Sponsored By Oxley Developments
www.oxleygroup.com
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01 June 22. Smith Myers has announced that it has partnered with Airborne Technologies to integrate its industry pioneering ARTEMIS SAR (Search and Rescue) geolocation software.
Airborne Technologies will offer ARTEMIS in an integrated aerial SAR package to also include the L3Harris WESCAM MX-10 EO/IR low-weight imaging system, BlackFish satellite intercept system from Horizon Technologies and SHOTOVER Systems mission software.
Smith Myers – an acknowledged pioneer and global specialist in the design, development, manufacture and support of application specific cellular network and handset capabilities is celebrating 35 years since it was established by a team of UK design engineers.
ARTEMIS turns any mobile phone into a rescue beacon, only requiring two small antennas to generate a latitude/longitude fix at up to 19 nautical miles (35km), offering a radical and effective alternative to traditional airborne sensors and direction-finding systems:
- Texting and calls in no service areas
- Automatic cueing of EO/IR (Electro -Optical/Infra-Red)
- Deployment as a stand-alone with embedded mapping or integrate with leading mission system providers
- Making missions in low light/ IMC (Instrument Meteorological Conditions) safer and increasing the odds for a positive outcome
- Available in several SWaP configurations for manned/unmanned platforms
“ARTEMIS airborne capabilities are available for use on manned rotary and fixed-wing platforms and drones with large and small payloads,” explains John Gillespie, Smith Myers Production Manager for 25-years. “Joining forces with Airborne Technologies provides a compelling sensor solution, backed by a fully qualified certification according to EASA standards and an outstanding line up of world-leading sensor and software partners. “
ARTEMIS has been in active service saving lives around the world. The global customer base includes deployment with the Royal Norwegian Airforce for Search and Rescue duties with the Leonardo AW101 SAR Queen, and has received many international awards, including the coveted Royal Aeronautical Society Silver medal.
02 June 22. BAE Systems’ Automated Flight Planning Service deployed to the cloud. Systems’ Mobility Air Forces Automated Flight Planning Service, or MAFPS, is transitioning operations to Cloud One, one of the first mission-critical applications to complete a cloud migration. BAE Systems is a pioneer for the U.S. Air Force, providing warfighters with improved capabilities for mission management and agile airspace planning.
“The cloud environment will increase the operational availability of MAFPS’ best-in-class services for our customers,” said Meg Redlin, director of Mission Systems at BAE Systems. “The system’s automation streamlines flight planning for the future of airspace operations.”
MAFPS operations in Cloud One align with the U.S. Air Force’s transformation objectives, breaking from legacy on-premise environments to a cutting-edge architecture. The new approach to agile deployment at the enterprise level provides increased storage, computing, and processing flexibility, and enables faster version upgrades for the software.
Factoring in environment and platform constraints, BAE Systems’ MAFPS technology dynamically manages fuel-efficient routes and plans flights for Air Mobility Command’s cargo aircraft, tankers, and operational support aircraft. The software integrates data sources and manages constraints such as weather. MAFPS’ optimized plans also provide ideal routing and effective planning support so that warfighters can engage anywhere, under any condition. The system is currently fielded at all levels of operation.
BAE Systems’ mission management capabilities afford service men and women automated software solutions to improve mission effectiveness and enhance decision-making in the sky. With more than 30 years of experience delivering flight planning systems, its battle management, auto-routing, multi-domain targeting, ground support, and avionics and armament test equipment provide end-to-end capabilities for the U.S. Department of Defense. The development and production of this technology takes place in San Diego, Calif. and Fairview Heights, Ill. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
17 May 22. Hub for EU Defence Innovation Established within EDA. EDA Defence Ministers, meeting today at the Agency’s ministerial Steering Board, have approved the establishment of a Hub for EU Defence Innovation (HEDI) within EDA. The Hub will strengthen the Agency’s existing innovation activities but also initiate new ones, in close cooperation with Member States and EU stakeholders. Today’s decision comes after the Strategic Compass for Security and Defence, approved in March, called for the creation of such a Hub in 2022.
HEDI will act as a platform to stimulate, facilitate and support cooperation on defence innovation among Member States while ensuring synergies with related European Commission activities, notably the EU defence innovation scheme, and coherence of output with NATO innovation initiatives such as the Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA).
HEDI will operate at the intersection of EDA’s already existing innovation activities, serving as a catalyst and amplifier. The existing Innovation Framework in EDA contains the necessary tools to support collaborative defence innovation and is based on three pillars: – identification of innovative ideas and innovators; – implementation of these ideas; – outreach to increase the awareness of the solutions produced and their application to the defence domain. HEDI’s activities will be focused on the agreed EU priorities for capability development (Capability Development Plan), defence research (Overarching Strategic Research Agenda) as well as industrial capabilities (Key Strategic Activities).
The Head of EDA, HR/VP Josep Borrell, said: “Less than two months after the adoption of the EU’s Strategic Compass, we deliver on one of the Compass’ main priorities by establishing the European Defence Agency’s Defence Innovation Hub. Working closely with the Commission, the Hub will help our Armed Forces to step up their innovation efforts to be better prepared for the future battlefield and the next generation technologies”.
EDA Chief Executive, Jiří Šedivý said: “With the rapid development of new and often disruptive technologies and their fast weaponisation, innovation has become a geostrategic factor shaping the international security environment and the global balance of power. The establishment of HEDI is a clear signal that our Ministries of Defence take innovation seriously and that they want to invest more in it, and act together. HEDI will help develop the synergies needed to connect existing innovation efforts and stimulate the launch of new ones, for the benefit of European Defence”.
THREE STEP APPROACH
Three steps have been defined for the Hub to progressively grow and fulfil its role:
- Step 1: inspiring and promoting innovation at EU level. During this ramp-up phase, the Hub will focus on networking and situational awareness activities, making the most of existing EDA resources. Activities to be deployed during this initial phase include the exchange of best innovation practices across the EU and the organisation of a first European Defence Innovation Day on 31 May 2022. HEDI will also contribute to creating a ‘common picture’ of defence innovation in Europe. For this purpose, it will organise stakeholder groups and workshops and set up and manage networks of defence innovation organisations and researchers who will be invited to exchange views on these topics once or twice a year.
- Step 2: facilitating innovation across Member States and EU institutions. This second phase will see HEDI drive activities such as the upgrade of the existing EDA Defence Innovation Prize (increase in the number of prizes awarded and of domains covered), the funding of proof-of-concept of innovative ideas, the organisation of European Defence Innovation Shows, the launch in cooperation with partners of so-called Innovation Challenges (a specific R&T methodology targeting short cycles of development from proof-of-principle to minimum viable product), as well as specific actions to support the uptake of innovation ideas/concepts towards capability development.
- Step 3: making of HEDI an EU-wide platform for cooperative design and experimentation embedded in the EU capability development process. The activities to be undertaken will be decided by Member States at a later stage.
EMBEDDED IN EDA
HEDI will be embedded within the existing EDA framework and staffed by EDA personnel. According to guidelines approved today, the launch of the new Hub should not come at the expense of existing EDA activities. It will function under EDA’s 3-Year Planning Framework with a yearly reporting and evaluation in the starting phase. EDA shall regularly report to the Steering Board on the progress and way ahead, specifically on the impact, lessons learned, and possible updates of the stepped implementation plan. The Steering Board will evaluate the progress of the HEDI and its proposed activities for the next year.
BACKGROUND
The work that led to the creation of HEDI initially started in May 2021 when the Foreign Affairs Council called for reinforcing EDA’s role in fostering defence innovation and tasked the HR/VP and Head of EDA, Josep Borrell, to present options by the end of 2021. Among the options put on the table (and now approved) was that of establishing a Hub for EU Defence Innovation within EDA. (Source: EDA)
01 June 22. USN completes first flight-test of mission computer alternative. The MCA is a hardware open systems technologies (HOST) conforming mission computer.
The US Navy’s Air Combat Electronics programme office (PMA-209) has completed its first flight test of the mission computer alternative (MCA) on the T-45 trainer aircraft.
This move is aimed at improving the readiness of the legacy system.
PMA-209 undertook the test in collaboration with Air Test Evaluation Squadron (VX) 23 and the Naval Undergraduate Flight Training Systems programme office (PMA-273).
On 30 March, the three units executed the T-45 aircraft flight test at Patuxent River to analyse the design replacement for the present mission display processer.
VX-23 test pilot lieutenant Alex Mensing said: “The flight was flown successfully, proving MCA is on the right track.
“We know what needs to be improved and will continue to work together to bring an accurate and reliable system to the fleet.”
According to PMA-273, the new mission computing solution primarily aims to address the potential issues of the US Navy’s ageing platform.
PMA-273 is planning to use MCA to support further capabilities, including required navigation performance/area navigation (RNP/RNAV).
The MCA is a hardware open systems technologies (HOST) conforming mission computer.
It minimises the need for regular software and hardware updates for mission computers.
Claimed to be cost-effective and rapidly adaptable, the technology can also support platform and processing requirements.
MCA is expected to provide RNP/RNAV capabilities soon.
PMA-209 common mission computers team lead Jeff Williamson said: “This technology will enable accelerating new capabilities to the fleet, at reduced cost, while paving the way for it to be employed in the naval aviation systems that our warfighters already have.”
The US Navy will use the investments made during the development of MCA to reduce the cost of developing future MCA iterations.
Furthermore, the navy will reduce the software and hardware logistics lifecycle funding footprint by leveraging common, commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) hardware and software development. (Source: naval-technology.com)
31 May 22. ClearVue and Nodis participate in US Air Force Evaluation of their Power-Generating Smart Window Technologies.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Nodis and ClearVue have undertaken a first phase evaluation for the US Air Force at Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida trialing Nodis’ dynamic switchable glazing powered by ClearVue’s photovoltaic window technology
- The evaluation is demonstrating to the US Air Force that significant energy savings, energy generation and sustainability impacts can be achieved by combining ClearVue’s PV window technology with Nodis electronically controlled tinting solution
- Phase 2 of the evaluation with the US Air Force commenced in November 2021 with glazing solutions from ClearVue and Nodis; further installation at Tyndall Air Force Base is planned for June 2022
- Nodis and ClearVue intend to seek combined product sales from the US Air Force upon a successful evaluation
- ClearVue and Nodis have signed a Collaboration Agreement in support of joint opportunities, with the parties potentially entering a joint Supply Contract
Smart building materials company ClearVue Technologies Limited (ASX:CPV OTC:CVUEF) is pleased to announce its participation in an evaluation with Nodis Pte Ltd for a combined electrically switchable (or tuneable) window solution for the US Air Force.
The two companies have signed a Collaboration Agreement for the purposes of exploring ongoing joint opportunities with the US Air Force including smart window supply contracts, as detailed below.
Initial collaboration discussions between ClearVue and Nodis commenced in March 2018. In early 2021, Nodis commenced evaluation with the US Air Force for a first proof-of-concept solution combining Nodis’ TruTintTM switchable film with a ClearVue PV window deployed into a building operated by the US Air Force Civil Engineering Center. A first demonstration of this was shown to the US Air Force on 6 May 2021.
Nodis is a world leader in the development of a pioneering dynamic switchable glazing technology that uses Dipole Nanoparticle Suspension (or DNPS) to create an optical shutter system to block light transmission through glass. The Nodis product, marketed as TruTintTM, uses colour-coated nanoparticles, which are suspended in microscopic wells inside a nanoimprinted film and sandwiched between two sheets of glass. Electric power is connected to each side of a conductive film coating to create a low-cost, instantly switchable piece of smart glass with infinite tints and colours. By combining film layers containing red, green and blue nanoparticles to create low power, flexible digital displays within traditional window glazing is also possible.
Nodis has also been involved in a separate trial with Ohio State University’s Center for Design and Manufacturing Excellence (CDME) and the US Department of Defense Office of Economic Adjustment’s Supply Base Resilience and Diversification (SBRD) Program for exploration and development of ‘Camouflage Glass’ for potential deployment into DoD ‘Warfighters’. In this trial the Nodis smart glass technology is being used to create glass that adapts to its environment – acting as active camouflage.
Phase 1 of the Evaluation Completed
Phase 1 of the evaluation involved installation of several Nodis TruTintTM smart glass windows and a single ClearVue PV window implementing a PV smart glass unit at an evaluation being conducted at Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida, USA (https://www.tyndall.af.mil/). Nodis TruTintTM smart glass film was used to control the tint level and thereby the amount of light and infrared entering a US Air Force building, with control coming from Nodis’ Window Control System using IoT and powerline communications technologies.
As part of the Phase 1 evaluation, Nodis monitored the PV performance from the single combined PV smart glass panel via a solar charge controller which charges a battery enabling autonomous smart glass operation. Day to day PV smart glass performance continues to be monitored via remote monitoring.
Phase 2 of the Evaluation has now commenced
Phase 2 of the evaluation commenced in November 2021 but will now add an additional four ClearVue PV power generating windows in combination with Nodis’ TruTintTM film. The additional ClearVue units were delivered during April 2022 and are expected to be deployed at the Tyndall Air Force Base in June 2022, with testing and evaluation to be completed in August 2022, along with final evaluation and reporting shortly thereafter.
Following a successful Phase 2 evaluation by the US Air Force, Nodis will seek a third phase commercial engagement of Nodis and ClearVue to supply smart windows and glazing for upcoming US Air Force building projects.
Collaboration Agreement Signed
ClearVue and Nodis entered into a Collaboration Agreement on 27 May 2022 which outlines the parameters for commercial engagement (Phase 3) and more generally.
The Collaboration Agreement sets out the terms for collaborating on the promotion and joint development of ClearVue’s photovoltaic IGU and smart solar window solutions combined with Nodis’ TruTintTM dynamic switchable film.
Under the terms of the Collaboration Agreement, ClearVue and Nodis will work collaboratively together to:
- Complete the Phase 2 evaluation demonstrating a combined product (an initial prototype(s) combining the intellectual property and technologies of both Nodis and ClearVue) before taking current proof-of-concept demonstrations and creating a commercial format product in line with a project plan agreed to by both Parties (Commercial Prototype(s)); and
- continue discussions for establishing a commercial Supply Agreement where one Party supplies to the other for inclusion into a combined end-product for supply of windows to the US Air Force (or other customers) as part of Phase 3; or
- alternatively, enter a joint venture or other arrangement where the Parties’ two products and technologies are combined into one final end-product based on the Commercial Prototype(s), that the Parties can both promote together.
Commenting on the Collaboration Agreement, Executive Chairman of ClearVue, Victor Rosenberg said:
“The Nodis TruTintTM product is at the cutting edge of the smart glass industry and is a perfect fit for ClearVue’s photovoltaic glazing solution. Nodis’ Dipole Nanoparticle Suspension dynamic glazing solution requires power inside the IGU or window to operate the control systems for switching and dimming the glass, and for powering and maintaining the state change in the Nodis DNP layer – which together we have already demonstrated through the Phase 1 evaluation with the US Air Force. To date, the combined Nodis and ClearVue solution has demonstrated the benefits of both solutions to the US Air Force: energy savings and energy generation offering a clear impact on sustainability and a path towards Net Zero. The next step is to complete Phase 2 of the US Air Force evaluation with Nodis and then to scale and commercialize a combined product for potential sales to the US Air Force and others.”
Commenting on the Collaboration Agreement, Chief Executive Officer of Nodis, Michael Holt said:
“The ClearVue PV IGU solution has demonstrated itself to be a great fit for use in supplying localised power to Nodis’ TruTintTM smart glass film. Getting power to windows, especially in a retro-fit application, has been historically difficult and expensive. A Nodis TruTintTM DNP glazing system combined with ClearVue PV and battery and can be deployed without the need for wiring to the window. Where wiring is used, our solution also uses powerline control of the windows themselves removing the risk of over-the-air hacking of the glazing inherent in wireless control methods using WiFi, Bluetooth or other communications protocols. We are looking forward to working with ClearVue on completion of our customer evaluations and then, subject to success of the same, look forward to working with ClearVue to explore licensing and sales opportunities together under the new Collaboration Agreement and more formal agreements that will follow.”
The Company looks forward to updating the market on the evaluation with the US Air Force and to its progress under the Collaboration Agreement.
Authorised by the Board of ClearVue Technologies Limited.
ABOUT NODIS CORP
Nodis’ TruTintTM smart glass technology enables glass to switch instantly from clear to opaque and any tint or colour in between. This allows for precise light, glare, and infrared control increasing a building’s energy efficiency and liveability while transforming any piece of glass into a transparent display. TruTint can reduce electricity usage and greenhouse gas emissions by 40% and is capable of significantly lowering a building’s energy costs. Maximizing natural light while controlling glare and infrared has been shown to improve productivity and mood while reducing headaches and eyestrain. TruTint’s revolutionary nanoparticle film is 10x lower cost to produce and integrate into new glass manufacturing or aftermarket glass products.
For more information visit: www.nodiscorp.com
ABOUT CLEARVUE TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED
ClearVue Technologies Limited (ASX: CPV) is an Australian technology company that operates in the Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BPIV) sector which involves the integration of solar technology into building surfaces, specifically glass and building façades, to provide renewable energy. ClearVue has developed advanced glass technology that aims to preserve glass transparency to maintain building aesthetics whilst generating electricity.
ClearVue’s electricity generating glazing technology is strategically positioned to compliment, and make more compelling, the increased use of energy-efficient windows now being regulated in response to global climate change and energy efficiency goals.
Solar PV cells are incorporated around the edges of an Insulated Glass Unit (IGU) used in windows and the lamination interlayer between the glass in the IGU incorporates ClearVue’s patented proprietary nano and micro particles, as well as its spectrally selective coating on the rear external surface of the IGU.
ClearVue’s window technology has application for use in the building and construction and agricultural industries (amongst others).
ClearVue has worked closely with leading experts from the Electron Science Research Institute, Edith Cowan University (ECU) in Perth, Western Australia to develop the technology. To learn more please visit: www.clearvuepv.com (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
31 May 22. LDRA Integrates with Microsoft Azure DevOps to Advance ‘Shift Left’ Security Strategy. Integration enables aviation and defense entities to build software on the cloud-hosted development platform using security best practices from the start
LDRA, the leader in standards compliance, automated software verification, software code analysis, and test tools, today announced integration with Microsoft Azure DevOps. LDRA’s integration with this cloud-hosted development and deployment solution helps small- and medium-sized organizations more efficiently deploy the ‘shift left’ strategy—a core principle of DevSecOps. Using this methodology, military and defense providers can build security best practices into the earliest stages of software development. The LDRA tool suite also allows Azure developers to easily share results with management at any stage of the process from any computer.
The LDRA tool suite adds testing to the Azure cloud pipeline to more efficiently assess an operation, a file or groups of operations/files while also helping focus. The integration of LDRA tools to Azure’s existing testing tools improves software robustness, enhances security and delivers faster time to market. Security holes can be found and fixed much faster and earlier with this DevSecOps framework.
“Historically, only organization with large IT or engineering departments could leverage DevOps or even DevSecOps because of the servers and infrastructure required,” said Ian Hennell, Operations Director, LDRA. “With today’s more advance cloud services, much of this infrastructure is available online to any user. Our tool suite adds more structure to the Azure pipeline, letting developers more easily test and analyze software for security issues from as early as possible, revealing issues and mitigating risks, and easily sharing the required details to management.”
Military Organizations Benefit from Move to Cloud-based DevSecOps
This new integration is especially beneficial for aviation and defense organizations whose security concerns caused them to be hesitant to work in the cloud. As the benefits of cloud-hosted development become more obvious, they have sought out development platforms that ensure their code is high quality, safe and secure. Using the LDRA tool suite with the Azure DevOps provides that additional assurance. They can execute the security tests more efficiently across one or many tasks in parallel.
LDRA/Azure integration is a model for integration in public clouds as well as private clouds. For instance, PlatformOne, a US government-focused model that enables build and development tools, works with the same infrastructure used in the Azure/LDRA. This allows developers working in government and secure sites to leverage the benefits of DevSecOps with the infrastructure they have.
“The need for rapid software integration while maintaining security is no longer just a good option to consider but truly essential, especially for military organizations where security is paramount, ” Hennell added. “The LDRA/Azure integration brings development, security and operation together to improve efficiencies and automation from start to finish.”
Additional information about how LDRA helps software development teams build safety into their critical applications is available at https://www.ldra.com.
27 May 22. Entries for KPMG Global Tech Innovator competition closing soon. Entries for the second annual KPMG Private Enterprise Tech Innovator competition close on 15 June. Australia’s leading technology innovators and future tech titans will get the chance to compete against entrants from 22 other countries around the world. In 2021 entries were received from 17 countries, but Australia wasn’t one of them.
“You’ll pitch your innovations and present your growth ambitions to a panel of industry professionals,” says KPMG. “We understand the impact that technology trailblazers like you are having on the world. Whether yours is a pure technology company or you’re tech-enabled, tech-led or tech-driven, we want to hear from you.”
What makes a Global Tech Innovator?
Applicants are typically technology entrepreneurs who are successfully making the transition from the startup phase to the next stage in the growth of their businesses. They have developed innovative, proven technologies, established robust business models, demonstrated traction and have the potential to scale up globally.KPMG is seeking entries from companies that have been established for five years or less. Finalists will receive an unrivalled platform to profile their business, says the firm:
- Exposure: pitch your innovations and present your growth ambitions. Winning companies will be featured in KPMG’s “Winners Report” and local media profiles. They will also receive global attention among key influencers at the final in November 2022
- Recognition: profile your business throughout the competition, leveraging KPMG channels and local media.
- Networking: connect with like-minded peers, key industry experts and influencers both locally and globally.
- Go global: Winners will automatically progress to the Global Tech Innovator final, to be hosted in Lisbon, Portugal in November.
Each company will be given a total of approximately 10 minutes to both pitch and answer questions from a judging panel. All presentations must be in Microsoft PowerPoint or PDF file format. A detailed pack outlining requirements will be shared with shortlisted businesses when appropriate.
All applications will be scored based on six, equally-weighted criteria:
- disruption and innovation
- market potential
- customer adoption
- market traction and marketing
- long-term potential
- pitch quality.
“Australia’s startup sector has proven it’s ability to produce companies that have global impact,” says Amanda Price, KPMG’s head of High Growth Ventures. “These innovators change the game in their respective industries, creating markets, providing high-value employment opportunities and bringing new products and services to the world.
“This competition aims to shine a spotlight on important Australian innovations and support the continued growth of the top tech innovators who are helping to change the world. Whether they are tech-enabled, tech-led or tech-driven, we encourage all startups to take advantage of this extraordinary opportunity to take their businesses to the next level.” (Source: Rumour Control)
27 May 22. Babcock showcased its autonomous and robotics capabilities at a new hub designed to spark innovation and push the boundaries of technology. The Defence BattleLab, on Dorset Innovation Park, brings together military personnel, academic institutions and private sector companies to trial and experiment cutting-edge technology.
It was officially opened earlier this month by Defence Procurement Minister, Jeremy Quin MP, and this week Babcock held a Collaboration and Innovation Day, demonstrating how we drive innovation through our partnerships, aligning every step of the way with our customers’ needs.
Working with teams across the Babcock Group as well as an eco-system of SMEs and partners, we demonstrated how we have developed a system which will allow multiple autonomous vehicles to cover land, sea and air under one control system.
Rich Drake, Managing Director of Babcock Mission Systems, said: “The defence landscape is changing rapidly and becoming increasingly digital – that means the challenges, the threats and technology solutions are quickly changing too. “Working in partnership with like-minded SMEs and trusted technology partners, we were delighted to hold this innovation event at the new Defence BattleLab to increase collaboration and develop a system which will control multiple autonomous vehicles across land, sea and air.”
27 May 22. Emerging Capabilities Policy Office to Speed Policy Considerations of New Technologies . The speed of war is getting faster, with new capabilities, such as artificial intelligence, hypersonic technologies, and more, entering the services.
A new Pentagon office seeks to do for policy what the research and acquisition communities have been doing in regard to new capabilities.
Michael C. Horowitz leads the new Emerging Capabilities Policy Office. His mission is to help integrate emerging capabilities into the department strategy, planning guidance, and budget processes in “ways that accelerate the adoption of emerging capabilities.”
Horowitz spoke in his Pentagon office recently, and said that the new office reports to Mara E. Karlin, the assistant secretary of defense for strategy, plans and capabilities.
“There are a lot of people that have raised concerns over the years saying the department needs to be faster in a variety of ways to adapt to changes in the security environment,” Horowitz said. While this is typically done in trying to accelerate technology development, or the tactical or operational employment of new capabilities, the policy aspects of this process sometimes lagged. This office is an effort by Undersecretary of Defense for Policy Colin Kahl to get ahead of the power curve.
Policy has many roles to play including how new capabilities affect defense strategy writ large, Horowitz said. Policy has a role in how these new capabilities are envisioned in the planning guidance the department issues, and in the program budget review. Policy also has an active role in coordinating new capabilities with allies and partners.
But the emerging capabilities office must be involved in more than the simple employment of capabilities: The office needs to understand and consider the implications of game-changing capabilities at the strategic level.
The office is looking at what autonomous systems will mean for strategic competition. They must do the same with hypersonic technologies and directed energy weapons. They must also ask how these technologies will impact strategic stability, Horowitz said.
And the office cannot be myopic and look solely at a new technology. Often, it is the combination of a new technology with an existing capability that can affect strategic balance, he said.
These new capabilities can also raise ethical questions: How “autonomous” should weapon systems be? How does the Department of Defense keep a human in that kill loop?
“There are types of weapon systems, where the department has decided that we need some additional level of scrutiny or review in addition to the many existing checks that the department has for the approval of weapon systems,” he said. “This office will be managing policy about some of those processes and advising the undersecretary of defense for policy on other emerging capabilities; those where additional policy guidance is necessary.”
The office works at the intersection of technology and policy. Members of the office will work closely with scientists, acquisition and sustainment personnel and Joint Staff operators in assessing all these policy consequences.
It is a lot to do, Horowitz said, but strategy, planning and budgets, ethical issues, strategic stability issues and working with allies and partners is important to the defense of the United States. Given the speed of war, these considerations must be done with responsible speed. Horowitz said these decisions must occur in a mindful way. Still, they cannot let the “requirement to make those choices slow us down, given how fast our competitors are moving,” he said.
“We live in a world now, where innovation happens so quickly,” he said. “This office can, I think, do important work in helping coordinate some of these activities to ensure that you don’t have technology development happening in one place, and strategy development happening in a totally separate place. We can try to bring those things together.” (Source: US DoD)
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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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