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24 Mar 16. China Unveils First Armed Unmanned Helicopter. China’s growing defence industry has quickly made a name for itself, especially in drones. Government produced CH-3 and CH-4 combat drones are already used worldwide, including by the Iraqi and Nigerian governments. Now NORINCO, one of the country’s largest state-owned corporations, is getting into the the act with a drone of its own.
Dubbed the Sky Saker H300, this helicopter drone sports electro-optical and infrared cameras and laser-targeted designators. It also has two missile launch tubes mounted on either side of the fuselage, and a total weight of about 200 kilograms when fully loaded.
While the H300 can fire missiles on its own, NORINCO is also pitching it as a way to assist other platforms in precision strikes. For example, computer-guided missiles from bombers or howitzer shells could receive mid-course corrections from the Sky Saker, ensuring these munitions hit their targets.
According to reports, the Sky Saker H300 is China’s first helicopter-based UCAV, short for “Unmanned Combat Arial Vehicle.” NORINCO already offers a plane-like UCAV also known as the Sky Saker, which it began selling in 2014.
Helicopter UCAVs have distinct advantages over standard UCAVs, though. Like the helicopters they’re based on, take off and landing of the drone is possible vertically, negating the need for some type of runway space. There are some disadvantages to this configuration, though, such as slower flight speeds and range limitations.
Given these attributes, it’s probably not out of the question to speculate the Sky Saker H300 would find more use in close-range combat, rather than longer range missions where mission control might be hundreds (if not thousands) of miles away. However, at least initially, we’re not aware of any commercial deployments or government contracts. Right now the H300 is being shown off as part of a larger defense exhibition that is taking place in Dubai, and for the time being, it’ll likely remain relegated to the show floor. (Source: UAS VISION/Digital Trends)
23 Mar 16. Sypris to Develop Missile Electronic Encryption Device.
Sypris Electronics, LLC, a subsidiary of Sypris Solutions, Inc. (Nasdaq/GM: SYPR), announced received a subcontract award from Science Applications International Corp. (SAIC) to be responsible for the design and development of a modernized Missile Electronic Encryption Device (MEED) for use in controlling access to US land-based intercontinental ballistic missile silos.
While SAIC will lead the program management process, Sypris Electronics will provide technical and NSA certification leadership. With more than 50 years of encryption and certification experience and fielding the Type 1 key loader, Really Simple Key Loader (RASKL®), Sypris provides a wealth of experience for the delivery of a modernized MEED. The 22-month program includes design, development, documentation, integration, testing, certification, training, maintenance, and logistics of a modernized MEED device.
Debra Delise, Vice President of Engineering and Business Unit Lead for Information Security Solutions commented, “Sypris’ experience and history in producing legacy devices and developing high assurance security solutions positions us well to provide the modernized MEED. Sypris is excited to be working with SAIC and the United States Air Force to deliver a next generation system that secures a very critical component of our nation’s defenses.” (Source: Yahoo!/BUSINESS WIRE)
23 Mar 16. Imagery suggests China has deployed YJ-62 anti-ship missiles to Woody Island. Key Points:
• Recent imagery suggests China has deployed YJ-62 ASCMs to Woody Island in the Paracels
• The deployment potentially allows China to target any vessel within 400 km of Woody Island
Recent imagery suggests China has si