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Highlights of Activities and Developments in 2008

Fisher Brothers Institute for Air and Space Strategic Studies -
2008 Conferences and Studies:

Launching the Asymmetric Warfare Study

The Israel Air Force and the entire defense forces are known to be engaged in different types of Asymmetric "enemies" from the early 1970’s and all through the last decade of the 20th century.  Terror attacks and fighting against terrorist organizations (for example, in the First Lebanon War in 1982) is a phenomenon which the Israel Defense Forces, including the Israel Air Force, has had to deal with for more than 3 decades. 

The first phase of the research, headed by Brig. General (Res.) Ephraim Segolie will analyze the historical views of the different operations as well as military methods that were developed and implemented during the previous years until and including the Second Lebanon War in 2006.  Based on these historic findings of the methods that were used thus far, the research will investigate the essence of a decisive defeat in the asymmetric conflict and the role of airpower in that decision.

Further study will also explore the importance of an "Opening Strike" and the centrality of airpower.

This highly critical study is funded by Dan & Wendy Moskowitz and Stanley & Martine Fleishman along with the support of their friends. Although the study is in its infancy the research involved assisted the conflict in Gaza in December 2008.

Aviation Safety and Security Conference,
November 2008

The Aviation Safety and Security Conference organized by the Fisher Institute was dedicated to discussing the problems and difficulties in aviation security and safety between civilian and military aviation in Israel.  One of the speakers at the conference, Major General (Ret.) Giora Rom, Head of the National Civilian Aviation Authority discussed the problems at Israel's national airport due to the complicated departure and arrival system.  Our air traffic control is regulated and managed by the Israel Air Force due to the situation in the Middle East and this requires a great deal of coordination.

Former Israel Air Force Commander, Major General (Ret.) Amos Lapidot indicated that it is extremely urgent that the Israeli air traffic control be re-organized as well as implement additional regulations for air safety.  All participants agreed that government authorities as well as the Ministry of Transport should urgently take action to deal with these life and death matters.

The conference also discussed the new developments which recently took place in Iran.  In October 2008, Iran experimented with a new solid gasoline engine missile, which could reach Israeli territory and beyond.  Mr. Tal Inbar, Head of the Space Studies Center at the Fisher Institute, indicated that although this will put Israel on high alert, an Israeli intelligence satellite could discover the launching so it could be intercepted by the new American radar satellites which were recently installed in the south of the country.  Many of the participants, which included members of Israel aviation industries, airlines and of course the Israel Air Force, complimented the Fisher Institute for taking the initiative on organizing this first time National Conference and concluded that these issues will have to be continually discussed and studied. The Fisher Institute has established an Aviation Space and Security Chair of Studies for further research and its critical issues.

The Fisher Brothers Institute for Air & Space Strategic Studies Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Conference (UAV)
June, 2008

On June 25th – June 26th 2008 the Israel Air Force Center hosted the Annual International Conference of the Fisher Institute for Air & Space Strategic Studies.  The conference was dedicated to discussions on the importance and future developments of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV).  Among the esteemed speakers at the conference were former Minister and Member of the Knesset Dan Meridor, the IAF Commander Major General Ido Nechushtan and a diverse group of Generals from India, USA, and the UK.  

In his address to the participants Major General Nechushtan stated that the IAF was preparing for action on multiple fronts.  He added that he was unsure where combat would break out first – Gaza or the northern border.  Despite the common use of UAV's in operations over Gaza, Major General Nechushtan said that the flying drones had not yet reached the stage of development where expensive equipment can be put on board, but their credibility is growing.  

UAVs are swiftly evolving into machines with capabilities reminiscent of science fiction.  There is major progress being made and some UAVs have even been turned into satellites.  They can hover in the air for weeks and keep large areas under constant surveillance.  In the future, Brigadier General Gabi Shahor, Palmachim Air Base Commander, elaborated that it may be possible to arm the drone with air-to-air missiles.  

During the conference videos were presented depicting the use of UAVs over Gaza aiding the Israel Air Force in strikes on vehicles transporting Kassam rockets.  Thanks to the UAVs, civilian casualties have been dramatically reduced.  Israel does not wish to harm civilians and the UAVs help the IAF identify bystanders in the area, allowing us to call off an operation.  

All participants in the two day conference agreed that the State of Israel must enlarge its investment in research and development of UAVs and support the Israel defense industries who are facing increasing competition in their development.

The Fisher Brothers Institute for Air & Space Strategic Studies Unpiloted Med-Evacuation Aerial Vehicle MedUAV project will be revealed at the “Facing Tomorrow" exhibition, part of Israel's Presidential Conference 2008..

The MEDUAV project, developed by the Fisher Institute, was selected as one of 60 best concept projects presenting at the "Facing Tomorrow" exhibition.

"Facing Tomorrow", the first annual conference under the auspices of Israel's President Shimon Peres takes place in Jerusalem May 13-15 2008.  The conference will mark Israel's 60th anniversary, at the International Convention Center in Jerusalem. World leaders both Jewish and non-Jewish, Israeli and Jewish scholars, artists and scientists, Rabbis and entrepreneurs including the next generation of leadership will take part in the event.

The main criteria for selecting the 60 projects for the exhibition were:  originality; innovation; practicability and technological related development as well as judged on the impact it will have in its respective field and beyond.

MedUAV is a hybrid medical re-supply & casualty evacuation (CASEVAC) vertical take off and landing (VTOL) unpiloted aerial vehicle (UAV).  The vehicle can be used for civilian, military urban and sea scenarios as well as recovery capability for killed or wounded soldiers, or incapacitated civilians, due to exposure of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, or explosive (CBRNE) hazards. MedUAV is equipped with an electrical motor capable of providing hover lift at zero airspeed.  It cruises up to speeds of 150 knots and a cruise ceiling of about 10,000 feet for 3 hours with a useful payload for 4 patients with full gear. The unmanned platform will also carry a passive and active self-protection system.

During The 2nd Lebanon War in 2006, Israel saw additional casualties during combat, together with lack of essential medical supplies and evacuation of casualties exposed the need to find a solution with minimum casualties and damage under hostile fire. The world today is bringing military first responders to the treating and evacuating the wounded due to counter terrorism and guerilla type warfare. Over the year of study the Aerospace Medicine Research Center at the Fisher Brothers Institute developed a concept solution to civilian and military medical scenarios by using the medical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle concept.

The MedUAV, technology will enable medical logistic resupply to combat medics and facilitate the best treatment, stabilization and subsequent evacuation of combat casualties from hostile situations onboard the MedUAV autonomously. The research conducted in the Aerospace Medicine Research Center at the Fisher Institute formulated the MedUAV design concept in an effort to demonstrate the feasibility of producing such technologies for the MedUAV. The technology being researched and examined includes a proficient system for navigating through urban or wooded terrain to a site of combat injury, Once this technology is found and put into practice it will enhance the potential for appropriate first responder care and evacuation, during the so called “Golden Hour” of combat casualty care.

This incredible research is led by Dr. Eran Schenker, the Head of the Aerospace Medicine Research Center. With collaboration from IAI, Elbit, Urban Aeronautics, IDF, IAF, Home front command and others. 

Confirmed conference participants thus far include: former British Prime Minister Tony Blair; French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner; former President of the USSR Mikhail Gorbachev; former US Secretary of State, Dr. Henry Kissinger; former Czech Prime Minister Vaclav Havel; and President of Georgia Mikheil Saakashvili.

Business luminaries such as Google founder Sergey Brinn, Mark Zuckerman, founder of Facebook, Chairman and CEO of News Corporation, Rupert Murdoch and Ratan Tata, Chairman, the Tata Group have also confirmed their participation.

Fourth National Aviation Medical Conference,
February, 2008

The 4th  International Conference on Aviation Medicine was held at the IAF Center on February 12th, 2008. The IAF Commander, Major General Elyezer Shkedy and Brig. General Hezi Levy, the Head of the IDF Medical Corp. participated in this conference.  This year's conference concentrated its discussions on Aviation psychology and its various implications in difficult situations.  Among the subjects discussed:  psychological effects on aircrew and in particular the emotional stress associated with medical evacuation during wartime, psychological aspects of failure during training. 

The Third Ilan Ramon Annual International Space Conference
January, 2008

On January 30-31, 2008 the Fisher Brothers Institute for Air & Space Strategic Studies held "The Third Ilan Ramon Annual International Space Conference" at the Israel Air Force Center.

Among the many guest speakers were the President of the State of Israel, Mr. Shimon Peres and the Israeli Air Force Commander, Major General Elyezer Shkedy as well as Commander of the USA Air Force & Space Commander General C. Robert Kehler and Mrs. Rona Ramon.  Over 800 participants attended this annual conference and among them 300 students in the field of advanced physics and space studies. 
In his address Major-General Shkedy highlighted possible threats and the importance of the Israel Air Force and other defense forces to be in the forefront of space technology in the war against terror. 
Astronauts Sunita Williams and Mike Lopez-Alegria who represented NASA at the conference gave a fascinating insight on life aboard the International Space Station on their recent mission to space.  Their presentation was accompanied by a short DVD depicting their daily activity aboard the station. 
In his address, President Shimon Peres emphasized how space is still an unknown frontier which requires strength and courage from the astronauts and all those involved in space exploration.
At the closing session of the conference three students received the "Ilan Ramon Scholarships for Outstanding Students".