Web Page sponsor Oxley Developments
www.oxleygroup.com
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24 Nov 15. Cobham Antenna Systems announced the launch of a ‘Universal’ range of spring-mount omni-directional antennas. A brochure covering the full range is available on request. Cobham has designed and manufactured spring mount antennas, for over 20 years, with a vast number of happy customers and proven results in the field. Quality has never been at question but by producing this new series of antennas as a complete range Cobham has been able to ensure exceptional build quality, superior performance and a consistent high finish across all antennas.
At every stage of the design process meticulous care has been taken to ensure excellent build quality. Every element of the antennas have been considered separately such as: The wideband machined bi-cone antenna elements which provide excellent patterns and high power; Rugged glass fibre radome for high impact resistance; Flush top cap to ensure that the antenna does not get caught when flexing; Ultra-flex cable with protective sheath to ensure a long life even when flexed; High tensile spring for severe applications; Heavy-duty connector interface for rugged use; Choice of connector. This range of antennas is designed for applications where lives can depend on secure communications or where a loss of signal can result in severe financial implications.
Variants cover L-Band, S-Band and C-Band frequencies. Connector options for each band include: N(M) Fixed; N(M) Spinning; TNC(M) Fixed and TNC(M) Spinning.
24 Nov 15. Latest AWACS deployed to Afghanistan. The latest E-3 Sentry version has made its first deployment to a conflict zone. A Block 40/45 E-3G arrived in Southwest Asia on November 18, according to an Air Force announcement. The upgraded AWACS features improved communications, computer processing power, threat tracking and other enhancements to the 1970s-era systems on the aircraft.
“The new modifications also automate previously manual functions and improve the amount of data E-3 aircrews can receive and share with allied forces on missions such as counterdrug surveillance,” the Air Force said.
E-3Gs had previously flown counter-drug and homeland security missions, before deploying to Southwest Asia. (Source: Defense News Early Bird/C4ISR & Networks)
24 Nov 15. C4ISR’s 2016 budget bright spots. The Department of Defense could be looking to spend on a tech refresh, communications and recruiting unmanned systems pilots even though the rest of the C4ISR budget will see modest growth, according to budget forecasters.
Budgets should be on slight increases as they emerge from the troughs of sequester cuts of 2013-2015, said Cyndi Thomas, Professional Services Council vision speaker, at PSC’s Vision Conference on Nov. 19.
Intelligence and computers spending is projected to grow at least 3 percent over the next decade while communications could grow 5 percent, driven by the $430m Joint Tactical Radio System procurement expected between fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2017.
“The growth in the communications section occurs over a longer growth of time,” she said. “It is largely due to the [general packet radio service] program for the HMS portion of that — the Handheld, Manpack and Small Form Fit — procurement.”
Thomas said the HMS program, which should be moving forward in 2017, and the Navy’s Jammer program would help drive communications spending up through 2019.
A DoD computer upgrade over the next four years could also result in better tech procurement for contractors looking to supply the Marine Corps, Thomas said.
“We’ve got a fairly decent chunk of growth here that is occurring from 2015 to 2019,” she said. “That is related to the Marine Corps common hardware sweep. It’s gearing up for a tech refresh and is purchasing all of the hardware for all of the non-[Navy Marine Corps Intranet] users.”
That means a $366m bump in procurement to