Homeland Security

Guardium Autonomous Unmanned Ground Vehicle Evaluated by Israel Airports Authority

Jun 16, 2008

Israel Airports Authority recently evaluated the Guardium autonomous Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) for possible integration in the perimeter security system surrounding Ben-Gurion international airport.

"Moving from human based operations to, machine-based autonomous systems is a global trend" says Erez Peled, general manager of G-NIUS Unmanned Ground Systems. The Guardium autonomous vehicle is based on a Tomcar - a well proven off-road vehicle developed and produced in Israel. The vehicle is fitted with layered, modular applications, including the robotic automotive kit, an autonomous mission management and control system, sensors, communications and mission payloads. The kit is designed as a modular system, adaptable to different vehicles and missions.

According to Nahum Liss, head of planning, control and project department in the security division, the authority has been considering the integration of unmanned systems as part of the airport perimeter protection system for the past 18-24 months, but until recently, the systems evaluated did not provide a suitable solution. "The latest evaluation of the Guardium UGV signifies a noteworthy progress in this respect. We believe that being an autonomous system it could be integrated effectively within the perimeter security system." The Airport Authority considers tasking the UGV with patrol of the airport perimeter; while improving security, deterrence and response time, an unmanned system has a potential to cut operating cost, compared to human systems. To maintain lower operating cost, the unmanned systems will be controlled from existing operating centers.

The system designated Guardium UGV was delivered to the Israeli defense Forces earlier in 2008. The first operational unit will begin operating Guardium vehicles along the country's borders this year. G-NIUS is a joint venture established by Elbit Systems and Israel Aerospace Industries.

About G-NIUS Unmanned Ground Vehicles company:

G-NIUS Unmanned Ground Vehicles specializes in the field of unmanned ground systems,

G-NIUS was established as a joint venture company by Elbit Systems and Israel Aerospace Industries - these two aerospace and defense leaders decided to joined forces in the area of UGV and robotics, addressing the evolving military and homeland security applications and market opportunities for such systems. The UGV solutions developed and supplied by the company represent the latest 'third generation', mission oriented autonomous UGV, based on the extensive know-how and stat-of-the-art technologies developed by the two companies in recent years.

For futher information, please contact:

Doron Suslik
Deputy Corporate Vice President for Communications
Tel: 972 (3) 935-8509
Fax: 972 (3) 935-8512
Email: hpaz@iai.co.il