Sponsored By Oxley Developments
www.oxleygroup.com
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02 May 24. Rugged Airborne Flight Test Systems are First to Deploy Data Analysis/Visualization Software in Compact Mission Computer. Curtiss-Wright’s Defense Solutions Division has announced the availability of two new fully integrated Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) Airborne IADS mission computers that enable the airborne deployment of IADS RTStation, the market-leading software solution for real-time and post-test data visualization for flight test programs. The rugged Airborne IADS systems deliver the power and flexibility of the full IADS RTStation software suite directly to the pilot and flight test engineers onboard the test vehicle. This industry-first provides direct access to critical data analysis and visualization data onboard the aircraft while undergoing test flights. The IADS RTStation software translates industry-standard flight test data formats into an array of information-rich, complex 2D/3D visuals. Its client-server architecture enables scalable, remote capture of telemetry data, un-tethered from the flight test range. Every data point is cached, allowing real-time scroll-back through the time history.
Both the Airborne IADS NXDP-4000-1 and Airborne IADS NXDP-3000-1 systems combine a Microsoft® Windows® compatible Curtiss-Wright ruggedized Parvus® DuraCOR® mission computer with a full desktop version of IADS RTStation software. The size, weight, and power (SWaP) optimized ultra-small form factor (USFF) NXDP-3000-1 features an Intel® Atom™ x6400E processor-based Parvus DuraCOR 313 Mission Computer. For more compute-intensive airborne flight test programs, the small form factor (SFF) NXDP-4000-1, based on the Parvus DuraCOR 8044 Mission Computer featuring the more powerful Intel® Xeon-W processor, is also available. The Airborne IADS systems provide users with an interactive interface that enables them to quickly customize displays, parameter definitions, analysis options and test setups in a matter of seconds. Users can then send these customized data configurations to displays on a connected monitor.
“In an industry-first, we have combined our market-leading IADS RTStation software for flight test with our extremely rugged and compact Parvus DuraCOR family of mission computers to deploy real-time data analysis and visualization capabilities to pilots and test engineers onboard the test platform while in flight,” said Brian Perry, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions Division. “The new Airborne IADS NXDP-3000-1 and Airborne IADS NXDP-4000-1 systems, our most capable real-time onboard data processing and display products, uniquely provide users with the power to perform complex calculations on flight test data while onboard the test vehicle.”
About Curtiss-Wright’s IADS Software
IADS is the flight test market’s leading real-time and post-test display and analysis software suite. Scalable, from a single laptop to a large workgroup, through its client/server software architecture, IADS provides flight test engineers with a complete solution that includes real-time data processing, archiving, computation, and display.
As the industry’s premier flight test software suite, IADS is used by every major test program in the U.S. and in many other countries worldwide. It enables flight test engineers to monitor, in real-time, huge amounts of data collected from an aircraft during a flight test program. This data is used to help validate the successful completion of test points and for safety. IADS also enables detailed analysis of the data to be performed post-test, using IADS Post Test Explorer, a data search, analytics, and visualization platform designed specifically for the flight test industry. With support for user-customizable data display, IADS significantly improves flight test efficiencies and helps to speed program completion.
01 May 24. Teledyne Relays Launches DC to 67 GHz SPDT Coaxial Switches.
Teledyne Relays announces the release of its latest innovation, the CCR-67V series. This advanced range of DC to 67 GHz SPDT coaxial switches is specifically designed to meet the rigorous demands of 5G telecommunications, high frequency automated test equipment, and millimeter-wave communication systems. The CCR-67V series represents a significant advancement in electromechanical switch technology with both failsafe and latching models available.
Key Features and Innovations:
- Longevity and Reliability: Engineered for endurance, these switches feature an impressive contact life of 2 m cycles, ensuring reliable performance under the most demanding conditions.
- High-Performance Connectivity: The series features 1.85 mm connectors, delivering outstanding performance and is compatible with the two most common mounting hole patterns, ensuring easy integration and interchangeability with a variety of existing systems.
- Advanced Operational Features: The CCR-67V series offers options for indicators, self cut-off, TTL driver, and transient suppression diodes to enhance usability and safety. The positive COM terminal feature simplifies system integration.
- Enhanced Environmental Sealing: A moisture seal protects against environmental factors, making these switches ideal for use in diverse operating conditions.
- Temperature Versatility: The series is available in two models – the standard model operates between -25°C to 65°C, and the Elite model is robust enough to function in extreme temperatures ranging from -55°C to 85°C, catering to a broad spectrum of environmental demands.
“The CCR-67V series stands out for its durable design and enhanced features and is positioned to tackle the challenges of modern RF and microwave applications. Its introduction marks a pivotal development in sectors geared towards advancing telecommunications frameworks and precision testing equipment,” said Michael Palakian, Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing at Teledyne Relays. “With the CCR-67V series, Teledyne Relays reinforces its commitment to innovation and excellence, ensuring that these switches not only meet but exceed the evolving demands of 5G technology implementation and specialized automated test equipment. This series is set to become a cornerstone in enhancing system performance across various high-tech industries.”
The CCR-67V series is now available for purchase through Teledyne Relays or an authorized distributor. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
01 May 24. Boeing Validates Software for Future Manned Unmanned Refueling Missions.
– Software advancing after years of development and testing; now encompassing real aircraft hardware
– Results significantly reduce communication time between F/A-18 pilots and unmanned MQ-25 Stingrays
Boeing [NYSE: BA] has advanced its manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) technology using a digital F/A-18 Super Hornet and MQ-25 Stingray. The testing shows the software is maturing for future U.S. Navy use and a potential to deploy the teaming capability on both F/A-18 Block II and III Super Hornets.
In a simulator lab, a Boeing-led team virtually demonstrated an F/A-18 pilot commanding an unmanned MQ-25 to release a refueling drogue and refuel the Super Hornet, using existing communications links on both platforms.
The new software is a maturation of tests Boeing has previously done. In addition to the upgraded software, test teams pulled in hardware and datalinks already installed on both platforms to run the finalized software further proving Boeing’s readiness to deliver this capability to the Navy.
“MQ-25 is designed to typically receive commands from air vehicle pilots on an aircraft carrier. This software will add a second option, enabling pilots to initiate commands right from their cockpit,” said Alex Ewing, F/A-18 New Product Development lead.
The Boeing-created software will significantly reduce the time it takes for an F/A-18 to communicate with an MQ-25, giving pilots greater flexibility in refueling from longer distances.
“The goal of the demonstrations was to make MUM-T refueling as real as possible,” said Juan Cajigas, director, Advanced MQ-25 program. “Aerial refueling is like a ballet as two airplanes come together. To be able to direct the activities via a single pilot, safely and efficiently, is a major step forward in aerial refueling technology.”
30 Apr 24. Frontier Technology Inc. Announces SaaS and Licensed Versions of FTI MAST. Frontier Technology Inc. (FTI), a leading provider of deep data expertise and mission-tailored services and solutions to the United States Department of Defense (DoD) and the Intelligence Community, today announced the availability of SaaS and licensed versions of its Carrier and Submarine Maintenance Availability Status Tool, FTI MAST.
Designed in partnership with the U.S. Naval Ship Maintenance Community, FTI MAST provides powerful data analysis, critical insights and predictive analytics to help manage critical combat asset readiness challenges faced by shipyards, maintenance depots, suppliers, logistics and training programs, significantly shortening the problem identification to resolution window.
MAST provides powerful data integration, normalization and standardization capabilities, and delivers near real-time visibility into critical, integrated maintenance, supply chain, safety and other relevant data. It provides Naval leadership with confidence in the data they are reviewing, as it removes the variability and lack of clear fidelity in data from the shipyards.
MAST uses artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to analyze a wide range of current and historical data that impact the availability, performance, quality, safety, and effectiveness of surface ships, submarines, aircraft and other critical assets. It also provides predictive analytics to enable “what-if” analyses.
MAST can be operational in weeks or months versus years, at a fraction of the cost of alternatives. It serves a wide range of users, from those with basic skills to highly technical professionals. MAST isn’t disruptive to current customer environments, and works with virtually all systems, applications and data types. And FTI customers continue to own their own data.
“Overwhelming volumes of data from systems that don’t talk to each other significantly hamper the Navy’s ability to gain near real-time insights into all of the data related to the status and availability of its platforms and assets,” said Jose Hidalgo, President, Frontier Technology Inc. “FTI MAST addresses that challenge with automated data integration, normalization and standardization plus real-time analysis, visualization and predictive modeling to enable the Navy to proactively manage mission readiness and safety issues when possible, and dramatically accelerate time to solution when issues are identified.”
FTI MAST is Now Available via SaaS and Perpetual Licensing
Delivery via SaaS
FTI MAST is now available via a Software as a Service (SaaS) model. Subscription pricing allows fast and predictable adaptation to changing customer demands, ensuring new capabilities, data ingestion and integration requirements, and scalability can be delivered as fast as they are needed. Additionally, MAST’s throughput-based approach is designed to meet a wide range of needs, from maintaining current systems to deploying enterprise-scale solutions across multiple Program Executive Offices (PEOs) or large-scale operations. MAST is highly flexible, enabling tailored support for a diverse range of requirements, from straightforward updates to complex, cloud-based installations for extensive user communities. The demand signal from the customer defines the volume of data and how quickly it must be ingested.
Perpetual Licensing Option
FTI’s new perpetual licensing model for on-premise implementations is designed for new and existing customers seeking both affordability and predictability. This approach also provides an opportunity to secure continuous support, regular capability enhancements, critical security updates, and the latest ATO and environmental certifications, keeping your operations not just running, but running securely. Designed and built with flexibility at the forefront, our licensing model ensures customers can leverage the full power of FTI MAST at an affordable price point. Customers can choose to license FTI Cortex independently or in combination with our expert technical services, ensuring seamless integration and maintenance across various environments.
Schedule a demonstration or request more information:
“FTI’s new SaaS and License purchase models give our customers in the U.S. Navy, Marines and Coast Guard a range of flexible new options for gaining near real-time visibility into the kind of integrated maintenance, supply chain, logistics, incident and other relevant data they need to improve the readiness, availability, safety and effectiveness of the critical platforms and assets they manage,” said Lincoln Hudson, COO, Frontier Technology Inc.
FTI’s Broad Naval Data Capabilities
FTI’s experience in weapons systems, maintenance, modernization, cyber, ship to shore communications as well as logistics and programmatic support has been foundational in the development of our products and solutions, and the expertise of our Navy Operations Team. FTI’s offerings provide near-real time access to critical data, offer immersive analytical experiences, and enable the discovery and understanding of complex data and systems via mission centric and purpose-built visualizations. Our solutions significantly reduce the time required to identify and solve problems, increasing efficiency and effectiveness in critical operations.
FTI’s Full Capabilities
FTI offers a broad, integrated and seamless data analytic ecosystem, with capabilities including data integration, data analytics, modeling and defensive/resilient cyber technologies and services to enable the DoD, Intelligence Community and the Federal Government to make the best decisions possible for their missions.
FTI’s extensive library of IP and technologies leverage more than $200M of U.S. Government and FTI R&D investment.
FTI’s data analytics solutions and services are built around the Cortex Integration Platform which leverages artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) to deliver a wide range of analytic and visualization capabilities for acquisition and operational decision support across DevSecOps, enterprise architecture analysis, enhanced data visualizations, model-based systems engineering, digital transformation and system performance analysis.
FTI’s modeling solutions and services help our customers better track, visualize, simulate and analyze trends and underlying mission drivers across wargaming, logistics analysis and visualization, system performance modeling, synthetic systems and data generation support.
FTI’s defensive/resilient cyber solutions offer a portfolio of advanced technologies and services to help maintain and optimize cyber defense, including mission cyber risk analysis, supply chain Illumination, blue and gray space analysis, penetration testing, RF analysis, and cyber-enhanced threat intelligence analysis.
About FTI
FTI provides deep data expertise, technology and services that enhance the ability of the DoD, Intelligence Community and other agencies of the Federal Government to make the best decisions possible. Drawing on nearly four decades of innovation, FTI’s extensive portfolio of intellectual property and operational technologies has been augmented by more than $200m of U.S. government and FTI R&D investment, and solutions can often be mission-ready in a matter of weeks. Headquartered in Beavercreek, Ohio, FTI operates in 34 states, works at all levels of classification and offers seven facilities of varying clearance levels nationwide. More at ftidefense.com. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
30 Apr 24. USMC opens new center to more rapidly get tech to operators. Marines conduct a demonstration of the Light Marine Air-Defense Integrated System and FIM-92 Stinger missile at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., on June 30, 2021.
The U.S. Marine Corps has established a new office that brings together science, technology, requirements and acquisition professionals to help streamline how the service fields new technology.
The Fusion Center, located at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, allows for discussions about what technology is becoming mature enough to use versus what is useful to the Corps, leaders said Tuesday during a panel discussion at the Modern Day Marine conference in Washington, D.C.
Brig. Gen. David Walsh, who runs Marine Corps Systems Command, said he was told two years ago upon taking on the role to “pick up the pace” for acquisition.
“That involves getting closely involved with what’s going on over at the labs, over with our industry partners, and seeing where the cutting edge of technology is, prepping ourselves, getting ourselves ready to accept that technology as it matures,” he noted.
With this Fusion Center in place, the team is expected to ensure it’s using money to develop the technologies that will fill the most critical capability gaps. In addition, the group is to consider up front the doctrine, training, sustainment strategies and more that go along with any new technology.
Generally, Walsh said, the tech itself matures faster than other aspects — doctrine, organization, training, materiel, leadership and education, personnel, and facilities (DOTMLPF).
But in trying to achieve rapid acquisition, trade-offs are often required.
“You can get it to the Marines right now, get the first iteration out there, get the first unit equipped, and then training will come along” after the fact, he said. “Or you wait for all those same DOTMLPF considerations to be lined up, ready to go, and then you field” the new tech on a slower timeline.
But, he noted, the Fusion Center gives the acquisition community an improved look at what technology may be on the way in order to reduce trade-offs, especially if officials can start considering training or sustainment implications while researchers mature the tech.
Stephen Bowdren, the service’s program executive officer for land systems, said by peeking down the science and technology pipeline, his team can consider new technology for incorporation into existing programs via an engineering change proposal or as part of a tech refresh effort. Alternatively, he added, his office would consider what technology might require standing up a new program of record.
While the Fusion Center is meant to improve communication among the various communities, the Corps is also trying move along acquisition efforts faster and become more agile by focusing on acquiring capabilities rather than specific hardware solutions.
Bowdren also noted the new office could benefit how the service manages various portfolios.
For example, the Marine Corps needs a ground-based air defense system that includes sensors, target identification tools, and kinetic and non-kinetic effectors. But different Marine Corps formations in different geographies might have slightly different air defense needs, meaning Bowdren can rely on the Fusion Center to help him create a family of systems that collectively cover all the service’s needs within this broad capability set. (Source: Defense News)
29 Apr 24. Germany approves software development of NH90. The German Government plan to expand the capabilities of the Army’s 82 tactical transport units as well as the Navy’s 18 multi-role frigate helicopters. The German Parliament Budget Committee approved funds for a comprehensive software update for its existing Nato Helicopter-90 (NH90) fleets worth €217m ($232.3m) on 24 April 2024.
Calling for an option as part of an existing framework agreement, the German Government plan to expand the capabilities of the Army’s 82 tactical transport units as well as the Navy’s 18 multi-role frigate helicopters.
Specifically, the software update integrates a new multi-functional display to provide the flight altitude and other tactical information as well as systems that offer expanded navigation and identification capabilities. Moreover, there will be further improvements for the frigate variant as these units have more sensors as well as navigation and communication devices.
NH90 configurations
Developed in two versions – tactical transport (TTH) and Nato frigate helicopter (NFH) – the NH90 contains a unique, fully integrated mission system for multi-role operations in the most demanding conditions over land and sea, day and night.
More than 500 NH90s have been delivered to 18 customers in 14 countries (by the end of 2023), accumulating more than 400,000 flight hours.
Germany has both configurations. The naval variant in the latest contract refers to the existing ‘Sea Lion’ helicopter. Germany ordered 18 units in 2015, and all of them were delivered in 2023 according to GlobalData intelligence.
The helicopters will replace the German Navy’s ageing fleet of 21 Sea Lynx Mk88A helicopters, which have been in service since 1972.
However, this naval platform should not be confused with another NFH within the German inventory named the ‘Sea Tiger’ – a more enhanced, anti-submarine warfare variant.
The government ordered 31 Sea Tigers at the end of November 2020. This configuration recently performed its maiden flight in December 2023. The German Ministry of Defence does not refer to this variant in the latest contract; the first Sea Tiger is scheduled for delivery at the end of 2025. (Source: army-technology.com)
29 Apr 24. China Has An F-35 Problem It Can’t Solve. The Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, one of the world’s few fifth-generation fighters, is generally considered the most capable aircraft in the world with respect to data fusion and network interconnectivity. China’s attempt to produce its own equivalent of the F-35, the J-20, is a capable aircraft. While it looks suspiciously similar to the F-35, the J-20 is not on par with the Joint Strike Fighter itself.
Why China Can’t Match the U.S. F-35 Fighter Jet: Insights from a Navy Expert: The Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, one of the world’s few fifth-generation fighters, is generally considered the most capable aircraft in the world with respect to data fusion and network interconnectivity. China’s attempt to produce its own equivalent of the F-35, the J-20, is a capable aircraft. While it looks suspiciously similar to the F-35, the J-20 is not on par with the Joint Strike Fighter itself.
Quora user Eric Wicklund, a former U.S. Navy Operations Specialist, explained why the Chinese cannot yet field a true competitor to the F-35.
“Just producing a stealthy-looking shape is only one part of many different aspects of stealth,” Wicklund began. “Even internal structures, and how they’re configured, matter.” One respect where China is deficient, Wicklund argues, is in materials science, and this shortfall has impacted Beijing’s ability to develop effective Radar Absorbent Material (RAM), which can absorb or scatter up to 80% of incoming radar waves.
According to Wicklund, stealing a stealth shape from a computer is simple enough, but developing cutting-edge RAM is a more difficult task. “I could hand the Chinese a chunk of RAM,” Wicklund wrote, “they could analyze it, and realize it is genuine, but the problem is in reverse-engineering it. They know what it is, but wouldn’t know how to make it.”
Wicklund explained that giving American RAM technology to the Chinese would be like giving a Damascus steel blade to an Egyptian swordmaker. The Egyptian would recognize the superior quality of the blade but would not be able to reverse-engineer the thing. That’s the problem th
Wicklund equated China’s trouble with RAM to their recent troubles developing the WS-15 jet engine. For years, the Chinese struggled to create fan blades that could withstand the heat generated within a jet engine. Finally, China’s material science caught up to the task, and the WS-15 has since entered production. “RAM is going to be another difficult stepping stone, and until they master it, China’s stealth fighters will be outmatched by the F-35.”
The U.S. is currently the only nation capable of developing and producing an aircraft as sophisticated as either the F-35 or the F-22.
Designed for air superiority and strike missions, the F-35 is also equipped to perform electronic warfare and ISR functions. The most notable features of the F-35 are the advanced avionics and sensor fusion, which grant the pilot an unmatched level of situational awareness.
Curiously, the F-35 was not designed to be as kinetically capable or as maneuverable as the F-22 fifth-generation fighter. While the F-35 can keep up with fourth-generation aircraft, the airframe was designed with stealth and sensor fusion as priorities, rather than maneuverability.
Key sensors aboard the F-35 include the Northrop Grumman AN/APG-81 active electronically scanned array radar; the BAE Systems AN/ASQ-239 Barracuda electronic warfare system; the Northrop Grumman/Raytheon AN/AAQ-37 Electro-optical Distributed Aperture System; Lockheed Martin’s AN/AAQ-40 Electro-Optical Targeting System; and the Northrop Grumman AN/ASQ-242 Communications, Navigation, and Identification suite. The sum of all of the advanced systems is an aircraft with better situational awareness, better command-and-control capabilities, and better network-centric capabilities than any aircraft in production. (Source: News Now/https://nationalinterest.org)
26 Apr 24. Flamethrower-Equipped Robo-Dog Now on Sale for Under $10,000. Throwflame, a company based in Ohio, has released a product called The Thermonator, a robot that merges the mobility of a quadruped robot with the fiery capability of a mounted flamethrower. Priced at $9,420, The Thermonator boasts a 30-foot flame range and is capable of being operated remotely through Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, with control options available on a smartphone. This robotic dog is built upon a commercially available robot base, the Unitree Go2, which retails for around $1,600. The Thermonator is equipped with advanced navigation technologies including LIDAR for mapping and obstacle avoidance, laser sighting, and an onboard camera that provides a first-person view (FPV) for navigation. (Source: https://www.sofx.com/)
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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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