Something for the Israeli OOB

[redcoat2]

Recon snake ...

Link

Video in hebrew.

[Suhiir]

Interesting idea anyway.
Seems a bit to slow moving tho. And it's movements sorta catch the eye, not a good thing for any recon device.

[redcoat2]

It does not move as gracefully as a real snake. But - unlike a real snake - it can be fitted with a bomb for 'suicide' missions.

[Suhiir]

So can a radio controlled toy truck.
And they'd cost a LOT less

[redcoat2]

If I had to find and destroy a concealed hezbollah bunker with a ‘robo snake’- with its video and audio feedback - or a radio controlled toy truck controlled by sight, I think I’d rather use the snake.

The cost of these ‘snakes’ hasn’t been announced as yet. One thing is for sure. It is far more expendable than a soldier. It will be interesting to compare its serial production unit cost against that of other weapons – which are usually so expensive nowadays.

Its successful use as a search and rescue tool – in buildings brought down by earthquakes or rockets – would make its development cost worthwhile. At least for the people who are rescued.

[Imp]

There are loads of recon toys now effectivly radio controlled cars with a video camera are already a done deal if a bit more high tech than that, hand launched UAVs etc. Even your trusty guy with the GL can pop a shot in the air with a camera in it to see whos behind the building.
The scope of modern weaponry is making it hard to model in any game due to modern programable rounds.
For example a vehicle could take a standard shot while moving but if it stops then can programe several choices on delayed fuse & burst type. That squad behind the hill set to airburst & explode over them or to go off once the round enters the building not as it hits it, wide dispersion vs a helo just a few examples.
Hitting what you cant see is becoming progressivly easier hence recon tools to pass the location are on the rise.

[Suhiir]

Very true.
The old saying use to be "What you can see you can hit".
Now it's more "What you can detect you can hit."