Sponsored By Oxley Developments
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28 Sep 22. Saab’s r-TWR digital tower starts operating at Nato Air Base Geilenkirchen. The all-weather r-TWR solution provides the latest air traffic control technologies to the air base.
Saab’s first military digital air traffic control tower, r-TWR, has successfully started operating at Nato Air Base Geilenkirchen in Germany.
The new r-TWR has also received certification from the German Military Aviation Authority (Luftfahrtamt der Bundeswehr – LufABw).
The new digital tower is capable of operating in all weather conditions and providing various latest air traffic control technologies to the airbase.
Saab’s r-TWR comprises a set of systems that are operated from a control room at the air base.
It includes sound reproduction, pan-tilt-zoom cameras and high-definition cameras sitting atop the mast to capture a 360° view of the airfield.
Saab Digital Air Traffic Solutions CEO Per Ahl said: “This is an important milestone for Saab going operational with the digital air traffic solution within the military domain.
“The digital tower provides a flexible and scalable solution that is proven to be suitable for military airbases, as well as civilian airports of all sizes.”
Geilenkirchen is the main operating base for Nato’s Boeing-developed E-3A airborne warning and control system (AWACS) aircraft fleet.
Apart from E-3A, the tower will also support the operations undertaken by different types of fighter aircraft and helicopters.
The digital air traffic solutions supply contract for Nato Air Base Geilenkirchen was awarded to Saab in June 2019, marking the manufacturer’s first military order for an operational digital tower.
According to Saab, Nato required the r-TWR to conduct live operations at the time of refurbishment of the existing control tower.
The r-TWR was originally introduced in 2015 and followed by the establishment of Saab Digital Air Traffic Solutions in 2016.
It is a joint venture between Saab and the Swedish Civil Aviation Administration. (Source: airforce-technology.com)
28 Sep 22. Mussel Polymers announces new multi-functional carbon and aramid fiber coating for stronger lighter reinforced composites. Carbon fiber reinforced materials are widely used in products from golf clubs to the world’s most advanced aircraft due to their high strength, stability, and light weight. Mussel Polymers, Inc., a specialty materials and coatings company, announced today that it has successfully coated carbon and aramid fibers with its Poly(catechol-styrene) (PCS), which is a step forward in producing lighter, stronger fiber reinforced composites.
While carbon and aramid fibers possess many positive attributes, they are notoriously difficult to bond with because they are smooth and chemically inert. Previous work coating carbon and aramid fibers with Polydopamine (PDA), a catechol containing research agent like PCS, showed that the shear strength of a single coated fiber pulled from its matrix increased over 200% compared to that of a raw fiber. Further, the flexural strength and impact energy of reinforced composites made with the catechol coated fibers increased over 200%.
PCS is the first commercially available catechol compound used to coat carbon fibers, among its many other uses.
Jason Stieg – Chief Commercial Officer of Mussel Polymers – “The MPI team successfully coated carbon and aramid fibers with PCS using a simple one-step, room temperature process. These coated fibers were examined under the scanning electron microscope at Lehigh University. The resulting images were striking and showed complete coverage of the fibers. The ability of our polymer to bond to these surfaces has applicability in both advanced composite materials and the assembly and coating of carbon fiber parts.”
George Boyajian – CEO of Mussel Polymers – “We are excited to have expanded the uses of our Poly(catechol-styrene). With this development allowing for stronger, lightweight materials, we will expand our partnerships with new materials and products companies. The simplicity of this coating process may accelerate its adoption and allow for safer and more environmentally sound materials.”
Mussel Polymers is currently in discussions to jointly develop new composite materials with its PCS.
Mussel Polymers, Inc. (MPI) is a specialty materials company commercializing a range of products based on its biomimetic Poly(catechol-styrene). PCS is the first commercially available catechol containing polymer. PCS effectively bonds with many materials, providing enhanced adhesion and other surface functionalizing benefits. MPI is developing products for applications in the dental, biomedical, defense, specialty coatings, industrial and marine industries. Founded in 2020, MPI is based at the Ben Franklin Technology Facility in Bethlehem Pennsylvania. Inquiries can be addressed to .
www.musselpolymers.com (Source: PR Newswire)
28 Sep 22. Blainjett Aviation, an innovative aerodynamic propulsion technology startup, today announced that initial testing of its hemi-rotor aerodynamic concept has confirmed its potential to deliver faster, more efficient performance in VTOL aircraft. Subscale tests demonstrated the novel configuration’s net positive lift and low drag through the ascent/hover, cruise and descent/hover phases of flight.
“If our lab testing continues on its current trajectory,” Zachary says, “we believe our [hemi-rotor configured] prototype will boast the most efficient hover and forward flight profile of any rotor-borne VTOL aircraft.”
Blainjett is applying the hemi-rotor concept to a subscale drone as part of a path to demonstrating that the configuration can scale to larger unmanned or manned aircraft in eVTOL applications from package delivery and cargo to transport and tactical military roles.
Blainjett president, Cary Zachary, discovered the configuration while evaluating a series of digital models pairing rotor designs with an electric powertrain for Horizon Aeronautics’ 9-foot long, four-foot wide “Hoverbike,” a proposed short distance commuter vehicle.
Blainjett’s “hemi-rotor” design situates familiar vertical lift rotors (as seen on helicopters, UAM or drone aircraft) partially inside opposite sides of an enclosed fuselage. The airfoil-shaped fuselage also houses a pair of electric motors to drive the lift-rotors. A third motor situated in the empennage above an inverted V-tail powers a pusher prop.
The concept hinges on isolating the retreating rotor blades from the advancing blades, in effect neutralizing the retreating rotors. In a hover, conventional open-rotors generate an even amount of lift all the way around. But when a traditional rotorcraft flies forward, its rotor blades both advance forward into the relative wind and retreat from it during rotation. This yields a dissymmetry of lift on opposing sides of the rotor arc, eventually creating a hard speed limit.
Blainjett solves the problem by enclosing the inner half of each rotor disc within the aircraft fuselage. The fuselage incorporates an inner “hover door” and a series of top and bottom vents to facilitate pitch and yaw control (and relieve internal aerodynamic pressure) while in hover. Roll control is affected by power inputs to the mid-fuselage lift-rotors.
In hover and during transition to forward-flight, the rotors on opposite sides of the fuselage rotate into the relative wind (left rotor, clockwise – right rotor counterclockwise). As Blainjett’s subscale prototype transitions from hover to forward flight with thrust from its pusher-prop, its upper vent doors close and the retreating rotor blades are shielded from the relative wind, negating drag, loss of lift and the eventual negative lift that would occur at high speeds. The aerodynamic fuselage as well as the advancing blades, in contrast progressively produce lift.
This allows the rotors to be slowed and stopped to a straight or swept-wing fixed position as forward speed increases. In this configuration the rotors become fully articulating “wings,” with super low drag and therefore are super efficient in forward flight. In the highest speed flight mode, they can actively sweep backwards, rotating in reverse for more drag reduction. The speed limitations imposed by the drag and lift-dissymmetry of compound rotor designs are dispensed without the complexity, drag and weight penalties of familiar tilt-rotor aircraft.
Positive, repeatable lab tests of the hemi-rotor prototype in different phases of flight showed expected lift and drag profiles for the semi-enclosed rotors in both spinning and fixed modes. The results confirmed Blainjett’s baseline assumptions and provided experimental data to expand upon during the next phase of testing.
The company has secured use of Vertiq electric motor modules for integration in its forthcoming (V2) subscale prototype. Vertiq’s electric motor modules are capable of halting rotation and maintaining an aerodynamically-favorable fixed position or freewheeling in reverse direction during selected phases of flight.
In a joint development partnership, Fenris Electric Systems will be creating custom flight controls.
As V2 testing of the hemi-drone prototype moves forward, Blainjett is seeking potential manufacturing partners to help scale the concept and validate design IP. Interested parties can contact Cary Zachary as below.
About Blainjett
Founded in 2016, Blainjett Aviation is a privately-held advanced aerodynamics design firm with a focus on rotary-wing projects and novel concepts for efficient, affordable flight. (Source: PR Newswire)
28 Sep 22. Smiths Detection launches Open Architecture initiative. Smiths Detection, a global leader in threat detection and security screening technologies, today announces the launch of the ‘Ada Initiative’ to drive forward the development and implementation of responsible Open Architecture (OA). The initiative will benefit customers across its markets in aviation, ports & borders, defence and urban security.
Hardware, software and algorithms from different product suppliers can be plugged together using OA. By driving the continued development of OA, Smiths Detection, a trusted name in the industry, will work with both start-up and established third parties for technology to be seamlessly, bidirectionally and safely integrated with Smiths Detection’s own software and equipment.
Richard Thompson, Vice President Marketing, Smiths Detection said: “In security operations there are often fragmented physical and digital components from different suppliers, OA can help get the most out of all these elements. With the Ada Initiative we are working to ensure all components seamlessly and compliantly work together, so customers can achieve operational efficiencies, improved safety outcomes and work with a more relevant, precise data ecosystem.
“Throughout this initiative, we’re working with a growing number of stakeholders to ensure we achieve a responsible, reliable and practical interoperability of technologies, and deliver ever higher standards of safety, infosec, and operational benefit to users.”
The Ada Initiative has been named after Ada Lovelace, a 19th Century English mathematician and writer, who was the first person to publish an algorithm. As a result, she is often regarded as the first computer programmer.
28 Sep 22. Genesys Aerosystems Completes Certification of Genesys Avionics Suite™ on CN-235 Aircraft. Moog Inc.- (NYSE: MOG.A and MOG.B) announced today that Genesys Aerosystems, a Moog Inc. company, has received full civil certification and acceptance by the military end-customer for the complete Genesys Avionics Suite™ installed in the Indonesian Aerospace (PTDI) CN-235 aircraft. The Genesys avionics suite consists of EFIS flight displays with embedded FMS and Class-A TAWS, dual ADAHRS (Air Data / Attitude/Heading Reference System), dual GPS/SBAS receivers, GDR™ integrated VHF/UHF software-defined digital radios, and an S-TEC® digital autopilot.
The CN-235 is a twin-engine transport aircraft jointly developed by CASA of Spain and PTDI. It is operated as both a regional airliner and military transport; its primary military roles include air transport and aerial surveillance.
“We are proud to complete this important certification milestone on the CN-235 aircraft to open the door for increased operational capabilities and mission efficiencies,” stated Nick Bogner, Director of Business Development. “Genesys prides itself in delivering on complex certification programs such as this.”
The Genesys Avionics Suite™ provides renewed operational life to aircraft through a complete, comprehensive, and affordable cockpit system upgrade to existing fixed-wing and helicopter aircraft. The Genesys Avionics Suite™ includes the following system components:
* EFIS Glass Upgrade – Primary and Multi-Function Flight Displays
* FMS – Flight Management
* SVS – Synthetic Vision & Highway-In-The-Sky (HITS)
* TAWS – Fixed-Wing & Helicopters
* EICAS Upgrade
* Autopilot Upgrade – Helicopter HeliSAS® & GRC™ Autopilots
* Autopilot Upgrade – Fixed-Wing S-TEC Autopilots
* Radios – GDR™ Integrated Nav/Comm software-definable radios
* ADAHRS Only Upgrade – Legacy attitude source replacements
* Interfaces – Includes all necessary interfaces to get the aircraft up and flying
* Sensors – Includes all necessary sensors to get the aircraft up and flying
27 Sep 22. Mercury Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: MRCY, www.mrcy.com), a leader in trusted, secure mission-critical technologies for aerospace and defense, today introduced the Model 5560, its next-generation 3U OpenVPX™ SOSA™ aligned co-processing board that is the first to be powered by the AMD Xilinx Versal® HBM series with integrated high-bandwidth memory.
Electronic warfare and spectrum processing applications used by land, air, and sea-based platforms must capture input signals, process them, and deliver output signals on extremely short timelines. Near-peer adversaries are investing in capabilities to achieve split-second information advantages in warfare, and the United States and its allies must rely on trusted, secure processing to maintain technological superiority.
Many existing defense systems use field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) as co-processers to accelerate data processing at the edge, but they run into bottlenecks when data is transferred to memory that is positioned elsewhere on the board, which delays decision making. Mercury’s Model 5560 is directly integrated with the on-chip HBM via the Versal Programmable Network-On-Chip, resulting in up to an 8x increase in bandwidth and 63% lower power compared to a system using external memory. With gigabytes of HBM directly accessible by the Versal HBM adaptable engines, the overall amount of data that can be pushed through the system can be significantly increased. Model 5560 is the new flagship in Mercury’s portfolio of co-processors that use HBM technology, joining the Model 5585 and 5586 modules.
“The climate of continuous urgency in the geopolitical environment is escalating demand for faster, more powerful and secure aerospace and defense systems,” said Kevin Beals, Vice President and General Manager of Mercury Signal Solutions. “By collaborating with technology leaders like AMD, we put the most powerful American innovations into the hands of those who ensure the safety of our nation.”
“The combined power of high capacity on-chip High Bandwidth Memory, using our unique 2.5D packaging technology, coupled with our advanced Programmable Network-On-Chip technology, which is integrated into the highly specialized Model 5560 architecture, results in solution that is purpose-built for extremely demanding customer requirements,” said Manuel Uhm, director of Silicon Marketing, AMD.
Processing massive amounts of data at the edge with Model 5560
* 16 GB of Versal high-bandwidth memory
* Versal HBM series delivers memory bandwidth of up to 820 GB/sec, 8x the bandwidth of DDR5 memory at 63% lower power
* Four 100 GigE high-speed optical data pipes for an aggregate data throughput rate of 50 GB/sec
* Navigator® FPGA design kit (FDK) and board support package (BSP) for operational control and IP development
27 Sep 22. In a big boost to the “Make in India” initiative, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) announces a strategic partnership with Indian start-up company 3rdiTech, a company that develops next generation computer chips, integrated circuits, and other semiconductor technologies.
“GA-ASI is delighted to announce a strategic partnership with 3rdiTech,” said Dr. Vivek Lall, Chief Executive of General Atomics Global Corporation. “Semiconductors are going to be the defining technology of this era. The team and capability being developed at 3rdiTech are representative of the new India under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership. GA-ASI will work with 3rdiTech, one of the inaugural winners of the Indian Ministry of Defence’s flagship iDEX Program, to transition this cutting-edge capability onto some of India’s platforms. General Atomics is committed to supporting Prime Minister Modi’s vision of an Atmanirbhar India, and partnerships like these are a big step in the right direction.”
In the spirit of increasing technology cooperation between India and the U.S., the companies will now work to co-develop state of the art products for the Indian and global market.
GA-ASI has been working closely with the team at 3rdiTech since 2021. This announcement comes as the two companies are beginning to co-design and co-develop products. This represents a large shift from today’s landscape that is dominated by Technology Transfer from U.S. to Indian companies. GA-ASI’s collaboration with 3rdiTech paves the way for products designed and developed in India to make it to the global supply chain.
28 Sep 22. L3Harris installs autonomous control suite on future USNS Apalachicola. The ship completed 120 hours of autonomous navigation during sea trials with L3Harris’ ASView suite. US-based technology company L3Harris Technologies, in partnership with Austal USA, has successfully installed an autonomous control suite on the US Navy’s Spearhead-class ship, the future USNS Apalachicola (EPF 13).
Following the installation, the companies also demonstrated the L3Harris’ perception and autonomy control suite, also called ASView, during the ship’s acceptance trials.
Trials for the future expeditionary fast transport (EPF) ship began in June and were completed on 29 August.
During the trials, USNS Apalachicola achieved more than 120 hours of autonomous navigation.
This was done in accordance with the International Regulations for Prevention of Collision at Sea (COLREGS).
To confirm that the vessel is COLREGS-compliant, Apalachicola was put under different scenarios to test ASView’s capability to perform safe autonomous manoeuvres. (Source: naval-technology.com)
28 Sep 22. Essentium demonstrates AM solutions in US Navy’s REPTX exercise. The company presented its modified 280i HSE 3D Printer with new field-deployable features during the exercise. US-based printing company Essentium has demonstrated the viability and efficacy of its additive manufacturing (AM) technology to enhance the US Navy’s capability to perform expeditionary maintenance operations.
The company showcased its solutions at the US Navy’s Repair Technology Exercise 2022 (REPTX 22), whose first iteration was held from 22 August to 2 September at Port Hueneme, California.
During the exercise, Essentium’s team members demonstrated the capabilities of its modified Essentium 280i HSE 3D Printer, which has new field-deployable features.
Apart from Essentium, around 60 naval, academia and industry partners from across the world took part in REPTX 22.
Conducted aboard the US Navy’s Self Defense Test Ship (SDTS), REPTX allowed the participants to pitch innovative technologies and solutions for various maintenance challenges faced by the US Navy.
Essentium third applications engineer Zach Burhop said: “The opportunity to work directly with Sailors offered amazing insight into how additive manufacturing can benefit future of digital manufacturing within the Navy.
“The unique environment of a Navy ship showcased the need for a deployable digital manufacturing solution that can address the wide diversity of part needs both at port and when underway.” (Source: naval-technology.com)
27 Sep 22. GCSS-Army’s Enterprise Aviation software gets full deployment decision. The Enterprise Aviation solution will help the units handle tactical logistics and finances in near real-time.
Program Executive Office Enterprise Information Systems (PEO EIS) has secured full system deployment authorisation for the Global Combat Support System-Army’s (GCSS-Army) Enterprise Aviation software.
The authority granted by Army acquisition executive (AAE) Douglas R Bush enables the GCSS-Army team to implement its software at all Army Aviation units across the globe.
The latest authorisation follows six limited GCSS-Army deployments, which were delivered on time and within budget.
According to PEO EIS, the Enterprise Aviation solution was developed and tested in coordination with stakeholder organisations.
Under full deployment, the GCSS-Army Aviation Logistics team will initially train over 51,000 product users from 395 Army Aviation units at 170 locations.
Following this, the team will take up the system acquisition and fielding process that is expected to continue through to September 2023.
The solution will provide the aviation units with an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system to help them handle tactical logistics and finances in near real-time. The solution, which offers visibility into Army aviation assets and readiness, will also enable commanders and senior leaders to make better decisions regarding the assets and supply chain.
(Source: army-technology.com)
27 Sep 22. US AFLCMC developing new R-EGI navigation system at Robins AFB. The R-EGI system is part of USAF chief of staff general CQ Brown Jr’s ‘Accelerate, Change or Lose’ initiative. The US Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) is developing a next-generation aircraft navigation system at Robins Air Force Base (AFB) in Georgia, US.
Known as a resilient-embedded global positioning system/inertial (R-EGI) navigation system, the solution is being designed to enhance the resiliency of aircraft navigation systems.
The prototype of the R-EGI navigation system is currently under development. It is expected to enter the flight-testing phase by 2024.
AFLCMC Precision, Navigation and Timing (PNT) Office materiel leader lieutenant colonel Robinson Hughes said: “Our mission is to make sure the US military and those of our allies can navigate anywhere around the globe whenever they need to.
“We all are reliant on US GPS, and adversaries are developing capabilities with the potential to disrupt our way of life. R-EGI is the solution for our military aviation fleet. (Source: airforce-technology.com)
27 Sep 22. £1.5m available to experiment on CHERI architecture within defence and security systems. DASA has launched a new competition to trial the cutting-edge CHERI security architecture in a defence and security context.
* DASA has launched a new Themed Competition: CHERI within Defence and Security
* Funded by Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) Cyber Programme
* £1.5m funding available to experiment and trial the effects of the CHERI (Capability Hardware Enhanced RISC Instructions) based architecture extensions within the Arm’s Morello prototype System on Chip (SoC)
The Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) is pleased to launch a new Themed Competition, CHERI within Defence and Security. Run on behalf of the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) Cyber Programme, this competition seeks proposals to experiment and trial the effects of the CHERI (Capability Hardware Enhanced RISC Instructions) based architecture extensions within Arm’s Morello prototype System on Chip (SoC) for defence and security.
Key dates and funding
£1.5m funding is available for this Themed Competition, and we expect to fund several proposals up to £100k.
The deadline to submit a proposal is midday 14 November 2022
Do you have a useful idea for testing CHERI within Defence and Security? Read the full competition document and submit a proposal.
What is Arm Morello and CHERI?
Cyber security needs to keep pace with the rapid evolution of technologies, and currently, a lot of time, effort and money is spent on patching systems so they are more secure. However, in a world with uncertain technological and military challenges, systems that are built from the ground up to be more resilient to attacks is vital for a safer future.
The Arm Morello Program, funded by Digital Security by Design (DSbD), is a collaboration between academia, industry and government to research and create more secure hardware and software to improve built-in security. CHERI (Capability Hardware Enhanced RISC Instructions) is the key underpinning technology that addresses memory safety issues and enables fine grain protection of applications.
Using this technology, Arm has designed a prototype SoC and development board, called the Morello board, the world’s first industrial quality implementation of CHERI. The Morello board is being distributed to industry and academia to test the prototype architecture to investigate and experiment on its capabilities.
Evaluating CHERI within Defence and Security
The CHERI within Defence and Security Themed Competition is aimed at providing the Morello board to the Defence and Security sector for research, evaluation and experimentation. Successful proposals will be provided with the Morello board to trial and evaluate the effect of the new technologies within their defence systems.
Challenge areas
The competition has three challenge areas. Proposals may address more than one challenge.
Code Porting
This challenge area seeks to port an existing codebase or tool (e.g. compiler) into the Morello environment and strengthen its security by using the Morello enhanced security features.
Software Compartmentalisation
This challenge area seeks to refactor an existing application to employ fine grain software compartmentalisation.
Innovation
This challenge area seeks to conduct research in an area in line with competition scope, such as a security enhancing innovation, now enabled by the availability of the Morello features.
To learn more about the challenge areas of the competition, read the full competition document.
Submit a proposal
Do you have an innovative project to test the CHERI based architecture in a defence setting? Submit your idea and help create a safer and more cyber resilient defence.
Learn more and submit a proposal: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/competition-cheri-within-defence-and-security (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
22 Sep 22. The UK Defence Equipment and Support Future Capability Group (FCG) is aiming to tap the potential of 3D printing to manufacture important parts. Defence Equipment and Support’s Future Capability Group (FCG) is aiming to tap the potential of 3D printing to manufacture important parts and equipment for UK Armed Forces.
Earlier this summer, FCG established its latest Centre of Expertise (CoE), focusing on High Value Manufacturing (HVM). One of its early priorities is to respond to the ‘Additive Manufacturing (AdM) as a Service Challenge’ set by Lieutenant General Richard Wardlaw, Chief Defence Logistics and Support (CDLS) in Strategic Command. The challenge has been created to accelerate the use of AdM – more commonly known as 3D printing – within Defence to improve platform availability.
FCG is in the process of setting up an initial trial for a multi-supplier framework agreement to accelerate the use of such technologies within UK Defence, deliver a more agile response to the demand for parts and generate the efficiencies it promises. It would also help MOD and industry develop an understanding of the constraints of 3D printing, and the solutions to these constraints. Suppliers who join the framework will be eligible to bid for tasks set by FCG, the first of which has a budget of up to £1m split between successful bidders.
Col Dan Anders-Brown, Senior Responsible Owner for the HVM CoE at DE&S, said: “The new High Value Manufacturing CoE will play a very important role in facilitating the progression of materiel such as advanced composites and processes such as additive manufacturing, to improve current and future availability for Front-Line Commands.”
Charlotte Robinson, Strat Com’s Support Transformation Innovation Team Leader, said: “The CDLS Additive Manufacturing as a Service Challenge seeks to collaborate with industry to understand and alleviate the blockers that are currently hindering the wider adoption of additive manufacturing within the UK Defence supply chain.
“We see additive manufacturing as a key tool in our arsenal to help reduce issues affecting our platform availability, such as excessive inventory lead times, part obsolescence and prohibitively low production volumes.”
Building on the success of other CoEs created by FCG such as Expeditionary Robotics and Digital Battlespace, the new one was launched at the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre in Rotherham. The launch event was chaired by Col Anders-Brown, facilitated by Team Defence Information and attended by more than 60 people keen to collaborate from MOD, industry and academia. The attendees provided useful insight, advice and guidance on what the HVM CoE might focus on and where it might add value to UK Defence.
As well as investigating advanced materials and manufacture, agreed priorities for the CoE include tools and techniques for in-service support and the ownership, access, reuse and protection of data and information as part of the ‘digital thread’.
Col Anders-Brown added: “The launch event exceeded our expectations in terms of attendance, contribution and commitment from so many energised attendees. It provided a solid foundation on which to continue the dialogue with the HVM community at large.” (Source: joint-forces.com)
23 Sep 22. Hicks Highlights Energy Innovation to Improve Warfighter Capabilities. For the past week, the Pentagon’s central courtyard resembled a giant science fair featuring the newest energy saving technology, and Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen H. Hicks said she was impressed both by what this means for energy conservation and for warfighters.
The demonstrations in the courtyard were part of the Pentagon Energy Expo and featured contractors, Defense Department agencies, research labs and more. Hicks took reporters on a lightning tour of the courtyard and then spoke about the need for such innovation.
The deputy secretary has championed innovation in her many tours around the department and with contractors. “I have been to a number of sites — DOD and non-DOD — throughout the country to look at similar displays,” she said. “And I think just in general, I’m really blown away always by the incredible innovation that’s happening in the United States; and we in DOD want need to be a part of that.”
Hicks saw a drone that ran on hydrogen, a tactical autonomous vehicle, a rechargeable expeditionary power source, and a tactical electrification kit in her walk around the courtyard. She passed exhibits that touted new methods of battery recharging, hydrogen fuel cells, solar cells and more.
Hicks said energy innovation “has to do with national security and what it takes to have the capabilities we need for the warfighter today and going forward. That alignment with climate goals is excellent for us.”
She said that her philosophy is that it’s not enough to simply save energy; a project must bring benefits to those on the front lines. At the electrification kit exhibit, she noted that the process saved fuel and allowed the vehicle to run more quietly and with a decreased heat signature.
“So, I would just point out that mission alignment, the warfighter purpose, and the view of climate as a national security challenge are fully aligned in cases like this,” she said.
The department is examining every aspect of energy from the tactical to strategic. This means more than simply an engine that uses less fuel, but the “on-shoring” of microchips to ensure the United States has the capabilities needed to distribute power. For deployed forces, this could mean power from solar panels or wind turbines. Hydrogen fuel cells could be adapted.
Research can look at developing batteries that last longer and are lighter. These could give military capabilities longer loiter times and greater ranges, she said. They can also develop electric micro-grids for deployed forces or for bases.
Hicks gave one concrete example featuring the venerable KC-135 refueling aircraft. “If we’re able to save about five percent efficiency on aircraft, let’s just say, — and that’s something that we’re working on now with drag reduction efforts on our KC 135 — that’s the equivalent of an entire aircraft’s worth of fuel, just if you looked at a fleet of 20,” she said. “That’s one fewer tanker that we need to fly.”
This could mean big savings — both economically and ecologically: about $35m a year and a 125-kiloton reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, she said.
This entails a cultural change in the DOD, she said. “How do we make sure that folks understand demand reduction is fully aligned with, and supportive of, warfighter needs?” she asked.
Part of the answer could be found in a May memo she sent to the force directing the department “to prioritize energy demand reduction in all new systems acquisitions and upgrades to existing systems,” she said. “As I said, it’s good for the climate, but more important than anything here in the Department of Defense, it is essential for our warfighters.” (Source: US DoD)
20 Sep 22. Following successful MoD trials, Smarter Technologies are ready to expand further into the Defence sector. Their unique Orion IoT Data Network is a powerful strategic enabler. It is well-suited to Defence Support’s ambition for logistic excellence, and is operationally proven as a stepping stone to Business Modernisation for Support (BMfS) and other key initiatives. This announcement coincides with the MoD’s DVD 22 event at Millbrook on 21/22 September.
Smarter Technologies are a British provider of fully integrated Internet-of-Things (IoT) solutions. They bring market-leading expertise in hardware, software, communications and data to transform their clients’ organisations. They are the only vertically integrated UK provider designing, manufacturing and supporting end-to-end IoT systems to enhance logistic capability, drive logistic efficiency and deliver logistic excellence. Beyond Defence, Smarter Technologies have implemented innovative IoT solutions in commercial and other government sectors for decades, with systems deployed in 32 countries.
The proprietary Orion IoT Data Network presents a simple, fast, scalable, easily configured and affordable route to asset-tracking, smart building implementation and many other IoT applications. Its unique low power ultra-narrow band 433 MHz UHF radio system complements other existing network technologies, such as GSM, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, LoRaWAN, Sigfox and ZigBee HAN. However, Orion is a significant advance upon them for complex asset tracking and Building Energy Monitoring applications, as it is immune to Wi-Fi dead-spots, Bluetooth range limitations, LoRaWAN channel congestion and GSM data charges. Its low frequency gives it significantly better range and penetration through buildings, or into underground spaces, than its competitors. It is uniquely frugal, enabling battery-powered sensors to operate for years on a single power pack. Its efficient duty cycle and 2-way radio protocol avoids channel congestion and packet loss, leading to more reliable transmission of near real-time data that is less susceptible to jamming, interception or interference. Finally, being wireless, Orion is substantially quicker, more convenient and less costly to install, configure and reconfigure than hard-wired systems, and remote updates make it the future-proof choice.
Smarter Technologies have completed several successful asset-tracking concept demonstrations, trials and system implementations for the UK Defence sector, at RAF stations, RN bases, Army installations and on operations. The data insight Orion provides has resulted in significant improvements to operational efficiency and risk assurance, the transparency of third-party contract performance and the collaborative focus of customer/supplier relations, consistent with the aims of Support Transformation. Smarter Technologies’ systems are ISO 27001 compliant, CyberSecure and Government-approved for full integration with MODNET. They have been cleared for RADHAZ, HIRTA and WOME for use in close proximity to people, fuel, munitions and other sensitive equipment.
Mark Read, Chief Executive at Smarter Technologies, said, “Smarter Technologies have been leading the way in solving complex, high-value and global asset-tracking challenges with Orion for years, and our solutions are tried and tested. As the MoD faces ever-growing demands for operational effectiveness and efficiency, we are ready to help, with a British manufactured off-the-shelf solution that closely aligns to BmfS.” (Source: joint-forces.com)
23 Sep 22. RDARS Selects ModalAI’s VOXL2 Platform for its Eagle Eye Drone and Commences Drone Production. RDARS Inc. (“RDARS” or the “Company”) (CSE: RDRS), an autonomous robotics and drone technology company developing advanced autonomous drone and robotic systems for alarm system augmentation and surveillance, is pleased to announce that, further to its press release dated September 13, 2022, it has selected ModalAI’s (www.modalai.com) VOXL2 platform as a key component for its Eagle Eye drone. The VOXL2 ecosystem represents an advanced flight stack for autonomous drones and will provide the advanced capabilities RDARS is building into its Eagle Eye drone in order to meet Transport Canada’s Beyond Visual Line of Sight (“BVLOS”) requirements.
The VOXL2 platform is BlueUAS Framework compliant, allowing RDARS to more easily comply with the United States’ Department of Defense standard. “ModalAI has merged an advanced Qualcomm system-on-chip with the ease of use of the PX4 Autopilot. VOXL2 expands on this further through the integration of components and weight reduction,” said Jason Braverman, Chief Technology Officer of the Company. “VOXL2 is an extraordinary piece of technology, with its extremely low weight of 16 grams, and the ability to power 6 onboard cameras and a suite of other systems with ease. ModalAI gives RDARS a powerful and simpler path forward,” Jason added.
“We are excited about utilizing this powerhouse of advanced technology, which will allow us to introduce solutions into our Eagle Eye drone and Eagle Watch software that are ahead of the industry and times. We have built in features such as 360-degree visual observation from the drone during flight times that provides the pilot complete situation awareness and can mitigate risks in a BVLOS flight mission. We believe this will be the future of drone flights in a BVLOS environment and may become a regulatory requirement in the near future which RDARS will be well prepared for. We are excited that our work with ModalAI provides for and supports our solutions today, ahead of industry standards that are struggling with risk mitigation for BVLOS flights,” said Charles Zwebner, Chief Executive Officer of the Company. “We are forging ahead and are proud of our technology team leading the way with breakthrough technology,” added Charles.
About ModalAI
ModalAI® accelerates autonomy by providing innovators with robot and drone perception and communications systems that are manufactured in the United States. ModalAl’s highly integrated artificial intelligence-powered modules empower a variety of industries to utilize aerial and ground autonomous navigations systems that communicate on 4G and 5G cellular networks.
About RDARS Inc.
RDARS possesses a disruptive technology that is advancing the security industry’s approach to protecting commercial, industrial, and residential properties, by introducing protection with autonomous artificial intelligence systems that allows for real time response, situation awareness, verification, intervention, evidence recording, data capture, analysis, and immediate downstream transmissions to public safety agencies. RDARS has the ability, upon a property security breach, in real time to receive, analyze, and downstream the data and inform public safety agencies who the perpetrators potentially are before they even arrive at the property. (Source: PR Newswire)
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Oxley Group Ltd
Oxley offer a range of Military Marine NVG friendly LED lighting that includes navigation lights and controls, flight deck landing lights and interior compartment lighting. Our lighting products are used by Navies around the world including our own Royal Navy on UK Aircraft Carriers, Canadian Frigates, Swedish Submarines, Australian Surface vessels and Submarines, on board French Naval Carriers and in Naval Gun Turrets.
https://oxleydevelopments.cmail20.com/t/t-l-cdhkulk-yujhutkljd-r/
The technology is extremely energy efficient and built robustly, with proven long life. The lighting is NVG friendly, dimmable and programmable to allow for operations with aircraft pilots using military night vision goggles. They offer superior design giving high reliability for the most demanding environments with high sealing and the ability to meet the most stringent EMC standards.
https://oxleydevelopments.cmail20.com/t/t-l-cdhkulk-yujhutkljd-y/
Oxley are proud to say that we are working in partnership with SeaKing to enable a control panel to be offered with our LED Navigation Lighting. All of Oxley navigation lights have been specifically developed for vessels over 50 metres.
Contact Marcus Goad on 07850 917 263 for more information or to arrange samples.
Oxley specialises in the design and manufacture of advanced electronic and electro-optic components and systems for air, land and sea applications within the military sector. Established in 1942, Oxley has manufacturing facilities in the UK and USA and enjoys representation worldwide. The company’s products include night vision and LED lighting, data capture systems and electronic components. Oxley has pioneered the development of night vision compatible lighting. It offers a total package incorporating optical filters, equipment modification, cockpit and external lighting along with fleet wide upgrade services including engineering, installation, support, maintenance and training. The company’s long experience of manufacturing night vision lighting and LED indicators, coupled with advances in LED technology, has enabled it to develop LED solutions to replace incandescent and fluorescent lighting in existing applications as well as becoming the lighting option of choice in new applications such as portable military hospitals, UAV control stations and communication shelters.
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