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22 Aug 24. Could study point to future Type 83 destroyer propulsion technology? BAE Systems-commissioned study into naval heat recovery in warships propulsion systems could indicate Type 83 warship capability, a step change on from the in service Type 45.
BAE Systems-commissioned study into heat waste recovery technology for use in naval warships could point to a technological direction the future Type 83 air defence destroyer might take, with the platform due to replace the BAE-built Type 45 destroyers (pictured) from the late-2030s.
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Normally associated with space domain propulsion, UK-based Reaction Engines has been selected by UK defence prime BAE Systems to carry out a study into the potential use of its heat exchanger technology for waste heat recovery and exhaust cooling for naval ships.
Announcing the move on 22 August, Reaction Engines stated that its light weight, low volume heat exchangers can be used to increase the efficiency of naval vessels and operated with existing diesel engines and gas turbine propulsion systems, as well as next generation hydrogen and hybrid-electric alternatives.
The UK opted for a slightly more conventional power configuration for the Type 26 frigates, which followed the Type 45 destroyers. Credit: UK MoD/Crown copyright
The study will investigate the potential environmental improvements from Reaction Engines’ heat exchangers and how their use can deliver operational benefits, the release stated.
Oliver Nailard, business development manager, Reaction Engines, said the investigation “seeks to demonstrate significant energy efficiency improvements and reduced emissions, while potentially offering reduced thermal signature for operational benefits”.
Heat recovery technology in the Type 83?
The move by BAE Systems to commission a study into the use of energy recovery technologies for use in the naval domain has potentially been taken with one eye on the future, both in terms of expected naval propulsion configurations but also, perhaps, future warships that the company may be tasked with delivering.
Central to this may well be the future Type 83 destroyer, part of the wider Future Air Dominance System (FADS) programme that will deliver a range of technologies to provide a next-generation naval air defence capability.
The Type 83 is a natural follow on from the in-service Type 45 destroyers, a class of warships that have experienced issues earlier in their operational life when operating in hot and humid environment such as the Middle East, including purported overheating of intercooler systems.
Type 45 and overheating issues
The Type 45 class was originally delivered with an innovative integrated electric propulsion system to produce the ship’s power when underway, focussed around two WR-21 Rolls Royce gas turbines.
However, repeated issues of loss of power of Type 45 warships while underway saw the UK Ministry of Defence undertake the Power Improvement Project, or PIP, which sees the installation of new diesel engines into the six Type 45 destroyers, changing the propulsion configuration to a more conventional combined diesel and gas, or CODAG system.
Type 45 destroyer HMS Dragon at sunset during patrol in the Middle East in 2013. The Type 45 class suffered in hot and humid environments early on in their service life. Credit: UK MoD/Crown copyright
The gas turbines will then be used to generate additional ‘top-up’ power generation for sprint speeds, thereby reducing the wear on sensitive subsystems.
With the Type 83 still in the pre-concept phase as part of the FADS programme, it is several years away before any determination is made on propulsion for the class.
However, the exploration of technologies that could harness or more effectively distribute excess heat produced by whatever engine configuration will power the future Type 83 class could well indicate a potential technological direction under consideration.
(Source: naval-technology.com)
23 Aug 24. New wargaming and analysis software for Defence. Strategic Command’s Defence Modelling and Simulation Office acquires initial one year contract for Command Professional Edition.
UK Strategic Command’s Defence Modelling and Simulation Office (DMSO) has awarded a contract for the supply of Command Professional Edition (Command PE) software for Defence users.
The software, developed by Matrix Pro Sims, is used for wargaming and analysis at the operational level. This new tool gives users in Defence the ability to test ideas and is particularly valuable for Strategic Command’s new Defence Experimentation and Wargaming Hub in Portsmouth.
Command PE allows users to simulate every air and naval engagement from post-World War II to the present day and beyond. Working from a vast open-source database of military hardware and capabilities means simulations of even the most complex operations are realistic and accurate. No two runs through the same scenario are the same, helping users understand the volatility and unpredictability of conflict.
Crucially, as an originally commercial game turned wargaming software package, Command PE is straightforward to learn and operate.
In addition to the maritime, land, and air domains, Command PE can model space assets in their known orbits, as well as cyber capabilities by incorporating the degradation or disablement of aspects such as communications or sensors.
This investment will help our people across Defence with training, education, and analysis. Command PE will also allow for greater integration with international partners, allowing for exchange of knowledge and ideas, and joint wargaming and analysis. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
22 Aug 24. ProTecBird enables successful protection of the red kite around wind turbines – Rheinmetall supplies expertise in the field of air defence for the detection of protected bird species.
With AI and sensor technology from ProTecBird and software from the military sector, Rheinmetall and ProTecBird want to ensure the protection of red kites around wind turbines and at the same time contribute to the energy transition. Both companies have now announced the successful demonstration of the effectiveness of the AVES Wind anti-collision system for the protection of red kites around wind turbines, which was developed by ProTecBird by integrating Rheinmetall technology. With this milestone, the young technology start-up from Husum, which is specialised in the development and manufacturing of economical and species-specific anti-collision systems, has now overcome a significant hurdle for the energy revolution in Germany in partnership with Rheinmetall.
The development of effective anti-collision systems (ACS) has been one of the biggest challenges in the operation of wind farms in areas with wind-sensitive bird species. The balance between technical feasibility and reliable species protection is of central importance for the planning processes in the construction of wind farms. With its AI-based AVES Wind anti-collision system, ProTecBird has succeeded in solving this problem by defining and demonstrating the requirements for an anti-collision system in terms of nature conservation, economics and technology for the first time. By doing so, the system offers an alternative to generalised shutdown regulations by providing a customised solution for wind farm-operators through species- and situation-dependent short shutdowns.
As one of the federal states with the most wind power, Schleswig-Holstein is a pioneer in the establishment of forward-looking standards for anti-collision systems and their integration into approval procedures. On behalf of the Ministry of Energy Transition, Climate Protection, Environment and Nature of the Federal State of Schleswig-Holstein (MEKUN, Ger. for Ministerium für Energiewende, Klimaschutz, Umwelt und Natur), a committee was convened in September 2022 to develop a testing framework under the direction of the State Office for the Environment SH (LfU, Ger. for Landesamtes für Umwelt). This committee, consisting of a team of consultants (TÜV NORD, the Office for Biostatistics), ACS and wind energy manufacturers as well as stakeholders from nature conservation organisations and wind energy associations, developed a comprehensive testing framework for the validation of ACS by the end of 2023. On 8 August 2024, Tobias Goldschmidt, Minister of Energy Transition, Climate Protection, Environment and Nature of the Federal State of Schleswig-Holstein, announced the first nationwide testing framework for anti-collision systems. The testing framework is currently being evaluated by other Federal States in Germany in order to incorporate it into their own area of responsibility.
The AVES Wind system from ProTecBird was tested at an existing wind farm between July and September 2023 in accordance with the requirements of the technical convention proposal “Test framework for anti-collision systems” (MEKUN 2024). A total of 237 red kite flight sequences were analysed at various sites on a total of 25 recording days: AVES Wind detects, recognises and protects the red kite in accordance with the specifications of the technical convention proposal (MEKUN 2024), meaning that the species protection requirements and the protective effect for the red kite are fully met by the ProTecBird anti-collision system.
“We are delighted to have our AVES Wind anti-collision system recognised, and are proud to be making a contribution to the energy revolution,” comments Thorsten Heinzen, CEO of ProTecBird. “The cooperation with the relevant players in Schleswig-Holstein was crucial for this breakthrough. The fact that ProTecBird was the first company to undergo and pass the officially defined testing framework highlights the company’s innovative strength and commitment. With its AVES Wind anti-collision system, ProTecBird has achieved a technological breakthrough that can be seen as disruptive for the wind energy industry,” continues Thorsten Heinzen. “We have created a clever networked system that utilises the existing wind farm infrastructure and further improves the effectiveness and sustainability of the generated wind energy”.
The solution of the AI-based AVES Wind anti-collision system is based on software developed by Rheinmetall Electronics GmbH, which was originally programmed for air defence in the military sector and is in use worldwide.
Rheinmetall uses an established software (Multi Mode Tracker) that can recognise and assign missiles via pixel changes on the horizon. Thanks to the further development of the software by ProTecBird and the use of the newly developed AI, different bird species, such as the protected red kite, can now be reliably recognised and tracked by the systems’ sensors. As a result, automated shutdown commands are sent to wind turbines, effectively preventing collisions between the animals and the rotor blades from a predefined distance between the bird and the wind turbine.
“The possible applications go far beyond the original military field,” explains Uwe Lindenau, Sales Manager Mission Systems at Rheinmetall Electronics GmbH.
“The cooperation between Rheinmetall and ProTecBird is unique worldwide. With our software and the technical expertise of ProTecBird, not only can unique protected birds such as the red kite or the white-tailed sea eagle be protected. Concerning the aviation sector, it also offers great benefits for flight safety regarding bird strikes on aircraft engines and the airframe,” Lindenau continues.
For Rheinmetall, demonstrating the effectiveness of the system in wind turbines is a successful example of the Group’s involvement in environmental protection.
As a technology start-up, ProTecBird is determined to push ahead with its research and development. The company is currently working on expanding its technology to other animal species, such as real-time detection of bats, to ensure more comprehensive protection of wildlife.
In addition, ProTecBird aims to expand its partnerships to promote the use of renewable energy not only in Germany but also worldwide.
20 Aug 24. BAE Systems to fit upgrades on F-15EX and F/A-18E/F.
The enhancements to US fighter jets highlight the increasing role of cybersecurity in modern warfare. BAE Systems‘ latest project with Boeing involves upgrading the flight control computers of the F-15EX Eagle II and F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. The fusion of cybersecurity measures and future-oriented processing power will enhance combat readiness.
BAE Systems has been tasked with upgrading the flight control computers (FCC) of two fighter aircraft, the F-15EX Eagle II and the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet.
Selected by Boeing, BAE Systems, the original manufacturer of these flight control systems, will implement a refresh of the flight control computers. The upgrades aim to increase processing power and improve cyber and product security. As cyber threats continue to grow, ensuring the security of on-board systems has emerged as a priority.
“Our advanced flight-critical solution ensures that these platforms will maintain fleet readiness now and in the future, as well as provisions the aircraft to support the integration of new functions,” explained Corin Beck, senior director of Military Aircraft Systems for Controls and Avionics Solutions at BAE Systems. This statement reflects the dual aim of the upgrades: boosting current operational effectiveness while laying the groundwork for future advancements.
According to GlobalData’s intelligence on the US defence market, the US Navy acquired them from Boeing between 1999 and 2023 and has 625 F/A-18E/F multirole aircraft in its fleet.
A feature of the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet upgrade is the addition of a new processor, which will allow the integration of future capabilities.
BAE Systems ensures these jets can be sustained by modernising the FCC electronics hardware and software.
Australia has injected $400m (A$616) into the MQ-28A Ghost Bat programme, marking a milestone in the nation’s military aerospace capabilities. This injection of funds secures hundreds of skilled jobs. The MQ-28A Ghost Bat, developed in collaboration with Boeing Defence Australia,…
The upgraded flight control computers will continue to manage the dynamics of fighter jet operation, from processing pilot inputs to adjusting control surfaces based on real-time sensor data. These systems, critical to the aircraft’s stability and manoeuvrability, are designed with redundancy, allowing them to reconfigure controls in the event of damage or failure, thus preserving the aircraft’s operational capability.
BAE Systems is executing these upgrades at its Endicott, New York facility. (Source: airforce-technology.com)
20 Aug 24. NanoGraf, the U.S.-based battery maker and materials company creating stronger, lighter, longer-lasting lithium-ion batteries with increased power density and efficiency, today announced it has delivered its silicon anode batteries to Thales Defense & Security, Inc., a leading global aerospace and defense technology contractor, for hand-held radios for the U.S. military.
Thales Defense & Security, Inc. will use NanoGraf’s M38 18650 cells for its multiband software-defined tactical hand-held radios, to support longer missions by 10%, without increasing size or weight.
“Batteries are essential to thousands of mission-critical military systems, from hand-held radios and man-portable satellite terminals to unmanned systems and mobile command posts,” said Gary Kidwell, vice president of communications systems at Thales Defense & Security, Inc. “NanoGraf’s silicon anode batteries increase operational runtime for deployed forces and ensures we equip soldiers with the best possible technology available.”
Thales Defense & Security, Inc.’s purchase of NanoGraf cells demonstrates the critical role NanoGraf has assumed in onshoring the battery supply chain, including materials, cell production and battery manufacturing outside of China. The Department of Defense has made several direct investments to help curb the military’s reliance on Chinese battery technology, building significant momentum in supporting domestic battery innovation. In January 2024, NanoGraf was awarded a contract worth up to $15 m to support the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command C5ISR Center as part of a Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) initiative focused on developing a Family of Advanced Standard Batteries (FAStBat) leveraging commercial technologies. This followed the grant they secured in 2022 for $1.65m from the U.S. Department of Defense to develop longer-lasting batteries for military equipment. These investments underscore the DoD’s commitment to onshoring the battery supply chain and NanoGraf’s critical role in that effort.
“We’re excited that Thales Defense & Security, Inc. selected our proprietary battery technology to equip soldiers with batteries that can last much longer, making their missions run smoother,” said Francis Wang, CEO of NanoGraf. “As a U.S. battery maker, getting our batteries in the hands of soldiers is an honor. We are proud to support Thales Defense & Security, Inc. and the U.S. military as we continue our efforts to onshore the entire battery supply chain.”
The production order is just one of several recent announcements showcasing NanoGraf’s growth. In June of this year, NanoGraf completed the first large volume production run for the military, and in March, NanoGraf announced a new 67,850-square-foot facility for advanced manufacturing and expanded R&D capabilities, increasing its Chicago footprint by nearly 400%.
20 Aug 24. Lockheed, Istari partner to demonstrate digital aircraft certification. Istari Digital, a startup led by former Air Force acquisition chief Will Roper, is partnering with Lockheed Martin Skunk Works to demonstrate the ability to digitally certify an aircraft before it’s built, a process that could make it easier to develop and test military aircraft in the future.
The partnership, announced Monday, is part of a $19 m contract the Air Force awarded Istari last year through a program called Flyer One. The company will use its digital engineering platform to modify and certify a drone — in this case, the X-56A initially built in 2013 by Skunk Works, Lockheed’s innovation arm. The modifications include changes to the aircraft’s landing gear and cameras and other updates to address obsolescence.
Roper, who led the Air Force acquisition shop from 2018 to 2021, created the company two years ago to develop innovative digital engineering technology that could streamline hardware development in the same way collaborative tools have transformed software development in recent years.
The idea to digitally certify an aircraft came from a visit Roper took to McLaren Racing toward the end of his Air Force tenure. The British racing team competes in Formula One and uses digital engineering to rapidly iterate on car designs.
“They don’t win with a race car. They win with a race car building process,” he told Defense News in a recent interview. “When you look at that and you look at the defense industry where everything is built at a glacial pace, it really seemed like harnessing that was going to be critical for competition, especially with China.”
The key to McLaren’s success, according to Roper, is that they were able to connect the many digital tools they use to design and simulate a vehicle’s performance. That linkage allowed them to create an automated workflow.
However, mimicking that process for the military is more complicated. Developing a race car may require hundreds of tools, but in the aerospace sector, an advanced system can require thousands. There are also intellectual property challenges, with firms hesitant to put their proprietary information on someone else’s network.
“What we had to do in aerospace was twice as hard, maybe three times as hard as Formula One because we had the challenge of aggregation and then we also had layers of classification to deal with and simply a bigger problem in terms of number of tools,” he said.
Roper said his team at Istari spent its first year or so trying to figure out how to apply McLaren’s model to defense and aerospace applications. Now, the company thinks it’s found a solution, and it’s using Flyer One and its X-56A modification as its test case.
The firm has already started working with Skunk Works on the effort and recently passed its critical design review. Its next milestone is a military flight release.
Traditionally, a program would build and fly a physical airplane, collect data and submit an airworthiness package for approval. For Flyer One, the process is similar except the data is all collected through digital models and simulation.
Roper said he expects to complete the flight certification process by the end of this year and then build the aircraft and start flying it within a year after that to determine if its flight performance matches the digital modeling.
While this type of digital flight certification hasn’t been done before, Roper said the project itself is a pragmatic one: using an existing aircraft and partnering with an established defense firm rather than designing and building a new system from scratch.
“We believe, and I think our Air Force partners would echo this, that we’re going to be able to do this because we’re not extrapolating so far that people won’t believe the models and simulations,” he said. “It’s just simply bringing into focus that we need to have a different certification process that makes sense for a world of digital design and digital testing.” (Source: Google/Defense News)
19 Aug 24. Fortify, a trailblazing additive manufacturing company specializing in the production of advanced RF devices announced delivery of a Fortify Flux System to NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland. The Flux Series manufacturing platform will be used by Glenn Research Center for the development of innovative antenna designs and to develop novel, space-relevant materials such as aerogels.
“We are extremely excited and proud to deliver our Flux One to NASA’s Glenn Research Center. Our additive manufacturing platform allows for the design and manufacturing of RF devices that enable performance benefits unmatched through traditional methods and we are extremely excited to see what type of research and technological advancements come from the Glenn Research Center” says Josh Martin, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder at Fortify.
Karlo Delos Reyes, Co-Founder and Chief Customer Officer added “This delivery underscores our dedication to unlock new possibilities with our manufacturing platform. While other additive manufacturing methods have fundamental limits, The Flux Platform enables the processing and creation of advanced materials that unlock markets.”
About Fortify: Fortify is a full-stack materials science and additive manufacturing company based in Boston, MA. Its innovative Digital Composite Manufacturing (DCM) platform enables the production of complex structures with unique mechanical, electrical, thermal, and electromagnetic properties, revolutionizing the way advanced materials are developed and manufactured. For more information, visit www.3dfortify.com. (Source: PR Newswire)
20 Aug 24. First time NVIDIA® based computer for advanced autonomy.
will be seen in Europe. Astute Systems announces the launch of its GXA-1, an NVIDIA®-powered computer, designed specifically for advanced autonomy in the defence sector. The GXA-1 will make its debut at DVD2024, where it will be showcased to key stakeholders in the Land Equipment sector, marking a significant step towards engaging with potential UK customers.
Engineered for SWaP-sensitive (Size, Weight, and Power) platforms, the GXA-1 is the ultimate solution for enabling autonomy in harsh environments. Purpose-built to endure the extreme conditions typical of military operations—including extreme temperatures, moisture, vibration, and shock—the GXA-1 ensures reliable performance where it matters most.
For developers already familiar with the NVIDIA® Software Development Kit (SDK), the GXA-1 offers seamless migration, making it an attractive option for those looking to transition to a more rugged solution. Astute Systems highlights that the GXA-1 is ideal for those content with Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) systems, while also catering to Prime Contractors seeking Modified Off-The-Shelf (MOTS) versions tailored to their specific environmental needs. Pre-qualification units with a developer kit are now available, offering a head start to those interested in early adoption.
Key features (see attached specification for full data):
- Based on the NVIDIA® Jetson AGX OrinTM Industrial SoM
- AI Performance 248 TFLOPS
- Mass storage options (dual M.2 M key SSD)
- 10 Gigabit Ethernet data plane port
- Multiple legacy analogue inputs ideal for existing DVE (Degraded Visual Environment) day/night cameras.
- Enabling autonomous workloads
Ross Newman, Founder of Astute Systems comments “We believe we have the best solution for autonomous military systems and deployment in harsh environments: the NVIDIA high performance; the perfect SWaP optimisation and proven technology. Initial interest confirms this with one key potential customer explaining “The GXA-1 is exactly what we were looking for it is the right product, right place and the right time” – or put another way, we’re faster, quicker, lighter and better value than anything currently available delivering the best performance per watt of any device in this class.”
Astute Systems, a Queensland-based company, is part of Team Defence Australia, Australia’s national platform for export-capable Australian defence companies. As such, the company is well placed to understand the requirements of AUKUS Pillar 2 which focuses on jointly developing advanced capabilities, the trilateral security partnership between the UK, the USA and Australia with the intention of cooperating on key defence capabilities including AI and autonomy as defined in AUKUS.
John Brosnan Defence & Security Director at the Australian Trade & Investment Commission (Austrade) says Astute Systems exemplifies the world-class innovation in defence technology that Australia has to offer. Brosnan says “Astute’s latest developments – designed to provide defence end users with an operational advantage – demonstrate the advanced capabilities of Australia’s defence industry and the increased opportunities for collaboration under AUKUS. Don’t miss your chance to connect directly with Ross and the team at DVD in September.”
For more information on current UK partners and global re-sellers, check out: https://astutesys.com.
Find us at DVD on stand C4-210 DVD: Astute Systems/DefenceX.
19 Aug 24. Euro Manganese Inc. (TSX-V and ASX: EMN; OTCQB: EUMNF; Frankfurt: E06) (the “Company” or “EMN”) is pleased to announce it has entered an offtake term sheet dated August 15, 2024 (the “Term Sheet”) with Wildcat Discovery Technologies (“Wildcat”), for the sale of high-purity manganese product from the Company’s Chvaletice Manganese Project (“Chvaletice” or the “Project”) in the Czech Republic.
Highlights
- Based in San Diego, California, Wildcat partners with global leaders throughout the battery industry to align and integrate all elements of the full battery cell for optimal performance. Consistent and significant progress in Wildcat’s technology has led to a focus exclusively on nickel and cobalt free cathode production. Wildcat has announced the building of a U.S.-based plant expected 2026 – 2027 to produce a portfolio of safe sustainable, and cobalt/nickel-free cathode materials for electric vehicle battery cells and other markets including stationary storage.
- Pursuant to the Term sheet, deliveries are to commence from first production, for an initial term of seven years with potential for renewal. The commencement of the initial term shall be subject to successful qualification by Wildcat of the Company’s high-purity manganese product from the Chvaletice Demonstration Plant.
- The offtake tonnages increase over the seven-year term and the average annual tonnage represents a significant percentage of the Company’s annual high-purity manganese product production. It is expected that pricing will be subject to market indicators, with mechanisms for increase/decrease tied to certain benchmarks.
- The Term Sheet is non-binding and contingent on Wildcat building its U.S plant, however the parties intend to enter a binding offtake agreement, in which the pricing mechanism and tonnages will be finalised, together with any other agreements necessary.
Dr. Matthew James, President & CEO of Euro Manganese, commented:
“This is another major milestone for Euro Manganese and for the western market battery value chain. This long-term offtake term sheet represents a significant percentage of the planned production of the Chvaletice Manganese Project over time. An important value proposition is our product does not originate from, or is processed by, a foreign entity of concern, a key purchasing criteria for North American customers. We look forward to working with Wildcat as they advance on their goals of delivering CAM materials to their customers.”
Mr. Mark Gresser, CEO of Wildcat said: “This agreement represents an important step for Wildcat in the development of high quality, low-cost, reliable, localized and IRA compliant sources for important cathode pre-cursor materials. We view the Euro Manganese partnership as an important piece to our supply chain strategy, and look forward to working with them in the coming years.”
About Euro Manganese
Euro Manganese is a battery materials company focused on becoming a leading, competitive, and environmentally superior producer of high-purity manganese for the electric vehicle industry and other high-technology applications. The Company is advancing development of the Chvaletice Manganese Project in the Czech Republic, which is a unique waste-to-value recycling and remediation opportunity involving reprocessing old tailings from a decommissioned mine. The Chvaletice project is the only sizable resource of manganese in Europe, strategically positioning the Company to provide battery supply chains with critical raw materials to support the global shift to a circular, low-carbon economy.
About Wildcat
Wildcat’s mission is to produce high-performance U.S.-made cathode materials to enable the widespread adoption of clean energy. Founded in 2006, the company plans to manufacture a portfolio of nickel- and cobalt-free cathode materials at a production factory in the United States. At the same time, Wildcat will continue to leverage its 15 years of materials development and cell design expertise to help customers achieve the best integrated battery cell performance. For more information, www.wildcatdiscovery.com
16 Aug 24. Servotecnica, a leading developer of slip rings and customized mechatronic solutions, has today announced expansion of its United States operations located in Fair Oaks, California to support and service its fast growing slip ring customer base.
Servotecnica designs and manufactures compact and high-reliability slip rings for industries including electronics, medical, aerospace & defense, robotics and packaging. Servotecnica slip rings are available in thousands of configurations as standard with sizes ranging from 12.4mm outer diameter to models with a 100mm through-hole.
The company also develops customer-specific solutions ranging from modifications to the slip ring’s electrical specifications, mechanical bounds, cables, connectors and more, to complete integrated rotary joints incorporating encoders, gearboxes and other components.
“For over 40 years, engineer to engineer collaboration has been a key pillar in our offering when working with customers to develop solutions for mission critical applications,” said Fabio Bistoletti, CEO of Servotecnica. “As we continue to achieve sustained growth in the USA, it is important that we also expand our feet on the ground in this territory.”
About Servotecnica
Servotecnica is a global motion control company founded in 1980 with facilities in the USA, Italy and Germany. The company designs and develops compact and high reliability slip rings, micromotors and custom integrated solutions for mission critical applications. Servotecnica’s expert team works in collaboration with its customers to develop solutions to the exact needs and requirements of each project. Visit https://us.servotecnica.com/en/ to learn more and follow us on LinkedIn.
16 Aug 24. Japan announces new defence technology accelerator.
The Japan Ministry of Defense (JMOD) has announced on 12 August its plan to set up a new defence technology research institute modelled after US agencies such as the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and Defense Innovation Unit (DIU).
According to local media, the new entity – which will be placed under the JMOD’s Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency (ATLA) – is provisionally called the Defense Innovation Technology Institute and is expected to be launched in October and with around 100 personnel. The government has also set aside a budget of over US$140 m to support its establishment.
The institute will use agile and innovative means to develop defence technologies that will address future challenges and will leverage expertise from the academic and private sectors to augment its operations. Local media reported that half of its staff will be recruited from various companies and universities and will include experts in areas such as artificial intelligence and robotics.
Besides defence technology research, it will also serve as a think-tank to monitor international research and support studies of dual-use technologies for defence and commercial applications.
Japan earlier indicated its intention to form a new defence technology research institute in the National Defense Strategy released in December 2022, which noted that the new institute will be designed to develop “multi-use cutting-edge technologies that contribute to defense equipment development, and to produce equipment that leads to defense innovation”. It will also focus on accelerated research initiatives that will enable rapid fielding equipment within three years by exploiting existing technologies.
Several research areas are being considered, including enhanced autonomy for uncrewed vehicles in lowlight conditions as well as novel underwater detection technologies. (Source: AMR)
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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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