Sponsored By Oxley Developments
www.oxleygroup.com
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17 Feb 23. Northrop Grumman Partners with NASA on Integration of UAS in National Airspace. Northrop Grumman Corporation is collaborating with NASA to develop and test solutions for integrating large, uncrewed aircraft systems into the National Airspace System (NAS). The effort will focus on air cargo operations and is part of NASA’s Air Traffic Management-eXploration (ATM-X) Pathfinding for Airspace with Autonomous Vehicles (PAAV) subproject.
“Partnering with NASA, we will detail requirements and solutions to make it possible for autonomous aircraft, in this case being air cargo, to be integrated seamlessly and safely into national airspace,” said Tom Jones, corporate vice president and president, Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems. “Our work together will improve airspace access and transform how uncrewed systems are used to transport goods across U.S. airspace and help establish airspace integration critical to future manned unmanned teaming efforts.”
Under this partnership, Northrop Grumman and NASA will develop and test solutions for integrating large Unmanned Aircraft Systems into the national airspace system, with an emphasis on air cargo operations. To support this long-term goal, they will exchange data and information to define technologies and procedures for remotely piloted systems. This work will include coordination with the FAA, flight readiness reviews and development of a test plan for simulations and flight demonstrations. (Source: UAS VISION)
16 Feb 23. Leaders Outline Agency’s Role in DOD Additive Manufacturing Capabilities. The Defense Logistics Agency is working to develop common technology, standards and processes for additive manufacturing that will enable the military services to share data and increase readiness while saving money, an agency leader said during the 7th Annual Military Additive Manufacturing Summit in Tampa, Florida, Feb. 1-2.
“Our research and development efforts are enabling digital transformation across the Department, facilitating critical collaboration with our partners, and will ensure DLA is poised to be a force enabler for AM across DOD,” said Patrick Kelleher, executive director of operations and sustainment for DLA Logistics Operations.
The summit is run by the Defense Strategies Institute for defense agencies and industry partners and focused this year on developing and integrating AM solutions that revolutionize the U.S. industrial base and give warfighters flexibility.
DLA’s four-pronged role in AM was formally defined in June 2021 through DOD Instruction 5000.93. It includes defining processes to integrate AM into the supply chain and setting standards for safely handling and distributing raw materials. The agency’s second focus area is developing processes for sharing supplier-generated technical data across the department and documenting and maintaining a list of sources that have successfully delivered AM parts and raw materials.
Developing a DOD framework for sharing common technical data requirements and acceptance criteria is the third part of DLA’s AM efforts, followed by the responsibility to integrate AM into the department’s IT architecture.
“DLA’s role is more clearly defined than ever, and that’s to be a facilitator and enabler of service-driven AM capabilities,” Kelleher said. “We’re focused on eventually procuring AM items designated for DLA supply support. This is only going to be possible with strong collaboration and strategic partnerships with the military services.”
The Joint Additive Manufacturing Model Exchange is a key part of DLA’s contribution and lets users download and print 3D models from multiple sources through a single system. It launched in January 2020 and the Army is the first service to use it. Kelleher said the best use for JAMMEX so far is for interim parts for battle-damaged equipment while users wait for the actual part to be delivered.
“DLA is excited for JAMMEX to continue to provide a full spectrum of support to the warfighter by reducing readiness risks, decreasing costs by providing a catalog of alternate sources for hard-to-procure and obsolete parts, and improving responsiveness,” he added.
DLA is also working toward remote inspection for additively manufactured parts. Conventional inspections can take over 100 steps, but remote inspections typically take about 10, Kelleher said, adding that the benefits of remote inspection are significant.
“It allows for real-time feedback from various experts, which improves inspection quality and speed. It reduces contract lead time and travel costs, and increases material availability,” he continued.
The DOD Manufacturing Technology Program gives DLA yet another way to develop and support advanced manufacturing technologies to lower costs for production as well as repair and maintenance. The agency’s R&D team recently partnered with the Army, academia and industry through ManTech to use AM to address supply shortages due to an issue in manufacturing quality of a fuel elbow for the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter.
“This initiative showcases DLA’s ability to partner with the military services to design, build and test additive manufacturing parts to strengthen the defense supply chain,” Kelleher said.
DLA Aviation Commander Air Force Brig. Gen. Sean Tyler said during a panel discussion at the summit that the ability to download validated 3D designs and print parts anywhere in the world is a game changer for military logistics because it can make legacy weapons systems easier to maintain.
“Rather than having to continue to produce and store parts for potential obsolescence, we can store digital plans and manufacture true just-in-time, on-the-spot parts and equipment,” he said.
Tyler stressed that expanding AM throughout DOD requires alignment and commitment from stakeholders ranging from program offices and academia to engineers. (Source: US DoD)
16 Feb 23. General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), the world’s leading manufacturer of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), radars, electro-optic and related mission systems, is partnering with Divergent Technologies, Inc. (Divergent) to support its Additive Manufacturing applications development efforts and implement a full digital manufacturing process for GA-ASI’s products. Divergent has developed a data-driven approach to design, fabricate and assemble vehicle structures called the Divergent Adaptive Production System (DAPS). GA-ASI is working with Divergent to apply this capability to manufacturing its line of UAS.
“Throughout our 30 years of designing and developing advanced UAS, GA-ASI has been focused on implementing new capabilities into our manufacturing process,” said GA-ASI President David R. Alexander. “We’re working with Divergent to integrate their technology as part of our Additive Design and Manufacturing Center of Excellence strategy, with the goal of optimizing our design and manufacturing processes and providing next generation UAS at the lowest cost.”
In 2022, GA-ASI began a joint development program with Divergent, which led to a stronger strategic partnership on multiple platforms. GA-ASI’s Additive Manufacturing (AM), aircraft integrity, material and design engineering teams are working with Divergent to adapt, apply and qualify its automobile industry-qualified technology to GA-ASI’s aircraft production. Divergent has grown within the automobile sector as a Digital Manufacturing process innovator, producing some of the fastest cars on the market with several recent car OEM adoption announcements.
“Divergent has invented the first industrial digital manufacturing system. Leveraging innovations in artificial intelligence, 3D printing, and automation, DAPS can be used to build the underlying structure for virtually any vehicle – whether land, sea, air, or space – better, faster and more cost efficiently than traditional manufacturing,” said Kevin Czinger, Founder, Lead Inventor & CEO of Divergent.
GA-ASI and Divergent have already completed two projects leading to a fully integrated small (< 500 lbs.) UAS aerostructure, leveraging model-based, Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven, and topology optimized designs. The integrated metal structure was 3D printed, which led to the reduction of the part count integration by over 95% while meeting weight targets.
The DAPS process inspected each printed components by creating a full digital twin of the small UAS (SUAS) that was then applied to a fully automated, tool-less robotic assembly process that took less than 20 minutes to complete. This process enabled the team to go from a print-ready SUAS design to a fully assembled deliverable airframe in less than two days. GA-ASI anticipates this capability will enable near-theater ramp capacity in the future to support the warfighter.
This innovative approach to design and manufacturing leads to highly integrated weight and performance-optimized designs that are naturally, but not exclusively, leveraging AM technologies at a substantially lower airframe recurring cost, while providing a rapid tool-less iterative design approach for multiple platform variants.
16 Feb 23. AMCA finishes systems-level critical design review. The critical design review (CDR) of all systems for India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) has been completed, a senior project official said.
Speaking to Janes at the Aero India 2023 show being held in Bangalore from 13 to 17 February, the project official said that the aircraft’s 16 primary systems have completed the CDR. “This will allow us to complete the platform-level critical design review of the AMCA in one to two months,” the project official with India’s Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) said.
Sixteen aircraft systems were assessed in the systems-level CDR, said the official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. These include hydraulics, cockpit avionics, Integrated Vehicle Health Management (IVHM), electricals, the weapons systems, and the internal weapons bay.
When Janes last spoke to ADA in November 2022 about the project, some of the systems were still in the process of development. (Source: Janes)
15 Feb 23. The sensor solution provider HENSOLDT invests around 1m euros in renewable energies. The investments at several HENSOLDT locations increase the degree of self-sufficiency and thus make a contribution in the energy crisis. One goal of the HENSOLDT ESG Strategy 2026 is the conscious use of natural resources. To achieve this goal, photovoltaic systems have already been installed at the Ulm and Taufkirchen sites. In Kiel, the plants are scheduled to go into operation in 2023. For the Oberkochen and Wetzlar sites, comprehensive energy concepts for the new buildings are being considered. At the Ulm and Taufkirchen locations, the photovoltaic systems have already been built. In Ulm, the system with 80 modules covers 175 square metres and can generate over 20,000 kilowatt hours per year. The system can be found on the roof of the new building 33. Four times as many photovoltaic modules have been installed in Taufkirchen. The 314 modules on Building 88 occupy an area of 820 square metres and, with about 900 hours of sunshine per year, generate over 120,000 kilowatt hours.
“The energy crisis brings new challenges for everyone and in order to meet these in the future, we are in constant exchange with energy providers to look for energy-saving solutions. The use and production of renewable energy is not only helpful in the fight against climate change, but also ensures a higher degree of self-sufficiency,” says Dr Lars Immisch, Chief Human Resources Officer at HENSOLDT.
A plant with 450 photovoltaic modules is being built in Kiel and is scheduled to go into operation in early 2023. The new panel area is 865 square metres in size and is expected to generate approximately 130,000 kilowatt hours per year. In order to store the surplus PV electricity from this plant in the longer term and improve the degree of self-sufficiency, the surplus will be used to produce hydrogen. This hydrogen will then be used again for self-power supply by means of a fuel cell. Wetzlar is also planning measures in the new building. Thanks to a photovoltaic system with an output of 400,000 kilowatt hours and modern technical and structural measures, the building is to become more than 90 per cent CO²-neutral. There are plans for the new building in Oberkochen with regard to sustainability. With the help of the energy concept, the highest possible degree of self-sufficiency will be achieved, the rest will be provided by regenerative and sustainably generated electricity.
“With numerous measures, we try to reduce our energy consumption wherever possible. However, this is a major challenge in a production plant, which is why it is essential for us to rely on green energy and thereby make our contribution to reducing CO2 emissions,” says Dr Lars Immisch.
14 Feb 23. Harness®, the Modern Software Delivery Platform™ company, today announced it has been accepted into Platform One, the U.S. Air Force’s (USAF) DevSecOps platform. Harness Continuous Integration (CI), Continuous Delivery (CD), and Security Testing Orchestration (STO) modules are now available on Platform One. The addition of these modules into Iron Bank, Platform One’s authorized container repository, brings to Platform One a CI solution that is at least four times faster than other CI solutions1, with test and cache intelligence; the industry’s first fully-automated Continuous Delivery solution; and a complete solution for security and pipeline governance via Open Policy Agent (OPA).
Platform One is a Department of Defense (DoD)-wide enterprise service to accelerate the development and deployment of DevSecOps applications. It is a “collection of approved, hardened Cloud Native Computer Foundation (CNCF)-compliant Kubernetes distributions, infrastructure as code playbooks, and hardened containers.”2 Now any U.S. government agency can use Harness solutions in their own DevSecOps environments or via Platform One—increasing speed-to-mission and reducing the burden on developer teams, without compromising security.
“Accelerating the continuous delivery of software for the public sector has a tangible impact on mission critical projects,” said Nic Chaillan, Harness advisor and former Chief Software Officer of the United States Air Force. “Harness is solving a critical need for government agencies to effectively scale their operations and represents a step forward in the modernization of DevSecOps and IT innovation within the sector.”
With Harness Continuous Integration module, developers’ lives are made easier with hosted builds, caching, and proprietary Test Intelligence™, designed for developer autonomy with scalable features. Harness Continuous Delivery, powered by AI/ML, automates canary and blue/green deployments, advanced verification, and intelligent rollback, checking security and governance boxes. With Security Testing Orchestration from Harness, developers and DevSecOps teams can run security tests before a code artifact is built, providing immediate feedback to developers on any compliance issues, while supporting, correlating, and deduplicating results from over 40 integrated application security scanners.
To learn more about Harness for the public sector, please visit https://www.harness.io/public-sector.
About Harness
Harness is the only end-to-end platform for complete software delivery. It provides a simple, safe, and secure way for engineering and DevOps teams to release applications into production. Harness uses machine learning to detect the quality of deployments and automatically roll back failed ones, saving time and reducing the need for custom scripting and manual oversight, giving engineers their weekends back. Harness is based in San Francisco. Please visit harness.io or @harnessio to learn more.
(Source: PR Newswire)
14 Feb 23. General Micro Systems (GMS) Announces 8-slot DominATR 3U OpenVPX Chassis Series to Support Next-Generation Workloads in U.S Military Computing.
Award-winning, CMOSS/SOSA-compliant chassis combines unprecedented I/O performance with massive power and heat dissipation capabilities.
General Micro Systems (GMS), the world’s leading technology-independent supplier of computing engines in boxes, boards and servers, today launched its 8-slot DominATR™ 3U OpenVPX chassis to support U.S military and commercial applications. As part of the GMS X9 Venom product family, this chassis’ revolutionary architecture and lightweight materials offer improved performance, reliability and operating ranges designed to address the growing compute and networking needs of the future battlefield. The technical innovations in this chassis were recognized at the AUSA 2022 Annual Meeting & Exposition, earning the coveted Military Embedded Systems 4-Star Award in Rugged Computing.
“Our soldiers, sailors and airmen need groundbreaking technology and flexibility to manage both the known and emerging computing and massive data movement needs of the future digital battlefield,” said Ben Sharfi, chief architect and CEO, GMS. “This new chassis family solves the problem of bringing extensive amounts of high-speed I/O to an OpenVPX-compliant ATR chassis, offering extensive provisions for copper, fiber and RF I/O without compromising performance, ruggedization or size.”
More than just a 3U OpenVPX chassis with eight slots, DominATR is available in many configurations, including several pre-configured versions designed for sensor fusion, AI processing, and data recording. High-speed 100Gb Ethernet “fat pipes” connect to external sensor concentrators or switches, and up to 30 10Gb Ethernet sensor ports allow the chassis to serve as a single sensor fusion data processing node. Flexible CPU and GPU options bring workstation, microserver and artificial intelligence processing onto deployable platforms and alleviate the need for unreliable cloud computing reachback. With up to 1680W of power and reliable cooling, DominATR chassis sets the industry standard for OpenVPX, standards-based ATR systems.
The X9 Venom family of 3U OpenVPX products are SOSA (Sensor Open Standard Architecture) aligned and ready to meet the C4ISR/Electronic Warfare Modular Open Suite of Standards (CMOSS) requirements of U.S. military programs and platform upgrades. This new 8-slot DominaATR 3U OpenVPX chassis is available in aluminum alloy and carbon fiber—saving up to 30% in weight—and offers:
- Highly configurable front panels to support changing battlefield needs, including up to
8 – 30 10 Gigabit Ethernet, 2 – 4 100 Gigabit Ethernet “fat pipes”, eight CoaXPress video, and both high- and low-speed copper connectors as well as fiber connectors for internal backplane and card front panel wiring
- Up to four cutting-edge, long-range and cost-efficient interconnects through the patent-pending LightBolt™ connector, supporting Thunderbolt™ 4 fiber or copper and 100W Power Delivery all in one cable
- Per-slot heat pipe cooling with integral heat exchanger to improve reliability and extended temperature operating range
- Optional removable 4-SSD canisters for data storage (1/2 ATR “Tall”)
- Two slots for dual 840W smart power supplies
- SOSA-aligned slots and chassis management, conformant to U.S. Army CMOSS-requirements
- Available in pre-configured mission/application-specific variants, or customized versions
“No other ATR chassis delivers as many features—massive I/O and processing, heat management, and power supply options—and no other manufacturer has been awarded as many patents as we’ve included in this 8-slot DominATR 3U OpenVPX chassis,” Sharfi said. “We’re expanding the limits of what chassis providers can do and are now ready to supply U.S. military programs with the power, flexibility and reliability they need.”
Visit GMS this week at AFCEA West 2023 in San Diego
The DominATR is one of several technologies GMS will feature at AFCEA West 2023 in San Diego (booth 1636) February 14-16.
14 Feb 23. General Micro Systems (GMS), the world’s leading technology-independent supplier of computing engines in boxes, boards and servers, today launched its X9 Venom Xeon D Host 3U VITA 65 OpenVPX single-board computer. Aligned to the SOSA™ (Sensor Open Standard Architecture) Technical Standard, this family of high-performance modules support the demanding needs of next-generation warfare with massive, flexible I/O and compute capabilities in multiple configurations. These single-board computers are powered by up to 20 Intel® Xeon® D-2700 HCC (formerly Ice Lake D) cores, and unprecedented bandwidth via inter-chassis and front-panel connectivity with Thunderbolt™ 4, PCIe Gen 4, USB, and 100 GbE ports.
“Developed specifically to meet battlefield requirements for instant communications, faster data-driven decisions, and rapid upgrades, the X9 Venom Xeon D Host single-board computers deliver more compute, bandwidth, I/O and memory than any other industry provider,” said Ben Sharfi, CEO and chief architect, GMS. “Our Xeon D Host single-board computers include huge data pipes with CPU offload, multiple GPUs for artificial intelligence or graphics, and long-haul fiber via Ethernet or Thunderbolt 4—all in a much smaller, ruggedized and SOSA-compliant form factor, unlike any competitor. In fact, there are no competitors for this compact solution.”
What makes these single-board computers (SBCs) most unique is the compact combination of so much ultra-speed I/O at 40Gbits/s or 100Gbits/s, up to three processors per module, and the breadth of modular, application-specific I/O that interfaces with all manner of defense systems and platforms.
The combination of the X9 Venom Xeon D Host’s CPU and optional twin GPUs, PCI Express Gen 4, Thunderbolt 4, and front panel 100G fiber—plus multiple M.2 storage and I/O sites—makes Venom the fastest, smallest and most powerful compute and I/O processors anywhere in the world. The modules are designed for extended temperature, long life, conduction- or optional convection-cooling, and operate from a single 12 VDC supply. All versions are OpenVPX, VITA 65, SOSA, and U.S. Army CMOSS-aligned or compliant, with backplane profiles available to best fit the processing and I/O options.
Available in three configurations (standard “D”, “NET” and “NAS”), these single-board computers bring unprecedented flexibility to military applications:
- Single slot 3UVPX Venom D with two M.2 storage sites, two PCIe-Mini sites, two Thunderbolt™ 4 ports with optional 100 W power, and four 100 GbE ports (two to front panel)
- Dual slot 3UVPX-NAS for network-attached storage (NAS), including six M.2 storage sites for up to 40GB of RAID, two PCIe-Mini sites, two Thunderbolt ports each with 100 W power, four 100GbE (two to front panel) and optional dual GPU or quad 100GbE or dual Thunderbolt 4 ports
- Dual slot 3UVPX-NET, or high-speed I/O, including two M.2 storage sites, two Thunderbolt ports each with 100 W power, and up to ten 100 GbE ports (eight to front panel), plus optional dual GPU or dual Thunderbolt 4 ports
Based on open standards, all X9 Venom Xeon D Host configurations include:
- Intel Xeon D high core count (HCC) CPU up to 20 cores and 64GB DDR4 ECC DRAM, supporting up to 40 parallel threads
- Virtual machine computer/server capability providing 20 clients or disparate processes
- Up to 10x 100 GbE ports for massive sensor pipeline or inter-board communication for parallel processing
- Direct-to-drive and software RAID for NVMe drives
- 100Gb Ethernet I/O supporting Remote Direct Memory Access (RDMA) over converged Ethernet (RoCE) which offloads local or distant CPUs for “atomic” burst data transactions
Folded “Origami” leads to unprecedented capabilities
To realize the incredible slot density fundamental to the X9 Venom Xeon D Host family, GMS pioneered, patented and refined a technique that takes a feature-rich, server-sized monolithic motherboard and “folds” it into stackable 3U-sized modules. Each module is carefully groomed for timing, signal integrity, EMI mitigation and maximum performance.
The X9 Venom PCBs are interconnected via ultra-high-speed board-to-board connectors that route signals such as PCIe Gen 4 between, and through, the modules with no speed degradation. GMS-unique technology allows nearly 40 lanes of PCIe to be routed effectively between all three boards.
“If open standards compliant modules like OpenVPX, SOSA, CMOSS, HOST and more are required to comply with the MOSA (modular open standards approach) DoD mandate, the X9 Venom Xeon D Host family is the single best embedded computer to meet the high-performance computing and networking requirements of the modern battlefield,” Sharfi said “GMS’ Venom SBCs do more in one or two slots than the other guys using a whole chassis.”
Visit GMS this week at AFCEA West 2023 in San Diego
The X9 Venom Xeon D Host is one of several technologies GMS will feature at AFCEA West 2023 in San Diego (booth 1636) February 14-16.
14 Feb 23. Getac has today announced the expansion of its flagship X600 rugged mobile workstation range with the launch of the X600 Server and X600 Pro-PCI. The new models will sit alongside the recently launched X600 and X600 Pro, creating a comprehensive lineup of rugged mobile workstations that are purpose-built to meet the demands of professionals working in challenging industries, such as defence, manufacturing and oil & gas.
X600 Server: The fully rugged mobile server
The all-new Getac X600 Server delivers a powerful commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) rugged mobile server that can be folded to a slim profile for easy transportation.
Powerful
Boasting an Intel Xeon W-11855M processor with Intel Turbo Boost Technology and integrated Intel UHD graphics, the X600 Server delivers exceptional computing performance. The X600 can also accommodate up to 128GB DDR4 RAM, while optional ECC (Error Correcting Code) memory helps to preserve the integrity of data by detecting and correcting single-bit memory errors.
A 1,000 nit, 15.6″ full HD Getac LumiBond® display with sunlight readable technology makes complex tasks easy to perform in challenging weather conditions, and an extensive range of connectivity options, including 2.5G BASE-T Ethernet (x2), ensures ultra-fast simultaneous connection with multiple servers and/or networks. Onboard Thunderbolt™ 4 USB-C, HDMI 2.0, and DisplayPort enable connectivity to additional monitors as and when needed.
Flexible
Powered by Windows Server 2022 and Microsoft Hyper-V technology, the X600 Server makes resource management simple and intuitive. System administrators can allocate resources to different virtual systems based on user needs when required, helping maintain high levels of productivity around the clock.
Expandable
The X600 Server also features extensive expandability options. Disk management is enhanced through a hardware-based RAID controller with RAID 5 configuration, for optimal balance between capacity, performance, reliability, and security. A further expansion bay enables the use of hot-swappable drives and additional storage options.
Secure
An extensive array of security features help X600 Server users maximise privacy and data protection at all times. Its solid-state storage drives (SSDs) are user-removable and toolless, for enhanced data security during device storage. Furthermore, Getac’s ‘keep your hard drive’ service lets users remove and keep all their SSDs should they need to send their device in for repairs. Additional security features include TPM 2.0, Kensington lock compatibility, smart card reader, and optional Intel vPro Technology.
Fully Rugged
Like all Getac devices, the X600 Server is built rugged from the ground up. MIL-STD-810H, MIL-STD-461G, and IP66 certifications give users peace of mind, while an operating temperature range of -20°F to 145°F (-29˚C to 63°C) means the X600 Server can be relied on to perform in even extreme temperatures.
For customers in the defence and oil & gas industries, all this adds up to create a powerful, portable device that can be quickly deployed for maximum operational efficiency in a wide range of challenging environments. Whether setting up a mobile field command centre or conducting maintenance on critical infrastructure, the X600 Server delivers comprehensive, highly secure server capabilities, in a single compact device that’s built to last.
“The X600 Server redefines what a rugged mobile workstation is capable of, delivering a host of performance upgrades over its predecessor, the X500 Server, and setting a powerful new benchmark for our customers that rely on portable servers in the field,” said Paul Waddilove, Managing Director, UK & Nordics at Getac.
X600 Pro-PCI: A feature-packed, fully rugged mobile workstation
The X600 Pro-PCI builds on the comprehensive feature set of Getac’s recently launched X600 to give users even greater functionality in a single, compact device. New features include dual PCI/PCIe expansion slots for add-on card functionality (such as video capture, data acquisition, and SATA expansion), a standard DVD (or optional Blu-ray) super-multi drive, as well as Express Card 54 and PCMCIA Type II card readers as standard. The X600 Pro-PCI also includes two additional hot-swappable batteries, bringing the total that come with the device to four, for all-day functionality.
“With the launch of the new X600 Server and X600 Pro-PCI, customers now have even more options when choosing a powerful rugged mobile workstation to suit their specific needs,” said Waddilove. “Whether that’s deploying mission critical applications in the field, setting up mobile command centres, or managing multiple virtual systems from a single compact device.”
Availability
The X600 and X600 Pro are both available now. The X600 Server and X600 Pro-PCI will be available in the end of Q1 2023. For more information, please visit www.getac.com.
About Getac
Getac Technology Corporation is a global leader in rugged mobile technology and intelligent video solutions, including laptops, tablets, software, body-worn cameras, in-car video systems, digital evidence management and enterprise video analytics solutions. Getac’s solutions and services are designed to enable extraordinary experiences for frontline workers in challenging environments. Today, Getac serves customers in over 100 countries spanning defence, public safety, ambulance, fire & rescue, utilities, automotive, natural resources, manufacturing, transport, and logistics.
14 Feb 23. DARPA completes VISTA live flight-test with AI software.
The ACE programme aims to develop AI-driven autonomy for combat aircraft by using human-machine collaborative dogfighting.
The US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has successfully completed the first live-flight demonstration to test air combat algorithms on a specialised F-16 fighter aircraft.
The new achievement marks a significant milestone in DARPA’s Air Combat Evolution (ACE) programme, which commenced in 2019.
Work on this live demonstration began in December 2022, when ACE algorithm developers first uploaded artificial intelligence (AI) software into a specially configured F-16 jet, referred to as the X-62A Variable In-flight Simulator Test Aircraft (VISTA).
Following this, the team performed several flight tests from US Air Force (USAF) Test Pilot School (TPS) at Edwards Air Force Base, California, to prove that AI agents can control a full-scale aircraft.
In three years, the programme has progressed from controlling simulated F-16 aircraft, aerial dogfights, and computer screens to handling live-flying F-16s.
The ACE AI flight tests also provided crucial live-flight data. It was conducted as part of a broader test event that included TPS, DARPA and the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL).
The flight test allowed DARPA performers, including EpiSci, PhysicsAI, Shield AI, and Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, to fly multiple F-16 AI algorithms aboard Lockheed Martin-built two-seat X-62A.
The X-62A was recently integrated with System for Autonomous Control of Simulation for testing ACE’s autonomous F-16 AI agents, with a safety pilot deployed aboard the aircraft.
DARPA ACE programme manager and USAF lieutenant colonel Ryan Hefron said: “We conducted multiple sorties (take-offs and landings) with numerous test points performed on each sortie to test algorithms under varying starting conditions, against various simulated adversaries and with simulated weapons capabilities.”
“We didn’t run into any major issues but did encounter some differences compared to simulation-based results, which is to be expected when transitioning from virtual to live.” (Source: airforce-technology.com)
14 Feb 23. DEADLINE ALERT: US Army – 2023 xTech International Advanced Manufacturing and Materials Competition.
Submissions are now open for the US Army’s xTechInternational Advanced Manufacturing and Materials competition.
Non-US SMEs, universities and research organisations are invited to enter for the chance to:
- Engage with and pitch to the US Department of Defense.
- Be awarded up to USD$530,000 total in cash prizes.
- Participate in the groundbreaking Accelerator program.
The competition seeks new capabilities and technology solutions that can assist in tackling the US Army’s current and future needs, enabling new capabilities, improved performance, faster production, or cost savings for Army systems.
Submission of 3-page concept white papers are due by 1pm GMT on March 2, 2023 (Melbourne, Australia: 12am AEDT on March 3, 2023).
An optional 3-minute video can also be submitted.
Topics of interest include:
- Novel materials for additive manufacturing
- Future additive production capabilities
- Additive production systems and analysis
- Manufacturing equipment for expeditionary environments
- Advanced and convergent manufacturing capabilities advanced materials.
- White papers will also be accepted in areas outside the topics of interest.
Find more details here.
https://www.xtech.army.mil/competition/xtechinternational-advanced-manufacturing-and-materials/ (Source: Rumour Control)
14 Feb 23. Defence Trailblazer program formalised. The Defence Trailblazer for Concept to Sovereign Capability program has taken another step in being formalised with the conditions of grant being finalised and the announcement of the board members.
It is estimated that the project, a partnership between the University of Adelaide and UNSW Sydney, will have a net economic benefit to the Australian economy of $1.5 billion over 10 years.
“The Defence Trailblazer program is a once in a generation opportunity to strengthen the collaboration between defence, academia and industry whilst accelerating research and commercialisation,” said Dr Sanjay Mazumdar, Executive Director, Defence Trailblazer.
“The program aims to create a new trust-based cross-sector culture founded on shared risk, shared problem solving, shared success, and a shared sense of strategic urgency.
“Formalisation of the grant enables the Defence Trailblazer team to commence work on various projects within the program that will focus on R&D, the defence workforce, innovation, and culture.”
Endorsed in April 2022 with a $50 million grant from the Federal Government’s Department of Education the program will assist the country’s economy which is recovering from the effects of pandemic.
The Australian Department of Education’s First Assistant Secretary for Research, Dom English, said that Trailblazer Universities is an ambitious program that encourages collaboration across universities, industry and government, and will turn Australia’s world-class research into real-world innovations while building a stronger culture of engagement in our universities.
“There is a significant opportunity for universities to work hand-in-glove with Australian businesses to develop the next generation of great Australian inventions.
“The University of Adelaide-led program will drive these outcomes through its significant industry partners, and nearly $250m in funding contributed through Government, university, and industry.
“I look forward to seeing this project succeed along with the impact it will have for the defence industry,” said Mr English.
The program is a partnership between the University of Adelaide, UNSW, more than 50 industry partners and is supported by the Department of Education.
Members of the Board have been appointed:
- Chair: Ms Christine Zeitz – General Manager, Asia Pacific, Northrop Grumman Australia
- Major General (Retd) Kathryn Toohey AM CSC
- Professor Emily Hilder – Chair, Platforms, Defence Science and Technology Group
- Professor Anton Middelberg – Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), University of Adelaide
- Professor Nickolas Fisk – Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Enterprise), UNSW
- Dr James Palmer – Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder, Silentium Defence
- Harry Hubbert – Chief Technology Officer and Director, Greenroom Robotics
In addition to Dr Mazumdar’s appointment in October 2022, Heather Nicoll has been appointed as General Manager – Workforce, Innovation and Culture and Dr Margaret Law as General Manager, Technology Development and Commercialisation.
The Australian Government is providing $369.3 million over four years from 2022-2023 through the Trailblazer Universities Program to build new research capabilities, drive commercialisation outcomes, and invest in new industry engagement opportunities. (Source: Rumour Control)
10 Feb 23. US Navy and General Atomics modify their MQ-9A Reaper contract to include enhanced ground control stations. The MQ-9 Reaper is the go-to UAV for ISR missions, and the US Navy wants to get the best out of them.
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. (GA-ASI) has been awarded a $34.2m modification to its contract with the US Navy. The company will provide eight mobile ground control systems (GCS) and six ground data terminals (GDT) for the MQ-9 Reapers procured last year for the US Marine Corps (USMC).
The inducted MQ-9A extended range unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) are said to provide large scale, long-range intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability for the Marine Expeditionary Force.
This type of UAS is designed to extend the aircraft’s endurance to more than 30 hours and is equipped with triple redundant avionics architecture.
The new GCSs and GDTs will support the successful operational capability of the Marine Air Ground Task Force’s expeditionary, medium-altitude, long-endurance MQ-9A Block 5 Reaper air vehicles and GCSs for the navy.
The 2022 fiscal aircraft procurement for Navy funds of $10.8m and the 2023 amount of $23.4m will be made to GA-ASI at the time of award.
Around 60% of the work will occur at GA-ASI headquarters in Poway, CA, with 20% in Saber Springs and Grey Butte, CA respectively. The project is expected to be completed in May 2025.
This contract follows the satisfaction of the Indian Navy with the performance of the MQ-9s it leases from GA-ASI in the past two years. Two of these UAVs reached their 10,000th flight hour in support of Indian national security missions.
More recently, senior staff from the US embassy in New Delhi visited the Indian Navy station to observe them operating the MQ-9s. This will no doubt have informed the US Navy’s decision to acquire more GCSs and GDTs.
(Source: naval-technology.com)
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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