New Technologies, Avionics & Software

NEW TECHNOLOGIES, AVIONICS AND SOFTWARE

September 6, 2024 by

Sponsored By Oxley Developments

www.oxleygroup.com

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04 Sept 24. Durabook today announced significant upgrades that establish its S14I Semi-rugged Laptop as artificial intelligence (AI) -ready, expanding its product line supporting modern-day AI-intensive tasks. The most substantial advancement to the S14I laptop is the inclusion of the high-performance Intel® Core™ Ultra processor with a dedicated neural processing unit (NPU) that optimizes AI performance, ultimately enhancing productivity of professionals in the field.

Durabook expands AI-ready rugged computing solutions product line, announcing upgrades that establish its S14I Semi-rugged Laptop as AI-ready. New Intel® Core™ Ultra processor with dedicated neural processing unit optimizes AI-powered performance.

A further design enhancement to the S14I laptop is dual hot-swappable battery technology to handle prolonged operation. Its ultra-long battery runs up to 12 hours during diverse professional applications and up to 24 hours when the S14I is running on dual battery mode. The new S14I model boasts significant upgrades over its predecessor, including two default RJ-45 LAN ports, a DynaVue® sunlight-readable display with enhanced brightness up to 1,200 nits, and an optional barcode scanner. Powered by AI-enabled Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 and 5 processors, and supporting long-lasting operations, the S14I provides top-notch performance in a portable, semi-rugged, 14-inch chassis to professionals performing increasingly complex work in the field.

“AI technology has emerged as an important tool to handle and maximize data and create new, more capable and powerful systems,” said Sasha Wang, president of Durabook Americas. “Durabook seeks to equip its mobile computing devices with every capability for professional users in the field to exploit these advancements to their advantage and highest benefit, by providing laptop solutions delivering up to 100 TOPS with AI accelerator.”

Professionals in the utilities, public safety, manufacturing, and automotive industries, as well as military, governmental agencies, and other organizations seeking a semi-rugged laptop with the exceptional battery life and performance essential for handling complex workloads in the field will find the perfect blend of enhanced reliability, productivity, and mobility in the S14I Semi-rugged Laptop.

With dedicated NPU built into every Intel® Core™ Ultra processor and Windows 11 Secured-core PC, professional users now can access and process heavy AI workloads right at the edge. The dedicated Microsoft Copilot key lets users effortlessly activate edge AI features, boosting real-time interaction and teamwork in their workspace, offering support for multiple languages, and enabling the smooth automation of routine tasks.

The Durabook S14I Semi-rugged Laptop is an elegant machine that is a step above semi-rugged. The proof is in the device details.

Designed Tough with Uninterrupted Operation in Mind

Built to withstand everyday bumps and drops and perform in hazardous environments, the S14I is certified with MIL-STD-810H, 4-foot drop & IP53 resistance.
Its dual removable battery design with optional dual hot-swappable battery technology enables users to hot-swap batteries in the field without any downtime, while its ultra-long 12-hour battery life can be extended to 24 hours on dual battery mode for superior performance in any environment.
It can operate in temperatures ranging from sub-freezing -20°F to extreme heat of 145°F.

Extreme Versatility & Exceptional Security

The S14I can be equipped with up to two NVMe PCIe SSDs, including one with quick-release design, which allows professional users to run RAID 0 and RAID 1.
It provides advanced security support, such as Intel® vPro™ and TPM 2.0 as standard, as well as smart card reader, RFID/NFC reader and fingerprint scanner as additional options to meet the needs of customers today in an ever-evolving mobile work environment.
Additionally, it features a 5.0 MP infrared camera with shutter design, supporting Windows Hello facial recognition, and Windows 11 Secured-core PC, providing protection against sophisticated attacks in some of the most data-sensitive industries.
The optional dedicated NVIDIA RTX™ A500 transforms the S14I into an ultimate solution for specific tasks such as graphics rendering, architectural illustrations and AI applications, delivering up to 100 TOPS with AI accelerator.

State-of-the-art Connectivity for the Modern Workforce

The S14I features two Thunderbolt 4 ports. Thunderbolt 4 technology is more powerful and makes connecting the modern workspace more flexible and simpler than ever.

It is also equipped with two additional USB 3.2 Type-A ports, dual SIM (Nano SIM & eSIM), two RJ-45 LAN by default, HDMI 2.1 port, and up to two RS-232 serial ports and optional ExpressCard 54 slot.

Advanced wireless capabilities: enhanced with cellular options of 4G LTE or 5G, Intel® WI-FI 7 and Bluetooth® V5.4. With optional dedicated GPS it provides accurate location tracking and geographic overviews.

Sunlight Readable Display with Glove-enabled Touchscreen

S14I features a 14.0” Full HD (1920 x 1080) DynaVue® sunlight readable display with enhanced brightness up to 1,200 nits, so every detail of imagery is delivered with the utmost clarity.
S14I’s display features an optional capacitive multi-touch panel with four touch modes (Glove, Stylus, Water, Finger), optimized for applications of both indoor and outdoor usage, enhancing the device’s usability regardless of work conditions.

The upgraded S14I is available now. For full specs and more information, visit:

S14I Rugged Laptop

For more information, visit the Durabook America’s website. Connect with Durabook Americas on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, and YouTube.

About Durabook Americas

Durabook Americas is an innovator in purpose-built, rugged computing solutions. The company leverages the field experience of client partners throughout the U.S. Armed Forces, public safety agencies and field service organizations to deliver reliable, cost-effective, and customizable solutions. Durabook Americas, Inc. is headquartered in Fremont, California, and is the North American subsidiary of Twinhead International Corporation, a leading manufacturer and customizer of rugged computing solutions for more than 40 years, including the globally acclaimed Durabook brand. For more information on Durabook Americas, Inc., visit the website or contact us. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

04 Sept 24. System-on-Module & SDK Upgrades for Rugged AI Edge Computers.

Neousys’ NRU-220S series of embedded computers is now available with the NVIDIA Jetson AGX Orin industrial SOM and also supports the latest JetPack 6.0 SDK. Neousys Technology has confirmed that its rugged NRU-220S series of embedded computers is now available with the NVIDIA Jetson AGX Orin industrial (JAOi) system-on-module and also supports the latest JetPack 6.0 SDK.

This significant enhancement to these systems enables extensive wide temperature support and includes an upgraded software stack.

To withstand harsher operational conditions, the NRU-220S series extends support for the JAOi module, offering reliable performance across a wide temperature range of -40°C to 75°C, meeting NEMA TS2 and outdoor vehicle temperature requirements. The module delivers up to 248 TOPS of AI performance, with a configurable power setting between 15W and 75W, making it ideal for edge AI applications such as intelligent video analytics and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).

JetPack 6.0, the latest SDK, accelerates AI application development on Jetson platforms with updates including Jetson Linux, Jetson AI Stack, and Jetson Platform Services. Bundled with JetPack 6.0, the NRU-220S series offers a modular architecture, featuring comprehensive AI software services based on Linux Kernel 5.15 and Ubuntu 22.04. This enables developers to build vision AI applications more efficiently, reducing time to market.

As a part of Neousys’ Jetson product line, the NRU-220S series is specifically designed for AI inference and vision applications in roadside or in-vehicle settings. It comes equipped with two 2.5GbE and four PoE+ GbE ports, M.2 and mini-PCIe sockets for communication modules, and an 8V to 48V wide-range DC input with built-in ignition power control. Additionally, the NRU-220S Series includes the NRU-222S model, which features robust M12 connectors, designed for applications that require rugged connections to withstand shock and vibration.

Following the recent release of the company’s NRU-230V-AWP series of IP66 waterproof Jetson AGX Orin computers, Neousys continues to expand its support for AI applications in extreme environments. The company remains committed to developing cutting-edge systems that leverage NVIDIA’s advanced technologies to benefit customers in the most demanding conditions. (Source: https://www.defenseadvancement.com/)

05 Sept 24. Cubic DTECH Fusion eHPC Achieves Red Hat Enterprise Linux 9.4 and Red Hat OpenShift Certifications. Extending data-rich applications to remote locations, allowing users to analyze and disseminate mission-critical data in real-time. Cubic Defense, a recognized industry leader in providing trusted, scalable and intuitive edge compute and networking platforms, announces DTECH Fusion Edge High-Performance Compute (eHPC) is now certified for use with Red Hat Enterprise Linux 9.4, the world’s leading enterprise Linux platform, and Red Hat OpenShift, the industry’s leading hybrid cloud application platform powered by Kubernetes.

“The certification validates that Fusion eHPC can deliver supercharged hybrid cloud technologies to the tactical edge in a single-case solution,” said Anthony Verna, Senior Vice President and General Manager of DTECH Mission Solutions. “Fusion eHPC supported on Red Hat Enterprise Linux 9.4 and Red Hat OpenShift streamlines how we provide complex data, artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities at the speed of conflict.”

Utilizing Fusion eHPC’s powerful 64-core CPU, Nvidia GPU and huge user-accessible storage, customers are now empowered to turn data into decisions by training AI models and running AI-enabled applications throughout the mission chain—in the cloud and at the tactical edge.

Deployed by several allied forces, DTECH server modules have been certified for use with Red Hat Enterprise Linux for several years. The addition of the DTECH Fusion eHPC to the family of systems with market-leading performance means users can now deploy their data-rich AI and machine learning (ML) applications from the cloud to the mission edge, even in denied, disrupted, intermittent and limited (DDIL) environments.

05 Sep 24. Cuashub.com said today that Aloft advances UTM to support BVLOS operations. Aloft has introduced new advancements in its Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) technology, specifically designed to enhance Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations. These updates aim to provide real-time situational awareness for operators and stakeholders, a critical component for ensuring safety and efficiency in increasingly complex airspaces.

Aloft’s latest platform enhancements integrate live ADS-B and remote ID tracking with its proprietary dynamic airspace and first-party telemetry data. This real-time airspace management system enables operators to monitor activity with up-to-date information, allowing for timely and informed decision-making. The platform is applicable to various operational scales, from single-drone missions to managing large fleets. Its focus on live situational awareness is especially important for operators pursuing BVLOS waivers and preparing for future regulations, such as Part 108 and BVLOS rulemaking.

The platform’s features are already in use by companies involved in drone delivery, utilities and other industries that require precise airspace monitoring. The data provided is used not only for real-time operations but also in simulations and planning. Aloft has also expanded the implementation of these capabilities in multiple locations across the U.S.

Enabling safe airspace operations

The strength of a UTM solution lies in the scope and activity within its network. Aloft’s system processes a significant volume of traffic, particularly in regions like North Texas, where the FAA operates a key BVLOS and UTM test site. This network supports commercial, government and public safety operators by providing deconfliction opportunities and enhancing the safety of the National Airspace System (NAS).

As the industry prepares for broader BVLOS operations, Aloft is supporting operators in meeting the requirements for safe and compliant flight within the NAS. The company has worked with BVLOS customers across various sectors, including drone delivery and advanced air mobility.

Advancements like these help to support the transition toward widespread BVLOS operations and contribute to the ongoing development of UTM capabilities that ensure airspace security and efficiency.

https://cuashub.com/en/content/aloft-advances-utm-to-support-bvlos-operations/?utm_campaign=C-UAS%20Hub%20General&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8vZQSejE0hUS8XO4XQ1SKO-qhfBo01JqhBaRjzLJREa_9LbyuPR7qRrIxtEj9caS5RREUwdJYW9hFBVe-g_dl3FcPaIctpPJ3ADQgkMKi6OSGaqWo&_hsmi=323276986&utm_content=323276986&utm_source=hs_email(Source: https://cuashub.com/)

03 Sep 24. Element Six (E6) is leading a program under UWBGS (Ultra-Wide BandGap Semiconductors), an initiative established by the United States Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), to enable the next generation of semiconductor technologies.

Through the UWBGS program, DARPA’s Microsystems Technology Office has stated its goal to develop high-quality ultra-wide bandgap (UWBG) materials, such as substrates, device layers, and junctions. These materials are key to realizing advanced electronics, including high-power RF switches, amplifiers for radar and communications, high-voltage power switches, high-temperature electronics for extreme environments, and deep ultraviolet (UV) LEDs and lasers, underpinning a multi-bn dollar system market.

Diamond offers the potential for superlative semiconductor device performance, lowering overall size, weight and power consumption (SWaP) thanks to outstanding properties such as its chemical and radiation inertness, high carrier mobility, superlative heat conduction, and wide electronic bandgap.

02 Sep 24. Marshall and AAF Celebrate Completion of Multi-year C-130 Navigation Upgrade Programme. Marshall’s engineering team has completed a series of modifications to enhance the navigational capabilities of the Austrian Air Force’s fleet of three C-130K aircraft.

The final aircraft to receive these upgrades departed Marshall’s Cambridge headquarters on Friday, 30 August, following a visit by a delegation including the Austrian Ambassador to the UK.

The AAF has been a Marshall customer since 2003, after purchasing three former RAF aircraft from the UK Ministry of Defence. Marshall had previously carried out extensive modifications aiming to address obsolescence, regulatory and operational requirements, including the installation of a new flight management system (FMS) and night vision imaging system (NVIS) in 2017.

Having flown the upgraded aircraft for several years, in 2020 the AAF identified a number of new areas to improve navigation functions and availability, and proposed a joint investigation and development project with Marshall to design a bespoke suite of modifications.

Requirements identified by the AAF

Coupling the GPS landing system sensor units (GLSSU) approach capability to the flight director/autopilot
Changes to the magnetic heading display
Display of computed air release point (CARP) profile on the multi-function display (MFD)
Display of vertical speed on the integrated secondary flight display (iSFD)
Second bearing pointer on the electronic horizontal situation indicator (EHSI)

Once the upgrade package had been agreed, the installation of the new and upgraded equipment on to each C-130K aircraft was carried out by Marshall in Cambridge. Marshall subsequently conducted a thorough test programme to verify correct installation and operation, including avionics rig testing, ground testing, and flight testing. Once verification and certification had been completed, the aircraft were released to the AAF.

“These upgrades for the AAF are a perfect example of our end-to-end engineering capabilities in action,

“Building our excellent working relationship, we were able to partner with the customer all the way from defining operational requirements through to developing a bespoke programme and testing and certification.

“This programme also demonstrates how the useful lifespan and capabilities of a legacy aircraft can be maximised through a carefully-planned cycle of upgrades.” Gareth Williams, Chief Operating Officer, Marshall

Two days before departure of the final aircraft from Cambridge, Marshall hosted a visit by His Excellency Mr Bernhard Wrabetz, Austrian Ambassador to the UK.

“It was a pleasure to visit Marshall’s headquarters in Cambridge and learn about the upgrade work the company has been performing on our C-130 fleet,

“This kind of programme is a perfect example of the enduring defence partnerships our nations have built together for decades.” Ambassador Wrabetz

The Ambassador was joined on the visit by Military Attaché Col. Wolfgang Weichselberger and the aircraft flight crew, who toured Marshall’s hangars before meeting with the engineering team’s leadership and technicians.

“We are proud of the strong relationship the AAF and Marshall have cultivated since 2003,

“The completion of this major navigation upgrade is a testament to the capabilities and expertise of Marshall’s team, and will yield significant operational benefits for our C-130K fleet.” Col. Weichselberger

Marshall has a strong pedigree of carrying out avionics and navigational upgrades on legacy C-130 aircraft. Recent examples include a highly complex cockpit upgrade programme for the Royal Netherlands Air Force, and an ongoing series of ADS-B and secondary flight display modifications for the South African Air Force. (Source: ASD Network)

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Oxley Group Ltd

Oxley offer a range of Military Marine NVG friendly LED lighting that includes navigation lights and controls, flight deck landing lights and interior compartment lighting. Our lighting products are used by Navies around the world including our own Royal Navy on UK Aircraft Carriers, Canadian Frigates, Swedish Submarines, Australian Surface vessels and Submarines, on board French Naval Carriers and in Naval Gun Turrets.

https://oxleydevelopments.cmail20.com/t/t-l-cdhkulk-yujhutkljd-r/

The technology is extremely energy efficient and built robustly, with proven long life. The lighting is NVG friendly, dimmable and programmable to allow for operations with aircraft pilots using military night vision goggles. They offer superior design giving high reliability for the most demanding environments with high sealing and the ability to meet the most stringent EMC standards.

https://oxleydevelopments.cmail20.com/t/t-l-cdhkulk-yujhutkljd-y/

Oxley are proud to say that we are working in partnership with SeaKing to enable a control panel to be offered with our LED Navigation Lighting. All of Oxley navigation lights have been specifically developed for vessels over 50 metres.

Contact Marcus Goad on 07850 917 263 for more information or to arrange samples.

Oxley specialises in the design and manufacture of advanced electronic and electro-optic components and systems for air, land and sea applications within the military sector. Established in 1942, Oxley has manufacturing facilities in the UK and USA and enjoys representation worldwide. The company’s products include night vision and LED lighting, data capture systems and electronic components. Oxley has pioneered the development of night vision compatible lighting. It offers a total package incorporating optical filters, equipment modification, cockpit and external lighting along with fleet wide upgrade services including engineering, installation, support, maintenance and training. The company’s long experience of manufacturing night vision lighting and LED indicators, coupled with advances in LED technology, has enabled it to develop LED solutions to replace incandescent and fluorescent lighting in existing applications as well as becoming the lighting option of choice in new applications such as portable military hospitals, UAV control stations and communication shelters.

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NEW TECHNOLOGIES, AVIONICS AND SOFTWARE

August 30, 2024 by

Sponsored By Oxley Developments

www.oxleygroup.com

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29 Aug 24. In a recent demonstration, Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) incorporated its digital ecosystem and advanced production capabilities to build wings for the Model 437 technology demonstrator flown by company subsidiary Scaled Composites. Development began in the fully connected digital ecosystem with Northrop Grumman, the customer and supplier users collaborating to develop, analyze, build and test the wings ahead of the Model 437’s first flight, which occurred on August 29.

The Digital Pathfinder project demonstrated how the company’s fully digital engineering ecosystem reduces engineering rework, accelerates schedule and reduces costs, offering advantages to customers on future aircraft programs. By utilizing real-world experiences gained on programs, including the B-21 Raider, the company continues to evolve its collaborative digital ecosystem, which connects the company, customers and supplier partners through the design, development and test phases on a variety of current and future programs.

“We continue to refine these digital tools and capabilities to continuously improve them for future efforts,” said Colin Miller, vice president, engineering, Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems. “This project demonstrates how high-fidelity models within our digital ecosystem serve as a single source of truth to streamline testing and certification on future aircraft, significantly saving cost and time for our customer.”

The digital ecosystem cut engineering rework and redesign to less than one percent, compared to the 15-20% experienced using traditional methods. The demonstration also leveraged high-fidelity models combined with rigorous and approved model validation schemes to reduce requirements for ground and flight tests. Looking forward, these models show the potential to significantly reduce the workload required to determine airworthiness, offering further cost and schedule savings opportunities.

Through Digital Pathfinder, Northrop Grumman’s high integrity digital thread connected engineers, customers and stakeholders in a virtual environment, allowing them to proactively foresee and solve the types of problems that typically plague acquisition programs up front and early — greatly improving program performance.

The demonstration also utilized advanced manufacturing techniques, including the production of a titanium structural bracket using plasma arc energy deposition. The application of this innovative additive manufacturing technique to form a titanium part is believed to be a first in the defense industry. At the same time, the Digital Pathfinder project applied advanced techniques to reduce the requirements for hard tooling while improving first time quality and reducing manufacturing rework.

28 Aug 24. Curtiss-Wright’s Defense Solutions Division announced that its DTS1+ single-slot network attached storage (NAS) device’s hardware and software encryption layers have been approved for placement on the National Security Agency (NSA) Commercial Solutions for Classified (CSfC) Components List. Earlier this year, the DTS1+ received Common Criteria (ISO-15408) certification from the National Information Assurance Partnership (NIAP), enabling the second-generation commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) data-at-rest (DAR) storage solution to be placed on the NIAP Product Compliant List. The compact DTS1+ NAS solution provides system designers with an ITAR-free solution for protecting sensitive data with two layers of CSfC Component listed software and hardware full disk encryption inside a single COTS device. The original DTS1 NAS device was the first Common Criteria-certified and NSA CSfC Component Listed NAS solution with two certified encryption layers in a single device. The DTS1+, with nearly double the Ethernet data rates (190MB/s write and 220MB/s read) of its predecessor, has been successfully used to support Top Secret / Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) requirements. The DTS1+’s optimized size, weight and power make it a logical choice for use on autonomous platforms, whether deployed on land, air, sea or sub-surface.

“We are very proud to announce that our DTS1+ Data Transport System Network Attached Storage solution now appears on the NSA CSfC Components List for both hardware full drive encryption and software full drive encryption,” said Brian Perry, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions Division. “This milestone means that system designers now have access to an off-the-shelf solution for high-speed, high-capacity DAR storage and protection that reduces program risk, time and cost. Curtiss-Wright is committed to leading the industry in delivering rugged secure NAS COTS solutions that deliver two CSfC encryption layers in a single device.”

About the DTS1+

The DTS1+ provides system designers with a plug-and-play ready-to-use solution for storing and protecting DAR that reduces program risk, time and cost. It integrates the latest generation of hardware encryption devices and supports FIPS 140-2 Level encryption via 128-bit AES-XTS. The single-slot DTS1+ enables any network-enabled device to retrieve stored data or save newly captured data and supports the same external cables and Removable Memory Cartridges (RMC) used with the DTS1. Its large 8 TB per RMC storage capacity and size, weight and power (SWaP)-optimized design extend mission duration. The compact NAS device weighs only 3.77 lb. (1.71 kg) and measures only 1.5 x 5.0 x 6.5” (38.1 x 127 x 165.1 mm). Because the DTS1+ supports the PXE protocol, network clients can quickly boot from the encrypted files on the DTS1+’s RMC storage unit. This approach facilitates software updates for network clients and significantly reduces SWaP by eliminating the need for individual hard disks in each network client device.

Curtiss-Wright offers two mounting options, the VS-DTS1+SL-FD, which is designed for cockpit use with DZUS mounting panel, and the VS-DTS1+SL-F, which uses L-brackets to support very flexible mounting within space-constrained platforms.

The DTS1+ supports networked devices using heterogeneous operating systems (Linux®, VxWorks®, Windows®, etc.) that support industry-standard NAS protocols (i.e., NFS, CIFS, FTP, or HTTP). The DTS1+ also supports iSCSI protocol for block data storage and PCAP protocol for Ethernet packet capture.

About the NSA CSfC Program

CSfC, an NSA-approved approach for protecting classified National Security Systems (NSS) information in aerospace and defense applications, uses cost-effective commercial encryption technologies in a two-layered solution. The DTS1+ device provides two certified encryption layers in a single device. This approach delivers a complete, ready-to-use solution that results in less program risk, less time to implement and lower cost. The rugged, compact DTS1+ device is designed to store and protect large amounts of data on a wide range of deployed aerospace and defense platforms, including manned and unmanned vehicles, helicopters, fighters, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), unmanned underwater vehicles (UUV), unmanned ground vehicles (UGV), and intelligence surveillance reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft that require the protection of sensitive DAR in accordance with international standards.

28 Aug 24. Euro Manganese Inc. (TSX-V and ASX: EMN; OTCQB: EUMNF; Frankfurt: E06) (the “Company” or “EMN”) today announced that the Company has submitted an application to designate the Chvaletice Manganese Project (the “Chvaletice Project” or the “Project”) as a Strategic Project under the European Union’s Critical Raw Materials Act (“CRMA”).

The CRMA, which took effect in May 2024, is designed to sustainably ensure the availability of raw materials that are essential and strategic for Europe’s economy and green transition. The CRMA lists more than 30 raw materials and defines high-purity manganese (battery grade) as a strategic raw material, and manganese as a critical raw material. The European Commission is expected to announce the first list of Strategic Projects in December 2024.

The benefits of gaining Strategic Project status include potential access to financing from numerous private and public sources such as national banks, EU institutions, regional and national funding authorities, and private financial institutions. Additionally, Strategic Project status ensures that permitting processes proceed according to the deadlines set in the CRMA, decreasing the scheduling risk related to permitting.

Dr. Matthew James, President & CEO of Euro Manganese, commented:

“Submitting our application for Strategic Project status under the CRMA for the Chvaletice Project is a significant milestone for Euro Manganese. Achieving Strategic Project designation would strengthen our role in the EU’s raw materials value chain, enable access to government-backed funding, facilitate collaboration with EU institutions, and accelerate permitting. Today’s announcement underscores our commitment to becoming the only integrated European producer of high-purity manganese for the battery supply chain.”

26 Aug 24. Euro Manganese Inc. (TSX-V and ASX: EMN; OTCQB: EUMNF; Frankfurt: E06) (the “Company” or “EMN”) has entered into an offtake term sheet (the “Term Sheet”) with Blue Grass Chemical Specialties (“Blue Grass Chemical”) dated August 23, 2024 for the sale of high-purity manganese metal from the Company’s Chvaletice Manganese Project (“Chvaletice” or the “Project”) in the Czech Republic.

Based in New Albany, Indiana, Blue Grass Chemical has over five decades of experience in producing specialty chemicals in numerous industries. It produces manganese nitrate as a precursor to manganese dioxide and other manganese oxides which are critical components in battery production, particularly lithium-ion batteries, powering everything from electric vehicles to portable electronic devices. High-quality manganese nitrate plays an important role in the performance and longevity of these batteries.

Highlights

The Company and Blue Grass Chemical intend to enter an offtake agreement, in which the pricing mechanism and tonnages will become binding.
Offtake tonnages represent a portion of the Project’s planned high-purity electrolytic manganese metal (“HPEMM”) production.
Pricing in the Term Sheet is designed to meet the Project’s debt finance banking covenants.
The Term Sheet demonstrates the value of producing both high-purity manganese metal and sulphate at Chvaletice and the ability to meet the needs of a larger and more diverse customer base.
The specifications of the Demonstration Plant product recently produced and tested by third-party laboratories meet the required specifications shared by Blue Grass.

Deliveries are to commence from first production, ramping up with the Project’s production capacity, for an initial term of seven years with potential for renewals. The commencement of the initial term will be subject to successful qualification of the Company’s HPEMM in Blue Grass Chemical’s supply chain. The qualification process shall commence with HPEMM from the Project’s Demonstration Plant, a sample is now under evaluation by Blue Grass.

Pricing for the Project’s HPEMM will be on a take or pay basis, based on an index-adjusted western benchmark price. The western benchmark price represents HPEMM with the following attributes: high quality, secure, traceable, western supply source e.g. not from a foreign entity of concern which is important from an Inflation Reduction Act compliance perspective, and market leading ESG (Environment, Sustainability and Governance) credentials, including a low CO2 footprint.

The price is intended to be linked to the movement of a published index for high purity manganese sulphate monohydrate (“HPMSM”), over a rolling three-month quotational period, as there is no current published market index for HPEMM.

Dr. Matthew James, President & CEO of Euro Manganese, commented:

“The momentum for demand for Euro Manganese’s high-purity manganese from the Chvaletice Project is gathering pace, and I am incredibly pleased the Company has secured another offtake Term Sheet. The fact that Blue Grass Chemical requires high-purity manganese metal for their existing operations, and potential for increased tonnages as they evaluate new opportunities, demonstrates the value of designing our flow sheet to produce both high-purity manganese metal and sulphate at Chvaletice, thus giving customers optionality for their manufacturing processes. We look forward to supplying Blue Grass Chemical with a fully traceable, responsibly produced and IRA compliant source of high-purity manganese as they deliver low-cost, sustainable US-manufactured battery materials, as well as for other industrial applications. We are proud to be partnering with a company who shares our ambition of helping to create a cleaner world by enabling the production and adoption of electric vehicles.”

Mr. Matthew Brenner, President of Blue Grass Chemical Specialties said:

We are excited about the opportunity to use Euro Manganese’s high-purity manganese in our operations. Blue Grass Chemical Specialties’ expertise in the chemical manufacturing industry enables us to provide not just products but also valuable knowledge and support to our customers, helping them to achieve their operational goals through the effective use of manganese nitrate. Whether you are in the market for high-quality manganese nitrate for battery production, agriculture, catalysis, or any other application, Blue Grass Chemical Specialties is your trusted partner

About Euro Manganese

Euro Manganese is a battery materials company focused on becoming a leading producer of high-purity manganese for the electric vehicle industry. The Company is advancing development of the Chvaletice Manganese Project in the Czech Republic and an early-stage opportunity to produce battery-grade manganese products in Bécancour, Québec.

The Chvaletice Project is a unique waste-to-value recycling and remediation opportunity involving reprocessing old tailings from a decommissioned mine. It is also the only sizable resource of manganese in the European Union, strategically positioning the Company to provide battery supply chains with critical raw materials to support the global shift to a circular, low-carbon economy.

27 Aug 24. Dung beetles inspire navigation system for satellites. In 2013, Swedish researchers discovered that beetles used the Milky Way to navigate at night, realising its fixed point in the sky could help them roll dung balls in a straight line.

Now, a decade later, researchers at the University of South Australia (UniSA) are using that breakthrough as inspiration for a new project aimed at improving navigation for satellites.

They have developed a computer vision system that reliably measures the orientation of the Milky Way, which could one day lead to a back-up method of stabilising satellites in low light.

University of South Australia remote sensing engineer Professor Javaan Chahl and his team of PhD students used computer vision to demonstrate that the large stripe of light that forms the Milky Way is not affected by motion blur, unlike individual stars.

“Nocturnal dung beetles move their head and body extensively when rolling balls of manure across a field, needing a fixed orientation point in the night sky to help them steer in a straight line,” Chahl said. “Their tiny compound eyes make it difficult to distinguish individual stars, particularly while in motion, whereas the Milky Way is highly visible.”

In a series of experiments using a camera mounted to a vehicle’s roof, the UniSA researchers captured images of the Milky Way while the vehicle was both stationary and moving.

Using information from those images, they developed a computer vision system that reliably measures the orientation of the Milky Way, which is the first step towards building a navigation system.

Their findings have been published in the journal Biomimetics.

“For the next step, I want to put the algorithm on a drone and allow it to control the aircraft in flight during the night,” said UniSA PhD candidate Yiting Tao, the paper’s lead author.

Researchers believe beetles use the Milky Way because, unlike the moon, it’s always visible.

“Insects have been solving navigational problems for ms of years, including those that even the most advanced machines struggle with,” Chahl said.

“And they’ve done it in a tiny little package. Their brains consist of tens of thousands of neurons compared to bns of neurons in humans, yet they still manage to find solutions from the natural world.” (Source: Space Connect)

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Oxley Group Ltd

https://oxleydevelopments.cmail20.com/t/t-l-cdhkulk-yujhutkljd-r/

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Contact Marcus Goad on 07850 917 263 for more information or to arrange samples.

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NEW TECHNOLOGIES, AVIONICS AND SOFTWARE

August 23, 2024 by

Sponsored By Oxley Developments

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22 Aug 24. Could study point to future Type 83 destroyer propulsion technology? BAE Systems-commissioned study into naval heat recovery in warships propulsion systems could indicate Type 83 warship capability, a step change on from the in service Type 45.

BAE Systems-commissioned study into heat waste recovery technology for use in naval warships could point to a technological direction the future Type 83 air defence destroyer might take, with the platform due to replace the BAE-built Type 45 destroyers (pictured) from the late-2030s.

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Normally associated with space domain propulsion, UK-based Reaction Engines has been selected by UK defence prime BAE Systems to carry out a study into the potential use of its heat exchanger technology for waste heat recovery and exhaust cooling for naval ships.

Announcing the move on 22 August, Reaction Engines stated that its light weight, low volume heat exchangers can be used to increase the efficiency of naval vessels and operated with existing diesel engines and gas turbine propulsion systems, as well as next generation hydrogen and hybrid-electric alternatives.

The UK opted for a slightly more conventional power configuration for the Type 26 frigates, which followed the Type 45 destroyers. Credit: UK MoD/Crown copyright

The study will investigate the potential environmental improvements from Reaction Engines’ heat exchangers and how their use can deliver operational benefits, the release stated.

Oliver Nailard, business development manager, Reaction Engines, said the investigation “seeks to demonstrate significant energy efficiency improvements and reduced emissions, while potentially offering reduced thermal signature for operational benefits”.

Heat recovery technology in the Type 83?

The move by BAE Systems to commission a study into the use of energy recovery technologies for use in the naval domain has potentially been taken with one eye on the future, both in terms of expected naval propulsion configurations but also, perhaps, future warships that the company may be tasked with delivering.

Central to this may well be the future Type 83 destroyer, part of the wider Future Air Dominance System (FADS) programme that will deliver a range of technologies to provide a next-generation naval air defence capability.

The Type 83 is a natural follow on from the in-service Type 45 destroyers, a class of warships that have experienced issues earlier in their operational life when operating in hot and humid environment such as the Middle East, including purported overheating of intercooler systems.

Type 45 and overheating issues

The Type 45 class was originally delivered with an innovative integrated electric propulsion system to produce the ship’s power when underway, focussed around two WR-21 Rolls Royce gas turbines.

However, repeated issues of loss of power of Type 45 warships while underway saw the UK Ministry of Defence undertake the Power Improvement Project, or PIP, which sees the installation of new diesel engines into the six Type 45 destroyers, changing the propulsion configuration to a more conventional combined diesel and gas, or CODAG system.

Type 45 destroyer HMS Dragon at sunset during patrol in the Middle East in 2013. The Type 45 class suffered in hot and humid environments early on in their service life. Credit: UK MoD/Crown copyright

The gas turbines will then be used to generate additional ‘top-up’ power generation for sprint speeds, thereby reducing the wear on sensitive subsystems.

With the Type 83 still in the pre-concept phase as part of the FADS programme, it is several years away before any determination is made on propulsion for the class.

However, the exploration of technologies that could harness or more effectively distribute excess heat produced by whatever engine configuration will power the future Type 83 class could well indicate a potential technological direction under consideration.

(Source: naval-technology.com)

23 Aug 24. New wargaming and analysis software for Defence. Strategic Command’s Defence Modelling and Simulation Office acquires initial one year contract for Command Professional Edition.

UK Strategic Command’s Defence Modelling and Simulation Office (DMSO) has awarded a contract for the supply of Command Professional Edition (Command PE) software for Defence users.

The software, developed by Matrix Pro Sims, is used for wargaming and analysis at the operational level. This new tool gives users in Defence the ability to test ideas and is particularly valuable for Strategic Command’s new Defence Experimentation and Wargaming Hub in Portsmouth.

Command PE allows users to simulate every air and naval engagement from post-World War II to the present day and beyond. Working from a vast open-source database of military hardware and capabilities means simulations of even the most complex operations are realistic and accurate. No two runs through the same scenario are the same, helping users understand the volatility and unpredictability of conflict.

Crucially, as an originally commercial game turned wargaming software package, Command PE is straightforward to learn and operate.

In addition to the maritime, land, and air domains, Command PE can model space assets in their known orbits, as well as cyber capabilities by incorporating the degradation or disablement of aspects such as communications or sensors.

This investment will help our people across Defence with training, education, and analysis. Command PE will also allow for greater integration with international partners, allowing for exchange of knowledge and ideas, and joint wargaming and analysis. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)

22 Aug 24. ProTecBird enables successful protection of the red kite around wind turbines – Rheinmetall supplies expertise in the field of air defence for the detection of protected bird species.

With AI and sensor technology from ProTecBird and software from the military sector, Rheinmetall and ProTecBird want to ensure the protection of red kites around wind turbines and at the same time contribute to the energy transition. Both companies have now announced the successful demonstration of the effectiveness of the AVES Wind anti-collision system for the protection of red kites around wind turbines, which was developed by ProTecBird by integrating Rheinmetall technology. With this milestone, the young technology start-up from Husum, which is specialised in the development and manufacturing of economical and species-specific anti-collision systems, has now overcome a significant hurdle for the energy revolution in Germany in partnership with Rheinmetall.

The development of effective anti-collision systems (ACS) has been one of the biggest challenges in the operation of wind farms in areas with wind-sensitive bird species. The balance between technical feasibility and reliable species protection is of central importance for the planning processes in the construction of wind farms. With its AI-based AVES Wind anti-collision system, ProTecBird has succeeded in solving this problem by defining and demonstrating the requirements for an anti-collision system in terms of nature conservation, economics and technology for the first time. By doing so, the system offers an alternative to generalised shutdown regulations by providing a customised solution for wind farm-operators through species- and situation-dependent short shutdowns.

As one of the federal states with the most wind power, Schleswig-Holstein is a pioneer in the establishment of forward-looking standards for anti-collision systems and their integration into approval procedures. On behalf of the Ministry of Energy Transition, Climate Protection, Environment and Nature of the Federal State of Schleswig-Holstein (MEKUN, Ger. for Ministerium für Energiewende, Klimaschutz, Umwelt und Natur), a committee was convened in September 2022 to develop a testing framework under the direction of the State Office for the Environment SH (LfU, Ger. for Landesamtes für Umwelt). This committee, consisting of a team of consultants (TÜV NORD, the Office for Biostatistics), ACS and wind energy manufacturers as well as stakeholders from nature conservation organisations and wind energy associations, developed a comprehensive testing framework for the validation of ACS by the end of 2023. On 8 August 2024, Tobias Goldschmidt, Minister of Energy Transition, Climate Protection, Environment and Nature of the Federal State of Schleswig-Holstein, announced the first nationwide testing framework for anti-collision systems. The testing framework is currently being evaluated by other Federal States in Germany in order to incorporate it into their own area of responsibility.

The AVES Wind system from ProTecBird was tested at an existing wind farm between July and September 2023 in accordance with the requirements of the technical convention proposal “Test framework for anti-collision systems” (MEKUN 2024). A total of 237 red kite flight sequences were analysed at various sites on a total of 25 recording days: AVES Wind detects, recognises and protects the red kite in accordance with the specifications of the technical convention proposal (MEKUN 2024), meaning that the species protection requirements and the protective effect for the red kite are fully met by the ProTecBird anti-collision system.

“We are delighted to have our AVES Wind anti-collision system recognised, and are proud to be making a contribution to the energy revolution,” comments Thorsten Heinzen, CEO of ProTecBird. “The cooperation with the relevant players in Schleswig-Holstein was crucial for this breakthrough. The fact that ProTecBird was the first company to undergo and pass the officially defined testing framework highlights the company’s innovative strength and commitment. With its AVES Wind anti-collision system, ProTecBird has achieved a technological breakthrough that can be seen as disruptive for the wind energy industry,” continues Thorsten Heinzen. “We have created a clever networked system that utilises the existing wind farm infrastructure and further improves the effectiveness and sustainability of the generated wind energy”.

The solution of the AI-based AVES Wind anti-collision system is based on software developed by Rheinmetall Electronics GmbH, which was originally programmed for air defence in the military sector and is in use worldwide.

Rheinmetall uses an established software (Multi Mode Tracker) that can recognise and assign missiles via pixel changes on the horizon. Thanks to the further development of the software by ProTecBird and the use of the newly developed AI, different bird species, such as the protected red kite, can now be reliably recognised and tracked by the systems’ sensors. As a result, automated shutdown commands are sent to wind turbines, effectively preventing collisions between the animals and the rotor blades from a predefined distance between the bird and the wind turbine.

“The possible applications go far beyond the original military field,” explains Uwe Lindenau, Sales Manager Mission Systems at Rheinmetall Electronics GmbH.

“The cooperation between Rheinmetall and ProTecBird is unique worldwide. With our software and the technical expertise of ProTecBird, not only can unique protected birds such as the red kite or the white-tailed sea eagle be protected. Concerning the aviation sector, it also offers great benefits for flight safety regarding bird strikes on aircraft engines and the airframe,” Lindenau continues.

For Rheinmetall, demonstrating the effectiveness of the system in wind turbines is a successful example of the Group’s involvement in environmental protection.

As a technology start-up, ProTecBird is determined to push ahead with its research and development. The company is currently working on expanding its technology to other animal species, such as real-time detection of bats, to ensure more comprehensive protection of wildlife.

In addition, ProTecBird aims to expand its partnerships to promote the use of renewable energy not only in Germany but also worldwide.

20 Aug 24. BAE Systems to fit upgrades on F-15EX and F/A-18E/F.

The enhancements to US fighter jets highlight the increasing role of cybersecurity in modern warfare. BAE Systems‘ latest project with Boeing involves upgrading the flight control computers of the F-15EX Eagle II and F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. The fusion of cybersecurity measures and future-oriented processing power will enhance combat readiness.

BAE Systems has been tasked with upgrading the flight control computers (FCC) of two fighter aircraft, the F-15EX Eagle II and the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet.

Selected by Boeing, BAE Systems, the original manufacturer of these flight control systems, will implement a refresh of the flight control computers. The upgrades aim to increase processing power and improve cyber and product security. As cyber threats continue to grow, ensuring the security of on-board systems has emerged as a priority.

“Our advanced flight-critical solution ensures that these platforms will maintain fleet readiness now and in the future, as well as provisions the aircraft to support the integration of new functions,” explained Corin Beck, senior director of Military Aircraft Systems for Controls and Avionics Solutions at BAE Systems. This statement reflects the dual aim of the upgrades: boosting current operational effectiveness while laying the groundwork for future advancements.

According to GlobalData’s intelligence on the US defence market, the US Navy acquired them from Boeing between 1999 and 2023 and has 625 F/A-18E/F multirole aircraft in its fleet.

A feature of the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet upgrade is the addition of a new processor, which will allow the integration of future capabilities.

BAE Systems ensures these jets can be sustained by modernising the FCC electronics hardware and software.

Australia has injected $400m (A$616) into the MQ-28A Ghost Bat programme, marking a milestone in the nation’s military aerospace capabilities. This injection of funds secures hundreds of skilled jobs. The MQ-28A Ghost Bat, developed in collaboration with Boeing Defence Australia,…

The upgraded flight control computers will continue to manage the dynamics of fighter jet operation, from processing pilot inputs to adjusting control surfaces based on real-time sensor data. These systems, critical to the aircraft’s stability and manoeuvrability, are designed with redundancy, allowing them to reconfigure controls in the event of damage or failure, thus preserving the aircraft’s operational capability.

BAE Systems is executing these upgrades at its Endicott, New York facility. (Source: airforce-technology.com)

20 Aug 24. NanoGraf, the U.S.-based battery maker and materials company creating stronger, lighter, longer-lasting lithium-ion batteries with increased power density and efficiency, today announced it has delivered its silicon anode batteries to Thales Defense & Security, Inc., a leading global aerospace and defense technology contractor, for hand-held radios for the U.S. military.

Thales Defense & Security, Inc. will use NanoGraf’s M38 18650 cells for its multiband software-defined tactical hand-held radios, to support longer missions by 10%, without increasing size or weight.

“Batteries are essential to thousands of mission-critical military systems, from hand-held radios and man-portable satellite terminals to unmanned systems and mobile command posts,” said Gary Kidwell, vice president of communications systems at Thales Defense & Security, Inc. “NanoGraf’s silicon anode batteries increase operational runtime for deployed forces and ensures we equip soldiers with the best possible technology available.”

Thales Defense & Security, Inc.’s purchase of NanoGraf cells demonstrates the critical role NanoGraf has assumed in onshoring the battery supply chain, including materials, cell production and battery manufacturing outside of China. The Department of Defense has made several direct investments to help curb the military’s reliance on Chinese battery technology, building significant momentum in supporting domestic battery innovation. In January 2024, NanoGraf was awarded a contract worth up to $15 m to support the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command C5ISR Center as part of a Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) initiative focused on developing a Family of Advanced Standard Batteries (FAStBat) leveraging commercial technologies. This followed the grant they secured in 2022 for $1.65m from the U.S. Department of Defense to develop longer-lasting batteries for military equipment. These investments underscore the DoD’s commitment to onshoring the battery supply chain and NanoGraf’s critical role in that effort.

“We’re excited that Thales Defense & Security, Inc. selected our proprietary battery technology to equip soldiers with batteries that can last much longer, making their missions run smoother,” said Francis Wang, CEO of NanoGraf. “As a U.S. battery maker, getting our batteries in the hands of soldiers is an honor. We are proud to support Thales Defense & Security, Inc. and the U.S. military as we continue our efforts to onshore the entire battery supply chain.”

The production order is just one of several recent announcements showcasing NanoGraf’s growth. In June of this year, NanoGraf completed the first large volume production run for the military, and in March, NanoGraf announced a new 67,850-square-foot facility for advanced manufacturing and expanded R&D capabilities, increasing its Chicago footprint by nearly 400%.

20 Aug 24. Lockheed, Istari partner to demonstrate digital aircraft certification. Istari Digital, a startup led by former Air Force acquisition chief Will Roper, is partnering with Lockheed Martin Skunk Works to demonstrate the ability to digitally certify an aircraft before it’s built, a process that could make it easier to develop and test military aircraft in the future.

The partnership, announced Monday, is part of a $19 m contract the Air Force awarded Istari last year through a program called Flyer One. The company will use its digital engineering platform to modify and certify a drone — in this case, the X-56A initially built in 2013 by Skunk Works, Lockheed’s innovation arm. The modifications include changes to the aircraft’s landing gear and cameras and other updates to address obsolescence.

Roper, who led the Air Force acquisition shop from 2018 to 2021, created the company two years ago to develop innovative digital engineering technology that could streamline hardware development in the same way collaborative tools have transformed software development in recent years.

The idea to digitally certify an aircraft came from a visit Roper took to McLaren Racing toward the end of his Air Force tenure. The British racing team competes in Formula One and uses digital engineering to rapidly iterate on car designs.

“They don’t win with a race car. They win with a race car building process,” he told Defense News in a recent interview. “When you look at that and you look at the defense industry where everything is built at a glacial pace, it really seemed like harnessing that was going to be critical for competition, especially with China.”

The key to McLaren’s success, according to Roper, is that they were able to connect the many digital tools they use to design and simulate a vehicle’s performance. That linkage allowed them to create an automated workflow.

However, mimicking that process for the military is more complicated. Developing a race car may require hundreds of tools, but in the aerospace sector, an advanced system can require thousands. There are also intellectual property challenges, with firms hesitant to put their proprietary information on someone else’s network.

“What we had to do in aerospace was twice as hard, maybe three times as hard as Formula One because we had the challenge of aggregation and then we also had layers of classification to deal with and simply a bigger problem in terms of number of tools,” he said.

Roper said his team at Istari spent its first year or so trying to figure out how to apply McLaren’s model to defense and aerospace applications. Now, the company thinks it’s found a solution, and it’s using Flyer One and its X-56A modification as its test case.

The firm has already started working with Skunk Works on the effort and recently passed its critical design review. Its next milestone is a military flight release.

Traditionally, a program would build and fly a physical airplane, collect data and submit an airworthiness package for approval. For Flyer One, the process is similar except the data is all collected through digital models and simulation.

Roper said he expects to complete the flight certification process by the end of this year and then build the aircraft and start flying it within a year after that to determine if its flight performance matches the digital modeling.

While this type of digital flight certification hasn’t been done before, Roper said the project itself is a pragmatic one: using an existing aircraft and partnering with an established defense firm rather than designing and building a new system from scratch.

“We believe, and I think our Air Force partners would echo this, that we’re going to be able to do this because we’re not extrapolating so far that people won’t believe the models and simulations,” he said. “It’s just simply bringing into focus that we need to have a different certification process that makes sense for a world of digital design and digital testing.” (Source: Google/Defense News)

19 Aug 24. Fortify, a trailblazing additive manufacturing company specializing in the production of advanced RF devices announced delivery of a Fortify Flux System to NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland. The Flux Series manufacturing platform will be used by Glenn Research Center for the development of innovative antenna designs and to develop novel, space-relevant materials such as aerogels.

“We are extremely excited and proud to deliver our Flux One to NASA’s Glenn Research Center. Our additive manufacturing platform allows for the design and manufacturing of RF devices that enable performance benefits unmatched through traditional methods and we are extremely excited to see what type of research and technological advancements come from the Glenn Research Center” says Josh Martin, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder at Fortify.

Karlo Delos Reyes, Co-Founder and Chief Customer Officer added “This delivery underscores our dedication to unlock new possibilities with our manufacturing platform. While other additive manufacturing methods have fundamental limits, The Flux Platform enables the processing and creation of advanced materials that unlock markets.”

About Fortify: Fortify is a full-stack materials science and additive manufacturing company based in Boston, MA. Its innovative Digital Composite Manufacturing (DCM) platform enables the production of complex structures with unique mechanical, electrical, thermal, and electromagnetic properties, revolutionizing the way advanced materials are developed and manufactured. For more information, visit www.3dfortify.com. (Source: PR Newswire)

20 Aug 24. First time NVIDIA® based computer for advanced autonomy.

will be seen in Europe. Astute Systems announces the launch of its GXA-1, an NVIDIA®-powered computer, designed specifically for advanced autonomy in the defence sector. The GXA-1 will make its debut at DVD2024, where it will be showcased to key stakeholders in the Land Equipment sector, marking a significant step towards engaging with potential UK customers.

Engineered for SWaP-sensitive (Size, Weight, and Power) platforms, the GXA-1 is the ultimate solution for enabling autonomy in harsh environments. Purpose-built to endure the extreme conditions typical of military operations—including extreme temperatures, moisture, vibration, and shock—the GXA-1 ensures reliable performance where it matters most.

For developers already familiar with the NVIDIA® Software Development Kit (SDK), the GXA-1 offers seamless migration, making it an attractive option for those looking to transition to a more rugged solution. Astute Systems highlights that the GXA-1 is ideal for those content with Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) systems, while also catering to Prime Contractors seeking Modified Off-The-Shelf (MOTS) versions tailored to their specific environmental needs. Pre-qualification units with a developer kit are now available, offering a head start to those interested in early adoption.

Key features (see attached specification for full data):

Based on the NVIDIA® Jetson AGX OrinTM Industrial SoM
AI Performance 248 TFLOPS
Mass storage options (dual M.2 M key SSD)
10 Gigabit Ethernet data plane port
Multiple legacy analogue inputs ideal for existing DVE (Degraded Visual Environment) day/night cameras.
Enabling autonomous workloads

Ross Newman, Founder of Astute Systems comments “We believe we have the best solution for autonomous military systems and deployment in harsh environments: the NVIDIA high performance; the perfect SWaP optimisation and proven technology. Initial interest confirms this with one key potential customer explaining “The GXA-1 is exactly what we were looking for it is the right product, right place and the right time” – or put another way, we’re faster, quicker, lighter and better value than anything currently available delivering the best performance per watt of any device in this class.”

Astute Systems, a Queensland-based company, is part of Team Defence Australia, Australia’s national platform for export-capable Australian defence companies. As such, the company is well placed to understand the requirements of AUKUS Pillar 2 which focuses on jointly developing advanced capabilities, the trilateral security partnership between the UK, the USA and Australia with the intention of cooperating on key defence capabilities including AI and autonomy as defined in AUKUS.

John Brosnan Defence & Security Director at the Australian Trade & Investment Commission (Austrade) says Astute Systems exemplifies the world-class innovation in defence technology that Australia has to offer. Brosnan says “Astute’s latest developments – designed to provide defence end users with an operational advantage – demonstrate the advanced capabilities of Australia’s defence industry and the increased opportunities for collaboration under AUKUS. Don’t miss your chance to connect directly with Ross and the team at DVD in September.”

For more information on current UK partners and global re-sellers, check out: https://astutesys.com.

Find us at DVD on stand C4-210 DVD: Astute Systems/DefenceX.

19 Aug 24. Euro Manganese Inc. (TSX-V and ASX: EMN; OTCQB: EUMNF; Frankfurt: E06) (the “Company” or “EMN”) is pleased to announce it has entered an offtake term sheet dated August 15, 2024 (the “Term Sheet”) with Wildcat Discovery Technologies (“Wildcat”), for the sale of high-purity manganese product from the Company’s Chvaletice Manganese Project (“Chvaletice” or the “Project”) in the Czech Republic.

Highlights

Based in San Diego, California, Wildcat partners with global leaders throughout the battery industry to align and integrate all elements of the full battery cell for optimal performance. Consistent and significant progress in Wildcat’s technology has led to a focus exclusively on nickel and cobalt free cathode production. Wildcat has announced the building of a U.S.-based plant expected 2026 – 2027 to produce a portfolio of safe sustainable, and cobalt/nickel-free cathode materials for electric vehicle battery cells and other markets including stationary storage.
Pursuant to the Term sheet, deliveries are to commence from first production, for an initial term of seven years with potential for renewal. The commencement of the initial term shall be subject to successful qualification by Wildcat of the Company’s high-purity manganese product from the Chvaletice Demonstration Plant.
The offtake tonnages increase over the seven-year term and the average annual tonnage represents a significant percentage of the Company’s annual high-purity manganese product production. It is expected that pricing will be subject to market indicators, with mechanisms for increase/decrease tied to certain benchmarks.
The Term Sheet is non-binding and contingent on Wildcat building its U.S plant, however the parties intend to enter a binding offtake agreement, in which the pricing mechanism and tonnages will be finalised, together with any other agreements necessary.

Dr. Matthew James, President & CEO of Euro Manganese, commented:

“This is another major milestone for Euro Manganese and for the western market battery value chain. This long-term offtake term sheet represents a significant percentage of the planned production of the Chvaletice Manganese Project over time. An important value proposition is our product does not originate from, or is processed by, a foreign entity of concern, a key purchasing criteria for North American customers. We look forward to working with Wildcat as they advance on their goals of delivering CAM materials to their customers.”

Mr. Mark Gresser, CEO of Wildcat said: “This agreement represents an important step for Wildcat in the development of high quality, low-cost, reliable, localized and IRA compliant sources for important cathode pre-cursor materials. We view the Euro Manganese partnership as an important piece to our supply chain strategy, and look forward to working with them in the coming years.”

About Euro Manganese

Euro Manganese is a battery materials company focused on becoming a leading, competitive, and environmentally superior producer of high-purity manganese for the electric vehicle industry and other high-technology applications. The Company is advancing development of the Chvaletice Manganese Project in the Czech Republic, which is a unique waste-to-value recycling and remediation opportunity involving reprocessing old tailings from a decommissioned mine. The Chvaletice project is the only sizable resource of manganese in Europe, strategically positioning the Company to provide battery supply chains with critical raw materials to support the global shift to a circular, low-carbon economy.

About Wildcat

Wildcat’s mission is to produce high-performance U.S.-made cathode materials to enable the widespread adoption of clean energy. Founded in 2006, the company plans to manufacture a portfolio of nickel- and cobalt-free cathode materials at a production factory in the United States. At the same time, Wildcat will continue to leverage its 15 years of materials development and cell design expertise to help customers achieve the best integrated battery cell performance. For more information, www.wildcatdiscovery.com

16 Aug 24. Servotecnica, a leading developer of slip rings and customized mechatronic solutions, has today announced expansion of its United States operations located in Fair Oaks, California to support and service its fast growing slip ring customer base.

Servotecnica designs and manufactures compact and high-reliability slip rings for industries including electronics, medical, aerospace & defense, robotics and packaging. Servotecnica slip rings are available in thousands of configurations as standard with sizes ranging from 12.4mm outer diameter to models with a 100mm through-hole.

The company also develops customer-specific solutions ranging from modifications to the slip ring’s electrical specifications, mechanical bounds, cables, connectors and more, to complete integrated rotary joints incorporating encoders, gearboxes and other components.

“For over 40 years, engineer to engineer collaboration has been a key pillar in our offering when working with customers to develop solutions for mission critical applications,” said Fabio Bistoletti, CEO of Servotecnica. “As we continue to achieve sustained growth in the USA, it is important that we also expand our feet on the ground in this territory.”

About Servotecnica

Servotecnica is a global motion control company founded in 1980 with facilities in the USA, Italy and Germany. The company designs and develops compact and high reliability slip rings, micromotors and custom integrated solutions for mission critical applications. Servotecnica’s expert team works in collaboration with its customers to develop solutions to the exact needs and requirements of each project. Visit https://us.servotecnica.com/en/ to learn more and follow us on LinkedIn.

16 Aug 24. Japan announces new defence technology accelerator.

The Japan Ministry of Defense (JMOD) has announced on 12 August its plan to set up a new defence technology research institute modelled after US agencies such as the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and Defense Innovation Unit (DIU).

According to local media, the new entity – which will be placed under the JMOD’s Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency (ATLA) – is provisionally called the Defense Innovation Technology Institute and is expected to be launched in October and with around 100 personnel. The government has also set aside a budget of over US$140 m to support its establishment.

The institute will use agile and innovative means to develop defence technologies that will address future challenges and will leverage expertise from the academic and private sectors to augment its operations. Local media reported that half of its staff will be recruited from various companies and universities and will include experts in areas such as artificial intelligence and robotics.

Besides defence technology research, it will also serve as a think-tank to monitor international research and support studies of dual-use technologies for defence and commercial applications.

Japan earlier indicated its intention to form a new defence technology research institute in the National Defense Strategy released in December 2022, which noted that the new institute will be designed to develop “multi-use cutting-edge technologies that contribute to defense equipment development, and to produce equipment that leads to defense innovation”. It will also focus on accelerated research initiatives that will enable rapid fielding equipment within three years by exploiting existing technologies.

Several research areas are being considered, including enhanced autonomy for uncrewed vehicles in lowlight conditions as well as novel underwater detection technologies. (Source: AMR)

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Oxley Group Ltd

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https://oxleydevelopments.cmail20.com/t/t-l-cdhkulk-yujhutkljd-y/

Contact Marcus Goad on 07850 917 263 for more information or to arrange samples.

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NEW TECHNOLOGIES, 3-D PRINTING, QUANTUM COMPUTING, AVIONICS AND SOFTWARE

August 16, 2024 by

Sponsored By Oxley Developments

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15 Aug 24. Archer Delivers First Midnight Aircraft To The United States Air Force.

Last month, the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) accepted the military airworthiness assessment of Archer’s Midnight aircraft
Archer delivered Midnight to the U.S. Air Force (USAF) for evaluation as part of Archer’s AFWERX Agility Prime contract valued at up to $142M*
Following the recent delivery-in-place handoff at Archer’s flight test facility in Salinas, CA, a team of USAF personnel worked alongside Archer’s flight test team to ramp flight operations

Archer Aviation Inc. announced today it has delivered its first Midnight aircraft to the USAF to evaluate as part of its AFWERX Agility Prime contract valued at up to $142m*.

The delivery comes after the U.S. Department of Defense accepted Midnight’s military airworthiness assessment, a critical approval that confirms Midnight’s readiness for flight testing by AFWERX. This allows AFWERX to conduct government-directed testing of the aircraft for the U.S. Air Force and validate operational and military-specific mission concepts.

A team of USAF personnel worked alongside Archer’s flight test team to ramp up operations with Midnight at Salinas. Together, these teams executed simulated medical evacuation, cargo, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance flights.

“This delivery represents a pivotal moment not only for Archer but for the future of military aviation,” said Adam Goldstein, CEO of Archer Aviation. “Together, our goal is to prove Midnight’s potential and ensure the United States continues to lead the way with the world’s most advanced technology.”

“Archer’s Midnight aircraft has the potential to significantly enhance our operational capabilities,” said Col. Elliott Leigh, AFWERX Director and Chief Commercialization Officer for the Department of the Air Force. “We look forward to continuing our work with our industry partners as we explore the ways that this advanced aircraft can contribute to the mission.”

With its vertical takeoff and landing capabilities, proprietary electric powertrain and low noise profile, Archer’s Midnight aircraft is well-suited for military aviation operations.

Archer’s Midnight aircraft is expected to provide a much safer, cost-effective and quieter alternative to existing internal combustion engine options. As such, it holds the promise of enhancing rapid response, agility and operational effectiveness across a wide range of mission profiles.

*The “up to” contract value is subject to certain conditions being met as defined in the contracts.

About Archer

Archer is a leader in the electrification of aviation. We are designing and developing the key enabling technologies and aircraft that are necessary to power the next great transportation revolution. Our goal is for our proprietary technology to deliver unprecedented connectivity to the people and places across the most congested cities in the world. To learn more, visit www.archer.com.

About AFRL

The Air Force Research Laboratory is the primary scientific research and development center for the Department of the Air Force. AFRL plays an integral role in leading the discovery, development, and integration of affordable warfighting technologies for our air, space and cyberspace force. With a workforce of more than 12,500 across nine technology areas and 40 other operations across the globe, AFRL provides a diverse portfolio of science and technology ranging from fundamental to advanced research and technology development. For more information, visit www.afresearchlab.com.

About AFWERX

As the innovation arm of the DAF and a directorate within the Air Force Research Laboratory, AFWERX brings cutting-edge American ingenuity from small businesses and start-ups to address the most pressing challenges of the DAF. AFWERX employs approximately 370 military, civilian and contractor personnel at five hubs and sites executing an annual $1.4bn budget. Since 2019, AFWERX has executed over 6,100 new contracts worth more than $4bn to strengthen the U.S. defense industrial base and drive faster technology transition to operational capability. For more information, visit: www.afwerx.com. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

15 Aug 24. DOD Introduces New Supercomputer Focused on Biodefense Capabilities. DOD Spokesperson Robert L. Ditchey II provided the following readout:

On August 1, the Department of Defense (DoD) and National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) inaugurated a new supercomputing system dedicated to biological defense at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL).

DoD is working with NNSA to significantly increase the computing capability available to our national biodefense programs. The collaboration has enabled expanding systems of the same system architecture as LLNL’s upcoming exascale supercomputer, El Capitan, which is projected to be the world’s most powerful supercomputer when it becomes operational later this year.

The biodefense-focused system will provide unique capabilities for large-scale simulation and AI-based modeling for a variety of defensive activities, including bio surveillance, threat characterization, advanced materials development, and accelerated medical countermeasures. DoD and NNSA intend to allow the U.S. Government interagency, International Allies and partners, and academia and industry to access the supercomputing capability.

During the inauguration, speakers highlighted the critical role of high-performance computing and interagency collaboration to develop new biodefense capabilities for national security purposes.

Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Chemical and Biological Defense, Ian Watson, who led the DoD delegation at LLNL, stated, “This new supercomputing system and other technical enablers underscore DoD’s commitment to building enduring advantages and delivering cutting-edge defensive capabilities that will ensure the Total Force can deter or prevail against advanced chemical and biological threats.”

The new supercomputing system, which was funded by DoD’s Chemical and Biological Defense Program, advances a 2023 DoD and NNSA agreement to work together on the nation’s toughest biodefense challenges.

NNSA Livermore Field Office Manager, Janis Parenti, praised this collaboration, noting that DoD’s investments paired with NNSA and LLNL’s expertise, “will continue to drive cutting-edge science to further enhance and strengthen our nation’s capabilities to respond to biological threats.”

LLNL Deputy Director Pat Falcone added, “Bringing that exquisite computation and precision instrumentation to the biodefense fight is really what our story is today.” (Source: U.S. DoD)

15 Aug 24. Enhancing Military Operations with 100Gb VPX Technology. LCR Embedded Systems discusses how increased data rates and high-speed connectivity are driving innovation in modern warfare, with 100Gb becoming the new standard.

LCR Embedded Systems explain that aerospace and defense sectors are witnessing a surge in demand for 100Gb connectivity, driven by escalating needs in real-time data transmission, enhanced communications, signal intelligence, operational efficiency, and cybersecurity.

To meet these demands, chip manufacturers have swiftly developed new SOSA-aligned 3U and 6U payload modules that support 100 GbE (100GBASE-KR4) and PCI Express® (PCIe) Gen-4 protocols across processing units, FPGAs, and switching products.

This development necessitates backplanes capable of supporting data rates of 25Gbps per lane, a significant leap from the previous 10Gbps standard.

This increase is facilitated by several critical innovations in networking technology, including improved signal processing techniques, higher-speed transceivers, and high-speed connectors.

These advancements have made it feasible to implement 100Gb connectivity in ruggedized embedded computing applications, particularly in the demanding environments of aerospace and defense.

To maintain the high signal integrity required in these applications, new high-speed PCB laminates are now in use. These laminates ensure the 25Gb per lane data rates necessary for 100Gb pipes, which are crucial for the reliability and performance of defense systems. LCR’s 100Gb SOSA-aligned VPX systems exemplify solutions that leverage these cutting-edge technologies to meet the evolving needs of the defense sector.

Putting 100Gb to Use

Implementing 100Gb connectivity addresses longstanding bandwidth limitations in military operations, where current systems have struggled with insufficient bandwidth and high latency.

This advancement enables command centers to access real-time situational awareness data, coordinate troop movements, and communicate with deployed forces more effectively. The ability to transmit information and locations in real-time is critical, as it can mean the difference between life and death on the battlefield.

Remote Operations

In remote and hostile environments, mission success increasingly depends on high-speed, real-time remote control, telemetry, and data transmission streams in both manned and unmanned systems.

This level of connectivity supports a wide range of critical functions in battlefield management, including situational awareness, reconnaissance, surveillance, weapons control, and the protection of deployed personnel.

The secure and reliable communications enabled by 100Gb connectivity are indispensable in these scenarios, ensuring swift responses to dynamic operational challenges.

Learn more about LCR Embedded Systems’ AoC3U-821 ATR Chassis for VPX and SOSA-aligned cards >>

Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity operations also benefit from the increased bandwidth provided by 100Gb connectivity. Defense organizations can now implement advanced encryption and security protocols that were unfeasible at the lower 10Gb speeds available just five years ago.

As digital threats continue to evolve, securing communication networks against sophisticated attacks has become increasingly important. Today’s high-speed connectivity allows for more robust cybersecurity measures, ensuring the protection of sensitive data and critical infrastructure.

Signals Intelligence

Signals intelligence, which relies on the rapid transfer of intercepted signals, is another area that gains significant advantages from 100Gb connectivity.

High-speed data transfer enables faster signal processing and analysis, which are vital for maintaining strategic and tactical advantages in intelligence operations. This ensures timely decision-making and enhances the effectiveness of electronic countermeasures.

Electronic Warfare

In electronic warfare, a wide range of frequency bands (from 30 KHz in the VLF range to 3GHz in the UHF range) are used for various purposes such as communication, surveillance, radar, jamming, and countermeasures.

The digitization of these signals produces massive data streams, often described as a “firehose” of data, which must be efficiently processed and distributed by embedded systems.

VPX systems equipped with 100Gb capabilities are essential for handling these demanding data processing requirements, enabling high-performance computing in military applications.

The adoption of 100Gb connectivity in VPX systems marks a significant leap forward in embedded computing for defense. It enables faster data transfer, improved performance, and enhanced scalability, ensuring that military personnel receive actionable, real-time information crucial for mission success. (Source: https://www.defenseadvancement.com/)

15 Aug 24. Rugged AI-Powered GPGPU Solution for Real-Time Video & Sensor Capture. The NVIDIA Ampere-based Condor NVA2102xX card enables host platforms to simultaneously capture, process, display, encode, decode, and stream video data in a single XMC slotBy Mike Ball / 15 Aug 2024

EIZO Rugged Solutions has launched the Condor NVA2102xX, a rugged XMC form-factor video graphics card for high-performance embedded computing applications that require real-time video and sensor capture and AI-accelerated GPGPU processing.

The powerful XMC solution is ideal for military manned and unmanned aircraft, as well as ground-based and maritime platforms.

The Condor NVA2102xX card enables host platforms to simultaneously capture, process, display, encode, decode, and stream video data in a single XMC slot. The new XMC card features four 3G-SDI video inputs and four DisplayPort++, VGA, and 3G-SDI outputs. It is designed with the NVIDIA RTX A2000 GPU, which supports 8 GB of GDDR6 graphics memory with error correction code (ECC), 2,560 CUDA cores, 80 Tensor Cores (third generation) and 20 RT Cores (second generation), for accelerated performance in neural network training and inferencing functions.

The NVIDIA Ampere GPU architecture supports the CUDA parallel computing platform and OpenCL-based GPGPU computing, NVIDIA GPUDirect RDMA, and H.265/H.264 encoding/decoding. At maximum power consumption, the NVIDIA RTX A2000 GPU delivers 9.3 TFLOPS of single-precision floating-point compute performance (FP32).

The Condor NVA2102xX features support for on-board video format conversion, as well as metadata insertion and extraction. The metadata can be used to embed real-time information such as GPS coordinates, sensor data, speed inclination, or other relevant data into the video feed. This embedded metadata can then be extracted to provide additional context to the video footage, enhancing situational awareness and decision-making.

The Condor NVA2102xX is part of EIZO’s Condor NVA2100 XMC Series solutions, all designed with the NVIDIA Ampere architecture and feature flexible video I/O options. The Condor NVA2100 XMC series is the next generation from the Condor NVP2100 XMC series (Pascal architecture), offering systems a modular and scalable solution with higher performance and memory bandwidth.

Built to survive in harsh environments, the Condor NVA2102xX has been tested to withstand high temperatures, shock, and vibration (MIL-STD-810G). It is available in conduction-cooled or air-cooled variants with rear XMC I/O on Pn6. The rear XMC pin-out is compatible with VPX systems that follow VITA 46.9 x12d+x8d+24s. (Source: https://www.defenseadvancement.com/)

14 Aug 24. Royal Air Force missions fuelled sustainably. The Royal Air Force are using sustainable aviation fuel on routine operations for the first time.

The Royal Air Force is ensuring Britain is secure while using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) on routine operations for the first time – a move that will cut carbon emissions and bolster energy security.

Aircraft including Typhoon and Poseidon submarine hunters, operating from RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland, are using a blend of conventional and sustainable aviation fuels in a first for the air force as they take to the skies to defend the UK and allies.

Earlier this year, four m litres of blended sustainable aviation fuel were delivered to the Royal Air Force through a contract with World Fuel Services. A further five m litres of fuel will be delivered in the next few months.

The fuel is used to power aircraft operating from Lossiemouth in Morayshire, northern Scotland. RAF Lossiemouth is one of the UK’s busiest RAF stations and is home to Typhoon aircraft who are ready to deploy 24/7, 365 as part of the UK’s Quick Reaction Alert – keeping Britian secure. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)

14 Aug 24. uAvionix Achieves FAA TSO Certification for ping200XR Combined Transponder and GPS Receiver.

uAvionix, a supplier of avionics technology for Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS), has announced that the ping200XR Mode S ADS-B transponder with integral aviation GPS, has received Technical Standard Order (TSO) certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

This milestone is the latest major TSO certification for uAvionix and offers the lowest certified Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) solution for worldwide airspace compliance.

The ping200XR TSO has received TSO-C112e and TSO-C166b for transponder and ADS-B functionality, TSO-C188b for its internal pressure altimeter, and TSO-C145e for the integral aviation GPS. Weighing only 52 grams and measuring 47 x 72 x 10mm, the ping200XR offers everything required for airspace access or for certified aircraft in a single enclosure. The ping200XR TSO ensures the aircraft can be detected by Secondary Surveillance Radar (SSR), Traffic Collision Avoidance Systems (TCAS), and ADS-B IN receivers, facilitating seamless integration into national and international airspace.

“Receiving TSO certification for the ping200XR represents a significant achievement for uAvionix and underscores our commitment to advancing UAS technology in a way that prioritizes safety and compliance,” said Christian Ramsey, Chief Commercial Officer for uAvionix. “This approval from the FAA is a testament to the reliability and safety our products bring to the skies, enabling broader access and acceptance by regulators and Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSP) worldwide.”

In its uncertified format, the ping200XR has been particularly popular with high altitude aircraft and balloons which must operate in Class A and above airspace. These certifications open the ping200XR TSO to markets which require certifications such as Europe, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. Additionally, the ping200XR TSO is particularly advantageous for aircraft seeking type certification such as future eVTOL/AAM platforms.

ping200XR TSO will begin shipping in September 2024.

Since its inception in 2015, uAvionix has been at the forefront of avionics for crewed and uncrewed aircraft, developing a suite of products that address the unique challenges of integrating uncrewed systems into the global airspace infrastructure. Each TSO-certified product from uAvionix not only paves the way for safer skies but also supports the expanding utility of UAS across commercial, government, and recreational sectors. (Source: UAS VISION)

13 Aug 24. The Australian Defence Force is encouraging service personnel to utilise 3D printers and produce designs using computer-aided design software.

ADF personnel can use the MakerSpace at Latchford Barracks, which contains tools such as 3D printers and a scanner, CNC router and cutter, along with electrical kits to teach basic coding.

The space is one of many at Army bases around Australia and is designed to encourage personnel to develop cognitive learning and knowledge of emerging technologies.

The Latchford MakerSpace currently welcomes around 400 to 500 visitors a month, representing a third of all visits to MakerSpace sites across Australia.

Site supervisor Andrew Haines said personnel have already used the MakerSpace at Latchford Barracks to create complex items and learn about 3D printing fundamentals.

“The bloke who made that (T-800 Terminator) skull had to teach himself 3D printing and how to do the basic circuitry to get the LED eyes in,” Haines said.

Personnel must learn how to set 3D printers and produce designs using CAD (computer-aided design) software before they can walk away with something they’ve made.

Haines said the goal was to improve cognitive learning and knowledge of emerging technologies.

Despite the majority of work produced for personal use, medics have printed training aids and RAEME (Royal Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers) instructors have made miniature working gear sets to help trainees visualise gearboxes.

Regular MakerSpace user and Army School of Logistic Operations instructor Sergeant Steven Richardson used the space’s 3D printers to create terrain for Latchford’s wargaming simulation centre.

“There’s a lot of design, problem-solving, creativity skills being developed,” he said.

“In future, there’s going to be more 3D printing of stuff as it becomes more commercially available.

“You can buy 3D-printed stuff off the shelves now. I can see it being in the wider Army more and more. So it’s handy to pick up those skills.”

While users prefer 3D printing because it’s easy to learn, the space also includes more complex tools such as a CNC (computer numerical control) router and laser cutter for computer-controlled object shaping.

Popular activities include creating items to hold hats and laser engraving corps badges on metal drink bottles.

“You’ll get a run on things. Someone will do something and then everyone else will say ‘I want that’; then everyone’s tripping over themselves to do something like printing on T-shirts,” Haines said.

The space is also open for a few hours after work, and Haines said it had also served a de facto mental health function, where personnel could relax and work on a project.

“There will be a lightbulb moment. You’ll show them something they’ve been stumbling on, and then bang, they’re right into it,” he said.

“Most of the equipment is quite intuitive. You can jump on and start creating stuff pretty quickly.

“If you get someone in and interested, then they walk out with something – they’re pretty happy.”

There will also be challenges undertaken, including who can print something the fastest with the most detail or who can convert a mousetrap into a car to go the furthest distance.

The Latchford MakerSpace is open to all military personnel from the surrounding area. It is one of the most popular sites and has a third of total users across the MakerSpace sites.

Earlier this year, a team of engineers from the US Consortium for Advanced Manufacturing Research and Education loaded their 3D hybrid-metal printer onboard the San Antonio Class amphibious transport dock, USS Somerset, as part of the experimentation sector of Exercise Rim of the Pacific 2024.

During the exercise in July, a critical component of the reverse osmosis pump, which generates clean water for the crew, shattered and was replaced by the onboard 3D printer.

“What we didn’t expect was that we would have the opportunity to directly help ship readiness so soon,” said Lieutenant Charles Wallace, a mechanical engineer from the Naval Postgraduate School and one of the team members onboard.

“Especially for something as mission-essential as a reverse osmosis pump, where if you run out of water, you’re going to be coming home pretty quick.

“The benefit of a system like this is that you’re able to computerise, send the code, then once you’ve printed something, it becomes replicable.”

In April this year, the amphibious transport dock, USS San Diego (LPD 22), piloted a liquid metal jetting additive manufacturing process fielded by the CAMRE team, operationally showcasing this novel technology’s capabilities at sea.

(Source: Defence Connect)

13 Aug 24. NanoGraf, the U.S.-based battery maker and materials company creating stronger, lighter, longer-lasting lithium-ion batteries with increased power density and efficiency, today announced it has delivered its silicon anode batteries to Thales Defense & Security, Inc., a leading global aerospace and defense technology contractor, for hand-held radios for the U.S. military.

12 Aug 24. BlueQubit and Quantum Art Receive BIRD Foundation Grant for Quantum Computing Innovation with a $2.2m Budget. BlueQubit Inc. and Quantum Art Ltd. have been awarded a grant from the Israel-U.S. Binational Industrial Research and Development (BIRD) Foundation to develop and optimize quantum machine learning algorithms and quantum processor configuration methods.

The project is one of six approved by the BIRD Foundation, with a budget of $2.2m over two years for quantum computing innovation.

BlueQubit, a California-based quantum computing company specializing in quantum software simulations, and Quantum Art, an Israeli company developing scalable quantum computers based on trapped ion qubits, aim to create innovative algorithms and optimize quantum processor configurations, potentially accelerating advancements in finance, pharmaceuticals, image analysis, and security.

Hrant Gharibyan, CEO of BlueQubit, commented: “This collaboration, supported by the BIRD Foundation, offers a unique opportunity to advance quantum machine learning through the synergy of software and hardware co-design. By aligning our quantum algorithms with Quantum Art’s scalable hardware, we can address key challenges and make quantum technology accessible to enterprise users.”

Tal David, CEO of Quantum Art, added: “The biggest challenges in quantum computing today are scaling up the technology and optimizing quantum algorithms for wide commercial viability. This BIRD project tackles both in a focused and synergetic program. The combination of BlueQubit’s quantum machine learning algorithms, tailored for Quantum Art’s innovative architecture, drives us towards Quantum Advantage.”

This U.S.-Israeli partnership exemplifies the BIRD Foundation’s mission to foster collaboration between companies driving technological innovation and economic growth, aligning with the growing global interest in this transformative technology.

About BlueQubit

BlueQubit Inc. is a leader in managed quantum computing simulations. BlueQubit offers a Quantum Software as a Service (QSaaS) platform, enabling enterprise, defense, and academic customers to implement gate-based quantum algorithms on any hardware. BlueQubit provides access to the latest QPUs and emulators, including NVIDIA GPU Emulators and QPUs from IBM, QuEra, and Quantinuum. www.bluequbit.io

About Quantum Art

Quantum Art Ltd. develops highly parallelized reconfigurable multi-core quantum computers for leading organizations in industry, government, and academia. This approach to scale-up enables handling high computational complexity problems with modest quantum resources, shortening the path to Quantum Advantage. www.quantum-art.tech

About the BIRD Foundation

The BIRD Foundation funds and facilitates cooperation between U.S. and Israeli companies across a wide range of technology sectors. The Foundation supports projects without taking any equity or intellectual property rights. BIRD funding is repaid through royalties from sales of products that were commercialized with BIRD support.

(Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

09 Aug 24. Elma Electronic to Present Emerging VNX+ Technology and Its Implications for SOSA at 2024 GVSETS Symposium

Highlights

SOSA VNX+ Presentation 8/13 @ 4:00 pm; MOSA Technical Sessions, Legacy Ballroom
Several deployable system platform solutions on display at Booth #337
GVSETS 2024: Digitizing the Army to Enable Formations Today and Tomorrow

At GVSETS 2024 this month, Elma Electronic (Booth #337) is set to present during the MOSA Technical Sessions as well as showcase leading deployable rugged platforms designed for ground vehicles and land operations.

On Tuesday, August 13th at 4 pm in the Legacy Ballroom, Mark Littlefield, Elma’s Director System Products, presented “SOSA VNX+: Small Form Factor for Ground Vehicle Applications”.

Littlefield will examine how the Technical Standard for SOSA Reference Architecture, Edition 2.0, Version 2 expanded its coverage of VNX+ to facilitate the development of SOSA aligned plug-in modules and backplanes using this new form factor. VNX+ is an emerging VITA small form factor computing standard designed to serve severely SWaP-constrained high-performance sensor processing applications.

At Booth #337, Elma will have a combination of its SOSA aligned and AI-based rugged, deployable system solutions that facilitate military ground vehicle technology applications:

Elma’s new SOSA aligned CMOSS Modular Form Factor (CMFF) field-deployable chassis, with a tray compliant with the Standard A-Kit Envelope (SAVE), includes a 7 slot 3U VPX backplane, chassis manager, and VITA 62 plug-in power supply• Specifically designed for deployable applications requiring alignment with the SOSA Technical Standard, the ATR-3600S is a six-slot, rugged, short 1/2 ATR chassis that accepts 3U plug-in cards (PICs) as well as a VITA 62 power supply
The NVIDIA-based JetSys-5330 is a rugged AI platform that delivers up to 275 TOPS and is coupled with numerous expansion sites for custom I/O and storage requirements, making it an ideal platform for rugged, deployed deep learning applications at the edge

Ken Grob, Director of Embedded Technologies at Elma, noted “GVSETS is designed to address the capability gaps that are growing in scope and complexity for current and future military conflicts. By having Mark explore the developing VNX+ architecture in his presentation as well as offering several deployable system platforms at Elma’s booth, we’re sharing knowledge and resources that will ultimately help the warfighter.”

In its 16th year, the Ground Vehicle Systems Engineering & Technology Symposium (GVSETS) & Modernization Update brings together scientists and engineers from government, academia and industry to focus on technical areas that can support future formations and the digitization of the current and future Army to enhance warfighter capabilities.

09 Aug 24. Babcock showcases immersive training platform to emergency services. Babcock has demonstrated our latest training technology and capability to the UK’s emergency services, including the Babcock Immersive Training Experience (BITE).

BITE is a new interactive and immersive training platform designed to rapidly prepare military and civil resilience teams to face the most demanding environments. Replicating the physical, sensory and cognitive challenges of operating in an urban environment, it bridges the gap between a sterile classroom and active operations, creating a fast-learning environment.

Fire, police and ambulance services from across the UK, as well as the emergency services membership bodies, visited our site in Ruislip, London to understand how BITE can train multi-agency responders in a range of scenarios, with its ability to adapt to any real operational environment to incorporate a range of training needs.

For the BITE demonstration, we created a scenario involving an electric vehicle which had caught fire in a tunnel – an impactive and challenging incident which would typically draw a multi-agency response. A variety of role players who would be involved in a multi-agency response were represented in the scenario to enhance realism and create an impactful experience.

BITE captures a variety of data, enabling rapid analysis and insights which helps trainees improve their response in a safe and controlled environment.

Jo Rayson, Managing Director of Babcock’s training business, said: “BITE is an adaptable and versatile training platform which recreates an authentic, immersive experience to rapidly train personnel in a safe and controlled environment to be ready for any situation.

“Since unveiling BITE earlier this year, we’ve held a series of demonstrations for defence customers – and BITE’s versatility and adaptability also makes it ideal for those working in the emergency services.”

12 Aug 24. Mobix Labs Launches New Family of Filtered D-Sub Connectors for Defense, Aerospace, Medical, and Commercial Applications.

MPC/MCD Series Connectors Provide Superior EMI Filtering in Demanding Environments. Mobix Labs Inc. (Nasdaq: MOBX), a leader in advanced connectivity solutions, today introduced a new family of filtered D-sub connectors designed to eliminate unwanted electromagnetic interference (EMI) in defense, aerospace, medical, and commercial applications. These connectors feature robust construction and superior EMI filtering capabilities, ensuring optimal performance and reliability in the most demanding environments.

Mobix Labs’ filtered D-sub connectors provide a practical solution for integrating EMI suppression with data connectivity, making them essential in environments where signal integrity and interference reduction are paramount. By integrating filtering components directly into the connector, these products help maintain the integrity of transmitted signals and eliminate the need for separate filtering devices. This integration saves space and reduces costs, making these connectors more efficient. The new filtered D-sub connectors come in various pin configurations, accommodating different data transmission needs, and maintain the standard D-sub interface for easy compatibility with existing systems.

“Our new filtered D-sub connectors are engineered to meet the stringent requirements of today’s high-performance applications across multiple industries,” said Bob Ydens, General Manager of EM Filters at Mobix Labs. “With advanced EMI filtering options and customizable designs, these connectors provide exceptional signal integrity and resilience, supporting our commitment to innovation and quality in connectivity solutions.”

Filtered D-Sub Connector Features

Advanced filtering options: Available with planar arrays, ceramic (Pi) tubes, or chip capacitors to ensure optimal signal integrity.
High insertion loss: Achieves insertion loss of 70-80 dB for Pi filters and 50-60 dB for C filters, ideal for minimizing resonance in high-demand environments.
Customizable designs: Tailored to meet specific requirements of defense, aerospace, medical, and commercial applications.
Robust construction: Nickel-plated steel shell with nickel-plated aluminum backshell and copper alloy nickel-gold plated contacts for maximum durability and reliability.
High current rating: Rated at 5 amps with a maximum contact resistance of 10 milliohms.
Versatile mounting options: Available with 4-40 threaded nuts and/or board locks; also offered in high-density D-sub connector configurations.
Capacitance values: 200 pF Pi, 1,000 pF Pi, 2,500 pF Pi, 4,000 pF Pi, 100 pF C, 500 pF C, 1,200 pF C, and 2,000 pF C.

New MPC/MCD Series Product Lineup

The new filtered D-sub connectors are available in Pi Filter (MPD) and C Filter (MCD) configurations to meet diverse application needs:

MPDXFSQ MPD/MCD Series – Female with square post terminations
MPDXFP MPD/MCD Series – Female with PC tail terminations
MPDXFS MPD/MCD Series – Female with solder cup terminations
MPDXMSQ MPD/MCD Series – Male with square post terminations
MPDXMP MPD/MCD Series – Male with PC tail terminations
MPDXMS MPD/MCD Series – Male with solder cup terminations

Availability

Mobix Labs’ filtered D-sub connectors are available for customization to meet specific application compliance requirements. For additional information and inquiries, please contact our sales team at .

About Mobix Labs

Based in Irvine, California, Mobix Labs is a fabless semiconductor company delivering advanced wireless and wired connectivity, RF, switching and filtering technologies for next-generation communication systems. Our solutions support aerospace, defense, 5G, medical, industrial and other high-reliability markets. We specialize in electromagnetic interference (EMI) solutions for secure aerospace GPS systems, optical cables for high-speed interconnect and AI datacenters, mmWave radar and imaging for commercial applications, ensuring high performance and reliability in demanding applications. Visit mobixlabs.com (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

Oxley Group Ltd

https://oxleydevelopments.cmail20.com/t/t-l-cdhkulk-yujhutkljd-r/

https://oxleydevelopments.cmail20.com/t/t-l-cdhkulk-yujhutkljd-y/

Contact Marcus Goad on 07850 917 263 for more information or to arrange samples.

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NEW TECHNOLOGIES, NAVIGATION SYSTEMS, AVIONICS AND SOFTWARE

August 9, 2024 by

Sponsored By Oxley Developments

www.oxleygroup.com

08 Aug 24. Epsilor Electric Fuel Ltd., a recognized developer and manufacturer of smart Li-Ion batteries and chargers, announces the launch of its cutting-edge Military High Voltage Battery System. Based on Epsilor’s NATO standard 6T batteries, stacking up to 1,000V.

The new battery system will be presented at the Ground Vehicle Systems Engineering & Technology Symposium (GVSETS) in Novi, Michigan, from August 13-15, 2024.Epsilor will be participating at GVSETS alongside its US affiliate, UEC Electronics (booth #637)

Epsilor’s COMBATT 6T Li-Ion battery, has an unprecedented capacity of 175Ah/4,400Wh. Epsilor’s COMBATT 6T batteries are currently undergoing rigorous US ARMY standardization tests (MIL-PRF-32565C).

In addition, Epsilor will introduce its new NATO standard 6T battery for defense vehicles. Named COMBATT ELI-52526-GM, this new battery boasts an unmatched energy capacity of 4,400Wh/175Ah, setting a new benchmark in the industry.

High Voltage Tactical Battery Solution

Epsilor’s new high-voltage tactical battery solution, based on its standard 6T modules, addresses the growing demand for power in deployable high-power defense systems and forward operating bases (FOB), as well as in hybrid and electric defense vehicles. This innovative approach leverages standard 6T batteries connected in series to build up high voltage, and in parallel, to achieve higher capacity. The connected battery strings are controlled by a joint high Voltage Battery Management System (BMS), which monitors and controls the BMS of each individual 6T battery.

COMBATT ELI-52526-GM 6T NATO Battery

Designed according to the US ARMY Standard MIL-PRF-32565C, the new COMBATT 6T battery stores 4,400Wh of energy (25.2V/175Ah) storing six times more energy than traditional Lead Acid batteries of similar weight, and 50% more than any other 6T Li-Ion competitor.

Epsilor’s new battery is an international version of a US ARMY designated product, which is undergoing rigorous testing for the US Army Ground Vehicle Systems Center (GVSC), according to the MIL-PRF-32565C standards. These tests include bullet penetration, extreme temperature performance (up to 500 degrees Celsius), and long cycle life, ensuring reliability in the most demanding military environments. Both versions are designed to support defense vehicles, tactical energy storage applications and ground military robotics.

“Our new 6T products have overcome significant challenges,” said Ronen Badichi, President and GM of Epsilor. “We’ve tackled safety concerns typical to Li-Ion batteries with a robust mechanical solution and filled the void of standard high-voltage batteries for defense applications. By integrating standard 6T batteries into a high-voltage solution, we provide our customers with air-transportable, certified, and versatile energy storage systems”, Badichi added. (Source: PR Newswire)

08 Aug 24. MicroStrain by HBK Launches Embeddable Inertial Navigation System. MicroStrain by HBK has launched the 3DM-CV7-INS, a tactical-grade embeddable inertial navigation system (INS) – a solution that balances power and flexibility.

In the world of inertial navigation, flexibility is paramount. No two systems operate the same: a drone may focus primarily on stability, while an autonomous robot may need precision localization capabilities. With the 3DM-CV7-INS, flexibility does not come at the expense of performance.

The 3DM-CV7-INS allows for optimum performance in every application, as it’s able to accept many external aiding measurements into a tactical-grade INS, with the full functionality of a GNSS/INS in an 8-gram package.

Key features include:

Flexible, Adaptive Full Navigation EKF designed for demanding navigation applications
4 independent, configurable external aiding frames for simplified external aiding sensor input
Multiple external aiding measurements for improved GNSS-denied event performance
High-rate GNSS input for improved low speed position accuracy
Tactical grade IMU (1.5°/hr gyro bias instability)
Fully calibrated over entire Industrial temperature range
Compact and low-profile package weighing only 8.3 grams

The ability of the INS to accept both NMEA and MIP aiding inputs gives control and flexibility back to the user: MIP-aiding enhances accuracy and reduces drift, making it the ideal choice for applications where precision is paramount, with NMEA-aiding offering a quick, full PVA solution for those looking to expedite development and improve speed to market.

For more information on this new INS solution, please visit: MicroStrain 3DM-CV7-INS | MicroStrain by HBK

About HBK – Hottinger Brüel & Kjær

Hottinger Brüel & Kjær (HBK)’s testing and measurement solutions give engineers around the world the accurate, up-to-date data they need to bring higher-quality products to market faster.

HBK bridges the physical and virtual worlds with robust, flexible hardware and precise, powerful analytics software. Giving design, test, and measurement engineers complete confidence in every reading and every data-driven decision – across the entire product development lifecycle.

Backed by decades of experience and deep expertise, HBK’s sensors and software transform testing and measurement in a huge range of use cases, from building more aerodynamic aircraft to testing the safety of automotive vehicles, and monitoring assets throughout their production cycle.

HBK empower the innovators by providing exceptional sensing and insights to help create solutions for a cleaner, healthier and more productive world. For more information, please visit www.hbkworld.com

07 Aug 24. Chinese Special Forces Showcase Advanced Gadgets in Training Exercise. Chinese State TV has released footage of China’s special forces conducting a training exercise. In celebration of the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) 97th anniversary, Chinese state television aired footage of a special forces training exercise showcasing an array of new gadgets. The exercise, held at the Nanchang Infantry Academy in Jiangxi, featured the Jiaolong Commandos, an amphibious unit of the Chinese navy. The demonstration showed the incorporation of new technology, including electric skateboards, jet surfboards, and bird-shaped drones, in military operations.

During the televised exercise, commandos were seen riding jet-powered surfboards across a garden lake, supposedly simulating a high-speed approach in a potential hostage rescue scenario. The use of electric skateboards by soldiers armed with assault rifles added a futuristic element to their movement through a paved road.

The PLA also showcased the deployment of a winged drone resembling a sparrow, which was launched by one of the commandos. Additionally, a larger drone designed to look like an eagle was shown being launched while the operator rode an electric skateboard.

The exercise also included commandos using handheld drones equipped with small propellers. One such drone was directed into a wall where it detonated. The commandos then performed an explosive breach on a plywood structure, retrieved a dummy representing a hostage, and evacuated the area in a pickup truck.

Further demonstrations included the use of a jetpack, similar to those tested by the UK’s Royal Marines, and various surveillance drones. A quadcopter drone was shown conducting reconnaissance, while a remote-controlled drone executed a strike on a paper target.

While these personal electric vehicles and drones are not yet widely used by major militaries, their presence in the PLA’s exercise reflects a growing interest in versatile, low-cost technology for combat and reconnaissance purposes. This trend is not unique to China; for instance, Russian forces in Ukraine have reportedly used electric scooters for silent movement, and pro-Russian militias in the Donbas region have employed motorcycles to avoid detection by drones. (Source: https://www.sofx.com/)

08 Aug 24. Anduril unveils new ‘Arsenal’ factory in bid to scale up weapons production. Anduril will “focus on building what we believe is the sort of supplementary capabilities that we can get quickly and we need to get quickly, which is autonomous systems and weapons of all classes,” said Chief Strategy Officer Chris Brose.

Defense startup Anduril Industries today announced plans to open a new factory dubbed “Arsenal” that a senior company official said will boost the firm’s autonomous weapons output dramatically, with a focus on systems that can be rapidly manufactured at scale.

Chief Strategy Officer Chris Brose said his firm will never “focus on building exquisite weapons systems,” but will instead “focus on building what we believe is the sort of supplementary capabilities that we can get quickly and we need to get quickly, which is autonomous systems and weapons of all classes.”

Anduril raised about $1.5bn in part to fund the factory endeavor, which the company plans to be software-defined to establish common interfaces and standards across disparate systems so that they can be more easily adapted, Brose told reporters ahead of the announcement. He added that the company is further aiming to simplify manufacturing to attract more workers.

Anduril is still evaluating sites to place the factory, called Arsenal-1, but Brose said it’ll be in the United States. The factory represents an investment of “hundreds of ms” of dollars and is set to house “more than five million square feet of production space that will employ thousands of people,” according to a press release. Eventually, the company hopes the factory will be “fast-followed” by an Arsenal-2 facility, which would share many similarities with it predecessor but could be located either in the US or on the territory of an ally or partner. (Anduril has expanded into Australia, for instance.)

Simply put, Brose said the manufacturing approach consists of building all of Anduril’s products “under one roof” — except for energetics, whose restrictive manufacturing processes required them to be separated. After notching wins against established primes in competitions like the Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program, Anduril’s portfolio now spans the likes of loitering munitions to electronic warfare systems.

When it comes to the Arsenal facility, Brose emphasized the factory “needs to be capable of producing tens of thousands” of larger systems Anduril has successfully competed for, such as CCA or large, undersea drones for the Navy. Brose additionally highlighted the company’s move to consolidate work in one location, as opposed to more traditional methods that can spread manufacturing over several legislative districts to curry favor with lawmakers.

“So what we’re actually saying is, notwithstanding those benefits that we could get through distribution, the benefits that we can achieve from a manufacturing standpoint through consolidation are so much more profound that they outweigh whatever kind of political benefits we might get out of disaggregation of distribution,” he said. (Source: Breaking Defense.com)

06 Aug 24. Ukraine trialling new robotic quadruped on front line. Infantry from the Kurt & Company 28th Mechanized Brigade who are trialling the platform published promotional-style footage and images of the unidentified remote-controlled robotic quadruped on their Telegram channel on 2–5 August.

In the footage the quadruped moves dynamically in the urban and rural environment, jumping, rolling, and moving in undergrowth as well as running alongside a soldier. The robot’s portability was evident as a soldier carried it in one hand with ease. The system is designed to support reconnaissance missions.

Although the name of the system is not detailed, its physical characteristics distinctly resemble those of the Unitree Go2 robotic quadruped, featuring a prominent circular LIDAR (light detection and ranging) and a horizontal strip containing a light and camera at its nose. The platform is developed by Unitree Robotics, a Chinese company.

The Unitree Go2 is a 1.5 kg robotic platform equipped with a 4D LIDAR for obstacle avoidance, a 1,280×720 front camera with a 120° field-of-view, and an 8,000 mAh battery. Controlled wirelessly via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, it can carry various payloads weighing 10 kg in total such as power modules, depth cameras, 3D navigation radar, and a small mechanical arm. Priced at approximately USD2,800, the system also features Chat GPT technology and can reach speeds of up to 18 km/h.

For more information on robotic quadrupeds and countries’ efforts, please seeUK StratCom buys V60 ‘robotic dogs’and

(Source: Janes)

06 Aug 24. Merlin Kicks Off KC-135 Test Flight Campaign with SNC to Progress Autonomous Capabilities for the United States Air Force.

SNC to Progress Autonomous Capabilities for the United States Air Force”

Merlin, the leading developer of safe, autonomous flight technology for fixed-wing aircraft, today announced that together with its partner, global aerospace and defense leader SNC, it recently conducted the first three test flights in Merlin’s ongoing KC-135 Stratotanker test program at the Pittsburgh Air National Guard Base. Starting July 22, Merlin and SNC were granted a temporary military flight release by the United States Air Force (USAF). The team conducted real-time data collection and analysis to inform the Merlin Pilot’s integration design and flight control tuning for military aircraft.

The flights support an ongoing agreement with Air Mobility Command (AMC) and Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC) to design, integrate, test, and demonstrate aspects of the Merlin Pilot on the KC-135. Merlin engineers also joined USAF pilots on data collection flights at MacDill Air Force Base in May 2024. The flights helped the team better understand crew workload drivers for military use cases. Together, these milestones signify Merlin’s progressive system design and integration work to achieve its goal of an in-flight demonstration of the Merlin Pilot in the next year, as well as support broader product alignment to help inform the planned Next Generation Air-Refueling System (NGAS).

“Autonomous capabilities are essential to increasing operational capacity for the USAF and enhancing national security, emphasizing the importance of these data collection flights to properly inform the integration design ahead of flight demonstrations,” said Matt George, CEO and founder, Merlin. “Over the last few months, we’ve achieved important milestones on the KC-135 that allow us to strengthen the relationship between the pilot and the aircraft as well as enhance safety and operational efficiency aboard a vital military aircraft. These are foundational and critical steps that get us closer to advancing and scaling autonomous capabilities across the USAF’s fleet.”

06 Aug 24. Cuashub.com said today that UAV Monitoring and Airspace Management Solutions Introduced. Aerobits, a leading technological company in avionics miniaturization, has recently introduced the DRS-1 Dual-Band Receiver Station and the GS2L Ground Station, which are UAV monitoring and airspace management solutions.

Officially launched in June 2024, the DRS-1 is a high-performance receiver station that provides reliable airspace surveillance capabilities. This dual-band receiver is especially suited for monitoring airport traffic, air traffic management systems, and local airfields. The DRS-1 marks a significant advancement in Aerobits’ ground infrastructure solutions, which are crucial in developing UTM and U-Space systems.

The GS2L Ground Station serves as a powerful Remote ID ground receiver and offers a range of features, including ADS-B/FLARM/UAT or RID reception, Power Over Ethernet (PoE) power supply, weather-resistant design, and easy installation and configuration

The GS2L receiver station offers various configurations, including functioning as an ADS-B/FLARM omnidirectional receiver with BLE/Wi-Fi Remote ID receiver capabilities. This allows it to detect and identify different aircraft types, including drones with Remote ID transmitters. A vital feature of the GS2L is its onboard multi-constellation GNSS sensor, which provides superior positional accuracy for tracking UAVs in monitored airspace.

Aerobits also offers Remote ID transmitters like the idME series, with the idME PRO being an advanced Remote ID device for UAVs. This device supports dual-technology broadcasting, making it versatile for drone identification and tracking. The idME PRO is FAA and EASA-approved, allowing it to be used in the United States and European Union markets.

Remote ID ground receivers, such as the DRS and GS2L, enhance airspace safety by detecting and processing Remote ID signals from UAVs equipped with Aerobits idME series or other modules that use BLE and Wi-Fi technologies. Aerobits has demonstrated the effectiveness of their solutions with range tests, achieving nearly 16 km using the idME PRO transmitter and GS2L ground station, a notable result given the use of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi technology.

The GS2L’s ability to receive and process these signals makes it essential for airspace monitoring and management. Aerobits’ DRS and GS2L solutions significantly advance ground-based Remote ID receiver technology. By offering subsystems for UAV integration and specializing in air traffic control systems, Aerobits positions itself as a key player in U-Space development. Their solutions, including the DRS-1 and idME PRO, address current UAV autonomy limitations and facilitate the transition to more autonomous operations, providing a complete infrastructure for monitoring and managing drone fleets.

https://cuashub.com/en/content/uav-monitoring-and-airspace-management-solutions-introduced/?utm_campaign=C-UAS%20Hub%20General&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8YMcapxOELXt3DD34QvDownhkw4T0NBkLW30fpXj5IQZdUsR7rlMkIaoRO00WtJzVJc_v3HNE0ZHPblkqYT7kYfW5lxuQFrWAOu3ITBY3rJPmKDGI&_hsmi=318884599&utm_content=318884599&utm_source=hs_email (Source: https://cuashub.com/)

05 Aug 24. Delivering Janes data into SitaWare Insight. Following on from a memorandum of understanding signed in September 2023, Janes and Systematic have now signed a further agreement to help with the integration of Janes’ data into Systematic’s SitaWare Insight intelligence and decision support tool.

SitaWare Insight is now able to receive data from Janes’ Intara Foundational Data via an application programming interface (API), giving users access to critical equipment data and information within the SitaWare Insight interface. Janes’ Intara Foundational Data is searchable when loaded into the Data Lake in SitaWare Insight. As a result, users of SitaWare Insight can now benefit from a fully integrated intelligence workflow on a single screen.

“With data being recognised as a key enabler in the modern battlespace, the ability for intelligence teams and military planning staff to rapidly obtain critical data on the capabilities of their own forces and the enemy’s can help to reduce risks and lead to greater success on the battlefield. The combination of SitaWare Insight with Janes’ data will enable more militaries to take advantage of the data they can access,” Henrik Sommer, Director, Defence Operations at Systematic said.

“As SitaWare is being increasingly deployed across major national militaries and international alliances, such as NATO and the Five Eyes alliance, the more demand there is for digitalisation of the battlespace – from blue-force tracking, to planning and distribution of orders, and to intelligence collection, collation, and dissemination. The addition of a new information source to SitaWare Insight’s data lake demonstrates the platform’s abilities to take data from a wide range of sources, process them, and turn them into actionable intelligence that can be acted on to support the warfighter from the tactical edge to the highest echelons,” Sommer added.

“The excellent progress we have made with the integration of Janes foundational open-source data into SitaWare Insight in our initial release is a key milestone for Janes,” said Leendert Van Bochoven, Chief Commercial Officer, Janes. He went onto say, “We believe that this development will be of great benefit to our joint customers, providing deeper intelligence on the battlefield. As our partnership evolves, we are committed to delivering greater integration for our customers to achieve intelligence advantage from headquarters to the battlespace.”

The development of the API serves as a starting point for further integration of additional Janes data in the future to increase the understanding and assessment of the battlefield.

Systematic’s SitaWare suite allows the seamless integration of a wide range of C4ISR data and intelligence to deliver a comprehensive common operational picture to battlefield commanders – from those in a headquarters or joint operations centre, to vehicle-mounted troops and units on the ground. SitaWare Insight is a complete repository of data used to support military headquarters and intelligence units with their operations in the intelligence cycle, providing an integrated digitised solution to ensure that all the data available on the battlefield can be utilised by commanders and planners to make informed decisions. In combination with the SitaWare suite, equipment data can be easily shared across the battlefield, allowing for rapid threat analysis and assessment to be undertaken by commanders at all levels.

Trusted by over 50 countries, SitaWare is used by a variety of nations and organisations, including NATO, the US Army, the British Army, Australian Army, German Bundeswehr, Danish armed forces, Swiss Armed Forces, Defence Forces Ireland, Italy, and more.

05 Aug 24. Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, announced today the United States Army has approved the Milestone B decision for the Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA), marking the beginning of the weapon system’s Program of Record (PoR).

“This achievement marks a historic moment for both the U.S. Army and Bell,” said Ryan Ehinger, Bell’s Senior Vice President and Program Director, FLRAA program. “Now that the program has Milestone B approval, the course is set for delivering transformational capability to the warfighter. The FLRAA team remains laser-focused on working in tandem with the U.S. Army to execute the next phase of Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD).”

The Milestone B decision is a part of the Major Capability Acquisition process and comes after years of the Bell team working alongside the U.S. Army and Bell’s FLRAA teammates to decompose requirements, reduce risk and inform the weapon system acquisition. This includes the execution of the Preliminary Design Review (PDR) ensuring integration and effectiveness of the aircraft’s design including weapon system design, sustainment and system integrations that are integral to the U.S. Army’s special mission requirements.

“This significant milestone is made possible by the years of hard work and sacrifice by Team FLRAA and our teammates throughout the Army and the Department of Defense,” said COL Jeffrey Poquette, FLRAA Project Manager. “We are poised to deliver a truly transformational aircraft for the Army. The hard work continues into the Engineering and Manufacturing Development Phase where we will design, build and test FLRAA prototypes. It is certainly an exciting time for the program.”

Following the U.S. Army’s FLRAA contract award in December 2022, Bell established several new state-of-the-art facilities and established several new innovative manufacturing processes to drive cost, schedule and performance to support the program’s execution. As Bell and the FLRAA team enter into the EMD phase, Bell’s focus will be on continued design maturation and prototyping.

The U.S. Army’s new long-range assault aircraft will fly twice as far and twice as fast as the current fleet. By utilizing mature tiltrotor technology coupled with an innovative digital engineering approach and an open architecture, it will be the most reliable, affordable and high-performing long-range assault aircraft in the world.

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02 Aug 24. NATS Services and Altitude Angel Deployed Arrow Towers ‘Behind the Scenes’ at Farnborough Airshow.

A new “Detect and Avoid” (DAA) platform which identifies and tracks drones and other aircraft, brought another dimension of safety and security to last week’s Farnborough International Airshow.

The Arrow ground-based DAA, deployed in partnership by NATS Services, the commercial arm of the UK’s leading air traffic services company and Altitude Angel, a trusted UTM (Unified Traffic Management) technology provider, continuously monitored the airspace, notably aircraft operating at lower levels.

Lower-level traffic can be difficult to track using traditional radar systems, and Arrow has been developed by Altitude Angel to ensure safety of all users by detecting authorised and unauthorised traffic – including drones. It is making ‘flying under the radar’ a thing of the past.

Authorities at the show had real-time access to the data gathered by the Arrow towers; NATS and Altitude Angel were able to demonstrate the capability of the technology.

Richard Ellis, NATS Head of New Airspace Users, said:

“A pop up service like this one is a great example of how safety can be achieved in very complex environments where non-cooperative drone activity can have a real impact on an airshow. It’s a privilege to be able to demonstrate the capability of the Arrow technology with the authorities at a premier event such as Farnborough Airshow.”

Richard Parker, CEO of Altitude Angel , added: “Working alongside Farnborough International and NATS Services over the course of a very busy airshow is great validation of the performance – and range – of the sensor and software technologies we’ve developed. The Airshow is a very busy airspace environment, attended by crowds of hundreds of thousands; our Arrow towers, deployed in just a matter of hours, demonstrated an ability to provide vital intelligence to the authorities, a service that can help to safeguard very complex events.”

The Arrow capability, deployed in the Airshow grounds, collected data from a deployment of road-towable mast-based sensors to create a view of lower-level airspace within Farnborough Airport’s flight restricted zone (FRZ) and beyond. The infrastructure was completely self-sufficient, including generation of its own (solar) power and a private communications network, only requiring minimal space from the Airshow organisers. This picture included real-time visibility of non-electronically conspicuous aircraft and drones, those which don’t carry traditional transponders, fused into a single airspace picture.

Alex Culley, NATS GM Farnborough Airport, said: “Our focus during the airshow is to ensure a safe event for visitors and participants and minimal disruption to our neighbouring airspace users. We need a robust and comprehensive view of all traffic moving in and out of the airshow and new technology solutions can help enhance safety, security, and operational efficiency within the airspace.” (Source: UAS VISION/NATS)

01 Aug 24. Canada Advances Drone Traffic Management with Phase 2 Trials.

A consortium led by AeroVision Canada, Inc., along with principal partners ANRA Technologies and ClearSky Connect, has been selected by Transport Canada, the Canadian aviation authority, and NAV CANADA (the Canadian air navigation service provider) to deliver a Phase 2 trial of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems Traffic Management (RTM).

The first phase of RTM trials concluded in 2022 and provided many observations to advance RTM in Canada and inform the aims of future RTM activities. This Phase 2 effort will further refine and evaluate the requirements for RTM services for future commercial operations in a suburban environment.

AeroVision is the project lead and RPAS service provider that will conduct trial operations in the Halifax area with a combination of use cases, including RPAS package delivery while using RTM services.

“We assembled a team that will provide technologies to advance the development of performance and safety assurance requirements identified in the Transport Canada and NAV CANADA Concept of Operations,” said Trevor Bergman, CEO of AeroVision Canada. “Our team will deliver services that are key to establishing an RTM system for Canada, starting in the Halifax region, and has the support of local government.”

This trial aims to prove theoretical concepts for developing an RTM system and provide Transport Canada with the resulting data to inform the performance level requirements for RTM service provisions.

“As advancements in drone technology continue to redefine aviation, air traffic management must also evolve for the safe and successful integration of RPAS into Canadian airspace,” said Ryan Coates, Executive Director of the RPAS Task Force at Transport Canada. “Continued collaboration between industry, the ANSP and government will help us understand the capabilities and limitations of state-of-the-art technologies and provide vital information for developing sound safety rules and regulations.”

“The second phase of trials will offer crucial experiential learning for the development of the Canadian RPAS Traffic Management system, enhancing the safe integration of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems,” said Alan Chapman, co-chair of the Trials Executive Steering Committee (TESC) and Director of RPAS Traffic Management at NAV CANADA. “Integrating third-party services and capabilities with NAV CANADA’s centralized services, will ensure airspace safety while collaboratively advancing new use cases, including those that require Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations,”

ANRA Technologies will be the lead RTM Service Provider (RTSP), leveraging its international experience and ability to integrate its traffic management system with its Flight Information Management Service (rFIMS) for a complete, end-to-end RTM system.

“ANRA was there at the beginning when RPAS traffic management research started in 2015. Today, we are finally seeing the first indications of a move towards commercialization,” said Amit Ganjoo, Founder and CEO of ANRA. “We are proud to be selected as a consortium partner supporting Transport Canada’s and NAV CANADA’s pursuit of RTM.”

ClearSky Connect is a Supplemental Data Service Provider that provides command and control (C2) technology that enables longer-distance flight operations using various technologies.

Other technology providers include OneSky (second RTMSP) and TruWeather for weather services. (Source: UAS VISION/ANRA Technologies(

01 Aug 24. Somewear Labs, the technology company enabling critical communications for defense, public safety, and commercial teams, announced today that it has successfully demonstrated the ability to provide resilient connectivity across heterogeneous autonomous platforms and ensure effective and secure drone operations in complex environments.

In partnership with the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment (OUSD-AS), Air Force Research Lab (AFRL), and industry partners AgEagle, Skydio, Auterion GS, and AX Enterprize, the team successfully conducted flight operations while relying on Somewear’s software-defined network as the communication backbone. Somewear’s network delivers real-time telemetry data for small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) and the operator to the mission command center.

During a three-day event, Somewear Labs demonstrated the future of airspace management for drones to securely operate anywhere in the world. The demonstration tested the integration of Blue UAS with the Collaborative Low-Altitude UAS Integration Effort (CLUE) Uncrewed Traffic Management (UTM) system – which enables the safe, secure, and efficient operations of UAS within the National Airspace System.

As part of a cohesive team effort, AgEagle and Skydio, renowned for their sUAS, utilized third-party ground control hardware and software to manage their drones. Auterion GS, an experienced developer of ground control software, supported the successful integration of Somewear’s Android application in QGC-Gov, a government-owned UAS software. The ground control stations ran Somewear’s Android application in the background, granting access to Somewear’s software-defined network and resilient data flow.

“For third-party drones utilizing Auterion’s software, Somewear’s integration means access to a redundant, interoperable network where diverse systems can effectively communicate and operate. Such collaboration not only elevates operational efficiency but also paves the way for future innovations in unmanned aerial systems,” said Senior Program Manager, Aaron Dahl at Auterion.

Additionally, Somewear Labs’ Node was connected to each ground control station, using SmartRouting, a proprietary networking protocol, to reliably and effectively route data across multiple networks. This allowed both UAS and pilot telemetry data to be sent across the mesh network to a WiFi backhaul and then to the mission command center.

“This collaboration not only marks an advancement in managing unmanned aerial systems but also underscores our commitment to supporting the last mile of JADC2. Our software-defined network is designed to ensure mission-critical data can be shared between warfighters, battlefield assets, and command centers,” said James Kubik, CEO at Somewear Labs. “Our integration framework allows us to integrate with strategic command’s preferred operational platform to extend situational awareness across all echelons of an operation.”

UTM is critical anywhere UAS are operated. Somewear provides a field-tested solution to rapidly deploy a resilient network for heterogeneous drones, securely transmitting critical telemetry data from anywhere in the world. These capabilities empower warfighters and strategic command to confidently recognize and distinguish between trusted UAS and others in the airspace.

01 Aug 24. Anduril Industries, Sumisho Aero-Systems to Demo Diverse Command and Control for the JMSDF.

Anduril Industries and Sumisho Aero-Systems have signed a contract to demonstrate how the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) can leverage Lattice, Anduril’s open and AI-enabled software platform, to integrate and fuse third-party assets and data sources to enhance situational awareness and enable diverse command and control. Throughout this contract, Anduril and Sumisho Aero-Systems will validate Lattice’s ability to provide comprehensive situational awareness and decision advantage at the operational and tactical levels.

“The contract is an important step forward for Anduril in supporting a critical ally of the US and Australia amid an increasingly complex geopolitical environment,” said David Goodrich OAM, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Anduril Australia and Asia Pacific. “We are thrilled to work with JMSDF to demonstrate how Lattice can fuse multiple data sources and platforms to provide information and decision advantage in a complex battlespace. We are proud to announce our first contract with Japan after only 16 months in the market.”

“We are very pleased to sign this contract with Anduril Industries, a company that has earned a reputation for developing defense solutions across the full spectrum of land, sea, air, space, and cyber,” said Hiroshi Ogawa, President and CEO of Sumisho Aero-Systems Corporation.”Through this contract, we will demonstrate the effectiveness of Lattice and will continue to work with Anduril to contribute to Japan’s national security.” (Source: ASD Network)

30 Jul 24. Rolls-Royce’s Small Modular Reactor Design Advances in UK Regulatory Process. Rolls-Royce’s small modular reactor (SMR) design has advanced a significant step closer to becoming a reality. On Tuesday, the UK’s nuclear regulators announced that the 470 megawatts electric (MWe) SMR design had successfully passed the second stage of the generic design assessment (GDA). The milestone, achieved with oversight from the Environment Agency, Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR), and Natural Resources Wales (NRW), marks substantial progress in the race to build Britain’s first mini-nuclear power plant amid increasing competition across Europe.

The generic design assessment (GDA) ensures that new nuclear power stations meet rigorous standards of safety, security, environmental protection, and waste management. Passing this stage allows Rolls-Royce SMR to mitigate project risks and gain regulatory confidence before presenting site-specific proposals.

The second stage of the GDA for Rolls-Royce’s SMR began in April 2023. It is notable as the first project design to clear this stage since the GDA process was initiated. According to the Environment Agency’s statement, Step 2 involved a comprehensive technical assessment, building upon preliminary work from Step 1.

Saffron Price-Finnerty, the Environment Agency’s New Reactors Program Manager, commended the achievement, stating, “We’re pleased to announce that following a great deal of hard work from all parties, we have successfully completed Step 2, the fundamental assessment of the Rolls-Royce SMR design while meeting the company’s program timescales.” Price-Finnerty emphasized that no significant issues were identified and that environmental protection and radioactive waste management remain key focuses for the developing design.

The project now moves to Step 3 of the GDA, which will involve a more detailed assessment and consultations with the public and other stakeholders regarding the design’s acceptability. This step is critical as the UK aims to reach its target of 24 gigawatts of nuclear power by 2050, representing a quarter of the nation’s electricity needs.

Rolls-Royce SMR presents a low-cost, clean energy solution using commercially available technology to deliver fully integrated, factory-built nuclear power plants. The company highlights the scalability of its SMR model, promising further investment in factories using the same design and management systems as demand increases. (Source: https://www.sofx.com/)

31 Jul 24. UAV Navigation-Grupo Oesía’s Autopilot Integrates with JetCat’s Turbines.

The UAV Navigation-Grupo Oesía and JetCat have collaborated to integrate JetCat’s P300 PRO turbine into UAV Navigation-Grupo Oesía’s VECTOR autopilots. This integration allows the autopilots to seamlessly control one of the most widely used turbines in the market, particularly for target drones, also known as the Unmanned Aerial Targets (UAT) segment.

The Spanish autopilot manufacturer has also implemented in-flight automatic engine restart capabilities, allowing target drones to continue their operations in the event of an unexpected engine shutdown.

This achievement was made possible by integrating the Engine Control Units with the VECTOR flight controllers, enabling robust communication via the CAN port and leveraging the autopilot’s extended I/O capabilities. CAN ports play a crucial role in modern aerospace, offering robustness and reliability in data exchange thanks to the CAN bus. This ensures the high-speed transmission of critical engine commands and operational status in real time.

Supported by UAV Navigation-Grupo Oesía’s Visionair Ground Control Station software, the VECTOR family of autopilots can effectively monitor and control the engine, providing real-time monitoring and optimal engine settings, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and mission capabilities.

The new driver development includes restart logic algorithms that enable the autopilot to initiate an automatic turbine restart in case of unexpected engine shutdown during flight. This capability will enable the unmanned aircraft to autonomously continue operations and ensure flight safety.

During the integration works, UAV Navigation-Grupo Oesía engineers conducted extensive ground and flight tests to validate turbine performance and its seamless communication with the autopilot, ensuring clients can effortlessly install and operate turbines in their projects.

The successful integration was facilitated by the effective communication between JetCat and the UAV Navigation-Grupo Oesía team, fostering a productive work environment.

This collaboration underscores UAV Navigation-Grupo Oesía’s commitment to offering compatible, high-quality products that streamline payload selection, ensure operational reliability, and facilitate component and subsystem selection for their client projects. (Source: UAS VISION/UAV Navigation)

30 Jul 24. Update on the Vigilant Aerospace Detect-and-Avoid Project for the Air Force Research Lab. Last October Vigilant Aerospace kicked off a groundbreaking project for the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) to develop a detect-and-avoid (DAA) system for the Air Force’s new long-endurance drone. The company has continued to reach important milestones on the path to bringing FlightHorizon PILOT, our dual-use (i.e. for both civilian and military users) onboard detect-and-avoid product, to the military.

This project is being completed under an SBIR Phase II contract, which is a program designed to fill important capability gaps quickly and to utilize technologies that have a high-impact, near-term implementation path for the military as well as having a potential civilian market.

This project represents a major investment by the US Air Force in the future of UAS (uncrewed aircraft system) operations and airspace safety and recognition of the major role autonomous systems will play in the future of both defense and civilian aviation.

The Mission

According to the public project profile, the objective is to “integrate a mature detect and avoid capability on an existing long-endurance, Group V UAS platform for increased aircraft and pilot-in-the-loop operational awareness that leverages new and evolving C-SWaP sensors and sensor fusion software.”

The project solicitation lists goals including demonstrating the utility of the system to several Air Force missions at different stages of conceptual maturity, supporting future missions and a strong recognition that autonomous flight is here to stay.

“Because the FlightHorizon system was designed by NASA for its aircraft tracking and UAS safety needs and has now been adapted to the commercial market by Vigilant Aerospace, this AFRL opportunity allows us to leverage our existing products and experience, and our major investment in multi-sensor integration and algorithms, to readily fulfill the AFRL project goals and rapidly bring new capabilities to the US Air Force,” said Kraettli L. Epperson, CEO of Vigilant Aerospace.

To accomplish this goal, Vigilant is utilizing its FlightHorizon PILOT product, which is an onboard detect-and-avoid system for drones that is designed to consume sensor data, detect nearby aircraft and provide collision avoidance commands to remote pilots or to the onboard autopilot.

The system provides commands that are compliant with the ACAS X collision avoidance standards from the FAA and can also provide air traffic alerts and situational awareness to remote pilots. It’s an extensible, scalable solution which fills an important gap for a viable, onboard, feature-complete, automatic DAA system.

Concept behind the FlightHorizon PILOT system, which is based on two licensed NASA patents.

Importantly, the product is platform agnostic so it can be installed on a wide variety of both military and civilian aircraft and can utilize a wide variety of radars and other sensors. It is also designed to be compliant with the RTCA DO-365C and DO-366 technical standards, to allow for use on any large UAS in the US.

The ability to correlate tracks from multiple sensors in a smart, compact unit that integrates with multiple autopilots and ground control stations provides the military with flexibility and modularity in the deployment of the system on a variety of potential UAS platforms.

Progress to Date

The company has made significant progress in the development and testing of the FlightHorizon PILOT product:

The FlightHorizon PILOT system has been effectively tested with multiple radars operating simultaneously, allowing it to obtain a wide field of regard for air traffic detection that helps the product to meet industry technical standards for both onboard detect-and-avoid and to support distributed sensor nodes when used on the ground.
Radar frequency channelization has been utilized and tested to demonstrate that multiple radars can be used without interference with each other.
The system has been integrated to multiple ground control stations (GCS), including the popular Ardupilot open-source software and other widely used government and civilian GCS systems.
Vigilant has deployed the software to multiple low space, weight and power (low-SWaP) computers for onboard use, including multiple single-board computers, in an effort to ensure it can be installed on a wide variety of both military and civilian aircraft. This may include both larger military and AAM aircraft and smaller UAS, where space and power are at a premium.
The system is under development to be operated in either a “pilot-in-the-loop” model, where avoidance commands are sent to a remote pilot to be followed, or in a “pilot-on-the-loop” model, where a remote pilot receives alerts about avoidance maneuvers that will be taken automatically by the system and can intervene if needed.

The Military Need for Onboard Detect-and-Avoid

Detect-and-avoid is a critical area of innovation as the Air Force and other branches of the military begin deploying thousands of new autonomous vehicles and aircraft. Simultaneously, the need for onboard DAA for commercial UAS and AAM aircraft continues to grow as the industry scales up.

According to the US Department of Defense, the US military currently operates more than 11,000 UAS in support of both training events and overseas missions. These aircraft range in size from the small RQ-11B Raven to the large RQ/MQ-4 Global Hawk/Triton, which weighs more than 32,000 pounds.

In addition, US military UAS currently do not have direct access to the National Airspace System (NAS). For flights in civilian airspace, the Department of Defense must obtain a Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA) from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to allow UAS to fly pre-coordinated routes across the country between Department of Defense special use airspaces.

Adoption of detect-and-avoid systems like FlightHorizon PILOT for military aircraft can improve collision avoidance, increase autonomy, provide better situational awareness and improve integration to civilian air traffic control, which can allow for faster and easier authorizations and safer transits. In addition, better integration of both large military and civilian UAS into the national airspace can also improve US competitiveness as other nations continue to develop large military and civilian drone and AAM platforms.

“This is an important project in terms of fully integrating FlightHorizon into a wider range of aircraft, which is critical to industry adoption and deployment of this technology in the future. It’s also been a highly successful collaboration, with support from the Small Business Administration (SBA), the Air Force and the Air Force Research Lab,” explained Epperson.

Looking Beyond the SBIR Phase II Project – The Implications of this Project

In addition to serving immediate military needs, development and testing of the FlightHorizon PILOT product can bring much needed capability to the civilian Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) market, which is also growing quickly and requires onboard collision avoidance and DAA as much as military aircraft do.

Regarding civilian AAM, according to the latest forecast from Aviation Week, there are expected to be 2,000 commercial electric vertical-takeoff-and-landing (eVTOL) vehicles in operation by 2030 and steep growth to 33,000 aircraft in operation by 2050 with Archer Aviation alone gearing up to produce 650 aircraft per year at its new California manufacturing facility. Massive technological innovation and rollout of safety systems will be required to support these growth rates and the dramatic changes to the aviation industry landscape.

This project is expected to help fill an important safety gap across multiple user types:

“This project gives Vigilant the insight and expertise necessary to integrate our dual-use product into multiple aircraft systems and ground control stations, improving the availability of this critical safety system not only to multiple users across the military, but also helps to prepare us to meet the anticipated demand from the civilian Advanced Air Mobility industry for this technology,” said Epperson.

30 Jul 24. An Improved Wireless Power Transmission System for Micro Unmanned Aerial Vehicles.

A team of Chinese researchers from the School of Information and Communication Engineering, Hainan University, Haikou, China, has just published a paper on how to improve wireless power transmission system for micro unmanned aerial vehicles.

Abstract

Due to its limited load capacity, the piggybacking of wireless charging systems for micro unmanned aerial vehicles has become a challenging task in the design of micro unmanned aerial vehicles. Therefore, this paper proposes an improved lightweight design method for micro unmanned aerial vehicles to carry a wireless charging system.

The improved system uses an inductor–capacitor–capacitor-parallel (LCC-P) topology compensation network instead of a bilateral inductor–capacitor–capacitor (LCC) topology compensation network to achieve constant current charging (CC) and constant voltage charging (CV). Then the adaptive frequency conversion control is used to realize the automatic conversion from CC charging to CV charging during the charging process.

Compared with the traditional wire- less charging system based on a direct current-direct current converter (DC-DC converter) to achieve CC charging and CV charging, this improved system reduces the total weight of the receiving end of the wireless charging system based on ensuring the charging efficiency, which meets the demand of wireless charging systems carried by micro drone aircraft.

The test results of the constructed physical system coincide with the simulation design results, and the total weight of the receiving end is only 8 g, which verifies the correctness and effectiveness of the improved design scheme.

The full 14-page paper can be accessed herehttps://www.researchgate.net/publication/382326918_An_improved_wireless_power_transmission_system_for_micro_unmanned_aerial_vehicles

(Source: UAS VISION/ResearchGate)

29 Jul 24. Advancing Adaptive Technology for Better Vehicle Control. Aurora Flight Sciences, a Boeing company, is advancing its “Fast Adaptation and Learning for Control Online” (FALCON) control architecture for Phase 1 of DARPA’s Learning Introspective Control (LINC) program. The control architecture enables vehicles, in this case uncrewed surface vessels, to adapt their control laws in real time and maintain safe operation in unpredicted conditions.

Aurora, teamed with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Aerospace Controls Laboratory (ACL) and the MIT Marine Autonomy Laboratory (PavLab), had been testing its adaptive control architecture on 1.5-meter-long, uncrewed surface vessels (USV). Moving into Phase 1 of the LINC program, the team is now testing on a larger, 5-meter-long (16 ft) USV.

The team is focused on testing various simulated scenarios. For example, in a relative station keeping scenario, the adaptive control system works to maintain a consistent location relative to another vessel to allow the delivery of items from one vessel to the next, also known as underway replenishment (UNREP). In each scenario, the USV, with Aurora’s adaptive control technology, must successfully complete the mission while overcoming disturbances such as wind loading, thruster failure, and Venturi effects. The program also aims to improve on-board crane stabilization for safer and more precise crane operations at sea.

by Sensor Type, Platform (VTOL Type, Fixed Wing Type, Hybrid Type), Application (Navigation, Collision Detection & Avoidance, Data Acquisition, Motion Detection, Power Monitoring), End Users and Region

When the control system adapts its control laws in real time, and in unpredicted conditions, the vessel acts more reliably, which builds trust with human operators and improves the performance of the human-machine team. Adaptive control algorithms continuously improve performance and safety, without the long-lead times and system updates of conventional control systems.

As part of Phase 1, the Aurora and MIT team will perform at four DARPA LINC demonstration events, one approximately every six months, beginning later this year. Sandia National Laboratories is supporting the test events for LINC, providing opportunities for collaboration on test definition, metrics, and infrastructure.

“Collaboration between experts at DARPA, Sandia, MIT, and the Navy has propelled development forward,” said Graham Drozeski, chief technology officer at Aurora Flight Sciences. “Together, we are advancing technology that can increase efficiency and safety of operations for land, air, and sea vehicles.”

The team has already begun testing on the Charles River in Boston, Massachusetts in preparation for the first Phase 1 demonstration. Looking farther ahead, the team plans to continue to advance to larger test platforms, such as a 24-ft, manned vessel.

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NEW TECHNOLOGIES, AVIONICS AND SOFTWARE

July 26, 2024 by

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24 Jul 24. The Times Leader on Tempest on Tuesday leaves out one key enabler for the Tempest Project to succeed, the total market for the three participants, the UK, Japan and Italy. These countries alone will never enable the project to become profitable, given that the total number of aircraft required will be less than 1000. This will make an individual airframe price exorbitantly expensive and unaffordable by other potential buyers. The same applies to the European project where an Airbus – Dassault partnership is already wobbling in an area where Dassault routinely takes the lead. From its inception Tempest was a political ‘Post Brexit’ Programme to retain key jobs at the BAE Warton Plant where Typhoon production was ending.

‘The article also does not touch on the fact BAE Systems benefits from its 15% share in the huge and growing F-35 Programme which remain in service long after the 2035 Tempest current In Service Date, which is also in doubt given the complexity of the Programme. In our view, the most likely outcome for Tempest and its partners will be for the technology to be subsumed into the USAF Nextgen fighter, thus giving each country and future partners such as Saudi Arabia, workshare along the current F-35 sales model. The Prime Minister is right not to commit to this project. The latest Tempest full scale model displayed at FIAS is F-111 / F-22 size which takes it into another class of combat aircraft. Is Tempest growing to become more of a Typhoon competitor than an F-35 competitor.

In contrast to the early stage phase of tempest, the F-35 project in UK is as below:

The F-35 today is already sustaining more jobs in the UK than the Tempest programme is promising, and these high-value jobs will be sustained for decades with a production run of 3,000+ aircraft already secured. It’s a fact, supported by evidence, that 25% of all F-35’s built for the global programme is built in Europe. In addition to customers who have already ordered the jet, in Europe opportunities still exist in Romania, Portugal, Spain and Austria and some operators are considering an increase in fleet size, this does not support statements re capability or operational cost.
The German MoD has publicly stated that the combination of F-35 (with its already clear future technology insertion programme) and upgraded Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft has it questioning the need for FCAS in the numbers originally anticipated. You could easily read this across to Tempest / GCAP; this would knock a hole in production run ambitions.
Neither Tornado nor Typhoon have been export successes for the UK, despite many promises during each programme’s earlier years. The programmes did not, as a result, deliver a lengthy, high-volume, production run. We’re hearing the same Tempest message about jobs, exports, and contribution to the economy today on similar ‘jam tomorrow’ basis.

25 Jul 24. Drone Technology for Kinetic Military Use Launched.

Auterion’s all-in-one computer and flight controller, Skynode S, offers swarm control, fully autonomous flight, and delivers impressive accuracy and success rates. Auterion has introduced a new drone technology for kinetic military use offering swarm control and fully autonomous flight.

Skynode S is an all-in-one computer and flight controller offering the first low-cost, NDAA-compliant technology which will integrate with a wide range of commercial and military vehicles.

The software is already proven in combat missions in Ukraine and empowers Ukrainian forces with advanced computer vision to counter and bypass the loss of GPS and radio frequency targeting functions in electronic warfare. According to Auterion, it is also the first to offer swarm control, fully autonomous flight, and delivers unprecedented accuracy and success rates.

Lorenz Meier, Founder and CEO of Auterion, said; “Our technology is transforming the battlefield to help democracies defend themselves. We are proud to contribute to the Ukrainians’ effort with smarter, more accurate, and cost-effective technology that allows them to use drones at an increasingly massive scale to repel the aggressor.”

Auterion’s software is priced comparably to a smartphone and will democratize high-tech combat drones. Additionally, it features a targeting app compatible with regular computers, marking it as a game-changer for both defense and commercial sectors.

(Source: https://www.defenseadvancement.com/)

25 Jul 24. South Korea to develop indigenous fighter engine.

Development of the Hanwha fighter engine will take more than ten years, at which time it will “compete with the GE F414” engine powering various aircraft. South Korea’s Hanwha Aerospace has confirmed its intention to shake up the fighter engine market with its own indigenous unit set to power fifth-generation combat aircraft.

Speaking with Airforce Technology at their stand during the Farnborough International Airshow on 24 July 2024, a senior research engineer detailed the efficient edge that Hanwha’s future engine will provide a range of fighter aircraft.

A project estimated to cost $1bn, Hanwha’s engine will offer a 15,000-pound thrust capability and a reduced radar cross section.

Development alone is anticipated to take more than a decade, however the South Korean aerospace supplier is open to collaboration with other companies interested in developing the future engine.

A Hanwha Aerospace spokesperson confirmed talks are ongoing with the French multinational engine manufacturer, Safran, though this has yet to be decided.

Likewise, Hanwha’s future engine will also compete with the ageing EJ200, a fighter engine built by Rolls-Royce, MTU, Avio and ITP in the late 1980s. It currently powers the Eurofighter Typhoon since the platform’s series production began in 2003.

South Korea’s Hanwha engine to power KF-21

The indigenous engine may also come to power South Korea’s indigenous fighter, the KF-21 Boramae as the future platform is converted to its Block III iteration by the mid-2030s.

South Korean industry gained the rights to produce the F414 engine to power the country’s twin-engine jet as the first protoype units were produced over the past year. F414 is a 22,000-pound thrust class engine, a similar thrust to the future engine.

The KF-21 Boramae, a fighter jet, is expected to play a crucial role in South Korea’s defence strategy. The program signifies a significant investment in the nation’s defence sector with a projected contract allocation of $7.8bn over 2023-2033. Each KF-21 unit is estimated to cost approximately $65m. (Source: airforce-technology.com)

24 Jul 24. The UK’s leading combat air industry partners reveal that manufacturing and assembly of the main aircraft structure is underway on the country’s first crewed combat air demonstrator for a generation.

BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce, MBDA UK and the UK Ministry of Defence are making significant progress developing a piloted supersonic aircraft to test a range of new technologies, including integration of stealth compatible features, with the aircraft set to fly within the next three years.

The UK Government first announced the flying combat air demonstrator in July 2022, and now more than half of the aircraft’s weight, including the fuselage and wings, is in build. This is thanks to the expertise of the UK’s world-class defence industry, combined with the use of innovative digital techniques and transformative processes, including advanced manufacturing technologies, virtual simulators and digital rigs.

The flying demonstrator is providing invaluable data and lessons to UK industry to support the introduction of a new combat aircraft from 2035 – known as Tempest in the UK.

Paul Wilde, Head of Tempest, BAE Systems, said: “The flying technology demonstrator is a vital initiative for developing national skills and advanced technology, ensuring the UK remains a world leader in the design, production, test and certification of combat aircraft. Partnering with around 100 UK suppliers, including our Team Tempest partners, we’re combining engineering expertise with innovative methods to enhance and refresh crucial industrial skills which is so important as we get ready to deliver the Tempest programme.

“The demonstrator is a ground-breaking initiative which will showcase the best of British engineering, supporting apprentices and graduates who learn from our best engineers, keeping the UK at the forefront of defence and aerospace.”

Air Commodore Martin Lowe, Future Combat Air Systems Programme Director for UK Ministry of Defence, said: “The demonstrator is helping us understand more about the advanced technology that is required to deliver a sixth-generation fighter jet. The progress we have made together – MOD and industry – in such a short space of time has been remarkable. A large part of this is down to a new generation of engineering specialists who are using innovative manufacturing solutions to deliver this demonstrator aircraft.”

Experts from BAE Systems are using additive manufacturing processes and technologies, including 3D printing, to develop significant structural parts of the aircraft in less time and at reduced cost. The use of Hot Isostatic Press (HIP) technology, which uses extreme heat and pressure to create a solid metal part in any required shape, reduces the time needed to manufacture parts and creates less material waste.

In Warton, Lancashire, test pilots from BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce and the Royal Air Force (RAF) have now flown more than 215 hours of the demonstrator aircraft in a bespoke simulator, providing crucial evidence to support the design of the aircraft and subsequent flight trials years before its first flight, enabling test pilots to become familiar with flying the aircraft.

BAE Systems’ engineers are also using a range of digital simulators and rigs to test cockpit conditions such as heating, cooling and oxygen supply for a pilot without having to use a physical environmental rig.

MBDA is working with BAE Systems to trial digital weapon integration processes for the demonstrator. The aim of these digital techniques is to prove, through test and evaluation, that they will reduce the time and cost for weapons integration. This collaborative approach at this early stage of the programme is already showing potential benefits.

Rolls-Royce is set to deliver two EJ200 engines for installation into the flying demonstrator aircraft following integration testing last year. The engines, donated by the UK Ministry of Defence, will be delivered to BAE Systems in the next 12 months as this collaborative programme continues to make good progress.

This range of novel technologies will demonstrate and test key elements of the next generation combat air design as well as skills, tools, processes and techniques needed to develop Tempest, which will be delivered through the Global Combat Air Programme, with the UK, Italy and Japan.

23 Jul 24. Curtiss-Wright’s Defense Solutions Division has announced the newest member of its deployable data storage product family, the HSR100 Rackmount supports two 100 gigabit Ethernet (GbE) ports that provides secure data-at-rest (DAR) storage and recording unit. This high-capacity network attached storage (NAS) device is packaged in a 1U rackmount form factor. The HSR100 Rackmount supports both National Security Agency (NSA) Type 1 and Commercial Solutions for Classified (CSfC) two-level encryption. Modern military intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) platforms generate large amounts of highly sensitive data that must be captured and securely stored without impacting performance. System designers must ensure that data capture systems can handle large amounts of data without interruption. The HSR100 takes secure data storage to the next level with GPU technology that accelerates deep learning, graphics and video processing applications at the edge. It enables customers to better analyze and drive new insights from data collected by next generation ISR systems.

”We believe our new network-enabled HSR100 Rackmount NAS device provides the performance and security needed for programs exploring the capabilities of deep learning computing,” said Brian Perry, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions Division. “It uniquely supports two ports of 100 GbE data throughput with options for both CSfC and High Assurance Type 1 encryption. It ensures data security and availability from mission planning to post-mission data analysis and, available with a fast eight-week turnaround, the HSR100 speeds the delivery of an industry-leading secure data storage and recording solution, for system development in a lab or data center or for airborne, ground or naval deployment.”

The HSR100’s advanced encryption technology provides near line-rate recording capabilities supported with over 60TB of high-speed NVME storage. The advanced data storage system provides dual 100 GbE ports via QSFP56 interfaces and four 10 GbE ports via its RJ45 and SFP+ interfaces. It is ideal for storing and protecting critical DAR on deployed air, sea and ground platforms.

The HSR100 can host map data for mission planning and protect operational software and enables the sharing of software in several ways, including network booting and container orchestration. During missions, the HSR100 functions as a secure, network-enabled data repository. Using open standard Ethernet protocols, it seamlessly captures mission log data, sensor data, and flight test data on the platform. Post-mission, data can be easily transferred from the HSR100 server to another network or server.

The HSR100 product sheet is available for download here.

For additional information about Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions products, please visit www.curtisswrightds.com, LinkedIn, and X @CurtissWrightDS.

19 Jul 24. Defense Innovation Delivering Critical Capabilities to Warfighters at Speed and Scale. The Defense Innovation Unit, which stood up in 2015, has proven that it can help solve military problems with commercial technology and make a difference on the battlefield, said, Doug Beck, director of DIU and senior advisor to the defense secretary.

The focus now at DIU is to deliver to the warfighter those most critical solutions at speed and scale to achieve true strategic effect, said Beck, who spoke at the Aspen Security Forum.

To get a firsthand understanding of the warfighters’ needs, DIU personnel are embedding with the geographic combatant commands, U.S. Indo-Pacom Command and U.S. European Command, he said, noting that the Eucom team is helping to bring innovative capability to Ukraine.

To be successful, DIU is also partnering with the department’s true engines of scale — the services — as well as with the critical scaling partners in the Joint Staff and the Office of the Secretary of Defense entities like acquisition, sustainment, research and engineering to transition and integrate capabilities in order to have a material impact on the most pivotal operational plans, the director said, noting that DIU is also increasingly partnering with the international community.

To ensure coordination, synergy and communication among the many innovation hubs across the department, DIU is leading the defense innovation community of entities, he said, adding that the group also seeks ways to knock down barriers that get in the way of bringing in new capabilities, systems and industry partners.

One of the barriers to tackle has to do with culture, such as risk aversion, Beck said. “That takes time to change, and the way you change it is with success.”

Success, he said, is working with the best companies to bring their novel approaches to speed and scale, citing an early example of DIU successfully prototyping and delivering an effective counter-unmanned aerial system to U.S. Special Operations Command which has since adopted that capability at scale. DIU continues to discover C-UAS technology for the department.

Another key to driving meaningful change, is building commercial-fluent contracting officers and dual-fluency talent across the workforce. Today, DIU partners with the Defense Acquisition University to facilitate a competitive, immersive fellowship program to educate and provide top DOD contracting officers with experience on how to effectively acquire emerging commercial technologies from nontraditional companies.

Congress has provided DIU much more flexibility in the way it uses funding that will allow it to not only help companies develop prototypes, but also help with initial fielding of new technologies.

DIU headquarters is located in Mountain View, California, with satellite offices in Austin, Texas; Boston; Chicago and Washington. DIU has undertaken an effort to optimize its regional presence, outreach and programming to further strengthen its integration into the national security innovation base. This includes defense innovation on-ramp hubs that are located in Ohio, Washington state, Hawaii, Arizona and Kansas to access the best technology and talent from around the country, Beck said. (Source: U.S. DoD)

22 Jul 24. GKN Aerospace Launches H2FlyGHT: Pioneering £44M Project for 2 MW Cryogenic Hydrogen-Electric Propulsion.

Scaling up propulsion systems to 2 MW for applicability in larger aircraft
Ground-breaking thermal management technology crucial for enhanced efficiency and scalability of future zero-emission propulsion systems
Collaborative GKN-led project with Parker Meggitt and the Universities of Manchester and Nottingham, supported by the UK Government’s Aerospace Technology Institute

GKN Aerospace has launched H2FlyGHT, a revolutionary £44 m project. This collaborative initiative will develop a 2-megawatt (MW) cryogenic hydrogen-electric propulsion system, setting new standards for the future generation of larger sustainable aircraft.

Building on the successes of the H2GEAR project, H2FlyGHT introduces cutting-edge thermal management solutions to enhance efficiency and performance.

H2FlyGHT is designed to streamline the path to flight testing and certification, meeting customer needs and industry standards. The project will demonstrate an integrated propulsion system at the 2 MW scale including fuel cell power generation, cryogenic power distribution, and advanced cryogenic drive systems.

GKN Aerospace is collaborating with industry and academic partners to achieve the ambitious goals of H2FlyGHT:

Parker Meggitt: Collaborating on thermal management and ‘balance of plant’ for the fuel cell system, ensuring comprehensive system integration and performance.
University of Manchester: Focusing on hyperconducting motor coil design, pushing the boundaries of motor technology.
University of Nottingham: Supporting full motor design and scale-up and cryogenic inverter technology development, essential for developing high-power, efficient propulsion systems.

Russ Dunn, CTO of GKN Aerospace, said: “The H2FlyGHT project marks a pivotal step in our quest to enable aviation’s route to netzero. Building on H2GEAR’s innovations, we are scaling up to 2 MW propulsion system demonstration to maximise the payload and range potential of zero emission flight. Collaborating with our partners, we aim to streamline the path to flight testing and certification, supporting the industry’s move to commercialise sustainable hydrogen platforms by the mid-2030s”

Tracy Rice, VP of technology & innovation for Parker Aerospace, said “H2Flyght is another key building block towards the Hydrogen Aircraft and carbon-free aviation. Together with our partners, leveraging our UK footprint and our great engineering capabilities, we are committed to develop the right technologies to enable net-zero emissions by 2050”

Gary Elliott, Chief Executive of the Aerospace Technology Institute said: “Hydrogen has a strong potential to power the next-generation of sustainable aircraft, and hydrogen fuel cells are a key part of the ATI’s Destination Zero strategy and zero-carbon emission roadmap.

We are pleased to co-fund and support the H2FlyGHT project, led by GKN Aerospace, which builds on other projects in the ATI Programme portfolio, such as HyFive and H2GEAR. H2FlyGHT will accelerate the fuel cell technology to flight readiness and take us an important step closer to realising the vision of hydrogen-powered flight.”

GKN Aerospace is at the leading edge of the aviation industry’s shift towards commercial hydrogen platforms, which are projected to launch in the mid-2030s. The company is actively engaged in multiple major collaborative projects—H2GEAR, HYFIVE and H2FlyGHT—aimed at developing a comprehensive zero-emission hydrogen-electric propulsion system. These initiatives represent a substantial combined investment of approximately £200 m in sustainable technology. By participating in these ground-breaking projects, both within the UK and globally, GKN Aerospace reaffirms its dedication to advancing environmental sustainability and supporting the transition to zero-emission flight.

21 Jul 24. GE Aerospace (NYSE: GE) and the U.S. Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory have reached a new Cooperative Research & Development Agreement (CRADA) on supercomputing, expanding the company’s capabilities to design next-generation aircraft engine technologies like Open Fan.

With the agreement, announced today at Farnborough International Airshow, GE Aerospace and Oak Ridge will collaborate to develop new, state-of-the-art computational modeling and simulation capabilities. Oak Ridge’s expertise will help GE Aerospace better manage large simulations, more efficiently extract information, incorporate cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to improve understanding of results, and streamline the process to visualize the physics.

“Supercomputing and access to Frontier is changing the way we design jet engines, allowing us to solve previously impossible problems. We’re now able to digitally fly components of an Open Fan at full-scale in a simulated environment before the hardware is built,” said Mohamed Ali, senior vice president of engineering for GE Aerospace.

“Our expanded research collaboration through a new cooperative agreement with Oak Ridge National Laboratory will accelerate our engine design and testing, building confidence that Open Fan architecture is the most promising engine technology to help the aviation industry meet its net zero ambitions,” Ali added.

Oak Ridge National Laboratory is home to Frontier, the world’s fastest supercomputer, capable of crunching data at exascale speed, or more than a quintillion calculations per second. It is also renowned for its computing expertise.

“We have some of the world’s most accomplished computer and computational scientists. We are proud to bring them to this research and development agreement with GE Aerospace,” said Gina Tourassi, associate laboratory director for computing and computational sciences at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

To model the aerodynamic and acoustic performance of a full-scale Open Fan engine design, GE Aerospace created computational fluid dynamics software capable of running on Frontier.

After an initial simulation in 2023, GE Aerospace now has run additional simulations of improved designs on Frontier that analyze different engine operating conditions to better understand aerodynamic characteristics and acoustic signatures.

GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines unveiled in 2021 the CFM Revolutionary Innovation for Sustainable Engines (RISE)* program, which encompasses development of a suite of technologies, including advanced engine architectures like the Open Fan, compact core, and hybrid electric systems to be compatible with 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The goal of the RISE Program is to develop technologies that enable a future engine to achieve at least 20% lower fuel consumption and 20% fewer CO2 emissions compared to today’s most efficient commercial engines.

Through the RISE program, CFM International continues to mature the Open Fan engine architecture, which removes the nacelle for greater propulsive efficiency while achieving the same speed and cabin experience commercial aviation passengers can expect from air travel today. GE Aerospace’s use of supercomputing power and software tools are helping engineers understand Open Fan aerodynamic and acoustic physics in new ways. For example, Frontier unlocks the ability to better evaluate new engine technologies at flight scale in the design phase. As a result, GE Aerospace can improve test hardware designs and better optimize engine performance and airframe integration.

GE Aerospace plans to hire more than 900 engineers in 2024, reflecting its continued focus on innovation to support current aircraft engine programs and develop new technologies for the future of flight. View job openings at invent.ge/engineering.

*RISE is a registered trademark of CFM International, a 50-50 joint company between GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines.

22 Jul 24. Next-generation US jet fighter program may get hit by budget woes.

Summary
Next-gen jet fighter program budget of $28.5bn over five years may be spread out or scaled back
Cost overruns in other programs force Air Force to reassess spending priorities
Air Force reconsiders fundamental design elements of next jet

The U.S. Air Force’s ambitious next-generation fighter jet program, envisioned as a revolutionary leap in technology, could become less ambitious as budget pressure, competing priorities and changing goals compel a rethink, defense officials and industry executives said.

Initially conceived as a “family of systems” centered around a sixth-generation fighter jet, the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program is meant to replace the F-22 Raptor and give the United States the most powerful weaponry in the sky well into the mid-21st century.

When it was first proposed, expectations were high, including an unmatched stealth capability to keep it invisible from even the most sophisticated radar, laser weapons and onboard artificial intelligence to process masses of data coming from the latest in sensor technology.

However, sources said the current development budget of $28.5bn over five years ending in 2029 could be spread out over more time or scaled-back as the Pentagon searches for a cost-effective solution.

Sources briefed on the Air Force’s internal budget deliberations said the anticipated 2026 fiscal-year NGAD budget of $3.1bn would be slashed as funding shrinks, with one source adding that diminishing funds could stretch development by two more years.

While it is unclear how much the overall program will cost, it could eventually total well over $100bn if 200 aircraft are produced, including initial costs – plus maintenance and upgrades over time. There are currently 185 F-22s in service – the plane NGAD is meant to replace.

The Air Force is also reviewing the concept for the jet – perhaps moving to a larger single-engine jet, from what is believed to be a two-engine design, or even shifting more funding to a less expensive unmanned drone to best address future air superiority needs given the potential budget cuts, industry experts said.

“NGAD was conceived before a number of things: before the threat became so severe, before CCAs (drone program) were introduced into the equation and before we had some issues with affordability that we are currently facing,” Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall said on Saturday at Britain’s Royal International Air Tattoo, the world’s largest military air show.

“Before we commit to the 2026 budget, we want to be sure we are on the right path,” he added on a program that will be a popular talking point at the Farnborough International Airshow this week.

The shift in focus comes as the Air Force grapples with substantial cost overruns in several vital, and expensive, programs. For example, its Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) program, which is set to replace the aging Minuteman III missiles, has ballooned 81% over budget, to around $141bn.

Budget pressure has forced the Air Force to reassess its spending priorities across various modernization efforts which also include increasing production of the new B-21 bomber made by Northrop Grumman (NOC.N).

U.S. aerospace and defense companies Lockheed Martin (LMT.N) and Boeing (BA.N) have responded to the Air Force’s request for proposal for the NGAD system, sources told Reuters.

While defense firms are not exactly desperate for orders with conflicts in Ukraine and Israel driving already-strong demand, NGAD was one of several potentially giant programs many hoped would feed the bottom line in the years ahead.

An Air Force spokesperson told Reuters the department is currently building its fiscal 2026 budget which will be released early next year. Representatives for Boeing did not return requests for comment. Lockheed would not comment on NGAD.

“The part that seems to be getting stalled and re-evaluated is the air vehicle itself, the central platform,” said J.J. Gertler, a senior analyst at aerospace and defense analysis firm the Teal Group.

“The Air Force is now making sure that that’s what they actually want and possibly changing their mind,” he added.

Possible new configurations might be shifting to a single engine for the jet to save on up-front cost and long-term maintenance. Twin-engine jets are much more expensive to buy and operate, but they are more dependable and faster, therefore more deadly in a dogfight than their single-engine foes.

Another key component emerging from this restructuring is the possibility of shifting funds toward the unmanned fighter drone known as the Collaborative Combat Aircraft initiative.

Development of the less expensive drone platforms, designed to operate alongside the main jet, does not face budget changes. (Source: Reuters)

———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————–

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NEW TECHNOLOGIES, NAVIGATION SYSTEMS, AVIONICS AND SOFTWARE

July 19, 2024 by

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18 Jul 24. DARPA picks UT Austin to house microelectronics manufacturing hub. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and the University of Texas at Austin announced Thursday a $1.4bn, five-year partnership to establish the first U.S. hub for advanced microelectronics manufacturing.

The investment is part of DARPA’s Next-Generation Microelectronics Manufacturing program, or NGMM. The effort will fund the research and equipment to create a domestic center for prototyping cutting-edge fabrication techniques, which DARPA hopes will give the U.S. semiconductor industrial base a leading edge.

Under the agreement, DARPA will provide $840 m, which builds on a $522 m investment from the state of Texas in UT Austin’s Texas Institute for Electronics, which will house the center. The goal is to stand up the new hub by 2029.

“The consortium will leverage partnerships spanning organizations — across the defense industrial base, domestic foundries, vendors and startups, designers and manufacturers, members of academia, and other stakeholders — to achieve a shared vision of national and economic security,” DARPA said in a July 18 statement.

In the past three decades, the U.S. has gone from producing 37% of the global microchip supply to around 12%. Today, Taiwan produces most of the global supply of advanced semiconductors, and China exports a large portion of its microchips to the United States. These chips power everything from cell phones to cars to the F-35 fighter jet.

DARPA has been working to strengthen the domestic microelectronics industrial and research base since the 1980s and more recently has committed nearly $5 bn through its Electronics Resurgence Initiative, or ERI. The effort includes several programs designed to tackle key technological barriers facing commercial industry and national security agencies.

NGMM is part of that work. The new center will focus on 3D heterogeneously integrated microsystems, or 3DHI — an advanced approach to microelectronics fabrication. The premise of 3DHI research is that by integrating and packaging chip components differently, manufacturers could disaggregate functions like memory and processing to significantly improve performance.

“This accessibility to researchers from academia, government, and industry will break down silos and foster an ecosystem that enhances the U.S. competitive advantage,” Whitney Mason, the head of DARPA’s Microsystems Technology Office, said in the statement.

The five-year effort is split into two phases. During Phase 1, the university will establish the center’s foundational capabilities and infrastructure. In Phase 2, the facility will begin manufacturing the 3DHI prototypes and will work with DARPA to fund design challenges.

In a statement, UT Austin said its microelectronics consortium today includes 32 defense and commercial electronics companies and 18 academic institutions.

DARPA’s announcement follows Congress’ 2022 passage of the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors, or CHIPS Act. The measure provided nearly $52bn for near-term efforts to improve microelectronics workforce, research and development, and manufacturing across the United States.

DARPA did not receive CHIPS funding to support the NGMM hub, but Mason noted that its goals are aligned with and bolstered by the initiative.

“We can’t overstate need for constant and unwavering forward momentum in microelectronics capabilities,” she said. “The CHIPS Act’s near-term emphasis can help reinforce NGMM’s work toward realizing the next major wave of microelectronics innovation.” (Source: Defense News)

17 Jul 24. USAF Drone Swarms to Receive Cloudless Model-Sharing Software.

TurbineOne is set to draw on its Frontline Perception System (FPS) software to support the U.S. Air Force’s special operations, focusing on sharing ML models within autonomous drone swarms. Security company TurbineOne is set to draw on its unmanned systems model-sharing technology to support the U.S. Air Force’s special operations.

Selected by AFWERX, TurbineOne will leverage its Frontline Perception System (FPS) software to focus on sharing machine learning (ML) models at the edge, specifically within autonomous drone swarms.

TurbineOne’s Frontline Perception System (FPS) enables users to create, refine, and implement computer-driven recognition algorithms effortlessly, eliminating the need for coding and dependence on cloud services.

The $1m Direct-to-Phase II contract awarded to TurbineOne aims to address the most pressing challenges within the realm of autonomous swarming for the Department of the Air Force (DAF).

With the agreement, TurbineOne will continue to create and provide innovative capabilities to strengthen the national defense of the U.S.

The DAF began offering the Open Topic SBIR/STTR program in 2018, which expanded the range of innovations that the DAF funded.

TurbineOne Co-Founder and CEO, Ian Kalin, commented; “We’re honored that the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) chose our machine learning perception technology to empower their autonomous systems.

“Our technology solves a critical capability gap by seamlessly exchanging information among autonomous drone swarms, even in austere or communication-denied environments. We’re thrilled to be working with Autonomy Prime and continuing our relationship with one of our earliest customers, AFSOC.”

Advancing Military Vehicle Operations in GNSS-Denied Environments

Honeywell has detailed the benefits of its HGuide n580 INS/GNSS navigator integrated with the HRVS, tackling GNSS disruptions and ensuring precise military vehicle navigation in challenging conditions.

(Source: https://www.defenseadvancement.com/)

17 Jul 24. Military operations require precise positioning, especially in environments where GNSS signals are compromised due to jamming, spoofing, or line-of-sight (LOS) obstructions.

Honeywell has developed an innovative solution to address this challenge by integrating its HGuide n580 INS/GNSS navigator with the HRVS (Honeywell Radar Velocity System), designed specifically for land vehicles operating in GNSS-denied environments.

Below, Darren Fisher, Sales Manager for HGuide Inertial Navigation Solutions, provides more details about the HGuide n580 and the HRVS, as well as expanding on their integration.

The HGuide n580 is equipped with Honeywell’s cutting-edge technology, including an HG4930 inertial measurement unit (IMU) and a triple-frequency, multi-GNSS real-time kinematic (RTK) receiver.

Honeywell’s sensor fusion engine combines data from these components to deliver accurate position, velocity, angular rate, linear acceleration, roll, pitch, and heading information in a no-license required package.

The Honeywell Radar Velocity System

Traditional odometry methods often rely on wheel-based sensors, which can be prone to errors from wheel slip or spin and are vulnerable to mechanical issues. The HRVS overcomes these limitations by providing true speed over ground (SOG) data.

Operating on the 77GHz band with low power output, the HRVS remains undetectable by adversaries, offering a discreet yet robust solution that enhances size, weight and power with cost (SWAP-C) efficiency.

The integration of HRVS with the HGuide n580 simplifies installation and makes it versatile for use in both manned and autonomous vehicles. The system does not require OEM-level integration, further enhancing its adaptability.

HRVS & HGuide n580 Testing & Innovation

Extensive testing has demonstrated the effectiveness of this integrated system. In a 13km journey at typical driving speeds, the GNSS-denied HGuide n580 + HRVS solution maintained a position error of less than 0.16% of the distance traveled when compared to a GNSS-enabled reference system.

During the test, GNSS was disabled after 2km to simulate a jamming event. From that point, the system relied on data from the internal HG4930 IMU and HRVS velocity sensor, typically keeping position error below 20m over the remaining 11km without GNSS signal.

This innovative approach ensures continuous operation and provides a reliable alternative when traditional satellite-based navigation methods are unavailable.

While GNSS receiver jamming and spoofing mitigation techniques have improved, they can still be overcome by powerful or swarmed jamming signals and are ineffective in heavily urban or forested areas.

Honeywell’s integration of HRVS with the HGuide n580 offers high accuracy, reliability, and adaptability in challenging environments. The solution is ideal for light military and unmanned platforms that might lose GNSS signal for extended periods.

Honeywell is developing a new iteration of the HRVS sensor capable of measuring velocity at altitudes up to 1km. This advancement will enable similar navigation solutions for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) operating in long-duration GNSS-denied environments, further expanding the technology’s applications in defense and aerospace sectors. (Source: https://www.defenseadvancement.com/)

18 Jul 24. DASA calls for novel innovations in new fast paced competition.

DASA has launched a new £2 m Themed Competition seeking fast paced proposals over four key challenge areas called Innovation in Support of Operations

DASA has launched a new Themed Competition: Innovation in Support of Operations
Funded by the Ministry of Defence
Up to £2m (excluding VAT) funding available for novel ideas
Three competition cycles closing on 10 September, 22 October and 3 December

The Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) is pleased to launch a new Themed Competition called Innovation in Support of Operations. Run on behalf of the Ministry of Defence, this competition seeks fast paced scalable proposals across four key challenge areas.

Background: Can you make a real world difference, fast and at scale?

The UK Government is continually assessing lessons from world events. From these lessons, we seek to rapidly adopt solutions that enhance our military and economic advantage. This competition intends to identify nearly ready solutions and techniques that can be accelerated into scalable and deliverable effect faster than our adversaries.

This rapid, multiple cycle competition will run for three cycles, open continuously from 18 July until 3 December 2024.

Competition key information

Cycle 1 close – 12:00 Midday on 10 September 2024 (BST)
Cycle 2 close – 12:00 Midday on 22 October 2024 (BST)
Cycle 3 close- 12:00 Midday on 3 December 2024 (GMT)
Total funding available for all successful bids in this competition is £2 m (excluding VAT)
Funded proposals are expected to be in the range of £50,000 to £200,000
A number of proposals may be funded

Competition Challenges

Challenge 1: Novel and enhanced scale complex manufacture of materiel

We are looking for new ways to:

improve the capability and performance of materiel
increase volume of materiel
reduce the cost or extend the life of materiel

Challenge 2: Autonomous system navigation and applique options

We are seeking ways to make legacy ground vehicles operate with basic autonomy. We are also seeking new UAS navigation solutions that can interface with industry standard architecture.

Challenge 3: Wide-area sense and detect

We are looking for reduced cost, low probability of intercept, wide-area sense and detect including (but not limited to) air search (including passive) and the function of 3D counter-battery radar.

Challenge 4: Innovative solutions for minefield breaching

We are seeking innovative methods to effect a breach of conventional, deep, extensive and heavily protected minefields quickly, cheaply, and with sufficient regard for personnel protection.

For in depth details of the Competition Challenges, please read the full Competition Document.

Technology Readiness Levels (TRL)

For this competition we are seeking technology output and demonstration at technology readiness level (TRL) 6 as a minimum no later than three months from the contract start date.

If you think you have an innovation that meets the scope and timeline for one of the Competition Challenges, why not read the full Competition Document and submit a proposal?

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/innovation-in-support-of-operations (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)

18 Jul 24. Event 38 Adds uAvionix ADS-B Integration. Event 38 Unmanned Systems announced that it has entered into a collaborative agreement with uAvionix to resell and integrate uAvionix ADS-B products with Event 38 aircraft. Unmanned aerial systems and manned aircraft equipped with uAvionix ADS-B transceivers can track each other electronically while in flight. ADS-B transceivers like the Ping2020, which is small enough for Event 38 drones, receive and transmit information about air traffic such as location, altitude, and speed. The Ping series can detect ADS-B messages from aircraft up to 100 miles away.

When a uAvionix ADS-B transceiver is integrated with an Event 38 aircraft, operators can see the locations of manned air traffic overlaid directly on their ground station display. This capability improves both operator and pilot situational awareness, so operations near manned aircraft can be performed with an added level of safety. This risk mitigation tool may also increase the chance of being approved for Part 107 waivers such as high altitude and BLOS operations, depending on the location and airspace of the operation.

With this added ADS-B capability, Event 38 aircraft continue to lead the industry in long range mapping aircraft for EVLOS and BLOS operations.

“Our prediction is that the FAA will require ADS-B as part of its eventual integration of unmanned aircraft into the NAS,” says Jeff Taylor, President, Event 38. “By partnering with uAvionix to offer this capability, we hope to make it easier for our customers to obtain Part 107 waivers now and to build flight heritage for future changes in regulation.”

Event 38 will carry all of uAvionix’s products for unmanned aircraft, including Ping2020, Ping1090, Ping200S(r) Transponders, and PingUSB. These products will be available on all Event 38 long endurance aircraft starting with the E384-Heavy and E400. (Source: UAS VISION)

16 Jul 24. Pentagon to expand industry pool for CJADC2 experimentation. U.S. Airmen from the New York, Washington, and Maryland Air National Guard monitor aircraft during a Global Information Dominance Experiment at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla, in 2021. (Staff Sgt. Nicholas Byers/U.S. Air Force)

When the Pentagon revealed it had delivered a baseline version of its marquis advanced command-and-control capability earlier this year, it proved it could quickly deliver a solution to a specific set of C2 requirements through focused experimentation.

The milestone was significant in that it represented a shift in the Defense Department’s approach to connecting military forces across operational domains, known as Combined Joint All Domain-Command and Control, or CJADC2.

Whereas DOD leaders had previously focused — and struggled to show progress — on the ultimate goal of full interoperability, this time they honed in on identifying capabilities to address operators’ most urgent problems and workflows and vetting them through a regular C2 exercise series known as Global Information Dominance Experiments, or GIDE.

Now, the Defense Department’s Chief Data and AI Officer Radha Plumb wants to expand on that work in two ways: targeting more of the department’s C2 capability needs and developing an enduring process through which companies can propose solutions and DOD can evaluate them.

Plumb spoke with reporters July 16 on the sidelines of DOD’s first-ever industry day aimed at helping companies understand its near-term advanced C2 requirements and how they can showcase potential solutions through GIDE.

“We want to bring in more technologists and technology solutions to compete in those venues, so that we can get a better option set of solutions,” she said.

The department to date has conducted 11 GIDE events, each with a particular theme or focus — which is generally classified — connected to a capability gap that the military services and combatant commands have identified. Plumb’s office leads these campaigns, running one every three months.

In the past, the team has reached out to a limited pool of companies to see what solutions they might have to those gaps and then integrated those into the experiments. For example, during its experimentation campaign to validate the CJADC2 baseline capability set last year, the department worked with more than 20 firms.

For future GIDEs — and possibly even the next event in September — Plumb hopes to incorporate tools from a broader set of companies, to potentially include some firms her office engages with during the industry day.

Plumb’s office will use its acquisition hub, called Tradewinds, to communicate its requirements to industry, solicit capabilities and select the most promising to participate in experimentation events.

“If they perform well and they meet a sort of scaled capability need, then we can go through our normal kind of acquisition processes to get broader scaled deployments of them,” she said. “But we’ll also have the prototype vehicle acquisition vehicle to continue that testing and experimentation series.”

Plumb would not discuss what specific GIDE technologies the department will include in its next experimentation set, but operators are generally looking for things like visual interfaces and tools that allow them to integrate data faster and more efficiently to inform decision making.

“We evaluate the technology’s performance both on the overall success of it, but then on whether that candidate technology is the right thing to solve that capability need for the that particular area,” she said.

The experimental applications DOD will end up buying and scaling through this process represent just one category of tools the department wants to integrate into its advanced C2 ecosystem, known as the Open Data and Applications Government-owned Interoperable Repositories, or Open DAGIR.

Plumb announced in late May the department will use Open DAGIR to not only vet experimental tools, but to buy data infrastructure as well as more mature, enterprise-level licenses for applications that will be used by a broad swath of DOD users.

“Open DAGIR ensures the Department can leverage the innovative solutions from the world-class software developers in both the traditional and nontraditional industrial base to create capabilities for our warfighters and decision makers,” she said in a May 30 press release. “We aim to give industry front-row access to both our data and our users to develop relevant and timely software for decision advantage.” (Source: Defense News)

16t Jul 24. Teledyne e2v announces that the company has qualified and released an upscreened version of the LX2160 to operate between -55°C to +125°C. The military-qualified processor implements a 16-core Arm® Cortex® A72 design providing developers of AI-at-the-Edge computing systems, single board computers (SBCs) and other compute intensive systems embedded on aerospace and defense equipment unparallelled performance in the smallest form factor and optimized power envelope.

Compared to the previous generation processor LS1046, a quad-core processor in NXP’s 64-bit Arm® Layerscape portfolio which Teledyne e2v has also qualified, the power-efficient LX2160 offers designers of embedded systems a lift of 2.6 more Giga instructions per Watt. With 4x more cores and 6x more DMIPS (201k DMIPS @ 2.2 GHz) computing capability, the LX2160 delivers significant performance benefits for aerospace and defense applications, including 2 DDR4 interfaces, 100 GbE, multiple PCIe Gen3.0 and SATA Gen3.0, to enable faster switching and routing of data. The LX2160 also provides engineers with an easy migration pathway for previously developed software assets on Arm® based systems to more compute intensive designs or system upgrades.

The Teledyne e2v military-qualification of the LX2160 processor assures designers its functionality over a wide -55°C to +125°C operating temperature range. The device is housed in a compact 40mm x 40mm package, which reduces mounting area and minimizes installation space. In addition, Teledyne e2v is committed to supporting the LX2160 processor for 15+ years, avoiding common and costly obsolescence issues.

“The military qualification of NXP’s flagship LX2160 processor enables Teledyne e2v to deliver to our aerospace and defense customers the high-performance needed for their compute-intensive applications,” says Thomas Guillemain, Marketing and Business Development Manager of Digital Processing Solutions at Teledyne e2v. “We are already working to generate a space-qualified version of the LX2160 for launch next year.”

Samples of the military-qualified LX2160 processor are available today. For more information, please visit: https://semiconductors.teledyne-e2v.com/en/products/processors-and-processing-modules/lx2160/

15 Jul 24. How Europe’s next-generation combat jet aims to catch the AI wave. Mainland Europe’s Future Combat Air System, an ambitious effort to field a suite of warplanes and drones in the 2040s, could become the first large-scale defense program with artificial intelligence fully baked in.

A consortium of Germany, France and Spain – with Belgium joining as an observer last year – promises to have the first airworthy demonstrators of the futuristic idea flying by this decade’s end. Artificial intelligence will play a key role in practically all aspects of the system, engineers and experts told Defense News in a series of interviews, influencing everything from the platform’s development to kill-chain decisions and even the very things that pilots see.

The key novelty of FCAS, compared to existing platforms, is its use of so-called loyal wingmen. These drones are to travel alongside the main, manned aircraft and act to enhance the mission – collecting more data, allowing for more firepower or simply overwhelming enemy defenses by sheer numbers.

“Because you don’t want to have to control these out of a cockpit with a stick and throttle,” these drones will require a certain level of automation or autonomy, said Thomas Grohs, Airbus’ head of future capabilities and chief engineer of the FCAS project.

Building this type of intelligence, which entails finding the optimal degree of pilot involvement in different situations, will be crucial to the success of the program as a whole.

Always online

Onur Deniz’s company, NeuralAgent, is tasked with ensuring that data flows where it needs to go, enabling each of the system’s components to be in constant contact. The Munich-based startup is taking what it called an “AI agent approach”: Instead of a centralized, cloud-based decision-making algorithm, each of the wingmen drones will use smaller, locally-run models to operate autonomously and will exchange information with their peers using communication channels such as optical, narrowband radio or even infrared. While doing so, they will continuously construct redundant and ever-changing data links providing permanent connectivity.

“This gives you a very fast ability to build your own networks in blackout regions or conflict regions,” Deniz said. In computer simulations testing the concept based on real-world scenarios, this approach maintained connectivity in adverse electronic warfare environments for over 95% of the time. By comparison, centrally administered and cloud-based models saw a less than 0.5% success rate in NeuralAgent’s tests, he said.

By the end of 2025, the software will be ready for integration into existing hardware – legacy systems, at first – said Deniz, describing it as a “plug-in that you can put anywhere you want.”

The company claims that its models are extremely resource-efficient. “You could run them on a Raspberry Pi and they take less than a gigabyte of space,” Deniz said, referring to the small, single-board computers popular with schools and hobbyists, priced at around $50. “All we need is a Linux environment.” Access to the communications stack of the platform is really the only other prerequisite, he explained. “Because of containerization, installation will be as simple as if you were installing a library to code.”

While the current focus in NeuralAgent’s FCAS development is on networking, Deniz anticipates that the next step will be to use the technology for more complex mission-planning. This would include making decisions based on the combat environment and moving assets around to optimize communications and achieve objectives.

What is a pilot, anyway?

The constellation of manned and unmanned aircraft working together will require a radical redefinition of what a pilot’s role is, said Grohs, the Airbus chief engineer. Sitting in the cockpit of Europe’s next fighter will not only be about flying the aircraft but “really about becoming a mission operator,” he said, “elevating yourself above your own asset and operating the mission together with your peers that may be manned or unmanned.”

In fact, flying the aircraft may only take a secondary role altogether; the plan is to give even the manned aircraft the option of flying entirely on their own to allow the pilots to focus on mission management, the chief engineer said.

The project’s goal “is definitely to go for autonomy,” he added. “The loyal wingmen are given a high-level task and within set boundaries, the assets can work autonomously.”

Compared to automation – which Grohs defined as a system automatically fulfilling a predefined sequence of events – autonomy includes decision-making.

He described the envisioned implementation as a pilot choosing what action they want to have taken while not needing to issue “a specific trigger press.” A capability like this would be quick to implement, he said, pointing to the fact that similar AI pilots have already flown in the U.S. and that “we are testing things out.”

Organizing principle

At least initially, the AI models in FCAS will all be “frozen,” said Grohs, meaning that no machine learning will take place during missions. The algorithms, whether for processing sensor data or for making decisions about striking enemies, will be pre-developed and retrained off-board. At some point, however, machine learning may be integrated into the airborne platforms themselves, he said.

Even so, AI will touch every element of the observe, orient, decide, and act loop, Grohs said, referring to the “OODA Loop” framework popularized in U.S. military command textbooks. He said the algorithms would be paired with sensors in order to improve the quality of images, for example, but also play a role in developing courses of action.

The extent to which artificial intelligence will make targeting decisions on its own is still up for discussion, he added.

While details on the appearance and specific capabilities of FCAS are still sparse, the resources being invested are considerable. At Airbus alone, over 1,400 people are currently working on Europe’s next-generation air combat platform, said Christian Doerr, a company spokesperson. The European aerospace giant plays a key coordinating role in making the project come to life along with Dassault Aviation in France.

Many of the applications of the AI-based algorithms already exist in some form, though in isolation, said Grohs. The process of integrating them, with countless companies and thousands of engineers working on the project, runs the risk of becoming unmanageable, said Simon Pfeiffer, associate director of programs at the Munich-based AI company Helsing. Because AI models have dependencies on one another and the data they ingest, the company, along with partners, is working on creating a “digital assembly hall” to put it all together.

Through a cloud environment for developers, workflows can be improved, data can be exchanged and interoperability can be ensured, all while adhering to the particularly sensitive constraints of working in the defense sector, company representatives told Defense News. The online platform is already being used by over 50 contributors working on the FCAS project and was developed specially for it, according to Helsing.

In that sense, engineers already are using AI to breathe AI into the next-gen weapon, said Grohs. There is even the idea of developing an FCAS-specific Chat GPT-equivalent to help engineers with their jobs.

Killer robots?

Meanwhile, nongovernmental organizations and autonomous-weapons experts have warned about delegating too much power to machines. Concerns include the unreliability of machine vision, the often-opaque nature of machines’ decision making and the danger of autonomy applying a tactical mindset to questions with strategic implications.

In interviews with Defense News, some analysts expressed concern that even if a weapon system might not by default be allowed to kill autonomously, changing this may only entail a simple software switch – and incentives to flip that switch would be strong. Grohs was not able to rule out that FCAS might have this ability to switch between such modes, depending on the “rules of engagement that may apply for the respective conflict,” said the Airbus chief engineer.

“I don’t see a major difference between autonomous and human decisions,” Grohs said. “You shouldn’t assume that either an AI decision or a human decision is always 100% correct.” (Source: Defense News)

————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————–

Oxley Group Ltd

https://oxleydevelopments.cmail20.com/t/t-l-cdhkulk-yujhutkljd-r/

https://oxleydevelopments.cmail20.com/t/t-l-cdhkulk-yujhutkljd-y/

Contact Marcus Goad on 07850 917 263 for more information or to arrange samples.

NEW TECHNOLOGIES, NAVIGATION SYSTEMS, AVIONICS AND SOFTWARE

July 12, 2024 by

Sponsored By Oxley Developments

www.oxleygroup.com

12 Jul 24. Waterproof Embedded Computers for In-Vehicle Edge AI Applications. Neousys’ new IP66-rated edge computing systems are based on the NVIDIA Jetson AGX Orin system-on-module.

Neousys Technology has expanded its NVIDIA Jetson-based line of computing systems with the launch of the NRU-230V-AWP and NRU-240S-AWP series.

Featuring IP66-rated waterproof capabilities at an affordable cost, these innovative systems are designed to accelerate powerful AI performance at roadside or in-vehicle deployments. Equipped with the NVIDIA Jetson AGX Orin system-on-module with eight GMSL2 ports (NRU-230V-AWP only), four PoE+ GbE ports, and one 10GbE port, they are ideal for off-road vehicle ADAS and autonomous mobile robotics.

To ensure reliable edge deployments, the NRU-230V-AWP and NRU-240S-AWP are waterproof and dustproof. Designed with affordability in mind, these systems operate within a temperature range of -25°C to 70°C, making them suitable for demanding environments.

The NRU-230V-AWP and NRU-240S-AWP support a wide range of interfaces for versatile camera, sensor, and data transmission devices, including GMSL2, PoE+ GbE and 10GbE via M12 connectors. Powered by the Jetson AGX Orin, they deliver 275 TOPS AI inference performance and video transcoding for AI-powered vision applications. Additionally, they support a unique waterproof Type-C display that provides 4K DisplayPort output or USB3.2, benefitting ADAS applications by providing real-time surround-view awareness of the vehicles.

Designed for in-vehicle deployments, the NRU-230V-AWP and NRU-240S-AWP support 8V to 48V wide-range DC input with built-in ignition power control, isolated CAN 2.0, COM ports, and WiFi, 4G LTE/ 5G NR support. Last but not least, The NRU-230V-AWP has a system monitoring port with CAN bus and digital output through on-board automotive MCU, providing real-time reports on power, voltage, thermal, and Jetson status to ensure system reliability in a functional safety solution design.

Kaichu Wu, Product Manager at Neousys Technology, commented: “The power-efficient Jetson series enables the possibility of fanless AI computers at the edge. By making waterproof at an affordable cost, NRU-230V-AWP and NRU-240S-AWP series can bring innovative Edge AI applications down to earth, especially for roadside and off-road vehicles.” (Source: https://www.defenseadvancement.com/)

11 Jul 24. Exail’s INS to shield Royal Navy Type 31’s from navigational threats.

Exail’s Marins INS offers navigation, functioning independently of the Global Navigation Satellite System.

The Royal Navy’s Type 31 Inspiration-class frigates are poised to boost navigational capability due to the integration of Exail’s Marins inertial navigation systems (INS).

This collaboration between Exail, a naval navigation player, and Anschutz, a German navigation systems provider, marks a step in enhancing the UK’s maritime defence.

Exail’s Marins INS offers navigation, functioning independently of the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). This feature is important in an era where digital threats, such as GNSS spoofing and jamming, pose risks to navigational integrity. The Marins INS ensures that Type 31 frigates maintain locational awareness.

In September 2023, Babcock reached a milestone with the keel-laying of HMS Active, the second Type 31 frigate, amidst a financial dispute with the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD). Babcock and the MoD were embroiled in a Dispute Resolution Process over cost increases attributed to global inflation and supply chain disruptions, potentially amounting to £50m to £100m per ship.

Jens Higgen, Regional Sales Director at Exail, commented on the significance of the contract, stating, “We take great pride in contributing to the Royal Navy’s mission success through the supply of our Marins INS for the T31 frigates. This contract underlines the quality and reliability of Exail navigation systems, which are maintenance-free and fully meet the stringent military requirements of the most modern combat ships.”

GlobalData’s “The Global Naval Vessels and Surface Combatants Market 2023-2033” highlights that the Royal Navy’s major procurement programmes over the forecast period include the acquisition of Type 26, Type 31, and Type 32 frigates, among others.

The Type 31 frigates are set to replace the ageing Type 23 frigates, thereby expanding the Royal Navy’s operational capabilities across general-purpose roles. By incorporating Exail’s Marins INS, these new frigates will navigate and ensure sustained operational readiness in the face of electronic warfare tactics.

The INS technology is crucial for missions involving complex navigation routes and manoeuvres in contested environments.

Exail’s selection by Anschutz for this role is a testament to Exail’s navigation solutions, which are already in service across the Royal Navy’s fleet. These include the Astute-class nuclear attack submarines, Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers, and Vanguard-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines.

Anschütz has achieved milestones in equipping the UK Royal Navy’s Type 31 Inspiration-class frigates with technology. Anschütz completed the Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) for its Warship Integrated Navigation and Bridge System (WINBS) to enhance navigation and tactical capabilities on these vessels.

The Type 31 frigates, equipped with navigation systems, are expected to play a role in deterring aggression and safeguarding UK interests.

Integrating Exail’s Marins INS into the Type 31 Inspiration-class frigates enhances the Royal Navy’s resilience against modern electronic threats. (Source: naval-technology.com)

12 Jul 24. NATO DIANA launches 2024 challenges for world-class innovators. NATO’s Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) has launched five new challenges for 2024

Building on the success of its inaugural year, NATO’s Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) has launched its 2024 challenges to continue to attract the best and brightest innovators across the Alliance in support of its mission to build a peaceful and more resilient future.

Applications for the 2024 challenges are open until 9 August
Five challenge areas: Energy & Power, Data & Information Security, Sensing & Surveillance, Human Heath & Performance and Critical Infrastructure & Logistics
Early-stage start-ups or small and medium-sized enterprises with limited experience in defence and security will benefit the most

To sharpen NATO’s technological edge, DIANA is an organisation with a mission to locate and accelerate dual-use innovation across the Alliance and provides innovators with the resources, networks and guidance to develop deep technologies to solve critical defence and security challenges.

For its second year, DIANA will be asking innovators to submit proposals in five challenge areas.

Energy & Power: Focusing on enhancing energy and power resilience in the context of generation, storage, distribution, recovery, harvesting and propulsion across various domains.
Data & Information Security: Technology solutions that facilitate data production, utilisation, distribution, and protection in multi-domain environments, including space, characterised by a variety of disparate devices, communication systems, operational settings, and operational concepts.
Sensing & Surveillance: Building on the success of the sensing and surveillance challenge in 2023, this challenge will expand to all domains (land, sea, air, space and cyber).
Human Health & Performance: Inviting solutions which will improve the understanding and enhancement of human health and wellbeing, both physical and psychological, in various operational contexts including space.
Critical Infrastructure & Logistics: Focusing on the secure and trustworthy operation of critical national and international infrastructure, and global supply chains across various domains.

Across these challenges, innovators are encouraged to consider the interconnection of applications and technologies across three different cross-cutting domains.

Space: The environment of space represents a vast and largely unexplored frontier with immense potential for scientific discovery and technological innovation.
Resilience: This theme emphasises the need for solutions and technologies that can withstand and quickly recover from disruptions or threats.
Sustainability: DIANA seeks to emphasise the importance of developing and implementing environmentally friendly, energy-efficient technologies and practices that ensure long-term viability.

Innovators will receive funding to enable participation in the DIANA accelerator programme, which starts in January 2025, and they will embark upon a six-month intensive programme custom-designed for early-stage dual-use start-ups. They will have access to mentorship and testing facilities, as well as access to trusted investor and end-user networks to help them move from ideation to real-world adoption in defence and civilian markets.

John Ridge, Director, Defence Innovation said: “The UK strongly supports DIANA and its new challenge areas. These build on the successful first year of DIANA’s operation, and we look forward to seeing the results of these programmes in the hands of war fighters. Through these programmes and the partnership between the NATO Innovation Fund and DIANA we expect to see innovators scale to meet the challenges faced by all Allies. In its pilot challenge call in 2023, DIANA received over 1,300 applications from innovators across the Alliance. 44 successful innovators from 19 countries were selected to form DIANA’s inaugural cohort, joining a six-month accelerator boot-camp programme in January 2024 at five accelerator sites in Europe and North America.”

Find out more about the challenges and apply on the DIANA challenge portal: https://www.diana.nato.int/challenges.html

(Source: https://www.gov.uk/)

10 Jul 24. Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) has announced the design and construction of the Series Hybrid Electric Propulsion AiRcraft Demonstration (SHEPARD) vehicle. The uncrewed air system developed for DARPA recently received its official X-plane designation of XRQ-73. Built in collaboration with Scaled Composites, a Northrop Grumman subsidiary, the XRQ-73 SHEPARD is a DARPA “X-prime” program leveraging hybrid electric architecture and component technologies to quickly mature a new mission-focused aircraft design with propulsion architecture and power class for the Department of Defense.

09 Jul 24. US, USMC, test new laser projection system to paint aircraft.

The Navy’s Fleet Readiness Center East is testing how a laser projection system can help the Marine Corps with painting their aircraft, part of an attempt to cut the time an aircraft spends in maintenance.

Aircraft are traditionally painted using a masking technique, requiring painters to use tape, film and paper to outline certain markings for a particular aircraft.

The new system being tested projects insignia and markings directly on the aircraft, providing the exact placement of objects that need painting without all the masking.

So far, the laser projection system is dramatically easier to use than the old stenciling method, according to Steven Lofy, senior materials engineer for the center’s corrosion and wear team.

“It takes an extensive amount of time and labor to mask aircraft for the application of major markings and insignia during the final finish process,” Lofy said in a statement. “It’s a demanding process based on old, paper drawings that can be difficult to read, making it challenging for our artisans to mask the exact areas on each aircraft consistently.”

It’s also saving time, he said.

“With the laser projection system, we can simply come in, turn on the projectors and actually project where each marking should be on the aircraft,” Lofy said. “All we have to do from there is line each stencil up, mask and paint.”

The readiness center first utilized the system in January on a Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey for the aircraft’s signature white, horizontal stripes — resulting in an 85 percent decrease in labor hours. While the process previously took roughly 16 hours, the projector brought that number down to two.

The center has used the laser projection system to paint four aircraft so far and plans are underway to use the system more broadly by uploading 2D stencils to the projection system’s software, according to the Navy.

Based out of Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point in North Carolina, the center provides maintenance and repairs for Marine Corps aircraft — including the F-35B Lightning II. It is one of the Navy’s eight fleet readiness centers. (Source: Navy Times)

10 Jul 24. Amazon Web Services partnership for Edgility. Edgility becomes first AWS solution for AWS IoT Greengrass service that offers Edge Deployment and Management at Scale.

BATM (LSE: BVC; TASE: BVC), a leading provider of real-time technologies for networking solutions and medical laboratory systems, is pleased to announce that Edgility, the Group’s virtualisation and edge compute platform, has become an Amazon Web Services (“AWS”) Qualified Software Partner solution for AWS IoT Greengrass, an open-source edge runtime and cloud service that helps customers build, deploy and manage intelligent device software.

This represents a further route-to-market for Edgility, particularly as it is the only AWS solution available for AWS IoT Greengrass users that enables zero-touch deployment and provisioning of any device hosted on-premise (as opposed to in a public cloud or remote data centre) as well as management and orchestration of networking, security and AWS services at scale. As part of the AWS Partner Network (“APN”), the Group will also leverage the APN Customer Engagements program whereby partners collaborate and co-sell with AWS to discover new sales opportunities.

To become an AWS Partner, Edgility underwent a thorough Foundational Technical Review by AWS. As a result, Edgility has been technically validated by AWS and its qualified software partner status is testament to its experience and proven success delivering AWS services to customers.

Moti Nagar, Chief Executive Officer of BATM, said: “This is a great endorsement of our Edgility solution and validation of our commitment to providing customers with the highest possible levels of security, reliability and operational excellence for their large-scale edge-to-cloud deployments. As the only AWS solution that offers edge deployment and management at scale, we are well-placed to expand our business into the vast AWS IoT Greengrass customer base. We look forward to leveraging our partner status to drive Edgility sales growth in the near term and to collaborating with AWS to explore other exciting opportunities in the future.”

08 Jul 24. Defense Innovation Unit project makes supercomputers more accessible. A Defense Innovation Unit project to link the Pentagon’s high-performance computers with cloud-based services could soon bring real-time, high-speed data processing to military users around the world.

DIU, whose mission is to help the U.S. Department of Defense better leverage commercial technology, worked with two computing firms on the 18-month effort: Rescale, headquartered in San Francisco, and Parallel Works, based out of Chicago.

The companies partnered with DoD’s High Performance Computing Modernization Program, which is working to make decision-making tools enabled by supercomputers more accessible across the department — from researchers and acquisition officials to operators in the field.

The military uses supercomputers to quickly process large amounts of data that can be used to inform decisions or simulate complex scenarios. For example, a unit could use high-performance computing to understand how the weather forecast might impact a planned ISR operation. Or an engineer designing lighter body armor for soldiers could use it to research materials.

The Pentagon relies largely on physical computers — which are expensive to buy and maintain — to perform this work. Through the DIU effort, Rescale and Parallel Works demonstrated that they could provide these computing tools on the cloud, which means users don’t have to have access to a physical computer to take advantage of the capability.

“Researchers are [now] able to access cloud resources when appropriate to augment their work at on-premises centers,” Benjamin Parsons, chief technology officer for the High Performance Computing Modernization Program, said in a June 27 statement. “This has given them access to a wider variety of hardware, and the ability to scale resources beyond what is currently possible, all within one secure, easy to use, environment.”

Both firms are poised to receive production contracts later this year to scale their high-computing platforms to more users.

Matt McKee, Rescale’s chief operating officer, told C4ISRNET in a July 3 interview that cloud-based computing platforms have played a key role in the private sectors, which have used these tools to significantly reduce engineering cycle times for new product releases.

Those capabilities, he said, could change the way DoD develops, tests and fields new systems over the next three to five years.

“You’re seeing that type of thing reverberating through the private sector industry — so, how do we make sure that the U.S. government also has that agility,” he said. “We need to be able to incorporate everything new that is available to us and put all those resources to bear.”

(Source: Defense News)

08 Jul 24. DSIT bolstered to better serve the British public through science and technology. The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) will expand in both scope and size bringing experts in data, digital and AI from the Government Digital Service (GDS) the Central Digital and Data Office (CDDO) and the Incubator for AI (iAI) to unite efforts in the digital transformation of public services under one department.

Transforming public services and fuelling economic growth through science and technology will be the defining mission of a revamped department under the Secretary of State Peter Kyle, as he takes the first steps towards building a modern digital government.

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) will expand in both scope and size bringing experts in data, digital and AI from the:

Government Digital Service (GDS)
Central Digital and Data Office (CDDO)
Incubator for AI (iAI)

to unite efforts in the digital transformation of public services under one department.

This move will drive forward the digital changes needed to overhaul the British public’s experience of interacting with the government, so it becomes personalised, convenient, and timesaving – for example, by providing people with just one way to login and prove who they are so they can quickly access the government services they need. It will also help remove roadblocks to sharing data across the public sector.

This will form part of wider efforts to launch DSIT as the digital centre of government, working closely with the Cabinet Office and the Treasury, to maximise the potential of digital, data and technology to deliver for the British public.

DSIT will become the partner and standard bearer for government departments as it supports them to use technology across areas like energy, health, policing, and education. It will help to upskill civil servants so they are better at using digital and AI in their frontline work, as well as ensure the government has the right infrastructure and regulation to become more digital.

Secretary of State Peter Kyle said: “Britain will not fully benefit from the social and economic potential of science and technology without government leading by example. So, DSIT is to become the centre for digital expertise and delivery in government, improving how the government and public services interact with citizens. We will act as a leader and partner across government, with industry and the research communities, to boost Britain’s economic performance and power up our public services to improve the lives and life chances of people through the application of science and technology. In addition to driving forward a modern digital government, the Secretary of State will lead DSIT to accelerate innovation, investment and productivity through world-class science and research across the economy, as well as ensure technologies are safely developed and deployed across the country, with the benefits more widely shared.” (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)

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04 Jul 24. USQ to access hypersonic simulation software. Researchers at the University of Southern Queensland will be trained to use software that can simulate hypersonic space missions in a deal facilitated by the iLAuNCH research collaboration.

As part of the agreement, software engineering company LEAP Australia will provide scientists with access to the ANSYS suite of tools, which can model aerodynamics and structures.

While hypersonic technology — defined as flying at least five times the speed of sound — is nothing new, countries are currently in an arms race to develop the next generation of missiles that are so manoeuvrable in mid-air they can’t be intercepted or detected.

The advances are also being used to create scramjet-powered, hypersonic spaceplanes, which could one day provide an alternative to rockets for taking satellites into space.

USQ already has its own pioneering wind tunnel that can simulate the effect of Mach 5 speeds on vehicles and the heat it generates.

“Through our industry partnership we are making available multi-million-dollar software tools to design and develop high-performance, high-speed vehicles,” said iLAuNCH Trailblazer executive director, Darin Lovett.

“iLAuNCH will provide a hands-on experience in advanced simulation techniques to develop the skilled workforce for the hypersonics projects of the future.”

USQ associate professor Ingo Jahn will lead the project and is part of the Hypersonic and Rocketry team that worked on NASA’s OSIRIS-REx and JAXA’s Hayabusa2 capsule re-entry missions, which involved hypersonic airborne observations.

“We will learn by doing, partnering with LEAP Australia to bring in the powerful suite of ANSYS tools to simulate hypersonic phenomena and missions,” said Jahn.

“We hope to demonstrate capabilities of the ANSYS modelling suite to simulate hypersonic aerodynamics, and to develop a multi-physics workflow to simulate hypervelocity re-entries, including how they can be observed from ground (or airborne) observation station.”

The $180-million iLAuNCH trailblazer is a partnership between academic institutions and more than 20 industry partners that aims to accelerate the development of the space manufacturing sector.

Since its inception in 2022, it has already scores of projects. Earlier this year, for example, Space Connect reported how iLAuNCH would use AI to help monitor the health of astronauts.

It believes the ability to access real-time data could aid human diagnosis and treatment during spaceflight, which in turn could lead to developments to help those living in isolated areas of Earth.

(Source: Space Connect)

04 Jul 24. Australia, Amazon partner up for ‘Top Secret cloud’ defence project.

Amazon Web Services has been tapped to deliver a “Top Secret cloud” in partnership with the Australian Signals Directorate.

The Australian federal government has announced a partnership between Amazon Web Services (AWS) and the Australian Signals Directorate to build a sovereign “Top Secret cloud” in Australia.

Two billion dollars will be invested in the project over the next 10 years and is expected to generate 2,000 Australian jobs as AWS engages with local businesses as part of the design and development process.

The Top Secret cloud – or TS cloud – will be used by agencies within the Defence and National Intelligence Community to securely host sensitive data and is also expected to improve communications resilience during military operations. The TS cloud will also boost cooperation with the United States.

The government said the creation of the TS cloud is an important step in implementing the 2024 National Defence Strategy.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the project is about delivering “world-leading protection for our nation”.

“We face a range of complex and serious security challenges and I am incredibly proud of the work our national security agencies undertake on a daily basis to keep Australians safe. We must never underestimate their value and importance. That is what this investment today is about,” the Prime Minister said in a statement

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles said the TS cloud is a priority for the Albanese government.

“This cutting-edge technology will enhance Defence’s resilience, improve the ADF’s warfighting capacity, strengthen interoperability with key international partners, and deliver up to 2,000 Australian jobs,” Marles said.

The Director-General of the Australian Signals Directorate, Rachel Noble PSM, added that the project was a “vital part of our REDSPICE program, which is lifting our intelligence and offensive and defensive cyber capabilities”.

Dave Levy, vice-president, Worldwide Public Sector for Amazon Web Services, said the company was excited about the project.

“Amazon Web Services is excited to embark on this strategic partnership with the Australian government, to provide our most innovative, efficient and effective cloud services to help Australia enhance its national defence capabilities and protect its citizens,” Levy said.

“This partnership will enable the Australian government and its defence and intelligence agencies to securely share information, speed up innovation, and achieve their missions faster. We look forward to supporting the Australian government’s mission of protecting and advancing Australia’s interests, and remain steadfast in our long-term commitment to Australia, helping drive innovation and improving lives for its communities.” (Source: Defence Connect)

04 Jul 24. Collaboration to Advance Tactical Autonomy. WOLF Advanced Technology is working with SYSGO to produce a certifiable software/hardware platform that supports complex autonomous systems, designed for the aerospace and defense domains.

WOLF Advanced Technology has partnered with SYSGO, a European provider of embedded software solutions for real-time operating systems, to advance the landscape of autonomous systems in aerospace, defense, and transportation.

The companies are set to leverage their strengths to create a certifiable software/hardware platform that supports complex autonomous systems, designed to meet the highest certification standards of safety and security.

By integrating AI-driven solutions, the joint WOLF/SYSGO platform will be able to enhance the processing of data from multiple sensors. This will enable autonomous vehicles to perform minimal risk maneuvers and coordinate with other systems in e.g. the Future Combat Air System (FCAS).

The integration is also set to support manned and unmanned flying capabilities, employing AI, machine learning, and swarming technology to control drones and other autonomous systems. The advanced AI capabilities will allow users to pinpoint the greatest concentrations of activity and understand the communication dynamics.

In addition to autonomous vehicles, SYSGO and WOLF are positioned to explore applications in electronic warfare, specifically in the area of Retrial Augmented Generation (RAG). This involves the multi-modal search of the electromagnetic landscape, translating conversations across different frequencies and languages over extended periods.

WOLF is specialized in the design and manufacturing of rugged modules, including 6U VPX, 3U VPX, XMC, MXM/MXC, and other small form factor modules for video capture, processing, encoding, display, and AI inference.

WOLF’s cutting-edge technology complements SYSGO’s real-time operating system, PikeOS, known for its robustness in safety-critical and security-critical applications.

Lindsey Chapman, VP Global Sales & Partnerships at WOLF Advanced Technology, commented; “The collaboration between SYSGO and WOLF Advanced Technology represents a significant advancement in the development of autonomous systems.”

Franz Walkembach, VP Marketing & Alliances at SYSGO, added; “By combining state-of-the-art hardware and software, the partnership can deliver innovative solutions that enhance safety, security, and performance in critical applications.” (Source: https://www.defenseadvancement.com/)

04 Jul 24. ODU expands AMC® Series T with square flange solutions. As an innovative connection solution characterized by a 3-in-1 locking mechanism and outstanding performance in demanding applications, the ODU AMC® Series T has been inspiring users in military and civilian environments for several years. This summer, ODU is expanding its popular product line with a robust, reliable and versatile connectivity solution specifically designed to meet the demanding requirements of the military, security and commercial aviation industries.

First-class features and design

The new ODU AMC® Series T Square Flange Receptacles have a rectangular flange that complies with the cut-out dim. according to MIL-DTL 38999. The square solution is currently available for sizes 09 and 12, each with seven different inserts. This enables a flexible adjustment that can be fully adapted to the specific requirements of the applications.

For maximum flexibility, ODU offers the square flange solution as a standard or reverse gender type with three connection options: Backshell, Crimp-Sleeve / Band-it or PCB. Assembly is possible from both the front and rear using four M3 screws and a MIL-C-38999 sealing.

Seamless integration and simple field assembly – as easy as it gets

Communication devices are often retrofitted into military vehicles or upgraded in the field. For this purpose, drilling holes for cable laying and device assembly is carried out on site as needed. Square flange mounting makes this type of installation easier because the holes and distances can be standardized. ODU has also made the integration of the new square flange solution into existing systems as simple as possible. The mounting dimensions of the ODU AMC® Series T Square Flange Receptacles comply with the standard specified by MIL-DTL-38999, allowing the receptacles to fit seamlessly into existing cut-outs. By simply replacing an existing interface with an ODU AMC® Series T connector system, the benefits of the product line can be easily incorporated into existing systems.

In particular, the simple field assembly and the 3-in-1 locking system (screw lock, push-pull, break-away) of the ODU AMC® T series offer considerable added value for reliable handling in demanding environments compared to conventional connector systems.

Versatile applicability and maximum reliability

Like all other products in the ODU AMC® T series, the square flange solutions are designed for integration into a wide range of military and civilian applications. From military ground and air vehicles to radar systems or inverters, ODU’s connectivity solution guarantees reliable performance under the hardest conditions. The extreme interconnectivity of the system makes the ODU AMC® Series T suitable, for example, as an interface for communication systems that alternate between stationary and mobile use.

Connection solutions from the ODU AMC® T series are ideal for applications such as

– Military and civil ground and air vehicles and embedded systems

– Military applications that use connection systems in accordance with MIL-DTL-38999

– Insert in military electronics systems

– Stationary and mobile modules such as radars, inverters, video encoders, cable drums, air transport racks (ATRs), power distribution units (PDUs)

Future-proof availability even in times of crisis

The ODU AMC® Series T Square Flange Receptacles are now available. The ODU Product Finder provides you with all technical product information online as well as the option of ordering samples. With a high level of vertical integration and excellent co-operation with online distributors, ODU secures direct and indirect availability and optimizes the supply chain for customers. All components are RoHS-compliant and support the global initiative for sustainable electronics manufacturing.

With the square flange solution for the ODU AMC® T series, ODU is expanding its product portfolio based on decades of experience. Quality, reliability and real added value – easy to integrate and available in record time.

For more information on ODU AMC® Series T Square Flange Receptacles and how the innovative solutions can meet your requirements, visit www.odu-connectors.com or contact your personal ODU contact person.

03 Jul 24. Advantech introduces the ROM-6881, a versatile SMARC 2.1 computer-on-module featuring Rockchip’s RK3588 and RK3588J chipsets, featuring eight-core processors. With up to 6.0 TOPS of AI inference capability, it excels in complex tasks. The ROM-6881 also supports high-resolution video with 8K@30fps video encoding and 8K@60fps decoding, ensuring efficient, high-quality display and resolution. This module enhances edge IoT applications in autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), medical fields, surveillance, robotics, and beyond.

Optimizing edge AI for efficiency and low power consumption

The ROM-6881 is powered by the Rockchip flagship processor RK3588. It features a robust configuration with a total of eight processing cores (4 x Arm Cortex-A76 and 4 x Arm Cortex-A55) that can reach speeds of up to 2.4GHz. All eight cores are built using an advanced 8nm process, providing a 300% increase in performance over the previous RK3399 processor. This ensures optimal computing power tailored for platform management and a diverse range of feature-rich applications. Specifically designed for Edge AI applications, the RK3588 integrates a 6-TOPs NPU accelerator, giving it impressive AI computing capabilities. This versatility simplifies various edge AI inference tasks, ensuring optimal performance and flexibility for a wide array of applications.

Enhancing display and resolution for medical applications

The ROM-6881 supports 8K@60fps H.265 and VP9 decoding, as well as 8K@30fps encoding capabilities. Its integrated 3D GPU ensures efficient, high-quality 3D rendering and display of panoramic content. Additionally, the ROM-6881 is equipped to handle four MIPI CSI cameras, two USB 3.0, and three USB 2.0 signals, enabling access to multiple cameras simultaneously. Moreover, the module features a rich array of display interfaces including HDMI, DP, LVDS/DSI, and eDP for up to four screens. The ROM-6881 is well-suited for medical equipment such as endoscopes, hemodialysis, and AI-based in vitro diagnostics (IVD) systems.

Versatile interfaces for AMR applications

Industrial robots and Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) often demand solutions that provide high data throughput, low latency, minimal power consumption, and cost efficiency. The ROM-6881 stands out as a prime choice for versatile robotic solutions. It features a variety of interfaces including two gigabit ports, two USB 3.0 ports, three USB 2.0 ports, SATA, and UARTs, making it simple to integrate peripherals such as LiDAR, motors, IMUs, and cameras to maximize AMR efficiency. Moreover, the ROM-6881’s four PCIe 3.0 slots provide flexible expansion, allowing for enhancements in wired networks and the addition of FPGA, Wi-Fi 6, and 5G modules.

Flexible OS for edge AI and robot-oriented software integration

The ROM-6881 supports multiple operating systems, including Debian and Android. To facilitate advanced edge AI development, users can leverage the RKNN Toolkit developed by Rockchip. This toolkit handles AI model conversions as well as inference and performance within an Ubuntu PC environment. For robotics applications, the ROM-6881 efficiently runs the Robot Operating System (ROS2), providing a flexible framework for development of robotic applications. This allows developers to swiftly initiate and advance their projects on this platform.

The new Advantech SMARC 2.1 Computer-on-Module ROM-6881 is available now.

For more information, please contact your local sales support team or visit our website at www.advantech.com.

ROM-6881 Key Features

Powered by Rockchip RK3588 Arm Quad Cortex-A76 @2.4GHz and Quad Cortex-A55 @1.8GHz
Supports 8K@60fps H.265/VP9 video decoding and 8K@30fps H.265/H.264 video encoding
Supports HDMI, DP, eDP and LVDS/DSI
4 x PCIe 3.0, Dual Gigabit LAN, 2 x USB 3.0, USB 2.0 OTG, SATA 3.0, 2 x CAN, 4 x MIPI-CSI, UART
Support Linux Debian 11 and Android 13

01 Jul 24. Getac’s Next Generation F110 Delivers New Levels of Performance, Efficiency and Reliability to Field Professionals.

News in brief:

* The next generation F110 builds on its award-winning predecessor, delivering even better performance, reliability, and energy efficiency in the field.

* The F110 is designed for professionals in sectors such as defense, utilities, manufacturing, and oil & gas, who need digital solutions they can rely on in a wide range of operating environments.

* Key features include an upgraded intel® CoreTM 13th Gen i5/i7 processor, ultra-bright 1,200 nit screen, Wi-Fi 6E AX211 technology and optional 4G/5G modules utilizing eSIM technology.

Getac today launched the next generation F110 tablet, which combines fully rugged reliability with a host of powerful new upgrades for exceptional performance and efficiency in the field.

Getac’s flagship F110 model has long been at the forefront of rugged tablet design, making it incredibly popular with customers across multiple sectors and industries. The new F110 builds on this legacy, offering upgraded processing power, brightness, and connectivity, alongside excellent energy efficiency, for full-shift performance in a variety of challenging indoor/outdoor working environments.

Powerful and versatile

Key features include an upgraded Intel® CoreTM 13th Gen i5/i7 processor, with Intel® UHD Graphics offering new levels of processing speed and graphical performance. Elsewhere, the ultra-bright 1,200 nit LumiBond screen, with multitouch modes (touch, glove, pen) – the brightest ever available on the F110 – optimizes productivity in weather conditions ranging from full sun to rain and snow. For maximum mobility and productivity, the F110 can be used with a wide range of Getac accessories, including detachable keyboard, hard carry handle, and secure vehicle docks.

Outstanding connectivity options

Fast and reliable remote communication is a critical part of field operations in industries such as defense and oil & gas production/exploration, which is why the next-generation F110 offers a wide array of outstanding connectivity options as standard. These include Intel® Wi-Fi 6E AX211, 802.11ax, and Bluetooth 5.3, enabling personnel to quickly communicate with colleagues and share data as needed. Connectivity can be enhanced even further with optional 4G LTE and 5G Sub-6 modules (dual sim design including a physical sim and an e-sim), while a 5MP webcam provides clear and detailed pictures during video calls and remote guidance activities.

Enhanced energy efficiency and field reliability

Field professionals in industries like utilities and manufacturing need digital devices they can rely on for the full duration of shifts, even when access to power points or recharge facilities is limited. The next generation F110 features DDR5 memory (up to 32GB), which offers higher base speeds and lower power consumption than previous generations, making it ideal for full-shift operation. Its user-friendly hot-swappable batteries can also be easily replaced in the field if needed. If even more operation time is required between charges, the F110 is compatible with Getac’s optional high-capacity Li-ion batteries as well.

The F110 also boasts rugged reliability. MIL-STD-810H and IP66 certification, a 6ft operating drop rating, and optional salt fog resistance make it ideally suited to operations in challenging work environments where the risk of accidental knocks, drops, and spillages is much greater.

“The F110 has been a mainstay of our fully rugged tablet portfolio for a long time, and for good reason. Its combination of laptop-level performance and tablet convenience makes it the ultimate field device for customers across sectors and industries where challenging operating environments are par for the course every day,” says James Hwang, President of Getac Technology Corporation. “The next generation F110 boasts new features and enhancements that help field professionals get the job done at first time of asking, even when faced with adverse conditions and locations.”

The next generation F110 fully rugged tablet is available now. For more information, visit www.getac.com

01 Jul 24. Next-gen fighter not dead, but needs cheaper redesign, Kendall says. The U.S. Air Force has not abandoned its program to build an advanced next-generation fighter, but it does need a redesign to get costs under control and better integrate its planned drone wingmen, the service’s secretary told Defense News in an exclusive interview.

Secretary Frank Kendall also said a revamped Next Generation Air Dominance fighter platform could end up with a less complex, smaller engine than originally intended to try to hold down its price.

“The family of systems concept of Next Generation Air Dominance is alive and well,” Kendall said June 28. “I can tell you that we are looking at the NGAD platform design concept to see if it’s the right concept or not. … We’re looking at whether we can do something that’s less expensive and do some trade-offs there.”

NGAD is intended to replace the F-22 Raptor fighter fleet in the 2030s. It is a highly classified program featuring a crewed sixth-generation fighter with adaptive engines that can switch to the most efficient configuration as flying conditions change. The effort also calls for autonomous drone wingmen — known as collaborative combat aircraft, or CCA — and other new systems such as cutting-edge sensors, weaponry, and technology that improves the jet’s ability to connect with satellites and other aircraft.

Top Air Force officials have repeatedly stressed such a network, including aircraft beyond the capabilities of fifth-generation F-35 jets, will be necessary to win wars.

“It is crystal clear to us that in order to get into the early to mid-[20]30s with a force that can win, we have to get to a sixth-gen fighter, and that’s NGAD,” retiring Lt. Gen. Richard Moore, who was the Air Force’s deputy chief of staff for plans and programs, said in April 2023.

General Atomics has developed an autonomous drone called Gambit for the Air Force’s collaborative combat aircraft program. (General Atomics)

But the price tag for such a system has long been a looming stumbling block, and rumors have swirled in recent weeks that NGAD might be endangered as the cash-strapped Air Force draws up its fiscal 2026 budget. The Air Force is now in the process of modernizing two expensive legs of its nuclear triad, even as it faces rising personnel costs and deals with the fallout from the Fiscal Responsibility Act’s budget caps for FY25.

At an Air and Space Forces Association event in June, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin hedged when asked whether the service can proceed with NGAD given its tight budgets. He later told reporters the service is still considering which way to go with the program.

Kendall also told Aviation Week that the service is having to reconsider its spending plans for FY26 as competing priorities mount up, and that it must identify the mix of systems necessary to provide dominant air power.

In his interview with Defense News at the Pentagon, Kendall said NGAD is now expected to cost roughly three times as much as an individual F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. With F-35s costing about $80 m to $100 m, that means NGAD’s price tag could be verging on $300 m apiece — and would greatly limit the size of a its potential fleet.

“It’s a very expensive platform,” Kendall said. “It’s three times, roughly, the cost of an F-35, and we can only afford it in small numbers.”

When asked what target cost he wants for NGAD, Kendall said the Air Force isn’t far enough along to set such a goal — but added with a chuckle: “Ideally, I’d like to get it down to less than an F-35, or at least in the ballpark of an F-35. F-35s, as you know, are not cheap airplanes.”

Kendall reiterated that the Air Force will build a next-generation crewed fighter platform, and said he believes it will be based on the technologies developed for the Aerospace Innovation Initiative. That initiative was a strategy — which Kendall kicked off in his previous role as the Pentagon’s acquisition chief, and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency initially led alongside the Air Force and Navy — to develop prototype X-planes and a next-generation engine that ultimately led to the current NGAD effort.

However, Kendall said, “the design concept that came out of that [initiative] is a very expensive concept. Scale matters, numbers matter, and so does time. We want to get something there quickly.”

Along with looking for ways to bring down costs, Kendall said the Air Force wants to ensure NGAD can take full advantage of CCAs as it is redesigned. He noted the CCA concept came along after the service had begun working to develop NGAD.

“Having something that’s optimized to work with CCAs is another consideration as we look at NGAD,” Kendall said.

A smaller, cheaper engine?

The Air Force is also looking at NGAD’s cutting-edge propulsion system — a so-called adaptive engine — as it reconsiders its future fighter concept, Kendall said.

Clint Hinote, a retired three-star general and former deputy chief of staff for strategy, integration and requirements in the Air Force, told Defense News on June 21 that the Next-Generation Adaptive Propulsion program was quite expensive and could be driving up NGAD’s overall costs.

“The last numbers I saw on NGAP [Next Generation Adaptive Propulsion] were pretty high,” said Hinote, who was previously in charge of the Air Force Futures organization. “I do think that’s a factor. I don’t know if that’s the only factor, or the factor that’s really contributing to this decision. But it is true that the NGAP program, the development of an adaptive engine for the NGAD, was very costly.”

When asked if the propulsion system’s cost is making it harder for the Air Force to afford NGAD, Kendall replied: “What we’re looking for there is the most cost-effective propulsion system for the platform.”

The Air Force still wants to use the engine technologies it developed to give NGAD more range and fuel efficiency, he said. But as it seeks to bring costs down for NGAD, he noted, “the way you do that is if you can reduce the complexity, but also the size of the engine.”

While the engine and other systems intended for NGAD represented a technological leap forward, Hinote said, it was not out of reach from what he saw before he retired last year.

“We were making really good headway,” Hinote said. “High-pass engines, sensors — all that was coming together, I thought, pretty well.”

The adaptive engine technology that would be the foundation of NGAP is “revolutionary,” Hinote added.

General Electric Aerospace as well as Pratt & Whitney have each developed their own versions of an adaptive engine. The engine’s ability to shift its configuration to best respond to any given situation would be a major advancement in propulsion technology, Hinote said.

“If the [airplane’s] need is efficient cruise at high altitude, then [the adaptive engine would shift to a configuration] that looks a lot like a high-bypass engine, not all that dissimilar from the engines you’re seeing on the bottom of Airbus and Boeing airliners right now,” Hinote said.

High-bypass engines on aircraft such as 737s have large inlets that allow a great deal of air to pass through, he explained, which makes them very efficient. It’s not feasible to put an engine with such a large inlet on a fighter, but Hinote said adaptive engines can produce the same performance characteristics as a high-bypass engine at cruising speeds and altitudes.

And when a pilot needs to hit the afterburner and go to supersonic speeds, he added, “then you crank the engine down, you change the geometry of the winglets, and now you have a totally different engine that adapts to the demand given by the pilot.”

But those capabilities don’t come cheap. The cost of an adaptive engine was one of the factors that thwarted the Air Force’s desire to put it in the F-35, along with its incompatibility with the Marine Corps’ vertical-landing version and possibly the Navy’s carrier-based variant.

When asked about the potentially high cost for NGAP, Pratt & Whitney told Defense News it is working with the Air Force to use a collaborative digital design to drive down costs.

“We have already seen improved efficiency and effectiveness, resulting in cost and time saving thanks to digital collaborative work environments,” Peter Sommerkorn, the company’s executive director of sixth-generation programs, said in the statement.

Sommerkorn added that upgrades to the firm’s ceramic matrix composites facility in Carlsbad, California, as well as its turbine airfoil factory in Asheville, North Carolina, will save money on current and future propulsion programs.

GE Aerospace referred Defense News’ inquiries to the Air Force.

Kendall highlighted an op-ed one of his predecessors as secretary, Deborah Lee James, published in Defense News arguing NGAD is too important to kill for budgetary reasons, and said he is in almost total agreement with her.

In the op-ed, James wrote the Air Force must “explore alternative design and acquisition strategies” to get NGAD’s costs down and speed up its delivery. She said Congress and the Pentagon need to provide the Air Force enough funds for all of its major programs, and that the service should look to “innovative design and acquisition strategies” such as building less expensive fighters that can be more quickly made and regularly updated.

The Air Force hopes to spend more than $2.7 bn on research and development for NGAD in FY25, with another $557 m slated for CCAs. The service projects its R&D spending on NGAD to steadily rise in the years to come, reaching more than $8.8 bn in FY29, alongside $3.1 bn in CCA spending.

The Air Force has repeatedly sought to retire about 32 older Block 20 F-22A Raptor fighters — which the service says would cost too much to make combat-capable — to free up bns of dollars for NGAD. Moore said in 2023 that mothballing those F-22s would save about $2.5 bn over five years.

But Congress last year rejected the Air Force’s F-22 retirement proposal and appears poised to again stymie those plans in the FY25 budget.

The Air Force took a major step forward on NGAD in May 2023 when it sent industry a classified solicitation for the program’s engineering and manufacturing development contract. Northrop Grumman has ruled out competing for NGAD as a prime contractor, leaving Lockheed Martin and Boeing the likely two remaining contenders.

The Air Force last year said it intended to award that contract in 2024.

When asked if that contract is still coming this year, Kendall said: “I’m not ready to talk about any specific changes yet.”

(Source: Defense News)

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NEW TECHNOLOGIES, AVIONICS, NAVIGATION SYSTEMS AND SOFTWARE

June 28, 2024 by

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27 Jun 24. NanoGraf, the battery material company enabling stronger, lighter, longer-lasting lithium-ion batteries, today announced it has successfully completed the first large volume production run of its M38 18650 cell for the U.S. military. NanoGraf has produced approximately 50,000 cells for customers with a high yield throughput, which will be used primarily for tactical radios and other military applications in support of the Family of Advanced Standard Batteries (FASTBat) program. Thanks to NanoGraf’s proprietary silicon anode material, these batteries will last up to 15% longer than what U.S. soldiers currently use and are cross-compatible with more of their devices.

“We’ve been working toward this production milestone for several years, and it’s incredibly exciting to see it come to fruition,” said Francis Wang, CEO of NanoGraf. “We’re very proud to reach our goal of producing this many finished cell products, and continue our work with the Department of Defense to ensure soldiers have the power they need to complete their missions.”

NanoGraf’s production run was done on a standard high volume manufacturing line with its third party cell manufacturer. Its silicon anode material was successfully used as a drop-in to their traditional manufacturing process, and has proven to be manufacturable in a high energy cell density.

“This production run is an exciting achievement for NanoGraf, validating that our commercial scale manufacturing successfully meets the performance requirements of the cell,” said Connor Hund, Chief Operating Officer of NanoGraf. “We look forward to our continued growth as we aim to expand commercial material production to 50 tons per year in our Chicago facility.”

The production run is just one of several recent announcements around NanoGraf’s growth. In January, the company announced a new contract worth up to $15m from the U.S. Army to develop cross-compatible batteries for soldiers in the field, which brings NanoGraf’s total U.S. Department of Defense funding to $45m. In March, NanoGraf also announced a new 67,850-square-foot facility for advanced manufacturing and expanded R&D capabilities, increasing its Chicago footprint by nearly 400%.

27 Jun 24. Partnership to Develop UxV Control Solution.

Auterion and blackned GmbH are working together to develop a solution which enables the safe and efficient control of UxVs in the digital battlefield, integrating Auterion’s software with the TACTICAL CORE middleware. Auterion and blackned GmbH, providers of the TACTICAL CORE middleware, are entering into a strategic partnership to develop an integrated technology for the integration and control of UxV in the digital battlefield.

The aim of this partnership is to integrate Auterion’s manufacturer-independent control software for autonomous robotic systems into the information and communication network of the digital battlefield.

This will enable the faster distribution of reconnaissance data and the acceleration of the sensor-to-shooter chain through the integration of UxV into the TACTICAL CORE system network.

This will make the intelligence networks denser and more robust. The monitoring and control of UxV is therefore no longer limited to manufacturer-specific systems, but can be taken over from different starting and location points of the battlefield via a common platform, in accordance with the software-defined defense (SDD) principle.

As part of this cooperation, the parties are specifically planning:

Expansion of the TACTICAL CORE portfolio

The addition includes porting the TACTICAL CORE runtime environment and supported communication links to the Auterion Skynode, as well as integration with the Auterion Operating System (AuterionOS) and Auterion Mission Control (AMC).

Efficient and secure integration of UxV

The overall solution creates the necessary foundations to enable the safe and efficient control of UxVs in the digital battlefield, and to establish a cross-sectional platform for the digitalization of land forces for this purpose.

Innovation for the international market

Auterion and blackned plan to jointly market the solution in both the NATO and global defense and security markets. This includes continuous further development to meet changing requirements.

Demonstrations of the solution are being held for potential users. These presentations are set to highlight the advantages of the solution, as well as possible next steps for integration into existing systems.

The companies assert that this cooperation strengthens their role as leading players in the field of digital, software-defined infrastructures for defense and security. (Source: https://www.defenseadvancement.com/)

26 Jun 24. Leonardo has conducted ship trials of its AW609 tiltrotor, the company announced on 26 June. The milestone, which was achieved in co-operation with the Italian Navy, saw a production-standard AW609 land and take-off from the ITS Cavour aircraft carrier, sailing 20 n miles offshore.

“During the demonstration, the AW609 provided a unique opportunity to further strengthen the awareness of the…advantages of Leonardo’s tiltrotor in a dedicated maritime environment. This testifies how the world’s first tiltrotor set to achieve a civil certification meets demanding operational and safety standards. Therefore, it is ideally positioned to meet a range of government and public service needs, in Italy and globally,” Leonardo said.

Deck landing and take-off procedures were performed in more than 15 different conditions, including wind conditions, and featured a straight-in and lateral approach, vertical landing, vertical take-off, and lateral exit. The trials were undertaken by test aircraft AC4, which is part of the wider Leonardo effort to gain US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification for the AW609. (Source: Janes)

27 Jun 24. TE Connectivity (TE), a world leader in connectivity and sensors, has expanded its VITA 66 optical backplane interconnect family with the new VITA 66.5 Style D optical modules. These high-density modules provide a rugged, blind-mate optical interconnect solution for aerospace, defense, and marine applications.

The VITA 66.5 Style D optical modules feature up to three mechanical transfer (MT) ferrules per insert and a floating receptacle design for optimal alignment. Available in full-size and half-size configurations, they offer versatility for various system designs. The modules are designed to withstand harsh environments and meet military and aerospace specifications.

“The VITA 66.5 Style D, 3 MT optical modules address the growing need for higher data rates and bandwidth in embedded computing applications,” said Anders Thelin, Product Manager at TE Connectivity. “This expansion of our VITA 66 family demonstrates our commitment to providing advanced connectivity solutions for challenging environments.”

Key benefits of the VITA 66.5 Style D, 3 MT optical modules include:

Easy integration with common mounting interfaces for 3U and 6U VPX applications
Rugged design based on proven optical termini for various applications
High performance with up to 3 MT ferrules per insert and floating alignment capability

The VITA 66.5 Style D, 3 MT optical modules are suitable for applications such as embedded computing, secure communications, avionics, radar and imaging systems.

25 Jun 24. SandboxAQ Announces AQNav – World’s First Commercial Real-Time Navigation System Powered by AI and Quantum to Address GPS Jamming.

After development and testing with leading government and private sector partners, SandboxAQ is officially announcing AQNav, a breakthrough technology designed for navigation across air, land and sea when Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) systems are jammed or not available. To date, AQNav has logged more than 200 flight-hours and more than 40 sorties across multiple regions of the world on four different aircraft types, ranging in size from single-engine planes to large military transport aircraft.

AQNav is a geo-magnetic navigation system that leverages proprietary AI algorithms, powerful quantum sensors, and the Earth’s crustal magnetic field. AQNav will provide an unjammable, all-weather, terrain-agnostic, real-time navigation solution in situations where GPS signals are unavailable, denied, or spoofed.

“As a licensed jet pilot with many hours of flight time, I appreciate how much we rely on GPS for navigation. Our national defense relies upon GPS in the air, on land, and at sea. The global civilian airspace relies upon this system. Given the ease of jamming and spoofing GPS, it is critical to have a global supplementary navigation system that works with inertial systems – this is what SandboxAQ has developed with AQNav,” said Eric Schmidt, Chairman of SandboxAQ and former Chairman and CEO of Alphabet. “AQNav is a great example of how AI is impacting society in novel ways. Navigation by the Earth’s magnetic field is possible because of the ability of AI to analyze the magnetic signals from the quantum sensors in real time. Airlines and air forces around the world now have a safe way to navigate that cannot be jammed.”

Beyond disrupting transportation and logistics, GPS interference also impacts a broad range of industries, including agriculture, financial services, and public infrastructure and safety systems, such as environmental monitoring, utilities and roadway management, and disaster response.

“GPS is a ubiquitous tool that bns of people rely on every day for their comfort, safety, security and prosperity. The intentional disruption of this transformational technology by nation-states and others puts human lives at risk and impacts governments and economies,” said Jack D. Hidary, CEO of SandboxAQ. “Working closely with our public- and private-sector partners, SandboxAQ has used AI and quantum tech to create a safe, secure navigation alternative to supplement GPS, and we’re proud to make our breakthrough AQNav system widely available to companies and governments around the world.”

Groundbreaking Technology Takes to the Skies

In January 2023, the U.S. Air Force (USAF) awarded SandboxAQ a Direct-to-Phase-II Small Business Innovation Research contract to explore geomagnetic navigation. By May 2023, the company successfully completed the first flight tests of AQNav – eight months ahead of schedule – during Exercise Golden Phoenix. The system was also flight-tested in August 2023 during Exercise Mobility Guardian – Air Mobility Command’s largest exercise ever at the time.

General Mike Minihan, Commander, Air Mobility Command (AMC), of the U.S. Air Force stated, “We must embrace the realities of what it will take to maneuver the Joint force in a degraded and contested environment. Improving the Mobility Air Force’s navigation is one of the four major gaps we have focused on closing. Doing so requires innovative technological solutions to improve survivability and extend our ability to deliver victory.”

In addition to the USAF, SandboxAQ is engaged with several aerospace leaders, including other allied governments as well as Boeing and Acubed – the Silicon Valley research and innovation center of Airbus. All have used the system on test flights in many different geographies across the globe. Acubed recently awarded SandboxAQ an RFP to continue the evaluation of the AQNav system for commercial aviation.

“Acubed has installed SandboxAQ’s AQNav system on the Acubed test aircraft to test and train a magnetic navigation system and further research how quantum sensors and magnetic navigation can support a resilient navigation solution,” said Eric Euteneuer, Principal Systems Engineer at Acubed, a subsidiary of Airbus. “Our collaboration has provided valuable insights of the sensitivities of the magnetic navigation stack and Acubed looks forward to understanding broad system performance to support commercial use.”

How AQNav Works

AQNav uses extremely sensitive quantum magnetometers to acquire data from Earth’s crustal magnetic field, which exhibits geographically unique patterns – similar to a human fingerprint. AQNav uses AI algorithms to compare this data against known magnetic maps, enabling the system to quickly and accurately find its position. Due to the high sensitivity of quantum sensors, AI algorithms are applied to improve the signal-to-noise ratio, removing any mechanical, electrical, or other interference that would impact the system’s ability to acquire its location.

“GPS is easy to jam and spoof. When planes and ships lose GPS in motion and switch over to inertial navigation systems, the vehicle then drifts and soon finds itself off course. The Earth’s crustal magnetic field provides a persistent, passive external signal, making it a highly reliable data source for navigation in concert with other inertial and other sources,” said Luca Ferrara, General Manager of Navigation at SandboxAQ. “AQNav works with existing navigation systems, including inertial, visual, satellite, and other emerging technologies, creating a robust and resilient system-of-systems that will improve navigational accuracy and safety for our customers.”

“GPS denial, jamming and spoofing have become growing global concerns that jeopardize aircraft and passenger safety, disrupt other commercial and military operations, and affect the reliability of essential services,” said Dana Goward, President of the Resilient Navigation and Timing Foundation. “As the world’s dependence on GPS continues to increase, it is imperative that resilient, robust, and complementary GPS alternatives be implemented to mitigate the economic and security repercussions of interference.”

AQNav offers worldwide availability and the approach can be applied in all domains, including air, land, and sea. The system doesn’t rely on visual ground features or satellite transmissions to function and is not affected by weather conditions. AQNav operates at room temperature, requires no shielding, and has a small form factor that can be integrated into a wide variety of platforms, from multi-engine airliners to unmanned aerial vehicles. Its passive technology emits no electronic signals, which reduces the aircraft’s detectability.

AQNav increases useful navigation for aircraft navigating within the frameworks of regulatory bodies such as the International Civil Aviation Organization and U.S. Federal Aviation Administration’s established area navigation and performance-based navigation concepts. SandboxAQ and its partners are exploring a broad range of use cases that utilize this core functionality for both commercial and defense applications.

Admiral John Richardson (retired), former Chief of U.S. Naval Operations, said, “One of the most important advances in modern warfare has been the ability to act with precision in both time and space. This is enabled by near-ubiquitous, satellite-provided signals like GPS. Everybody understands that this is the first point of attack – how to disrupt the enemy’s ability to use GPS and similar systems. Recent conflicts have shown this to be true. Systems like AQNav are absolutely essential to address this critical vulnerability. As a military and as a nation, we must mature these systems that allow us to maintain precision in a GPS-denied environment. It’s fundamental to the way we conduct war.”

Future AQNav Use Cases

In addition to improving civilian, commercial and military aviation, AQNav’s underlying approach could also be used to improve autonomous vehicle control and can operate underwater where GPS signals cannot reach. (Source: PR Newswire)

25 Jun 24. GM Defense Provides Battery Electric Technology for Future Military Platforms. GM Defense, a subsidiary of General Motors, is providing commercial battery electric technology in support of the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) Pulsed Power and Energy Laboratory (PPEL) and Naval Surface Warfare Center Philadelphia Division (NSWCPD). The project, Evaluation of Electric Vehicle Batteries to Enable Directed Energy (EEVBEDE), is funded by the Operational Energy Innovation office of the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), through its Operational Energy Capability Improvement Fund (OECIF). UTA PPEL will evaluate the technology to understand current capabilities of commercial automotive batteries under dynamic discharge and charge scenarios. The team’s evaluation of the technology will help provide pathways and options for domestically supplied energy storage for future use in military platforms.

GM Defense is leveraging GM’s Ultium Platform propulsion architecture, for evaluation and testing. The Ultium Platform can deliver power, range and scale beyond any previous GM hybrid or extended range EV technology. Modular and scalable, the Ultium Platform can use different chemistries and cell form factors, making it adaptable to changing needs and new technology insertions as they become available. Utilizing the battery technologies of its parent company, GM Defense can help solve the DoD’s energy and energy storage challenges. The work performed in this new effort will provide insights into the performance and design considerations when batteries are used in more dynamic, high-power operations than would be faced by more typical applications. OECIF support plays a key role in the development of new power and energy technologies, which provide the DoD with advanced capabilities and help prevent power and energy from being a limiting factor.

“The Department of Defense can benefit from bns of dollars in GM investments to develop and manufacture transformative battery technologies,” says Steve duMont, president of GM Defense. “These technologies offer significant potential to enhance operational capability, whether at the tactical edge or on installations throughout the world. GM Defense welcomes the opportunity to support this important project and to help transition our global defense and government customers.”

“We are excited to work with GM Defense to test the Ultium Platform to determine its potential for use in future warfighting applications. PPEL has a long relationship with the DoD and the Office of Naval Research for testing the limits of batteries used in high power applications, and we are in a unique position to evaluate this technology and make recommendations for future use cases,” said David Wetz, a professor of electrical engineering at UTA and director of the PPEL.

“As a Carnegie R-1 university, UTA is committed to working with industry to better develop and understand the potential of new technology. This collaboration between PPEL, GM Defense and the DoD will not only improve our nation’s military capabilities, but also adds to our workforce development efforts producing next generation engineers who will solve our nation’s complex problems,” said Peter Crouch, dean of UTA’s College of Engineering.

GM Defense previously announced its participation in the Defense Innovation Unit’s Jumpstart for Advanced Battery Standardization (JABS) project. Similar to EEVBEDE, JABS is designed to evaluate and test high voltage battery systems to optimize commercial technologies. GM Defense provided a prototype of a battery system based on GM’s Ultium Platform for the project. Under the same contract, GM Defense demonstrated mission power capabilities by integrating a high-voltage battery pack into a light tactical utility vehicle. Key learnings from JABS will help inform the integration requirements of future battery electric defense solutions.

24 Jun 24. VF370 3U OpenVPX Single Board Computer module proving itself in military ops – Etion.

Pretoria-based electronics company, Etion Create, a subsidiary of Reunert Applied Electronics, has now matured its VF370 3U OpenVPX Single Board Computer (SBC) module to operational service, with Saab’s IDAS-310 defensive aids suite using the SBC.

Launched at the Africa Aerospace and Defence exhibition in 2018, this embedded product is a critical component in Electronic Warfare Self Protection Systems (EWSPS) used in both helicopters, fighter jets and other fixed wing aircraft.

“It has been many years in the making, but Etion Create’s embedded products like our VF370 3U OpenVPX SBC and the widely used CM120 COM Express Type 10 module, both Intel powered, are proving their mettle,” said Tobie van Loggerenberg, executive manager business development. “It is testament to our design and manufacturing capability that the VF370 module has been selected by global defence company Saab for their Integrated Defensive Aids Suite, the IDAS-310 launched last year.”

He explained that the VF370 module is now rated at technology readiness level TRL9, the highest maturity level rating. TRLs were originally developed by NASA in the 1970s for technologies in space exploration.

Numerous aircraft types in more than 15 countries are equipped with Saab’s IDAS suite, which provide warning against threats like radars, infrared guided missiles, and battlefield laser systems.

The VF370 is a 3U OpenVPX Single Board Computer (SBC) module that utilises the Intel Atom E3900 series of embedded processors, Intel Cyclone V FPGA technology and an FMC mezzanine site, to provide a module with scalable processing power and flexible IO options for reduced Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) applications, Etion Create said. It is available in standard air-cooled and rugged conduction-cooled versions. The VF370 is fully designed and manufactured by Etion Create.

“We believe this VF370 SBC module, like our already trusted CM120, is highly versatile and finding a niche in the military and industrial markets,” Van Loggerenberg stated. “With Saab having integrated it into their IDAS-310, Etion Create has seen other original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) expressing interest.” (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)

25 Jun 24. Terma has won the public procurement tender to deliver products of Terma Ground Segment Suite (TGSS) to the Polish Military University of Technology (WAT).

TERMA Ground Segment Suite (TGSS) is a comprehensive set of tools required to deploy a full Mission Control Center, covering everything from satellite testing and checkout to operational management. Leveraging more than 30 years of experience in satellite operations and testing, TGSS incorporates numerous lessons learned over the decades. It is a trusted solution used by major aerospace companies such as Airbus, OHB, and Thales Alenia Space, as well as in space defense programs for the German and Luxembourg armed forces.

TGSS package, which includes a Monitoring and Control System (CCS5), a Flight Dynamics System (ORBIT), and a Mission Planning System (PLAN), along with intuitive 2D/3D graphical user interfaces (TRACK), will be utilized for the PIAST (Polish Imaging Satellites) project. PIAST aims to launch the first three fully built Polish satellites into space. This project is part of the Polish defense and development program SZAFIR, which seeks to enhance cooperation between Polish scientific entities and private entrepreneurs to develop key security and defense solutions, with a particular focus on addressing identified technology gaps.

Funded by the National Centre for Research and Development (NCBR), the PIAST project is being implemented by a consortium of companies and scientific and research institutions, including Creotech Instruments S.A., Space Research Centre of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Scanway Sp. z o.o., Łukasiewicz Research Network – Institute of Aviation, and PCO S.A. (a company of the Polish Armaments Group), under the leadership of WAT.

The collaboration aims to develop a complete satellite imagery reconnaissance system for Poland, consisting of satellites, a ground segment for control and data acquisition, and a data processing segment. This initiative will pave the way for the development of larger satellite constellations with increased Polish content. By developing these critical elements domestically, Poland will be able to maintain full control over the process of acquiring relevant image data, bolstering national security and technological independence.

Terma is proud to be a part of this groundbreaking project, contributing our extensive expertise and advanced technology to help Poland achieve its ambitious goals in space and defense. We are committed to supporting the development of critical infrastructure that enhances national security and fosters innovation within the space sector.

24 Jun 24. When will China have a sixth-gen fighter jet?

Despite China’s notorious secrecy surrounding all things defense, there are indications it is making progress on a sixth-generation fighter.

Perhaps the clearest admission came from a WeChat social media post by Aviation Industry Corporation of China in January 2019. In an interview discussing sixth-gen fighters, Wang Haifeng, the chief designer at AVIC subsidiary Chengdu Aerospace Corp., said preparations were underway to research a combat aircraft that would be ready to “protect the sea and sky” by 2035.

At the time, Wang mentioned elements like manned-unmanned teaming, the use of artificial intelligence, as well as improved stealth and omnidirectional sensors.

In 2022, the head of U.S. Air Combat Command said those efforts are “on track.”

“By and large, they see it [sixth-gen fighter technology] greatly the way we see it in terms of an exponential reduction in signature and exponential acceleration in processing power and sensing, and the ability to iterate in terms of open-mission systems, to be able to essentially reprogram at the speed of relevance,” Gen. Mark Kelly said.

Fast forward to the present, and Rick Joe, who has written extensively about the Chinese military, considers the sixth-gen efforts a program of record, noting that “indicators since 2019 in the semiofficial space have only increased.” Examples include AVIC artwork depicting generic next-gen fighter configurations, academic papers, and statements from military and industry officials. In addition, satellite imagery of a tailless fighter-like airframe was seen at Chengdu Aerospace facilities in October 2021.

Joe told Defense News that demonstrator testbeds, possibly subscale versions, have already flown.

For lack of an official name, he referred to the mysterious fighter as the J-XD. “I fully expect the J-XD to have some subsystems (like engines), which will be less capable than a U.S. equivalent initially, simply because there are some domains where they are still catching up, albeit with significant closing of gaps over the past few decades.”

Joe noted that sixth-gen fighters are typically expected to include aerodynamic design and control; radiofrequency materials; flight control software; sensing technologies; data-linking and combat-management systems; weapons; and the integration of collaborative combat aircraft, or complementary drones.

“I see them as playing in the general ballpark of other nations pursuing a sixth-gen capability,” Joe said.

But when Defense News asked Brendan Mulvaney, the director of the U.S. Air Force’s China Aerospace Studies Institute, whether China currently has the capability to develop these advanced fighters, the response was slightly less optimistic for Beijing.

“Today? No. Twenty years from now? Absolutely. And we’ve seen this time and time again. We’re getting better at not … underestimating what the Chinese system is capable of when it sets its mind to it,” Mulvaney said.

The official said mastering jet engines has been China’s bane, but it is getting better. “At the end of the day, that’s just science. I tell people that physics works the same in Berlin as it does in Beijing. So if you put enough time and effort … you can make a good aerospace engine, especially for the military side.”

Working with drones

Mulvaney said China has described its future fighter as unmanned, but he believes the design is more likely optionally manned, as it depends on how quickly industry can develop AI systems, alongside other requisite technologies. “You don’t have to have a man [in it] and you potentially let it go off on its own, or it could serve as a loyal wingman.”

China’s drone manufacturers are ambitious, but it’s not entirely clear where that technology stands in terms of complementing a future sixth-gen fighter. Notably, Joe said, Chinese-made combat drones and collaborative combat aircraft that have appeared at air shows are “likely not representative of actual in-development [unmanned combat aerial vehicles] intended for the [People’s Liberation Army], which are almost certainly more ambitious in scope.”

He also said it’s fair to assume various sophisticated combat drones “are in advanced development/testing or even limited trial service.”

An in terms of trialing manned-unmanned teaming, China’s existing J-20 fighter could contribute, as the country developed a twin-seat version where a backseat operator can control drones. However, this variant is currently a technology demonstrator.

If the Chengdu Aerospace chief designer’s predictions of a sixth-gen fighter being operational in 2035 hold true, Joe said a maiden flight would need to take place at least five years before then, and thus a prototype would need to be ready around 2028. He expressed confidence this is possible, although Mulvaney predicted it will probably take China “until the late 2030s, if not the early 2040s,” to reveal a meaningful design. (Source: Defense News Early Bird/Defense News)

Oxley Group Ltd

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Contact Marcus Goad on 07850 917 263 for more information or to arrange samples.

NEW TECHNOLOGIES, AVIONICS AND SOFTWARE

June 22, 2024 by

Sponsored By Oxley Developments

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20 Jun 24. BAE Newest Cross Domain Solution Passes UK CAPS Evaluation.

BAE Systems’ Cross Domain Solution (CDS) – the XTS IRIS Large Scale Enterprise platform – has successfully passed the UK CAPS evaluation alongside our Secure Voice and Video Gateway (SVG) Application.

The CAPS process verifies that High Assurance products have met the approved standards (set out by HMG policy) to be employed where cross-domain products are used to safeguard government classified data.

This certification builds on over 15 years of BAE Systems’ involvement in the creation of hardware-based Cross Domain Solutions, covering a multitude of use cases:

Secure Voice and Video collaboration across trust domain
Secure and controlled Import and Export (ImpEx) of structured and unstructured data types, and
Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) protection,
Safe Browsing (accessing) of different trust domains

The BAE Systems XTS IRIS Large Scale Enterprise Platform is a scalable, modular hardware-based appliance with wire-speed throughput of 160Gbps – a generational leap ahead of other CDS on the market.

At the heart of the platform are our advanced FPGA Processing Blades, which host our key security controls and filters that provide the assurance that your data (and nothing else) is securely transferred across domains. Without the large attack surface of general purpose operating systems that underpin traditional software-based CDS, we can give organisations the confidence to be more ambitious in collaborating internally and externally with partners.

Complementing our hardware-based solutions, we also produce a suite of software-based tools and filters that allow our customers to build advanced CDS to cover complex use cases.

Securely developed and manufactured in the 5 Eyes utilising a secure supply chain, this capability is available to customers today. Get in touch to discover how we can help you unlock the productivity gains that advanced collaboration and data-sharing can bring to your organisation.

We are also transferring this technology to the US, with the SVG and XTS IRIS Platform entering the NCDSMO Lab-Based Security Assessment (LBSA) against the Raise the Bar (RTB) 4.1 requirement set, with expected completion in 2025.(Source: ASD Network)

19 Jun 24. US Army moves out on digital engineering strategy. The Army is embarking on a strategy to implement a digital engineering environment meant to speed the pace, lower the cost and reduce risk in weapons systems development, according to Jennifer Swanson, the service’s deputy assistant secretary for data, engineering and software within its acquisition branch.

Gabe Camarillo, the Army under secretary, who previewed the effort last fall, signed the directive in May, Swanson said, which enables the Army to grow its digital engineering capability across the force using current development programs to pave the way while promoting increased interoperability and developing a capable and experienced workforce.

Already, the defense industry is using digital engineering, including digital twins, to develop future vertical lift aircraft, combat vehicles and even hypersonic weapons.

“We view digital engineering as the linchpin of all the digital transformation efforts that we have ongoing today,” Swanson said in a June 18 press briefing at the Pentagon.

“Data, the way that software communicates, the output of that software, and how we inform our soldiers and commanders to make real time decisions, [artificial intelligence] [are] pivotal, critical,” she said. “Leveraging that data, leveraging those software capabilities; digital engineering is really how it all comes together,”

The directive policy has four tenets. The first is to establish digital engineering focus areas, the second is to promote interoperability and implementation across the force, the third is to establish and monitor programs identified as “pathfinders” and the fourth is to develop talent and expertise.

The Army has identified three focus areas for the strategy: Ground vehicles; aviation; and sensors.

The aviation focus area takes many lessons learned from industry which has been using digital engineering for aircraft design heavily. The Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft, one of the DE pathfinder programs, was designed from the beginning in a digital environment and has served as a prime example for how the service plans to develop major weapon systems digitally going forward. FLRAA was built and flown in record time because it was designed digitally.

The ground vehicle focus area will draw from the automotive industry, according to the directive, which, “leverages DE heavily in designing cars and trucks today and has gained tremendous efficiencies and increased quality as a result.”

The Army is already using digital engineering in its XM30 Mechanized Infantry Combat Vehicle competitive design effort from the very beginning and is therefore one of the service’s pathfinder programs to “illustrate DE’s potential contributions, highlight existing policies and processes that may hinder a program’s ability to implement DE and identify how to advance DE adoption in various contexts,” the directive states.

XM30 program challenges

The challenges programs face as they begin to implement digital engineering as part of the design and development process were recently highlighted in the XM30 program. In the Government Accountability Office’s weapon systems annual assessment, officials found “it took longer to release the request for proposals due to a lack of experience with digital engineering while directing contractors to use specific software design approaches.”

Additionally, the Army “lacked precedent for scoping a digital open architecture project, which delayed the Source Selection and Evaluation Board process,” the GAO found.

XM30 was “really first in terms of putting [DE] out in an RFP that way,” Swanson said. “There was learning to be done and so I think that’s why it took a little bit longer, but I think sometimes you do have to go a little slow to go fast because I think they will absolutely benefit and the return on investment is there.”

One of the challenges that still exists, and that the XM30 program is working through, is related “to the fact that we don’t have interoperable digital engineering tools in industry,” Swanson said. “It’s a big problem.”

The Army “is not going to direct everybody to use a certain tool,” she said. “The lack of ability to cleanly and easily share data between all those tools causes challenges and that’s not just inherent to what we’re doing. That’s across the industry.”

The industry is planning to adopt new standards for digital engineering tools to increase interoperability to solve that challenge, Swanson said. The goal to establish those standards is targeted for the end of the summer, she added.

Other pathfinder programs the Army is using to guide its digital engineering transformation are the Integrated Fires Mission Command, the Joint Targeting Integrated Command and Control Suite, the M113 Armored Personnel Carrier and the Program Executive Office Aviation Logistics Data Analysis Lab for UH-60 Black Hawk, CH-47 Chinook and AH-64 Apache helicopters.

Selecting some older programs as pathfinders, like the M113, may come as a surprise, but according to Swanson, the M113 has a digital twin

“There is a lot of reuse of parts between the M113 and our newer vehicles and so being able to take that digital twin, leverage it and evolve, it is great,” she said.

One of the bigger challenges as the Army seeks to execute the directive will be to extend digital engineering capabilities beyond the development realm.

“We want to build those digital threads from requirements all the way to sustainment,” Swanson said. “That requires all of our partners within the Army that help us acquire these technologies and these programs and so that’s really what this directive is about is being able to set the stage to enable everybody else to do it.” (Source: C4ISR & Networks)

20 Jun 24. Inertial Labs Releases New GPS-Aided Inertial Navigation System. Built using Tactical-grade Fiber Optic Gyroscope technology, the new INS-FI by Inertial Labs has an IP67 rating ensuring exceptional durability and performance in harsh environmentsBy Sarah Simpson / 19 Jun 2024.

Inertial Labs has introduced the INS-FI, the company’s latest GPS-Aided Inertial Navigation System developed using Tactical-grade Fiber Optic Gyroscope (FOG) technology.

The INS-FI incorporates Inertial Labs’ latest onboard sensor fusion filter, cutting-edge navigation and guidance algorithms, and advanced calibration software. This integration ensures optimal performance and reliability, making the INS-FI an invaluable tool for diverse navigation needs.

Commenting on the new release CEO of Inertial Labs Jamie Marraccini, said “The INS-FI represents a significant milestone in our mission to provide superior navigation solutions. With its advanced FOG technology and robust design, the INS-FI sets a new standard for performance and reliability in the industry. We are excited to offer this groundbreaking product to our customers worldwide.”

A leading innovator in navigation and positioning solutions Inertial Labs designed the INS-FI to achieve an IP67 rating, ensuring exceptional durability and performance in the harshest environments and significantly ruggedized and shielded against EMC/EMI.

The fully integrated INS-FI includes an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) that combines Fiber Optic Gyroscopes and MEMS Accelerometers. Additionally, it features an all-constellations GNSS receiver with multiple bands (supporting GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BEIDOU, and NAVIC). This sophisticated system provides precise horizontal and vertical positions, velocity, and absolute orientation (Heading, Pitch, and Roll) for any mounted device and maintains high accuracy for both stationary and dynamic applications.

Key features:

High-Performance FOG IMU: Measures GNSS-free Heading (True North) with less than 0.5-degree error.

Accurate Positioning: Delivers horizontal and vertical positions with approximately 0.1% error of distance traveled for land applications and five nautical miles per hour drift for aerospace (UAV) applications without GNSS signal.

Compatibility: Fully compatible with Inertial Labs’ ADC (Air Data Computer), VINS (Visual Inertial Navigation Systems), and SAMC (Stand-Alone Magnetic Compass).

Inertial Labs are currently exhibiting the latest inertial navigation systems at Eurosatory 2024, Hall 5a, CD189. (Source: https://www.defenseadvancement.com/)

18 Jun 24. France preps Europe’s fastest classified supercomputer for defense AI. France plans to build Europe’s most powerful classified supercomputer to take the lead in artificial intelligence for defense purposes, Armed Forces Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced at the Eurosatory defense show here.

The Armed Forces Ministry will make computing time available to the Higher Education Ministry and other government departments, and also allow French defense firms to run AI solutions in a secure and protected environment, according to Lecornu. Lecornu said he’s not providing details on the capacity of the super calculator for AI applications, which is planned for 2025.

France in March announced plans to reallocate €2 bn of funding from the 2024-2030 defense budget to artificial intelligence. Lecornu said AI will be a differentiating factor between countries, creating a break between those left behind and those who manage to hang on.

“The challenge for the French team is obviously to be among those that stand out in this field,” Lecornu said. “When it comes to military AI, we’ll be the European power that’s best prepared, that’s going to devote the most resources to it.”

France, with its army that deploys operationally, will be capable of developing “not theoretical AI but combat AI, and that fundamentally is going to change the game.”

Lecornu said the technology is already being used in the French Army “everywhere,” with the Caesar howitzer using AI to aid with target acquisition by drone, a development resulting from the needs of Ukrainian gunners in their war against Russia, while the Air Force uses artificial intelligence in pilot training.

In terms of capacity sharing with civilian applications, the ministry will use the same model as that used by the French Atomic Energy Commission in the 1960s, Lecornu said. The Armed Forces Ministry in March announced the creation of a ministerial agency for artificial intelligence in defense, known by its French acronym Amiad.

“It’s such a revolution, artificial intelligence, in many respects as profound as the atom in the aftermath of World War II,” Lecornu said. “The particularity of our business is that it’s unthinkable to run AI on potentially classified material in a network that isn’t completely secure.”

France isn’t the only country to have identified AI as a military priority. U.S. Department of Defense spending on AI nearly tripled in the one-year period ending in August 2023 to $557 m, according to analysis by the Brookings Institution published in March.

The fastest supercomputer in Europe is Finland’s LUMI, with a performance rating of 380 Petaflop/s, or 380 quadrillion floating-point operations per second, which puts it in fifth position globally, according to the Top500 ranking as of June. Two of the world’s most powerful supercomputers use architecture by Eviden, a unit of French company Atos: Leonardo in Italy and MareNostrum in Spain.

One challenge France faces is retaining skilled engineers, with competition from tech companies such as Google and Apple that offer better salaries, Lecornu said. Retaining talent is a question of sovereignty, and it’s an issue the AI agency will tackle, according to the minister, who didn’t provide details on how that might be achieved. (Source: Defense News Early Bird/Defense News)

Oxley Group Ltd

https://oxleydevelopments.cmail20.com/t/t-l-cdhkulk-yujhutkljd-r/

https://oxleydevelopments.cmail20.com/t/t-l-cdhkulk-yujhutkljd-y/

Contact Marcus Goad on 07850 917 263 for more information or to arrange samples.

NEW TECHNOLOGIES, AVIONICS AND SOFTWARE

June 19, 2024 by

Sponsored By Oxley Developments

www.oxleygroup.com

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18 Jun 24. NATO targets AI, robots and space tech in $1.1bn fund. A consortium of NATO allies has confirmed the first tranche of companies awarded funding as part of the group’s one bn euro ($1.1bn) innovation fund.

The alliance unveiled the fund in the summer of 2022, months after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, promising to invest in technologies that would enhance its defences. The fund is backed by 24 of NATO’s 32 member states, including Finland and Sweden, which joined the alliance earlier this year.

On Tuesday, the NATO Innovation Fund (NIF) confirmed it had directly invested in four European tech companies, which it said would help address challenges in defence, security, and resilience.

The body has allocated funding to Fractile AI, a London-based computer chipmaker aiming to make large language models (LLMs) like those that power ChatGPT run faster, as well as Germany’s ARX Robotics, which designs unmanned robots with functions ranging from heavy-lifting to surveillance.

The other two startups were British manufacturer iCOMAT, which makes lighter materials for vehicles, and Space Forge, a Welsh company that harnesses the conditions of space – such as microgravity and vacuum conditions – to build semiconductors in-orbit.

“Enabling access to strategic technologies is key to securing a safe and prosperous future for the alliance’s one billion citizens,” said Andrea Traversone, the fund’s managing partner.

The fund has also partnered with venture capital firms Alpine Space Ventures, OTB Ventures, Join Capital and Vsquared Ventures to support further investment in deep tech on the continent. (Source: Reuters)

17 Jun 24. DDC-I, a leading supplier of software and professional services for mission- and safety-critical applications, and LDRA, the leading provider of automated code analysis and software testing tools and professional services for mission- and safety-critical applications, today announced an enhanced integration between the Deos safety-critical DO-178C certifiable RTOS and the LDRA tool suite. The integrated solution, qualified to Design Assurance Level A (DAL A), utilizes unique OS-level instrumentation hooks that enable the LDRA tool suite to deliver enhanced unit test and worst-case timing analysis capabilities out of the box.

Unlike conventional RTOS/unit test integrations, which utilize chip-level facilities such as special registers or timers, Deos provides process log events with high-resolution time stamps that link what’s going on at the process level with the kernel’s more uniform/consistent view of time. These OS-level hooks provide for WCET measurement at both the system and task level using the developer’s interference generation tool of choice.

“DDC-I has been at the forefront of DO-178C safety-critical multi-core technology development, standardization and verification, with an emphasis on the guidance of CAST-32A initially, and then more recently the January 2024 release of AC 20-193 Use of Multi-Core Processors,” said Greg Rose, vice president of marketing at DDC-I. “The integration of Deos with the LDRA tool suite gives avionics developers the unit test platform they need to identify and resolve complex multi-core timing issues, especially the worst-case execution scenarios critical to avionics.”

“Proving that an avionics system is properly partitioned to avoid interference from competing cores is critical, yet nearly impossible without the proper development and testing tools,” said Ian Hennell, Operations Director at LDRA. “Deos provides OS-level hooks that give the LDRA tool suite unique visibility into RTOS operation, enabling it to deliver uniform timing analysis with enhanced worst-case execution capabilities, essential for airworthiness certification.”

About the LDRA tool suite

The LDRA tool suite is LDRA’s flagship platform that delivers open and extensible solutions for building quality into software from requirements through to deployment. The tool suite provides a continuum of capabilities including requirements traceability, test management, coding standards compliance, code quality review, code coverage analysis, data-flow and control-flow analysis, unit/integration/target testing, and certification and regulatory support.The LDRA tool suite’s unit and integration testing capabilities provide an intuitive user interface that allows the same tests to be executed in the host or target environments. Where code re-use is in consideration, they allow those same tests to be re-run automatically in different target environments. Test generation (test harness, test vectors, code stubs) and result-capture support is available for a wide range of host and target platforms. Optimized instrumentation technology supports even highly constrained 8- and 16-bit microcontrollers, and through to high-performance 32- and 64-bit processors.

TBwcet is an optional module for the LDRA tool suite that automates the measurement of WCET on the target – the only way to provide evidence of adequate resourcing and mitigation for interference where multi-core processors (MCP) are deployed. Test results and reports generated using TBwcet can be uploaded to LDRAvault. LDRAvault is a web application that automatically aggregates certification artifacts across distributed users and complex projects, can easily adapt to comply with a growing and evolving certification and regulatory landscape, supports traditional as well as CI/CD workflows, automatically generates advanced visualizations to gain insights across large and targeted sets of certification data through a ‘single pane of glass’, and enables effective collaboration across the enterprise and supply chain, and with regulatory authorities.

About Deos

Deos is a safety-critical embedded RTOS that employs patented cache partitioning, memory pools, and safe scheduling to deliver higher CPU utilization than any other certifiable safety-critical COTS RTOS on multi-core processors. First certified to DO-178 DAL A in 1998, Deos provides certified conformant FACE OSS Safety Base and Safety Extended Profiles that feature hard real-time response, time and space partitioning, with support for Rate Monotonic, ARINC-653 and POSIX interfaces.

SafeMC technology extends Deos’ advanced capabilities to multiple cores, enabling developers of safety-critical systems to achieve best in class multi-core performance without compromising safety critical task response and guaranteed execution time. SafeMC employs a bound multiprocessing (BMP) extension of the symmetric multiprocessing architecture (SMP), safe scheduling, and cache partitioning to minimize cross-core contention and interference patterns that affect the performance, safety criticality and certifiability of multi-core systems. These features enable avionics systems developers to address issues that could impact the safety, performance and integrity of a software airborne system as specified by the FAA’s Advisory Circular (AC) AC 20-193.

Target Platforms

Deos and the LDRA tool suite are available for a variety of popular avionics multi-core processors, including the NXP i.MX8. Other popular targets include the Xilinx XC102 and ZCU102 evaluation kit), x86, TI, and soon Qualcomm.

About LDRA

For more than 45 years, LDRA has developed and driven the market for software that automates code analysis and software testing for safety-, mission-, security-, and business-critical markets. Working with clients to achieve early error identification and elimination and full compliance with industry standards, LDRA traces requirements through static and dynamic analysis to unit testing and verification for a wide variety of hardware and software platforms. Boasting a worldwide presence, LDRA has headquarters in the United Kingdom, United States, Germany, and India coupled with an extensive distributor network. For more information on the LDRA tool suite, please visit www.ldra.com.

About DDC-I, Inc.

DDC-I, Inc. is a global supplier of real-time operating systems, software development tools, custom software development services, and legacy software system modernization solutions, with a primary focus on mission- and safety-critical applications. DDC-I’s customer base is an impressive “who’s who” in the commercial, military, aerospace, and safety-critical industries. DDC-I offers safety-critical real-time operating systems, compilers, integrated development environments and run-time systems for C, C++, and Ada application development. For more information regarding DDC-I products, contact DDC-I at 4545 E. Shea Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85028; phone (602) 275-7172; fax (602) 252-6054; e-mail or visit http://www.ddci.com/pr2409.

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Oxley Group Ltd

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Contact Marcus Goad on 07850 917 263 for more information or to arrange samples.

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NEW TECHNOLOGIES, AVIONICS AND SOFTWARE

June 13, 2024 by

Sponsored By Oxley Developments

www.oxleygroup.com
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12 Jun 24. Oxley Awarded Silver Recognition for Forces Friendly Approach. Oxley is delighted to have received a Silver Award through the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme in acknowledgment of the work the team do to support forces personnel.
The Silver Award recognises employers who support the armed forces, including existing or prospective employees who have served. The commitments Oxley has made are in recruitment and selection procedures and through the introduction of positive policies covering defence people issues such as cadet adult volunteers and reservist policies.
Oxley also commits to promoting the benefits of being an armed forces-friendly organisation through knowledge transfer and advocacy within the business community. As an SME operating in the defence industry, Oxley is a proud signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant and maintains close links with the community and with charitable organisations supporting veterans.
Commenting on the 2024 Employer Recognition Scheme Silver awards; Colonel Mark Underhill OBE DL, Chief Executive at the North West of England and the Isle of Man Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association (NW RFCA), said, ‘On behalf of the Ministry of Defence we are honoured and delighted to be able to recognise the outstanding support and commitment given to the Armed Forces Covenant by businesses and organisations in the region, through the Employer Recognition Scheme awards. Each recipient has demonstrated not only that their support to the Covenant and the wider Armed Forces community, but also that they are prepared to support their Reservists, Service Leavers, Spouses, Veterans, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers and Cadets in the workplace.’
Oxley Group CEO, Darren Cavan commented, ‘We are delighted to receive this formal recognition of our commitment to being a forces friendly employer. As a manufacturer working in the defence industry we are in regular contact with those serving and we very much value the commitment and the skills they have to offer. We have introduced new policies to support defence people and their families, both working within the business and prospective future candidates. We look forward to continuing our ERS journey, setting ourselves the challenge of progressing to Gold recognition.’
The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise by the nation ensuring that those who serve or who have served in the armed forces, and their families, are treated fairly.

13 Jun 24. New Elma CMFF SAVE-compliant Chassis for Ground Combat and Tactical Vehicles Aligned to SOSA™ and CMOSS.
Deployable chassis enables rapid technology insertion, reduces sustainment costs
Highlights
• Mission-ready platform includes 7-slot OpenVPX backplane
• SAVE-compliant and aligned to SOSA and CMOSS technical standards
• Standard military grade components with custom options available
• Live demonstration: Booth 120; MOSA Summit, June 17-18; National Harbor, MD
Elma Electronic Inc. has released a 3U CMFF (CMOSS mounted form factor) chassis that is both SOSA and CMOSS aligned as well as SAVE-compliant. The new, off-the-shelf unit is ideal for integrated command, control, communications, computers, cyber, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (C5ISR) in ground vehicles, tactical combat environments and high-performance ground or rotary wing processing applications.
Ken Grob, director of embedded technologies for Elma Electronic, noted, “The emerging requirements of many defense entities are centered on rapid technology insertion and lowering sustainment costs. Reusing existing capabilities and common hardware and platforms based on open standards technologies, like Elma has done with this new CMFF chassis, meets these current needs and sets the stage for future military application development.”
The new chassis is optimized for SWaP (size, weight and power), and is designed to mitigate shock and vibration, while staying within the standard A-Kit vehicle envelope (SAVE) dimensions. Maintenance ports on each slot route to a connector, which connects to a maintenance port aggregator, which poses a USB port to the front panel. The user connects a laptop to the USB, and the maintenance ports are all available as UART ports.
This mission-ready platform comes standard with a 7-slot backplane ready to accept six conduction cooled, SOSA aligned plug-in cards (PICs) and one VITA 62 power supply and is an ideal way to rapidly integrate a deployable platform. The chassis has an advanced airflow design that distributes air across the top and bottom via external fins.
Additional features include Elma’s built-in VITA 46.11 Chassis Manager that provides intelligent system health monitoring. The front panel includes on/off switch, reset switch, voltage LEDs and test points.
Military-grade components used in the all-aluminum chassis include MIL- STD-38999 connectors, line filter, on/off and reset switches, LEDs and circuit breakers as well as a high-altitude cooling fan that can operate under extremely harsh temperature conditions. Available options include various backplanes, dual power supplies, and different cabling upon request.
For more product details, please visit https://bit.ly/CMFF2SAVE, contact sales at , or call (510) 656-3400.
Get our updates: http://www.linkedin.com/company/elma-electronic
Upcoming Elma Tradeshows: https://www.elma.com/en/news-events
About Elma Electronic Inc.
Elma Electronic Inc. is a global manufacturer of commercial, industrial and rugged electronic products for embedded systems and application-ready platforms – from components, embedded boards, backplanes, chassis and enclosures, power supplies, to fully integrated subsystems.
With one of the widest product ranges available in the embedded industry, Elma also offers standard and custom cabinets and enclosures as well as precision components such as rotary switches/encoders, LEDs, front panels and small cases.
Elma leverages proven technology based on VITA, PICMG, and other standards-based architectures (i.e. OpenVPX, SOSA™, VME, CompactPCI Serial, COM Express and PCIe/104). Elma is also actively engaged in designing solutions for applications requiring smaller footprints.
Elma Electronic manages entire projects from initial system architecture to specification, design, manufacturing and test through its worldwide production facilities and sales offices. The company serves the mil/aero, industrial, research, telecom, medical and commercial markets and is certified to ISO 9001 and AS 9100.
With U.S. headquarters in Fremont, Calif., the company maintains multiple sales, engineering and manufacturing operations in Atlanta, Ga., and Philadelphia, Pa.

13 Jun 24. NH90 comprehensive upgrade programme launched. NH Industries (NHI) and the NATO Helicopter Management Agency (NAHEMA) have signed a contract to launch the development and qualification of the NH90 Block 1 upgrade (also known as Software Release 3). NAHEMA acted on behalf of Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, and Italy. This programme is part of the NH90 evolution roadmap and constitutes a major upgrade in terms of capabilities for both the TTH and NFH variants of the NH90 combat helicopter.
“The signature of the SWR3 contract, which marks the launch of the NH90 Block 1 upgrade, is an important milestone for the NH90 programme and is a clear sign that our NATO customers trust the NH90 and plan on operating it for many more decades to come,” said Axel Aloccio, President of NHI and Head of NH90 Programme at Airbus Helicopters. “We have a clear plan to extend the life span of the NH90 up to 50 years and we will need to upgrade the aircraft to make sure it stays relevant on the battlefield of tomorrow. The Block 1 programme will cover the next ten to fifteen years. Beyond that horizon, we are also planning the Block 2 upgrade that will define the future evolutions of the platform and ensure that it continues to meet the needs of the battlefield of tomorrow”, he added.
The first phase of this 600m Euro programme includes an upgrade of the NH90 communication suite and the integration of Data Link 22 allowing beyond line-of-sight interoperability without going through satellite communications. IFF Mod 5 Level 2 (the latest version of the device used to identify and track military aircraft) will also be integrated. Other upgrades will be available to the operators and include the integration of a latest generation electro optical system, a new dipping sonar and the integration of the MK 54 torpedo and the Marte ER anti-ship missile. The NH90 Block 1 will be able to navigate with a civil grade global navigation satellite system (GNSS) and flight management system. The second phase of the programme, which is currently under finalisation, will consist of the deployment of the Block 1 configuration improvements on approximately 200 NH90s, both NFH and TTH, in total.
NHIndustries is the largest rotorcraft joint venture and it is responsible for the design, manufacturing and support of the NH90 helicopter, one of the leaders in the latest generation of military helicopters. The Company takes the best from the European rotorcraft and defence industry, being owned by Airbus Helicopters (62.5%), Leonardo (32%) and GKN Fokker (5.5%). Each company has a long aerospace pedigree and brings the top of its skills and expertise to the end product.

11 Jun 24. GKN Aerospace to Double F-35 Canopy Production Capacity As Demand Ramps Up.
• New production line for GKN Aerospace’s Garden Grove site, in California
• The move will double manufacturing capacity of critical F-35 canopies and reinforce GKN Aerospace’s leadership position in military transparencies
• Demand coming from both OE production and aftermarket
GKN Aerospace today announced plans to double the F-35 canopy production capacity of its Garden Grove, California, site, creating more than 100 new jobs. A customer investment of up to $150m will support tools and equipment for the state-of-the-art new production line, which will help meet continued demand for the F-35 Lightning II over the next decade. Since the start of the programme, GKN Aerospace has provided F-35s worldwide with its unique high-performance cockpit canopy.
The expansion will be completed by January 2027 and will see the new production line built near GKN Aerospace’s existing Garden Grove facility. It will create skilled roles across a range of disciplines, including manufacturing and engineering. GKN Aerospace currently employs around 540 people at its industry-leading Garden Grove site, which designs, manufactures and provides aftermarket support for advanced military and commercial transparencies.
We’re proud and honoured to support the F-35 for the next decade. This investment is a crucial step, enabling us to provide the growing international F-35 fleet with the very latest transparencies technology, to help keep servicemen and women safe around the world. The agreements will also see more than 100 highly skilled jobs created at GKN Aerospace, as well as supporting thousands more jobs in the global supply chain. This investment is a win for GKN Aerospace, the F-35 programme and the many countries it supports, and the team can’t wait to ramp up our production and deliver. (Source: ASD Network)

11 Jun 24. Curtiss-Wright Expands Axon Airborne Data Acquisition Product Family with Miniature 8-Channel ADC DAU that Supports PoE and Daisy-Chain Connectivity.
Curtiss-Wright’s Defense Solutions Division today introduced the Axon™ Pico (AXP/ADC/401) 8-channel ADC data acquisition unit (DAU), the latest addition to its expansive range of data acquisition systems designed for use in demanding flight test programs. Flight test engineers seek to reduce their FTI system’s wire weight and complexity while easing the installation process. They also want to leverage distributed architectures that enable remote data acquisition from hard-to-reach places on the test platform, while also being able to acquire accurate data in locations that experience extreme shock and vibration. The Axon Pico, Curtiss-Wright’s first DAU to support Power over Ethernet (PoE), helps address all of these challenging requirements.
This size, weight, and power (SWaP) optimized Axon Pico DAU is designed to be as small as possible without compromising key features. It significantly reduces wiring weight and complexity, enables the remote capture of critical data and supports daisy-chain connectivity to other Axon Picos without requiring a switch. Axon Picos connect to each other using IEEE 1588 PTP system synchronization. Even better, the high-performance unit delivers data throughput rated at 50 ksps per channel (max.) on each of its 8 analog input channels, while providing support for all typical FTI analog sensor types. This flexible analog-to-data converter FTI module is ideal for use in demanding flight test programs, such as Missile and EVTOL testing.
“We believe the Axon Pico is the FTI industry’s first miniature standalone analog data acquisition unit with support for Power over Ethernet and daisy-chain connectivity,” said Brian Perry, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions. “Our Axon data acquisition systems for critical flight test applications provide flight test engineers with high-speed, flexible solutions for demanding FTI programs. With the introduction of the Axon Pico, we further demonstrate our commitment to delivering the most comprehensive FTI product range available.”
The Axon Pico supports a programmable input range of ±2.4 mV to ±10V and delivers high accuracy up to 0.02% FSR (typical). The DAU supports full-bridge, half-bridge, differential ended, single ended, RTD, thermocouple, ICP, and AC coupled measurements, with both voltage and current excitation. Data is packetized directly out of the unit, eliminating the need for a separate chassis. Each unit features two ports that carry both 100BASE-TX Ethernet and power over CAT5 (or better) cable.
About the Axon Product Family
The Axon product family is the most advanced airborne data acquisition system available today, offering low SWaP with the best feature set, data acquisition, and thermal performance on the market. The Axon product family builds on Curtiss-Wright’s heritage as the leading supplier of rugged, reliable data acquisition for aerospace applications.
Axon’s future-proof design, using a high-speed serial backplane (1 Gbps dedicated link per module), ensures future high data rates are supported. Its optimized SWaP design enables an Axon module to be located in tight spaces and operate reliably without requiring bulky heatsinks. Axon modules can be hosted in ultra-miniature “Axonite” housings and located remotely, separated from the chassis by up to 10 meters. Locating data acquisition closer to the sensors can significantly decrease the installation time and cost of the instrumentation while simultaneously reducing wiring weight. Axonites can also save significant system costs in larger installations by minimizing the number of DAUs required in remote locations and eliminating the need for extra chassis controllers and power supplies.

11 Jun 24. Researcher Charges Ahead with New Tech to Power Drones Wirelessly. Dr. Ifana Mahbub, assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering at The University of Texas at Dallas, has been awarded the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Director’s Fellowship to continue her research to develop wireless technology to recharge unmanned aerial vehicles in flight.
DARPA awards the fellowships to its Young Faculty Award recipients who demonstrate exceptional performance. Mahbub received a Young Faculty Award, which provided $500,000 over two years, in 2021. The fellowship provides an additional $250,000.
Mahbub and her team of researchers are developing wireless technology to transfer electromagnetic waves to and from far distances. Called far-field wireless power transfer, or power beaming, the technology would enable UAVs, or drones, for example, to recharge without having to land at power stations. The technology would mark a significant advance in wireless recharging, which currently is limited to transferring power via low-frequency electromagnetic waves between very short distances, such as to a cellphone from a nearby charger.
“Our first goal is to deliver as much power as possible over a longer distance,”
said Mahbub, a Texas Instruments Early Career Fellow and director of the Integrated Biomedical, RF Circuits and Systems Lab in the Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science.
One of the challenges of power beaming at far distances is preventing electromagnetic waves from scattering along the way. To solve that problem, Mahbub and her team use a system of transmitters, or smaller antennas called phased-array antennas, to steer the electromagnetic waves along a targeted path.
“The signal can go in undesired directions,” Mahbub said. “Our goal is to engineer the waveform so that we can minimize the path loss.”
The technology also uses telemetry to track the movements of a UAV in real time to ensure the signal moves in the right direction.
“We can track the unmanned aerial vehicle and steer the beam to ensure we are constantly powering the dynamic vehicles,” Mahbub said. “That way, a drone going for a mission doesn’t have to return to a bay station for recharging or a battery change.”
The concept of far-field charging for UAVs applies to other technologies, too, she said, including electric vehicles, mobile phones and wearable devices. Facilitating far-field charging for vehicles or phones would involve placing transmitters in buildings and other infrastructures. Mahbub also is working on developing wireless charging technology for implanted devices that could use low-frequency electromagnetic waves at a safe level that is mandated by the Federal Communications Commission.
Mahbub’s team of researchers on the project includes electrical engineering doctoral students Adnan Patwary and Rafsan Mahin; and Dr. Sunanda Roy, postdoctoral research associate.
Mahbub, who joined UTD in 2022, received a five-year, $500,000 National Science Foundation Faculty Early Career Development Program (CAREER) Award in 2020.
Dinesh Bhatia MS’87, PhD’90, department head and professor of electrical and computer engineering, said Mahbub’s latest achievement is a point of pride for the department.
“Through her groundbreaking research on wireless charging for UAVs and her remarkable talent for fostering collaborative relationships, Professor Ifana Mahbub excels in not only the research but also the path toward innovation and teamwork in our department,” he said.
Top Photo: L-R: Dr. Ifana Mahbub; electrical engineering doctoral students Adnan Patwary and Rafsan Mahin, and Dr. Sunanda Roy, an electrical and computer engineering researcher.
(Source: UAS VISION)

10 Jun 24. Department of the Air Force announces new generative AI program: NIPRGPT. NIPRGPT will help airmen and guardians with correspondence, research and coding tasks all while being connected to a secure online environment, according to an announcement.
The Air Force and Space Force announced a new generative artificial intelligence tool Monday, called the Non-classified Internet Protocol Generative Pre-training Transformer, or NIPRGPT.
The goal of NIPRGPT, an AI chatbot with human-like responses, is to help the Department of the Air Force learn how AI can advance access to information and determine if generative AI is necessary within the DAF.
“Our recent GenAI Roundtables with industry and academia have shown us this is an actively growing field,” Venice Goodwine, DAF chief information officer, said in a department announcement.
“Now is the time to give our Airmen and Guardians the flexibility to develop the necessary skills in parallel. There are multiple modernization efforts going on right now across the federal government and within the DAF to get tools in the hands of the workforce. This tool is another one of those efforts.”
The platform will help airmen and guardians with correspondence, research and coding tasks, all while being connected to a secure online environment, per the announcement.
Though the platform is still undergoing development, NIPRGPT has shown promising results, Chandra Donelson, DAF acting chief data and artificial intelligence officer, said during a media roundtable Monday.
“So first and foremost, I truly believe the greatest contributions and innovators can make is to create other innovators, and to see what guardians and airmen have done here with the NIPRGBT capability is phenomenal,” she said, according to an audio transcript of the roundtable obtained by Breaking Defense.
Alexis Bonnell, chief information officer and director of digital capabilities at the Air Force Research Laboratory, said that the Air Force has yet to pick a specific vendor or approach as it builds the criterion for NIPRGBT.
However, as servicemembers begin using NIPRGBT, the department plans to work with commercial partners to test whether the DAF has a real need for generative AI.
“We’re hoping that not only will this kick off the curiosity and experimentation that we can see in our users, but it will also, for those providers that have models, it will give us a way to actually test those. We fully expect that some models are going to be great at some use cases and not so great at others,” Bonnel said during the roundtable.
NIPRGPT is derived from the Dark Saber software platform developed at the Air Force Research Laboratory Information Directorate. Dark Saber is a project comprised of Air Force and Space Force servicemembers with the mission of creating next-generation, deployable software and capabilities. (Source: Breaking Defense.com)

10 Jun 24. TE Connectivity (TE), a world leader in connectivity and sensors, has expanded its portfolio of cable management solutions with the launch of its latest standard and miniature cable tie adhesive mount brackets. Designed to support equipment in pressurized and unpressurized areas of an aircraft, these lightweight brackets support quick installation with recommended adhesives while maintaining structural integrity.
These latest adhesive mount brackets significantly reduces the need for drilled holes and structural modifications, preventing potential issues such as fatigue cracks on metal surfaces due to incorrect drilling. The brackets’ enhanced strength-to-weight ratio and compact footprint help save both weight and space while maintaining performance. Each bracket accommodates a range of industry-standard cable tie sizes, reducing the need for multiple hardware components and part numbers.
“TE’s latest adhesive mount brackets provide a versatile, standardized solution for efficient cable management in aerospace applications,” said Stephen Rosenbauer, Product Manager at TE Connectivity. “The brackets’ lightweight, space-saving design and quick installation process make them a highly reliable choice for customers seeking to fine tune cable routing while maintaining high levels of performance and reliability.”
Key Features and Benefits:
• Space Efficiency: Both brackets are engineered to occupy minimal space, allowing for enhanced utilization of functional requirements.
• Ease of Assembly: The brackets support a range of industry-standard cable tie sizes, providing for a smooth installation process.
• Industry Approved: The brackets conform to several industry standards including RTCA-DO-160, EN2591 and EN3909.
• Weight Savings: The standard bracket’s bonding surface pocket weighs less than other in-market products when considered with the same raw material, which helps to optimize strength while providing a weight savings of approximately 16% per product.
• Structural Integrity: The adhesive design of the brackets significantly reduces the need for drilled holes and structural modifications, preventing fatigue cracks and corrosion on metal surfaces.
TE’s adhesive mount brackets are well-suited for various aerospace applications such as attaching wiring, cables, conduits, sensors, lighting and acoustic panels in both eVTOL and commercial aircraft.

07 Jun 24. Kontron Introduces the VX6096 With Intel® Xeon® D2700/2800 SoCs running at 2.0GHz; the VX6096 offers up to 128 GB DDR4 memory with ECC and advanced network capabilities with 100Gb Ethernet support. The VX6096 features advanced cooling technology that significantly improves power dissipation, rendering it suitable for demanding environmental conditions. (Photo: Business Wire)
Kontron, a leading global provider of IoT/Embedded Computer Technology (ECT), announces the release of the VX6096, a high-performance 6U VPX Plug-in Card featuring Intel® Xeon®-D2700/2800 processors. Its high processing power, advanced Air Flow Through cooling technology (VITA48.8), and superior hardware security features such as a secure PLD make the VX6096 an ideal choice for compute-intensive applications across all military radar segments, including airborne mapping, navigation, surveillance, and airborne early warning radars, as well as long-range tracking and target localization.
With Intel® Xeon® D2700/2800 SoCs running at 2.0GHz, the VX6096 offers up to 128 GB DDR4 memory with ECC and advanced network capabilities with 100Gb Ethernet support. Thanks to the XMC or MXM expansion slots, a GPU board can enhance the graphics and compute capabilities. The VX6096 meets the increasing computing and I/O requirements of demanding applications while minimizing the number of boards required. It is designed in alignment with the SOSA™ Technical Standard and offers real-time capabilities with TSN and Intel® TCC support. The VX6096 is available in 16- and 20-core versions and offers long-term 10-year availability.
The VX6096 features advanced cooling technology that significantly improves power dissipation, rendering it suitable for demanding environmental conditions. The robust VITA 48.2 Type 2 conduction-cooled version can withstand card edge temperatures from -40 to +70 °C, according to VITA 47, contingent on the processing load and mezzanine performance. It is available with the VITA 48 REDI two-level maintenance cover. The VITA 48.8 Air Flow Through version enables improved thermal performance with an ambient temperature range of -40 to +55 °C. Support for CC-4 (-40/+85 °C) and FC3 (-40/+70 °C) is available on request.
To fulfill the high security requirements of these applications to achieve the Platform Firmware Resiliency (PFR) defined in the NIST Standard, the VX6096 has security features such as TPM2 and a secure PLD. These security features are further enhanced with the Kontron SEC-Line solution bringing additional features such as secure and measured boot.
“The VX6096 offers an unprecedented combination of processing power and flexibility, making it ideal for advanced radar and imaging applications. Its real-time capabilities and robust security features ensure reliable and enhanced performance for latency-sensitive applications,” said Christophe Ferrande, Product Manager at Kontron.
A rear transition module, The PB-VX6-0000, provides access to the board main I/Os and ensures seamless integration and ease of development.
(Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
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Oxley Group Ltd

https://oxleydevelopments.cmail20.com/t/t-l-cdhkulk-yujhutkljd-r/
The technology is extremely energy efficient and built robustly, with proven long life. The lighting is NVG friendly, dimmable and programmable to allow for operations with aircraft pilots using military night vision goggles. They offer superior design giving high reliability for the most demanding environments with high sealing and the ability to meet the most stringent EMC standards.
https://oxleydevelopments.cmail20.com/t/t-l-cdhkulk-yujhutkljd-y/

Contact Marcus Goad on 07850 917 263 for more information or to arrange samples.

NEW TECHNOLOGIES, NAVIGATION SYSTEM, AVIONICS AND SOFTWARE

June 7, 2024 by

Sponsored By Oxley Developments

www.oxleygroup.com

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04 Jun 24. TE Connectivity (TE), a world leader in connectivity and sensors, has introduced a new five-bay connector shell configuration for its MiniMRP (Mini Modular Rack Principle) Avionics and Electronics Packaging product family. The modular avionics architecture, based on ARINC 836A standards, enables an estimation of up to 40% space savings and up to 60% weight reduction compared to traditional avionics systems, providing increased computing power in smaller, lighter packages.

TE’s new five-bay connector shell offers an additional port and module compared to the four-bay solution, allowing increased input/output connectivity within the compact MiniMRP enclosures. The shell uses DMC-M connectors, the preferred interconnect solution for MiniMRP modules. The additional port enables increased I/O connectivity to further optimize size, weight and power reduction in next-generation aircraft.

“The unique latching mechanism for our MiniMRP avionics packaging demonstrates TE’s continued commitment to innovation,” said Kevin Goodwin, product manager at TE. “The latching mechanism is managed with one hand and doesn’t require any special tools, which allows quick insertion, release of the enclosure and ease of use within confined spaces.”

The MiniMRP enclosures and modules are designed to EN4165 and ARINC 836A standards for maximum compatibility. The miniaturized packaging is optimized to help meet stringent size, weight and power (SWaP) requirements. Furthermore, the MiniMRP concept helps enable the distribution of avionics and electronics throughout an aircraft, bringing intelligence closer to the point of need while decreasing the overall space claim of traditional centralized avionics.

TE’s MiniMRP solutions use commercial off-the-shelf components to reduce costs in developing distributed systems. The enclosures come in a range of sizes with ruggedized and lightweight options to suit the requirements of commercial aerospace and eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing vehicles), military aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aerial systems and ground vehicle applications.

05 Jun 24. Lockheed Martin Skunk Works® (NYSE: LMT) partnered with the University of Iowa’s Operator Performance Laboratory (OPL) to demonstrate the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in air-to-air intercept scenarios.

The successful flights are a significant milestone for Skunk Works’ Tactical AI team, in which AI directly flew and conducted tactical exercises with a full-scale, live aircraft – one of OPL’s L-29 Delfin jets – using heading, speed and altitude commands. The team executed simulated-to-real transfer test objectives against a virtual adversary in offensive and defensive risk postures.

Eight test cases were conducted per flight to exercise the AI agent in a variety of situations, from standard head-to-head fights to off-aspect encounters, missile support and missile defeat scenarios. The team was encouraged to see clean sim-to-real transfer of learned behaviors and that the AI agent appeared intentional and decisive in its actions.

“This was the first live exercise of the new flight interface; it’s thrilling to see the separate components successfully integrate on the L-29 to demonstrate new capabilities. The complete system performed even better in live flight than in simulation,” said Dr. Tom “Mach” Schnell, OPL professor at Iowa Technology Institute.

“Live flight tests are a crucial aspect of advancing our expertise in AI and autonomy. These flights are powerful demonstrations of our ability to quickly and affordably develop and test operationally relevant AI capabilities,” said Matthew “Gabe” Beard, Lockheed Martin Skunk Works autonomy/AI and machine learning engineering manager.

These flight tests are part of a broader initiative to rapidly develop and test AI-driven autonomy for air-to-air missions. Several other flight tests are planned for this year, building on these achievements, and increasing the complexity by introducing additional aircraft into offensive counter air and battle management scenarios. Lockheed Martin is continuously elevating AI mission performance in operationally representative simulated environments, using open mission systems standards to ensure broad compatibility and rapid transition with future platforms.

Lockheed Martin provides AI and machine learning solutions that augment human performance by processing, fusing, and analyzing tremendous volumes of data to give our customers actionable intelligence and a strategic advantage. Lockheed Martin is aligned and closely adheres to the U.S. Department of Defense’s guidance on the ethical and safe use of autonomous systems. Humans are and will remain on-the-loop, providing final decision-making authority in Lockheed Martin AI and machine learning systems.

05 Jun 24. Indra has become one of the few companies in the world ready to bring the latest NATO standards on protecting military vessels international market, which require the incorporation of reinforced encryption modes in friend or foe identification systems (IFF).

The company has teamed up with Navantia to implement them in a first ship destined for the export market and is moving forward with their installation in the entire Spanish Navy fleet of vessels.

The IFF is an element that, together with Indra’s electronic defence systems, radars and communications systems, form the basis on which the combat systems of the military vessels are supported, and therefore play a key role in the success of the mission.

Specifically, the role of the IFF is to interrogate platforms in the area of operations, which send back an encrypted response to check whether it is an ally or a potential enemy.

This is achieved using an encryption system that is constantly evolving to adapt to new threats, which are becoming increasingly complex, and to prevent the adversary from manipulating the signal.

In this regard, the latest update introduced by NATO in the IFFs has been what is known as STANAG standard edition 3 for mode 5, which is itself the most advanced interrogation mode available.

Incorporating these improvements is mandatory for allied countries and for many other navies accustomed to operating jointly with NATO countries. This is in fact a requirement without which it is not possible to participate in international missions. Indra is one of the few companies outside the U.S. that has this technology and is already implementing it on vessels of several countries.

The company is moving towards its certification by the AIMS office of the U.S. Department of Defence, the body responsible for checking that these systems meet the required specifications.

Indra’s IFF system incorporates other important design improvements, which have been designed to allow its customers to adapt to future evolutions of the standards by simply reconfiguring the software, which will significantly reduce costs and increase the operability of their fleets. This system is also much more robust, which facilitates maintenance and increases fleet availability. (Source: Defense Arabia)

04 Jun 24. Safran Federal Systems, a leader in advanced NAVWAR and simulation solutions, is excited to announce the launch of its latest innovation at the Joint Navigation Conference (JNC). Attendees are invited to visit Safran at booth A to witness the debut of the world’s first dual-frequency GNSS simulator designed specifically for testing military receivers in an unclassified environment.

Lisa Perdue, Product Line Director at Safran Federal Systems, highlights the significance of this launch:

“As we introduce the BroadSim Duo at the Joint Navigation Conference, we are not merely launching a new product; we are revolutionizing the accessibility of dual-frequency military signal simulation. The BroadSim Duo, built upon the foundation of our successful BroadSim Solo, offers this advanced capability in a compact and cost-effective format that has not been available until now. This strategic innovation not only caters to the immediate needs of our military clients but also sets a new standard for the market, leading the way as the industry shifts towards more software-defined solutions. We are committed to democratizing access to state-of-the-art GNSS simulation, ensuring that advanced tools are within reach of a broader audience.”

Introducing BroadSim Duo

This cutting-edge product integrates dual-frequency capabilities within a single compact unit, a groundbreaking achievement in the field of GPS Military signal testing. Key features include:

Dual-Frequency Capability: Essential for testing P-Code and AES-M-code, providing comprehensive support for GPS Military signals.
Compact and Affordable: This desktop device is available at an unprecedented price point, making it accessible for a wide range of applications.
Advanced Technology: Enabled by a new software-defined radio in an M.2 form factor, ensuring robust and reliable performance.
Skydel Simulation Environment Integration: Seamlessly integrates with the Skydel simulation environment, enhancing its versatility and functionality.

03 Jun 24. BAE Systems unveils NavStorm™-M at Joint Navigation Conference. At the Joint Navigation Conference in Cincinnati, BAE Systems unveiled NavStorm™-M, a gun-hardened integrated anti-jamming and global positioning system (GPS) receiver for artillery, bombs, missiles, and unmanned systems. The newly enhanced GPS receiver is the latest addition to BAE Systems’ extensive portfolio of products that provide advanced and secure GPS solutions for airborne, ground, and weapons systems.

NavStorm-M features a layered protection approach using beamforming, anti-spoofing, resiliency, and software assurance. It is a next-generation Assured-Positioning, Navigation and Timing (A-PNT) device featuring M-Code GPS technology that supports warfighters through successful mission completion.

The capability is designed to meet the tight size, weight, power, and cost (SWaP-C) requirements of unmanned aircraft systems, loitering munitions, hypersonic platforms, and other weapons – especially in gun-hardened applications. NavStorm-M delivers precise GPS navigation as a stand-alone system or when integrated with an inertial navigation system.

“With the introduction of the compact and highly jam- and spoof-resistant NavStorm-M, our team now provides advanced, cost-effective solutions for everyone in the M-Code space,” said Doug Lloyd, Director of Weapon Systems for GPS at BAE Systems. “Our broad portfolio allows us to solve our customers’ problems in a way that is scaled to specific SWaP-C and performance requirements.”

BAE Systems has delivered Selective Availability Anti-Spoofing Module products to more than 45 countries and has begun delivering M-Code GPS receivers in multiple form factors and levels of capability to the U.S. armed forces and its allies via the Foreign Military Sales program.

Production of NavStorm-M will take place at BAE Systems’ 278,000-square-foot engineering and manufacturing center of excellence in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

03 Jun 24. Safran Federal Systems, a leading provider of M-Code and advanced navigation solutions, announced the launch of two groundbreaking products at the Institute of Navigation’s 2024 Joint Navigation Conference (JNC). These new offerings represent a major enhancement of Safran’s inertial navigation portfolio, utilizing state-of-the-art MEMS and HRG core technologies.

Safran is thrilled to unveil a complete line of tactical-grade inertial measurement units (IMUs). These units are engineered to address the evolving needs of unmanned applications and space-based operations. The advanced IMUs include:

Iconyx: A high-performance HRG-based IMU that significantly outperforms legacy technologies, offering superior accuracy and reliability for demanding navigation needs.
STIM (Small Tactical IMU): Optimized for applications requiring lower Size, Weight, and Power (SWAP), providing high performance in a compact form factor.

“With the launch of these tactical grade IMUs, we’re addressing the critical needs of our customers in the unmanned and space sectors,” said Anthony Full, Director of Business Development, Navigation Systems at Safran Federal Systems. “The STIM and Iconyx products represent a leap forward in inertial navigation technology.”

Safran is also upgrading its Geonyx™ Inertial Navigation System (INS), which is based on HRG technology, to incorporate M-Code capability. This enhancement offers a fully integrated solution to tackle the challenges of GPS-denied or spoofing environments, ensuring robust and reliable navigation even in the most demanding conditions.

“Adding M-Code to our HRG-based Geonyx™ INS significantly enhances its capabilities, making it a premier solution for environments where GPS signals are unreliable or compromised. This development underscores our commitment to providing advanced navigation solutions that meet the highest standards of performance and security,” added Full.

The launch of these innovative products highlights Safran Federal Systems’ commitment to advancing the field of inertial navigation. Attendees of the Joint Navigation Conference are invited to visit Safran Federal Systems at Booth A to learn more about these exciting new offerings and witness firsthand how they are setting new standards in navigation technology.

Safran Federal Systems provides Assured PNT solutions and custom engineering services to U.S. Government agencies, defense organizations and their contractors. Safran Federal Systems is authorized to work on the full spectrum of U.S. Government classified and unclassified projects, in addition to supporting strategic partnerships for key defense PNT technologies.

Oxley Group Ltd

https://oxleydevelopments.cmail20.com/t/t-l-cdhkulk-yujhutkljd-r/

https://oxleydevelopments.cmail20.com/t/t-l-cdhkulk-yujhutkljd-y/

Contact Marcus Goad on 07850 917 263 for more information or to arrange samples.

NEW TECHNOLOGIES, AVIONICS AND SOFTWARE

May 31, 2024 by

Sponsored By Oxley Developments

www.oxleygroup.com

30 May 24. Palantir Selected by Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office (CDAO) to Participate in Scaling Data Analytics and AI Capabilities Across the Department of Defense in Support of CJADC2 Strategy. Palantir Technologies Inc. (NYSE: PLTR) today announced that the Department of Defense Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office (CDAO) awarded its subsidiary, Palantir USG, Inc., a production contract to make licenses of their AI-enabled operating system available across the Department of Defense. Starting with an initial order of $153m to support certain Combatant Commands and the Joint Staff, additional awards can be made up to $480m over a 5-year period.

Additionally, CDAO has awarded Palantir a prototype Other Transaction (OT) for $33m to rapidly and securely onboard third-party vendor and government capabilities into the government-owned, Palantir-operated data environment to meet priority Combatant Command digital needs.

“These awards represent a vital step in warfighter adoption of AI, moving cutting-edge technology from experiment to enterprise production,” said Shannon Clark, Head of Defense Growth, Palantir. “We are proud to support the CDAO, enabling commanders to make better, faster decisions across all domains at unprecedented scale.”

Palantir’s commercial solutions will be part of the larger CJADC2 ecosystem integrating with other vendors and programs to support battlespace awareness, global integration, contested logistics, joint fires, and targeting workflows. Users will benefit from the current data integrations created as a result of Palantir’s work on fielding AI/ML tools for the warfighter over the last several years.

“In this era of geopolitical competition, the CDAO has become an essential leader in bringing operational CJADC2 capabilities to life through the agile, effective, and responsible deployment of AI/ML,” said Akash Jain, President of Palantir USG. “Palantir is honored to continue supporting the CDAO’s mission to develop, field, and scale AI-enabled solutions that advance U.S. defense, and we look forward to working alongside America’s warfighters to ensure these efforts are effective where they matter most – in the field and in the hands of decision-makers at all echelons.”

Additionally, government operators and third-party vendors will be able to build data integrations, pipelines, and applications within the platform or on other platforms through open APIs and Ontology Software Development Kits (OSDKs). Palantir’s open infrastructure provides organic use for flexible and rapid response at speed while maintaining the secure collaboration needed to ensure access controls and data protection.

This work follows Palantir’s long-standing partnership with CDAO to support the Global Information Dominance Experiment (GIDE) events, and the development of proven, real-world applications for advanced technologies. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

30 May 24. Aitech Announces 10/40GbE Fully Managed Ethernet Switch/Router on XMC Form Factor.

M622 enables high-speed connectivity solutions for military and aerospace platforms

M622 Highlights:

Enables high-speed onboard Ethernet-based digital backbone and network infrastructure
Small form factor XMC reduces the number of slots required and significantly optimizes SWaP-C of the whole system
A feature-rich networking firmware supporting both Layer2 and Layer3 protocols, dual-stack IPv4/IPv6, unicast and multicast routing within OpenVPX or SOSATM aligned systems

Aitech Systems, a leading provider of rugged boards and system level solutions for military, aerospace and space applications, has released the M622, a unique and highly innovative, fully managed 10GbE/40GbE Ethernet switch/router on an XMC. The M622 is designed for embedded and harsh environment applications with SWaP-C (size, weight, power and cost) optimization in mind.

An order of magnitude bandwidth and capacity upgrade of Aitech’s M620, the M622 is based on an advanced and flexible Layer2/Layer3 (L2/L3) Ethernet switch and packet processor offering up to 320 Gbps of full wire-speed bandwidth. This innovative XMC solution provides 10/40GbE internal connectivity within any OpenVPX or SOSATM aligned ruggedized embedded system, between modern SBCs and other processing and I/O boards, while enhancing SWaP-C throughout the system.

Alex Trigoub, Director of Board Level Product Line for Aitech, noted, “The XMC form factor is a highly beneficial way of implementing connectivity for modern military platforms utilizing a centralized digital backbone. However, existing solutions fail to meet the demand for high networking bandwidth, the number of Ethernet interfaces and the required networking features and protocols. The M622 is a gamechanger for current and future military and aerospace platforms that utilize high resolution sensors/cameras and process large amounts of data using onboard AI systems and mission computers.”

Meeting the high-density and high-speed connectivity demands across mil-aero platforms, the M622 facilitates modern onboard Ethernet-based digital backbones and networks with requirements for IPv4/IPv6 routing, time synchronization, security, high reliability, and support for network redundancy.

This innovative high-speed connectivity solution is able to significantly improve any platform’s reliability and survivability in the field by offering a fast-boot mode, which allows the switch to be fully configured and ready for operation within 45 seconds after a power-up or restart event.

Aitech’s M622 is the only product available today combining a SWaP-C optimized XMC form factor with this high network bandwidth capacity and interface speed, as well as a rich set of networking features.

Aitech will have the new M622 Ethernet switch/router on display at their Stand 354 in Hall 6 during Eurosatory from June 17-21st at the Paris Nord Villepinte Exhibition Center in Paris, FR. Stop by and learn firsthand how the M622 is globally enhancing defense and security platforms.

30 May 24. The Chinese army’s newest recruit is a robot dog made by a start-up with funding from major venture capital firms. The debut of the robo-dog, which the army has equipped with an assault rifle that it can fire, was a “major highlight” of joint exercises carried out by the People’s Liberation Army and Cambodia this month, according to Chinese state television. It is based on a robot dog made by Unitree Robotics, formally called Hangzhou Yushu Technology, which has received backing from top VCs including Neil Shen’s HongShan, formerly known as Sequoia Capital China; Matrix Partners China; and Shunwei Capital, set up by Xiaomi founder Lei Jun. In February, the start-up raised Rmb1bn ($140mn) in a funding round that included food delivery app Meituan and made the group its biggest external investor, with an 8 per cent stake. Unitree says it does not sell its products to China’s military; it is not known how the PLA procured the dog.

Even so, the PLA’s use of Unitree’s product highlights how difficult it can be for VCs and start-ups to ensure their investments in boundary-pushing technologies such as robotics are not militarised. Corporate records indicate that HongShan and Matrix Partners China’s funding came from their renminbi-denominated funds, which would not include US investors, and which hold 7 and 6 per cent stakes in Unitree, respectively, according to business data provider Tianyancha. However, the armed forces’ robo-dog demonstration is likely to reinforce Washington’s determination to make sure that US funding is not used to further China’s use of technology for military purposes. The Biden administration, which has consistently argued that advanced technology can end up aiding China’s armed forces, announced an order last August that would restrict some US funding to the country, while US lawmakers have also stepped up scrutiny of investments in China. Before splitting from Sequoia Capital last year amid rising US-China tensions, HongShan, led by managing partner Shen, raised nearly $9bn, about half from US pension funds and endowments. Recommended HongShan Neil Shen plots global expansion for Sequoia’s China spin-off Shen’s team first invested in Unitree in 2020 and has participated in several subsequent funding rounds, according to data provider ITJuzi. Unitree said its products were manufactured for civilian use and that the company was not involved in deploying them for any military purposes. “The company also does not have any contractual or business relationship with any military-related parties,” Unitree said. HongShan said it did not “invest in businesses that operate for the purpose of facilitating or providing support to military use” and added that if anyone independently obtained Unitree’s products from third parties, that was beyond the control of the company. (Source: FT.com)

29 May 24. Advantech, a global leader in embedded IoT, today announced the launch of its AMR-S100 Box PC to accelerate autonomous mobile robot (AMR) development, industrial automation, and edge AI deployments.

The AMR-S100 incorporates the NVIDIA Jetson AGX Orin system-on-module for powerful AI computing capabilities. AMR-S100 is designed to provide a production-ready solution for companies aiming to advance NVIDIA Isaac Perceptor from prototyping to the production phase. Additionally, it is seamlessly compatible with the NVIDIA JetPack SDK and approved sensor modules in the NVIDIA Nova Orin development kit, so customers can deploy AMR as well as other robot configurations and applications more efficiently in terms of time and cost. Advantech also provides its own ROS 2 Suite package to customers, allowing users to operate via remote control, perform hardware status monitoring, security management and more.

Pablo Lin, director of Advantech ACG, appreciates support from the NVIDIA Nova Orin team for assisting on product development of the AMR-S100. “We closely collaborated with NVIDIA’s engineering and product teams to make this the first product compatible with NVIDIA Isaac Perceptor, a collection of foundation models, robotics tools and GPU-accelerated libraries,” said Mr. Lin.

The AMR-S100 aims to be an ideal off-the-shelf product, as well as a key tool for ODM opportunities. By selecting Nova Orin compatible AMR-S100 and sensors, customers can get a head start on developing their application software, without having to worry about system software for the compute, sensors, performance, and thermal design.Advantech ACG plans to continue collaborating with NVIDIA on the latest technology to deliver the best platform for the autonomous mobile robot industry.

28 May 24. uAvionix Achieves AIMS Certification of World’s First Mode 5 Micro-IFF Combined Transponder Receiver. uAvionix along with its partner R Cubed Engineering, has announced the AIMS Mk XIIB certification of the RT-2087/ZPX-1 (ZPX-1), the World’s first AIMS-certified Mode 5 Micro-IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) Combined Transponder Receiver (CTR) and the first ever Mode 5 CTR to be AIMS-certified when paired to the newly certified KIV-79.

The groundbreaking achievement delivers enhanced situational awareness and Combat ID capabilities for tactical warfighters in the modern battlespace with crewed and uncrewed aircraft.

Paul Beard, Chief Technical Officer at uAvionix, stated, “hostilities in Eastern Europe and the Pacific Rim are currently of great concern and getting a lot of thoughtful analysis on how best to address these emerging threats. If nothing else, the ZPX-1 CTR puts another, arguably more modern, surveillance and Combat ID tool into the warfighter’s toolbox.”

In achieving Mk XIIB certification, ZPX-1 follows its predecessor, the RT-2087/ZPX (ZPX), a 68-gram Mico-IFF transponder. The ZPX-1, with its passive Mode 5 receiver, is the only AIMS-certified Micro-IFF solution meeting the U.S. Army’s Future Tactical UAS (FTUAS) Increment 2 program requirements. This ensures full CTR functionality, making it ideal for platforms needing comprehensive IFF capabilities including Mode 5 Level 2 Broadcast reception.

ZPX-1 offers the warfighter a broad range of traditional IFF transponder functionality combined with a passive receiver for greater situational awareness and support for detect & avoid capabilities. It supports civil modes A, C, S (with Enhanced Surveillance), and ADS-B Out, adds military modes 1, 2, 3, and Mode 5 Levels 1, 2, and 2-Broadcast Out (2-B Out), and includes receiver functions: civil ADS-B In and military Mode 5 Levels 2 and 2-B In. Importantly, ZPX-1 innovatively pairs with a single KIV-79 crypto for both transmit and receiver functionality, reducing costs while meeting the performance standards of AIMS 17-1000 Rev 1.1 and testing regimens AIMS 1101 and 1301.

Previous AIMS certifications covered transponders, interrogators, and combined interrogator transponders (CITs). While transponders enable interaction with Air Traffic Control or appropriately equipped aircraft, interrogators in a CIT perform Combat ID by discriminating between nearby friends and potential enemies. The ZPX-1 CTR, with its passive receiver, offers a quiet alternative to active interrogation, enhancing operational security by avoiding emissions that could be targeted by anti-radiation weapons.

The combination of a 91-gram CTR with a 176-gram KIV-79 crypto, a package that weighs under 10 oz, expands operational possibilities for airborne platforms as small as Group 1. Notably, this allows small tactical drones to carry a transponder and passive receiver with all the protected battlefield situational awareness, Combat ID support, and interoperability afforded by NATO’s latest interoperability standard: Mode 5.

ZPX-1 is a result of collaboration between uAvionix and prime contractor R Cubed Engineering. Supported by Navy and Army funding, R Cubed contracted with uAvionix early in 2020 and the partnership initially produced the AIMS Mk XIIB-certified ZPX Micro-IFF transponder for small Uncrewed Aerial Systems (sUAS).

The ZPX-1, blends the original ZPX with the uAvionix ZPR passive Mode 5 receiver and leverages a common form factor and software interface to provide current ZPX users with a near seamless upgrade to the more capable ZPX-1. (Source: UAS VISION)

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Oxley Group Ltd

https://oxleydevelopments.cmail20.com/t/t-l-cdhkulk-yujhutkljd-r/

https://oxleydevelopments.cmail20.com/t/t-l-cdhkulk-yujhutkljd-y/

Contact Marcus Goad on 07850 917 263 for more information or to arrange samples.

NEW TECHNOLOGIES, AVIONICS AND SOFTWARE

May 24, 2024 by

Sponsored By Oxley Developments

www.oxleygroup.com

23 May 24. Airbus takes superconductivity research for hydrogen-powered aircraft a step further.

Confirmed interest in the potential of superconducting technologies for hydrogen-powered aircraft
Launch of a new demonstrator with a megawatt-class superconducting motor

Airbus UpNext, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Airbus, has launched a new technological demonstrator to accelerate the maturation of superconducting technologies for use in electric propulsion systems of a future hydrogen-powered aircraft.

Knownas Cryoprop, the new demonstrator will integrate and mature a two megawatt-class superconducting electric propulsion system cooled by liquid hydrogen via a helium recirculation loop and developed by Airbus teams in Toulouse, France, and Ottobrunn, Germany.

“Our previous demonstrators have shown that superconducting technologies would be a key enabler for the high-power electrification of future hydrogen-powered aircraft. I truly believe that the new demonstrator will lead to performance improvements of the propulsion system, translating into significant weight and fuel saving potential” said Michael Augello, CEO Airbus UpNext.

Airbus has been developing superconducting technologies for high-power electric propulsion for several years, culminating in the power-on of an integrated 500 kW cryogenic propulsion system last year.

Cryoprop will confirm the potential of superconducting technologies for future aircraft applications, assessing all aspects related to safety, industrialisation, maintenance and operations. This demonstrator will also give Airbus the opportunity to develop high-level, in-house expertise and foster a new ecosystem to accelerate the introduction of new products in areas such as superconducting cables, motors, cryogenic power electronics and cryogenic cooling systems.

23 May 24. Northrop Grumman Corporation’s (NYSE: NOC) B-21 Raider continues its flight test campaign at Edwards Air Force Base, California, led by a Combined Test Force (CTF) comprised of Northrop Grumman and U.S. Air Force personnel. CTF test pilots indicate the jet is performing as expected with the aircraft flying like the simulator, reflecting the precision of the digital environment on B-21.

22 May 24. Sikorsky Flight-Tests Scalable ‘Rotor Blown Wing’ UAS for DARPA Project. The VTOL tail sitter features proprotors for flight efficiencySikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company (NYSE: LMT), is conducting flight tests to mature the control laws and aerodynamics of a novel vertical takeoff and landing uncrewed aerial system (VTOL / UAS). The flight tests are intended to prove the efficiency and scalability of a twin proprotor ‘rotor blown wing’ configuration that sits on its tail to take-off and land like a helicopter, and transitions easily to horizontal forward flight for long-endurance missions, such as intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and targeting.

The ongoing flight tests support the Ancillary initiative by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), which seeks to develop a Class 3 UAS VTOL X-Plane that can operate in most weather conditions from ship decks and unprepared surfaces without infrastructure. Sikorsky is one of several competitors down-selected to advance their UAS conceptual designs into the next development phase.

The term ‘rotor blown wing’ refers to the constant airflow from the proprotor wash across the wing. Sikorsky chose the design to reduce drag on the wing in hover mode and when transitioning to forward flight, and to increase cruise efficiencies and endurance.

The design is just one of the many ways Sikorsky is advancing 21st Century Security® technologies and innovations, said Igor Cherepinsky, director of rapid prototyping group Sikorsky Innovations.

“Flight tests are underway to verify our tail-sitting rotor blown wing UAS can launch and land vertically with high stability, and cruise efficiently on wing,” said Cherepinsky. “Key enablers to flight maneuverability, and future vehicle scalability, are our MATRIX autonomy flight control system, and an articulated rotor system similar to those in traditional helicopters.”

For the flight tests now underway, Sikorsky is flying a proof-of-concept vehicle powered by a battery. If selected to produce an air vehicle for a future ANCILLARY phase, Sikorsky plans to build a 300-pound hybrid-electric version to include a 60-pound ISR payload.

Sikorsky Innovations was formed in 2010 to overcome technological challenges to rotary wing speed, autonomy, and intelligence. Learn more about the engineering team’s achievements in speed and intelligence, and its current focus on electrification and VTOL UAS to support 21st Century Security® missions.

23 May 24. Marshall has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Romanian manufacturer, Bluespace Technology that will see them explore opportunities to partner on the design, development and integration of electromagnetic shielding and TEMPEST capabilities within containerised solutions. The agreement was signed on-site today at the Black Sea Defense & Aerospace International Exhibition (BSDA) taking place in Bucharest, Romania.

The MoU covers areas where the two companies’ capabilities, products and services complement each other, and where their defence and business focus can be jointly expanded to provide end-to-end solutions to military customers.

“We are delighted with this new relationship with Bluespace Techology. It supports our core values of building partnerships based on trust, reliability and cooperation with organisations who can bring diversity to a project and whose expertise complements our own.

“The signing of this MoU signifies our commitment to working closely with Romanian stakeholders to understand their needs, ensuring our investments support job growth, nurture expertise, build local supply chains and boost exports,” said Marshall Sales Director for Europe, Lee Doherty MBE MA.

“Today begins a collaborative journey between Bluespace Technology and Marshall. We are more than excited to formalize it and to share our Romanian know how in order to achieve common goals and have a positive impact in the industry,” stated Constantin Pintilie, CEO Bluespace Technology. The two companies plan to rapidly develop a prototype military containerised solution and discuss the potential of setting up a manufacturing facility in Romania.

21 May 24. US: State-level AI regulation signals rising regulatory framework, compliance risks for tech sector. On 20 May, Colorado Governor Jared Polis signed a law that requires developers of artificial intelligence (AI) to avoid algorithmic discrimination in high-risk systems. Furthermore, the law requires developers to conduct impact assessments and to disclose information about the systems to regulators and the public. The law marks the US’ largest attempt at regulating the AI industry so far. Additionally, on 15 May, two bills aimed at regulating the impacts of AI on elections advanced out of a Senate panel. Nonetheless, sweeping federal regulation on AI remains unlikely in the near term as lawmakers remain divided on the issue. As such, we assess that state governments are increasingly likely to advance their own regulation, driven by sustained concerns over consumer protection and the potential impacts on November’s election. These efforts will possibly contribute to a patchwork regulatory landscape for the tech sector and increased compliance risks in the long term. (Source: Sibylline)

Oxley Group Ltd

https://oxleydevelopments.cmail20.com/t/t-l-cdhkulk-yujhutkljd-r/

https://oxleydevelopments.cmail20.com/t/t-l-cdhkulk-yujhutkljd-y/

Contact Marcus Goad on 07850 917 263 for more information or to arrange samples.

NEW TECHNOLOGIES, 3-D PRINTING, AVIONICS AND SOFTWARE

May 17, 2024 by

Sponsored By Oxley Developments

www.oxleygroup.com

16 May 24. Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) announced today an agreement for access and use of NVIDIA AI software to accelerate development of some of the most advanced systems. This industry-leading agreement, facilitated by Future Tech Enterprise, gives Northrop Grumman access to NVIDIA’s extensive portfolio of AI and generative AI software, its platforms and frameworks, including NVIDIA Omniverse. The agreement also opens research and development pathways, enabling Northrop Grumman to quickly apply advanced AI technologies across its portfolio of capabilities while also increasing operational efficiency.

“NVIDIA’s AI platforms will help us deliver Northrop Grumman’s advanced capabilities to our customers faster and with greater effect,” said Vern Boyle, vice president, Northrop Grumman Microelectronics Center.

“NVIDIA’s AI platform is at the forefront of the industry, driving innovation that solves difficult challenges,” said Anthony Robbins, vice president for North America public sector at NVIDIA. “Northrop Grumman is the latest example of how businesses and organizations around the world are increasingly using NVIDIA AI software to deliver on the enormous potential of AI.”

16 May 24. Cubic Announces DTECH Fusion Edge (eHPC) for Enhanced Edge Computing. Cubic, a recognized industry leader in providing trusted, scalable and intuitive edge compute and networking platforms, recently launched its DTECH Fusion Edge High-Performance Compute (eHPC). Fusion eHPC is a single-case solution that enables complex, data-rich processing at the edge, in denied, disrupted, intermittent and limited (DDIL) environments.

“Today’s operations require timely and accurate data. Fusion eHPC supports mission-critical decisions at the speed of conflict,” said Anthony Verna, SVP and GM, Cubic DTECH Mission Solutions. “The eHPC addition to our Family of Systems enables actionable intelligence in a rugged, powerful, and affordable single-case solution.”

Fusion eHPC features a 64-core CPU, a dedicated graphics processor, high-speed networking, and user-accessible storage that’s smaller, lighter and faster than the competition. It allows for disconnected tactical-cloud and hyper-converged technologies at the tactical edge, delivering high-performance computing and networking to support data-rich workloads such as AI, ML and video analysis. Learn more at DTECH Fusion eHPC (cubic.com)

https://go.cubic.com/fusion-ehpc

15 May 24. Dstl helps develop national microbial forensics capability.

The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) is leading on the creation of the United Kingdom Microbial Forensics Consortium (UKMFC).

Dstl recently hosted a UKMFC Bioinformatics workshop, attended by over 20 leading bioinformaticians from all sectors and all UK nations, representing the following:

human health
animal health
plant health
aquatic health
food safety
academia

The aims of the workshop were to:

leverage knowledge and experience across different sectors
understand their perception of biological defence in the UK
create collaborative working relationships between the different organisations

The attendees of the workshop considered the strategic aims of the UKMFC and examined what existing computational tools and approaches could help meet this requirement. They also considered what analytical tools the UKMFC would need in the future to address new and emerging areas of concern.

This is the first time bioinformaticians from government genomics laboratories have come together to consider the microbial forensics question. The connections have already led to new cross government collaborations in human, animal and plant pathogen genomics.

Microbial forensics tries to find out whether a biological agent or incident is natural or corrupt from origin. For example, if a pathogen has been deliberately engineered.

An enhanced national microbial forensics capability (as part of the wider Biological Security Strategy) will help mitigate the effects of a biological incident and boost investigative techniques. This new capability will improve the preparedness of the UK from the potential harmful release of biological hazards and act as a deterrent to their use.

Genomics and bioinformatics (the use of computational tools to interpret genetic data) is a core UK strength and will form an important part of the UKMFC.

The Dstl-led UKMFC Bioinformatics Working Group will now begin to evaluate pre-existing bioinformatics workflows which will form the basis of a UKMFC tool suite. This will form an interim operational capability for the UK. The group will also begin trying to understand how data might be shared between organisations, thresholds for alert, and hazard assessments which would inform onward investigations.

An external quality assurance exercise is also planned for Autumn 2024 to evaluate the performance of the interim UKMFC tool suite and be the first step towards the development of fully operational capability, available to all partner laboratories, across the UK.

The UKMFC is a key outcome of the 2023 UK Biological Security Strategy. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)

15 May 24. Preparing for Take-off: IDTechEx Discusses Unjammable Sat-Navs and the Quantum Sensor Revolution. The modern world depends heavily on GPS satellites to navigate, but too often, access to them is lost or even jammed. This creates a significant risk to safety in multiple industries — especially aerospace, but also automotive and consumer electronics. Following the world’s first successful flight demonstration of quantum navigation technology in May 2024 by BAE, QinetiQ, and Infleqtion, this article outlines the power of quantum sensors.

IDTechEx shows how quantum sensors and atomic clocks can add value for precision navigation and timing applications. Source: IDTechEx

The quest for more reliable precision navigation and timing technology solutions is now driving significant interest in quantum sensors and atomic clock technology. This is just one of the many applications of this revolutionary technology covered in IDTechEx’s Quantum Sensor Market report, in what is predicted to become a multi-bn-dollar industry within the decade.

Quantum sensors offer more precision compared to incumbents

Quantum sensors use quantum phenomena to enable highly sensitive measurements of many physical properties. They can measure time (atomic clocks), magnetic field and current, gravity, angular motion, single photons, and more. Emerging quantum technologies within the quantum sensors market are also benefitting from the growing hype around quantum computing and quantum communication technologies (particularly given their applications for cybersecurity).

To date, the most common method to accurately determine one’s position and the local time is via data from a global navigation satellite system (GNSS), for example, the US military’s global positioning system (GPS). However, there are environments where access to GNSS data is restricted. This can be a result of highly mountainous terrain blocking signals or spoofing by a third party. Precision navigation systems are under increasing pressure to remain reliable in GNSS denied environments.

Continuing to navigate when triangulation capabilities are lost depends on accurate measurements of distance traveled, direction, speed, and time. Existing motion sensors, gyroscopes, and local oscillators (clocks) don’t have sufficient accuracy for precision navigation. The promise of quantum sensors and atomic clocks is that they are fundamentally much more accurate than traditional approaches, so much so that they can provide local access to precise inertial navigation systems without depending on GNSS.

Atomic clocks and cold atoms

For example, all clocks measure time using some form of resonator or oscillator. For hundreds of years, clock technology has improved in accuracy, progressing from measuring how many hours have passed to minutes, seconds, milliseconds, and so on. This increase in sensitivity has depended on access to higher frequency oscillators; we have progressed from using cycles of sun-rises through pendulums and quartz and now to atomic transitions. There is now a range of atomic clocks that use high-frequency oscillations between atomic energy levels commercially available, as well as others under development aiming to offer even higher accuracy measurements of time- from players such as Microsemi, Teledyne, Infleqtion, and more. Similarly, quantum gyroscopes can use the sensitivity of quantum properties, such as spin, to determine rotation with a high degree of accuracy. Others are even investigating the potential of quantum gravimeters and quantum magnetic fields sensors for mapping and navigation applications.

There are multiple hardware approaches to manufacturing quantum technology for a variety of sensing applications. In IDTechEx’s quantum sensors market report, there is coverage of photonics, superconducting, alkali vapors, diamond, and more. The method championed by Infleqtion in the recent flight demonstration with BAE is ‘ultra-cold atoms’. Lasers can be used to trap atoms which makes their energy levels so low it has a cooling effect. In this state, the quantum properties of the atoms can be manipulated to make precise measurements. With specialized magneto-optical traps, ultra-high vacuum cells, ion pumps, rubidium atom sources and optics – Infleqtion have been able to decouple measurement of position from the environment completely and contribute to omitting the dependence on GPS to navigate within a plane.

Market outlook

To date, many quantum sensing technologies have remained too large or expensive to be adopted for mass-market navigational needs. For example, some cold-atom technology still requires a ‘rack-mountable’ form factor (still impressive for quantum but less competitive with classical technology). However, as well as showing progression towards readiness for the aerospace sector, quantum technology may also be on track to be miniaturized even further. Many applications, including precision navigation, are targeting chip-scale fabrication in the long term. This could coincide with the adoption of autonomous cars in the next 10 years, which would represent a key high-volume use case for such a product. Here, navigational precision of a few cm is essential – but size, weight, power, and cost are also a high priority. Moreover, within dense urban environments, many smartphone and wearables users commonly struggle to navigate using apps, e.g., Google Maps, due to loss of GPS signal – and many users may well value a higher precision solution in the future.

Overall, while quantum sensors can seem somewhat niche today, their mass-market potential should not be overlooked. As early adopters in aerospace begin to demonstrate the value of quantum technology, other markets—particularly automotive — are likely to follow in the future. As quantum sensing innovations continue, perhaps in the future, we may all find ourselves with ‘un-jammable Sat-Navs’ in our cars and pockets, too.

While this article has highlighted precision navigation as an example of the quantum sensing revolution – quantum sensing technology more broadly has applications in remote current sensing for electric vehicles, medical diagnostics, underground mapping and much more. For more information on the commercial outlook for quantum sensor technology mentioned in this article, including twenty-year market forecasts, see IDTechEx’s latest, “Quantum Sensors Market 2024-2044”.

Find coverage of related topics in IDTechEx reports on quantum computers, wearable technology and autonomous vehicles. Sample pages are available for all IDTechEx reports. Visit www.IDTechEx.com/Research/Quantum for more on quantum related technologies.

About IDTechEx

IDTechEx provides trusted independent research on emerging technologies and their markets. Since 1999, we have been helping our clients to understand new technologies, their supply chains, market requirements, opportunities and forecasts. For more information, contact or visit www.IDTechEx.com. (Source: PR Newswire)

15 May 24. House bill: Time to put Air Force’s ‘flying car’ concept into action. House lawmakers want the Air Force to start seriously thinking about how to make its electric “flying car” concept a reality. A subcommittee’s section of the House Armed Services Committee’s proposed fiscal 2025 National Defense Authorization Act would require the Air Force and the Pentagon to set up a working group dedicated to transitioning its Agility Prime concept into programs that can be used operationally.

Agility Prime is a program run by AFWERX, the Air Force’s innovation arm, to work with industry to develop and demonstrate electric vertical takeoff-and-landing aircraft, or VTOLs. The Air Force issued contracts to more than a dozen companies beginning in 2020 to create these electric air taxis.

The service has already experimented with electric aircraft created by Joby Aviation and Beta Technologies to transport spare parts or cargo around bases, and conducted a simulated casualty evacuation exercise with Beta’s Alia — this one a conventional takeoff-and-landing aircraft — earlier this year.

The Air Force has also floated the idea of using Agility Prime-derived technology to conduct combat rescue operations, since electric aircraft can operate much more quietly than traditional fuel-powered helicopters.

The HASC’s cyber, information technologies and innovation subcommittee’s portion of the proposed NDAA would give the Air Force six months to set up an Agility Prime transition working group, which would operate until the end of September 2027.

This group would be in charge of identifying programs or other activities throughout the military that could use Agility Prime technologies such as electric VTOLs or autonomous flight capabilities. It would also develop and carry out a strategy to transition Agility Prime capabilities to other program executive offices throughout the military that might need to use electric aircraft.

This working group would be run by the Air Force’s secretary, and also consist of other defense officials including the secretaries of the Army and Navy, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the undersecretaries of defense for acquisition and sustainment and research and engineering, and representatives from U.S. Special Operations Command and U.S. Transportation Command.

By the end of September 2025, the Air Force secretary would have to submit reports to the House and Senate’s defense committees outlining the military’s progress on developing or procuring hybrid or electric VTOL aircraft, and plans to transition those technologies to a military acquisition or research and development program. Further reports would follow annually for the following two years. (Source: Defense News)

15 May 24. Rugged COTS Network Attached Storage Solution Receives Common Criteria Certification from NIAP. DTS1+ data-at-rest storage solution with two layers of full disk encryption in a single device receives Common Criteria certification and is listed on the National Information Assurance Partnership (NIAP) Product Compliant List

Curtiss-Wright’s Defense Solutions Division has successfully achieved Common Criteria (ISO-15408) certification from National Information Assurance Partnership (NIAP) for its DTS1+ single slot network attached storage (NAS) device’s hardware and software encryption layers. The DTS1+, Curtiss-Wright’s second-generation commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) data-at-rest (DAR) storage solution, supports two layers of full disk encryption (FDE) in a single device. The new certification enables the DTS1+ to be included on the NIAP Product Compliant List. Following this certification, Curtiss-Wright expects the DTS1+ to be approved in the near future for placement on the National Security Agency (NSA) Commercial Solutions for Classified (CSfC) Components List.

CSfC, an NSA-approved approach for protecting classified National Security Systems (NSS) information in aerospace and defense applications, uses cost-effective commercial encryption technologies in a two-layered solution. The original DTS1 NAS device was the first Common Criteria-certified and NSA CSfC Component Listed NAS solution with two certified encryption layers in a single device. This approach delivers a complete, ready-to-use solution that results in less program risk, less time to implement and lower cost. The rugged, compact DTS1+ is designed to store and protect large amounts of data on a wide range of deployed aerospace and defense platforms, including manned and unmanned vehicles, helicopters, fighters, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), unmanned underwater vehicles (UUV), unmanned ground vehicles (UGV), and intelligence surveillance reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft that require the protection of sensitive DAR in accordance with international standards.

“We are very happy to have achieved the milestone of Common Criteria certification from NIAP for our second generation DTS1+ NAS device,” said Brian Perry, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions Division. “The DTS1+ takes NAS performance further, with faster Ethernet data transfer rates and enhanced hardware encryption.”

With nearly double the Ethernet data rates (190MB/s write and 220MB/s read) of its predecessor, the DTS1+ integrates the latest generation hardware encryption device, which supports FIPS 140-2 Level encryption via 128-bit AES-XTS. The single-slot DTS1+ also supports the same external cables and Removable Memory Cartridges (RMC) used with the DTS1, for storage up to 8 TB per RMC.

The very small DTS1+ NAS device weighs only 3.77 lb. (1.71 kg) and measures only 1.5 x 5.0 x 6.5” (38.1 x 127 x 165.1 mm). It supports PXE protocol so that network clients can quickly boot from the encrypted files on the DTS1+’s RMC storage unit. This approach facilitates software updates for network clients and significantly reduces size, weight and power (SWaP) by eliminating the need for individual hard disks in each network client device. Curtiss-Wright offers two mounting options, the VS-DTS1+SL-FD, which is designed for cockpit use with DZUS mounting panel, and the VS-DTS1+SL-F, which uses L-brackets to support very flexible mounting within space-constrained platforms.

The DTS1+ enables any network-enabled device to retrieve stored data or save newly captured data. It supports networked devices using heterogeneous operating systems (Linux®, VxWorks®, Windows®, etc.) that support industry-standard NAS protocols (i.e., NFS, CIFS, FTP, or HTTP). The DTS1+ also supports iSCSI protocol for block data storage and PCAP protocol for Ethernet packet capture.

The DTS1+ product sheet is available for download here.

For additional information about Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions products, please visit www.curtisswrightds.com, LinkedIn, and X @CurtissWrightDS.

15 May 24. Royal Navy QE-class aircraft carriers face air navigation obsolescence. The UK Government notified industry of the obsolescent TACAN and DF systems on the two carriers, for which it will formally approach suppliers in November.

The Tactical Air Navigation (TACAN) and Direction Finder (DF) systems on board the Royal Navy’s two Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers (QEC) face obsolescence, according to a UK Government notification to industry.

According to the notice detailing the future open opportunity, the government will formally approach bidders in November 2024.

The contract is anticipated to begin the following year with the work due to end on 31 October 2028. The value of the contract is expected to be between £8m-£10m ($10m-$12.6m).

The current TACAN and DF systems are key components of the Ship Air Interface equipment. This area of responsibility lies with the Military Aviation Authority as the systems are classified as air traffic management equipment.

TACAN acts as a beacon providing aircraft with information on relative bearing and distance to the ship while DF gives air traffic controllers information on the bearing of aircraft from the ship based upon their radio transmissions.

At present, the capability is facing obsolescence challenges and replacement systems are sought for deployment from 1 November 2025, the government explained in their statement.

A ‘statement of requirement’ has been developed and agreed upon with Navy Command stakeholders defining the scope of support required to achieve the required levels of availability and provide the necessary specialist advice and support to meet legislative, regulatory and safety requirements.

QEC Ship Air Interface

There are two Royal Navy carriers: HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales, both of which are the largest warships ever constructed in the UK.

They displace 65,000t, a size between the US 100,000t Nimitz class and the French 43,000t Charles de Gaulle class aircraft carriers, and three times larger than its 20,000t Invincible-class predecessor.

The carrier will support joint combat aircraft, carrying out up to 420 sorties over five days and will be able to conduct day and night-time operations. The maximum sortie rate is 110 joint combat aircraft sorties in 24 hours.

The standard air group of 40 aircraft includes 36 Lockheed Martin F-35B joint strike fighters and four EH101 Merlin helicopters. It can also include other maritime surveillance and control aircraft.

Pictured are two 617 Squadron F-35B jets landing on HMS Prince of Wales after participating in Exercise NORDIC RESPONSE 24, 5 March 2024. Credit: Crown copyright/UK Ministry of Defence.

The maximum launch rate is 24 aircraft in 15 minutes and the maximum recovery rate is 24 aircraft in 24 minutes.

In 2018, the UK Ministry of Defence suggested that the newly developed rolling vertical landing procedure allows the recovery of an F-35 while still carrying a full payload.

At the time, these landings had not been conducted on a maritime platform, making the QEC carriers the first class of ship to recover an F-35 in this manner.

The government added that there would be alterations to the Thermal Metallic Spray that protects the deck from aircraft efflux during take-off and landing, as well as navigational interfaces for the ship and the aircraft. (Source: naval-technology.com)

13 May 24. Vigilant Aerospace Gets Oklahoma Aerospace Institute for Research and Education Grant to Develop Distributed Airspace Management System. Vigilant Aerospace Systems, a developer of multi-sensor airspace management and collision avoidance software for drones and advanced air mobility, has been awarded a $500,000 grant as part of a nearly $1m project to work with the Oklahoma Aerospace Institute for Research and Education (OAIRE) at Oklahoma State University to develop a distributed version of its detect-and-avoid system.

The grant is provided by the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST). Vigilant Aerospace also won an OCAST grant in 2019 to work with OSU integrating new radars into its collision avoidance system.

The project addresses the challenges posed by the increasing number of uncrewed aircraft operating in the National Airspace System, including inspection and delivery drones, first responder drones, and larger air taxi and cargo drones. While these autonomous vehicles offer significant societal and economic benefits, they require new airspace management paradigms to ensure safe integration into the existing airspace and air traffic.

Vigilant Aerospace provides the software and networked sensors and radars to allow uncrewed aircraft to safely fly long distances and beyond the visual line-of-sight (BVLOS) of the pilot – which is essential to enabling the next generation of aviation.

“Vigilant Aerospace is an industry leader developing crucial technology for aviation safety right here in Oklahoma,” said Dr. Jamey Jacob, OAIRE executive director. “The ability for drones and larger autonomous vehicles to detect and avoid collisions with other aircraft is critical for the future of aviation and for multiple efforts throughout the nation. Projects like this keep Oklahoma at the forefront of the industry, while supporting innovative local businesses. This initiative has far-reaching impact as a wide range of autonomous aircraft take to the air.”

The OCAST grant is provided through its highly competitive Oklahoma Applied Research Support (OARS) program, which supports businesses developing innovations and technologies that create new jobs and diversify Oklahoma’s economy.

The project also received support from the US Economic Development Administration (EDA) as part of the $38.2m Build Back Better grant awarded to a Tulsa-based coalition to support new aerospace initiatives in Oklahoma. Projects include the Skyway Range Flight Corridor, a 114 nautical mile drone corridor and one of the most ambitious advanced air mobility projects in the nation. The new corridor serves as the perfect platform for Vigilant’s distributed airspace management system to enable true BVLOS flight.

“Working with OSU helps to speed our R&D and provide the Skyway Range Flight Corridor with the most advanced airspace management system in the nation,” said Kraettli L. Epperson, CEO of Vigilant Aerospace. “It’s an excellent example of public-private co-operation to fast-track this high-potential technology both in the region and beyond. We are grateful to our sponsors at OCAST and the EDA for their support and are excited to work with our partners at OSU with their exceptional capabilities and resources.”

OSU and OAIRE support the project with unique capabilities including research engineers, pilots and subject matter experts, test aircraft, flights at the OSU Unmanned Aircraft Flight Station near Stillwater, and special research waivers from the FAA.

“Oklahoma continues to be a hotbed of innovation in autonomous flight, with a number of research institutions in the state already supporting this growth,” said Jennifer McGrail, Executive Director of OCAST. “This grant award brings together research and industry, helps to support innovation in the state and diversification of our economy. We look for ground-breaking initiatives, with potentially broad industry impact, and Vigilant Aerospace’s proposal fit that description.” (Source: UAS VISION)

13 May 24. Airbus to develop Eurofighter STAR manned-unmanned teaming for ‘loyal wingmen.’ Airbus is to develop a manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) capability to enable the Eurofighter Typhoon combat aircraft to remotely control ‘loyal wingmen’ under the System and Teaming Advanced Research (STAR) programme. An employment opportunity recently posted by the company for a chief engineer on the project spelled out its key objectives, not just for the Eurofighter but also as a bridge to the Future Combat Air System (FCAS)/Système de Combat Aérien du Futur (SCAF) programme. As noted in the listing, the project to be undertaken at Airbus Defence and Space’s Manching facility in southern Germany sits within the X-Platform Capability Study (XPCS). It is geared towards showcasing a first demonstration of MUM-T on the Eurofighter, with the mid- to long-term goal of introducing command-and-control capabilities onto the aircraft in preparation for FCAS/SCAF. (Source: Janes)

13 May 24. World-leading 3D printer used by British Army in the field for first time. A cutting-edge 3D printer is being used by the British Army for the first time in the field on the largest NATO deployment in Europe in a generation. Theatre Support Battalion, Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineers, are using the technology to make spare parts for vehicles as well as print vital modifications to battle-winning equipment on NATO exercise Steadfast Defender – the largest NATO deployment in Europe in a generation.

The Army’s use of both metal and plastic mobile printers in the field, which can be easily transported between locations, is the first time in the world the technology has been used by any military in direct support of a large-scale NATO Exercise.

With the ability to produce metal parts from the back of a truck in less than an hour, 3D cold metal printing can eliminate the need for parts to be shipped out for repair, saving on transport costs and time.

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said: “This world-leading technology is another excellent example of how Britain is at the very forefront of innovation in Defence, providing our exemplary Armed Forces with a faster way to respond flexibly in the field. The recent increase in Defence spending is crucial to ensuring that our people have the right kit, at the right time. Examples like this demonstrate that we are leading the way in developing new technologies to empower our Armed Forces and give them what they need to defend our nation.”

The metal printed technology works by using computer-aided design to digitally produce a component. A fine metal powder, such as copper, aluminium, or steel, is then fired through a nozzle at three times the speed of sound as a mechanical arm shapes the component, building the object one layer at a time. Once constructed, the component is then subjected to post-processing such as heat treating, milling, and finishing.

The printer is currently being used to maintain older vehicles such as the Land Rover by printing harder-to-obtain spare parts. Ambitions for the future include having catalogues of components for new fleets of vehicles such as BOXER and AJAX, so parts can be printed on demand in the field.

Lieutenant Colonel John Anthistle, Commanding Officer of 9 Theatre Support Battalion, Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineers said:

This equipment gives the Army the flexibility it needs to make spares, components, and modifications to our equipment in the field, at point and time of need. Not only does it save us weeks and sometimes months of having to wait for replacement parts, it also enables us to print components which aren’t available anymore; conduct battle damage repair, and modify equipment to match changing threats.

If you have a broken-down vehicle which needs to be back in the field the next day because it’s a vital piece of equipment, that’s where this technology comes in. It can reduce logistical issues, save money and critically, speed up getting battle-winning equipment back into the fight.

The Australian military were the first to trial the technology on low level exercises, but whereas other countries also utilise 3D printing, it has remained static and employed in laboratory type environments. The British Army, along with industry-leading manufacturers have ‘ruggedised’ the high-tech process so that it can work in the field as a tactically deployed asset.

The information to make certain metal parts can also be stored in a computer and shared with NATO partners. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)

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10 May 24. GEA collect data from XA100 engine to inform NGAD programme. All the data collected from the XA100 will be used to help develop the US Air Force’s future air propulsion for the Next Gen Air Dominance programme. General Electric Aerospace (GEA) completed the next series of testing of its XA100 adaptive cycle engine – the data from this test will inform engineers in developing the next-generation fighter aircraft. In November 2023, GEA reported that its XA100 engine finished additional testing in partnership with the US Air Force (USAF) after completing all adaptive engine transition programme testing the previous year. This initiative will develop propulsion capabilities throughout the rest of the decade. The insights gained from this testing could help the Next-Generation Adaptive Propulsion (NGAP) programme – the engine that will go on to power the USAF’s sixth-generation fighter jet, a central crewed platform within the service’s Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) programme. In February 2024 Pratt & Whitney, an RTX company, successfully conducted a crucial evaluation of its NGAP solution in collaboration with the USAF ahead of a detailed design review. The future fighter will operate alongside autonomous Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) as part of a hybrid formation. The US Government recently down selected two vendors to deliver the CCAs: Anduril and General Atomics.

XA100 informs the future fighter engine

XA100 is an adaptive cycle engine, which means the aircraft engine is deigned to operate efficiently under different flight conditions. It provides a high-thrust mode for maximum power and can automatically alternate to a high-efficiency mode to extend mission range.

Put simply, the engine offers 30% more range, 2% more thermal management and 20% more acceleration, GEA says.

“Every additional terabyte of data we gather off this real-world engine puts GEA and our military in a better position to deliver cutting-edge aviation capabilities to the warfighter,” said Amy Gowder, president and CEO, GEA Defense and Systems.

As part of NGAP, GEA has a second adaptive engine in development, the XA102, which completed a major design review in December 2023. XA102 will continue toward a prototype engine test. The combination of digital design and learnings from GEA’s first adaptive cycle engine will allow XA102 to deliver the required propulsion performance key to enabling future air dominance capabilities. (Source: airforce-technology.com)

09 May 24. Amprius Technologies, Inc. (“Amprius” or the “Company”) (NYSE: AMPX), a leader in next-generation lithium-ion batteries with its Silicon Anode Platform, today announced it will supply its state-of-the-art SiMaxx™ safe cells to complete the development and qualification for the U.S. Army’s next-generation Wearable Battery pack.

One of the recent U.S. Army demands has been for wearable battery technology – powerful solutions in relatively lightweight and compact packages that soldiers can safely carry and wear. The U.S. Army has been working to revolutionize power solutions for dismounted soldiers by introducing a next-generation battery pack with significantly higher energy density than current solutions. When integrated into a battery pack, the SiMaxx™ safe cells will approximately double the energy density of existing solutions, significantly extending mission time for soldiers on the battlefield.

“This battery pack integration marks a significant advancement in enhancing on-the-ground power solutions for the U.S. Army,” said Dr. Kang Sun, CEO of Amprius Technologies. “Our SiMaxx™ safe cells, known for their high energy density and safety features, will play a crucial role in enhancing mission time and reliability for dismounted soldiers.”

This development in battery technology for the U.S. Army represents a substantial progression in wearable battery technology and underscores the importance of innovation in supporting the modernization efforts for our soldiers in the field.

The SiMaxx™ safe cells were developed as part of the U.S. Army-funded Manufacturing Technology (ManTech) program, an industrial preparedness effort focused on scaling critical Army-wide manufacturing requirements. In July 2023, Amprius SiMaxx™ safe cells successfully passed the rigorous safety and performance requirements of MIL-PRE-32383 (Military Performance Specification). In January 2024, Amprius successfully completed its scale-up manufacturing initiative under ManTech, which included the delivery of SiMaxx™ safe cells. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

07 May 24. TE Connectivity (TE), a world leader in connectivity and sensors, has introduced its NanoRF 75 Ohm coax/optical hybrid modules. This solution is engineered to help meet the high-speed, high-density requirements of next-generation video capture and processing in aerospace, defense and marine applications.

The NanoRF 75 Ohm module features a 75-ohm matched impedance in both contact construction and interface, minimizing signal loss during cable transitions. This technology facilitates high-quality signaling and supports the high-speed protocols essential for rapid video processing. Additionally, the connectors feature spring-mounted backplane contacts, providing float to help ensure accurate contact alignment and reliable, low-loss signal transmission, even under extreme conditions.

“We wanted to expand upon the success and reliability of our existing NanoRF 50 Ohm solution to meet the market needs for high-speed video applications,” said Kevin Pasquarette, product manager. “Consequentially, we developed the NanoRF 75 Ohm product line, which has been adopted in the VITA standards.”

The NanoRF 75 Ohm module offers a first-of-its-kind blend of high-speed coaxial and fiber-optic connections for video signals up to 18 GHz, all within a small form factor compatible with existing VPX architectures. Its compliance with standards including VITA 65.0, 65.1, 67.3 and the SOSA™ (Sensor Open Systems Architecture) Technical Standard simplifies implementation and facilitates system upgrades.

Key Benefits:

Enables high-speed video processing and data transmission.
Minimizes signal loss through 75-ohm matched impedance contacts.
Helps ensure reliable connectivity in harsh environments.
Allows seamless integration of coax and fiber optics in a compact package.
Compatible with prevailing industry standards for simplified implementation.

09 May 24. US Marine Special Ops Evaluates Armed Robotic Dogs for Future Combat Roles. The United States Marine Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC) is currently assessing the potential of armed robotic “dogs” developed by Ghost Robotics and armed with Onyx Industries’ weapon systems. These quadrupedal unmanned ground vehicles (Q-UGVs) equipped with AI-targeting rifles are undergoing a rigorous evaluation process to determine their suitability for various military applications, including reconnaissance, surveillance, and remote engagement.

The robotic dogs tested are not autonomous weapons but function under the strict oversight of human operators, requiring explicit human approval before firing. This is in line with the Department of Defense’s commitment to keeping a human in the loop in decision-making processes involving lethal force. The technology incorporated into these robots includes Onyx’s SENTRY remote weapon system (RWS), capable of detecting and tracking potential targets through an advanced AI-enabled digital imaging system. (Source: https://www.sofx.com/)

07 May 24. Ensign-Bickford chooses Boomi. Global, diversified science and technology company uses the Boomi Enterprise Platform to manage unprecedented growth, connect international sites, support global operations, and automate critical business processes

Boomi™, the intelligent integration and automation leader, today announced that international science and technology conglomerate Ensign-Bickford Industries (EBI) is using the Boomi Enterprise Platform to manage unprecedented growth, connect international sites, support global operations, and automate critical business processes.

Since its founding in 1836, EBI has gradually expanded the company’s market presence to include aerospace and defense, pet food, and agricultural science. This type of organic growth made it necessary to expand EBI’s capability to maintain enterprise-level system integrations, particularly with its IFS enterprise resource planning (ERP) platform.

With the ultimate goals of reduced costs, greater productivity, improved work-life balance, and a better customer experience, EBI had several major projects in mind. These included automating the payroll process using Workday and ADP, integrating IFS (ERP) to the Equans manufacturing execution system (MES) to support shop floor operations, and creating a data pipeline delivering SAP Concur travel and expense (T&E) data to IFS on a daily basis, a formerly manual task performed monthly.

EBI selected the Boomi Enterprise Platform for the IFS-Boomi connector, which works with IFS REST APIs. This allows Boomi and EBI to retrieve daily T&E data from SAP Concur and load it into IFS, streamlining the process for other business units to load various data types.

“Since our inception, EBI has been able to expand and evolve in new areas, allowing us to participate in businesses that are relevant to the future of the world and have multigenerational growth prospects. But, this also created an integration challenge and hundreds of hours of manual work for our employees,” said Brendan Kehoe, CIO, Ensign-Bickford Industries Inc. “With Boomi, we’ve been able to connect core systems and automate workflows to drive operational efficiency in areas like manufacturing, finance, and human resources, helping us to reduce costs and improve the experience across employees and customers. Now, we are set up to continue our growth and expansion with businesses that share our core set of values.”

Before Boomi, EBI was using legacy processes that only loaded T&E data once per month, rather than the needed daily load that would allow business units to track financial activity throughout the month. The monthly manual process was time consuming and had many potential points of failure, ultimately consuming over 100 hours of manual work annually.

Since implementing the Boomi Enterprise Platform, EBI has achieved cost savings, enhanced productivity, improved work-life balance, and increased customer satisfaction. The Boomi-Concur T&E integration eliminated 75% of potential failure points, reducing time spent on troubleshooting. The integration further minimized manual work by 95% and eliminated 100% of manual effort required before T&E data is loaded in IFS.

Boomi’s integration with the Workday-to-ADP payroll has greatly reduced the potential for errors and the number of hours needed from finance and human resources. Similar metrics are expected for EBI’s other efforts to automate and improve business processes.

“With today’s rapid pace of technology and constant market evolution, legacy practices just don’t cut it anymore – especially when an organization is charting growth. To keep pace, integration and automation are key, and that’s where Boomi came in for EBI. Our solutions approach provided a solid foundation for integrations, and ultimately freed up employees for more valuable, business-critical work,” said Josh Rutberg, Chief Customer Success Officer at Boomi.

07 May 24. Going further for longer: DASA launches new £3.1m Themed Competition.

DASA seeks innovations to enhance operational advantage through improved self sufficiency and energy innovation

DASA has launched a new Themed Competition: Delivering operational advantage via improved self-sufficiency and operational energy innovation
Funded by the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) Chief Scientific Advisor (CSA)
Total funding available is £3.1m (excluding VAT)
Competition closes midday 2 July 2024 (BST)

The Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) is pleased to launch a new Themed Competition called ‘Delivering operational advantage via improved self-sufficiency and operational energy innovation’. This competition is funded by the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) Chief Scientific Advisor (CSA).

We are seeking proposals for novel technologies that will enable defence to achieve greater self-sufficiency and operational endurance for a deployed force, allowing the force to be more resilient, agile and self-sustaining. The aim is to increase deployed self-sufficiency and endurance across the maritime, land and air domains whilst reducing logistical burden and optimising power and energy.

Solutions to this competition’s challenges will need to be in the form of technologies e.g. machinery, equipment, items of subsistence etc. either singular or in a system. We will also consider novel technologies which could reduce the environmental risks and impact of defence’s activities.

Background and vision

Recent military campaigns have shown that contested logistics can severely hinder operations and compromise combat effectiveness. Identifying and adopting holistic, efficient and effective support and sustainability solutions quickly is essential to ensure the resilience of defence.

In addition to increased endurance through self-sufficiency (of which energy can be a part) increased endurance can also be achieved through optimising power and energy.

The perfect example of a self-sufficient force of the future is one that does not require external input to conduct its range of activities, regardless of the environment. This is achieved by managing and recycling the resources outlined in the challenge areas in line with the principles of a circular economy ultimately moving towards self-sufficiency.

Do you have a suitable innovation? Read the full competition document and accompanying challenge details document and submit a proposal.

Key dates and funding

The total possible funding available for all successful bids to this competition is £3.1m (excluding VAT).
The maximum value of a proposal is £500,000. We expect to fund between 5 and 20 proposals of between £50,000 and £500,000 in value
The deadline to submit a proposal is midday on 2 July 2024 (BST)

Supporting events

Launch webinar

Tuesday 21 May 2024 13:00 – 15:00 (BST)

This webinar offers the opportunity to find out more about this DASA competition and the chance to ask the team questions in an open forum.

Register now on the Eventbrite page: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/delivering-operational-advantage-via-improved-self-sufficiency-tickets-803030133747?aff=oddtdtcreator

1-2-1 sessions

A series of 10 minute one-to-one teleconference sessions, giving you the opportunity to ask specific questions to the competition team. If you would like to participate, please register on the relevant Eventbrite page and find a convenient time slot. Booking is on a first come first served basis.

Challenge areas

This competition has seven challenge areas.

Please ensure you read the accompanying challenge details document in full to understand the requirements of each challenge.

Please select one challenge for your proposal:

Challenge 1:

Food – feeding the winning edge

Challenge 2:

Water – harvest and recycle water with increasing efficiency

Challenge 3:

Materiel – reducing the supply chain burden

Challenge 4:

Waste – trash into treasure

Challenge 5:

Platform Power & Energy – enduring energy

Challenge 6:

Platform Thermal Management – keeping cool for persistent power

Challenge 7:

Deployed Power & Energy – energy fuels persistence

For all proposals you will be asked to demonstrate awareness of possible linkages to other challenges and the impact your solution may have on them in order to highlight benefits and disadvantages.

Submit a proposal

This competition is seeking proposals that will enable defence to achieve greater self-sufficiency and operational endurance. If you think you have an innovation that meets one or more of the competition challenges, we would love to hear from you.

Do you have a suitable innovation? Read the full competition document and accompanying challenge details document and submit a proposal: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/delivering-operational-advantage-via-improved-self-sufficiency; chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/663a17121c82a7597d4f31ee/Challenge_Detail.pdf

(Source: https://www.gov.uk/)

07 May 24. Bittium Supplied NATO’s DIANA Test Centres with World-Class Tactical Communications Technology as Part of the Research Infrastructure. Bittium has supplied NATO’s DIANA (Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic) test centres with software defined radio based Bittium Tactical Wireless IP Network™ (TAC WIN) system and Bittium Tough SDR™ soldier and vehicle radios. The new technology test centres will be established at VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland’s sites in Otaniemi, Espoo and University of Oulu. The state-of the-art products, which provide broadband tactical communications and are used for example by defense forces in different countries, will be part of the research infrastructure of the test centres.

NATO’s DIANA test centres help companies of NATO countries to strengthen their technological expertise and competitiveness. The test centres offer tools for technology development, and the technology themes of the test centres are related to next-generation communication systems, 6G technology, cybersecurity, and quantum and space technologies.

The research infrastructure and experts provided by the test centres will allow companies to evaluate their own concepts and technologies and get support to develop them. The test centres will consist of comprehensive research facilities and equipment, as well as top-level expertise in the sector. Bittium’s products will be used to build communications networks in the test centres. In the test networks, TAC WIN system’s extensive features for integration as well as the broadband Bittium TAC WIN Waveform™ used by both the TAC WIN system and Tough SDR radios, enable, among other things, multiple services to run simultaneously.

Bittium Tactical Wireless IP Network™

Bittium Tactical Wireless IP Network (TAC WIN) is a software-defined radio (SDR) based wireless broadband network system intended for military and public safety use. With the system, MANET (mobile ad hoc network), link, and connection networks can be formed into one logical IP network quickly, no matter what the location is. Bittium TAC WIN is compatible with existing fixed and wireless network infrastructures. The core of the system is a tactical router that enables users to freely form both wired and wireless broadband data transfer IP connections. The tactical router also enables connections to different types of terminals and other communication systems in order to connect them into a single communication network. In addition to the router, the system comprises three types of radio heads, and each radio head covers its own frequency band area and can be used for flexible formation of optimized network topologies for different communication needs. All the products of the system are designed for harsh conditions, and thanks to the system’s automated functions, the implementation of the system can be done quickly. Due to the software-based functionality of the Bittium TAC WIN system, it can be easily updated with additional performance, which allows it to be developed and maintained cost-efficiently throughout the whole lifespan of the system.

More information: Bittium TAC WIN system

Bittium Tough SDR™ product family

Bittium Tough SDR product family of tactical radios consists of Bittium Tough SDR Handheld™, tactical handheld radio for individual soldiers, and Bittium Tough SDR Vehicular™, tactical radio for vehicle installations. The Tough SDR radios help to produce and share real time situational awareness to all levels of the organization. This improves the performance and the effectiveness of the tactical troops, and leading the troops is easier based on the up-to-date situational awareness and more reliable connections. The uniquely wide range of frequency bands in the radios improves combat survivability. Using several waveforms, even simultaneously, improves compatibility and enables operations on different levels and missions. Together with the software-defined radio based Bittium Tactical Wireless IP Network™ (TAC WIN) system, used for forming a broadband mobile IP backbone network, it is possible to bring broadband data and voice to all mobile troops across the battlefield.

More information: Bittium Tough SDR Handheld radio and Bittium Tough SDR Vehicular radio

NATO DIANA

DIANA is NATO’s innovation accelerator, bringing together innovators from member states to support NATO’s technological leadership, defend its one bn citizens and maintain peace and security. NATO established DIANA to help develop dual-use technologies that meet security and defense challenges. DIANA supports companies working on solutions in key sectors identified by NATO member states.

More information: DIANA website: https://www.diana.nato.int/index.html

06 May 24. Deutsche Aircraft Chief Operating Officer, Nico Neumann, handed over the model UpLift aircraft to the Chairwoman of DLR Executive Board, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Anke Kaysser-Pyzalla, in Braunschweig, Germany. The D328® UpLift flying testbed, a collaboration between Deutsche Aircraft and the German Aerospace Center (DLR), will showcase cross-industry German aerospace capabilities, setting the stage for groundbreaking advancements in the German aviation industry.

By leveraging the expertise and resources of key stakeholders, the aim of this partnership is to drive innovation in the pursuit of sustainable aviation.

In September 2023, during the German National Aviation Conference (Nationale Luftfahrtkonferenz) in Hamburg, the UpLift D328® test platform was unveiled to the general public.

The UpLift aircraft will continue to undergo significant transformation as a flying testbed until the end of 2025, when it will be used as part of the research into the climate impacts of aviation, particularly greenhouse gases and non-CO2 effects.

In less than two months, at ILA Berlin 2024, Europe’s largest aerospace trade fair and a global meeting point for industry pioneers, the flying testbed will be showcased at the DLR stand, alongside a model of the interior modifications, including flight test instruments. During this event, industry partners will have the unique opportunity to discuss future research projects.

Funded by the German government and led by DLR, the UpLift Program will pave the way for climate-friendly flights which will benefit the global aviation industry. By providing the flying testbed, Deutsche Aircraft has contributed to this shared vision for the future of aviation and the pursuit of near climate-neutral flying.

A second life for the legacy D328®: Pioneering research towards climate-friendly aviation

As the Type Certificate Holder of the D328® family, Deutsche Aircraft is proud that the D328-100 mod 20 was selected as the flying test laboratory for the UpLift Program. This recognition underscores Deutsche Aircraft’s commitment to advancing future technologies.

Nico Neumann, COO of Deutsche Aircraft, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “The D328® UpLift will enable the aviation industry to mature new technologies to make an early impact. This learning curve, based on smaller aircraft, is crucial for scaling technologies.”

The Chairwoman of the DLR Executive Board, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Anke Kaysser-Pyzalla, emphasised the importance of the D328® UpLift research aircraft in DLR’s research fleet, “The role of this flying test laboratory is to pave the way for a climate-friendly aviation and a closer collaboration within the aviation industry.”

Dr. Jasmin Eberharter, Head of Strategy, and Industrial Relations at Deutsche Aircraft, remarked, “The challenges that the aviation industry is facing requires a common vision and collaborative efforts with all stakeholders. UpLift will represent a blueprint to jointly demonstrate the feasibility of our industry’s strategic roadmap towards sustainable and near climate neutral aviation.”

Head to the UpLift website to find out more about how the aviation industry and the German government are collaborating for the future of sustainable aviation. This initiative is a step forward to maturing tech, proofing impact, scaling future solutions and supporting the development of new ideas into real flight conditions.

07 May 24. Flare Bright’s Software-Enhanced Navigation System (SENS) achieves industry-leading navigation accuracy by preventing “runaway” inertial navigation drift. SENS significantly reduces navigation error accumulation, transforming exponential navigation error growth to linear. This creates an ideal complement to visual or LiDAR navigation systems which rely on stable estimates between position fixes.

Leveraging ubiquitous, robust inertial sensors, our system delivers exceptional performance across diverse terrains and conditions. SENS operates effectively in featureless environments, zero visibility conditions, and even over water bodies, ensuring unwavering navigation accuracy.

As a lightweight software solution, our system integrates seamlessly with any existing drone platform without impacting weight or payload capacity. Our software-centric approach unlocks significant cost savings for operators by allowing drone OEMs to utilise less expensive Inertial Navigation Systems (INS) while maintaining exceptional accuracy.

Conrad Rider, CTO, emphasises: “This is a true embodiment of AI innovation. It aligns with our mission to reduce the cost of autonomy by shifting capabilities from hardware to software – replacing bulky and expensive components with low-cost alternatives coupled with intelligent software modules”

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Oxley Group Ltd

https://oxleydevelopments.cmail20.com/t/t-l-cdhkulk-yujhutkljd-r/

https://oxleydevelopments.cmail20.com/t/t-l-cdhkulk-yujhutkljd-y/

Contact Marcus Goad on 07850 917 263 for more information or to arrange samples.

NEW TECHNOLOGIES, AVIONICS AND SOFTWARE

May 3, 2024 by

Sponsored By Oxley Developments

www.oxleygroup.com

02 May 24. Rugged Airborne Flight Test Systems are First to Deploy Data Analysis/Visualization Software in Compact Mission Computer. Curtiss-Wright’s Defense Solutions Division has announced the availability of two new fully integrated Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) Airborne IADS mission computers that enable the airborne deployment of IADS RTStation, the market-leading software solution for real-time and post-test data visualization for flight test programs. The rugged Airborne IADS systems deliver the power and flexibility of the full IADS RTStation software suite directly to the pilot and flight test engineers onboard the test vehicle. This industry-first provides direct access to critical data analysis and visualization data onboard the aircraft while undergoing test flights. The IADS RTStation software translates industry-standard flight test data formats into an array of information-rich, complex 2D/3D visuals. Its client-server architecture enables scalable, remote capture of telemetry data, un-tethered from the flight test range. Every data point is cached, allowing real-time scroll-back through the time history.

Both the Airborne IADS NXDP-4000-1 and Airborne IADS NXDP-3000-1 systems combine a Microsoft® Windows® compatible Curtiss-Wright ruggedized Parvus® DuraCOR® mission computer with a full desktop version of IADS RTStation software. The size, weight, and power (SWaP) optimized ultra-small form factor (USFF) NXDP-3000-1 features an Intel® Atom™ x6400E processor-based Parvus DuraCOR 313 Mission Computer. For more compute-intensive airborne flight test programs, the small form factor (SFF) NXDP-4000-1, based on the Parvus DuraCOR 8044 Mission Computer featuring the more powerful Intel® Xeon-W processor, is also available. The Airborne IADS systems provide users with an interactive interface that enables them to quickly customize displays, parameter definitions, analysis options and test setups in a matter of seconds. Users can then send these customized data configurations to displays on a connected monitor.

“In an industry-first, we have combined our market-leading IADS RTStation software for flight test with our extremely rugged and compact Parvus DuraCOR family of mission computers to deploy real-time data analysis and visualization capabilities to pilots and test engineers onboard the test platform while in flight,” said Brian Perry, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions Division. “The new Airborne IADS NXDP-3000-1 and Airborne IADS NXDP-4000-1 systems, our most capable real-time onboard data processing and display products, uniquely provide users with the power to perform complex calculations on flight test data while onboard the test vehicle.”

About Curtiss-Wright’s IADS Software

IADS is the flight test market’s leading real-time and post-test display and analysis software suite. Scalable, from a single laptop to a large workgroup, through its client/server software architecture, IADS provides flight test engineers with a complete solution that includes real-time data processing, archiving, computation, and display.

As the industry’s premier flight test software suite, IADS is used by every major test program in the U.S. and in many other countries worldwide. It enables flight test engineers to monitor, in real-time, huge amounts of data collected from an aircraft during a flight test program. This data is used to help validate the successful completion of test points and for safety. IADS also enables detailed analysis of the data to be performed post-test, using IADS Post Test Explorer, a data search, analytics, and visualization platform designed specifically for the flight test industry. With support for user-customizable data display, IADS significantly improves flight test efficiencies and helps to speed program completion.

01 May 24. Teledyne Relays Launches DC to 67 GHz SPDT Coaxial Switches.

Teledyne Relays announces the release of its latest innovation, the CCR-67V series. This advanced range of DC to 67 GHz SPDT coaxial switches is specifically designed to meet the rigorous demands of 5G telecommunications, high frequency automated test equipment, and millimeter-wave communication systems. The CCR-67V series represents a significant advancement in electromechanical switch technology with both failsafe and latching models available.

Key Features and Innovations:

Longevity and Reliability: Engineered for endurance, these switches feature an impressive contact life of 2 m cycles, ensuring reliable performance under the most demanding conditions.
High-Performance Connectivity: The series features 1.85 mm connectors, delivering outstanding performance and is compatible with the two most common mounting hole patterns, ensuring easy integration and interchangeability with a variety of existing systems.
Advanced Operational Features: The CCR-67V series offers options for indicators, self cut-off, TTL driver, and transient suppression diodes to enhance usability and safety. The positive COM terminal feature simplifies system integration.
Enhanced Environmental Sealing: A moisture seal protects against environmental factors, making these switches ideal for use in diverse operating conditions.
Temperature Versatility: The series is available in two models – the standard model operates between -25°C to 65°C, and the Elite model is robust enough to function in extreme temperatures ranging from -55°C to 85°C, catering to a broad spectrum of environmental demands.

“The CCR-67V series stands out for its durable design and enhanced features and is positioned to tackle the challenges of modern RF and microwave applications. Its introduction marks a pivotal development in sectors geared towards advancing telecommunications frameworks and precision testing equipment,” said Michael Palakian, Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing at Teledyne Relays. “With the CCR-67V series, Teledyne Relays reinforces its commitment to innovation and excellence, ensuring that these switches not only meet but exceed the evolving demands of 5G technology implementation and specialized automated test equipment. This series is set to become a cornerstone in enhancing system performance across various high-tech industries.”

The CCR-67V series is now available for purchase through Teledyne Relays or an authorized distributor. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

01 May 24. Boeing Validates Software for Future Manned Unmanned Refueling Missions.

– Software advancing after years of development and testing; now encompassing real aircraft hardware

– Results significantly reduce communication time between F/A-18 pilots and unmanned MQ-25 Stingrays

Boeing [NYSE: BA] has advanced its manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) technology using a digital F/A-18 Super Hornet and MQ-25 Stingray. The testing shows the software is maturing for future U.S. Navy use and a potential to deploy the teaming capability on both F/A-18 Block II and III Super Hornets.

In a simulator lab, a Boeing-led team virtually demonstrated an F/A-18 pilot commanding an unmanned MQ-25 to release a refueling drogue and refuel the Super Hornet, using existing communications links on both platforms.

The new software is a maturation of tests Boeing has previously done. In addition to the upgraded software, test teams pulled in hardware and datalinks already installed on both platforms to run the finalized software further proving Boeing’s readiness to deliver this capability to the Navy.

“MQ-25 is designed to typically receive commands from air vehicle pilots on an aircraft carrier. This software will add a second option, enabling pilots to initiate commands right from their cockpit,” said Alex Ewing, F/A-18 New Product Development lead.

The Boeing-created software will significantly reduce the time it takes for an F/A-18 to communicate with an MQ-25, giving pilots greater flexibility in refueling from longer distances.

“The goal of the demonstrations was to make MUM-T refueling as real as possible,” said Juan Cajigas, director, Advanced MQ-25 program. “Aerial refueling is like a ballet as two airplanes come together. To be able to direct the activities via a single pilot, safely and efficiently, is a major step forward in aerial refueling technology.”

30 Apr 24. Frontier Technology Inc. Announces SaaS and Licensed Versions of FTI MAST. Frontier Technology Inc. (FTI), a leading provider of deep data expertise and mission-tailored services and solutions to the United States Department of Defense (DoD) and the Intelligence Community, today announced the availability of SaaS and licensed versions of its Carrier and Submarine Maintenance Availability Status Tool, FTI MAST.

Designed in partnership with the U.S. Naval Ship Maintenance Community, FTI MAST provides powerful data analysis, critical insights and predictive analytics to help manage critical combat asset readiness challenges faced by shipyards, maintenance depots, suppliers, logistics and training programs, significantly shortening the problem identification to resolution window.

MAST provides powerful data integration, normalization and standardization capabilities, and delivers near real-time visibility into critical, integrated maintenance, supply chain, safety and other relevant data. It provides Naval leadership with confidence in the data they are reviewing, as it removes the variability and lack of clear fidelity in data from the shipyards.

MAST uses artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to analyze a wide range of current and historical data that impact the availability, performance, quality, safety, and effectiveness of surface ships, submarines, aircraft and other critical assets. It also provides predictive analytics to enable “what-if” analyses.

MAST can be operational in weeks or months versus years, at a fraction of the cost of alternatives. It serves a wide range of users, from those with basic skills to highly technical professionals. MAST isn’t disruptive to current customer environments, and works with virtually all systems, applications and data types. And FTI customers continue to own their own data.

“Overwhelming volumes of data from systems that don’t talk to each other significantly hamper the Navy’s ability to gain near real-time insights into all of the data related to the status and availability of its platforms and assets,” said Jose Hidalgo, President, Frontier Technology Inc. “FTI MAST addresses that challenge with automated data integration, normalization and standardization plus real-time analysis, visualization and predictive modeling to enable the Navy to proactively manage mission readiness and safety issues when possible, and dramatically accelerate time to solution when issues are identified.”

FTI MAST is Now Available via SaaS and Perpetual Licensing

Delivery via SaaS

FTI MAST is now available via a Software as a Service (SaaS) model. Subscription pricing allows fast and predictable adaptation to changing customer demands, ensuring new capabilities, data ingestion and integration requirements, and scalability can be delivered as fast as they are needed. Additionally, MAST’s throughput-based approach is designed to meet a wide range of needs, from maintaining current systems to deploying enterprise-scale solutions across multiple Program Executive Offices (PEOs) or large-scale operations. MAST is highly flexible, enabling tailored support for a diverse range of requirements, from straightforward updates to complex, cloud-based installations for extensive user communities. The demand signal from the customer defines the volume of data and how quickly it must be ingested.

Perpetual Licensing Option

FTI’s new perpetual licensing model for on-premise implementations is designed for new and existing customers seeking both affordability and predictability. This approach also provides an opportunity to secure continuous support, regular capability enhancements, critical security updates, and the latest ATO and environmental certifications, keeping your operations not just running, but running securely. Designed and built with flexibility at the forefront, our licensing model ensures customers can leverage the full power of FTI MAST at an affordable price point. Customers can choose to license FTI Cortex independently or in combination with our expert technical services, ensuring seamless integration and maintenance across various environments.

Schedule a demonstration or request more information:

“FTI’s new SaaS and License purchase models give our customers in the U.S. Navy, Marines and Coast Guard a range of flexible new options for gaining near real-time visibility into the kind of integrated maintenance, supply chain, logistics, incident and other relevant data they need to improve the readiness, availability, safety and effectiveness of the critical platforms and assets they manage,” said Lincoln Hudson, COO, Frontier Technology Inc.

FTI’s Broad Naval Data Capabilities

FTI’s experience in weapons systems, maintenance, modernization, cyber, ship to shore communications as well as logistics and programmatic support has been foundational in the development of our products and solutions, and the expertise of our Navy Operations Team. FTI’s offerings provide near-real time access to critical data, offer immersive analytical experiences, and enable the discovery and understanding of complex data and systems via mission centric and purpose-built visualizations. Our solutions significantly reduce the time required to identify and solve problems, increasing efficiency and effectiveness in critical operations.

FTI’s Full Capabilities

FTI offers a broad, integrated and seamless data analytic ecosystem, with capabilities including data integration, data analytics, modeling and defensive/resilient cyber technologies and services to enable the DoD, Intelligence Community and the Federal Government to make the best decisions possible for their missions.

FTI’s extensive library of IP and technologies leverage more than $200M of U.S. Government and FTI R&D investment.

FTI’s data analytics solutions and services are built around the Cortex Integration Platform which leverages artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) to deliver a wide range of analytic and visualization capabilities for acquisition and operational decision support across DevSecOps, enterprise architecture analysis, enhanced data visualizations, model-based systems engineering, digital transformation and system performance analysis.

FTI’s modeling solutions and services help our customers better track, visualize, simulate and analyze trends and underlying mission drivers across wargaming, logistics analysis and visualization, system performance modeling, synthetic systems and data generation support.

FTI’s defensive/resilient cyber solutions offer a portfolio of advanced technologies and services to help maintain and optimize cyber defense, including mission cyber risk analysis, supply chain Illumination, blue and gray space analysis, penetration testing, RF analysis, and cyber-enhanced threat intelligence analysis.

About FTI

FTI provides deep data expertise, technology and services that enhance the ability of the DoD, Intelligence Community and other agencies of the Federal Government to make the best decisions possible. Drawing on nearly four decades of innovation, FTI’s extensive portfolio of intellectual property and operational technologies has been augmented by more than $200m of U.S. government and FTI R&D investment, and solutions can often be mission-ready in a matter of weeks. Headquartered in Beavercreek, Ohio, FTI operates in 34 states, works at all levels of classification and offers seven facilities of varying clearance levels nationwide. More at ftidefense.com. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

30 Apr 24. USMC opens new center to more rapidly get tech to operators. Marines conduct a demonstration of the Light Marine Air-Defense Integrated System and FIM-92 Stinger missile at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., on June 30, 2021.

The U.S. Marine Corps has established a new office that brings together science, technology, requirements and acquisition professionals to help streamline how the service fields new technology.

The Fusion Center, located at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, allows for discussions about what technology is becoming mature enough to use versus what is useful to the Corps, leaders said Tuesday during a panel discussion at the Modern Day Marine conference in Washington, D.C.

Brig. Gen. David Walsh, who runs Marine Corps Systems Command, said he was told two years ago upon taking on the role to “pick up the pace” for acquisition.

“That involves getting closely involved with what’s going on over at the labs, over with our industry partners, and seeing where the cutting edge of technology is, prepping ourselves, getting ourselves ready to accept that technology as it matures,” he noted.

With this Fusion Center in place, the team is expected to ensure it’s using money to develop the technologies that will fill the most critical capability gaps. In addition, the group is to consider up front the doctrine, training, sustainment strategies and more that go along with any new technology.

Generally, Walsh said, the tech itself matures faster than other aspects — doctrine, organization, training, materiel, leadership and education, personnel, and facilities (DOTMLPF).

But in trying to achieve rapid acquisition, trade-offs are often required.

“You can get it to the Marines right now, get the first iteration out there, get the first unit equipped, and then training will come along” after the fact, he said. “Or you wait for all those same DOTMLPF considerations to be lined up, ready to go, and then you field” the new tech on a slower timeline.

But, he noted, the Fusion Center gives the acquisition community an improved look at what technology may be on the way in order to reduce trade-offs, especially if officials can start considering training or sustainment implications while researchers mature the tech.

Stephen Bowdren, the service’s program executive officer for land systems, said by peeking down the science and technology pipeline, his team can consider new technology for incorporation into existing programs via an engineering change proposal or as part of a tech refresh effort. Alternatively, he added, his office would consider what technology might require standing up a new program of record.

While the Fusion Center is meant to improve communication among the various communities, the Corps is also trying move along acquisition efforts faster and become more agile by focusing on acquiring capabilities rather than specific hardware solutions.

Bowdren also noted the new office could benefit how the service manages various portfolios.

For example, the Marine Corps needs a ground-based air defense system that includes sensors, target identification tools, and kinetic and non-kinetic effectors. But different Marine Corps formations in different geographies might have slightly different air defense needs, meaning Bowdren can rely on the Fusion Center to help him create a family of systems that collectively cover all the service’s needs within this broad capability set. (Source: Defense News)

29 Apr 24. Germany approves software development of NH90. The German Government plan to expand the capabilities of the Army’s 82 tactical transport units as well as the Navy’s 18 multi-role frigate helicopters. The German Parliament Budget Committee approved funds for a comprehensive software update for its existing Nato Helicopter-90 (NH90) fleets worth €217m ($232.3m) on 24 April 2024.

Calling for an option as part of an existing framework agreement, the German Government plan to expand the capabilities of the Army’s 82 tactical transport units as well as the Navy’s 18 multi-role frigate helicopters.

Specifically, the software update integrates a new multi-functional display to provide the flight altitude and other tactical information as well as systems that offer expanded navigation and identification capabilities. Moreover, there will be further improvements for the frigate variant as these units have more sensors as well as navigation and communication devices.

NH90 configurations

Developed in two versions – tactical transport (TTH) and Nato frigate helicopter (NFH) – the NH90 contains a unique, fully integrated mission system for multi-role operations in the most demanding conditions over land and sea, day and night.

More than 500 NH90s have been delivered to 18 customers in 14 countries (by the end of 2023), accumulating more than 400,000 flight hours.

Germany has both configurations. The naval variant in the latest contract refers to the existing ‘Sea Lion’ helicopter. Germany ordered 18 units in 2015, and all of them were delivered in 2023 according to GlobalData intelligence.

The helicopters will replace the German Navy’s ageing fleet of 21 Sea Lynx Mk88A helicopters, which have been in service since 1972.

However, this naval platform should not be confused with another NFH within the German inventory named the ‘Sea Tiger’ – a more enhanced, anti-submarine warfare variant.

The government ordered 31 Sea Tigers at the end of November 2020. This configuration recently performed its maiden flight in December 2023. The German Ministry of Defence does not refer to this variant in the latest contract; the first Sea Tiger is scheduled for delivery at the end of 2025. (Source: army-technology.com)

29 Apr 24. China Has An F-35 Problem It Can’t Solve. The Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, one of the world’s few fifth-generation fighters, is generally considered the most capable aircraft in the world with respect to data fusion and network interconnectivity. China’s attempt to produce its own equivalent of the F-35, the J-20, is a capable aircraft. While it looks suspiciously similar to the F-35, the J-20 is not on par with the Joint Strike Fighter itself.

Why China Can’t Match the U.S. F-35 Fighter Jet: Insights from a Navy Expert: The Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, one of the world’s few fifth-generation fighters, is generally considered the most capable aircraft in the world with respect to data fusion and network interconnectivity. China’s attempt to produce its own equivalent of the F-35, the J-20, is a capable aircraft. While it looks suspiciously similar to the F-35, the J-20 is not on par with the Joint Strike Fighter itself.

Quora user Eric Wicklund, a former U.S. Navy Operations Specialist, explained why the Chinese cannot yet field a true competitor to the F-35.

“Just producing a stealthy-looking shape is only one part of many different aspects of stealth,” Wicklund began. “Even internal structures, and how they’re configured, matter.” One respect where China is deficient, Wicklund argues, is in materials science, and this shortfall has impacted Beijing’s ability to develop effective Radar Absorbent Material (RAM), which can absorb or scatter up to 80% of incoming radar waves.

According to Wicklund, stealing a stealth shape from a computer is simple enough, but developing cutting-edge RAM is a more difficult task. “I could hand the Chinese a chunk of RAM,” Wicklund wrote, “they could analyze it, and realize it is genuine, but the problem is in reverse-engineering it. They know what it is, but wouldn’t know how to make it.”

Wicklund explained that giving American RAM technology to the Chinese would be like giving a Damascus steel blade to an Egyptian swordmaker. The Egyptian would recognize the superior quality of the blade but would not be able to reverse-engineer the thing. That’s the problem th

Wicklund equated China’s trouble with RAM to their recent troubles developing the WS-15 jet engine. For years, the Chinese struggled to create fan blades that could withstand the heat generated within a jet engine. Finally, China’s material science caught up to the task, and the WS-15 has since entered production. “RAM is going to be another difficult stepping stone, and until they master it, China’s stealth fighters will be outmatched by the F-35.”

The U.S. is currently the only nation capable of developing and producing an aircraft as sophisticated as either the F-35 or the F-22.

Designed for air superiority and strike missions, the F-35 is also equipped to perform electronic warfare and ISR functions. The most notable features of the F-35 are the advanced avionics and sensor fusion, which grant the pilot an unmatched level of situational awareness.

Curiously, the F-35 was not designed to be as kinetically capable or as maneuverable as the F-22 fifth-generation fighter. While the F-35 can keep up with fourth-generation aircraft, the airframe was designed with stealth and sensor fusion as priorities, rather than maneuverability.

Key sensors aboard the F-35 include the Northrop Grumman AN/APG-81 active electronically scanned array radar; the BAE Systems AN/ASQ-239 Barracuda electronic warfare system; the Northrop Grumman/Raytheon AN/AAQ-37 Electro-optical Distributed Aperture System; Lockheed Martin’s AN/AAQ-40 Electro-Optical Targeting System; and the Northrop Grumman AN/ASQ-242 Communications, Navigation, and Identification suite. The sum of all of the advanced systems is an aircraft with better situational awareness, better command-and-control capabilities, and better network-centric capabilities than any aircraft in production. (Source: News Now/https://nationalinterest.org)

26 Apr 24. Flamethrower-Equipped Robo-Dog Now on Sale for Under $10,000. Throwflame, a company based in Ohio, has released a product called The Thermonator, a robot that merges the mobility of a quadruped robot with the fiery capability of a mounted flamethrower. Priced at $9,420, The Thermonator boasts a 30-foot flame range and is capable of being operated remotely through Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, with control options available on a smartphone. This robotic dog is built upon a commercially available robot base, the Unitree Go2, which retails for around $1,600. The Thermonator is equipped with advanced navigation technologies including LIDAR for mapping and obstacle avoidance, laser sighting, and an onboard camera that provides a first-person view (FPV) for navigation. (Source: https://www.sofx.com/)

Oxley Group Ltd

https://oxleydevelopments.cmail20.com/t/t-l-cdhkulk-yujhutkljd-r/

https://oxleydevelopments.cmail20.com/t/t-l-cdhkulk-yujhutkljd-y/

Contact Marcus Goad on 07850 917 263 for more information or to arrange samples.

NEW TECHNOLOGIES, AVIONICS AND SOFTWARE

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