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08 Feb 24. DOD Advances Microelectronics Commons to Build Domestic Semiconductor Industry, Workforce. Jan. 29 – Feb. 2 marked the second week of Microelectronics Commons (Commons) Hubs visits for representatives from the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research & Engineering (OUSD(R&E)), Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC)-Crane Division, and National Security Technology Accelerator (NSTXL). Representatives traveled to Massachusetts and New York where they met with Hub leaders and members, as well as Governor Maura Healey and representatives from Congressional offices.
These visits showed that funding from the bipartisan “Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) and Science Act” is directly contributing to the Commons becoming a community that empowers Hub members to create public-private partnerships, invest in infrastructure for microchip prototyping, and engage in multilateral co-operation – all in keeping with President Biden’s “Investing in America” agenda.
CHIPS funding will continue to be allocated during Fiscal Years 2023 through 2027 to accelerate domestic microelectronics hardware prototyping and workforce development. This will grow local economies by upskilling local talent within each Hub region, while complementing programs run by the Department of Commerce and the National Science Foundation.
The Northeast Microelectronics Coalition Hub (NEMC) site visit on January 30th in Boston included delegates from Analogue Devices, Applied Materials, NextFlex, Raytheon Technologies, Columbia, MITRE, as well as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and MIT Lincoln Labs. Governor Maura Healey and Ms. Yvonne Hao, Secretary of Economic Development, also attended alongside representatives from the Offices of Senator Ed Markey, and Congressman Seth Moulton. Congresswoman Lori Ann Trahan addressed the gathering virtually.
NEMC Hub members are leaning heavily into public-private partnerships to accelerate semiconductor industry growth in Massachusetts and the entire Northeast, with support from Governor Healey for whom job training is a policy priority. “The camaraderie and collaboration that exists within this Hub has been forged over three years by our 170 member organizations,” said Ben Linville-Engler, interim director of the NEMC Hub.
Discussions highlighted the Hub’s connections to both the Department of Defense (DoD) and the defense industrial base, and the site visit showed how public-private investment is adding to advanced nano-fabrication equipment and capabilities within Hub member MIT.nano.
The Northeast Regional Defense Tech Hub (NORDTECH) site visit on February 1st in Albany, New York highlighted principal partners including the State University of New York (SUNY) – Albany, Cornell University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, NY CREATES, and IBM – all which participated in the event. Representatives from the Offices of Senator Chuck Schumer and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand also attended.
New York state has spent two decades investing in its manufacturing industry, especially microelectronics. This in turn has incentivized SUNY Albany to invest in cutting edge facilities, IBM to remain a stalwart regional partner, Micron Technology to invest $100bn in a 20 year commitment to the state, and nonprofits to facilitate resource sharing, standards, and workforce development.
NORDTECH magnifies the impact of this pre-existing network by bringing in organizations as Hub members (one-third of which are small businesses), then catalyzing multilateral cooperation over bilateral relationships. “What NORDTECH offers is the ability to really expand our network,” said Nate Cady, Associate Dean for Research, College of Nanotechnology, Science & Engineering – University at Albany.
Mr. Maynard Holliday, PTDO Assistant Secretary of Defense for Critical Technologies, and Dr. Devanand Shenoy, Principal Director for Microelectronics, OUSD(R&E) and Executive Director of the Commons, both applauded NORDTECH’s approach to workforce development as extremely well thought out, possessing both significant breadth and depth.
Given the capabilities of this community, the Hub is well prepared to work with the DoD to achieve the Common’s defense mission.
Both NEMC and NORDTECH have impressive infrastructure in place to prototype semiconductors and speed their lab-to-fab transition in pursuit of a sustainable pipeline of domestically produced, state-of-the-art microelectronics to meet U.S. needs. They also have significant state and federal government support, and the capabilities to increasingly address defense requirements for advanced microchips. (Source: U.S. DoD)
07 Feb 24. Schiebel and Airbus Helicopters Successful Manned – UnManned Teaming. In a groundbreaking demonstration on 17 April 2018, Schiebel’s CAMCOPTER S-100 Unmanned Air System (UAS) and Airbus Helicopters’ manned H145 successfully completed a series of Manned UnManned Teaming (MUM-T) flights. Level 5 interoperability was achieved by providing the user onboard the manned aircraft with full command and control over the UAS and its payload, including launch and recovery.
The purpose of this pioneering demonstration, which took place as part of a technology partnership between the Austrian Armaments and Defense Technology Agency (ARWT) and Schiebel, was to explore the benefits and challenges of delivering MUM-T flight operations, especially those with highly valuable, mission-enhancing advantages for army aviation. As a true force-multiplier, MUM-T leverages the strengths of both manned and unmanned systems by providing pilots of manned aircraft with the ability to take full advantage of the Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities of the UAS and thereby significantly improving safety and decision-making in complex, contested missions.
“This is a perfect example of Schiebel’s commitment to staying at the cutting-edge of developments and capabilities,” explained Hans Georg Schiebel, Chairman of the Schiebel Group. “The CAMCOPTER S-100 offers unsurpassed ISR capabilities and as such significantly enhances manned aircraft sensors, which is particularly valuable in complex operations and dangerous environments.”
UAS are perfectly suited for providing an aerial overview, operating above manned assets whilst the manned assets benefit from using local terrain. This approach of enhancing coverage and timeliness of information while keeping pilots and manned assets safe enables commanders to maximize the advantages offered by both platforms.
“Manned UnManned Teaming multiplies the capabilities of both systems”, said Mark R. Henning, Program Manager at Airbus Helicopters. “Smaller UAS with vertical takeoff and landing capabilities can, for example, fly around obstacles as trees or buildings closer than a helicopter could. They are able to explore unknown territory and deliver information to the helicopter crew which is operating from a safe position and then step in with the helicopter’s superior effects having received a clear picture from the UAS.”
“Another key advantage of such an approach is improved datalink security,” explains Schiebel’s Chief Technical Officer Chris Day. “The datalink between the manned and unmanned platform can be moved from a static to a dynamic environment, away from the ground, making it more robust and harder to detect.” (Source: UAS VISION)
07 Feb 24. Hand-held navigation tool for US Army deemed effective against jamming. The latest edition of hand-held equipment U.S. Army soldiers can use to navigate and sync maneuvers performed well in the presence of simulated enemy electronic warfare attack, according to the Pentagon’s independent weapons tester.
The second-generation Dismounted Assured Positioning, Navigation and Timing System, or DAPS GEN II, is more effective than the legacy Defense Advanced GPS Receiver, or DAGR, amid jamming and spoofing, the Office of the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation said in a report published last month.
The Army in April tapped TRX Systems to produce DAPS GEN II in a deal worth as much as $402m. An initial order — more than 700 units and related services — was valued at $14.6m. The gear succeeds two previous versions quickly made and provided to troops: GEN I and GEN 1.2. Hundreds of each had been distributed by the end of fiscal 2023.
DAPS GEN II, with its rechargeable battery and reworked screen, is designed to ensure troops understand where they are and where they are headed, even in situations where signal is impeded by terrain or rubble or when digital systems are under siege.
Such resilience is needed, defense officials say, as the U.S. prepares for potential fights against tech-savvy adversaries capable of waging effective electronic warfare.
During testing, DAPS GEN II improved soldier situational awareness, supported successful navigation and allowed soldiers to be “operationally effective,” according to the annual audit. Soldiers, though, requested additional options for training. A spokesperson for TRX, based in Maryland, declined to comment on the report. The company is a subsidiary of ACR Group. (Source: C4ISR & Networks)
07 Feb 24. TE Connectivity (TE), a world leader in connectivity and sensors, continues to be at the vanguard of the industry with the design and optimization of military aerospace and defense embedded systems following the launch of its new VITA 87 High Density Circular MT Connectors.
This new product line features 12 to 24 fiber options, housing up to 96 fibers within a compact size 15 shell with 4 MTs – a stark contrast to the J4 interconnect in SOSA open systems architecture, which fits just 11 fibers in a larger size 19 shell. By providing drastically increased fiber counts within a smaller footprint adhering to standard dimensions, TE’s VITA 87 standard product line helps enable next-generation systems to meet stringent size, weight and power requirements while supporting the high bandwidth needs of emerging data-intensive capabilities.
“Previous market solutions used much larger circular MIL Spec connectors; however, newer architectures demand much higher density to fit into industry-standard card and backplane slots,” said Doug Rhode, engineer in TE’s Aerospace, Defense & Marine Division. “The new VITA 87 High Density Circular MT Connectors address this need and offer a significant improvement over the options available today.”
The new product line meets the VITA 87 and the SOSA Technical Standards, to help ensure TE customers’ supply demands can be achieved and they can design their systems confidently. These new connectors, available in both physical contact and lensed versions, cater to a diverse array of high-density applications. Their versatility extends from MIL fiber optics cable assemblies to optical add-on and option cards, as well as to a range of ruggedized uses involving the MIL-STD 38999 interface.
“The launch of the VITA 87 High Density Circular MT Connectors is an example of TE’s commitment and ability to develop industry-leading connectivity solutions,” said Brent Hatfield, product manager in TE’s Aerospace, Defense & Marine Division. “And as the industry continues to experience rapidly growing bandwidth requirements, TE will continue to focus on advancing our interconnect capabilities to enable the high-performance embedded systems our customers require now and into the future.”
06 Febr 24. BMT reveals new 48m SOV design: navigating a new era in offshore operations. BMT, a global leader in specialised ship design, engineering, and marine consultancy, is proud to announce the launch of its 48m Service Operation Vessel (SOV) at the Annual Offshore Support Journal Conference, scheduled for February 6-8, 2024. Designed for a new era in offshore operations the new 48m SOV delivers safety, comfort and efficiency while minimising environmental impact. BMT’s presence at the conference will be marked by a stand and presentation showcasing their extensive expertise.
With the high cost of SOVs, operators in the offshore market are looking for cost-effective solutions for offshore O&M with the benefit of reducing OPEX costs. Mid-sized vessels that sit between CTVs and SOVs provide a more cost-effective solution to achieving offshore operational requirements.
A Legacy of Innovation in Offshore Support Vessels
The BMT 48m SOV represents the latest evolution in BMT’s long history of designing cutting-edge vessels for offshore support. With a legacy of over 70 crew transfer vessels successfully operating worldwide, this new SOV is engineered to address the complex and extended operation and maintenance demands of modern offshore settings.
Advanced Design for Optimal Performance
Incorporating an advanced methanol-ready design, the 48m SOV features an optimised hull form and machinery configuration, built on a dynamic diesel-electric platform. This innovative approach ensures not only enhanced operational efficiency but also a significant reduction in environmental impact.
The vessel’s unique SWATH hull design is a game-changer, enabling operations in challenging sea conditions and significantly boosting seakeeping capabilities and uptime. This design underscores BMT’s commitment to advancing the frontier of offshore vessel technology.
Unmatched Comfort and Productivity
The 48m SOV is designed to provide unparalleled comfort for its 40 technicians and 16 crew members. The vessel boasts spacious, single-occupancy cabins, complete with entertainment hubs, lounges, a gym, and a sauna, creating an optimal living and working environment.
Productivity is at the heart of the vessel’s design, featuring a 30m motion-compensated gangway for easy access, an ergonomic layout for safe and seamless workflow, and a unique hull design that minimises noise and vibrations, enhancing the onboard experience.
Pioneering the Future with Autonomous Technology
Aligned with BMT’s vision of innovation, the 48m SOV is equipped to facilitate autonomous technology, featuring an adaptable ROV bay, a control room for ROV operations, and the flexibility to host up to 5m uncrewed surface vessels (USV). It also includes a dedicated bay for an 8.5m daughter craft, showcasing the vessel’s versatility and forward-thinking design.
Strategic Insights from BMT’s Senior Naval Architect
Alex Blake, BMT’s Senior Naval Architect, comments:
“In an industry facing rapid changes, the BMT 48m SOV is a testament to our commitment to leading innovation in offshore vessel design.
Drawing on our extensive experience and understanding of market needs, this vessel is not just a response to current demands but a proactive step into the future of offshore operations, setting new standards in efficiency and environmental responsibility.”
With decades of experience and a reputation for robust, fuel-efficient designs, BMT has established itself as a global innovator in naval architecture and marine design. Its diverse portfolio reflects a commitment to delivering tailored solutions that meet unique project needs, supported by a culture of collaboration and innovation.
06 Feb 24. Small Form Factor Mission Computer Delivers Multi-Core Workstation-Class Compute Power for SWaP-Sensitive Deployed Applications.
Curtiss-Wright’s Defense Solutions Division has introduced its latest rugged small form factor (SFF) mission computer designed for civil and military tactical processing applications. The ultra-reliable Parvus® DuraCOR® 8044 Modular Mission Computer Workstation features a sealed and fanless IP67-compliant design that enables system designers to confidently meet compute-intensive requirements for applications deployed in the harshest environments. The ITAR-free, U.S. Commerce EAR controlled unit features one of the most powerful compute engines available in an SFF mission computer, an 8-core, 16 thread 11th gen Intel® Xeon® W (Tiger Lake-H) processor.
“The introduction of the Parvus DuraCOR 8044 furthers our commitment to being the industry’s leading supplier of trusted and secure, highly rugged small form factor mission computers,” said Brian Perry, Senior Vice President, and General Manager, Defense Solutions Division. “The exportable, ITAR-free DuraCOR 8044, with its Intel Xeon W processor raises the bar for workstation class multi-core computing in the smallest possible size and weight envelope.”
The DuraCOR 8044 meets or exceeds MIL-810G and DO-160G environmental test standards, weighs only 5.6 lb and measures 6.75” x 6.25” x 3.5” (135 cubic inches). The mission computer’s powerful Intel Iris Xe GPU supports OpenGL® for graphics-intensive applications and OpenCL™ for GPGPU-accelerated data processing-intensive applications. When low-latency, on-time transfer of critical data is demanded, the unit supports high-speed Time Sensitive (real-time) Ethernet endpoint connectivity at rates up to 10 Gigabits.
Designed with cybersecurity in mind, the DuraCOR 8044 provides zero-trust architected computing with support for a wide range of trusted computing features, including Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0, to ensure that only trusted and signed BIOS and software can execute on the system. The unit also supports UEFI Secure Boot, Intel Boot Guard, Intel Advanced Encryption Standard New Instructions (Intel AES-NI), Intel SHA Extensions, zeroize discrete, and optional self-encrypting/fast purge SSDs.
The DuraCOR 8044’s high level of shock, vibration, thermal, altitude, humidity, and ingress protection make it ideal for a wide range of applications and manned/unmanned platforms, including civil and military in-vehicle, maritime and airborne mission computing, fixed and rotary wing aircraft, tactical ground vehicles, outdoor and underground platforms and C5ISR technology refresh and LRU upgrades. The rugged SFF Parvus DuraCOR 8044 mission computer features adaptable core processing capabilities that can host multiple mission requirements. From flight management and display management processing functions to advanced mission computing, network data management and video switching functions, our cost-effective onboard computers are readily scalable for a wide range of applications.
Modified COTS variants of the DuraCOR 8044 mission computer are available with no or low-cost NRE via pre-integration of add-on I/O cards, such as Dual Mini-PCIe/mSATA card slots and a stackable PCIe/104 bus to accommodate additional platform-specific I/O interfaces. The unit’s modular interlocking chassis design supports add-on segments for I/O and storage, with pre-integrated DTL-38999 connectors for I/O integration without mechanical changes.
Complete Integrated Subsystem Solutions
The DuraCOR 8044 can be pre-integrated with Curtiss-Wright’s Parvus DuraNET® 20-10 SFF network switch to consolidate processing and networking functions into a single standalone LRU.
Sales inquiries: Please forward all Sales and reader service inquiries to .
The DuraCOR 8044 product sheet is available for download here.
For additional information about Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions products, please visit www.curtisswrightds.com, LinkedIn, and X @CurtissWrightDS.
About Curtiss-Wright Corporation
Curtiss-Wright Corporation (NYSE:CW) is a global integrated business that provides highly engineered products, solutions and services mainly to Aerospace & Defense markets, as well as critical technologies in demanding Commercial Power, Process and Industrial markets. We leverage a workforce of approximately 8,500 highly skilled employees who develop, design and build what we believe are the best engineered solutions to the markets we serve. Building on the heritage of Glenn Curtiss and the Wright brothers, Curtiss-Wright, headquartered in Davidson, North Carolina, has a long tradition of providing innovative solutions through trusted customer relationships. For more information, visit www.curtisswright.com.
Note: Trademarks are property of their respective owners.
07 Feb 24. UK research investment to boost UK semiconductor industry.
Two new ‘Innovation and Knowledge Centres’ will receive £11m each to help bring new chip technologies to market.
- Two new ‘Innovation and Knowledge Centres (IKC)’ will receive £11m each to help bring new chip technologies to market.
- each focuses on an area of British leadership on the world stage – silicon photonics and compound chips – as DSIT delivers £1bn semiconductor strategy.
- £4.8m funding for semiconductor skills projects have also been announced.
New funding and support has been unveiled today to back British scientists working on world-leading chip development which could help to power advancements in AI and will underpin the technologies needed to reach net zero.
To coincide with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology’s one-year anniversary – two new research hubs in Southampton and Bristol have received a cash injection to boost research in silicon photonics and compound semiconductors.
Semiconductors are a key component in nearly every electrical device in the world from mobile phones to medical equipment. They underpin future technologies in net zero, AI and quantum and are increasingly recognised as an area of global strategic significance.
Visiting the Southampton centre, Minister for Tech and the Digital Economy Saqib Bhatti said:
This investment marks a crucial step in advancing our ambitions for the semiconductor industry, with these centres helping bring new technologies to market in areas like net zero and AI, rooting them right here in the UK.
Just nine months into delivering on the National Semiconductor Strategy, we’re already making rapid progress towards our goals. This isn’t just about fostering growth and creating high-skilled jobs, it’s about positioning the UK as a hub of global innovation, setting the stage for breakthroughs that have worldwide impact.
Each £11m site will help convert scientific findings into business realities. They will support promising research and projects, offering researchers access to state-of-the-art prototyping technology essential for testing their complex designs, and nurturing early-stage companies. This includes empowering spin-outs with training, workshops, and vital industry contacts, ensuring they are fully equipped for when their products are market-ready.
The REWIRE facility at the University of Bristol will support chip companies across the South West and Wales, helping to accelerate the UK’s net zero ambition by advancing high-voltage electronic devices with cutting-edge compound semiconductors.
The “Cornerstone” Information and Knowledge Centre in Southampton will build on the University’s specialism in silicon photonics. This is an emerging area of research in semiconductors, where light is used to communicate information instead of electricity – meaning the chips that are made using this technology are much, much quicker than standard semiconductors.
World-leading silicon photonics researcher Professor Graham Reed, who will lead the Cornerstone facility, said: “The Cornerstone IKC will unite leading UK entrepreneurs and researchers, together with a network of support to improve the commercialisation of semiconductors and deliver a step-change in the silicon photonics industry.”
A further funding of £4.8m in 11 semiconductor skills projects nationwide aims to elevate talent across all educational tiers, from school through to university and beyond. This funding will not only raise awareness of the semiconductor industry but also help to address key gaps in the UK’s workforce talent and training framework.
The centres will help to deliver on the ambitions of the government’s £1 bn National Semiconductor Strategy, a 20-year plan detailing how the government will drive forward the UK’s strengths and skills in design, R&D and compound semiconductors.
This investment is a clear example of the government’s commitment to working in partnership with industry to support the semiconductor sector and achieve the goals of the National Semiconductor Strategy, building on our strengths to grow the UK’s sector
Notes to editors
Background on Southampton facility
The University of Southampton’s “Cornerstone” facility is already doing world-leading work to drive silicon photonics research forward. Silicon photonics attempts to take create silicon integrated circuits that use light instead of electricity – meaning chips can be much, much quicker.
Silicon photonics can deliver high-speed, energy-efficient, and integrated solutions by manipulating light as opposed to electricity. This has real world applications in areas like high-speed internet, data centres, and telecommunications.
Background on Bristol facility
Bristol’s REWIRE facility will boost a well-established cluster of chip companies across the South West and Wales. Co-created and delivered with industry, REWIRE will accelerate the UK’s ambition for net zero by transforming the next generation of high voltage electronic devices using wide/ultra-wide bandgap compound semiconductors.
Compound semiconductors are another example of the UK’s leadership, with South Wales being home to the world’s first semiconductor cluster. They outperform traditional silicon semiconductors in areas like power electronics for electric vehicles, photonics for optical fibre communications and radio frequency management for 5G and RADAR.
Professor Charlotte Deane, Executive Chair of EPSRC, said: “EPSRC and Innovate UK are supporting the UK’s ambition to build a thriving semiconductor industry by investing in research and innovation that will deliver new technologies to the market. This investment supports UKRI’s 5-year strategy to harness the full power of the UK’s research and innovation system to tackle large-scale, complex challenges. Long-term funding has paved the way for the development of new technologies such as semiconductors, and the IKCs announced today will leverage future applications in areas such as telecoms, quantum, AI, and electrification.”
Bristol IKC lead Professor Martin Kuball said: “Power devices are at the centre of all power electronic systems and pave the way for more efficient and compact power electronic systems, reducing energy loss. The REWIRE IKC will focus on power conversion of wind energy, high temperature applications, device and packaging, and improving the efficiency of semiconductor device manufacture.” (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
29 Jan 24. Archer Aviation + NASA sign collaborative Space Act Agreement. Archer Aviation Inc. (NYSE: ACHR) has signed a NASA Space Act Agreement that will kick off an initial project that will be focused on studying high-performance battery cells and safety testing targeted for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and space applications.
Archer believes that, while the supply chain for electric vehicles in the U.S. is maturing, the supply chain for electric aircraft remains nascent, not just here in the U.S., but globally — this testing will help push progress forward. NASA’s goal is to test Archer’s battery cell and system design and share the results for the entire AAM industry forward. Maturing battery technology is anticipated to be a key enabling factor for the mass production and adoption of electric aviation.
Archer plans to deliver a high-performing battery pack with leading levels of safety to its Midnight electric air taxi, validating that these cells are tailor made for aerospace applications, including electric vertical take off and landing (eVTOL), electric conventional take off and landing (eCTOL) aircraft and for the potential usage in space.
As part of the joint efforts around battery characterization, NASA and Archer will focus on further testing the safety, energy and power performance capabilities of the battery cells. Tests will be performed using one of the most advanced high speed X-ray facilities in the world, the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF), to understand how the cells function during extreme abuse cases. Archer has chosen these cells to power the proprietary electric powertrain system Archer has designed, developed and is beginning to mass manufacture for its production electric air taxi, Midnight.
The battery cell form factor selected by Archer, a cylindrical cell, has a track record of safety, performance and scalability proven through decades of volume manufacturing, deployed across many applications globally, including in ms of electric vehicles.
“We’re extremely proud to partner with NASA, who has pioneered the eVTOL industry over the last 3+ decades, in support of our collective mission to ensure U.S. leadership in aerospace continues for decades to come,” said Adam Goldstein, Archer’s Founder and CEO. “Many countries around the world are challenging the U.S. in this new era of flight and our country is at risk of losing its global leadership position unless we work together, government and industry, to ensure we seize the moment and pioneer this new era of aviation technology, which stands to benefit all Americans.” (Source: Satnews)
05 Feb 24. Infleqtion Builds UK’s Quantum Advantage: Delivering Practical Solutions with a World-Leading Quantum Computer. Infleqtion, the world’s leading quantum information company, is pleased to announce it has been awarded a contract to develop and deliver a cutting-edge neutral atom quantum computing testbed for the National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC). The Quantum Computing SBRI program, supported by Innovate UK, aims to deploy seven quantum computing testbeds at the NQCC by March 2025.
Infleqtion will partner with QinetiQ and Oxfordshire County Council to build a large-scale universal gate-based quantum computer based on neutral atoms with a compelling pathway to logical qubit operations for UK researchers to explore the near-term use cases for quantum computing. By applying quantum optimisation to address challenges such as Oxfordshire’s traffic issues, the project aims to have a significant impact nationwide, particularly in national security and defence, as well as regionally.
“The NQCC win marks a significant achievement for Infleqtion and validates the strength of our neutral atom quantum computing platform. This exciting collaboration will showcase the true potential of our technology,” said Scott Faris, Infleqtion CEO. “Infleqtion’s platform sets us apart in delivering unparalleled scalability that paves the way for the future of quantum computing.”
Faris and other company leaders will share additional details of this program, Infleqtion’s 2024 roadmap, and growth plans in its first-ever industry webinar on February 8, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. Central Time.
Congratulating the testbed competition winners, Dr Michael Cuthbert, NQCC’s Director, commented, “Once built, these system-level prototypes will help the NQCC and its collaborators to understand the unique characteristics of different hardware approaches, establish appropriate metrics for each qubit architecture, and explore the types of applications that benefit most from each technological approach. That will feed directly into the NQCC’s ongoing engagement with organisations across academia, industry, and government to develop use cases for early-stage quantum computers, and to identify the innovations that will be needed to accelerate the development and adoption of this transformative technology.”
The NQCC aims to accelerate the development of the UK’s quantum computing capabilities and infrastructure. Over the next 14 months, quantum computing testbeds will be installed at Harwell Campus in Oxfordshire to accelerate innovation, foster industry adoption, and facilitate research on application development.
Infleqtion is leading the way in bringing quantum technology to the commercial forefront. The company is dedicated to establishing a robust foundation for sustained growth throughout the quantum supply chain, manufacturing processes, and customer experience. Notably, Infleqtion has recently reached several significant milestones in products and partnerships, including the acquisitions of two integrated silicon photonics companies, SiNoptiq Inc. and Morton Photonics Inc., the selection of the company’s neutral atom platform in Japan’s Quantum Moonshot program, the introduction of Oqtant – the world’s first quantum matter service, and the desqtopMOT, and more.
About Infleqtion
Infleqtion, with offices in the United States, United Kingdom and Australia, delivers high-value quantum information precisely where it is needed. By operating at the Edge, our software-configured, quantum-enabled products deliver unmatched levels of precision and power, generating streams of high-value information for commercial organizations, the United States, and allied governments. With 16 years of ColdQuanta’s pioneering quantum research as our foundation, our hardware products and AI-powered solutions address critical market needs in positioning, navigating and timing, global communication security and efficiency, resilient energy distribution, and accelerated quantum computing. Learn how Infleqtion is revolutionizing how we communicate, navigate, and discover at www.infleqtion.com and connect with us on LinkedIn.
Infleqtion UK is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the flagship commercial brand Infleqtion. Infleqtion UK has a fully equipped quantum research laboratory and established production facilities in Oxford for its UK-developed Photonically Integrated Cold Atom Source (PICAS) product. The company conducts advanced research and development in inertial sensing and advanced timing for navigation within GNSS-denied environments, radiofrequency sensors for communications and defense applications, memory modules for secure quantum networks, and quantum information platforms for computation and simulation.
© 2024 ColdQuanta, Inc., ColdQuanta UK Limited d/b/a Infleqtion. All rights reserved. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
01 Feb 24. Sivers Semiconductors expands partnership with Thorium Space S.A. Sivers Semiconductors AB (STO: SIVE) has expanded the company’s chipset agreement with Thorium Space. This $2.9 m (approx. 30 MSEK) second phase will focus on the advanced development and validation of the chipsets designed in the initial phase, further laying the groundwork for future large-scale manufacturing and the company anticipates recognizing revenue up to $2.1 m from this contract during 2024.
This new contract represents the continuing and deepening partnership between Sivers Wireless, a business unit of Sivers Semiconductors, and the Polish satellite communication (SATCOM) systems pioneer. The achievement marks a significant step forward in Thorium Space’s preparations for its planned space deployment, targeting the launch of these sophisticated satellite operations.
Thorium Space is asserting its prominence in the SATCOM sector, underscored by its recently announced collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA) on the groundbreaking HummingSAT project, aimed at developing telecommunications satellites for GEO, where Thorium’s digitally-defined payloads will play a key role.
HummingSat is an ESA Partnership Project to build a new product line for the commercial geostationary telecommunications market.
Notably, Thorium Space has secured substantial funding from the ESA for this endeavor, with a commitment of €8m for the initial A/B phase and an additional €25m for the subsequent C/D/E phase.
Sivers’ advanced Ka-band technology, with its focus on electronic beam steering, is key for efficient satellite communications systems. This technology significantly reduces the size, weight, and space needed for satellite transceivers, which are crucial for space missions.
By replacing mechanically steered antennas with electronic alternatives, Sivers enhances operational efficiency and reduces maintenance. This is particularly beneficial for satellite communications, ensuring reliable links in challenging space conditions. Additionally, these solutions offer improved broadband performance with high efficiency and low energy use, making Sivers Wireless a prime choice for compact, efficient, and high-performing telecommunications.
“Our continued joint development with Thorium Space marks a significant step in advancing geostationary telecommunications satellites,” said Anders Storm, Group CEO of Sivers Semiconductors. “This partnership represents a powerful convergence of innovation and expertise, collectively pushing the frontiers of satellite communications technology forward.” (Source: Satnews)
04 Feb 24. What the new EU Artificial Intelligence Act means for drones, UTM and eVTOLs. On January 24 this year the European Commission launched a package of measures to support European companies in the development of trustworthy artificial intelligence (AI) “that respects EU values and rules”. According to a Commission press release: “This follows the political agreement reached in December 2023 on the EU AI Act – the world’s first comprehensive law on Artificial Intelligence – which will support the development, deployment and take-up of trustworthy AI in the EU.”
Among the AI initiatives announced by the Commission is the setting up of AI “factories” which include acquiring, upgrading and operating AI-dedicated supercomputers to enable fast machine learning and training of large General Purpose AI (GPAI) models; new financial support from the Commission through Horizon Europe and the Digital Europe programme dedicated to generative AI. This package will generate an additional overall public and private investment of around Euro 4 bn until 2027; and the launch of ‘GenAI4EU’ initiative, which aims to support the development of novel use cases and emerging applications in Europe’s 14 industrial ecosystems, as well as the public sector. “Application areas include robotics, health, biotech, manufacturing, mobility, climate and virtual worlds.”
European Union researchers developing AI and machine learning (ML) tools to support advanced air mobility (AAM) and drone operations in complex airspaces will therefore have new sources of funding and access to more capable data processing resources.
AI is a fundamental prerequisite for UTM systems, according to the latest version of the European Aviation Safety Agency’s Artificial Intelligence Roadmap (version 2.0).
“The integration of manned and unmanned aircraft, while ensuring safe sharing of the airspace between airspace users, and ultimately the implementation of advanced U-space services will only be possible with high levels of automation and use of disruptive technologies like AI/ML. The early implementation of AI/ML solutions will be essential to widely enable complex drone operations in environments which are fast-evolving and where stringent requirements apply, such as urban areas or congested control tower regions…. AI/ML solutions will play a crucial role in enabling safe conduct of the drone operations also in case of a contingency/ emergency situation — for instance, in detecting obstacles (e.g. cranes), detecting or predicting icing conditions, or determining the risk on the ground (e.g. presence of public on a pre-planned landing site).”
EASA highlights three areas in which AI/ML will play a crucial role: detect and avoid (DAA), adaptive deconfliction (by dynamically predicting the risk of encountering an intruder along the flight path and adjusting in advance the drones’ trajectory to ensure continuous separation in space and time) and autonomous localisation/navigation (without GPS).
But. And there is always a “but” in these articles.
There are several areas of AI development which worry EASA and aviation regulators around the world and which will need far more pro-active regulatory oversight than merely highlighting the challenges.
The most complex of these involves the regulation and safety assurance of advanced automation, where the AI-based system performs non-overridable decisions and actions – or level 3B in EASA parlance – especially when the technology used does not rely on rules-based algorithms.
(Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
02 Feb 24. Ground system for jam-resistant GPS delayed again to July 2025 at earliest, Pentagon tester says. The continuing delays in making the GPS jam-resistant M-Code signal available to military users “increase risk that U.S. and allied warfighters will be unable to conduct successful operations in future contested environments due to the lack of access to modernized GPS position, navigation, and timing (PNT) information,” the 2023 Annual Report of the Director of Operational Test & Evaluation finds.
The long-troubled ground system needed for the Space Force to have “full control” of the jam-resistant, military-only GPS signal is facing yet another delay — and now won’t be ready for use until July 2025, according to the latest report by Pentagon’s testing office.
The Next-Generation Operational Control System (OCX) is facing a new delay of 16 months, according to the 2023 Annual Report of the Director of Operational Test & Evaluation (DOT&E).
“This 16-month delay is in addition to last year’s reporting of a 9-month delay from the FY21 Annual Report. The Space Force plans to operationally accept OCX in July 2025,” the report says.
“As reported over the course of several years, ongoing development delays of the Next Generation Operational Control System (OCX) are continuing to delay full operational control of the U.S. Space Force’s GPS modernized civil, Military Code (M-code), and navigation warfare functions and the fielding of operationally acceptable M-code capable receivers. These delays increase risk that U.S. and allied warfighters will be unable to conduct successful operations in future contested environments due to the lack of access to modernized GPS position, navigation, and timing (PNT) information,” it adds.
The M-Code now can be broadcast by most of the 31 GPS satellites on orbit, but is available for use to only a small number of military personnel due to both the OCX issue and a lack of radios and receivers equipped to access it. The Space Force has a two-pronged effort, called the Military GPS User Equipment (MGUE) program, underway to develop new computer chip-carrying cards to retrofit existing platforms, such as aircraft and ships, so they can ingest M-code signals, as well as to develop a new handheld receiver. But that effort has also experienced delays, according to a June 2023 report by the Government Accountability Office.
This year’s DOT&E report notes that because of the delays in the development of the MGUE receiver cards, the Army and Marine Corps instead are now buying commercially developed receivers capable of ingesting the M-Code for fielding with ground vehicles. The Air Force’s B-2 bomber and the Navy’s Arleigh Burke-class destroyer also are likely to experience testing delays because the MGUE receiver cards designed for those platforms are experiencing problems with both hardware and software, the report adds.
In addition, the DOT&E report cautions that because the OCX software is supposed to be the basis for an upgraded system, OCX Block 3F, designed to control the planned next-generation of GPS satellites called GPS IIIF, that effort also is likely to be delayed. The Space Force currently intends to launch the first GPS IIIF satellite in fiscal 2027, it says.
OCX, under development by RTX (formerly Raytheon) had a stormy history, to say the least — including a serious Nunn-McCurdy breach back in 2016 that drew the wrath of Frank Kendall, then DoD acquisition czar and now Air Force secretary. OCX was originally supposed to become operational in the 2011 to 2012 timeframe.
Back in January, Air Force head of space acquisition Frank Calvelli had dubbed OCX one of the handful of flailing software programs that have been “albatrosses” weighing down the Space Force for decades. In November, he sounded more optimistic about progress, saying he expected that the program would finally go into operation this summer — a hope the the DOT&E report categorically dashes given the development delays and lack of required testing of the how the satellites, ground control systems and receivers work together.
“No operational testing was conducted in FY23 across the GPS Enterprise. The OCX cyber assessment that was scheduled for August 2023 has now been delayed until [FY24’s fourth quarter]. The GPS Enterprise IOT&E [Initial Operational Test & Evaluation] that had been scheduled to commence in [FY23’s fourth quarter] has now been delayed until FY26,” the DOT&E report concludes. (Source: Defense News Early Bird/Breaking Defense.com)
05 Feb 24. AUKUS trial advances AI and autonomy collaboration.
The UK’s armed forces and Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) recently collaborated in an AUKUS trial in Australia.
Dstl and UK armed forces collaborated with Australia and the US in an AUKUS trial to accelerate the adoption and understanding of artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomous systems.
The AUKUS Trusted Operation of Robotic Vehicles in Contested Environments (TORVICE) trial aimed to identify and resolve vulnerabilities of robotic vehicles and sensors that affect autonomous systems. Understanding and mitigating the impact of such threats is critical to effective and reliable use of such systems on future operations.
The TORVICE trial follows the first AUKUS AI and autonomy trial held in the UK in April 2023. In December, AUKUS defence ministers announced their intent to integrate Resilient and Autonomous Artificial Intelligence Technologies (RAAIT) into national programs in 2024. The TORVICE trial takes us a step closer to adopting these technologies in the land domain.
During the trial, US and UK autonomous vehicles conducted a large number of missions, such as, route reconnaissance while subjected to a range of effects generated by Australia. Outcomes will improve the resilience of AUKUS AI and autonomy systems when subjected to electronic warfare, laser and position, navigation and timing (for example, GPS) attacks. This will also ensure systems reliably deliver capability in the testing environments of the modern battlefield.
Guy Powell, Dstl’s technical authority for the trial, said: “The TORVICE trial aims to understand the capabilities of robotic and autonomous systems to operate in contested environments. We need to understand how robust these systems are when subject to attack. Robotic and autonomous systems are a transformational capability that we are introducing to armies across all 3 nations.”
Dstl military advisor, Lt Col Russ Atherton, said: “The science and technology will be an absolute game-changer and give us operational advantage. The ability to deploy different payloads such as sensors and logistics across a larger battlespace will give commanders greater options than currently exist.”
Accelerating the development of these technologies is expected to have a massive impact on coalition military capability while reducing risk to warfighters.
This collaboration enables all 3 AUKUS nations to access the best resilient AI and autonomy:
improving interoperability
streamlining efforts
benefiting from each other’s science and technology expertise
AUKUS is a landmark defence and security partnership between Australia, the UK, and the US that supports security and stability in the Indo-Pacific and around the world.
Our work to deepen cooperation on a range of cutting-edge military technologies, known as AUKUS Pillar 2, will help deliver enhanced military edge for us and our allies, making sure we have the capabilities needed to defend against rapidly evolving threats. Through Pillar 2, our countries are collaborating to accelerate collective understanding of AI and autonomy technologies, and how to rapidly field robust, trustworthy AI and autonomy in complex operations while adhering to international law and ensuring the safe and responsible use of AI. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
05 Feb 24. Kromek Group plc (“Kromek” or the “Group”) Kromek granted £1.3m under Horizon Europe guarantee scheme. New joint project to develop AI-powered radiation sensor. Kromek Group plc (AIM: KMK), a leading developer of radiation and bio-detection technology solutions for the advanced imaging and CBRN detection segments, announces that it has been awarded a grant of £1.3m under the UK Research and Innovation (“UKRI”) Horizon Europe guarantee scheme to participate in the Intelligent Radiation Sensor Readout System (“i-RASE”) project to develop a new class of radiation sensor powered by artificial intelligence (“AI”).
The i-RASE project, to be led by DTU Space, is a collaboration between industrial and academic partners in Denmark, Germany, Norway and Italy to design, build and test a new class of radiation sensor based on cadmium zinc telluride (“CZT”) and other advanced technologies. The aim is to develop a radiation detector that leverages the latest developments in AI to facilitate the retrieval of comprehensive information on incident radiation to improve measurement accuracy and speed, while increasing energy efficiency. This offers transformational potential for various radiation applications, such as medical imaging, industrial inspection, scientific space instrumentation and environmental monitoring. The project will start on 1 March 2024 and will run for a period of 48 months.
i-RASE is part of the European Union’s Horizon Europe programme, with which the UK is associated, and is designed to facilitate collaboration and strengthen the impact of research and innovation in developing, supporting and implementing EU policies while tackling global challenges. Kromek is receiving £1.3m from UKRI, on behalf of the UK government’s Department for Science, Innovation & Technology, to participate in the project.
01 Feb 24. General Atomics demos 3-D printed air-launched effects vehicle. General Atomics Aeronautical Systems said it successfully released a new air-launched effects platform made with additive manufacturing from the internal weapons bay of an MQ-20 Avenger unmanned system. The company partnered with Divergent Technologies, Inc. to design and build the Advanced Air-Launched Effects vehicle, or A2LE, using Divergent’s Adaptive Production System (DAPS) “to support rapid, low-cost manufacturing of the demonstration vehicle,” it said in a statement.
The Nov. 28 demonstration at Dugway Proving Ground, Utah, showed additive manufacturing, also known as 3-D printing, early in the design process can create efficiencies, the company said. It’s a key step in validating AM process and material properties for incorporation in future systems to be employed by both manned and unmanned platforms.
The flight was “a crucial first step in demonstrating GA-ASI’s ability to rapidly develop, manufacture, and test a Small Unmanned Aircraft System (SUAS) in a controlled, low-risk approach,” Mike Atwood, company vice president of advanced programs, said in the statement. “A2LE demonstrates the coupling of GA-ASI’s pedigreed aircraft design capabilities with Divergent’s DAPS, paving the way for continued maturation of affordable, modular SUAS platforms that can be tailored to meet warfighter needs at a fraction of the cost and lead time of currently fielded systems.”
The company is planning a network of A2LEs providing a “persistent, expansive grid” for surveillance, attack, enemy air defense suppression or communication pathways, according to the statement, while enhancing current and future manned and unmanned platforms with increased capability.
The U.S. Army has been extensively evaluating launched effects for roughly five years and is considering several size classes of launched effects. It’s evaluating an initial small, launched-effects prototype – a collaboration between Anduril Industries, RTX’s Collins Aerospace and Aurora Flight Sciences – as it experiment swith requirements and capabilities for a future program.
The service plans to launch these small, uncrewed aircraft not only from air platforms, but from launchers on the ground or off vehicles. It has demonstrated the capabilities several times, including at the service’s first Edge exercise in 2021, which experiments with technology to enhance operations in the aerial tier.
General Atomics demonstrated another ALE — the Eaglet — that the company deployed from a Gray Eagle UAS a year ago.
The Eaglet would fit in the large class, the company said, which translates to having the ability to carry a wide variety of more powerful sensors and payloads. The Gray Eagle would still be able to carry it for thousands of kilometers before launching it. A2LE is considered to fit in the small category.
“General Atomics has been approaching the future of uninhabited aerial vehicles and systems from a ‘family of systems’ approach,” said C. Mark Brinkley, a spokesman. “Whether air launched or ground launched, recoverable or expendable, we see these aircraft as offering different options configured for different missions.”
The company is working on several launched effects offerings in addition to Eaglet and A2LE like Sparrowhawk and LongShot, Brinkley added.
“All of these are similar and all of them are different, but the main theme here is affordable mass at scale, attacking a variety of problems in a variety of ways,” he said.
“It wouldn’t be fair to compare these aircraft head-to-head at this point, because they’re all being driven by different requirements and intended uses,” Brinkley noted, “but each of these programs are absolutely leveraging best practices and lessons learned from one program to the next to help us iterate and innovate very quickly.”
(Source: C4ISR & Networks)
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