Sponsored By Oxley Developments
www.oxleygroup.com
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19 Oct 23. KAL-ASD unveils new Future Vertical Lift concept. The US Army’s selection of the Bell V-280 ‘Valor’ tiltrotor aircraft has prompted Korean Air Aerospace Division (KAL-ASD) to revisit its domestically developed tiltrotor aircraft programme.
During the Seoul International Aerospace & Defense Exhibition (ADEX) 2023 held from 17 to 22 October, KAL-ASD unveiled its new Future Vertical Lift (FVL) concept for the first time.
“This is a future long-range assault aircraft. It is intended to offer a similar capability as the Bell V-280 ‘Valor’,” a KAL-ASD project official told Janes on 19 October.
The planned specifications for the new vertical take-off and landing-capable (VTOL-capable) aircraft include a crew complement of 14 (two pilots and 12 troops), a maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of 14,000 kg, a maximum speed of over 300 kt, and a range of 1,000 km. “The planned powerplant is a gas turboprop engine,” the official said. (Source: Janes)
19 Oct 23. Adarga, the British AI leader in information intelligence, and Second Front Systems, the US company that fast-tracks government access to disruptive technology, today announce their strategic partnership. Together they will accelerate the deployment of Adarga’s AI-driven information analysis software, Vantage, delivering vital decision advantage to the AUKUS defence ecosystem.
This partnership with Second Front will enable Adarga to seamlessly deploy mission-critical software to UK, US and Australian defence customers across all security classifications – providing a rapid, secure route to market. This will further build on Adarga’s existing deployments across the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) and wider AUKUS market.
“This collaboration marks a pivotal moment, not only reinforcing Adarga’s strategic expansion to the US and Australian markets, but in expanding our ecosystem of international partners to face shared dangers and better meet our collective national security goals in support of AUKUS pillar two” said Rob Bassett Cross, CEO of Adarga. “I cannot overstate the importance of closer collaboration and the forging of more intimate relationships between our world-leading tech industries and our militaries. Establishing interoperability and adoption of Adarga’s cutting-edge AI software capabilities will equip each of our allied nations with the coalition capability to maintain a mutual strategic advantage in a world of increasing geo-strategic threats.”
This announcement comes hot on the heels of Adarga and Second Front’s participation in AUSA 2023 in Washington, D.C., the annual conference hosted by the Association of the United States Army. The event brings together more than 30,000 attendees from over 80 countries.
“Second Front is elated to be collaborating with Adarga on their continued growth in the UK and to key allies,” said Tyler Sweatt, CEO of Second Front. “We are seeing an increased demand for software adoption across alliance frameworks like AUKUS and are excited that Game Warden is positioned to help accelerate that adoption.”
Adarga will deploy their Vantage software product onto Game Warden, Second Front’s DevSecOps platform. Game Warden is designed for accreditation compliance and enables commercial software companies to configure, secure, and deploy software to government end users in a fraction of the time and cost of traditional methods.
Adarga Vantage employs advanced AI to help analysts, planners and researchers explore and exploit vast quantities of internal and open-source information, presenting it in a way that can be rapidly interrogated. Supercharging research and analysis, it shoulders the cognitive burden of time-consuming, repetitive tasks related to processing, collecting and reading relevant information – allowing users to dedicate more time to delivering insightful, relevant and reliable analysis to decision-makers. It’s proven to enable analysts to work over 20 x faster, using 300% more sources, by automatically extracting, synthesising, summarising and connecting information drawn from ms of sources in over 75 languages.
About Adarga
Adarga is a UK-based AI leader specialising in information intelligence. Its market-defining Vantage software enables public and private sector companies to unlock valuable and often mission-critical insight from the huge volumes of in-house and open-source information at their disposal – extracting and connecting ms of data points in context and presenting them in comprehensible formats. This enables organisations to more rapidly identify threats and opportunities, mitigate risk and gain a competitive edge.
The product is underpinned by a unique combination of natural language processing, machine learning and network science. Adarga is committed to the transparent, responsible and trustworthy development of AI.
Adarga has a dedicated Labs team which is supporting the strategic AI-readiness of defence so organisations can more readily adopt software-driven capabilities for decisive military advantage.
18 Oct 23. Boeing begins 3D-printing Apache helicopter parts. Boeing plans to begin testing a full 3D-printed main rotor system for the AH-64 Apache attack helicopter in the spring of next year as part of an effort to cut out long-lead times and improve the overall supply chains for parts that are typically forged, according to company officials.
At the Association of the U.S. Army’s annual conference last week, a Boeing and ASTRO America team displayed its first 3D part — a main rotor link assembly — printed on what is currently the world’s largest 3D metal printer at Rock Island Arsenal in Illinois.
ASTRO, a nonprofit funded by the U.S. government, won a $95m contract from the Army’s Ground Vehicle Systems Center to provide engineering support to develop additive manufacturing capabilities of large-size, large-scale parts including entire hulls for tanks and other combat vehicles as well as other prototype parts, explained ASTRO engineer Emma Gallegos.
That effort — called the Jointless Hull Project — involves a machine that is big enough to print an entire, single-piece M1 Abrams tank hull, she said.
The 3D-printed main rotor link assembly took 45 minutes to deposit the 6,000 series aluminum and eight hours to print. The typical lead time to traditionally forge the part is one year, according to Andy Pfeiffer, an engineering design lead and additive manufacturing expert for Boeing Global Services.
Boeing plans to print parts associated with the main rotor system and conduct full-scale fatigue testing against traditionally forged parts in April 2024, Pfieffer said.
But there are thousands of parts that are capable of being 3D-printed rather than made through castings and forgings that now require replacing, said Scott Rose, a welding engineer for Boeing’s research and technology unit.
The Apache program has so far provided a list of eight parts designated as items that require replacing as soon as possible and were deemed good candidates for 3D printing.
In addition to helping with engineering efforts, ASTRO is also gathering and retaining data that would help determine the business case for making various parts and components, Gallegos said.
In some areas, it might make sense to continue to make parts through forging because they are made in large numbers, Rose explained. But if the quantities are low, additive manufacturing might be the way to go, Rose added.
For some parts, Rose said, the microstructure of the material is stronger when 3D-printed than it would be through the traditional manufacturing process — and might last longer. Other considerations include the current supply base of some parts.
“If you already have the tooling and you’ve got a supplier willing to make it with the tooling, a lot of times the business case isn’t going to be there,” he said.
But if there’s an aircraft on the ground, repairing that aircraft quickly with a 3D-printed part rather than waiting on a traditionally forged part to avoid keeping it out of commission would factor into the business case as well, according to Pfeiffer.
“We’re excited to get parts qualified, especially large critical parts,” Pfeiffer said. “That unlocks a lot more.” (Source: C4ISR & Networks)
18 Oct 23. Curtiss-Wright and Ultra PCS Collaborate to Deliver Lightweight Crash Recorder and HUMS Solution – FortressHUMS.
FortressHUMS is an ED-112A compliant cockpit voice and flight data recorder featuring integrated health and usage monitoring system in a 13 lb. installation
2023 NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE), LAS Curtiss-Wright’s Defense Solutions Division and Ultra PCS today announced a collaborative agreement to develop FortressHUMS, a new compact and lightweight ED-112A compliant Cockpit Voice and Flight Data Recorder with integral Health and Usage Monitoring System (HUMS) capability designed for use on rotorcraft platforms. FortressHUMS uniquely combines flight data recording and HUMS capabilities in an easy-to-install and affordable single-box solution weighing only a fraction of alternative systems. In a typical installation, the overall system weight (FortressHUMS unit + cables and sensors) is reduced from 70 lbs. to 13 lbs. (32 kg to 6 kg) versus currently available alternatives.
FortressHUMS can be quickly and easily retrofitted onto a helicopter to provide a size, weight, and power (SWaP)-optimized single box solution for mandatory flight recording combined with a HUMS solution for maintenance, safety, fleet management, and supply chain interface. Its innovative serial communications network of intelligent sensors, connected via a single cable routed throughout the aircraft, enables rapid integration, significantly reduces system complexity, and reduces the amount of time the aircraft needs to be grounded for installation.
FortressHUMS is ideal for use in helicopter applications where operators are seeking to extend aircraft operational life and implement predictive maintenance programs. It can be deployed as a permanent-installed combined HUMS and recorder system for new aircraft construction, or as an upgrade path for customers who implement an initial Fortress Recorder-only installation.
“We are very excited to collaborate with Ultra PCS to deliver the unprecedented size and weight reduction provided by the FortressHUMS recorder to the rotorcraft market,” said Brian Perry, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions Division. “FortressHUMS significantly reduces the time and cost of aircraft installation and through-life operational costs thanks to its network-based approach and extremely low installed system weight.”
“Ultra PCS is delighted to be teamed with Curtiss-Wright to bring this next generation, game-changing technology to market,” said Ben Sutton, Vice President, Data Processing, Ultra PCS. “The FortressHUMS will provide the end-user with a significant fleet management capability that enables them to reduce operational costs by making better decisions about maintenance analysis, safety, training, and interface to the supply system. This system will provide the transformational ability to the customer from crew chief to design engineer.”
About FortressHUMS
FortressHUMS is a non-invasive, fault-tolerant, and compact solution that combines Curtiss-Wright’s next-generation Fortress crash recorder with the revolutionary integrated Health and Usage Monitoring System developed by Ultra PCS. The resultant product will offer full crash recorder capability coupled with a state-of-the-art HUM system that will offer users a powerful yet lightweight and affordable prognostic and diagnostic health monitoring system. FortressHUMS’ algorithms calculate the remaining useful life of components, enabling significant maintenance cost savings and increasing aircraft availability by reducing or extending maintenance beyond conservative periodic routines.
FortressHUMS has a scalable and composable architecture that can accommodate up to 60 smart sensor channels (e.g. accelerometers, tachometers, communications interfaces, and auxiliary data acquisition modules). The distributed sensor network acquires all data parameters required for both HUMS and FDR functions. This includes vibration data for mechanical diagnostics, engine monitoring, and airframe monitoring; platform dynamics for rotor track and balance; analog and digital signals for HUMS usage monitoring, exceedance monitoring and regime recognition; and ARINC 429, analog, and digital signals for flight data recording. FortressHUMS can operate with the cockpit area microphone, HD Color camera, Recorder Independent Power Supply and ground replay software to provide a complete cockpit voice, video and flight data recording capability. What’s more, FortressHUMS is easy to reconfigure because sensors can be repurposed, added or removed, and then reprogramed without the need to remove hardware from the aircraft.
17 Oct 23. C-130H Avionics Goes Digital with Major Modernization Upgrade. The Air Force Reserve Command’s C-130H fleet began the transition from analog to digital recently with testing beginning on a major upgrade of the aircraft’s avionics system.
The update, called Avionics Modernization Program Increment 2, is a significant improvement to the almost 60-year-old aircraft’s avionics and navigation systems.
The goal for the AMP Inc 2 modernization effort is supporting mobility air forces to sufficiently meet National Defense Strategy priorities, according to the C-130H legacy avionics branch. The upgrade provides a new flight management system, autopilot, large glass multifunctional displays, digital engine instruments, digital backbone and terrain awareness and warning system.
The 417th Flight Test Squadron’s aircrews were involved in the AMP upgrading since 2017 and began AMP Inc 2 developmental testing in August on one aircraft with others to follow this month.
“This modification completely changes the interface for the crew to employ the C-130H,” said Maj. Jacob Duede, 417th FLTS experimental test pilot. “Aircrew essentially had to print the directions before flying and then type the information in using latitude and longitude or use ground-based navigation aids. This new mod is the newest GPS navigation with a by name search function and autopilot, all built into the aircraft.”
The built-in flight plan modification ability is particularly impactful for the pilots. Prior to AMP, to modify the flight plan, pilots coordinated with air traffic control, then looked up new coordinates in latitude and longitude with equipment brought onto the aircraft like a tablet or laptop. Then, the pilots took those numbers and entered them into the aircraft to adjust the flight plan.
“Depending on the proficiency of the crew, this could take 30-45 seconds or two to three minutes,” Duede said. “Either of which is a long time when in the air moving at four miles per minute.”
Using the new built-in multifunctional displays, the pilot can complete the entire process with a hand controller in less than 30 seconds.
“The new process is as quick as the first step of the old process. You just identify the point on the moving map, grab it and execute the flight plan,” said the major, a 10-year C-130 pilot.
Another new key aircraft component is the Integrated Terrain Awareness and Warning System. It is a commercially used ground and object avoidance tool, but significantly upgraded to react to Air Force tactical flying requirements. The ITAWS, combined with the latest flight navigational programs, are all now built into the aircraft and available on screens easily assessable to the pilot, co-pilot and navigator. Currently, operational C-130H aircrews carry on tablets or laptops to access any navigational software.
All but three of the aircraft’s original analog gauges are gone to make way for the AMP system. In place of those gauges, that worked independently of each other, are six new brightly lit multifunctional displays working together throughout the aircraft’s flight deck.
“This is much larger than just a software or hardware upgrade,” said Duede. “It’s reconstructing and modernizing the aircraft’s entire cockpit area.”
The planning phase of the 417th FLTS’s developmental testing began in 2021 and continues here through the rest of the year.
During the DT flights, aircrew examine all aspects of these newly-installed tools, none of which existed within the aircraft before.
“This is an entirely new system,” said Caleb Reeves, 417th FLTS test engineer who helped design the test plan. “Everything we’re testing here is being done for the first time ever in this aircraft. We’re also examining if these untried systems perform in the ways we thought they would or not. That data allows us to adjust our testing and provide feedback to the manufacturer.”
The ITAWS test flights sometimes mean flying at terrain and at obstacles to check if those new warning systems react in the timely fashion and with the clarity.
Once the 96th Test Wing completes DT, the aircraft and mission shifts to Little Rock, Arkansas, where the Air National Guard/AFRC Test Center begins the operational test phase.
To better prepare them for OT and the upcoming aircraft changes, AATC pilots augment 417th FLTS aircrew roles during the current DT flying missions. This opportunity gives those aircrews a chance to see and learn the system early. This developmental seat-time helps guide the ANG and AFRC’s new technics, procedures, and training that becomes new aircraft standards for all operational units.
More than 23 Air Force Reserve and 54 Air National Guard C-130H aircraft will receive the AMP Inc 2 modification over the next 5 years at a cost of approximately $7 m per aircraft.
(Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/ Air Force Materiel Command)
17 Oct 23. New initiative, growing DASA’s Business Acceleration Services.
DASA is seeking an experienced partner (or partners through a consortium) to deliver business acceleration services to cohorts of high-tech SMEs for NATO’s Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) and UK defence and security innovation.
- DASA is preparing to launch a procurement process to find a partner(s) to deliver business acceleration services to boost capacity in this area
- This new initiative is to support both NATO’s Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) and UK defence and security innovation
- This procurement will be run in accordance with the Public Contract Regulations (PCR) 2015 Restructured Procedure
- A Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ) will be used to select suppliers with the relevant capability and capacity for Invitation to Tender (ITT)
- The PQQ and ITT stages will happen in the spring of 2024 with a view to having delivery partners on board, ready to occupy the I-Hub space and be ready to deliver activities from the summer of 2024.
DASA is seeking an experienced partner (or partners through a consortium approach) to deliver business acceleration services to cohorts of high-tech SMEs for NATO’s Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) and UK defence and security innovation. This will include delivering business training and the provision of mentoring programmes and wider engagements with the goal of facilitating the development of SMEs’ products and businesses.
The partner(s) will also manage a vibrant innovation space and its start-up community. In summary, these services will increase the range of advanced dual use capability available for civilian, defence, and security customers, providing strategic advantage for the UK and NATO.
Key Dates
- 1 November 2023: Early Market Engagement Webinar, via MS Teams. Register here
- 31 December 2023: Estimated date for publication of contract notice
Why should you get involved?
This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a new international initiative led by NATO to create a step change in the future capability of NATO Allies by harnessing new technologies developed by SMEs.
The UK defence and security ecosystem understands that it is important to access a wide network of innovators, especially those who have not worked in the industry before, to develop and deliver solutions. Innovation is essential in maintaining strategic advantage and this initiative will bring together the rapid advancement of technologies that will address critical defence and security challenges.
What are the requirements?
The service delivery is for two years with the option to extend for a further three years, subject to allowable refinements.
Flexible Cost Services
A comprehensive, high-quality acceleration programme for DIANA. The acceleration curriculum will be designed by NATO DIANA in collaboration with all affiliated sites, but implemented by the partner(s). It will include training and mentoring activities, against curriculum requirements, delivered to a cohort of companies drawn from across the alliance, selected by NATO. It is expected that delivery will entail one annual cycle per year, including one 6-month Bootcamp accelerator programme followed by one 6-month Grow programme with a reduced cohort, as described on DIANA’s website.
DASA business acceleration services, which include, but are not limited to:
- Acceleration programmes and training modules of differing durations designed for the UK market (in addition to the DIANA programmes)
- Innovation activities including, for example, Hackathons, Investor Showcases, Customer Demonstration Days, and events, such as networking and sector-specific events (e.g. FinTech)
- Provision and maintenance of a mentor pool for UK programmes
Fixed cost services
Innovation space management
- Full management and operation of an innovation space fitted out by MOD to a high specification, comprising approximately 40 open plan desks, flexible meeting rooms and event space
- Reception facilities for the full innovation space, including the NATO DIANA European Regional Office (the permanent office for NATO DIANA staff, which is collocated with the UK accelerator space that the successful partner(s) will operate)
- Provision of general administration services, marketing, communications and outreach to SMEs and defence and security stakeholders
Operations
- Budget management, security, governance and reporting to DASA
Facilities management
- Facilities management, including cleaning of the space (both the UK accelerator space and the NATO DIANA European Regional Office), maintaining provisions and supplies in keeping with an innovation space, and the ability to organise catering for events as required
Early Market Engagement webinar
On Wednesday 1 November 2023, we will be hosting an Early Market Engagement Webinar via MS Teams to make the market aware of the upcoming opportunity and to seek industry feedback on matters such as the requirement, contract framework and pricing to help inform the procurement strategy.
If you are interested in working in partnership with DASA, and would like to learn more about our requirements and provide initial feedback, then do register your attendance by midday Monday 30 October 2023: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/dasa-early-market-engagement-webinar-tickets-734741480547
Submitting your PQQ
If you have experience in delivering business acceleration services and would like to partner with DASA on this new initiative, sign your organisation up to the with the ‘Supplier Registration’ link on the Defence Sourcing Portal, and search for ‘Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic DIANA’: https://www.contracts.mod.uk/web/login.html?VISITORID=734f742a-48ab-444f-a934-26f06b570f23&_ncp=1692011088763.18572-1 (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
17 Oct 23. Marshall Land Systems and Thinklogical to provide armed forces with instant, multi-domain situational awareness. Marshall Land Systems (Marshall) and Thinklogical, A Belden Brand, have signed an agreement to collaborate on mobile deployable command and control containerised solutions that provide military customers with secure and highly mobile multi-domain awareness. The collaboration will enable Marshall to integrate Thinklogical’s highly secure end-to-end video and
data extension and switching infrastructure into Marshall’s ruggedised, purpose-built shelters and container systems.
Marshall Director of Mission Systems Steve Nokes said, “Working together with Thinklogical is a crucial next step in providing full situational awareness to armed forces around the globe, giving them the information and data they need right at their fingertips.”
“Based on customer feedback and learning from Ukraine, our deployable infrastructure brings rapid mobility and independence that supports operational continuity and battlespace survivability with a secure single infrastructure working across multiple classifications.
Thinklogical’s information assurance-accredited commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) video and keyboard, video and mouse (KVM) distribution system, combined with Marshall’s armed forces and technology integration expertise, creates a highly-efficient and flexible Command and Control solution, delivering information when and where it is needed to provide multi-domain situational awareness.
Thinklogical Sales Director Dibs Bucknell said, “This collaboration will provide customers with a marketleading approach to a crucial capability. Multi-Domain Operations, coupled with the ability to display multiple classifications, is radically changing the landscape of national and international defence. Asymmetrical threats, contested battlespaces, and rapidly-evolving mission requirements make information acquisition and analysis a key weapon for the modern warfighter.”
16 Oct 23. Russian Foamplast FPV UAV has Max-Radio Transparency.
Russian professionals have built an aviation unmanned aerial vehicle called the MM-1, created with conventional foamplast. Its remarkable feature is its invisibility to radio-electronic warfare systems.
Specifics of this development were shared with TASS by a spokesperson from the innovative technology center, TsAGIStart, situated within the Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute’s technology park, named after esteemed Professor N.E. Zhukovsky.
The construction of the MM-1, according to the TASS representative, utilizes ordinary foam, making it an economically feasible production. A significant feature of this drone is its optimal radio transparency, ensuring the absence of parts that could generate interference. Furnished with an ability to elude detection by electronic warfare systems, the MM-1 has the potential to successfully navigate around enemy radio-electronic barriers, the source reassured.
No Metal Parts
The aircraft design is predominantly void of metal parts, housing only the motor and a limited number of screws. If any interference issues arise due to these screws, the developers are prepared to launch a model featuring fiberglass screws.
This innovative device was unveiled to the public on October 6, during the conference on “Development of the Industry of Unmanned Aviation Systems: Instructions, Challenges, and Solutions” hosted at the TsAGI technology park.
A TsAGIStart spokesperson shared with the media that the MM-1 drone is capable of reaching speeds up to 100 km/h while carrying a payload of up to 5 kg. The device operates on a first-person view [FPV] basis, boasting a front-facing camera.
The First Russian-Made FPV Drone
As indicated by BulgarianMilitary.com, Russia has predominantly used FPV devices, mainly foreign-manufactured, in Ukraine until now, making MM-1 the first Russian FPV drone of its kind.
Ukraine, on the other hand, has been using a variety of both indigenous and imported FPV drones against Russian army positions within its territories. Noteworthy is the fact that the foreign UAVs most utilized by Ukraine are of Polish origin. Irrespective of whether the UAVs are Ukrainian or Polish, their design configurations are essentially alike, this is based on the frontline analysis.
The Security Service of Ukraine showed footage of a test of “cardboard” kamikaze drones, which were used to attack the Khalino airbase in the Kursk region on the night of August 27.
The video shows that the drone contains a small warhead, but it has a large amount of small shrapnel that quite densely covers an area of several square meters.
Currently, the MM-1 has been produced in a single unit.
“We plan to produce five more devices shortly. Before that, a series of additional tests for range and flight duration are lined up. The aim is for MM-1 to cover a distance of 100 km within approximately one hour,” stressed the TASS source.
Looking to the future, a TsAGIStart representative shared the potential for a cardboard UAV. “Although we have considered developing drones made from cardboard, we have decided to concentrate on one project at a time,” the representative told TASS.
What is Foamplast?
Foamplast material is a type of foam made from plastic polymers. It is commonly used in various industries for insulation, packaging, and cushioning purposes. The material is lightweight, flexible, and has excellent thermal and sound insulation properties.
Foamplast is typically produced by expanding plastic beads using heat and pressure, resulting in a foam-like structure with a cellular network of interconnected voids. This cellular structure gives foamplast its unique properties, such as low density and high compressibility.
Foamplast is a RF Challenge
Radiofrequency [RF] devices, such as RFID [Radio Frequency Identification] systems, rely on electromagnetic waves to communicate and exchange information. These devices work by sending and receiving radio signals to identify and track objects or individuals. However, foamplast material poses a challenge for RF detection due to its composition and physical properties.
The cellular structure of foamplast material acts as a barrier to radio waves. When radio waves encounter foamplast, they are absorbed, scattered, or reflected by the numerous air-filled voids within the material. This scattering and absorption of radio waves make it difficult for RF devices to accurately detect or read signals from objects or tags that are covered or surrounded by foamplast material.
Additionally, the plastic polymers used in foamplast can also have a shielding effect on RF signals. Some plastic polymers, especially those with high conductivity or metallic additives, can block or attenuate radio waves. This further hinders the ability of RF devices to detect foamplast material. (Source: UAS VISION/Bulgarian Military)
17 Oct 23. £750,000 competition launched to find disruptive ideas for the future of defence. Novel Disruptive Science Impacting Future Defence and Security: Help DASA and Dstl discover creative technologies and concepts that may disrupt the future of defence
- DASA has launched a new Themed Competition: Novel Disruptive Science Impacting Future Defence and Security
- Funded by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl)
- Up to £750,000 funding available for disruptive, early stage ideas and concepts that may be used as the basis for further research within the Defence Science and Technology Futures (DSTF) Programme.
- The competition will be run over two phases
The Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) is pleased to launch a new Themed Competition: Novel Disruptive Science Impacting Future Defence and Security. Run on behalf of the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), this competition seeks exciting concepts, technologies or ideas that may disrupt the future of defence.
The outcome from Phase 1 of this competition is anticipated to be a pool of novel science and technology (S&T) ideas and concepts that may disrupt the defence landscape and have the potential to lead to radical change.
A disruptive impact is something that radically alters how we do things – this can be positive (e.g. a new capability becomes available) or negative (e.g. a new type of threat arises).
Upon completion of Phase 1, we will seek to direct further funds to a number of projects deemed to offer the most potential for Defence or Security. Phase 2 will see funded suppliers explore how to continue their research; the most promising suppliers may be allocated a proportion of £750,000 (ex VAT) to further mature their ideas or concepts.
Key dates and funding
- £750,000 (Exc. VAT) funding is available for this Themed Competition. The value of each funded submission is £50,000
- The deadline to submit a proposal is midday GMT Tuesday 5 December 2023
Do you have disruptive idea or concept? Read the full competition document and submit a proposal.
We are interested in low Technology Readiness Level (TRL) ideas (TRL 1-2) from any discipline that may disrupt current ways of innovating, which could in the future either benefit defence or security, or form the basis of countering a threat. We would like you to provide us with an exciting flavour of what might be possible and be disruptive.
Proposals submitted for this competition do not need to fulfil contemporary defence requirements.
To learn more about the challenge area of the competition, read the full competition document: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/novel-disruptive-science-impacting-future-defence-and-security
Supporting events
Webinar
31 October 2023 10:30 – 12:00pm GMT
This dial-in session will provide further details on the problem space and a chance to ask questions in an open forum. If you would like to participate, please register on the Eventbrite page: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/novel-disruptive-science-impacting-future-defence-and-security-webinar-tickets-726803447677?aff=oddtdtcreator
(Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
16 Oct 23. Thales supplies System Lifetime Extension Program (SLEP) on 13 Instrument Landing Systems (ILS) and Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) navigation systems to Royal Netherlands Air Force
- Thales and the Royal Netherlands Air Force strengthen their partnership with the delivery of the System Lifetime Extension Program (SLEP) on 13 Instrument Landing Systems and Distance Measuring Equipment.
- The comprehensive modernisation programme will increase the safety, reliability and efficiency of ILS/DME, enabling military and commercial aircraft to land accurately despite adverse weather conditions, and meeting NATO’s safety requirements.
- Thales has already supplied 10,000 systems to 170 countries, and benefits from a long experience in the delivery of high-performance and reliable navigation aids.
The Royal Netherlands Air Force has underscored its confidence in Thales, awarding it a contract to upgrade 13 ILS and DME navigation systems. The current components are reaching the end of their service life, and renewal is essential to guarantee the Royal Netherlands Air Force’s continued air operations.
Upgrading the current ILS and DME systems is mandatory to ensure the continuation of RNLAF flight operations in adverse weather conditions. The service life of the 13 ILS / DMEs involved will be extended to at least 2035 by replacing ILS and DME components that are likely to impact the operation due to their age. In addition, Thales will provide operational maintenance and support to ensure the highest level of service availabilities for the next 12 years.
Thales is asserting its position as a partner of the Royal Netherlands Air Force, helping to meet its navigation aid requirements, in particular within the framework of the NATO security mandate. Backed by years of experience and having already supplied 10,000 systems to 170 countries, Thales offers high-performance, reliable navigation aid equipment. With advanced and secure functionalities designed to shape the future of military aviation, Thales’ navigation aid innovations and solutions not only comply with all mandatory regulations, but either meet or exceed the requirements of the Royal Netherlands Air Forces.
ILS, Instrument Landing System, is a Thales system that guarantees a precision-guided approach and ensures a safe landing. It is suitable for all situations, including at night or under poor visibility and adverse weather conditions. The ILS can be offered in fixed and deployable configurations, for both civil and military applications. The fixed systems will ensure the smooth running of Royal Netherlands Air Force operations at the Dutch Air bases. The deployable version of the ILS has been in service with the US Air Force since 2015.
DME, Distance Measuring Equipment, is used to provide en-route and approach guidance, and tells pilots how far their aircraft is flying from the ground station concerned.
“The ILS and DME systems provide precise guidance to aircraft on final approach in low visibility or low ceiling weather conditions, which is essential for airmen to complete their mission safely. With Thales, RNLAF has made the choice of the most advanced ILS and DME technologies available on the market to equip their air bases and to ensure their operational capabilities at all times and in all weather conditions, so that they can fulfill their national defense missions in compliance with NATO mandate”. Kais Mnif, Navigation and Non-Radar Surveillance Segment General Manager – Thales.
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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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