the vertical stabilizer arrangement to generate a first side force in a first side direction to provide the controllable side force, the first side force inducing a corresponding first yaw moment in a first yaw direction; and (b) selectively providing to the air vehicle a second yaw moment in a second yaw direction, the second yaw moment being induced by a force component of an auxiliary force applied to the air vehicle, the force component being in a force direction that is non-parallel with respect to the first side direction and the force component being spaced from a center of gravity of the air vehicle; wherein the second yaw direction is opposed to the first yaw direction. Also disclosed is a corresponding auxiliary yaw generating system.

Abstract: An on-foot pedestrian navigation module useful for pedestrian navigation when operated with at least a control unit and another on-foot pedestrian navigation module, comprising (a) at least a first sensor unit and a second sensor unit, wherein each sensor unit including an up/down sensor adapted for sensing an ‘up’ condition and a ‘down’ condition associated with relative displacement of the module with respect to a surface, and a signal transmitter/receiver adapted, in response to an activation signal coming from a module controller, for generating a propagating signal (b) a module controller for controlling the operation of the module in response to a control signal coming from the control unit and (c) a communication unit for enabling said module to communicate with said at least the control unit and other module, thereby facilitating collecting motion data at the control unit and integrating the motion data with motion data coming from the other module, the motion data being indicative of a condition of e

Abstract: A method of manufacture of articles formed of composite materials including providing a plurality of elements, each of which is formed of a plurality of layers of composite material prepregs, assembling the plurality of elements in a desired mutual arrangement and applying heat and pressure to the plurality of elements following the assembling, thereby at least generally simultaneously to join the elements together and to cure at least some of the layers of composite materials.

Abstract: A portable aircraft landing system comprises an inflatable mat provided with gas outlets, in cooperation with inflation apparatus.

Abstract: A system for landing a VTOL aircraft on a landing platform, comprises a) a net, positioned in a plane substantially parallel to the plane of the landing platform; b) proximity sensors suitable to provide data indicative of the distance and orientation of the aircraft from said net; c) sensors suitable to gauge environmental conditions relevant to the landing of the aircraft; and d) control apparatus to control the speed at which the aircraft approaches said net.

Abstract: According to certain aspects of the invention there is provided a method and system for autonomous operation of an earth moving machine (EMM), configured for shoving matter, the EMM comprising at least one implement. Based on at least the mission objective and the mapping data of the mission area, the mission area is divided into segments, each segment being associated with a disposal point. An implement trajectory is calculated in respect of each of the segments such that matter is accumulated by the at least one implement along the segment as the EMM progresses and the accumulated matter is disposed upon arrival at the disposal point, without exhausting the EMM shoving capabilities.

Abstract: The disclosure describes examples of systems, methods, program storage devices, and computer program products for tracking an object, where a reference image of the tracked object is outputted to an operator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plane tractor (1) which grips the nose gear of a plane, including: a chassis (5); wheel modules (3) connected to the chassis, each wheel module including at least one actuator for inducing a vertical movement of the module in relation to the chassis; a gripping platform (2) for gripping the nose gear of a plane (4), the platform together with the chassis having freedom of movement substantially in circular translation; and a damping and actuating means connecting the platform and the chassis.

Abstract: An inflatable dummy target fittable into a carrier missile capable of being released from the carrier missile during exo-atmospheric flight; upon release, the dummy target or portion thereof is capable of being inflated and manifest characteristics that resemble GTG missile characteristics, wherein the GTG missile characteristics include IR signature, RF signature and GTG missile

Abstract: A method for detecting hidden explosives or weapons, including transmitting a signal in different polarization channels towards an object, the next stage includes collecting back scattered energy in different polarization channels from the object, the next stage includes determining parameters that are dependent upon the transmitted signal polarization channels and the backscattered energy polarization channels, and providing an indication if there are hidden explosives or weapons in the object based on the parameters.