Sponsored By Oxley Developments
www.oxleygroup.com
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30 May 24. Palantir Selected by Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office (CDAO) to Participate in Scaling Data Analytics and AI Capabilities Across the Department of Defense in Support of CJADC2 Strategy. Palantir Technologies Inc. (NYSE: PLTR) today announced that the Department of Defense Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office (CDAO) awarded its subsidiary, Palantir USG, Inc., a production contract to make licenses of their AI-enabled operating system available across the Department of Defense. Starting with an initial order of $153m to support certain Combatant Commands and the Joint Staff, additional awards can be made up to $480m over a 5-year period.
Additionally, CDAO has awarded Palantir a prototype Other Transaction (OT) for $33m to rapidly and securely onboard third-party vendor and government capabilities into the government-owned, Palantir-operated data environment to meet priority Combatant Command digital needs.
“These awards represent a vital step in warfighter adoption of AI, moving cutting-edge technology from experiment to enterprise production,” said Shannon Clark, Head of Defense Growth, Palantir. “We are proud to support the CDAO, enabling commanders to make better, faster decisions across all domains at unprecedented scale.”
Palantir’s commercial solutions will be part of the larger CJADC2 ecosystem integrating with other vendors and programs to support battlespace awareness, global integration, contested logistics, joint fires, and targeting workflows. Users will benefit from the current data integrations created as a result of Palantir’s work on fielding AI/ML tools for the warfighter over the last several years.
“In this era of geopolitical competition, the CDAO has become an essential leader in bringing operational CJADC2 capabilities to life through the agile, effective, and responsible deployment of AI/ML,” said Akash Jain, President of Palantir USG. “Palantir is honored to continue supporting the CDAO’s mission to develop, field, and scale AI-enabled solutions that advance U.S. defense, and we look forward to working alongside America’s warfighters to ensure these efforts are effective where they matter most – in the field and in the hands of decision-makers at all echelons.”
Additionally, government operators and third-party vendors will be able to build data integrations, pipelines, and applications within the platform or on other platforms through open APIs and Ontology Software Development Kits (OSDKs). Palantir’s open infrastructure provides organic use for flexible and rapid response at speed while maintaining the secure collaboration needed to ensure access controls and data protection.
This work follows Palantir’s long-standing partnership with CDAO to support the Global Information Dominance Experiment (GIDE) events, and the development of proven, real-world applications for advanced technologies. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
30 May 24. Aitech Announces 10/40GbE Fully Managed Ethernet Switch/Router on XMC Form Factor.
M622 enables high-speed connectivity solutions for military and aerospace platforms
M622 Highlights:
- Enables high-speed onboard Ethernet-based digital backbone and network infrastructure
- Small form factor XMC reduces the number of slots required and significantly optimizes SWaP-C of the whole system
- A feature-rich networking firmware supporting both Layer2 and Layer3 protocols, dual-stack IPv4/IPv6, unicast and multicast routing within OpenVPX or SOSATM aligned systems
Aitech Systems, a leading provider of rugged boards and system level solutions for military, aerospace and space applications, has released the M622, a unique and highly innovative, fully managed 10GbE/40GbE Ethernet switch/router on an XMC. The M622 is designed for embedded and harsh environment applications with SWaP-C (size, weight, power and cost) optimization in mind.
An order of magnitude bandwidth and capacity upgrade of Aitech’s M620, the M622 is based on an advanced and flexible Layer2/Layer3 (L2/L3) Ethernet switch and packet processor offering up to 320 Gbps of full wire-speed bandwidth. This innovative XMC solution provides 10/40GbE internal connectivity within any OpenVPX or SOSATM aligned ruggedized embedded system, between modern SBCs and other processing and I/O boards, while enhancing SWaP-C throughout the system.
Alex Trigoub, Director of Board Level Product Line for Aitech, noted, “The XMC form factor is a highly beneficial way of implementing connectivity for modern military platforms utilizing a centralized digital backbone. However, existing solutions fail to meet the demand for high networking bandwidth, the number of Ethernet interfaces and the required networking features and protocols. The M622 is a gamechanger for current and future military and aerospace platforms that utilize high resolution sensors/cameras and process large amounts of data using onboard AI systems and mission computers.”
Meeting the high-density and high-speed connectivity demands across mil-aero platforms, the M622 facilitates modern onboard Ethernet-based digital backbones and networks with requirements for IPv4/IPv6 routing, time synchronization, security, high reliability, and support for network redundancy.
This innovative high-speed connectivity solution is able to significantly improve any platform’s reliability and survivability in the field by offering a fast-boot mode, which allows the switch to be fully configured and ready for operation within 45 seconds after a power-up or restart event.
Aitech’s M622 is the only product available today combining a SWaP-C optimized XMC form factor with this high network bandwidth capacity and interface speed, as well as a rich set of networking features.
Aitech will have the new M622 Ethernet switch/router on display at their Stand 354 in Hall 6 during Eurosatory from June 17-21st at the Paris Nord Villepinte Exhibition Center in Paris, FR. Stop by and learn firsthand how the M622 is globally enhancing defense and security platforms.
30 May 24. The Chinese army’s newest recruit is a robot dog made by a start-up with funding from major venture capital firms. The debut of the robo-dog, which the army has equipped with an assault rifle that it can fire, was a “major highlight” of joint exercises carried out by the People’s Liberation Army and Cambodia this month, according to Chinese state television. It is based on a robot dog made by Unitree Robotics, formally called Hangzhou Yushu Technology, which has received backing from top VCs including Neil Shen’s HongShan, formerly known as Sequoia Capital China; Matrix Partners China; and Shunwei Capital, set up by Xiaomi founder Lei Jun. In February, the start-up raised Rmb1bn ($140mn) in a funding round that included food delivery app Meituan and made the group its biggest external investor, with an 8 per cent stake. Unitree says it does not sell its products to China’s military; it is not known how the PLA procured the dog.
Even so, the PLA’s use of Unitree’s product highlights how difficult it can be for VCs and start-ups to ensure their investments in boundary-pushing technologies such as robotics are not militarised. Corporate records indicate that HongShan and Matrix Partners China’s funding came from their renminbi-denominated funds, which would not include US investors, and which hold 7 and 6 per cent stakes in Unitree, respectively, according to business data provider Tianyancha. However, the armed forces’ robo-dog demonstration is likely to reinforce Washington’s determination to make sure that US funding is not used to further China’s use of technology for military purposes. The Biden administration, which has consistently argued that advanced technology can end up aiding China’s armed forces, announced an order last August that would restrict some US funding to the country, while US lawmakers have also stepped up scrutiny of investments in China. Before splitting from Sequoia Capital last year amid rising US-China tensions, HongShan, led by managing partner Shen, raised nearly $9bn, about half from US pension funds and endowments. Recommended HongShan Neil Shen plots global expansion for Sequoia’s China spin-off Shen’s team first invested in Unitree in 2020 and has participated in several subsequent funding rounds, according to data provider ITJuzi. Unitree said its products were manufactured for civilian use and that the company was not involved in deploying them for any military purposes. “The company also does not have any contractual or business relationship with any military-related parties,” Unitree said. HongShan said it did not “invest in businesses that operate for the purpose of facilitating or providing support to military use” and added that if anyone independently obtained Unitree’s products from third parties, that was beyond the control of the company. (Source: FT.com)
29 May 24. Advantech, a global leader in embedded IoT, today announced the launch of its AMR-S100 Box PC to accelerate autonomous mobile robot (AMR) development, industrial automation, and edge AI deployments.
The AMR-S100 incorporates the NVIDIA Jetson AGX Orin system-on-module for powerful AI computing capabilities. AMR-S100 is designed to provide a production-ready solution for companies aiming to advance NVIDIA Isaac Perceptor from prototyping to the production phase. Additionally, it is seamlessly compatible with the NVIDIA JetPack SDK and approved sensor modules in the NVIDIA Nova Orin development kit, so customers can deploy AMR as well as other robot configurations and applications more efficiently in terms of time and cost. Advantech also provides its own ROS 2 Suite package to customers, allowing users to operate via remote control, perform hardware status monitoring, security management and more.
Pablo Lin, director of Advantech ACG, appreciates support from the NVIDIA Nova Orin team for assisting on product development of the AMR-S100. “We closely collaborated with NVIDIA’s engineering and product teams to make this the first product compatible with NVIDIA Isaac Perceptor, a collection of foundation models, robotics tools and GPU-accelerated libraries,” said Mr. Lin.
The AMR-S100 aims to be an ideal off-the-shelf product, as well as a key tool for ODM opportunities. By selecting Nova Orin compatible AMR-S100 and sensors, customers can get a head start on developing their application software, without having to worry about system software for the compute, sensors, performance, and thermal design.Advantech ACG plans to continue collaborating with NVIDIA on the latest technology to deliver the best platform for the autonomous mobile robot industry.
28 May 24. uAvionix Achieves AIMS Certification of World’s First Mode 5 Micro-IFF Combined Transponder Receiver. uAvionix along with its partner R Cubed Engineering, has announced the AIMS Mk XIIB certification of the RT-2087/ZPX-1 (ZPX-1), the World’s first AIMS-certified Mode 5 Micro-IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) Combined Transponder Receiver (CTR) and the first ever Mode 5 CTR to be AIMS-certified when paired to the newly certified KIV-79.
The groundbreaking achievement delivers enhanced situational awareness and Combat ID capabilities for tactical warfighters in the modern battlespace with crewed and uncrewed aircraft.
Paul Beard, Chief Technical Officer at uAvionix, stated, “hostilities in Eastern Europe and the Pacific Rim are currently of great concern and getting a lot of thoughtful analysis on how best to address these emerging threats. If nothing else, the ZPX-1 CTR puts another, arguably more modern, surveillance and Combat ID tool into the warfighter’s toolbox.”
In achieving Mk XIIB certification, ZPX-1 follows its predecessor, the RT-2087/ZPX (ZPX), a 68-gram Mico-IFF transponder. The ZPX-1, with its passive Mode 5 receiver, is the only AIMS-certified Micro-IFF solution meeting the U.S. Army’s Future Tactical UAS (FTUAS) Increment 2 program requirements. This ensures full CTR functionality, making it ideal for platforms needing comprehensive IFF capabilities including Mode 5 Level 2 Broadcast reception.
ZPX-1 offers the warfighter a broad range of traditional IFF transponder functionality combined with a passive receiver for greater situational awareness and support for detect & avoid capabilities. It supports civil modes A, C, S (with Enhanced Surveillance), and ADS-B Out, adds military modes 1, 2, 3, and Mode 5 Levels 1, 2, and 2-Broadcast Out (2-B Out), and includes receiver functions: civil ADS-B In and military Mode 5 Levels 2 and 2-B In. Importantly, ZPX-1 innovatively pairs with a single KIV-79 crypto for both transmit and receiver functionality, reducing costs while meeting the performance standards of AIMS 17-1000 Rev 1.1 and testing regimens AIMS 1101 and 1301.
Previous AIMS certifications covered transponders, interrogators, and combined interrogator transponders (CITs). While transponders enable interaction with Air Traffic Control or appropriately equipped aircraft, interrogators in a CIT perform Combat ID by discriminating between nearby friends and potential enemies. The ZPX-1 CTR, with its passive receiver, offers a quiet alternative to active interrogation, enhancing operational security by avoiding emissions that could be targeted by anti-radiation weapons.
The combination of a 91-gram CTR with a 176-gram KIV-79 crypto, a package that weighs under 10 oz, expands operational possibilities for airborne platforms as small as Group 1. Notably, this allows small tactical drones to carry a transponder and passive receiver with all the protected battlefield situational awareness, Combat ID support, and interoperability afforded by NATO’s latest interoperability standard: Mode 5.
ZPX-1 is a result of collaboration between uAvionix and prime contractor R Cubed Engineering. Supported by Navy and Army funding, R Cubed contracted with uAvionix early in 2020 and the partnership initially produced the AIMS Mk XIIB-certified ZPX Micro-IFF transponder for small Uncrewed Aerial Systems (sUAS).
The ZPX-1, blends the original ZPX with the uAvionix ZPR passive Mode 5 receiver and leverages a common form factor and software interface to provide current ZPX users with a near seamless upgrade to the more capable ZPX-1. (Source: UAS VISION)
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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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