Sponsored By Oxley Developments
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31 Oct 18. Semtech Releases New QPL Schottky Diode for Military and Aerospace Markets. New diode is suitable for switching power supply and steering applications, functions in extreme environments. Semtech Corporation (Nasdaq: SMTC), a leading supplier of high-performance analog and mixed-signal semiconductors and advanced algorithms, announced the addition of a new Qualified Products List (QPL) Schottky diode to its High-Reliability Product family targeting military and aerospace applications. The new addition, 1N5822, is Semtech’s first Schottky diode, adding to the wide range of QPL diodes, Transient Voltage Suppressors and Zeners already available. Semtech has now become only the second qualified manufacturer for this highly specialized diode.
“Semtech’s new Schottky diode expands our QPL offerings, enabling higher efficiency at lower output voltages for DC/DCs converters (Direct Current to Direct Current) and steering applications,” said Alan Burchfield, Power and High-Reliability Product Line Director for Semtech’s Wireless and Sensing Products Group. “This diode also becomes an available building block for Semtech’s epoxy-encapsulated modules and ISOPACTMmodules for alternate topologies and higher current capabilities above the discrete device rating.”
The Schottky diode, 1N5822, is qualified to MIL-PRF-19500/620 up to JANTXV level and is available in axial and surface mount (MELF) packages. The device is available through distribution. For pricing and purchasing options please inquire by contacting a local sales office.
Key Specifications
- Reverse Working Voltage VRWM = 40V
- Output Current IO = 3A
- Forward Voltage Drop VF = 0.5V @ 3A
- Operating Junction Temperature Range TJ = -65C to +125C (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
31 Oct 18. New 6-channel micro-mechanical switch offers long-life, high-power performance for RF, microwave and DC applications. Now available from Link Microtek is a high-power 6-channel SPST micro-mechanical switch that has been designed to deliver more than 3 billion switching cycles at elevated +85degC temperatures for RF, microwave and DC applications in the defence, aerospace, scientific, medical, industrial and telecoms sectors. Manufactured by Menlo Microsystems Inc., the MM3100 has an operating frequency range from DC to greater than 3GHz, with each of its six switches capable of handling up to 25W RF power (CW) at 3GHz. The device features DC ratings of +/-150V and 1A for each switch with on resistance <0.75 ohm. Channels can be combined to increase DC ratings. On/off switching time is less than 10 microseconds, channel-to-channel isolation is specified as 25dB at 3GHz, and an ultra-low on-state insertion loss of typically 0.3dB at 3GHz helps to enhance overall system performance and maintain high data rates. The switches are individually controlled by a standard Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) synchronous bus, while an external +5VDC logic supply and +77VDC bias source are required for operation of the internal switch driver. The MM3100 is highly configurable, which allows it to be used in a wide variety of different application circuits, including tunable resonators and filters, impedance matching for broadband power amplifiers, electronically steerable antennas and phase shifters, and automated test and measurement systems. Fabricated using Menlo Micro’s proprietary metal-on-glass DMS (Digital-Micro-Switch) process technology, this robust device is housed in a hermetic 6.0 x 6.0 x 1.3mm BGA package and has an operating temperature range of -40 to +85degC. A test and evaluation board kit, MM3100-EVK, is available complete with a USB interface cable to provide the necessary bias voltage and SPI bus data.
31 Oct 18. TMD Technologies, LLC (TMD-US), supplier of professional world class microwave and RF products, will again be exhibiting at the prestigious, traditional gathering of the EW community at the AOC Symposium in Washington DC at the end of November. On Booth 423, TMD-US will be showing a representative selection of its advanced EW/ECM products for airborne, ground based and naval platforms.
Said Mike Farley, CEO TMD-US: “We have had a record year of growth, and participation in this premier AOC event gives us an ideal platform to further strengthen and enhance this exciting trading progression and development.”
Commenting further, Vice President, Sales and Business Development, Tom Curtin said: “The Association of Old Crows (AOC) International Symposium brings together some 2,000 professionals from 25 countries and gives us the opportunity to meet all those involved in Electronic Warfare (EW) and its associated fields. We look forward to welcoming representatives from industry, military and government sectors worldwide to our stand in November.”
TMD-US shows range of Microwave Power Modules (MPMs)
for the EW professional
PTX8807 – the solution to missile threats
The new PTX8807 TWT based MPM addresses the solution to providing counter-measures against increasing operating systems emerging in the Ka frequency range – such as missile threats.
Covering the 30-40 GHz Ka band with 200 W output power, the PTX8807 is easily integrated into EW and radar systems. It comprises a high power helix TWT and switched mode power supply to form a single drop-in unit without the need for potentially unreliable high voltage connection, and is easily incorporated into a variety of airborne platforms.
PTX8110 for high performance radar and EW
The new PTX8110 operates from 6-18 GHz at 200 W and, with its compact design, is easily integrated into those high performance EW and radar systems requiring higher power. Comprising a high power helix travelling wave tube (TWT) and switched mode power supply, the PTX8110 forms a single ‘drop-in’ microwave amplifier unit.
Solid state PTS6900 MPM for fast system integration
Whether for airborne or ground-based operation, TMD’s latest solid state PTS6900 MPM is the solution for fast integration into EW/ECM systems. It employs advanced GaN MMIC technology and operates over the 2-6 GHz range with 150 W output and adjustable 55 dB gain. The PTS6900 has very high predicted MTBF of 30,000 hours in an uninhabited fighter environment.
PTXM Series TWT based MPMs – ideal for UAVs
TMD’s PTXM Series ultra-compact MPMs are designed for airborne radar, EW and communications. They operate over the frequency range 4.5 to 18 GHz, with power outputs up to 140 W, and incorporate mini TWTs and super efficiency packaging to offer perhaps the highest power density on the market today. With low volume and low weight, they are ideal for applications such as UAVs.
30 Oct 18. For the first time, U.S. Air Force crew members from Misawa Air Force Base, Japan, participated in two live RED FLAG Alaska missions from virtual cockpits at the Misawa Mission Training Center. These training events demonstrate how Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) is leading the advancement of Live, Virtual and Constructive (LVC) technologies with its LVC Experimentation, Integration, and Operations Suite (LEXIOS).
“Our LVC solution highlights the value of Northrop Grumman to our U.S. and international customers and is tremendous for military training transformation,” said Martin Amen, director, secure network operations, Northrop Grumman. “We are at the leading edge of combining tactical simulator training with a live tactical event. When we started, LVC was seen as an adjunct capability. However, today LVC is an integrated depended-upon training element.”
The Misawa pilots took part in the Aug. 11-24 and Oct. 8-19 RED FLAG Alaska exercises. Northrop Grumman provided its LVC expertise in all four RED FLAG Alaska military training exercises. This represented the most comprehensive LVC offering to date and the team has now delivered advanced LVC content in more than 15 different large-scale exercises.
In this published article, Eielson Air Force Base described Northrop Grumman LVC training that took place at the most recent Northern Edge military training exercise.
Since 2015, the Pacific Air Forces LVC program has been implementing on-demand, LVC training capability for aircrews. Using LEXIOS and additional Northrop Grumman solutions, virtual cockpits, constructive (computer-generated) aircraft and weapons and live training exercises are integrated on the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex (JPARC) range.
“It’s an amazing feat to fuse JPARC with the virtual world via our engineering systems integration expertise. It showcases the broad capabilities of Northrop Grumman and enables our customers to expand and improve the training experience,” said David Royal, operations program manager, LVC operations, Northrop Grumman. “Our LVC expertise enhances the end-to-end operational training experience for the warfighter.”
As the integration and operations lead, Northrop Grumman has defined, developed and implemented an on-demand training architecture which integrates the existing global virtual and constructive training solutions such as the Combat Air Forces Distributed Mission Operations Network (DMON) and Mobile Air Forces Distributed Training Center Network to enhance live and synthetic aircrew training. This integrated solution provides a battle space where LVC platforms can seamlessly communicate, interact and train with one another.
Northrop Grumman’s LVC operations team leads the scheduling, mission planning and execution of all virtual sites and computer-generated assets, while managing event security and augmenting the battle space with role-playing platforms such as the E-8C JSTARS, RC-135 RIVET JOINT, and F-16CM when neither live aircraft or virtual sites are available for a specific event. Some of the sites involved included Misawa Air Base and Robins, Langley, Ellsworth, Orlando, Eielson and Elmendorf Air Force Bases.
According to Royal, the exercise participants get a better training experience when the synthetic elements are added to their live training, giving them access to all the operational tools they would have in a combat situation. “Northrop Grumman’s LVC capabilities are specifically designed to fill gaps in live training by connecting simulators (via the DMON) that could not get to the live fly training events.”
30 Oct 18. Sci-Fi inspired tractor beam helps researchers boldly go where none have gone before. A light driven energy trap similar to tractor beams used to capture spaceships in science fiction movies such as Star Trek and Star Wars has been developed by researchers in South Australia. The discovery is opening the way for new quantum experiments that may lead to new secure communications or advanced sensing technologies. University of Adelaide researchers have created the infrared tractor beam – or light-driven energy trap – for atoms. But rather than sucking spaceships into a space station, their tractor beam pulls atoms into a microscopic hole at the centre of a special optical fibre.
Published in the journal Physical Review Applied, the researchers from the University’s Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing (IPAS) say this is the first time that scientists have been able to demonstrate a highly efficient ‘waveguide trap’. The tractor beam works by the infrared light interacting with the atoms to create a change in energy that drives the atoms to the most intense part of the light beam.
PhD student Ashby Hilton developed the technology and said that although tractor beams in movies like Star Trek and Star Wars are green or blue, in this case the trap is made of invisible infrared light.
“The beam grabs hold of atoms that are floating in a chamber that is almost completely emptied of gas – a little sample of outer space on Earth,” he said.
“Every atom that enters the tractor beam is pulled into the fibre – there is no escape.”
Once sucked into the interior of the optical fibre the atoms can be held for long periods of time.
“Our experiments show that we can very precisely control light to produce exactly the right conditions to control atoms.”
Lead researcher Dr Philip Light said the technology enabled the possibility of conducting quantum experiments on the trapped atoms.
“Our first experiments intend to use these stored atoms as elements of a quantum memory,” he said. “We hope that our work may eventually form part of absolutely secure communications channel that is of obvious high interest to defence, intelligence and industry.”
The researchers are now moving onto the next stage in which the tractor beam is formed from a hollow cone of light rather than a solid beam of light. In this new configuration the atoms will be held at the centre of the light cone where it is perfectly dark.
“This is an extremely powerful idea – we can move and manipulate the atoms, but are able to shield the atoms from the disruptive effect of intense light,” said Dr Light.
The researchers have essentially created a quantum funnel which allows them to guide and trap atoms for longer without disrupting their delicate quantum state. Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing Director Professor Andre Luiten said the researchers were manipulating and measuring individual atoms and molecules to sense the world around them.
“This new era of quantum sensing is opening up diverse new possibilities from attempting to detect disease through finding particular molecules in the breath, to assisting miners and defence by detecting anomalous magnetic fields associated with mineral deposits or covert submarine activity,” Professor Luiten said. (Source: The Lead)
29 Oct 18. Defense Department Selects Awardees in the Manufacturing Engineering Education Program (MEEP). The Department of Defense (DoD) announced today the award of four grants in support of the Manufacturing Engineering Education Program (MEEP). The grants were awarded to Battelle Education, Clemson University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and the National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining. These organizations and universities will receive a total of $5,775,755 over a three-year period to enhance or establish educational programs that support manufacturing engineering education.
“Historically, the Nation’s manufacturing base has allowed the United States to build the most complex and capable weapons systems in the world, allowing the military to meet the full spectrum of missions,” said Dr. Jagadeesh Pamulapati, Director, Laboratories Office. “Nurturing and growing the manufacturing capacity in the United States through MEEP will allow the United States to maintain its technological advantage and ignite the next generation of manufacturing talent.”
The goal of MEEP is to establish programs to better position the current and next-generation manufacturing workforce to produce military systems and components that assure technological superiority for the DoD. The four awardees’ efforts include:
Battelle Education (Columbus, OH):
- Battelle will leverage public private partnerships to strengthen the manufacturing engineering education at the high school level.
- Clemson University (Clemson, SC):
Clemson University will develop immersive and personalized instruction to strengthen learning and retention for high-school through graduate school students.
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Cambridge, MA):
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology will develop a comprehensive 15-month apprenticeship training program in support of a highly-skilled manufacturing workforce. This program will teach general and specific manufacturing competencies (ex., introductory quantum mechanics, electrical technology, and design principles) that demonstrate the interrelation of various manufacturing sectors.
- National Center for Defense Manufacturing & Machining (Blairsville, PA):
The National Center for Defense Manufacturing & Machining will develop and launch a series of new virtual courses, inclusive of additive manufacturing and related technologies, to broaden and extend the scope of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers’ long-standing certificate programs.
29 Oct 18. Marlborough Communications Ltd (MCL), the UK-based military technology company, has achieved Design Approved Organization Scheme (DAOS) accreditation from the Military Aviation Authority (MAA), enabling it to design equipment for UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) aircraft.
Organisations working with the MoD in the design of aircraft systems, associated equipment and airborne explosive ordnance and armament equipment must be assessed by the MAA and have their competencies rigorously tested and endorsed prior to becoming an approved DAOS organisation. The scheme provides the framework and associated guidance that governs military aviation activity and against which air safety is assessed – requiring accredited companies to record and keep detailed information on all equipment supplied. MCL is one of very few small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to have achieved DAOS status, and was sponsored by the MoD to work towards approval – including undergoing appropriate training – as part of an ongoing contract.
Shane Knight, Managing Director for MCL said, “Being awarded DAOS accreditation is a significant milestone for MCL. It will enable us to grow our business within the aircraft communications systems sector by undertaking our own research and development work, complementing our market-leading position as a vendor of existing cutting-edge military technology. “We have already begun key projects under DAOS including designing systems for use by almost all Air Force pilots to protect hearing.”
27 Oct 18. Researchers in China and Australia want to reinvent the wheel. Robots are not bound to the same familiar forms. Without needing to protect a soft, fleshy core, machines can be built at new scales and with strange locomotion, all in service of a strange body. Consider, then, the latest in soft robotics from China’s University of Science and Technology and Australia’s University of Wollongong: a miniature wheel, driven by sending electricity through a blob of liquid metal. While the story is drawing comparisons to the unforgettable liquid-metal robot played by Robert Patrick in “Terminator 2: Judgment Day,” a comparison in no small part urged along by the University of Science and Technology official write-up, the machine in question is far more interesting and far less fantastical than portrayed. The researcher, published in Advanced Materials, is more modest in the title: “A Wheeled Robot Driven by a Liquid‐Metal Droplet.”
Here’s how the robot works: a droplet of liquid gallium alloy is placed inside a small wheel, and on top of it sits a specially 3D-printed bracket containing a cathode and anode. Altogether, this makes up the robot. When voltage is run through the liquid metal droplet, it changes the robot’s center of gravity, so the robot rolls forward steadily. According to the researchers, this can work untethered using a tiny cylindrical lithium battery, with the robot rolling on a flat surface.
Plenty of wheeled vehicles already exist, but few of them work on such a small scale, or with such a narrow frontage, which is what’s so compelling about this tiny machine (well, besides the fact that it’s a liquid-metal powered robot). Everything interesting comes from adding sensors to the body, but imagine what a tiny machine like this could do with even the simple addition of a microphone and a transmitter.
Slide it through a narrow crack, and the robot could roll into place, a listening device drawing power from the same small battery that enables locomotion. Keep the robots small enough, and they could fit into pouches and pockets, rolled through underbrush or down side streets, small enough to escape notice. (Source: C4ISR & Networks)
29 Oct 18. Increasing lethality: Delivering the next-gen Army. The Australian Army has used its fifth consecutive annual Innovation Day at ADFA to showcase next-generational land capabilities. The theme for the event was ‘Delivering a Next Generation Army’, with 19 companies from Australia and overseas presenting 24 industry proposals.
Head of Land Capability, Major General Kathryn Toohey, AM, CSC, said, “Army views innovation as a valuable contributor to capability. It’s important we continue to develop superior knowledge, skills and technology through continuous innovation.”
Army Innovation Day is an opportunity for Army to showcase that it is an organisation in motion to continuously explore new ideas, as well as build relationships with defence industry, academia and international partners on the latest developments in technology and war-fighting capabilities.
“We have seen robotics and autonomous systems that improve a combat team’s engagement, various techniques for improving communications systems, and learnt of new examples of small drones that assist soldiers in having increased situational awareness,” MAJGEN Toohey explained.
Participants in attendance were able to view a product pitched at Innovation Day 2014, the Black Hornet Nano unmanned aerial system (UAS).
“The Black Hornet Nano UAS is an excellent example of the type of products which add significant future capability. It has now been rolled out to soldiers in Army’s 6th Brigade for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance tasks,” MAJGEN Toohey said.
The Army Innovation Day cycle is designed to get leading-edge technology into the hands of soldiers within a 12-month period. Some of the products presented will go through the Army’s short-cycle nomination, selection, demonstration and assessment process. Army Innovation Day supports the implementation of key Army projects, including accelerated warfare and the concept of ‘An Army in Motion’. Accelerated warfare describes both the operating environment and a description of how the Army responds. Accelerated warfare provides the start-state for how the Army equip, train, educate, organise and prepare for war. Being future ready means continuing Australia’s contribution to an open and fair international system, and being prepared for increasing volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity. (Source: Defence Connect)
26 Oct 18. Boeing testing high-speed Apache concept. Boeing is testing possible modifications to its AH-64E Apache attack helicopter that could provide increased speed and less drag. These modifications, known as AH-64E Block 2 Compound, feature a large fixed-wing, rearward-pointing exhaust, a downward-pointing vertical fin, and a pusher propeller in the rear. The aircraft keeps the tail rotor for anti-torque. These modifications are being tested at Boeing’s wind tunnel in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, at 30% scale. The tests are expected to wrap up by January. Boeing believes these modifications would provide 50% more speed and range, twice the lifespan, and 24% better fuel efficiency for a 20% increase in price. (Source: IHS Jane’s)
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Oxley Group Ltd
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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