Sponsored by Spectra Group
https://tacs.at/Spectra
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14 June 22. The European a4ESSOR consortium has successfully performed interoperability tests using the new ESSOR High Data Rate (ESSOR HDRWF) waveform. These tests are part of the ESSOR (European Secure Software defined Radio) project, launched at the end of 2017 by a4ESSOR and OCCAR (Organization Conjointe de Coopération en matière d’Armement) on behalf of Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Poland.
The testing took place in Poland, with Software Defined Radios (SDRs) from a4ESSOR’s industry partners (Bittium, Indra, Leonardo, Radmor and Thales) equipped with the ESSOR HDRWF, all connected to an automated test environment. This made it possible to verify that the ESSOR HDRWF could handle a number of operational use scenarios, demonstrating full interoperability. The same environment was previously used to conduct testing and preliminary validation activities for participating nations’ SDR platforms.
The tests demonstrated ESSOR HDRWF’s excellent performance, including its networking (MANET – Mobile Adhoc Network), data transmission (IP), security, push-to-talk, radio silence mode and co-habitation (spectrum sharing) features.
“The successful completion of the HDRWF interoperability tests highlights the work done over the last four years. Four different SDRs from four different vendors of four different nations proved to be interoperable thanks to the ESSOR HDRWF and architecture. We are providing European nations with an excellent product that will enable land-based armed forces to operate jointly and in an increasingly integrated manner. This result underlines the importance of the European industrial collaboration implemented through a4ESSOR. It is our hope that NATO will adopt the ESSOR HDRWF as an interoperability standard, allowing for more integrated land communications across all Alliance members”, said Lino Laganà, President and General Manager of a4ESSOR.
The ESSOR project’s next milestone will be to test the ESSOR HDRWF on a radio from Germany’s Rohde & Schwarz. Germany and Rohde & Schwarz joined the programme at the end of 2020.
About a4ESSOR SAS
a4ESSOR S.A.S. is a joint venture organized and existing under the laws of France, set up by six EU leading companies: Bittium Wireless Ltd, Indra, Leonardo S.p.a., Radmor S.A., Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co. KG and Thales Communications & Security S.A.S in order to manage the ESSOR (European Secure SOftware defined Radio) contract awarded by OCCAR-EA and to promote the ESSOR products in the SDR community.
ESSOR
The aim of the ESSOR programme, currently sponsored by the governments of Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, and Spain, is to develop pan-European Software Defined Radio (SDR) technology in order to improve the ability of Armed Forces to cooperate in joint operations and also to develop new ESSOR waveforms (E3DWF, ENBWF, ESATWF), in the frame of ESSOR ENC (ESSOR New capabilities) project.
The ESSOR programme will continue, with further activities including the porting of the ESSOR HDRWF to Rohde & Schwarz’s SDR and a new interoperability verification test session. In addition to the European High Data Rate (HDR) waveform, the programme has produced and validated a European SDR architecture, now qualified on six different European platforms. The benefits of waveform interoperability are regularly demonstrated through network testing involving different ESSOR national platforms.
13 June 22. Keep operational control in the congested frequency spectrum. At Eurosatory 2022, Rohde & Schwarz is unveiling a new sensor, software and two new antennas that combine to form cutting-edge COMINT/CESM or military spectrum monitoring solutions. The Rohde & Schwarz’ technology portfolio provides dedicated support for communications intelligence (COMINT), communications electronic support measures (CESM) and spectrum monitoring missions. The innovations unveiled at Eurosatory 2022, in Paris, France, 13-17 June 2022, at booth #567, hall 6, include the R&S UMS400 lightweight universal monitoring system, new direction finding and monitoring antennas, and intuitive R&S CEPTOR radiomonitoring software.
R&S UMS400 is developed for spectrum monitoring and radiolocation from 8 kHz to 8 GHz (extendable up to 20 GHz) and features a compact outdoor housing with excellent size, weight and power (SWaP) characteristics. Its superior spectrum performance brings great value to advanced COMINT platform systems. The system is vital to obtaining actionable intelligence for situational awareness and contribute to larger multi sensor intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions and force protection during tactical operations.
The new R&S ADD557SR and R&S ADD597 monitoring and direction-finding antenna systems deliver reliable measurement results even in dense spectrum environments. They are typically installed on mobile platforms in combination with a multichannel direction finder (R&S ADD557SR) or a single-channel direction finder (R&S ADD597) to detect and geolocate tactical low probability of intercept (LPI) communications as well as critical conventional communications, such as private mobile radios (PMR).
The R&S CEPTOR software controls radiomonitoring systems for public safety and security authorities and armed forces for situational awareness in constantly changing communications environments. The intuitive and clearly structured interface guides users through typical workflows. Tasks are performed quickly and effectively and practical default settings and automated steps provide support and deliver the desired results without users having to worry about the specific characteristics of each sensor.
Rohde & Schwarz is a key partner for armed forces, law enforcement, governmental authorities along with internal and external security organizations. The company produces high technology solutions at company-owned sites with a deep industrial value chains and vertical integration. The new sensor, antenna and software portfolios provide operators with cutting-edge COMINT/CESM solutions for spectrum dominance and situational awareness. They can also monitor congested RF spectra for spectrum awareness, interference hunting and measure coverage and occupancy.
13 June 22. Avon Protection unveils EXOSKIN™ CBRN protection range. Avon Protection is exhibiting at Eurosatory 2022 on stand D-767. Avon Protection has developed a new range of products to protect military personnel operating in CBRN environments: the EXOSKIN-B1 High Traction CBRN Boots and EXOSKIN-G1 Tactile CBRN Gloves.
The CBRN threat is a growing concern for military forces, with the use of chemical weapons rising among both state actors and terrorist groups. In response, Avon Protection developed the EXOSKIN range of boots and gloves to supplement its CBRN respiratory protection products to protect personnel without compromising the wearer’s tactical agility in the field.
Designed to allow for the handling and operation of electronic touch screen devices, the EXOSKIN-G1 glove offers a critical operational advantage. The ambidextrous glove features a rubberised outer layer textured to maintain grip in wet conditions, with an intelligent, seamless inner knitted liner that has a conductive tip on both the thumb and forefinger. Together these layers optimise the wearer’s dexterity and allow them to complete their mission safely.
The EXOSKIN-B1 boot provides improved durability and agility in the field, with quick-release straps to secure the garment over standard footwear. A highly textured sole improves the wearer’s manoeuvrability in all underfoot conditions. In addition, it is 100 percent leak tested.
Manufactured from Avon Protection’s proven rubber technology, both the EXOSKIN-G1 glove and EXOSKIN-B1 boot offer Chemical Warfare Agent and Toxic Industrial Chemical protection and are impermeable to biological agents. Designed for quick donning and doffing, they integrate with many protective suit ensembles including JSLIST and MkIVA.
“Since the end of the Cold War, many nations have become more aware of the CBRN threats faced on the modern battlefield as we continue to see nerve agents and chemical weapons deployed in the field,” said Steve Elwell, Vice President Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia for Avon Protection. “Personnel must be able to operate safely on a contaminated battlefield without relying on cumbersome protection measures.
“In developing the EXOSKIN range of CBRN protective garments, our focus was to optimise end-user versatility in the most demanding environments, while continuing our relentless pursuit to keep operators safe from these chemical and biological threats.”
With more than 100 years of experience delivering innovatively designed and engineered CBRN solutions, the EXOSKIN range leverages Avon Protection’s material science capability and deep knowledge of protective CBRN technology.
The EXOSKIN range will be on display at Eurosatory along with Avon Protection’s full range of personnel protective equipment, including full-face respirators, escape hoods, SCBA systems, modular PAPR units, underwater equipment and ballistic helmets.
13 June 22. Airbus Brings Leading-Edge Digital Capabilities to Multi-Domain Military Operations. In today’s world of rapidly evolving global security challenges, the ability to collect, analyse and utilise data for decision-making and response is more important than ever.
By applying its leading-edge digital capabilities to Multi-Domain Military Operations, Airbus provides seamless integration solutions that connect mission-critical military platforms and systems worldwide across all domains: air, land, sea, cyber and space.
Airbus is there every step of the way: from information downlinked by its Earth observation satellites and airborne platforms to powerful computing resources based on artificial intelligence, along with securing the servers where this information is stored and shared. When forces are deployed, Airbus has the solutions as well, with helicopters, airlifters that are increasingly connected in the battlefield.
The capabilities of Airbus are highlighted at Eurosatory 2022
These solutions are be showcased at Eurosatory 2022, the international defence and security exhibition, which takes place at the Villepinte Exhibition Centre near Paris from June 13 to 17. Airbus will be present in Hall 5A, exhibit stand # C181.
Preparing, training…and defending against cyber attacks
In response to cyber-attacks that have become a daily threat and are increasingly sophisticated, Airbus Defence and Space has developed the MTLID defensive cyber warfare system to secure military networks and protect data. It has monitoring, warning, detection and response capabilities that identify the origin, target, criticality and impact of such attacks, enabling them to be countered with a suitable response plan.
A key to defending against cyber-attacks is being ready for these threats through preparation and training. The CyberRange advanced simulation solution from Airbus CyberSecurity easily models information technology (IT) systems and operational technology (OT) systems with of 10s or 100s of machines and simulate realistic scenarios including real cyber-attacks. CyberRange is used by administrators, integrators, testers, trainers and others to design virtualised or hybrid networks, emulate unit activities such as communications between two machines or to launch complex scenarios reproducing a realistic activity.
A portfolio of unmanned airborne platforms
Acquiring relevant information from secure sources to supply command and combat systems is vital, and Airbus has a varied portfolio of unmanned airborne resources to meet this need.
The versatile, high-endurance Aliaca unmanned aerial system (UAS) enables missions from three to six hours to be conducted over ranges of 50 to 100 km, and is perfectly adapted to sensitive missions in severe environmental conditions with gyro-stabilized EO/IR payloads. Launched by catapult, Aliaca concludes its flight by landing automatically using a dedicated net landing solution. This UAS utilises a powerful, yet silent, electric motor, and also exists in a version with thermal propulsion. The French Navy is receiving 11 Aliaca systems (incorporating 22 of the UAS), with deliveries initiated in 2021.
Also offered by Airbus is the compact and discrete VSR700 unmanned helicopter, which can perform a broad range of missions ranging from cargo to armed reconnaissance at sea and over land. It offers the best balance of payload capability, endurance, and operational costs.
Interoperable intelligence and secure communications
Dependable intelligence gives commanders the insights to make the right decisions at the right time. For more than 30 years, Airbus has delivered actionable interoperable intelligence that enables responses at greater speed and with greater certainty. With proprietary access to the world’s leading satellite constellations – including Pléiades Neo, which has an optical resolution of 30 cm – Airbus supplies sustainable satellite imagery and data solutions.
The Airbus Secure Communications division of Airbus Defence and Space specializes in mission-critical voice and high-speed data communications on land, at sea and in the air. Bringing together the most comprehensive satellite communications bandwidth with best-in-class capabilities for network services and solutions, the division has proven experience and expertise in managing everything from network operations to in-field support services and training means.
Multi-Domain Combat Cloud
Among the most critical challenges faced in a congested and contested battlefield is the ability to connect and securely communicate across all domains.
To meet this challenge, Airbus is developing new technologies and solutions that provide decentralised, cyber-resilient, collaborative information networks across the air, land, sea, space and cyber domains using cloud-based technologies.
The resulting Multi-Domain Combat Cloud (MDCC) enhances defence power through information superiority, enables collaborative combat with manned and unmanned teaming assets across all domains under human supervision, making military operations more efficient and effective.
Airbus’ MDCC covers all domains: air (connecting assets for next-generation air power with the Future Combat Air System), land (a connectable Land Combat Cloud based on an intelligent open service architecture), sea (smart, seamless and secure ship-to-shore, ship-to-ship and inter-domain connectivity), space (dependable, resilient satellite communications and space-based intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance), and cyber (end-to-end dynamic protection and advanced cyber capabilities).
Airbus Helicopters in action for intervention and support
For intervention on the battlefield, rotorcraft solutions from Airbus Helicopters include the H160M. As a true multi-mission platform, the H160M is weaponised for light attack operations, and can quickly be reconfigured for duties that range from commando infiltration to air intercept, fire support, anti-ship warfare, along with search and rescue operations.
In scenarios requiring troop transport, air support and logistics, Airbus’ H225M is a true multi-purpose and versatile asset, operating from both ships and land with an all-weather capability supported by night vision goggle compatibility. The helicopter’s outstanding 700 NM range can be extended with air-to-air or hover in-flight refuelling capabilities.
Responding to evolving conditions in the battlespace
On land, at sea, in the atmosphere and into space, Airbus’ digital expertise enhances the speed, agility and mission effectiveness of command and control for systems, sensors, aircraft and deployed forces.
As timely mission planning and execution is more essential than ever on the battlefield, the solutions from Airbus ensure agile response, along with improved situational awareness and ever faster decision-making. (Source: ASD Network)
11 Jun 22. Proengin is thrilled to announce its participation at Eurosatory 2022, the global leading exhibition for the defence and security sectors.
Proengin, a leading company in chemical and biological threat detection solutions for the military and civilian markets, today announced its participation in Eurosatory 2022. The event coincides with the 50th anniversary of the founding of the company and Proengin are excited to announce the latest products they are bringing to the market, as well as tailor-made CBRN solutions for armoured vehicles, critical infrastructure and navy applications. The growth of offerings and their move deeper into the civilian market, whilst retaining the military reliability that they are best known for, marks the evolution of the company from solely a detection provider to a solution specialist.
The PROENGIN booth (Hall 5A, Booth H603), will be showcasing their next generation sampling system solution, the S4PF. The pairing of the S4PF handheld scraper with the existing AP4C technology, provides a universal detection solution with the unique ability to measure threats in powder and liquid form. The S4PF offers a higher target temperature than its predecessor (S4PE), the combined use of S4PF and AP4C provide a 10 to 100 times more sensitive detection solution, ideal to use in applications where Fourth generation CWA agents could be present. The solution has kept its robust, rugged extremely user-friendly design and is targeted to hazmat, law enforcement and CBRNe teams. The S4PF is an easy upgrade for all customers equipped with an AP4C kit, it is also an ideal solution for teams involved in opioid response calls.
Also on display at the PROENGIN booth, will be their updated AP4C+. Designed specifically for the special forces, the AP4C+ compact design allows users total freedom of movement, while benefiting from continuous universal detection against all forms of chemical threats. The AP4C+ can also be integrated into an aerial drone (UAS) while still guaranteeing maximum flight time. This approach meets the forces’ needs for a projected, robust, easy-to-use and easy-to-deploy detection solution, whilst guaranteeing optimal threat detection performance, remote visualization and alert mapping.
In addition to their latest products, Proengin will be presenting an integrated CBRNe system, promoting its ability not only to provide unrivalled CBRN detectors but also turn key, tailor-made CBRN solutions for armoured vehicles, critical infrastructures and navy applications.
About Proengin
Proengin is a technology and manufacturing leader, serving military and civilian customers worldwide with CBRNe threat management solutions and services. Based on the development of their unique hydrogen flame spectrometry, which analyses the light spectrum through a hydrogen flame, their products allow rapid detection of all chemical agents containing molecules of phosphorus, sulphur, arsenic and nitrogen, regardless of their physical state (gaseous, powder, liquid, aerosol). The extreme sensitivity of the technology, allows it to detect the presence of a dangerous chemical agent, at a concentration up to 500 times lower than its lethal dose. For more news and information on Proengin, please visit www.proengin.com.
13 June 22. Collins Aerospace brings next-gen software defined radio to Five Eye and NATO nations.
*Most technologically capable airborne radio available to international warfighter
*Features anti-jam technology, embedded high power output and modernized cryptology
Collins Aerospace’s next generation software-defined airborne communication system – ARC 210 Gen6 – is now authorized for delivery to Five Eye and NATO nations. The world’s most advanced airborne radio in the market features the latest anti-jam technology, satellite capability (MUOS), embedded high-power output, and the latest modernized cryptology for enhanced situational awareness and seamless communications in challenging/contested environments.
The ARC-210 Gen6 integrates a next-generation networking capability, and variants can be reprogrammed and customized as needed without sacrificing performance or security. It also expands its market-leading frequency range from 30 MHz (Tactical VHF) to 1850 MHz (L-band). Variants of ARC-210 are the most widely fielded airborne military V/UHF radio in the world, with more than 50,000 delivered units operating on more than 200 platforms in over 50 countries. The ARC-210 Gen6 is now available through Foreign Military Sales (FMS) to authorized countries.
Collins’ international variant of this architecture — the AR-1500 — is deployed across the globe with customers in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. Fully software defined, the AR-1500 provides the same frequency range and RF performance as the ARC-210 Gen6, but with a selection of waveforms and capabilities unique to the direct commercial sale (DCS) market, including electronic protection and embedded cryptography. It also features AES256 embedded encryption.
“The ARC-210 family of radios has enabled millions of critical messages to be exchanged for more than 25 years, providing U.S. and allied military forces with reliable and secure communications when it’s most essential,” said Ryan Bunge, vice president and general manager, Communication, Navigation and Guidance Solutions for Collins Aerospace. “It is fully software-defined to bring tomorrow’s technologies to the battlespace today and deliver the latest in SATCOM, encryption and anti-jam technologies, ensuring customers’ mission success now and as requirements advance in the future.”
Collins has been the market leader in airborne military communications for more than 25 years. The company delivers advanced and reliable communication technology so customers have intelligent, cross-domain connectivity for their most important missions.
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Spectra Group Plc
Spectra has a proven record of accomplishment – with over 15 years of experience in delivering secure communications and cybersecurity solutions for governments around the globe; elite militaries; and private enterprises of all sizes.
As a dynamic, agile, security accredited organisation, Spectra can leverage this experience to deliver Cyber Advisory and secure Hosted and Managed Solutions on time, to spec and on budget, ensuring compliance with industry standards and best practices.
Spectra’s SlingShot® is a unique low SWaP system that enables in-service U/VHF tactical radios to utilise Inmarsat’s commercial satellite network for BLOS COTM. Including omnidirectional antenna for the man, vehicle, maritime and aviation platforms, the tactical net can broadcast over 1000s miles between forward units and a rear HQ, no matter how or where the deployment. Unlike many BLOS options, SlingShot maintains full COTM (Communications On The Move) capability and low size and weight
On 23 November 2017, Spectra Group (UK) Ltd announced that it had recently been listed as a Top 100 Government SME Supplier for 2015-2016 by the UK Crown Commercial Services
Spectra’s CEO, Simon Davies, was awarded 2017 BATTLESPACE Businessman of the Year by BATTLESPACE magazine and is a finalist in the inaugural British Ex-Forces In Business Awards in the Innovator Of The Year category.
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