ISRAEL 
HIGH-TECH & INVESTMENT REPORT

from the March 2005 issue


Nano in the Negev

Ben-Gurion University of the Negev inaugurated the Laboratory for Nanoscale Systems as part of its "Nano in the Negev" program. The facility - the first of its kind in Israel - will allow scientists to form sophisticated chips with structures dedicated to the interface of extremely small elements like single atoms and molecules. This newly-created "smart surface" will be able to help miniaturize matter wave quantum technology (MWQT) which uses single ultra cold atoms and ions to form devices such as ultra-precision clocks, navigation systems, sensors for underground mineral deposits, communications systems (quantum cryptography), and even ultra-fast computers (quantum computing). Dr. Ron Folman, head of BGU's Atom Chip Laboratory, will also head the new facility.

The BGU team, part of the Ilse Katz Center for Meso- and Nanoscale Science and Technology, has recently been chosen by several labs in the US and Europe to join a mutual R&D effort in matter wave quantum technology. In addition, the "smart surface" concept will be used to develop other devices such as biosensor chips and chip interfaces to organic material.

RAFAEL wins $25m. Indian Missile Tender Use graphic of Derby missile RAFAEL Armament Development Authority Ltd. has won a tender to supply missiles to the Indian Navy. Other bidders in the tender included Israeli company Elbit Systems (NASDAQ: ESLT; TASE: ESLT), BAE Aerospace of the UK, Denel (PLY) Ltd. of South Africa, Federal State Unitary Enterprise Russian Defense Export (FGUP Rosoboroneksport), and European missile manufacturer MBDA.

Jane's "Defense News" reported that the deal was worth $25 million for 20 Derby missiles that can be fired beyond visual range (BVR), and six practice missiles. The missiles are designated for the Indian Navy's Sea Harrier vertical takeoff planes, which are stationed on Viraat aircraft carriers.

India has conducted a worldwide search for BVR missiles for its battle fleet since 2000. The contract for arming its Sea Harrier jets was published in 2003.

Under the draft agreement, RAFAEL will station specialists in India to train Indian Navy sailors in the maintenance and operation of the missiles. Indian defense ministry officials said that RAFAEL would also supply racks and trailers for transferring and installing the missiles. The Derby missiles, according to Jane's, have a maximum range of 20 kilometers, a flying speed of Mach 1.2, and can lock in on the target even before being launched, or shortly after launch.



Reprinted from the Israel High-Tech & Investment Report March 2005

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