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01 Jul 21. BEL and Indian Navy sign MoU for Technology Incubation Forum. The TIF will focus on the development of emerging technologies like AI and ML, robotics and more. Officials during the signing of the MoU. Credit: Indian Navy/Ministry of Defence.
Indian state-owned aerospace and defence public sector unit Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Navy.
The partnership is intended to develop a joint Technology Incubation Forum (TIF). This new setting will allow the parties to work jointly on the development of emerging technologies.
The agreement was signed at Integrated Headquarters, Ministry of Defence (Navy) in New Delhi. The defence ministry said in a statement: “The Technology Incubation Forum reflects the joint vision of Indian Navy and Bharat Electronics Limited towards innovative and creative thinking and fostering development of Emerging Technologies.”
“The broad charter of the TIF includes technology development in the domain of weapons & sensors, information technology and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence & machine learning, quantum computing, autonomous platforms/ robotics, image processing and cognitive radio.”
“The TIF will spearhead mission mode development of deployable products under the government’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative with involvement of industry, academia and start-ups.”
Atmanirbhar Bharat aims to make India self-reliant and increase domestic defence manufacturing in the country.
It was recently revealed that the country’s first indigenous aircraft carrier (IAC), ‘INS Vikrant’ will be commissioned next year.
The Indian Government has also cleared an approximately $5.88bn (Rs430bn) project for the construction of six new conventional submarines for the navy. In January this year, BEL was contracted to deliver laser dazzlers for the service. (Source: naval-technology.com)
30 Jun 21. DOD Demonstrates Mobile Microgrid Technology. The Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering and the Department of the Army recently demonstrated a mobile, fast-forming, secure and intelligent vehicle-centric microgrid prototype that will power next-generation warfighting capabilities and joint warfighting concepts.
Integrating power generation directly onto tactical vehicle platforms, VCMs are designed to provide on-the-move power for next-generation warfighting capabilities, such as directed energy and missile defense systems. VCMs also support a rapidly forming and resilient microgrid capability that will power future command, control, communications, computers and intelligence systems.
Frank Bohn and Dean McGrew, the project leads for the Army Futures Command, Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Center and the Ground Vehicle Systems Center, highlighted some features of the VCM. “Generating 100 kilowatts per vehicle and capable of supporting both static and on-the-move operations, VCMs enhance our lethality and survivability in contested environments,” McGrew said.
Conforming to the Tactical Microgrid Standard, VCMs can distribute power between vehicles and connect to other TMS-compliant power generation, storage and distribution systems under development by the DOD. “It’s not only a microgrid, it’s also a smart grid,” Bohn said. “A centralized controller can increase or decrease the number of powered vehicles automatically for optimal efficiency/resilience across the microgrid.”
VCMs align with the Joint Staff Joint Warfighting Concept’s emphasis on contested logistics to streamline the DOD’s ability to deploy and sustain the joint force. This capability provides a pathway to improved logistics and faster setup, transport and redeployment of power generation systems, he said.
“The demonstrated prototype reduces [the] DOD’s overall energy footprint, minimizing contributions to climate change by coupling a more efficient power generation approach for expeditionary forces with reduced logistical requirements to deploy and sustain it,” Bohn said. To inform capability needs for multi-domain operations, Army Product Manager Command Post Integrated Infrastructure is equipping an operational battalion with components of the VCM prototype for experimentation in operationally relevant conditions this summer.
McGrew noted that there are exciting possibilities for VCMs beyond battlefield applications, such as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations. For example, the National Guard is interested in using the technology for responding to natural or man-made disasters. Two VCM-equipped vehicles could deliver 200 kilowatts to power a neighborhood of up to 75 homes, McGrew said.
In the future, McGrew thinks that 10 to 20% of tactical vehicles will have VCM capability.
By teaming with the OUSD (R&E) Rapid Reaction Technology Office, Devcom and the Missile Defense Agency’s Project Manager Terminal High Altitude Area Defense were able to jumpstart VCM prototype development. Development of the VCM would not have been possible without the capacity for innovation provided by RRTO, Bohn noted.
“Within 120 days of the Army team’s initial engagement, RRTO had approved the project, and funds were moving. RRTO’s ability to provide in-year investment significantly accelerated the delivery of this capability in a manner that is incredibly difficult to achieve through traditional acquisition pipelines,” Bohn said.
Jon Lazar, director of the RRTO in the Directorate of Defense Research and Engineering for Advanced Capabilities, said: “Our organizational culture is based on using innovative prototyping processes that quickly develop and transition new capabilities. But it’s still really exciting to see a novel idea like this grow so quickly from a slideshow to a capability on its way to the warfighter.” (Source: US DoD)
30 Jun 21. Mercury Systems delivers over 1,000 NanoSWITCH rugged network switches to Oshkosh Defense. Mercury Systems Inc. (NASDAQ: MRCY, www.mrcy.com), a leader in trusted, secure mission-critical technologies for aerospace and defense, has achieved a significant milestone with the delivery of more than 1,000 NanoSWITCH® rugged network switches to Oshkosh® Defense for its Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) program.
The NanoSWITCH delivers enterprise-level multi-layer gigabit Ethernet switching capabilities and a SWaP-optimized VICTORY (Vehicular Integration for C4ISR/EW Interoperability) management infrastructure for the JLTV. This latest milestone continues Mercury’s 40 years of serving the needs of major defense prime contractors by developing affordable, trusted, secure subsystems designed to operate in the harshest environments.
“We’re proud to support our customer on this key program by providing the only fielded VICTORY-compliant switch that eliminates redundancy in Army ground vehicles with a common data bus-centric approach,” said Scott Orton, Mercury’s vice president and general manager, Edge. “This major milestone delivery reflects our commitment to delivering compact, lightweight and reliable mission-critical solutions to sustain long-term programs.”
Mercury envisions, creates and delivers innovative technology solutions purpose-built to meet customers’ most pressing high-tech needs. For more information, visit mrcy.com or contact Mercury at (866) 627-6951 or .
30 Jun 21. Lockheed Martin partners with Omni Tanker, UNSW. The prime is collaborating with the stakeholders to develop new composite tanker technology, funded by a government grant. Lockheed Martin has confirmed it has teamed up with Australian manufacturer Omni Tanker and UNSW Sydney to develop and commercialise composite tank technologies, supported by a $1.4m grant from the Commonwealth government’s Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre (AMGC). The project, which comes off the back of AMGC’s Commercialisation Fund launch, aims to leverage locally-built technologies to address challenges using composites for the transportation and storage of liquid hydrogen with applications on ground, in the air, underwater and in space.
As part of the collaboration, nano-engineering technology developed by UNSW in partnership with Lockheed Martin and Omni Tanker, and Omni Tanker’s OmniBIND technology would be used to develop two new operational scale propellant tanks for storing cryogenic liquid fuels for commercial and civil satellite programs.
The propellant tanks include a ‘Type IV’ fluoropolymer-lined carbon fibre composite tank, and a ‘Type V’ linerless carbon fibre composite tank.
Both tanks are designed for high pressures, the extreme cryogenic temperatures required for liquid hydrogen as well as oxygen, hydrogen peroxide and hydrazine.
“Lockheed Martin invests millions of dollars every year into R&D programs with our Australian industry and research partners to solve real challenges facing our global supply chains,” Christopher Hess, head of industrial development at Lockheed Martin Australia, said.
“We have had a long-standing research collaboration with UNSW and Omni Tanker, and we are grateful for the support of the AMGC as we now look to commercialise these cutting-edge, Australian-developed composite tank technologies for a number of Lockheed Martin and NASA applications.”
David Ball, regional director Australia and New Zealand, Lockheed Martin Space, said the of composite tanks would be lightweight, cost-effective, and resistant to microcracking and permeation.
“As the world increasingly looks to hydrogen for emission-free energy, containing and transporting it in a safe, cost-effective and economic manner remains extremely challenging,” he added.
“The space industry is particularly interested in the development of linerless composite tanks for their weight efficiency and durability, which represent the cutting edge of composite pressure vessel manufacturing.”
Ball said the technologies have the potential to support the growth of Australia’s sovereign space capabilities, strengthen exports to space-faring allies and partner nations, and contribute to future space missions, particularly in on-orbit storage, launch and deep space exploration.
Dr Jens Goennemann, managing director of AMGC, acknowledged the challenges associated with transporting liquid hydrogen.
“That’s why AMGC is supporting Omni Tanker and its collaborative partners to engineer and manufacture a solution to this problem and offer it globally,” Dr Goennemann said.
The development project will draw from UNSW research, with Professor Chun Wang’s team exploring carbon fibre composites capable of withstanding liquid hydrogen temperatures without matrix cracks.
“This new technology is the result of an outstanding collaboration and partnership between UNSW, Lockheed Martin and Omni Tanker over the past four years,” Professor Wong said
“It is wonderful seeing our research achievement is now moving closer towards commercial success and generating social and economic impact in Australia and beyond.”
Omni Tanker’s CEO, Daniel Rodgers, added that the next phase of the collaboration with Lockheed Martin and UNSW would involve integrating thermoplastic lining technology in the aerospace sector.
“The OmniBIND technology has made inroads to revolutionising the safe and efficient movement of challenging liquids within the chemical transport sector,” Rodgers said.
“Now the growing need to decarbonise the energy industry, and the re-usable low-Earth orbit satellite market, have the potential to drive major utilisation for these new technologies.”
Omni Tanker’s CTO, Dr Luke Djukic, added, “We are excited to work with Lockheed Martin and UNSW on this ground-breaking project, which leverages our patented technology.
“It is also a credit to the talented Australian engineering team that we have assembled at Omni Tanker.” (Source: Defence Connect)
30 Jun 21. Thomas Global Systems unveils new tech for armoured vehicles. A new computing system is set to bolster the capability of sovereign armoured vehicle systems.
Thomas Global Systems has unveiled the first C2ISR Modular Reconfigurable Armoured Vehicle Computing System (MRACS), which leverages proprietary reconfigurable computing architecture to deliver a “highly modular” and “ruggedised” tactical computing and display system.
MRACS is built to be rapidly customised to suit program requirements, which include Ruggedised Vehicle Displays, GVA Displays, Vehicle Mounted Computers, and Distributed and Central Vehicle Servers.
“We are proud to launch MRACS as a world-leading, Australian designed and manufactured armoured vehicle computing and display system,” Angus Hutchinson, CEO of Thomas Global Systems, said.
“We are very pleased to have MRACS selected for an Australian land vehicle program, reinforcing our position as a trusted supplier of innovative, high integrity armoured vehicle electronics.”
The first iteration of MRACS contains an i7 Intel Processor, expandable 1TB Solid State Storage, Gbit Ethernet, RS232/422, CAN and USB3 communications ports and configurable DVI/HDMI outputs.
According to the firm, the launch of MRACS extends its sovereign armoured vehicle capabilities and provide further export opportunities.
Thomas Global currently supplies armoured vehicle electronics both domestically and internationally.
The unveiling comes less than a month after Thomas Global Systems partnered with Global Defence Solutions (GDS) to source locally developed and manufactured components for the Boxer combat reconnaissance vehicle (CRV) Immersive Tactical Trainer (ITT) system under its LAND 400 Phase 2 subcontract with Rheinmetall Defence Australia (RDA).
As part of a strategic partnership, GDS will supply Thomas Global with 13 CSC-compliant 20-foot ISO steel shipping container frames to house turret and driver cabin equipment for RDA’s Boxer CRV simulators.
Thomas Global is sub-contracted to RDA to design and manufacture major components of the 13 containerised and six classroom ITT sets.
The ITT aims to assist Australian Army Boxer CRV operators in learning the operation of the Boxer CRV and its role in the Land Combat Vehicle System fleet. (Source: Defence Connect)
30 Jun 21. Dstl celebrates 20 remarkable years. The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) celebrates its 20th anniversary on 2 July 2021 as the science inside UK defence and security. The last 2 decades have seen some incredible accomplishments and discoveries and placed Dstl at the heart of the most critical incidents facing the UK. Among them the response to the Salisbury nerve agent attack and the cross-government action to combat the coronavirus pandemic.
Dstl Interim Chief Executive, Doug Umbers, said, “It’s an enormous privilege to be at the helm of an organisation which has helped protect the UK people and continues to shape defence and security through our ideas, innovation and expertise. Science and technology will drive the way we live and work, and the next 20 years promises to hit even greater heights.”
Defence Minister Jeremy Quin said, “For the last 20 years, Dstl scientists have paved the way in providing research and expertise to the benefit of defence and wider UK national security. Often behind the scenes, Dstl’s vital work has created world-leading innovations ensuring we stay ahead of a myriad of emerging threats. I congratulate the whole team for everything they have achieved over the last 2 decades.”
Chief Scientific Adviser for the Ministry of Defence, Professor Dame Angela McLean said, “Being a proven defence asset, Dstl has shown how it can serve the nation by developing vital advanced and technological capabilities for defence and security. I have been privileged in recent times to witness the incredible scientific work done by Dstl. I send my congratulations to all at Dstl, past and present, who have worked so brilliantly over the last 20 years to cement its place at the forefront of innovation.”
Dstl has been integral to the success of the biggest defence projects such as:
- the Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers and their F-35 Lightning jets
- the Foxhound armoured vehicle
- the Boxer, the Army’s future fighting vehicle
Plus support to the criminal justice system through crucial evidence in high profile terrorist cases including the atrocities of the Manchester bombing.
More than 4,500 scientists and key staff employed at Dstl are now tackling tomorrow’s challenges and the design of next generation systems such as autonomous vehicles on land, sea and in the air with artificial intelligence (AI), enabling platforms to manoeuvre and communicate more efficiently and effectively. Data and digital experts are using their skills to help keep the UK people safe from online and cyber threats through vital support to the National Cyber Force (NCF).
Dstl’s research in space will enable the UK to monitor, direct and protect UK interests through increasing space domain awareness and the establishment of UK-built Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance satellite constellation and a supporting digital backbone. Dstl will use AI and data analytics to scan the horizon for transformative technologies that can be applied to defence projects.
Much of this work is done in collaboration and partnering with academia, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and prime contractors, both in the UK and with our international allies, to harness innovation and expertise through research partnerships. This work will help the UK meet its ambition of being a science superpower and will see Dstl spend an additional £1bn on external research over the next 4 years.
Formed in 2001 when the Ministry of Defence (MOD) split the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA) to create commercial company QinetiQ and Dstl, the organisation’s origins can be traced as far back as 1664. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
29 Jun 21. Lockheed Martin Implements RapidDeploy’s Nimbus Solution for Cloud Aided Dispatch to Support their Facility Emergency and Tactical Response Needs. Cloud-native provider delivers emergency dispatch and incident response to Lockheed Martin’s large, fixed-wing manufacturing plant in Fort Worth, Texas.
Today, RapidDeploy, the industry’s leading cloud-native emergency response platform, successfully implemented its Nimbus platform for cloud-aided dispatch to Lockheed Martin’s Aeronautics Facility in Fort Worth, Texas. The facility, which manages the production of 120+ fixed-wing military aircraft annually, will bring the capabilities of the Nimbus platform to its emergency response portfolio, ensuring real time situational awareness and dispatch for the facility’s 15,000+ daily personnel.
“RapidDeploy’s cloud aided dispatch platform, Nimbus, incorporates a multitude of data integrations from dozens of vendors to provide the best comprehensive operating picture for its users,” Jon Samuelson, Vice President of Commercial Operations said. “Lockheed Martin’s critical security needs at this facility warrant the kinds of services Nimbus can deliver, proving again that what we do for public safety also resonates with many other, similar verticals.”
Nimbus brings information in real-time information, like location of dispatched vehicles, emergency personnel, and incident feeds to Lockheed Martin’s Security and Emergency Services(SES) operations team at the facility. Nimbus also has a mobile application, which puts modern data capabilities at the fingertips of mobile users, ranging from advanced location tracking and navigation to innovative voice control features. Mobile users can now collaborate with dispatchers and others in near real time, maximizing efficiency and safety.
“We have seen what RapidDeploy has done for 911 centers across the country,” Steven Jean, Deputy Fire Chief at Lockheed Martin said. “Taking that application and overlaying onto our enterprise needs was seamless, and we’re excited to see how Nimbus performs in the hands of our Fire and EMS operations team members.”
To learn more about RapidDeploy’s 911 Public Safety ecosystem visit www.rapiddeploy.com.
About RapidDeploy:
RapidDeploy is the industry’s only truly open and integrated response platform, transforming 9-1-1 communications centers of any size into data-centric organizations. RapidDeploy achieves new levels of situational awareness and reduces 9-1-1 response time by seamlessly integrating third-party data ensuring it is available when, where and how Telecommunicators and First Responders need it. The company’s cloud-native platform includes analytics, mapping, dispatch and first responder applications. To learn more, visit https://www.rapiddeploy.com/ (Source: PR Newswire)
30 Jun 21. BAE Systems’ high flying bird set to go stratospheric this summer. BAE Systems is gearing up to test fly one of its latest projects in the stratosphere this summer and although it will only reach speeds of ten knots or so, the aircraft is breaking speed records for development.
The PHASA-35 being worked on by engineers at Warton and partner firm Prismatic, is due to take to the air again from the US this summer to test its range of equipment in the extreme cold of the upper atmosphere.
The carbon composite aircraft has a 35m wingspan but weighs just 150 kilos, about the same as two people, and can fly 12 miles high using solar panels on its wings as power.
BAE Systems says it will be an affordable alternative to satellites, carrying cameras and other sensors as well as mobile phone network technology, but will be better because it can circle over any particular area giving unbroken monitoring, rather than just passing over for a few minutes and then leaving operators waiting for hours before an orbiting satellite passes over again.
As well as a wide range of military uses, it has commercial applications ranging from the surveillance of forest areas to detect and help control forest fires, to the provision of internet access in remote areas.
BAE Systems’ UAV manager Phil Varty said: “It can carry a 15 kilo payload such as cameras, listening devices, hyperspectral sensors. It can stay airborne for a year, this is limited by its battery type (mobile phone batteries) but technology is improving all the time.
“Flight trials in the US over the summer will demonstrate reliability of the system and its payloads in the extreme conditions up in the stratosphere and in parallel to that there is a lot of work in the background, engineering modelling, looking at potential markets.”
He said BAE Systems with its market knowledge and technology was working with a small firm Prismatic which was agile bringing the benefit of designing and building an aircraft in a few years rather than the 20 years a typical combat aircraft project can take.
He added that the companies were benefitting from each other, with techniques and technology transfers which could tie in to future projects such as BAE Systems’ Tempest combat aircraft project.
The PHASA-35 should be ready for the market by the middle of the decade, to give nations and corporations an added layer of aerial coverage to work alongside satellites, aircraft and ground forces. (Source: News Now/https://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/)
29 June 21. Safran introduces Geonyx M, a new inertial navigation system for fast rescue craft and amphibious vehicles. At the SOFINS 2021 Special Forces trade show, Safran Electronics & Defense is introducing the new Geonyx M inertial navigation and pointing system. It joins the Geonyx range for land vehicles, as well as the Argonyx line for large surface ships and Black-Onyx for submarines. Based on the Crystal hemispherical resonator gyro (HRG), Geonyx M incorporates Safran’s latest inertial navigation technologies to enhance performance and integration, while reducing the total cost of ownership.
Geonyx M is a compact unit which does not have to be coupled to external sensors and is also highly shock resistant without requiring an external suspension system. It is mainly designed for naval platforms such as fast rescue boats and landing craft, as well as amphibious vehicles. The system determines the carrier’s attitude and position for navigation, positioning and pointing. Drawing on recommendations from the FUSCOL@B* lab and operating feedback, Geonyx M is a versatile and high-performance system. This makes it perfectly suited for use by Special Forces, which are often called on to operate in different environments, even those where satellite navigation signals are jammed or absent.
Safran Electronics & Defense counts on the simplicity and maturity of HRG technology to develop a wide range of compact and ultra-reliable inertial navigation systems, offering performance levels tailored for different applications. These systems are used on both civil and military applications in all different environments: air, sea, land and space. For instance, more than 1,000 HRG-based inertial systems for ships have been produced since their introduction in 2012. The Geonyx inertial system for land applications has already logged more than 300 orders, and has been deployed by 30 customers from around the world since being introduced in 2018.
Safran Electronics & Defense is a pioneer in inertial navigation, building on more than 70 years of experience in the underlying technologies. With over 150,000 resonating gyros delivered to date, Safran Electronics & Defense is the European leader in this market and No. 3 worldwide.
29 Jun 21. Industry helps shape the future of Multi-Domain Integration. Strategic Command hosted a Multi-Domain Integration Industry Day on 24 June 2021. On 24 June 2021, Strategic Command hosted our first Multi-Domain Integration (MDI) industry event, with the aim of providing industry and academic leaders with an understanding of the MDI Change Programme.
It was a collaborative event, with defence sharing their ambitions for MDI, and industry and academics providing valuable feedback on how future relationships can be as productive and efficient as possible.
Eighteen representatives from across defence spoke during the day, including Lieutenant General Rob Magowan, the programme’s Senior Responsible Owner, and Major General Robin Anderton-Brown, UKStratCom’s Director of Capability.
Following opening remarks, representatives from all the Front Line Commands, as well as from Defence Equipment and Support, the Permanent Joint Headquarters and the Future Capability Group, gave their perspectives on the Multi-Domain Integration Change Programme, and how crucial industry and academics are to it.
A hybrid format allowed as many industry and academic representatives to be involved in the day with 100 delegates attending in-person, and a further 450 virtually.
During the afternoon, in-person attendees were involved in focus group sessions while the virtual audience had the opportunity to put their questions and ideas to a panel of ten Ministry of Defence representatives.
Thank you to all those from who joined the day in-person or virtually. In the coming weeks we will provide more details on the outcomes from the event, including the important suggestions made by industry. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
29 June 21. Australian, US universities make Quantum and additive manufacturing breakthroughs. Two successful international collaborations by Australian universities have resulted in their projects being extended by a further two years thanks to $2m each in additional funding from Defence’s Next Generation Technologies Fund (NGTF).
Griffith University, the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), and the University of New South Wales are creating knowledge that may one day enable error-tolerant quantum computers. Meanwhile, the University of Sydney is working to create more robust and available materials through additive manufacturing. Both projects have significant Defence and wider commercial benefits.
The two Australian project teams will receive $2m each to expand work under the Australia—US Multidisciplinary University Research Initiative (AUSMURI) program.
Dr David Kershaw, Chief of DST Group’s Science Engagement and Impact Division said through the project on Quantum Control Based on Real-time Environment Analysis by Spectator Qubits, Griffith University and its Australian partners have provided ground-breaking advances in quantum sensing and control in collaboration with the US team, led by Duke University.
“With their grant extension, by 2022 the project is expected to benefit the Quantum Assured Positioning, Navigation and Timing STaR Shot and may enhance distributed sensor arrays on battlefields of the future.
“The University of Sydney’s project on Microstructure Control in Metal Additive Manufacturing generated new scientific knowledge and has been instrumental in the establishment of a world-class additive-manufacturing facility in Australia,” Dr Kershaw added.
The project’s outcomes are expected to support rapid in-field repairs of aerospace and land-vehicle structures and at-sea repairs of maritime vessels.
The University is collaborating with another group of high-profile US universities, led by the University of Tennessee.
“The grant extensions demonstrate the research strength of Australian universities in the international arena and support Australian researchers collaborating with global innovation networks to address high-priority topics for defence capability,” Dr Kershaw said.
The NGTF aims to invest a total of $25m over the nine years of the AUSMURI program. (Source: Rumour Control)
28 Jun 21 Getac’s next-generation F110 delivers industry-leading power, brightness and rugged performance in a compact tablet form factor.Getac has today announced the launch of its next-generation F110, a powerful yet highly portable fully rugged tablet for mobile professionals in the manufacturing, automotive, defence, public safety, utilities, and transportation & logistics sectors.
Building on a proven legacy
Just like its popular predecessor, the next-generation F110 lets users work effectively in a wide range of challenging environments. A quad-core 11th Generation Intel® Core™ i5/i7 processor (codename “Tiger Lake”) delivers extraordinary performance and effortless multitasking, while integrated Intel® Iris® Xe Graphics ensures a rich visual experience in every scenario. A comprehensive list of connectivity options, including WLAN Wi-Fi 6 (for 3x faster data speed over previous generations), Bluetooth 5.2, and WWAN 4G LTE/GPS enables fast data transfer and communication from anywhere – all crucial aspects of modern field work. The addition of an integrated ThunderboltTM 4 port provides a 40 Gb/s connection for expanded end-to-end solution capabilities.
Elsewhere, the F110 features an improved 11.6-inch LumiBond® 2.0 touchscreen with up to 1000 nits of brightness. Not only does this deliver higher brightness and a better contrast ratio than other fully rugged tablets currently on the market, it is also incredibly durable and offers excellent readability in all conditions, even bright sunlight.
Industry-leading rugged credentials
Like all Getac devices, the next-generation F110 is built rugged from the ground up to thrive in difficult field conditions. MIL-STD-810H and MIL-STD-461G certifications ensure exceptional reliability. The F110 is also one of the only tablets in its class to be IP66 rated – compared to the previous generation’s IP65 rating – meaning it offers full protection against dust ingress and water from powerful jets. Drop resistance of up to 6 feet (1.8m) when in use – up from 4 feet (1.2m) in the previous generation – and a temperature operating range of -29°C to +63°C (-20°F to 145°F) provide further peace of mind.
Improved design and dedicated accessories further enhance the user experience
In addition to improved technical specifications, the next-generation F110 features numerous design improvements to further enhance the user experience. Highlights include a redesigned dual hot-swappable battery system for quick battery changeover without powering down, relocated expansion and the SIM card slot (from rear to side) for easier accessibility, an added camera shutter for better privacy, and a user-removable SSD.
A full range of compatible accessories are also available, including a brand new detachable backlit keyboard, featuring 88 full-size keys and integrated touchpad for laptop-like operation when performing data-intensive tasks. Additional accessories include a shoulder strap, rotating hand strap & kickstand, hard handle, and secure office/vehicle docks.
Streamlining operations across a multitude of vertical scenarios
The next-generation F110 is part of Getac Select®, which combines pre-configured rugged devices, software, accessories, and professional services into complete solutions that streamline operational efficiency across different verticals and workplace scenarios. Some examples include:
Transport & logistics – warehousing
Smooth warehouse operations require forklift operators that can work safely and efficiently at all times. To do this, they need versatile devices that enable them to navigate in the warehouse, identify products, scan them and transport them as quickly as possible. The F110 can be mounted to the forklift using a secure dock for ease of use, while an optional barcode reader allows products to be easily scanned from range. Important data can then be transferred using the F110’s inbuilt connectivity options, while Getac’s Driving Safety Utility1 locks the device’s UI and screen whenever the forklift is in motion, helping to prevent accidents and improve employee safety.
Automotive – planning, repair and maintenance
Automotive technicians and mechanics need rugged devices they can rely on to diagnose problems, upload data, and communicate with customers, all from the workshop-floor. The F110’s combination of connectivity options – including Wi-Fi 6 and WWAN 4G LTE/GPS – and inbuilt webcam makes customer communication quick and easy, while the rotating hand strap accessory can be used to carry it safely throughout the environment. The LumiBond® 2.0 touchscreen can be operated with a stylus, finger, digitizer, or glove, helping to optimise productivity, while Getac’s Device Monitoring System (GDMS)1 means devices can all be managed remotely, keeping them in peak condition.
Manufacturing – shop floor and production
Manufacturing production supervisors must have access to critical operational information at all times to ensure optimal production is maintained. They also need the ability to collect and analyse data from across the facility that can inform management plans and future decision making. The F110’s multiple connectivity options (including ThunderboltTM 4), rugged reliability and secure carrying accessories mean this information is always at their fingertips. Getac’s KeyWedge Barcode Reader Utility1 also enables specific pieces of equipment to be scanned with a single click, using the devices rear camera. An optional RFID reader lets users log the current position of all jobs throughout the facility and feed it back into management systems for full visibility and control.
“The popularity of rugged tablets has grown exponentially in recent years, thanks to their winning combination of functionality, versatility and ease of use,” says Chris Bye, President, Getac UK Ltd. “With the launch of the next-generation F110, we have completed a full refresh of our flagship tablet ranges since the second half of 2020, consisting of the 10” UX10, the 11” F110 and the 12” K120. As a result, customers across all vertical markets now have a comprehensive choice of industry-leading rugged solutions to suit their individual needs.”
Availability
The next-generation Getac F110 will be available in September 2021. For more information, please visit F110 official page.
25 Jun 21. Skyward and FAA to Test Cellular-Connected Drones. Skyward, a Verizon company, has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to test cellular-connected drones.
This announcement reaffirms that drone technology like the software developed by Skyward is one of the innovations needed to empower cellular-connected drones to unlock complex operations like beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS), universal traffic management (UTM), and one-to-many operations.
Titled “Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)—Cellular Technologies to Support UAS Activities,” the MOA enables Skyward and the FAA to mutually research the capabilities of cellular communication networks for command and control (C2) within the National Airspace System. Partially focused on safety-critical C2 data, the three-year MOA also allows the two groups to propose standards for operations, including BVLOS and over commercial wireless spectrum. Skyward and Verizon will also be using the data and information collected in the course of the MOA to inform its discussions on C2 and BVLOS operations in the FAA’s BVLOS Advisory and Rulemaking Committee.
“Cellular-connected drones play a critical role in enabling tomorrow’s safe, reliable, and secure drone operations,” said Matt Fanelli, Director of Strategy and Operations at Skyward, A Verizon company. “We are thrilled to be laying this foundation with the FAA and are confident that our efforts will help inform technical standards from which industry regulations authorizing low-risk BVLOS and one-to-many operations will flow.”
Today, most commercial drones use unlicensed spectrum, which is restricted in range and subject to interference, limiting its use for complex operations. Verizon’s 4G LTE nationwide coverage, provided over spectrum protected from interference, presents an enormous opportunity for drone operations. The MOA will inform regulations regarding spectrum used in the C2 link between the drone operator and drone. The MOA will also facilitate information sharing between the FAA and Skyward, leveraging Verizon’s wireless network expertise, as the parties continue to explore how wireless networks can support drone operations.
The MOA is inspired by the previous industry collaborations with the FAA but is intended to address complex UAS operations through joint data collection and analysis. The agreement also follows Skyward’s announced emergency waiver to inspect critical communications infrastructure near the Big Hollow wildfire in Washington in September 2020. The industry’s first known fully remote BVLOS operation with no pilot or visual observer on site demonstrated a low-risk operation as well as a need for analyzing and sharing fully remote data with standard bodies and the FAA. (Source: UAS VISION)
01 Jul 21. High-Performance Electronic Devices straight from the 3D Printer. HENSOLDT and Nano Dimension establish joint venture for 3D printing platfor. 3D printing joint venture: Yoav Stern, CEO Nano Dimension (left) and Thomas Müller, CEO HENSOLDT. Photo: HENSOLDT AG
Taufkirchen/Germany, 01 July 2021 – Sensor solutions provider HENSOLDT is strengthening its commitment to the future technology of 3D printing: together with 3D printer manufacturer Nano Dimension, HENSOLDT is founding a joint venture under the name J.A.M.E.S (Jetted Additively Manufactured Electronics Sources), based in Taufkirchen/Germany, which will combine the strengths of both companies and further advance the development of 3D-printed electronic components.
The joint venture is led by HENSOLDT Ventures, an independent division within HENSOLDT that implements new technologies and business models for the HENSOLDT Group and brings them to market. Most recently, HENSOLDT expanded its Ventures portfolio earlier this year with the acquisition of data analytics company SAIL LABS.
“Increasing competition and accelerated customer procurement timelines will be one of the biggest challenges for established providers in the future,” says Marian Rachow, Head of HENSOLDT Ventures. “Our joint venture not only guarantees the rapid development of technology as a real alternative to conventional electronics manufacturing, but also offers small and medium-sized companies the opportunity to efficiently design new products.”
And Yoav Stern, CEO of Nano Dimension, adds: “We will be the largest and most effective high-end electronics design club for data exchange, as well as a marketplace. We could not find a better collaboration partner than HENSOLDT, who contributes the application know-how and market knowledge, while Nano Dimension contributes the 3D electronics-printing technology and innovation. J.A.M.E.S’s target market is the global electronics engineering and circuit design community.”
HENSOLDT, as a market leader in the field of sensor technology and optronics, expects the closer cooperation with Nano Dimension to accelerate development cycles as well as spare parts production in order to be able to respond to customer needs more quickly and cost-effectively. With the help of special dielectric and conductive nanoparticle inks, it is possible to design electrical components directly via the printer and bring them into a three-dimensional form.
Nano Dimension is a leading manufacturer of intelligent machines for the production of Additively Manufactured Electronics, or AME, and is already producing the first 3D-printed electronics in its Multi-Jet process. AME is a very agile and customized method for developing electronic circuits. This leads to a significant reduction of time and costs in the development process. In addition, AME delivers a verified design before production begins, resulting in higher quality of the final product.
The newly formed 3D printing joint venture focuses on building a cloud-based platform. In the future, other companies and customers will be able to upload a wide variety of electronic components in their usual CAD software and convert them into a new type of AME file on the platform. They will also be able to obtain further designs via the platform described, modify them, add their own form factor and have them printed on-demand.
HENSOLDT has been investing in basic research into digital 3D printing of electronic components for several years in order to make the advantages of this technology available for its own development and production. For example, in collaboration with Nano Dimension, HENSOLDT has already printed the world’s first 10-layer printed circuit board (PCB), which carries soldered high-performance electronic structures on both outer sides, using a specially developed polymer ink from Nano Dimension.
28 Jun 21. uAvionix Gets DoD AIMS Certification with RT-2087/ZPX-A. uAvionix Corporation announced that, for the second time in as many quarters, it has certified a micro-transponder with the Department of Defense (DoD) Air Traffic Control Radar Beacon System Identification Friend or Foe Program Office (AIMS PO).
The RT-2087/ZPX-A, now certified in accordance with the AIMS 17-1000 performance specification, enables small DoD aircraft to cooperatively participate in National Airspaces worldwide with civil transponder Modes 3/A, C, S, and Extended Squitter (ES) ADS-B OUT. This holds true for many unmanned and manned aerial platforms, but especially small UAVs.
Weighing only 50 grams and with a complete footprint roughly 2/3rd the size of a business card, the ZPX-A delivers 200 watts of transmit power while only drawing an average of 1.5 watts from the aircraft’s power supply. The ZPX-A profile is small enough and light enough to be fitted into Group 1 or 2 UAV, making possible longer flight times and larger payloads with minimal energy consumption.
When paired with truFYX, uAvionix’s SBAS GPS, ZPX-A is well-suited for operation in controlled airspace, delivering safe separation information to Air Traffic Control (ATC), Traffic Collision Avoidance Systems (TCAS), and Detect and Avoid (DAA) systems.
ZPX-A takes advantage of its heritage from the recently FAA TSO-certified ping200X, which combines a Mode A, C, S Transponder, ADS-B OUT, and an altitude encoder into a single module certified to the following TSOs:
- TSO-C112e (Mode S Transponder)
- TSO-C166b (ADS-B OUT Extended Squitter)
- TSO-C88b (altitude encoder)
In March, uAvionix announced AIMS Mk XIIB certification of its first Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) transponder, the RT-2087/ZPX-B. With this certification, ZPX-B became the world’s smallest, certified micro-IFF transponder, reducing Size, Weight, and Power Consumption (SWaP) of typical IFF transponders by more than 90%, and at less than half the size, one-third the weight, and one fourth the power consumption of other Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) IFF solutions. Incorporation of IFF technology into small, tactical, and attritable platforms allows them full participation into the cross-troop, cross-service, and cross-nation collaboration and situational awareness that prevents fratricide.
The ZPX-B was certified in partnership with R Cubed Engineering (R3E) under Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) sponsorship from the U.S. Army and U.S. Navy. (Source: UAS VISION)
25 Jun 21. Japan completes development of UH-2 multirole helicopter for JGSDF. The Japan Ministry of Defense’s (MoD’s) Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA) announced on 24 June that development of the UH-2 multirole medium helicopter has been completed, with the aircraft now set to enter service with the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF).
Development of the first prototype (referred to as UH-X) began in fiscal year (FY) 2015. After conducting the helicopter’s maiden flight in December 2018, along with a number of subsequent flight tests, manufacturer Subaru Corporation handed over the first prototype to the Japanese MoD in February 2019 at the company’s Utsunomiya plant in Tochigi Prefecture. A little over a year later, in March 2020, ATLA awarded the company contracts worth a combined total of JPY14.3bn (USD129.2m) for the production of the first six helicopters of the type for the JGSDF, with deliveries set to be completed by January 2023.
The company also said at the time that it was going to prepare for mass production of the platform, which is based on the Subaru Bell 412EPX commercial helicopter. More recently, the MoD secured about JPY12.5bn in its budget for FY 2021–22 to acquire seven more UH-2s. This means that the acquisition of 13 helicopters has so far been funded. Japan’s 2019–2023 Mid-Term Defence Programme, published in December 2018, mentions plans to acquire an initial 34 UH-2s at a unit price of about JPY1.8bn during the five-year period.
The MoD plans to replace the JGSDF’s ageing fleet of 127 UH-1Js with about 150 UH-2s over the next two decades.
The new twin-engined helicopter features a four-bladed main rotor, unlike the single-engined UH-1J, which has a two-bladed main rotor. (Source: Jane’s)
24 Jun 21. Radisys and COMSovereign Partner to Advance Strategic 5G Edge Compute Technology. Companies to leverage core software technologies including advanced multi-access edge computing (MEC) platforms to accelerate 5G networking. Holding Corp. (NASDAQ: COMS) (“COMSovereign” or the “Company”), a U.S.-based developer of 4G LTE Advanced and 5G Communication Systems and Solutions, and Radisys® Corporation, a global leader of open telecom solutions, announced their strategic technology partnership designed to empower customers with new, end-to-end telecommunications solutions.
The partnership will focus on enhancing COMSovereign’s O-RAN-compliant 5G solution with the SAGUNA Multi-access Edge Cloud (MEC) and Radisys’ Connect 5G RAN software portfolio to address private 5G and edge computing deployments and use cases. Together, COMSovereign and Radisys will seek to accelerate the deployment of 5G networks in Defense, Public Safety, and Commercial markets by reducing time-to-market and the large CAPEX typically required for 5G networks.
Radisys Connect 5G RAN portfolio is a cloud-based 5G-enabled protocol software suite that is easy and fast for vendors to deploy and offers OEMs a range of options to integrate on cloud and hardware. The Connect 5G software suite, based on a modular approach to Open RAN, expands the possibilities for building networks that deliver the high capacity, massive connectivity, and ultra-low latency required for 5G services.
Radisys will play an important role in enabling the integration and commercialization of COMSovereign’s 5G RAN, Core, and MEC-based products and solutions for a full range of applications including autonomous vehicles, virtual reality, smart cities and power grids, automated manufacturing and robotics, and remote/telemedicine.
Dr. Dustin McIntire, COMSovereign CTO, said, “We are pleased to advance our long-standing relationship with Radisys, one of the telecommunication industry’s leading software technology providers as we work together to redefine the future of wireless networking.”
“We have a shared vision with COMSovereign to connect Open RAN-based 5G with edge computing to deliver significant operational efficiencies and create an agile yet latency-critical solution that meets our customers’ capacity and performance requirements,” said Munish Chhabra, head of Mobility Software and Services, Radisys. “The powerful combination of COMSovereign’s MEC solution with Radisys’ 5G software will provide customers with the agility and economies of cloud-native edge computation in a single, fully integrated solution.”
For more information about COMSovereign, please visit www.COMSovereign.com and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.
About COMSovereign Holding Corp.
COMSovereign Holding Corp. (Nasdaq: COMS) has assembled a portfolio of communications technology companies that enhance connectivity across the entire data transmission spectrum. Through strategic acquisitions and organic research and development efforts, COMSovereign has become a U.S.-based communications provider able to provide 4G LTE Advanced and 5G telecom solutions to network operators and enterprises. For more information about COMSovereign, please visit www.COMSovereign.com.
About Radisys
Radisys, a global leader in open telecom solutions, enables service providers to drive disruption with new open architecture business models. Radisys’ innovative disaggregated and virtualized enabling technology solutions leverage open reference architectures and standards, combined with open software and hardware to power business transformation for the telecom industry, while its world-class services organization delivers systems integration expertise necessary to solve communications and content providers’ complex deployment challenges. For more information, visit www.Radisys.com and connect on LinkedIn and Twitter @Radisys.
(Source: PR Newswire)
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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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