FIREFLY,
under development at RAFAEL is a miniature
intelligence gathering projectile weighing 145g and launched from a
standard M203 grenade launcher. The projectile is designed as a sub-caliber
munition, 38mm in diameter and 155mm in length. When launched over
a typical 600-m range, FIREFLY flies an 8-second flight, and
transmits real-time photos of the area lying directly below. FIREFLY provide small infantry units
with organic capability for tactical intelligence gathering. The
system provides quick orientation awareness, including threat and
armed/unarmed personnel identification. FIREFLY is suitable for
operation in any terrain, including urban area.
The projectile is
equipped with two CCD cameras. Throughout its flight, the video cameras record the
ground scene lying directly under its trajectory. The video stream
is transmitted in real-time to the operator in the field. Video can
be viewed in real-time, recorded and analyzed on the PocketPC / PDA
console or transmitted to other users, via wireless communications
to other pocket PC.
The console is comprised of a standard pocket PC,
coupled to a portable add-on receiver and antenna. The system is in
an advanced stage of development and has passed firing tests which
have proven concept worthiness.
FIREFLY,
under development at RAFAEL is a miniature
intelligence gathering projectile weighing 145g and launched from a
standard M203 grenade launcher. The projectile is designed as a sub-caliber
munition, 38mm in diameter and 155mm in length. When launched over
a typical 600-m range, FIREFLY flies an 8-second flight, and
transmits real-time photos of the area lying directly below. FIREFLY provide small infantry units
with organic capability for tactical intelligence gathering. The
system provides quick orientation awareness, including threat and
armed/unarmed personnel identification. FIREFLY is suitable for
operation in any terrain, including urban area. 