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26 Oct 23. SitaWare passes major cybersecurity certification milestone.
SitaWare suite added to US Department of Defense Information Network’s Approved Product List following passing of key cybersecurity certification
Systematic announced that its SitaWare suite of software has received Cybersecurity Tools certification from the US Department of Defense’s Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA).
As a result, SitaWare Headquarters, SitaWare Frontline, and SitaWare Edge have now been placed on the Department of Defense Information Network’s Approved Products List. This demonstrates the suite’s cybersecurity capabilities as assessed under one of the world’s most rigorous and demanding testing and evaluation processes, as administered by DISA’s Joint Interoperability Test Command (JITC).
“This certification proves the strengths of the SitaWare suite and its capacity to be deployed in support of critical warfighter missions, while providing reliable support to operations. As the electromagnetic spectrum and cyber domain become increasingly contested in modern warfare, delivering an assured capability that is certified against cyberattack is crucial,” Mike Rountree, Vice President of Business Development at Systematic, Inc. said.
“The inclusion of the SitaWare suite onto the Approved Products List will also allow for easier procurement and rapid deployment by other units and commands across the US Department of Defense, enhancing their interoperability across services but also with allies among SitaWare’s userbase of 50+ countries. As a Commercial Off-The-Shelf capability that embraces principles of open architecture, as well as DevSecOps, the flexibility and deployability of the SitaWare suite is boundless,” Rountree added.
The US Army fields SitaWare Headquarters as the core of its command post software infrastructure. It is currently fielded to dozens of operational units and training organizations, including corps and division headquarters, component commands, and mission training centres. The software has also been deployed to support a variety of exercises across the US military in a range of environments, including coalition exercises with allies.
Systematic’s SitaWare suite allows the seamless integration of a wide range of C4ISR data and intelligence to deliver comprehensive common operational picture to battlefield commanders. SitaWare Headquarters can be used by commanders at fixed or static headquarters or in joint operations centre, while SitaWare Frontline can be used by vehicle-mounted troops vehicles to provide full situational awareness and planning. SitaWare Edge, delivered on an Android device, is used by dismounted troops to provide unparalleled C4ISR support at the forward line of control.
SitaWare’s open architecture allows for a greater degree of modularity, with a software development kit allowing users to create their own plug-ins and add-ons to meet their mission and capability requirements. Recent Systematic-developed Modules for use in the SitaWare environment include the Fire Support Module, which assists in the planning and delivery of joint fires, and SitaWare Battlefield Health, which helps to manage the health needs of soldiers – from enlistment, to the battlefield, and as returned veterans.
Trusted by over 50 countries, SitaWare is used by a variety of nations and organisations, including NATO, the US Army, the British Army, Australian Army, German Bundeswehr, Danish armed forces, Defence Forces Ireland, and more.
SitaWare passes major cybersecurity certification milestone
SitaWare suite added to US Department of Defense Information Network’s Approved Product List following passing of key cybersecurity certification
26 Oct 23. Systematic announced that its SitaWare suite of software has received Cybersecurity Tools certification from the US Department of Defense’s Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA).
As a result, SitaWare Headquarters, SitaWare Frontline, and SitaWare Edge have now been placed on the Department of Defense Information Network’s Approved Products List. This demonstrates the suite’s cybersecurity capabilities as assessed under one of the world’s most rigorous and demanding testing and evaluation processes, as administered by DISA’s Joint Interoperability Test Command (JITC).
“This certification proves the strengths of the SitaWare suite and its capacity to be deployed in support of critical warfighter missions, while providing reliable support to operations. As the electromagnetic spectrum and cyber domain become increasingly contested in modern warfare, delivering an assured capability that is certified against cyberattack is crucial,” Mike Rountree, Vice President of Business Development at Systematic, Inc. said.
“The inclusion of the SitaWare suite onto the Approved Products List will also allow for easier procurement and rapid deployment by other units and commands across the US Department of Defense, enhancing their interoperability across services but also with allies among SitaWare’s userbase of 50+ countries. As a Commercial Off-The-Shelf capability that embraces principles of open architecture, as well as DevSecOps, the flexibility and deployability of the SitaWare suite is boundless,” Rountree added.
The US Army fields SitaWare Headquarters as the core of its command post software infrastructure. It is currently fielded to dozens of operational units and training organizations, including corps and division headquarters, component commands, and mission training centres. The software has also been deployed to support a variety of exercises across the US military in a range of environments, including coalition exercises with allies.
Systematic’s SitaWare suite allows the seamless integration of a wide range of C4ISR data and intelligence to deliver comprehensive common operational picture to battlefield commanders. SitaWare Headquarters can be used by commanders at fixed or static headquarters or in joint operations centre, while SitaWare Frontline can be used by vehicle-mounted troops vehicles to provide full situational awareness and planning. SitaWare Edge, delivered on an Android device, is used by dismounted troops to provide unparalleled C4ISR support at the forward line of control.
SitaWare’s open architecture allows for a greater degree of modularity, with a software development kit allowing users to create their own plug-ins and add-ons to meet their mission and capability requirements. Recent Systematic-developed Modules for use in the SitaWare environment include the Fire Support Module, which assists in the planning and delivery of joint fires, and SitaWare Battlefield Health, which helps to manage the health needs of soldiers – from enlistment, to the battlefield, and as returned veterans.
Trusted by over 50 countries, SitaWare is used by a variety of nations and organisations, including NATO, the US Army, the British Army, Australian Army, German Bundeswehr, Danish armed forces, Defence Forces Ireland, and more.
25 Oct 23. US Army tags electronic warfare, deep sensing as top priorities. The US Army’s top officer is leading an effort to implement changes to the ground service’s strategy for capability development on electronic warfare (EW) and deep-sensing intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations, identifying both areas as top priorities for research, development, and procurement.
“I think we recognise that EW is an area that the army has probably made limited investment in as a capability during two decades of counter-terrorism operations in Iraq and Afghanistan,” US Army General Randy George told reporters during a briefing at the Association of the US Army’s (AUSA’s) annual symposium in Washington, DC in October.
“As we look at the army’s role as part of a joint force, globally employed especially in the Indo Pacific region … we want to look at the EW portfolio and figure out where we need to place, you know, investment, and what areas we can potentially accelerate,” he said. (Source: Janes)
24 Oct 23. Companies lobby Congress to approve $1bn ‘hedge portfolio.’ A group of companies led by a Silicon Valley advocacy group is urging congressional appropriators to approve a House proposal to establish a $1bn hedge portfolio aimed at quickly fielding commercial technology.
In an Oct. 24 letter, drafted on behalf of 63 companies, the Silicon Valley Defense Group calls on lawmakers to fully fund the provision, which was proposed by the House Appropriations Committee’s defense subcommittee.
“We believe the enactment of these provisions, coupled with the robust funding proposed by the House bill, will lead to greater coordination across the department and serve as a powerful demand signal to commercial and non-traditional companies to work with DoD,” the letter states.
The firms signed on to the letter include California-based Anduril Industries, Applied Intuition and FlightWave Aerospace Systems; Georgia-based Hermeus; and X-Bow Systems, headquartered in New Mexico.
The hedge portfolio would be managed by the Defense Innovation Unit, the Pentagon’s commercial technology integration hub, and coordinated with the military services through a proposed Non-traditional Innovation Fielding Enterprise. Funding would support an initial slate of capabilities including small, low-cost drones and satellites, agile communication and computing nodes, and artificial intelligence capabilities.
“This portfolio is a hedge against growing and innate tactical and logistical risks to current weapon systems, as well as a hedge against industrial base risk, given lack of capacity and diversity,” the subcommittee wrote in its bill, which the House Appropriations Committee approved June 22. “The development of non-traditional sources and non-traditional solutions are essential to this hedge.”
The letter praises DIU’s role in helping accelerate the transition of commercial technology into the Defense Department and states that providing more funding to the agency would ensure those systems are delivered to the services and combatant commands at a faster pace.
“We believe these provisions will position the Department of Defense to more effectively leverage nontraditional and commercial capabilities to support the warfighter,” the letter states.
The House and Senate have yet to convene to craft a compromise version of the fiscal 2024 defense appropriations bill.
While the House bill is a significant show of confidence in DIU, language proposed by Senate appropriators was less enthusiastic about the department’s innovation ecosystem. The committee’s bill, instead, expresses concern about the number of organizations focused on this mission, including DIU, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and the Strategic Capabilities Office.
“The committee is concerned that, in an effort to create and harness innovative concepts, acquisition authority is becoming overly dispersed horizontally to Department of Defense organizations such as DARPA, DIU, SCO and the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering,” the bill report states. “This dispersal has the potential to degrade the defense acquisition executive and services acquisition executives’ ability to exercise their statutory responsibilities and dilutes meaningful acquisition leadership.” (Source: C4ISR & Networks)
24 Oct 23. Navantia unveils new NAIAD drone integration system. Spain’s Navantia Sistemas has developed an improved configuration of its Naval Advanced Integrated Autonomous Defence (NAIAD) software-based unmanned systems tactical integration solution with updates and new functionalities, the company’s European programme director Angelina Cajade Frías told Janes.
NAIAD is a flexible, open-architecture system designed to serve as an interface for the tactical integration of simultaneous unmanned vehicles (UxVs) with a ship-based combat management system (CMS) and ashore command-and-control station for UxV mission execution.
The new upgraded version now includes the ability to rely on satellite communications (satcom) capability to receive various data (mission status, speed, positioning, and more) and imagery gathered by operating unmanned surface vehicles (USVs), unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs), and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) into the surface ship’s CMS, thus generating a common operational picture of the tactical situation of the UxVs. This will further improve maritime tactical situation awareness to enable the higher echelon command to implement decisions, Cajade Frías said. (Source: Janes)
23 Oct 23. Curtiss-Wright Expands Axon Airborne Data Acquisition Product Family with Flexible Data Rate 8-Channel CAN Bus Monitor Module.
New AXN/CBM/401 CAN bus monitor/parser/packetizer supports CAN bus 2.0 A/B and CAN FD data messages for flight test programs.
Curtiss-Wright’s Defense Solutions Division today announced the latest addition to its expansive range of Axon™ advanced airborne data acquisition unit (DAU) modules for use in demanding flight test programs. The Axon AXN/CBM/401, and its ADAU ACAN-408A-1 equivalent, are Curtiss-Wright’s first Axon data acquisition modules to support the flexible data rate features of CAN FD, a vehicle data network standard fast growing in popularity for data-intensive next-generation vehicles, such as EVTOL aircraft. Size, weight and power (SWaP) optimized Axon modules deliver up to 10x the data throughput of competitive offerings via their high-speed serial backplane that provides a 1 Gbps dedicated link for each module. In addition to CAN FD, the modules are also compatible with CAN bus 2.0 A/B to ensure support for legacy systems. An advantage of CAN FD for flight test programs is its support for up to 4x higher bit rates in the Data Field compared to the CAN bus 2.0 A/B Arbitration Field messages. This increases the payload from a maximum of 8 bytes to a maximum of 64 bytes using CAN FD, allowing higher data throughput than available with CAN bus devices. The new DAU modules are ideal for use in data-intensive applications, such as flight test, HUMS, OLM, L/ESS, and production test.
“Our Axon and ADAU data acquisition systems for critical flight test applications provide flight test engineers with high-speed, flexible solutions for demanding FTI programs,” said Brian Perry, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions Division. “The new AXN/CBM/401 8-channel CAN Bus monitor module, and its ADAU ACAN-408A-1 equivalent, represent Curtiss-Wright’s ongoing commitment to lead the industry with the broadest range of high-performance DAU offerings to meet the unique needs of every flight test program.”
The 8-channel AXN/CBM/401 provides FTI system designers a single-module solution for coherent message parsing and packetizing. The new Axon module, which supports both the ARINC-825 and CANaerospace data protocols, enables flight test engineers to capture CAN bus bulk data in a wide variety of formats, including DARv3, iNET-X, IENA, and IRIG 106 Chapter 10. Optionally, the message stream can be filtered to capture and packetize specific messages.
As a message parser, the AXN/CBM/401 coherently parses up to 127 messages on each of its 8 data busses, along with time and status tags. Its packetizer can generate either a single packet stream per input bus or packetize messages from all active busses into a single packet stream. A programmable timeout ensures that smaller packets are generated at all times, enabling the real-time analysis and processing of acquired messages.
About the Axon Product Family
The Axon product family is the most advanced airborne data acquisition system available today, offering low SWaP with the best feature set, data acquisition, and thermal performance on the market. The Axon product family builds on Curtiss-Wright’s heritage as the leading supplier of rugged, reliable data acquisition for aerospace applications.
Axon’s future-proof design, using a high-speed serial backplane (1 Gbps dedicated link per module), ensures future high data rates are supported. Its optimized SWaP design enables an Axon module to be located in tight spaces and operate reliably without requiring bulky heatsinks. Axon modules can be hosted in ultra-miniature “Axonite” housings and located remotely, separated from the chassis by up to 10 meters. Locating data acquisition closer to the sensors can significantly decrease the installation time and cost of the instrumentation while simultaneously reducing wiring weight. Axonites can also save significant system costs in larger installations by minimizing the number of DAUs required in remote locations and eliminating the need for extra chassis controllers and power supplies.
Axon ADAU modules are optimized for use with Curtiss-Wright MnACQ and MnACQ network-based DAUs and TTCWare software, while Axon AXN family modules are optimized for use with Curtiss-Wright Acra KAM-500 network-based DAUs and DAS Studio software.
The AXN/CBM/401 (ACAN-408A-1) product sheets are available for download here.
23 Oct 23. New Airborne Multimode Transmitter Delivers Industry’s First Single Chassis Telepack Solution for Demanding Hypersonics & Flight Test Programs. New S-band mTTS-100-1 multimode transmitter supports Curtiss-Wright MnACQ, McDAU, and MDW-2020 data acquisition stacks with optional data encryption.
Curtiss-Wright’s Defense Solutions Division today announced the industry’s first airborne miniature multimode transmitter to provide flight test program engineers with a single telepack solution for demanding applications, such as missile performance testing, launch vehicles, flight test instrumentation (FTI), and hypersonics. The new mTTS-100-1 eliminates the integration and program risk associated with sourcing heterogeneous elements from multiple vendors. The mTTS-100-1 features a high-efficiency power amplifier solution that supports PCM/FM (from 128 kbps to 20 Mbps) and SOQPSK and Multi-H CPM (from 640 kbps to 40 Mbps). Because the ARTM and IRIG-106 compliant modulator and power amplifier is integrated into the mTTS-100-1, this embedded solution reduces interconnects lengths, minimizes EMI exposure, and simplifies wiring installation – all while reducing size, weight and power. When configured to support Miniature Airborne Telemetry System (MATS) applications, the transmitter’s encryption capability is ideally positioned for secure telemetry datalinks, eliminating the need for additional integration work to be performed by the flight test team. The transmitter’s primary connector is pre-wired to interface with the Curtiss-Wright MESP-100-1 encryption module set.
At ITC 2023, Curtiss-Wright will also present its “all-in-one” modular secure telemeter solution, the MATS-100 Miniature Airborne Telemetry System, which is configured with a data acquisition unit (DAU), encryption, transmitter, and a tracking transponder. The mTTS-100 transmitter module integrates into the MATS system, providing a single integrated solution ideal for reducing cost, schedule, and program risk for quick-reaction programs, which are so prevalent today.
“The mTTS-100 multi-mode transmitter provides the highest power efficiency offered in the industry today,” said Brian Perry, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions Division. “Even better, this fully integrated solution reduces cable complexity and delivers guaranteed mechanical and electrical compatibility, all while easing the implementation of data encryption to protect critical and valuable test data.”
The mTTS-100-1 features a modern mechanical design that uses the newer RF device technology (GaN) for high-temperature operation, without limiting RF performance when transmitting secure streaming telemetry. The MTTS-100-1 features advanced thermal management and an output power of 5 Watts over the full S-band frequency range. It is field-configurable with single-point programming which makes telemetry configuration extremely flexible and quickly reactive to development challenges.
The mTTS-100 is mechanically compatible with any single or dual Curtiss-Wright data acquisition stack and offers state-of-the-art modulation compatibility to IRIG-106.
The mTTS-100-1 and MATS product sheets are available for download here https://www.curtisswrightds.com/products/flight-test/radio-frequency?utm_campaign=PR-AI-mTTS-100-102323&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Eloqua
23 Oct 23. Industry’s First Rugged Airborne 8-Port Gigabit Network Switch Features IR106 Full TmNS Standard Support for Flight Test Applications.
New NSW-8GT-TGE-1 provides flight test program engineers with a compact managed 8-Port Ethernet Switch that supports 50ms power hold up to protect critical data. Curtiss-Wright’s Defense Solutions Division today introduced the industry’s first rugged airborne Gigabit network switch designed specifically to meet the unique demands of flight test applications. The new NSW-8GT-TGE-1 is a rugged 8-port non-blocking Gigabit Ethernet switch that provides full IRIG-106 Chapter 21-28 Telemetry Network Standard (TmNS) compliance, including MDL programming. TmNS provides a powerful new tool for the flight test telemetry industry. Replacing unidirectional PCM-based architectures, TmNS enables bi-directional communications. TmNS specifies the configuration, management, network transport protocols, telemetry link, and various other system and component capabilities of data acquisition units (DAU), network switches, recorders, radios, and ground components, such as the antenna and the ground system software. Enabling reliable data switching and time coherency distribution in harsh environmental conditions, the NSW-8GT-TGE-1 is the latest addition to Curtiss-Wright’s broad range of managed high-speed switches optimized specifically for the demanding and time-critical movement of flight test data.
“For critical flight test applications and network architectures, the Ethernet switch is truly the heart of the network,” said Brian Perry, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions Division. “If the switch goes down, so does access to all connected systems. Our new NSW-8GT-TGE-1 is the first 8-port rugged Ethernet switch designed for airborne flight test. Its 50ms power hold-up capability eliminates data loss from brief blackouts or brownouts.”
To optimize size, weight and power (SWaP) on space-constrained airborne test platforms, the NSW-8GT-TGE-1 provides test program engineers with a compact 8-port network switch that shares the same footprint as Curtiss-Wright’s 5-port variant yet delivers far more features. The NSW-8GT-TGE-1 supports the packet switching and IEEE 1588 precision time protocol (PTP) time distribution required by networked flight test instrumentation (FTI) system components.
The switch supports IEEE 1588 with an IRIG-B time code reader and generator, a built-in battery-backed real- time clock, and a GPS receiver. The switch supports managed operation, enabling dynamic configuration, statistics gathering, and health monitoring using Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP).
The NSW-8GT-TGE-1 product sheet is available for download here: https://www.curtisswrightds.com/products/flight-test/switches/nsw8gt?utm_campaign=PR-AI-NSW-8GT-102323&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Eloqua
16 Oct 23. Milipol Paris 2023: Brace for Impact as MKU Teases a ‘Must-Have’ Defence Product. MKU is set to unveil a groundbreaking innovation under their acclaimed Kavro Soldier Protection line at Milipol Paris 20. In the rapidly evolving landscape of global security threats, the nature of modern warfare has shifted dramatically. Unconventional tactics, rising terrorism, and advancements in enemy arsenals pose unprecedented challenges to those tasked with safeguarding our communities. The necessity for uncompromised ballistic protection has never been more pronounced. Thoughtful innovation in defence can be the critical difference-maker.
More a decade ago, MKU Limited, a premier global defence manufacturing company, revolutionized the industry with the launch of ‘Instavest’. This product showcased their patented ‘quick release’ technology, fundamentally altering the safety standards for soldiers worldwide forever. Fast forward to 2023, MKU is on the brink of revealing another groundbreaking innovation on its 10th participation anniversary at Milipol, promising a product that will redefine the benchmark for “uncompromised protection”. This announcement is a significant milestone for the defence sector, pointing towards a new era of safety and resilience.
A source from within the company has revealed, “This is something the world has been eagerly anticipating. Previously, the technologies and materials needed to develop such a solution simply did not exist. We’ve invested over 5 years of relentless R&D efforts to perfect it, and frankly, we believe no soldier would want to be without it once they are aware of it!”
This highly anticipated innovation is scheduled to be unveiled globally at Milipol Paris on the 15th of November 2023, at MKU’s booth H025, Hall 5, precisely at 10:30 AM UTC. Mr. Neeraj Gupta, Managing Director of MKU, expressed, “At MKU, pushing boundaries is in our DNA. We listen to our heroes and embrace challenges head-on for them. Why? It’s simple. Just as they dedicate their lives to protect us, we have dedicated ourselves to empowering them.” Mr. Neeraj Gupta – MKU Managing Director
MKU, a key player in global defence and homeland security for over three decades, boasts a rich history of impactful contributions. Their portfolio of innovations includes the Kavro Body Armour System, a modular, mission-configurable combination of components that seamlessly integrate onto a body armour platform. Additionally, the Netro NB-3100 Aviation Night Vision Goggles, designed to enable aircraft and helicopter pilots to navigate effectively in low-altitude, high-threat environments, showcase their commitment to cutting-edge solutions. Furthermore, MKU’s Netro MW-5000, a smart sighting and aiming system for Grenade Launchers and Large-Calibre Weapons, significantly enhances operational efficiency and target acquisition for operators of crew-served weapons.
The company has consistently proven its mettle as a leading defence equipment manufacturer, significantly contributing to various armies and defence agencies globally. Notably, its past contributions include safeguarding German Army containers from severe firing by terrorists and providing critical ballistic shields to the police forces of Norway and Sweden, supplying ballistic armour plates to the Spain border police to delivering over body armours to the Estonian police force. MKU’s reach encompasses nations such as Brazil, Egypt, Philippines, and Chile, underlining the global demand for their cutting-edge solutions. Just 2 months ago, the company was chosen to supply ballistic helmets for Lithuania’s border security enhancement. MKU has also collaborated with several technology giants like Thales and Dassault Aviation over the years to explore innovation in defence for soldiers, police and platforms.
The anticipation for Milipol Paris 2023 is palpable, and MKU is at the heart of this excitement. While specific details about this innovation remain undisclosed, team MKU has invited significant stalwarts from the industry, including soldiers, police, professionals, academia, and enthusiasts, to witness this historic launch at Milipol Paris 2023 on the 15th of November 2023, preceding an exclusive preview on the evening of 14th November 2023 for their closed partner network.
23 Oct 23. De Havilland Canada Announces Partnership with Universal Avionics and Acquisition of Mid-Canada Mod Centre.
De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (De Havilland Canada) is pleased to announce that it has selected Universal Avionics, an Elbit Systems company, as lead supplier of integrated flight decks for De Havilland Canada’s CL-215T and CL-415 firefighting aircraft. The Universal Avionics flight deck system will support aerial firefighting operations with NextGen flight display, flight management, data communication, and connectivity systems.
This solution builds on the history and ruggedness of the CL-215 and CL-415 and will increase the functionality and effectiveness of this legendary firefighting aircraft family, which will now feature Universal Avionics’ state-of-the-art navigational instruments for enhanced safety and improved situational awareness.
In addition, as De Havilland Canada continues to grow its engineering, manufacturing, maintenance repair, and overhaul teams across Canada, De Havilland Canada is proud to announce the purchase of Mid-Canada Mod Centre (MC2) and Avionics Design Services (ADS), which have worked on Universal Avionics installations, upgrades, and modifications for decades.
With facilities in Ontario at Toronto Pearson Airport and Region of Waterloo Airport, and other engineering team members located in Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta, De Havilland Canada welcomes the addition of MC2 and ADS. Their expertise in avionics upgrade services for both commercial and business aircraft will enhance De Havilland Canada’s ability to provide timely, cost-effective solutions to its customers and the over 3,000 aircraft they operate. They are also a Transport Canada Design Approval Organization that develops Supplemental Type Certificates and Repair Design Approvals for MC2 and ADS and its customers. MC2 and ADS’ leadership team will remain in place, and the company will operate as a subsidiary of De Havilland Canada. (Source: ASD Network)
23 Oct 23. Leidos sets up EV charging-as-a-service solution for USAF.
The company’s sustainable power infrastructure solution demonstrates how the Air Force can rely on its non-grid-dependent installation for energy resilience.
As part of its energy transition, the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) – an agency within the US Department of Defense (DoD) – has contracted the Fortune 500 tech company Leidos to provide Electric Vehicle Charging-as-a-Service (EVCaaS) infrastructure for non-tactical vehicles in the US Air Force (USAF).
Under this contract, the contractor will design and implement a modern, resilient, scalable and secure power infrastructure solution for Air Force bases across the continental US.
USAF climate mitigation efforts
Leidos’s energy solution will power more than 49,000 non-tactical vehicles; these are transportation units used to support and mobilise personnel and equipment for military missions.
This contract is the USAF’s latest effort in climate mitigation as part of its Climate Action Plan, published in October last year. In the document, the service says it will implement innovative solutions to reach certain goals, including working toward 100% carbon-pollution free electricity by FY2030 and 100% zero emission non-tactical vehicles by FY2035.
Other concurrent USAF initiatives include the development of a nuclear micro-reactor to power critical national security infrastructure at Eielson Air Base, Alaska, demonstrating a clean, reliable and resilient energy supply.
Leidos EVCaaS solution
Leidos’s EVCaaS contract takes the form of an Other Transaction prototype agreement whereby the DoD can streamline research and development in this prospective solution with prototypes to determine the future success of the concept. (Source: airforce-technology.com)
24 Oct 23. Sikorsky’s RAIDER X Team Begins Installation Process of U.S. Army’s Improved Turbine Engine. Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company (NYSE: LMT) is beginning the installation process of the U.S. Army’s new Improved Turbine Engine (ITEP) on its RAIDER X aircraft designed for the Future Attack Reconnaissance (FARA) program. The U.S. Army and Sikorsky engineers reviewed the engine after its arrival at the company’s West Palm Beach facility and then transferred it to the engine integration test lab next to the RAIDER X assembly area on Oct 20.
“Lockheed Martin’s model-based systems engineering approach gives the Sikorsky team confidence in this final phase of the RAIDER X build which brings us one step closer to completing this weapon system that will match the rapid pace of the reconnaissance mission,” said Future Vertical Lift Vice President Andy Adams. “The data RAIDER X gathers – and the speed and agility with which it operates – will support the Army’s mission for deep sensing capability and unsurpassed networking, connecting Soldiers and the joint force to the information they need to complete their missions.”
RAIDER X is currently 98% complete. After installing additional instrumentation, Sikorsky will begin engine installation immediately. Following that, final system tests and check-outs will be accomplished. Those will be followed by engine turn on and drive system check out with the ITEP in the aircraft. After successful system checks, we will conduct flight acceptance testing and proceed to first flight.
First flight of RAIDER X is expected in late 2024, when the engine and aircraft are approved for flight by the Army.
In addition to RAIDER X, the Army intends to transition the ITEP engine to the UH-60 Black Hawk fleet.
“With increased fuel efficiency and 50% more power than the current engine, the ITEP engine is one of the cornerstones to Black Hawk modernization and will increase the aircraft’s lift capability and range,” Adams said. “As the U.S. Army fields Future Vertical Lift aircraft, the Black Hawk will remain the foundational tactical air assault and utility aircraft for the U.S. Army.”
23 Oct 23. IP for SAAF C-130BZ avionics held by UK company. With work – including addressing “immediate and urgent obsolescence issues” underway on SA Air Force (SAAF) C-130BZ Hercules (409) in England – the reply to a Parliamentary question brought to light the company awarded the work holds the IP (intellectual property) for the avionics suite of the ageing medium airlifters.
Defence and Military Veterans Minister Thandi Modise told questioner Kobus Marais, Democratic Alliance (DA) shadow minister for her portfolio, that Marshall Aerospace of Cambridge is the current IP holder of the avionics suite fitted to the SAAF C-130BZs as it in the early 2000s worked on the SAAF Hercules fleet under Project Ebb, among others fitting digital avionics, giving the aircraft ‘glass’ cockpits.
Marais was further informed by Modise that Marshall was awarded a maintenance contract in line with the “Armscor contracting process” which saw four respondents to the issued Request for Information (RfI). Denel, she added, responded to the RfI but, could not conduct “additional major servicing” with a lone maintenance bay capable of handling an aircraft the size of the four-engined transporter. One aircraft is currently in the Denel servicing bay undergoing maintenance, her response reads, in part. Marshall Aerospace is servicing, adding ADS-B transponders and replacing secondary flight display systems on the SAAF Hercules.
The R470 m Marshall contract, as per the Ministerial reply, will see major servicing of two SAAF C-130BZs and “mandatory update kits and equipment” for the other four C-130BZs on the strength of 28 Squadron at Air Force Base (AFB) Waterkloof. The contract, which started in August and has a July 2026 completion date, makes provision for training of both Denel and SAAF technical personnel.
All work on the first two aircraft – 409 and 405 – will be done at Marshalls with “further updates and servicing in-country at the SAAF MRO (maintenance and repair organisation) by Marshall together with Denel and SAAF members”.
The shadow minister’s attempt to draw Modise on more Denel – particularly Denel Aeronautics – involvement in future C-130BZ maintenance was unsuccessful.
Marais asked the Defence and Military Veterans Minister whether her department was in discussion with Minister Pravin Gordhan’s Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) as regards “the upgrade, service and maintenance of strategic prime mission airframes”. He was told the SAAF cannot comment as the discussions would be “conducted at departmental level” with the rider of a currently in-force Denel product system support contract due to end in December 2026.
(Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)
24 Oct 23. DigitalX and LG Electronics Gulf to Drive Technological Advancements and Pioneer a New Digital Era.
The goal of the association is to expedite the deployment of innovative and immersive technologies, solutions and digital assets and boost business potential.
DigitalX, a subsidiary of Digital DEWA, the digital arm of Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (PJSC), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with LG Electronics Gulf, a global provider of a broad range of technology products, AI & Robotics. The MoU was signed between Hamad Karam, Chief Operating Officer, DigitalX and Park Yong Joon, VP, LG MEA, on the sidelines of GITEX Global 2023, that takes place from 16th to 20th October at Dubai World Trade Centre.
The goal of the association is to expedite the deployment of innovative and immersive technologies, solutions and digital assets and boost business potential. As part of the MoU, the two companies aim to combine their strengths and resources to fuel digital transformation and elevate user experiences for clients in various sectors.
“This partnership is a synergy of ideas, innovation, and aspiration. Our collective vision aims to bring about a paradigm shift to the digital realm. We believe that the true essence of innovation is not just in technological advancement but in how it enhances the experience of the customer. Together with LG Electronics Gulf, we aim to create a transformational force that will enrich the user experience like never before,” said Hamad Karam, Chief Operating Officer, DigitalX.
DigitalX and LG Electronics Gulf are embarking on a collaborative journey marked by innovation. By pushing the boundaries of technology, both companies aim to leave a lasting imprint through their advanced solutions, while simultaneously exploring new business opportunities and delivering revolutionary solutions that enrich lives.
“We are pleased to partner with DigitalX. LG’s unwavering dedication to improving the lives of people all over the world by introducing innovative solutions resonate with DigitalX’s vision. As such, this agreement is not just a business arrangement but a shared commitment to shaping a future where technology seamlessly integrates into our lives, making it more real,” said Park Yong Joon, VP, LG MEA.
LG Electronics, a prominent and globally recognized entity, stands as a preeminent provider of a wide-ranging portfolio of cutting-edge technology products, as well as a trailblazer in the realms of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics. LG’s multifaceted influence extends far beyond the traditional boundaries of consumer electronics, showcasing its prowess in shaping the modern technological landscape.
20 Oct 23. Incomar grows its fleet as its business expands. Aerospace and defence company Incomar is adding new aircraft to its fleet to further assist flight testing and development work, with business and trainer jets amongst those in the pipeline.
With a focus on systems design, development and integration; testing on a range of platforms; product development; and flight testing and support, Incomar operates from two hangars at Wonderboom National Airport, three offices in Gauteng, and a flying school in Robertson, Western Cape. It has multiple aircraft dedicated to flight testing, including a Cessna 208 Caravan that is used for testing electro-optical systems, camera pods, synthetic aperture radars etc. A Vans RV-7A is used for flight test instrumentation development and flight modelling.
Incomar CEO Lance Wellington revealed that the company has acquired an Aermacchi AM.3C Bosbok which it aims to use as a light weapons development support platform. A Learjet 35 business jet has been acquired for high-speed testing and will arrive by year-end – it will support missile testing. The company’s jet fleet will be further expanded with the acquisition of L-39 Albatros jet trainers.
Wellington, speaking at the recent Aerospace Simulation and Training Symposium in Pretoria, explained that Incomar was established in 1999 with a focus on flight testing and avionics integration. It offers full flight physics and aeronautical engineering capabilities, including stores clearance and integration, ground vibration testing, aero modelling and simulation etc. Mechanical, hardware and electronic engineering covers structural design and analysis, development of avionics enclosures, thermal management and analysis, printed circuit board development, and firmware development.
On the software side, Incomar can do software engineering and regarding avionics can develop mission computers, flight computers, stores management systems and ground control systems. The company can test and integrate benches and consoles. It has been building mission computers, flight computers, stores management systems, and ground control systems for a number of foreign clients.
“We can take a project from full design to analytics, measuring and confirming the design,” Wellington said, emphasising Incomar’s strong aero modelling and simulation capabilities.
For flight testing, Incomar employs Class I and II experimental test pilots and flight test engineers who can perform basic and full experimental testing of aircraft and systems – for example, Incomar pilots were the first to fly Paramount’s Ahrlac/Mwari, and its pilots have amongst others tested a Hensoldt sensor pod on the company’s Caravan.
Incomar is part of the privately owned Arya Group. It was grown and developed together with Mongezi India, who has worked extensively in the aerospace, defence and civil security sectors (he served as Chief of Aviation Security for South Africa, for example). Incomar has grown rapidly in recent years, and now employs more than 240 people.
(Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)
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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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