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11 Jun 20. SkyWater Licenses Key FDSOI Technology from MIT Lincoln Laboratory, Moves Up Availability of its 90 nm Strategic Rad-Hard by Process Offering.
MPW Shuttles for Early Access Partners to begin Q4 of 2020.
SkyWater Technology, the innovator’s trusted foundry partner, announced it has licensed MIT Lincoln Laboratory’s 90 nanometer (nm) fully depleted silicon-on-insulator (FDSOI) complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) process to produce radiation-hardened (rad-hard) electronics which can withstand harsh radiation environments. Radiation effects rapidly degrade microelectronics, and unmitigated, can cause compromised performance, malfunctions or complete failure. Lincoln Laboratory has developed this FDSOI process for making integrated circuits resistant to damage and malfunction caused by extreme radiation levels.
Transferring MIT Lincoln Laboratory’s proven 90 nm FDSOI process into SkyWater’s Trusted fab will enable accelerated delivery on a previously announced up to $170m Department of Defense (DOD)-funded program at SkyWater to enhance microelectronics capabilities for the Department and develop a new 90 nm Strategic Rad-Hard by Process manufacturing flow. This investment was made under DOD’s Trusted and Assured Microelectronics (T&AM) program which is developing enhanced sources of microelectronics for the Department’s unique needs. The T&AM program seeks to collaborate with industry and key laboratory partners to provide sustainable, assured technology solutions for national security and defense.
“Our 90-nanometer FDSOI CMOS process has matured and scaled, and we are pleased to join with SkyWater to offer this capability for those who need integrated circuits that operate in extreme environments,” said Dr. Pascale Gouker, a senior staff member at Lincoln Laboratory. “For many years, a large team has worked on this technology to be at this point where it will be offered by a commercially-focused foundry to address both government and non-defense related opportunities for rad-hard electronics.”
Lincoln Laboratory began working on fully depleted silicon-on-insulator technology in the mid-1990s under DARPA sponsorship. In the ensuing years, variants of the Laboratory’s FDSOI technology were optimized for operation under specialized conditions, such as radio frequency range, extremely low power, and for cryogenic, high-temperature, and extreme radiation environments. This extreme-radiation capability is the basis of the current technology transfer to SkyWater.
“We are excited to accelerate our support of DOD objectives with the transfer of this proven FDSOI process from Lincoln Laboratory,” said Dr. Brad Ferguson, SkyWater Chief Technology Officer. “This effort will enable an unprecedented spectrum of Strategic Rad-Hard solutions for system designers while also extending a range of hardened capabilities for medical, commercial space and other extreme environment applications.”
SkyWater customers participating in its Early Access Partner Program will have the first opportunity to begin running test chips on MPW Shuttles ahead of final technology qualification. For customers currently in, or entering chip design phases, this is a significant opportunity to evaluate the increased circuit density and improved speed, power, and performance capabilities of this next generation technology.
In addition, SkyWater will offer this technology as part of a flexible platform offering called Rad-SoC™ which, bolstered by an ecosystem of partners, will enhance access to proven IP and streamline product development cycles, ultimately accelerating time to market. Moreover, manufacturing of these specialized ICs in SkyWater’s commercially-focused volume fab will provide high yield and production quality.
For more information about SkyWater’s Early Access Partner (EAP) Program, rad-hard manufacturing capabilities, or the developing Rad-SoC platform, please contact: or sign up at www.skywatertechnology.com/rad-hard-eap.
About SkyWater Technology
SkyWater is the only U.S.-owned and U.S.-based pure play semiconductor foundry and is a DoD-accredited Trusted supplier, specializing in custom design and development services, design IP, and volume manufacturing for integrated circuits and micro devices. Through its Technology Foundry model, SkyWater’s world-class operations and unique processing capabilities enable mixed-signal CMOS, power, rad-hard and ROIC solutions. SkyWater’s Innovation Engineering Services empower development of superconducting and 3D ICs, along with carbon nanotube, photonic and MEMS devices. The company serves customers in growing markets such as aerospace & defense, automotive, biomedical, cloud & computing, consumer, industrial, and IoT. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
11 Jun 20. The US Navy has taken delivery of the USS Zumwalt, its first full-electric power and propulsion ship. GE’s Power Conversion business (NYSE:GE) was the designer and provider for the high-voltage system (HV), propulsion drive trains consisting of multiphase converters and Advanced Induction Motors (AIM) for the DDG 1000 class of futuristic destroyers.
“Delivery is an important milestone for the Navy, as the DDG 1000 continues more advanced at-sea testing of the Zumwalt Combat System,” Capt. Kevin Smith, DDG 1000 program manager, said in a Navy statement -”The combat test team, consisting of the DDG 1000 sailors, Raytheon engineers, and Navy field activity teams, have worked diligently to get USS Zumwalt ready for more complex, multi-mission at-sea testing.”
With delivery, the USS Zumwalt continues to execute missions for the US Navy.
Power where it’s needed
For navies around the globe, power and energy are mission enablers, according to Kevin Byrne, who leads the North American marine segment for GE’s Power Conversion business. “Because electric power is needed for various operations and mission systems in parallel, this full-electric power and propulsion ship has the flexibility to direct energy where it is needed on the platform,” he said.
The electric propulsion solution delivers efficiency, cost-of-ownership reductions, and system redundancy for enhanced vessel safety. In addition, machinery layout is more flexible and configurable for containment and isolation.
Employing GE’s innovative and Integrated Power System (IPS), the DDG 1000 has the capacity to distribute electricity across the entire ship, allowing for enhanced power flexibility for various operational requirements.
Both of GE’s drive trains have two electric motors in tandem. VDM25000 power converters with three independent channels accompany the 15-phase AIM. Each motor drive train can operate on 5, 10, or 15 phases. This provides high redundancy and is more economical when running at lower power. GE’s AIM drive train was selected to meet the requirements of the ZUMWALT Class Destroyer.
Compact enough for combatant ships and powerful enough for an aircraft carrier, AIM technology has demonstrated its performance over more than two decades on land and at sea for mechanical strength, robustness, very low maintenance, and naval performance requirements. For the full-electric propulsion system, GE leveraged its proven technologies, building from the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) land-based test site and its own Marine Power Test Facility in the UK, alongside the UK Royal Navy Type 45 program, Byrne explained. “The US Navy gets benefits from our other platforms that we then could apply to the DDG 1000 and future platforms.”
With 72 MW of propulsion power, GE’s Integrated Full Electric Propulsion (IFEP) system comprises all shipboard electrical power generation and propulsion including the propulsion motor, VDM25000 variable speed drives, switchboards, and HV equipment. Offering improved efficiency, the electric drive eliminates the need for the drive shaft and reduction gears and brings benefits in acoustic signature reduction, an increase in available power for operational requirements and improvements in the quality of life for crew. The all-electric propulsion of Zumwalt also generates additional reserved power, allowing the integration of future high-energy defense systems and sensors.
A history of innovation marks GE’s latest milestone
Recognizing that navies were demanding more energy amidst space constraints, GE has been developing its full-electric propulsion system for decades, Byrne said. With more than 100 electric and hybrid references with 15 navies globally, GE is the top electric propulsion provider to navies around the world.
Since 2007, GE has been the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) for HV system, installation, commissioning and servicing for the US Navy’s three DDG 1000 class vessels. In addition to the USS Zumwalt, the USS Michael Monsoor (DDG 1001) is also homeported in San Diego and is undergoing combat systems activation. The third and final ship of the class, the future USS Lyndon B. Johnson (DDG 1002), is under construction at Bath Iron Works in Maine.
11 Jun 20. New Upgrades Are Making The F-22 Raptor Deadlier Than Ever. And they will keep it flying through 2060. Here’s What You Need To Remember: The F-22 is also known for its “super cruise” technology which enables the fighter to reach speeds of Mach 1.5 without needing to turn on its after burners. This enables the fighter to travel faster and farther on less fuel, a scenario which expands its time for combat missions.
The Air Force and Lockheed Martin have now “validated” several new weapons on the F-22 Raptor to equip the stealth fighter with more long-range precision attack technology, a wider targeting envelope or “field of regard” and new networking technology enabling improved, real-time “collaborative targeting” between aircraft.
The two new weapons, which have been under testing and development for several years now, are advanced variants of existing weapons – the AIM-9X air-to-air missile and the AIM 120-D. Upgraded variants of each are slated to be operational by as soon as next year.
The new AIM-9X will shoot farther and reach a much larger targeting envelope for pilots. Working with a variety of helmets and display systems, Lockheed developers have added “off-boresight” targeting ability enabling pilots to attack enemies from a wide range of new angles.
“It is a much more agile missile with an improved seeker and a better field of regard. You can shoot over your shoulder. If enemies get behind me in a close-in fight, I have the right targeting on the plane to shoot them,” Ken Merchant, Vice President, F-22, Lockheed, told Warrior Maven in an interview.
Raytheon AIM-9X weapons developers have told Warrior that the Block 2 variant adds a redesigned fuze and a digital ignition safety device that enhances ground handling and in-flight safety. Block II also features updated electronics that enable significant enhancements, including lock-on-after-launch capability using a new weapon datalink to support beyond visual range engagements, a Raytheon statement said.
Another part of the weapons upgrade includes engineering the F-22 to fire the AIM-120D, a beyond visual range Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM), designed for all weather day-and-night attacks; it is a “fire and forget” missile with active transmit radar guidance, Raytheon data states.
The AIM-120D is built with upgrades to previous AMRAAM missiles by increasing attack range, GPS navigation, inertial measurement units and a two-way data link, Raytheon statements explain.
“The new AIM-120D uses a better seeker and is more maneuverable with better countermeasures,” Merchant said.
As the Air Force and Lockheed Martin move forward with weapons envelope expansions and enhancements for the F-22, there is of course a commensurate need to upgrade software and its on-board sensors to adjust to emerging future threats, industry developers explained. Ultimately, this effort will lead the Air Force to draft up requirements for new F-22 sensors.
F-22 lethality is also getting vastly improved through integration of new two-way LINK 16 data link connectivity between aircraft, something which will help expedite real-time airborne “collaborative targeting.”
“We have had LINK 16 receive, but we have not been able to share what is on the Raptor digitally. We have been doing it all through voice,” Merchant explained.
Having a digital ability to transmit fast-changing, combat relevant targeting information from an F-22 cockpit – without needing voice radios – lessens the risk associated with more “jammable” or “hackable” communications.
F-22 Technologies
Newer F-22s have a technology called Synthetic Aperture Radar, or SAR, which uses electromagnetic signals or “pings” to deliver a picture or rendering of the terrain below, allowing better target identification.
The SAR technology sends a ping to the ground and then analyzes the return signal to calculate the contours, distance and characteristics of the ground below.
The F-22 is also known for its “super cruise” technology which enables the fighter to reach speeds of Mach 1.5 without needing to turn on its after burners. This enables the fighter to travel faster and farther on less fuel, a scenario which expands its time for combat missions.
The fighter jet fires a 20mm cannon and has the ability to carry and fire all the air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons including precision-guided ground bombs, such Joint Direct Attack Munitions called the GBU 32 and GBU 39.
It also uses what’s called a radar-warning receiver – a technology with an updateable database called “mission data files” designed to recognize a wide-range of enemy fighters, much like the F-35.
Made by Lockheed Martin and Boeing, the F-22 uses two Pratt & Whitney F119-PW-100 turbofan engines with afterburners and two-dimensional thrust vectoring nozzles, an Air Force statement said. It is 16-feet tall, 62-feet long and weighs 43,340 pounds. Its maximum take-off weight is 83,500.
The aircraft was first introduced in December of 2005; the F-22 Raptor fighter jet delivered some of the first strikes in the U.S.-led attacks on the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, when aerial bombing began in 2014, service officials told Warrior.
After delivering some of the first strikes in the U.S. Coalition-led military action against ISIS, the F-22 began to shift its focus from an air-dominance mission to one more focused on supporting attacks on the ground.
For the long term, given that the Air Force plans to fly the F-22 well into the 2060s, these weapons upgrades are engineered to build the technical foundation needed to help integrate a new generation of air-to-air missiles as they emerge in coming years.
“Our intent is to make sure we keep our first look, first shot, first kill mantra,” Merchant said. (Source: News Now/https://nationalinterest.org)
10 Jun 20. US Air Force seeks hardened artificial intelligence algorithms to assist aircraft piloting. The US Air Force (USAF) is in the early stages of developing artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms hardened against enemy attacks to command aircraft in partnership with human pilots.
Will Roper, USAF assistant secretary for acquisition, technology, and logistics (AT&L), said on 9 June that these algorithms, coined R2D2, would likely be first tested in the USAF’s Skyborg autonomous unmanned combat air vehicle prototype. Roper wants to better leverage convolutional neural networks in deep learning that tech companies use to analyse images posted on social media without human involvement.
Modern AI is fragile and vulnerable, Roper said, making it acceptable for entertainment-related functions. However, in combat, an adversary will attempt to thwart and confound that AI, spurring the USAF to engage in basic research to accelerate a hardened AI technology that will be suitable for warfare.
The USAF is not simply developing algorithms to replace pilots, but to make them more effective.
“We want to design a pilot that can deal with an adversary that is … trying to thwart that convolutional neural network in a type of algorithmic warfare that has never existed, but will on the future battlefield,” Roper said during a Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies event. (Source: Jane’s)
08 Jun 20. US NSWCPD establishes online shock test database eForms. US Naval Surface Warfare Center, Philadelphia Division (NSWCPD) has established an online database called eForms for shock hardened shipboard equipment across the US fleet.
The online database eForms was established by NSWCPD with Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) and Naval Sea Logistics Center (NSLC).
eForms is intended for all navy shock data for shock hardened shipboard equipment across the fleet.
Naval ship systems are required to adhere to survivability requirements and shock qualification authenticates that these systems do not fail if the vessel’s hull witnesses an Underwater Explosion (UNDEX) event.
The NSWCPD acts as a NAVSEA lead for shock qualification for navy shipboard equipment.
The Electronic Shock Module of eForms (eShock) was developed to safely store and access official navy shock data.
NSWCPD Ship Systems Hardening branch head Rob Tronzo said: “Shock qualification of shipboard equipment provides a baseline level of survivability independent of threat. Qualified equipment ensures ship survivability and keeps the sailors safe.
“Now, eShock serves as a repository for information that facilitates future shock extensions, provides navy-wide access, and utilizes the NSLC eForms platform leveraging their Authority To Operate (ATO) across the navy.”
Through a user-friendly method, the eShock module manages submission, tracking, approval and documentation of information to execute shock hardening requirements for navy vessels.
The new site offers database functionality including Naval Nuclear Propulsion Information (NNPI) data capabilities and ensures centrally located secure communications.
It has an innovative approach to transmit data submitted for approval. This ensures better record management, reduces the need to retrieve necessary data, streamlines the review and approval process, as well as reduces the possibility of losing data.
Tronzo added: “The eShock module mitigates cost and schedule risk by ensuring data is captured and readily available for anyone who needs it.
“The tool provides 5x to 10x improvement in high velocity learning. It reduces stove piping and allows the data to be more easily accessed, expediting the delivery of data to the necessary parties.”
A module called eSDCP is also under development. Once developed, it will provide corrective action information for equipment required to be shock qualified. (Source: airforce-technology.com)
09 Jun 20. EPOS today announces that its four new ADAPT headsets all have been Certified for Microsoft Teams. Building on the core of the ADAPT product line, the four headsets are designed for professionals who need to collaborate and work from several locations on different devices without ever compromising on style or crystal-clear audio regardless of environment
The portable, wireless ADAPT headsets all feature an advanced state-of-the art Active Noise Cancellation system that eliminates unwanted background noise to boost concentration and productivity in any sound environment – all while delivering a great audio experience for both speaker and listener. The headsets upgrade to further audio performance thanks to UC optimization, as well as multipoint connectivity that enables users to switch easily between devices by pairing two Bluetooth ® devices simultaneously, thus enhancing both flexibility and versality. Finally, the four ADAPT headsets all feature a dedicated Microsoft Teams button on the headset, so users can launch the app instantly to ensure an intuitive and streamlined experience.
Theis Moerk, Vice President of Product Management, Enterprise Solutions, comments: “The integration of Microsoft Teams is a true statement of our commitment to enable the modern professional to boost efficiency, increase collaboration and enable innovation. In an instant, users can launch the app via the dedicated button on the headset – activation has never been easier and ensures that users can focus on the task at hand.”
Ilya Bukshteyn, Partner Director, Microsoft Teams Devices at Microsoft Corp., adds: “We are pleased to see that the new EPOS line-up of premium headsets is now Certified for and integrating with Microsoft Teams. This integration will provide our customers with the best possible audio quality and ability to use Teams meetings and calling quickly and easily, at home, at work, on the go, and everywhere in between.”
The four ADAPT headsets all boast a sleek and sophisticated design crafted in high-quality materials that are made to be highly durable without ever compromising on a premium look and feel. Thanks to their ergonomic design and attention to detail, users can rely on a headset that last comfort even after hours of wearing empowering performance whatever the task.
The new Certified for Microsoft Teams devices include:
ADAPT 660
ADAPT 660 maximizes focus and productivity anywhere with a sleek, contemporary design and superb call clarity.
ADAPT 660 Product Availability: 22 June 2020
ADAPT 660 MSRP: €399 | $439 | £349
ADAPT 560
With its unique design, the ADAPT 560 delivers extraordinary voice pick-up, quality, and comfort, while adapting to the user’s environment. Featuring an all new discreet foldable ‘boom arm’, the ADAPT 560 allows users to adapt to specific audio needs and functions instantly – whether folding the arm down to join a conference call on the move or up to concentrate while working. With two additional advanced microphones built into the boom arm itself, the ADAPT 560 is specifically designed to pick up voice-audio and ensures that quality is crystal-clear, no matter the type of call users take.
ADAPT 560 Product Availability: 26 June 2020
ADAPT 560 MSRP: €299 | $329 | £259
ADAPT 400
Introducing EPOS’ first-ever wireless neckband headset, the ADAPT 400 Series presents a lightweight yet high performance headset that matches the needs of the flexible, modern day workforce – a discreet alternative for busy professionals who don’t necessarily want a full over-the-ear headset. Subtle vibrations for incoming calls and other notifications ensure that professionals will never miss a call and can stay on top of their workload, no matter where they are.
ADAPT 460 Product Availability: 29 June 2020
ADAPT 460T Product Availability: 29 June 2020
ADAPT 460 and 460T MSRP: €299 | $329 | £259
ADAPT 360
Forming an integral part of the product range, the ADAPT 360 is specifically designed for professionals looking for a stylish headset that meets the demands of their busy lifestyle. Available in both black and white, the ADAPT 360 adapts to its wearer, and supports EPOS’ mission in delivering superior audio quality and performance without compromising on a contemporary design.
ADAPT 360 Product Availability: 3 July 2020
ADAPT 360 MSRP: €249 | $269 | £219
08 Jun 20. US Air Force to Test Fighter Drone Against Human Pilot. USAF researchers are designing an autonomous aircraft that can take down a manned plane in air-to-air combat, with the goal of pitting the two against each other in July 2021.
Lt. Gen. Jack Shanahan, head of the Pentagon’s Joint Artificial Intelligence Center, said the Air Force Research Laboratory team is pushing the boundaries of what the military can build, compared to the aircraft that already fill the service’s squadrons.
“[Team leader Steve Rogers] is probably going to have a hard time getting to that flight next year … when the machine beats the human,” Shanahan said during a June 4 Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies event. “If he does it, great.”
The AFRL team launched its pursuit of an unmanned, AI-driven fighter jet in 2018, aiming to show promise within 18 months. Inside Defense reported in May 2018 the “big moonshot” would first insert machine-learning technology into a less-advanced plane, like an F-16, before trying it in a newer jet, like an F-35 or F-22.
“Our human pilots, the really good ones, have a couple thousand hours of experience,” Rogers told Inside Defense. “What happens if I can augment their ability with a system that can have literally millions of hours of training time? … How can I make myself a tactical autopilot so in an air-to-air fight, this system could help make decisions on a timeline that humans can’t even begin to think about?”
If the project works, the invention would join the slew of other AI-enabled systems the Air Force wants to add to its inventory. The Skyborg wingman drone concept is perhaps the highest-profile of those programs, though the Air Force is pushing to add AI and machine learning algorithms to everything from maintenance practices to battle planning software.
AFRL’s project echoes the debate revived earlier this year about whether an autonomous fighter could successfully challenge one with a human in the cockpit, sparked by billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk’s comments at an Air Force Association conference in February.
“The [F-35] competitor should be a drone fighter plane that’s remote controlled by a human, but with its maneuvers augmented by autonomy,” Musk tweeted. “The F-35 would have no chance against it.”
But while the Pentagon’s AI work is picking up steam, Shanahan cautioned that not everything happening with the futuristic technology is a success story. The military should adopt the lessons the self-driving car industry has learned, he said – and heed its warnings.
“There is no level four, fully autonomous vehicle out on the roads today,” he said, despite several companies investing billions of dollars in the idea. “On the other hand, that’s a decade worth of experience we should be pulling into the military because they’ve learned so much.” (Source: UAS VISION/Air Force Magazine)
04 Jun 20. Honeywell to demo upgraded T55 engine on US Army Chinook helicopter. Honeywell has agreed to demonstrate its new T55-GA-714C engine on the US Army’s CH-47F Chinook helicopter.
The test flight will be conducted at Fort Eustis in Newport News, Virginia. The US Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Aviation & Missile Center will oversee the demo.
The upgraded 6,000-horsepower T55-GA-714C engine is 25% powerful than the existing T55 engine and also burns reduced fuel.
The trial will allow Honeywell to show that the engine can be fitted easily on the helicopter. It will also prove that the new compressor design of the engine offers extra performance and lowers fuel consumption.
The demonstration will be carried out as part of the Cooperation Research and Development Agreement process with the US Army.
Honeywell Aerospace Engines and Power Systems president Dave Marinick said: “Honeywell has spent years designing and developing the T55-GA-714C engine as part of our commitment to push the T55’s power beyond the needs of the Chinook helicopter.
“For 60 years, we’ve powered the world’s most premier heavy-lift helicopter, and this latest improvement increases performance while saving important programme dollars and maintenance hours as well as increasing mission readiness.”
According to the company, the new T55-GA-714C engine will improve the heavy-lift, twin-engine Chinook helicopter’s ability to lift troops and heavy cargo.
Designed based on the current T55 version, the new engine features the same intake, exhaust and engine airframe mounts.
Following the demonstration, the company will finish the new engine design’s final qualification process.
In October last year, Honeywell finalised an updated version of the legacy T55 engine for the US Army’s Chinook heavy-lift helicopters.
(Source: army-technology.com)
04 Jun 20. Systematic reveals latest dismounted C2 system. Systematic has announced an evolution of its dismounted command-and-control (C2) software solution with the development of SitaWare Edge 2.0 building on the success of the in-service SitaWare Edge and the wider SitaWare suite.
The new system builds on the proven capabilities of the in-service SitaWare Edge and the wider SitaWare suite, introducing an advanced mapping system along with a range of features that enhance the user experience and improve C2 across the battlespace.
The Australian Army has received quantities of SitaWare Edge and Frontline, and selected SitaWare Headquarters to provide its interim Track Management Capability.
In this role, it is focused on providing coalition interoperability to Army by consolidating information from Battle Management Systems to produce a Common Tactical Picture and Recognised Ground Picture, and provides coalition interoperability, among other functions.
Jesper Annexgaard, Systematic’s product manager for small and mobile devices, said, “Dismounts operate at the tip of the spear and are often the most vulnerable military assets.”
SitaWare Edge 2.0 introduces a new mapping engine – the same as that employed in SitaWare Headquarters – that offers full 3D capabilities and supports a range of geospatial analysis tools, as well as aligning symbology across the suite.
Annexgaard added, “Menus have been reorganised to improve workflows, and we have introduced a new action wheel that gives fast access to the most important functions.”
The system integrates seamlessly with SitaWare Headquarters and SitaWare Frontline, giving top-to-bottom C2 and situational awareness across the battlespace.
It also employs SitaWare Tactical Communications protocols, which enable large volumes of data to be transmitted over limited bandwidth and in challenging conditions.
Further features include an integrated chat function – enabling the map interface to remain on-screen at all times – and the ability to hand sketch on the screen.
SitaWare Edge 2.0’s responsive design optimises user interaction on Android mobile and tablet devices, with menus and tools adjusting according to screen orientation and resolution.
It also features light and dark display modes to meet tactical needs, and is designed to function with or without gloves. As with the other members of the SitaWare suite, SitaWare Edge 2.0 continues Systematic’s design philosophy of having an open architecture and the availability of a software development kit that enables third-party applications to be built and integrated, empowering customers to drive the development of their dismounted C2 capability.
The standards-based design also permits interoperation with non-SitaWare users, the software is able to share key information – such as positional data – with other systems.
SitaWare Edge 2.0 is in the early stages of fielding with several experienced SitaWare users, providing Systematic with important operational feedback. Among these is the Slovenian Army, a longstanding user of the SitaWare suite that has recently carried out trials using SitaWare Edge 2.0 to support civil authorities.
Systematic A/S, established in 1985, develops software and system solutions for customers in both the public and private sector. Today, the company is the largest privately owned software company in Denmark, with solutions sold to customers in 50+ countries. More than 1 million people worldwide now use Systematic solutions and services.
The company has 1,000+ employees and is headquartered in Aarhus, Denmark, with offices in Copenhagen, Australia, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, New Zealand, Sweden, Romania, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and the United States. (Source: Defence Connect)
04 Jun 20. French-Italian naval joint venture invests in future technologies. Italy and France are to fund half the cost of new cutting-edge technology projects launched by Naviris, the joint venture between the countries’ leading shipyards.
The money will be used for development work on computer-aided engineering, vessel lifecycle simulation, energy efficiency, fuel cells for surface vessels, logistics and new technologies for helping sail in rough weather.
Naviris is a 50-50 joint venture launched in 2019 by Italy’s Fincantieri and France’s Naval Group to develop common vessels including a new European corvette which has attracted interest from Spain after Greece signed up.
The deal on funding for new research, announced on Thursday, will see the injection of state cash overseen by OCCAR, the European procurement organization which is used by nations to manage multinational programs.
“Through this deal, managed by OCCAR, Naviris will provide half the funding for the research, while the defense ministries of Italy and France will provide the other half,” said a Fincantieri source.
“Naviris will have the intellectual property of the results, which can be exploited by Italy and France for their navies,” he added. No value was given for the three-and-a-half-year contract.
In a statement, Naviris said that three Naval Group sites will be involved in the projects – Nantes-Indret, Ollioules and Lorient, as well as its subsidiary SIREHNA. Fincantieri facilities at Genova and Trieste will work on the project, along with its subsidiaries Cetena and Seastema.
OCCAR said that the contract would be followed by a successive deal involving the European organization in upgrade work undertaken by Naviris on Horizon frigates operated by France and Italy. (Source: Defense News Early Bird/Defense News)
04 Jun 20. GE Aviation Delivers First F414 Engine to South Korea for KF-X Program. GE Aviation delivered the first F414-GE-400K engine in May to Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd (KAI) for South Korea’s next-generation indigenous fighter, known as the KF-X.
Developed for the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF), the F414-powered KF-X will deliver significantly greater mission capability, extended combat radius and longer lifespan compared to current aircraft.
“GE is thrilled to reach this important milestone in the KF-X program,” said Al DiLibero, general manager of GE’s Medium Combat & Trainer Engines department. “Our success so far on this program reflects the strong relationship between the ROKAF, our South Korean industry partners and GE Aviation, and the long and successful history of our engines powering ROKAF aircraft.”
South Korea’s Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd (KAI) selected GE Aviation in May 2016 to supply F414-GE-400K engines for the KF-X fighter. The multi-role KF-X aircraft, a $7.4bn project, is being designed and built by KAI. The KF-X aircraft will replace Korea’s F-4D/E Phantom II and F-5E/F Tiger II fleet.
The development program is scheduled to be completed in 2026, which includes the production of 15 F414 flight test engines and six prototype fighters by 2021. Flight testing will occur in 2023. 120 KF-X aircraft are scheduled for production serving the South Korean armed forces. GE Aviation will provide 240 F414 production engines plus spares.
GE has partnered with South Korea many times to power aircraft in their inventory. GE’s F404 engines currently power South Korea’s T-50 Golden Eagle, a high-performance supersonic trainer developed with KAI for the ROKAF. GE’s T700 turboshaft engines power the Korean utility helicopter Surion. Additionally, GE’s F110 engines power the ROKAF’s F-15K aircraft.
GE’s F414 engine went into service in 1998 and has flown more than 4.6 million flight hours with more than 1,750 engines delivered. In addition to the KF-X, the F414 powers Boeing’s F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler, Saab’s JAS 39E/F Gripen, India’s Tejas Mark 2, and Lockheed Martin and NASA’s X-59 Quiet Supersonic Transport.
GE Aviation, an operating unit of GE, is a world-leading provider of jet and turboprop engines, components, integrated digital, avionics, electrical power and mechanical systems for commercial, military, business and general aviation aircraft. GE Aviation has a global service network to support these offerings and is part of the world’s Digital Industrial Company with software-defined machines and solutions that are connected, responsive and predictive. (Source: defense-aerospace.com/GE Aviation)
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Oxley Group Ltd
Oxley specialises in the design and manufacture of advanced electronic and electro-optic components and systems for air, land and sea applications within the military sector. Established in 1942, Oxley has manufacturing facilities in the UK and USA and enjoys representation worldwide. The company’s products include night vision and LED lighting, data capture systems and electronic components. Oxley has pioneered the development of night vision compatible lighting. It offers a total package incorporating optical filters, equipment modification, cockpit and external lighting along with fleet wide upgrade services including engineering, installation, support, maintenance and training. The company’s long experience of manufacturing night vision lighting and LED indicators, coupled with advances in LED technology, has enabled it to develop LED solutions to replace incandescent and fluorescent lighting in existing applications as well as becoming the lighting option of choice in new applications such as portable military hospitals, UAV control stations and communication shelters.
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