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24 Nov 23. Revolutionary Fiber Optic Products for Military Use. Muehldorf a. Inn. In the military sector, the interoperability of systems plays a crucial role in modern defence operations. It allows different units and forces to work together seamlessly, share information latency-free and in real time, and use resources efficiently.
For example, for high demands on data rates and fast, interference-free transmissions, fiber optic technology offers the following advantages, which are of crucial importance in the military environment:
- Transmission range
- Security against eavesdropping
- Latency
- Weight reduction
- Scalability
- Density
The ODU Fiber Optic portfolio includes a variety of different connectors and transmission technologies such as POF, Physical Contact, Expanded Beam and Expanded Beam Performance. ODU has developed fiber optic and hybrid connectivity solutions for different connector series that combine fiber optic technology with power contacts and various connection cross-sections for transmission media – both as GOF (multimode / singlemode) and POF system solutions.
Due to the high requirements for connecting fiber optic cables to the connector, the portfolio includes fully assembled fiber optic system solutions.
Especially for military applications, the ODU portfolio includes various fiber optic connectors, so that the advanced technology can be used in the following application examples:
- Communication links with high data transfer rates, such as command posts or operations centers
- Long-range connections between two or more transmitting and receiving points
- Stationary data links in a military context (nodes in port infrastructures, airfields and air defense structures)
- Radio and data distribution points at the tactical level, such as forward command posts (FOB) or static command posts
Whether it’s harsh environments, high mating cycles or long transmission distances, ODU Fiber Optic is the ideal system solution for military applications where speed and reliability are critical. The Fiber Optic solutions are safe, fast and hardly susceptible to failure.
ODU delivers quality and stability – for high-performance optical technologies that can serve a wide and demanding range of applications.
Highlight: Expanded Beam Performance
Using Fiber Optic connectors is frequently accompanied by a time-consuming cleaning procedure before each mating process.
This is not the case with ODU: The revolutionary Expanded Beam Performance technology provides high-end transmission characteristics with ultra-low attenuation values over many mating cycles. Since there is no direct contact between the contact ends, they are insensitive to dirt and can be easily cleaned. In near-use conditions, the contact transition enables up to 25,000 mating cycles with compressed air cleaning after 5,000 mating cycles.
The ODU AMC ® Expanded Beam Performance Series T Size 9 with an outer diameter of less than 19 mm is the world’s smallest 12-channel lens connector that ensures reliable transmission with no loss of signal path. The excellent optical performance remains unchanged even under high mating cycles, heavy mechanical stress and other environmental influences.
Robust, application-specific connector systems
ODU connectors for the military, security, and communication technology offer the highest level of signal integrity through 360° shielding. Five-finger coding and colour coding provide support in extreme situations and prevent mismating. Even on the smallest installation space, different configurations are possible. The rugged enclosures are waterproof to IP6K9K, nonreflective and available with different connection types and locking mechanisms.
Robust under high loads and extreme temperatures, resistant to dust, water and vibration. Optimized for demanding applications due to high resilience and transmission reliability, even under the most technically challenging environmental conditions.
For more information, visit https://odu-connectors.com/technologies/fiber-optic/expanded-beam-performance/ or visit us at Enforce Tac taking place Feb. 26-28, 2024, at Booth 8-508 in Hall 8.
23 Nov 23. Spatial computing company, Hadean, is set to unveil a range of new AI integrations developed for the Hadean Platform at I/ITSEC 2023. The demo will showcase how AI-powered spatial computing can help military, non-military and government leaders understand and adapt to the multi-faceted modern operating environment faster, smarter, and more efficiently – with benefits for training, strategy, operations and readiness. This year’s attendance will expand upon Hadean’s successes at DSEI, in September 2023, where the Hadean Platform was presented. It will also mark a year since Hadean delivered a key milestone of our pathfinder project with the British Army at I/ITSEC 2022, which helped validate a cloud-native platform approach for collective training and informed key requirements for the UK Ministry of Defence Army Collective Training System (ACTS).
Hadean has taken the lead in driving the development of AI integrations for defence and exploring ways to exploit their transformative potential to bridge physical and virtual worlds. Visitors at the company’s booth, 1954, will discover how AI and Large Language Models (LLMs) can augment a simulation through natural language prompts, enabling parameters of a scenario to be changed on the fly to better reflect the complexities of real-life military operations. Integrating various allies, domains, and technologies with a pattern of life simulation of over a m people, the showcase will deliver a common operating picture that orchestrates and federates training systems, and enables decision-makers to rapidly assess information and draw courses of action, in real-time, by verbally ordering the scenario changes directly.
I/ITSEC exhibition is also set to highlight Hadean’s rapid international growth, led by an increasing need for tech-enabling capabilities that can help military and government leaders maximise and accelerate the training output of current systems while saving on costs. While today’s battlespace becomes more complex, with data and information being generated at a breakneck speed, spatial computing has proven its capability to integrate systems, aggregate data sources, and augment decision-making with credible insights and mission-critical intelligence.
Craig Beddis, Chief Executive Officer at Hadean, said: As Hadean takes centre stage at I/ITSEC, we’re not just attending, we’re achieving new milestones. We’re pioneering new ways to understand an operating environment, enabling leaders to consider every critical aspect in an ever-evolving world by harnessing the transformative powers of AI and spatial computing to bridge the gap between the real and the virtual.”
Other activities to look out for
Hadean VP of Innovation, Chris Arthurs, will also take the stage at the I/ITSEC Innovation Showcase at 11:15 AM on Wednesday 29 November to talk about Training Tomorrow’s Warriors: Towards Generative AI in LVC Military Simulations, focusing on the importance of trust-based human-machine teaming, and how novel technologies can be applied for immersive and impactful collective training.
22 Nov 23. DARPA eyes creation of next-generation semiconductor manufacturing hub. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency said it plans to award a contract next summer to establish a U.S. hub for advanced microelectronics manufacturing.
The program, dubbed Next-Generation Microelectronics Manufacturing, 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. The goal is to stand up the capability by 2029.
The 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.
It’s a technology area that could not only transform the U.S. industrial base, but that other nations, including Taiwan — the global leader in microelectronics production — have a strong interest in.
“Presently, the U.S. has no open-access manufacturing center with comprehensive capacity for 3DHI research and development,” DARPA said in a Nov. 20 program announcement. “Anticipating that the next major wave of microelectronics innovation will come from the ability to integrate heterogeneous materials, devices, and circuits through advanced packaging, DARPA proposes to stand up a national accelerator specifically for next-generation 3DHI.”
In July, the agency chose 11 teams to begin the foundational work for the center. DARPA said this week it plans to select a single team for the next two phases of the program, with awards for each phase worth up to $420 m.
Under the partnership, known as an other transaction agreement, the selected team would also fund a portion of the work. DARPA plans to brief industry on the effort Nov. 28.
The U.S. exports a large portion of its advanced semiconductors from Taiwan and China, who dominate the global market. Concern has grown in recent years about an over reliance on foreign supply chains for these critical microsystems, which power cars, cellphones and major Defense Department weapons.
DARPA’s focus on forward-looking technologies through efforts like NGMM and is distinct from a broader U.S. government effort to boost today’s domestic semiconductor industrial base through the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors, or CHIPS Act. The measure, which Congress passed in 2022, runs through 2026 and funds semiconductor workforce improvement efforts, research and development and manufacturing. It also provides a 25% tax credit for investments in domestic manufacturing facilities and equipment.
While the CHIPS Act is focused on shoring up the U.S. supply base in the near-term, DARPA’s efforts in this area are geared toward “the next wave of innovation.”
NGMM, the centerpiece of those efforts, falls under the umbrella of the agency’s Electronics Resurgence Initiative 2.0, which aims to address technological challenges that affect U.S. national security and commercial industry.
Phase 1 of NGMM will focus on buying equipment, creating foundational fabrication processes and establishing automation and simulation software that’s tailored to 3DHI systems. Phase 2 is centered on creating hardware prototypes, automating processes, and developing emulation capabilities.
“The end goal of the program is to establish a self-sustaining 3DHI manufacturing center at an existing facility that is owned and operated by a non-federal entity, and accessible to users in academia, government, and industry,” DARPA said. “Success will be measured by the ability to support the design, fabrication, assembly, and test of a wide range of high-performance 3DHI microsystems at reasonable cost with cycle times supporting fast-paced innovative research.” (Source: C4ISR & Networks)
22 Nov 23. Towards More Efficient Electric Propulsion UAV Systems Using Boundary Layer Ingestion. Researchers at the Escuela Politecnica Nacional in Chile have just published a paper which examines a formulation for the sizing of ducted fans for BLI configurations with a distributed propulsion system, based on the NASA X-48B.
Abstract
The implementation of distributed propulsion and boundary layer ingestion for unmanned aerial vehicles represents various challenges for the design of embedded ducts in blended wing body configurations. This work explores the conceptual design and evaluation of DP configurations with BLI. The aerodynamic integration of each configuration is evaluated following a proposed framework, including simulation analysis. Power saving coefficient and propulsive efficiency were compared against a baseline podded case. The results show the optimal propulsion configuration for the BWB UAV obtaining 3.95% of power benefit and propulsive efficiency (>80%). Indeed, the aerodynamic integration effects for the proposed design maintain the BWB’s aerodynamic efficiency, which will contribute to longer endurance and better performance.
Introduction
In the last decade, the aviation sector has faced rapid growth due to the expansion of civil and military applications, which impose a significant air and acoustic pollution footprint. In this context, novel innovations such as blended wing body (BWB), distributed propulsion (DP), and boundary layer ingestion (BLI) have been developed to increase aircraft performance and reduce fuel consumption.
In particular, BLI technology captures a portion of the boundary layer produced along the fuselage and re-energizes it using the propulsors to dismiss the drag due to friction [4] to increase propulsive efficiency. In addition, implementing BLI coupled with embedded ducts reduces airframe weight and noise pollution, since embedded propulsors allow for a reduction of the wetted area and the structural weight considering the pylons’ dismissal.
On the other hand, DP replaces the single propulsor with independent small propulsors, which allows for achieving high bypass ratios. However, in civil aviation, the implementation of BLI with DP presents challenges related to integration and design of the airframe and embedded engines, owing to the strong regulations and large infrastructure needed for the implementation of these concepts. This makes them more complicated to adapt for current aircraft civil aviation concepts. In the case of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), broad design space, low costs, and lighter regulations make the aforementioned technologies suitable.
Some DP technology difficulties focus on the identification of the fuel burn reduction potential , whereas the critical difficulty in the BLI field is the coupling effect of BLI on the aircraft fuselage. Diamantidou, Hosain, and Kyprianidis compile the advances in boundary layer ingestion technology to show their advantages in fuel burn and noise reduction, reducing the environmental impact.
This work shows the state of the art in the last decade, where notable designs include the hybrid wing body (HWB) and blended wing body (BWB) concepts. These aircraft combine the airframe with propulsion interaction. In the most notable examples, the N2B and N3-X concepts have better performance for low fan pressure ratios.
The use of rear-mounted engines, where propulsors are located aft of the fuselage, leads to improved system performance. The D8 concept is an example of this category, where the benefit is affected by ingested dissipation, propulsor jet velocity, and BLI installation. The propulsive fuselage concept (PFC) model absorbs the central part of the airframe boundary layer by a propulsor located at the aft part of the fuselage, since its viscous drag is one of the largest portions compared to the aircraft’s viscous drag, as mentioned by the authors of Recent Advances in Boundary Layer Ingestion Technology of Evolving Powertrain Systems . According to the article, the STARC-ABL concept is one of the most well-known PFC models, which shows the importance of coupled simulations and shows where lower FPR (fan pressure ratio) is favourable.
Budziszewski and Friedrichs analyzed the power reduction of a BLI system vs. a pylon configuration through a parallel compressor model approach, where a propeller was located at the rear upper region of the fuselage of the aircraft where low velocity and non-uniform flow are present. Results showed a significant reduction in power consumption of the fans, leading to a 5.4% power saving coefficient. Some methodologies, such as the power balance method and exergy-based assessment, have been developed for solving this effect and have proven their application to BLI.
Those frameworks are intended to start with a defined freestream velocity, and then the aircraft weight is found. In the present article, the authors propose to do it in reverse; that is, based on the aircraft weight, the BLI benefit over conventional podded propulsor configurations is determined. The present design focuses on the aerodynamic advantages of BLI over conventional podded engine configurations for the representative BWB NASA X-48B in DP arrangements. (Source: UAS VISION/MDPI)
21 Nov 23. Upgraded F-35s fly with partial software as DOD hunts for delivery fix. The first production F-35 Joint Strike Fighter with an early, incomplete version of the software powering a key upgrade was flown last week at Lockheed Martin’s Fort Worth, Texas, facility, the company told Defense News.
The Pentagon’s F-35 Joint Program Office is considering whether a strategy of loading interim versions of the Technology Refresh 3 software into the latest F-35s might provide a way to end a months-long delivery halt, and allow the government to start accepting the latest versions of the fighter.
Technology Refresh 3, or TR-3, is the name for a batch of hardware and software upgrades to the newest F-35s, and include better displays, computer memory and processing power. The TR-3 upgrades are necessary to pave the way for a more expansive modernization, known as Block 4, which will allow the F-35 to carry more long-range precision weapons and improve its electronic warfare capabilities and target recognition.
TR-3 has been stymied by software problems and difficulties integrating it with the new hardware, and its schedule has slipped significantly. It was originally expected to arrive in April but has now slipped until well into 2024, perhaps as late as next June.
Lockheed first started rolling jets with the TR-3 hardware off its Fort Worth production line around the end of July. But because the software was not finished, these fighters could not be taken for the check flights necessary for the Defense Department to accept them.
While the Pentagon has halted deliveries, Lockheed has continued building new F-35s with TR-3 hardware and then storing them at Fort Worth. The JPO refused to tell Defense News how many planes are now parked there, citing security concerns, but Lockheed Martin can build roughly a dozen F-35s per month.
The delay in rolling out the TR-3 upgrades has rankled Rep. Rob Wittman, R-Va., chairman of the House Armed Services subcommittee on tactical air and land forces. Wittman told Defense News in September that while he is hopeful the F-35 program is on a path to fixing the software and resuming deliveries, he planned to push its leadership on how much progress has been made in a hearing by the end of the year.
The JPO confirmed in an email that it’s looking for a way to resume acceptance flights for the latest F-35s before TR-3 is completely finished.
When asked if this might entail using an interim or early release version of the software, the JPO said “potentially,” and that the software could be updated down the line to complete the TR-3 capabilities.
“The JPO and Lockheed Martin are working with the U.S. services and international customers on potential options to deliver operationally acceptable aircraft that would most likely require future software drops for a subset of capabilities to meet all requirements,” the JPO said.
However, the JPO cautioned that no decision on deliveries of F-35s with an early form of the TR-3 software has yet been made by the services, partners and international customers.
A Lockheed spokesperson concurred with the JPO’s responses to Defense News, and added in an email that “The first production F-35 with TR-3 software and hardware took flight in Fort Worth last week.”
The spokesperson said last week’s flight was an initial vehicle system checkout flight, which would be the first in a series of acceptance flights for the fighter. Lockheed’s spokesperson said other TR-3-enabled production F-35s have also flown since the first flight, but would not say how many other than “a few.”
The JPO confirmed the flights that began last week were the first for the production TR-3 models, and said these initial flights will allow the final acceptance flight process to move more quickly once the software is approved for operational use.
Test F-35s with TR-3 are also continuing their flight tests at Edwards Air Force Base in California and Naval Air Station Patuxent River in Maryland, Lockheed’s spokesperson said. (Source: Defense News)
22 Nov 23. ParaZero Improves Defense Drone Safety with AI-Driven Avionics System. ParaZero Technologies Ltd., an aerospace company focused on drone safety systems for commercial drones and urban air mobility aircraft, recently unveiled a pioneering AI-driven avionics system, SmartAir Trinity, setting a new standard for drone safety within the defense sector.
This advanced technology offers real-time malfunction detection and critical mission analytics, ensuring a robust solution to support operational security for defense drones.
SmartAir Trinity, launched in early September this year, is an advanced, AI-based avionics system that represents a significant leap in drone operational safety. Utilizing a pioneering sensor array, SmartAir Trinity provides real-time detection of malfunctions in UAS and eVTOL aircraft. This technological marvel not only ensures the utmost safety for defense missions but also delivers comprehensive analytics for post-mission debriefings– a feature that is critical for continual improvement in high-stakes operations.
ParaZero’s commitment to innovation is further exemplified through strategic partnerships, enhancing AI capabilities and reinforcing its stature as a leader in autonomous aerial safety for national security applications.
ParaZero’s CEO, Boaz Shetzer, stated, “Our latest AI avionics system is the culmination of relentless innovation and a deep commitment to operational safety. This technology is not just about responding to emergencies; it’s about foreseeing them, preparing for them, and ultimately safeguarding our defense personnel and assets.”
“Our recently announced collaboration with Maris-Tech Ltd., and building upon a year of operational excellence with Easy Aerial in defense and homeland security applications, ParaZero’s SmartAir Trinity is set to become the new cornerstone of drone safety in high-stakes environments.” (Source: UAS VISION)
21 Nov 23. MITRE officially opened the new BlueTech Lab at its Bedford, Massachusetts campus. “Our oceans and the vast resources they provide are under threat. We need the best and brightest to confront the existential challenges – from climate change to illegal overfishing — faced by the world’s oceans and marine life,” said U.S. Representative Seth Moulton (MA-6). “With this new facility, MITRE is doing just that: cutting-edge research that will ensure a more sustainable and secure future for our oceans. I’m looking forward to seeing what path-breaking innovations result from the new BlueTech testing facility here in Bedford; and I’m proud that the North Shore continues to set the gold standard for the new blue economy.”
The lab features a 620,000-gallon test tank, one of the largest in the region, and at 106 feet, the longest. The test tank can accommodate the use of uncrewed undersea and surface vehicles in a large, controlled space and enables the study of communication and acoustic sensing.
“With the BlueTech Lab and the BlueNERVE Network, MITRE continues Massachusetts’ strong legacy as a leader in undersea research,” said U.S.Senator Edward J. Markey. “I am proud to celebrate the opening of a worldwide hub for scientists, educators, government officials, and nonprofit and industry leaders to study our oceans, expand the blue economy, and respond to the climate crisis.”
“Understanding what is happening—and what will happen—in our oceans is critical to the future of our national, economic, and climate security,” said Douglas Robbins, vice president, MITRE Labs. “This facility is a national resource for maritime research, supporting broad impact through technological innovation and collaboration with government, industry, and academia.”
The lab is the axis of MITRE’s quickly growing BlueTech work across national security, climate, and environmental challenges facing the nation. The lab is available to researchers from academia, government, and industry for regional and national collaboration.
“As the guardians of maritime safety, the Coast Guard applauds the grand opening of the MITRE BlueTech Lab—a beacon of innovation, where the relentless waves of progress meet the steadfast shores of collaboration,” said Rear Adm. John Mauger, first Coast Guard district commander. “In this state-of-the-art facility, researchers will navigate the uncharted waters of technology, advancing undersea testing and steering the course towards a safer, more resilient maritime future.”
MITRE’s BlueTech work focuses on research and development, testing, rapid prototyping, and workforce development in acoustic sensing and communications, uncrewed underwater vehicles, maritime autonomy, and climate science.
“I am pleased to be here with Congressman Moulton to cut the ribbon at this grand opening of the MITRE BlueTech Lab,” said Rick Spinrad, Ph.D., under secretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration administrator. “NOAA and MITRE work together on a broad range of ocean issues. Through partnerships like this, we are building the pathways to maximize government and private sector investments and their long-term benefits, while continually engaging with all levels of decision makers, from academia to entrepreneurs and startups to large businesses.”
“As a federal funding agency whose mission is to support research at the forefront of science and engineering, including ocean sciences, NSF is pleased to be here at the opening of this national resource for advancing undersea testing, innovation and collaboration,” said Tim Patten, NSF deputy assistant director for geosciences. “The knowledge and technologies that will be developed using this facility will support research and innovation to address many of the urgent problems facing society.”
MITRE recently launched BlueNERVE, a secure network to provide government, academic, industry, and not-for-profit users access to real-time insights and collaboration. The BlueTech Lab is the center of the BlueNERVE network.
About MITRE
MITRE’s mission-driven teams are dedicated to solving problems for a safer world. Through our public-private partnerships and federally funded R&D centers, we work across government and in partnership with industry to tackle challenges to the safety, stability, and well-being of our nation. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
21 Nov 23. DARPA seeks AI-powered ‘autonomous scientist’ to help researchers. The agency wants to do for scientists what AI code generators have done for programmers.
DARPA wants an AI-powered “autonomous scientist” that can help human researchers sort through and develop new working theories, and it’s offering up to $1m to companies that can help.
“What we’re trying to do is replicate the success that we’ve seen for automatic code generation,” Alvaro Velasquez, DARPA’s program manager for Foundation Models for Scientific Discovery, told Nextgov/FCW, a Defense One sister publication. “Right now, software engineers and coders enjoy these tools from OpenAI and Microsoft that help automate the generation of code. We would like to come up with a tool that helps automate the process of scientific discovery.”
Ideally, DARPA’s autonomous scientist will be creative and learn to generate unique scientific hypotheses that take into account advanced aspects of experiments — like scaling and trimming costss — as well as providing skeptical reasoning. In its offer, which was released earlier this month, DARPA officials say that the final product should be “at least 10X better in scalability (problem size, data size etc.) and also in time efficiency.”
Velasquez reiterated that the autonomous scientist is a tool to help human researchers in both technical and creative ways.
“This is not meant to replace the human scientist,” he said. “This is meant to act as an aid to sort of automate the process of generating useful hypotheses and such.”
Use cases for DARPA’s intended autonomous scientists are diverse. Some examples include applying the AI tool to research in climate modeling and materials discovery. The domain Velasquez cites in the contract is using the autonomous scientist to aid in protein folding in computational biology experiments.
Proposals should aim not to just train an autonomous scientist to learn the vast data inputs required for advanced generative output, but to extrapolate novel and unique hypotheses to test based on the scientific parameters within various disciplines.
DARPA’s autonomous scientist work is exploratory. Constructing foundational AI models –– large machine learning algorithms trained on large volumes of data that can handle diverse commands –– is a field still in its infancy, Velasquez said. DARPA is overseeing several other AI exploratory efforts, part of the agency’s larger Artificial Intelligence Exploration grant and contract opportunities.
Should the autonomous-scientist effort produce a safe and useful AI tool, the winning foundational models could be used to solve other challenges at DARPA and beyond. Velasquez said that he would love to see it used by other government research institutions, such as the Air Force Research Lab and the Naval Research Lab.
“I would love to see this in every government service lead if we are successful,” he said. “I envision that someday, all scientists will have an autonomous co-scientist helping them along the way.” (Source: Defense One)
20 Nov 23. Leonardo DRS Hybrid Electric Drive Propulsion System Successful in Republic of Korea Navy Sea Trials of First Ulsan-Class Frigate. Leonardo DRS, Inc. (NASDAQ: DRS) announced today the successful completion of comprehensive sea trials of the first Ulsan-Class Future Frigate experimental Batch-3 (FFX-III) for the Republic of Korea Navy (ROK Navy). DRS provides the hybrid electric drive propulsion system for the ship, featuring quiet, compact, advanced permanent magnet propulsion motors, supporting the ship’s anti-submarine warfare (ASW) mission with less noise generation and superior fuel economy. This sea trial follows the delivery of eight shipsets for the Daegu-Class FFX-II.
“The successful and timely testing was an important phase of this program, which demonstrates our continued success and collaboration with Hyosung Corporation, Korean shipbuilding HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI), and the ROK Navy,” said Jon Miller, Leonardo DRS Naval Power Systems Senior Vice President and General Manager. “I’m proud of our engineering team, who demonstrated superb expertise, technical skill, and professionalism to prove the system, operation, and overall performance of the first Ulsan-Class FFX-III Frigate.”
The 10-day sea trial, which took place in August 2023, marked a significant milestone in the development and testing of the Ulsan-Class FFX-III. Conducted in the Sea of Japan, the trial showcased the vessel’s exceptional performance, economy, safety features, and its ability to meet and exceed all performance requirements. The ROK Navy plans to begin deployment of the ship immediately. DRS will proceed with production of five additional shipsets in FFX-III
DRS is a leading provider of hybrid electric drive systems and next-generation electrical power conversion and propulsion technology for the U.S. Navy and allies around the world, with major systems for next-generation submarines and surface ships. Investments in the company’s market-leading propulsion and power generation technology have created opportunities to use proven electric drive capabilities for future naval platforms. DRS solutions are leading the way in providing power flexibility to support the increased power requirements of current and future naval platforms. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
21 Nov 23. Landmark sci-tech deal with the Republic of Korea to boost cooperation in critical technologies such as AI and semiconductors.
Landmark commitments on AI, semiconductors, space and more form a key part of new UK-Republic of Korea Accord.
- Landmark commitments on AI, semiconductors, space and more form a key part of new UK-Republic of Korea Accord
- global science and tech leaders to work even closer together to harness the power of new technologies and industries to boost jobs and growth, as the two countries prepare to co-host the next AI Safety Summit
- strong UK-Republic of Korea sci-tech links to be celebrated at the Royal Society in London, and bolstered with up to £4.5m in new funding to boost research links between the two countries
The UK’s partnership with fellow science leader, the Republic of Korea, will be pushed to new heights with a series of science and tech deals to be signed by Secretary of State Michelle Donelan, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Bang Moon-kyu, and Minister of Science and ICT Lee Jong Ho, at the Royal Society tomorrow (Wednesday 22 November).
These have been agreed as part of a new landmark Accord between the two countries, that is being announced this week as part of President Yoon Suk Yeol’s State Visit to the UK, which begins today. As two of the world’s most innovative economies, the UK and the Republic of Korea are natural partners, with both countries placing in the top five of the Global Innovation Index.
The two countries will work closer together than ever before to harness the potential of critical technologies like AI, quantum and semiconductors to create jobs and unlock economic growth, alongside a new £4.5m fund to create joint research and innovation partnerships. This builds on the recent international progress on safe, responsible AI development achieved at the AI Safety Summit, the next edition of which will be co-hosted by the Republic of Korea and the UK next year.
New commitments to collaborate in space, and on digital tech, as well as an over-arching agreement on science and technology, will open up new opportunities for trade, innovation and investment in both countries – ultimately helping to grow the economy, one of the Prime Minister’s five priorities.
President Yoon, the Duchess of Edinburgh and the Science and Tech Secretary will attend the event marking the sci-tech deals’ signing, and hear from some of the brightest minds working on science and tech projects in the UK and the Republic of Korea, before Secretary of State Donelan formally signs the sci-tech agreements which form part of the new bilateral Accord. The UK and the Republic of Korea share a close relationship, and the Accord also deepens ties on defence, trade and investment.
Science, Innovation and Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan said: “The Republic of Korea is a tech powerhouse, and a vital partner to the UK. We share the same values and face the same challenges: from creating future jobs and industries fit for the AI age, to bringing the power of science to bear on climate change and supporting ageing populations. As part of the new Accord between our two countries, this raft of agreements will future-proof our relationship for decades to come: a partnership that is already bearing fruit as we work closely together on the next AI Safety Summit.”
The science and technology agreements being signed as part of the UK-Republic of Korea bilateral Accord are:
- A commitment to accelerate cooperation on the development of safe, responsible AI grounded in the UK and Republic of Korea’s shared democratic values, building on the commitments made at the world-first AI Safety Summit and Republic of Korea’s plans to co-host the next AI Safety Summit with the UK
- A new Framework for Semiconductor Cooperation to enhance our collaboration on skills, R&D, supply chain resilience and trade, and deepen industry links
- A broad new Digital Partnership, boosting joint work in priority areas such as data, telecoms, AI and digital competition
- A new Memorandum of Understanding on space cooperation, bringing our space industries closer together and paving the way to joint space endeavours
- A new Implementation Arrangement, which updates and reboots a Science & Tech cooperation agreement from 1985, to modernise the two countries’ science and tech partnerships for the 21st century
- A new dialogue on quantum, which will include talent exchanges
- A commitment to closer cooperation on engineering biology
As well as hosting tomorrow’s celebration of the UK and the Republic of Korea’s deep science and tech links, the Royal Society and the National Research Foundation of Korea are investing up to £4.5m into the new UK-ROK International Collaboration Awards for emerging UK and Korean research leaders to develop collaborative partnerships. This is supported by the International Science Partnerships Fund, the UK’s global fund for research and innovation. Innovate UK will also invest over £8 m from the next financial year into innovation programmes with the Republic of Korea, driving the development and commercialisation of critical technologies, including for the first time – semiconductors.
The commitment to work together on AI follows the groundbreaking AI Safety Summit hosted by the UK at Bletchley Park, at which the Republic of Korea was one of 28 countries to agree ambitious commitments to work together on safe and responsible frontier AI development. The Republic of Korea and the UK will co-host the next AI Safety Summit in 2024.
Also on Wednesday, a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Innovate UK and the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology will unlock closer collaboration between both countries’ industries and researchers in key areas such as semiconductors, which are essential to so many parts of modern life, from phones and computers, to cars and hospital equipment.
The commitment to closer ties on engineering biology will be bolstered by the establishment of a joint synthetic biology research centre. The centre will be shared by SynbiCITE, the UK’s Innovation and Knowledge Centre for synthetic biology, hosted at Imperial College London, and its South Korean equivalent the Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), supported by Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), South Korea’s leading science and technology university.
Not only this, an agreement between the Milner Therapeutics Institute (MTI) at the University of Cambridge and the Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB) is being announced. This agreement paves the way for Cambridge to host KRIBB’s first European outpost, demonstrating the strength of UK engineering biology and life sciences. It brings together experts in cell and gene therapy, organoid screening and AI-enabled drug discovery, with joint projects eligible for funding from both countries.
Early discussions have also begun on a Cooperation Agreement to enhance the Republic of Korea’s cooperation in the Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO), the multi-bn-pound international project to build the world’s largest radio telescope. The UK hosts the headquarters of the Observatory and is contributing £270 m towards the project, which will transform our understanding of the Universe and physics. Having the Republic of Korea on board will open up opportunities to create even stronger links with the global science community.
This is the latest in a series of bilateral international science deals the UK has signed recently, which include partnerships with Israel, India, Switzerland and South Africa, as well as recent international digital deals such as the UK-Japan Digital Partnership.
These bilateral agreements, alongside Horizon association, demonstrate the UK’s global ambitions to deepen collaboration with leading lights in science right across the globe. The government is determined to open up the broadest range of opportunities, for the brightest British minds to unlock breakthroughs with colleagues, the world over. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
20 Nov 23. Thales and StandardAero unlock a new level of safety with StableLight, the new 4-axis autopilot system.
- Thales and StandardAero are thrilled to announce that the StableLight™ autopilot was granted a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
- This true 4-axis autopilot system is now available for retrofit on Airbus Helicopters AS350 and H125 platforms.
- This system significantly reduces pilot workload, improves mission capability and can help reduce risk in critical flight phases.
Based on Thales’ Compact Autopilot System, derived from their previously certified transport category autopilot, StableLight is a robust, feature-packed autopilot in a compact, lightweight package that is perfectly suited for light rotorcraft. The system transforms the flight control experience of the helicopter with transparent stability augmentation that works precisely and without feedback to the control sticks. The addition of the stabilized climb flight attitude recovery, auto hover, and a wide range of other sophisticated features results in a system that drastically decreases pilot workload, enhances mission capability, and can help to reduce risks in critical flight phases and adverse conditions such as IIMC – (Inadvertent entry into Instrument Meteorological Conditions).
“Tailoring the most advanced technologies to offer safety and trust to our clients is at the very heart of Thales’ DNA. Combining Thales’ advanced capabilities with StandardAero’s extensive knowledge allows us to draw upon a wealth of industry experience and deliver the autopilot solution that pilots have long aspired to.” Tristan Grivel, Vice President Business Development and Sales for Thales’s flight avionics business
“We are excited to bring this state-of-the-art autopilot to market in partnership with Thales. The features offered by StableLight will be a major game changer for pilots and operators alike – it provides unparalleled performance, taking the already capable AS350 and H125 aircraft to the next level. Today’s announcement of the certification of StableLight paves the way for a safety revolution for light helicopters.” Marc Drobny, President of StandardAero’s Military, Helicopter and Energy Sector
Pilots representing numerous operators and industry experts were able to test fly the pre-certified system over the last year and were extremely encouraged by the system’s performance and contribution to safety. Many commented on the system’s impressive capabilities and noted its potential to assist in a wide variety of missions.
Based on the high level of customer interest to date, Thales and StandardAero are spooling up to meet the demand for kit deliveries, with the first kits reserved for the VIP launch customer MacNeil Aviation LLC.
Both EASA and Transport Canada validations of the STC are being applied for subsequently.
About Thales
Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a global leader in advanced technologies within three domains: Defence & Security, Aeronautics & Space, and Digital Identity & Security. It develops products and solutions that help make the world safer, greener and more inclusive.
The Group invests close to €4 bn a year in Research & Development, particularly in key areas such as quantum technologies, Edge computing, 6G and cybersecurity. Thales has 77,000 employees in 68 countries. In 2022, the Group generated sales of €17.6bn.
For more information about Thales, go to www.thalesgroup.com.
About StandardAero
StandardAero is one of the world’s largest independent providers of services including engine and airframe maintenance, repair and overhaul, engine component repair, engineering services, interior completions and paint applications. StandardAero serves a diverse array of customers in business and general aviation, airline, military, helicopter, components and energy markets. StandardAero is owned by global investment firm Carlyle. For more information about StandardAero, go to www.standardaero.com.
20 Nov 23. German Navy’s future frigates bolstered by Systematic’s maritime solution. Systematic has been selected to provide the command and control (C2) for the German Navy’s future F126 frigate programme.
As part of a contract with DXC Technology Deutschland GmbH, Systematic will supply the warships with what is known as the National Maritime C2 Service Bundeswehr (NMC2S Bw).
SitaWare Headquarters is already in use by the Bundeswehr – the German armed forces – and is called the Mission Enabling Service Bundeswehr (MESBw). The new contract will provide additional functionality to this with SitaWare Maritime and SitaWare Fusion, culminating in an enhanced maritime C2 system.
“We are delighted to be chosen to support the F126 project for the German Navy,” said Stig Meyer, Systematics’ Maritime Product Manager.
“Our maritime solution is a force multiplier and essential for any modern navy, providing the perfect addition to this future frigate programme. We are looking forward to working with our partners to deliver the NMC2S Bw as part of this innovative, future-proof approach.”
World-class maritime technology
SitaWare Maritime ensures the effective tasking of all units across all platforms as well as the ability to visualise, communicate, and distribute details of an operation across military messaging, email, or chat. The solution also allows for operational planning to continuously adapt as the mission unfolds.
Modern naval warfare is conducted within a multi-domain, information-rich environment which can lead to a huge volume of data to be processed. The application of SitaWare Fusion ensures that this is correlated and fused to provide timely, next-level decision-support.
Alongside Systematic and DXC Technology Deutschland GmbH, the programme is supported by Damen Naval and Thales Netherlands. This latest milestone will add to the ongoing development for the four German frigates at Wolgast, Kiel, and Hamburg.
20 Nov 23. Ursa Major to 3D print solid rocket motor cases. Propulsion firm Ursa Major announced a 3D printing-based approach to designing and manufacturing solid rocket motors it hopes will lead to faster and cheaper production.
The strategy, which the Colorado-based company calls Lynx, will first involve using a single 3D printer to make motor cases and subcomponents for smaller systems, founder and chief executive Joe Laurienti said in an interview with Defense News.
In time, he said, Ursa Major hopes that increasing the use of additive manufacturing will transform the solid rocket motor production process, and grow the nation’s ability to replenish its depleted stocks of weapons such as the Javelin, Stinger, and Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System, or GMRLS.
The defense industry as well has been strained by the limited production pipeline for solid rocket motors in recent years, and multiple firms have repositioned themselves in attempts to open up new avenues.
Ursa Major began working on the Lynx approach about two years ago, Laurienti said, seeing it as a way to offer something new to the solid rocket motor industry. Until now, the industry has primarily used additive manufacturing for prototyping, not propulsion.
“We didn’t want to enter the [solid rocket motor] space just to be another entrant,” Laurienti said. “We knew we had to take a really nuanced look at the industry — where are the bottlenecks, where are the needs?”
This approach also allows Ursa Major to rapidly switch production to another solid rocket motor model without extensive retooling or added costs, the company said.
“The two headaches we really saw were flexibility around systems, [and] the ability to not have to stand up a factory for replenishment of a depleted arsenal,” Laurienti said. “We wanted the ability to be very flexible. [Lynx] can work on Javelin one day, and GMLRS the next day, and the AMRAAM [the AIM-120 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile] that third day, and it doesn’t really mind.”
Laurienti said Ursa Major’s 3D-printed design for these cases will allow some components to be fabricated together in one piece, as opposed to the traditional method where different parts would be made separately and then attached together. This will reduce the number of parts required, increase automation, and lower the overall cost, he said.
“If you’re pulling a dozen parts, and five or 10 manual processes out of each motor, [the cost reduction] is pretty dramatic,” he said.
Slashing production time
Lynx can 3D print about 50 small engine cases, up to 2 ½ inches in diameter, in three days, Laurienti said. Traditional manufacturing processes might take about a month, he said.
Ursa Major’s Lynx printer would be able to create objects up to 22 inches wide, he said. And the company has developed several metallic alloys it can use in 3D printing, including high-strength nickel alloys, as well as titanium and aluminum.
While Ursa Major isn’t working on the Javelin, GMLRS or Stinger programs now, Laurienti said the company believes a 3D printing strategy could help close those vital programs’ production gaps. The need to replenish those weapons has become even more acute as the United States has provided thousands of those munitions to Ukraine to fight against Russia’s invasion since 2022.
Laurienti said Ursa Major already is under contract to use Lynx on one system, but could not yet say what that system is. The company plans to announce that first system by the end of this year, and a second in early 2024.
By the end of 2024, he said, Ursa Major could be using Lynx to create parts for as many as four systems. And Laurienti also wants to have three Lynx 3D printing cells a year from now.
“It’s going to depend on how quickly we can get them up and running,” he said. (Source: C4ISR & Networks)
16 Nov 23. InfiniteTactics, together with Sealing Technologies partner to introduce the Mobile Tactical Edge High-Performance Computing Solution for Defense and Law Enforcement.
InfiniteTactics and Sealing Technologies, a Parsons Company (NYSE: PSN) (SealingTech), both veteran-founded businesses renowned for their innovative cybersecurity approaches to high-performance computing, have partnered together and proudly announce the launch of the Mobile Tactical Edge HPC. The combined solution consisting of SealingTech’s GN 7000 analytics node enhanced with integrated Analytics Gateway software from InfiniteTactics is the pinnacle of HPC technology for mobile AI, ML, Modeling Simulation and Analytics processing for national security and industry.
The collaboration between InfiniteTactics and SealingTech offers unmatched value to the cybersecurity industry. This partnership brings together the expertise of two businesses founded by veterans, resulting in a mobile cutting-edge platform that equips analytics teams with advanced artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities.
InfiniteTactics CEO Jack Harris, PhD, had this to say, “This is the perfect pairing, users familiar with the DoD HPC interface will feel right at home with Analytics Gateway and be able to easily utilize the tools, applications, security, and simulation software that demand HPC to process big data. Our collaboration and partnership with Sealing Tech’s GN 7000 empower our warfighters and law enforcement on the cutting edge anywhere and anytime.”
“By integrating with InfiniteTactics and their Analytics Gateway software, we’re empowering our customers to outmatch adversaries, process vast data volumes, and train AI/ML models at the edge,” said Tim Dunne, CEO of SealingTech. “Our goal is to provide integrated solutions that combine our hardware with partner software capabilities, meeting market needs. This collaboration reinforces our commitment to equipping our warfighters with advanced technology and automation to safeguard our nation.”
Next-Generation AI and ML Capabilities on the Move
The Mobile Tactical Edge HPC is a local computation and collaboration ecosystem for a high-end analytics team in contested, loosely connected, or disjoint environments. The Analytics Gateway provides browser-based access to the latest enterprise-level artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) software executed on the rugged, easily transportable form factor of the GN 7000. Additionally, integrated team-based collaboration tools facilitate secure sharing and interaction with data products hosted on the local system as well as mechanisms for providing on-demand data reach back and backups in the cloud while on the move. Finally, using the novel Personal Secure Enclave™ technology, the system enables rapid extensibility of the platform with new AI and ML software while maintaining the security controls at the highest levels.
Ultra-Portable, Ultra-Powerful
Equipped with the latest NVIDIA AI GPU, the A100, an NVIDIA BlueField-2 DPU, and a 64-core AMD processor, the SealingTech GN 7000 offers unmatched computational power. With multiple 100Gbps network ports and up to 128TB of storage, this device redefines operational capabilities for the DoD, military services, and law enforcement agencies. The server’s compact form factor is specifically designed to fit into a carry-on compliant transit case, ensuring that critical technology can be deployed anywhere with ease, with a total travel weight under 50 pounds.
Key Features for Uncompromised Performance
- An aluminum chassis provides maximum rigidity and strength, ensuring durability while maintaining half the weight of a comparable steel chassis.
- The carry-on compliant design guarantees that operators maintain positive control of the unit during travel.
- A 1200W redundant power supply coupled with a high airflow system allows the A100 GPU to operate at full capacity.
Empowering the Frontlines with Unprecedented Computing Power and Connectivity
The Mobile Tactical Edge with Analytics Gateway is a high-performance computing system that revolutionizes frontline operations and enables real-time threat assessment. It serves as a mobile command center for swift responses in high-security missions. Its integration with Robotics & Automation R&D spans across industries such as healthcare, aerospace, and weapons systems. Enhanced by premium connectivity options like SpaceX StarlinkTM and advanced cellular capabilities, this system guarantees seamless real-time data sharing and global collaboration, establishing a new standard in efficiency and security.
For more information about the Mobile Tactical Edge HPC and other products, please visit www.infinitetactics.com or email .
About Sealing Technologies
Sealing Technologies, a Parsons Company (NYSE: PSN), rapidly delivers innovative cybersecurity solutions that modernize, protect, and defend the networks and systems of the Federal Government and private industries. Proudly veteran-founded, SealingTech uses vast cyberspace experience and knowledge to provide cutting-edge research, engineering, and integration services that support the United States and its allies. For additional information, visit www.sealingtech.com.
About InfiniteTactics
InfiniteTactics, a Veteran Owned Small Business and creator of the Analytics Gateway, is a leading provider of high-performance computing solutions and software dedicated to supporting mission-critical operations of the DoD, military services, law enforcement agencies, and other government entities with innovative technology.
www.infinitetactics.com (Source: PR Newswire)
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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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