Sponsored By Oxley Developments
www.oxleygroup.com
———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————–
03 Oct 24. UAV Navigation-Grupo Oesía Contributes to Development of the Future Combat Air System. UAV Navigation-Grupo Oesía has announced that SATNUS (a company formed by GMV, Sener Aeroespacial and Tecnobit-Grupo Oesía) has counted on its collaboration in the ambitious European program Future Combat Air System (FCAS). This program aims to develop a future-generation weapon system (NGWS), which will integrate a new generation of manned fighters (NGF) and multiple remotely piloted air systems (Remote Carriers or RC), all interconnected through a Combat Cloud (CC).
Within the FCAS program, UAV Navigation-Grupo Oesía participates in Pillar number 3 of Remote Operators through a subcontract with SATNUS Technologies SL, which is in charge of maturing technologies and minimizing risks in the development of remotely manned elements of the future generation weapon system. Airbus GmbH is leading this pillar at the European level, with the participation of MBDA as the lead company from France and SATNUS as the lead company from Spain.
In the framework of this project, UAV Navigation-Grupo Oesía provides its autopilot for the Manned-Unmanned Teaming & Common Systems Demonstrator (MCSD). This demonstrator, led by SATNUS, will allow the rapid development and testing of concepts and technologies, with a special focus on Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUT) functions and architecture during phase 1B of the program’s technology demonstration.
With its participation, UAV Navigation-Grupo Oesía will provide innovative technological solutions and offer comprehensive support in the autopilot technical development, integration and operation phase. This support will be fundamental for the evolution and maturation of the technological capabilities of the program, contributing to the remotely piloted manned systems meeting the demanding requirements of this future combat air system.
For more information about the participation of UAV Navigation-Grupo Oesía in the FCAS program, please visit our website or contact our team of market-leading specialists in guidance, navigation and control systems for unmanned aerial vehicles.
UAV Navigation – Grupo Oesía
UAV Navigation-Grupo Oesía is a company specializing in the design of guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) solutions for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) since 2004. UAV Navigation-Grupo Oesía’s flight solutions are used by a wide range of leading aerospace manufacturers for a variety of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), also known as remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) or “drones.”
UAV Navigation is part of the Grupo Oesía, a 100% Spanish-owned, private, and independent group of companies dedicated to technological and digital engineering. It develops and implements projects in 40 countries and has approximately 3,400 professionals in 19 corporate offices spread across Europe, Latin America, and Asia. Over its 46 years of history, it has innovated in products and services that benefit over 2 bn people worldwide, with the purpose of creating a better, more efficient, secure, and sustainable world.
The industrial companies within the Grupo Oesía ecosystem are responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining cutting-edge technology for the Security, Defense, and Aerospace sectors, with a long track record of work in avionics for significant projects such as the Eurofighter EF-2000, A-400M, F-18, C-295, P3-B Orion, or MH-60R. The group is now involved in the most important UAV projects, including FCAS/NGWS, Eurodrone, and SIRTAP, among others. (Source: UAS VISION)
04 Oct 24. New Funding for 50-Mile BVLOS Flights Through NAS from Grand Forks Air Base. Project ULTRA, a leading initiative to accelerate integration of Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) into the National Airspace System (NAS), has officially received approval for Task Order 2. With $3.49m in funding approved by the Office of Undersecretary of Defense (A&S) and Grand Forks County, Task Order 2 will focus on transitioning from simulations to live flight operations, taking a significant step toward advancing air traffic management technology and logistics.
Task Order 2, scheduled from September 30, 2024 to September 29, 2025, marks the beginning of actual logistics flights between Grand Forks Air Force Base (GFAFB) and Cavalier Space Force Station (CSFS). These flights will validate the real-world application of the AirSpace Integration Services (ASIS) and selected UAS platforms, moving beyond the simulations completed in Task Order 1. The UAS will transport cargo across approximately 50 miles, flying beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) through both civilian and military-controlled airspace.
“This milestone highlights our transition from theory and simulation to real world flight operations,” said Chris Hewlett, Director of Project ULTRA. “With live flights, we are excited to apply everything we’ve learned to date in Task Order 1 and demonstrate our ability to integrate UAS into the National Airspace System safely and efficiently.”
Task Order 2 is notable for several reasons:
- Flights will take place in the National Airspace System, requiring coordination with the FAA to obtain the necessary authorizations and waivers for safe operation.
- The UAS will fly roughly 50 miles, one way, transporting cargo between GFAFB and CSFS, two military bases, crossing from civilian into military airspace and back again.
- Safety risk management will remain a top priority. ASIS systems, along with GrandSKY’s BVLOS Ground-Based Sense and Avoid (GBSAA) system, will ensure real-time airspace awareness and safety throughout the flight. GrandSKY’s BVLOS system, which has been is use for over five years, will provide an additional layer of security during the operation.
Project ULTRA is in year two of a five-year ID/IQ contract. The total contract value is $18.25 m, with $12.25 m in funding remaining for future tasks. Task Order 1, which was funded at $2.49 m, focused on assembling and deploying the systems that demonstrated ASIS capabilities through simulations. Now, with Task Order 2, Project ULTRA will apply these systems to real-world flights, showcasing the research and technological advancements made in collaboration with NASA and the Air Force Research Lab (AFRL). Task Order 2 will also allow the Grand Forks County Team to bring additional collaboration partners and vendors to the project.
Project ULTRA represents a groundbreaking contract aimed at integrating safe UAS operations into the combined military and civilian environment, a challenge encountered daily in the Grand Forks region and at GrandSKY. The lessons learned from Task Order 2 will have implications not only for future UAS logistics missions but also for UAS integration and next generation traffic management of airspace throughout the United States.
“Project ULTRA is creating the opportunity to solve real world challenges in a safe and secure air space,” said Tom Swoyer, President of GrandSKY. “We are pleased to be a part of ULTRA network.”
The Grand Forks County Team for Project ULTRA includes key partners such as Grand Forks County, GrandSKY, Northern Plains UAS Test Site, Simulyze, CScott Solutions, POI Federal, Aura Networks, and MTSI. Additional partners are expected to join the team as the project advances.
“Conducting real flights has always been a goal of ULTRA,” said Hewlett. “It allows us to bring together the outstanding research done by NASA and AFRL around increased airspace safety and awareness. Now we’re thrilled to put that research to operational test in real-world conditions.”
About Project ULTRAProject ULTRA (UAS Logistics, Traffic, Response, and Autonomy) was initiated to meet the Department of Defense’s goal of integrating emerging UAS technologies into the National Airspace System. Supported by the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisitions and Sustainment, the project focuses on advancing UAS traffic management and safety protocols for both military and civilian airspace.About GrandSKYGrandSKY is a UAS-focused flight operations center located on Grand Forks AFB in Grand Forks County, North Dakota. The 217-acre flight center provides Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) tenants and partners with unmatched research, development, training, and testing amenities. GrandSKY leverages access to the Air Force runway and tower support with commercial amenities and investment through a unique public-private partnership supporting civilian and military flight UAS flight operations. GrandSKY has been offering industry leading amenities such as over 11,000 square miles of BVLOS capability and 24/7 operations.
(Source: UAS VISION/GrandSKY)
03 Oct 24. New Waterproof Embedded Computers to be Unveiled at AUSA 2024.
Neousys Technology will be at AUSA 2024 in Washington, DC, from October 14th-16th, at Booth 4054, showcasing new releases and reliable advanced rugged computing solutions.
Neousys Technology, an industry-leading provider of rugged embedded systems, will be exhibiting at AUSA 2024 in Washington, DC, from October 14th to 16th, at booth 4054.
Neousys will showcase its advanced rugged computing solutions, designed to ensure reliable performance in extreme and in-vehicle environments.
Featured products include extreme-rugged waterproof computers, edge AI systems, and rugged panel PCs, engineered for demanding conditions with SWaP-optimized (Size, Weight, and Power) form factors, rich interface options, and powerful processing capabilities.
Highlights at Neousys Booth will include:
IP69K-rated Waterproof Computers
The SEMIL Series features corrosion-resistant stainless steel and aluminum chassis with waterproof I/O connectors. Compliant with MIL-STD-461G, MIL-STD-1275E, and MIL-STD-810H standards, these systems are ideal for hazardous environments and defense applications. Powered by Intel® 14th Gen Core™ processors and supporting 8V to 48V wide-range DC input, they are perfect for intelligent mobile systems such as Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs).
SWaP-optimized Fanless Computers
The compact computer POC-700 series, powered by Intel® Core™ i3/ Atom® processor, offers robust connectivity with four USB3.2 Gen2 ports and four GigE PoE+ ports with secure screw-lock mechanisms. Also, the FLYC-300 AI mission computer, featuring the NVIDIA® Jetson Orin™ NX, delivers 100 TOPS AI performance in a lightweight 297g design, equipped with two GbE, two USB3.2, and two GMSL2 ports.
Rugged Edge AI Computers
Neousys’ rugged Edge AI computers are built for reliable AI inference in harsh environments. Supporting NVIDIA® L4/RTX series GPUs or Jetson modules, these systems offer versatile I/O options, PCIe expansion, and durable mechanical designs, making them ideal for AI-powered applications in extreme conditions. (Source: https://www.defenseadvancement.com/)
03 Oct 24. DOD Tests and Evaluates Improved and Sustainable Technologies. The Defense Department has implemented a new program designed to demonstrate and validate sustainable technologies used in operational and training environments.
This program, called the DOD Sustainable Technology Evaluation and Demonstration Program, or STED, “tests and evaluates technologies using warfighters, DOD civilians and personnel, and other federal agencies in operational and training settings,” said David J. Asiello, director of the STED Program.
These technologies are evaluated on whether they improve performance and reduce lifecycle costs, while increasing supply chain security, by using domestically sourced materials, Asiello said.
“In addition to the operational and resilience benefits, these technologies improve the health and safety of the warfighter; help ensure much-needed air, land, water and energy resources for installations and training operations, reduce waste and protect the environment,” Asiello added.
One recent example of the many STED Program successes is the Marine Corps Shooting Team field testing and evaluation of a bio-based cleaner, lubricant and preservative, better known as CLP.
The shooting team provided real-time feedback to Marine Corps Systems Command on the CLP performance. This feedback included reduction in cleaning time by 50%, reduced smoke during firing, decreased carbon buildup, improved cycling, reduced odor, reduced malfunctions and less lubricant was required than traditional CLP that Marines have been using for decades, said Reginald M. Mack, deputy director of the STED Program.
Because of the STED Program’s successful CLP demonstration, the military specifically requires all CLP for weapons and weapons systems to contain a minimum of 33% bio-based content. This is the first revision of a weapon system military tactical specification to require bio-based content, Mack said, adding that when implemented DOD-wide, the transition would save $1.74m annually.
There are numerous other successful STED Program demonstrations. For example, the Army Materiel Command and Anniston Army Depot successfully demonstrated bio-based sorbents which are used to absorb spilled oil and other chemicals. The traditional cleaning solution contains crystalline silica, which is a known carcinogen, Mack said. Savings if implemented DOD-wide would be $6.1m annually, perform much better and protect the health of the warfighter.
Sustainable, energy efficient building doors were developed and shown to reduce building energy consumption and energy loss, which could result in a $170m a year energy savings, if implemented DOD-wide, Mack explained.
LED alternatives to disposable chemiluminescent lights, better known as chem lights, were shown to improve performance, brightness and durability. If adopted DOD-wide, savings would result in $1.9m in savings, Mack said.
The program has expanded to other federal agencies as well. “The STED Program recently partnered with the FBI to test the viability of a new automotive tire technology that incorporates domestic soybean oil as a key ingredient, replacing traditional petroleum-based materials,” according to Asiello. As a result of the successful testing, the FBI is now using these tires for its field vehicles.
Other successful demonstrations, include bio-based rifle bore cleaners, bio-based corrosion inhibitors, PFAS-free disposable food service ware, hypochlorous acid disinfectant cleaners, bio-based multipurpose lubricants, safe sidewalk deicers, bio-based road marking paint, bio-based dust suppressants and bio-based brake cleaners.
The department has made strong headway implementing and expanding the STED Program to include securing participation with major commands and is developing and implementing additional initiatives to expedite the transition of successfully demonstrated technologies across the department and federal agencies, Asiello said. (Source: U.S. DoD)
03 Oct 24. New report released highlights the vital role of the subsurface and the challenges it faces.
A new report on the future of the subsurface has been published by the Government Office for Science today.
Future of the subsurface report.
The report, produced by the Foresight team, highlights the important role of the subsurface for housing everyday resources and services such as water, building materials and fertile soil. It also explores how the subsurface can help contribute to net zero emissions through initiatives like electricity grid upgrades, adapting to climate change with underground drainage systems, and taking advantage of new technologies such as quantum sensing.
The project takes a long-term view of subsurface management, looking out to 2040 for possible challenges and opportunities, and uses a systems-thinking approach, which considers multiple perspectives rather than a singular view, to explore the complexity and interconnectedness of subsurface features and activities.
New technologies, including quantum sensors, AI and robotics offer potential solutions that make it easier and cheaper to measure, monitor, excavate, tunnel and maintain the subsurface. These are on the horizon but may need new policy or regulation to enable their widespread use.
The government is committed to reach net zero emissions by 2050, which will require the reduction of carbon emissions across different industries and sectors. Many of the infrastructure and technological solutions needed for net zero, such as EV chargepoints and ground source heat pumps, require subsurface space.
Dame Angela McLean, Government Chief Scientific Adviser, said:
This Foresight report highlights the crucial role of the subsurface in the UK’s future, demonstrating that the choices we make today in subsurface management can profoundly shape our tomorrow.
(Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
03 Oct 24. Significant EU funding for VTT’s semiconductor development – supporting the growth of the semiconductor industry.
The Public Authorities Board of the Chips Joint Undertaking (EU Chips Act) has decided to fund European semiconductor pilot line proposals. VTT is involved in two of the pilots that are about to start their operations. Its share of the funding will be used to purchase equipment for the shared-use Kvanttinova cleanroom to be built at Espoo, Finland. The pilot lines will support European chip technology development and chip production growth targets, and Finland will be strongly integrated into the European semiconductor industry ecosystem. VTT’s shared-use cleanroom will allow companies to develop and pilot microelectronics components.
VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland is participating in two of the European pilot line projects that are aiming to strengthen development of the European semiconductor industry. Large European-funded pilot lines, FAMES and NanoIC, are operated by CEA-Leti in France and imec in Belgium. The lines will develop new semiconductor processes and technologies that will be accessible to companies for product development and scaling up to production. The technologies under development include the latest transistor and RF technologies and new memory technologies.
The 32m euros in funding provided by the EU and the Finnish Government will be invested in VTT’s shared-use cleanroom equipment and the development of semiconductor manufacturing processes.
“The recent EU Chips Act funding, together with funding provided by the Finnish Government last autumn, will ensure Finland’s involvement in pilot lines that are important to the European semiconductor industry. The development will support and strengthen Europe’s role in the global chip market, and bring Finland into this ecosystem,” says Tauno Vähä-Heikkilä, Vice President, Microelectronics and Quantum Technologies at VTT.
Construction of the European pilot lines has already started and will accelerate with confirmation of the funding. The European pilot line equipment, operations and services provided by VTT will be integrated within Kvanttinova, a semiconductor and quantum technology RDI hub located in Espoo, Finland. Kvanttinova is a new RDI hub for microelectronics and quantum industry players in Espoo, currently at the peak of its planning stage. In addition, some equipment will be placed in the Micronova Centre of Micro- and Nanotechnology already located in Espoo. Services will gradually be offered to companies, and the first semiconductor processes in Finland are scheduled to start up in late 2026.
The recent Chips Act funding decisions and the resulting equipment acquisitions by VTT will support the strongest Finnish semiconductor industry competence areas, especially new materials, ALD (atomic layer deposition) technology for memory applications, and RF technologies.
“The Kvanttinova shared-use cleanroom will provide Finnish companies with the opportunity to develop materials, technologies, and innovations for new products and markets – without the need for significant investments. It will also give companies access to the services and processes of major European operators, such as CEA-Leti and imec,” says Pekka Pursula, Research Manager at VTT.
02 Oct 24. Elma Electronic has enhanced its RP24 rugged power supply system to include the RA24 rechargeable battery module that improves the uninterruptable power supply (UPS) capabilities of the system. The RP24/RA24 Rugged Power Solution is a comprehensive power system designed for critical remote applications in challenging environments.
Combining the rugged RP24 Power Module with the high-capacity RA24 Battery Module ensures continuous, reliable power for mobile, semi-mobile, and stationary systems, even in the most extreme conditions. Up to 10 RA24 modules can be cascaded, providing extended battery operation for several hours, while up to five RP24 units are stackable in a single configuration for a combined 4,500W of continuous power.
The rugged power system provides enhanced power monitoring with intuitive controls and a user-friendly interface. The RP24’s easy menu navigation and alphanumeric display provides real-time diagnostics and status updates. Remote monitoring is supported via SNMPv3-compatible Ethernet.
The high-performance, compact RP24 is a modular power supply in a 19-inch aluminum chassis, ideal for auxiliary DC power needed for field-deployed radios and other communications equipment in military, industrial automation and emergency response applications.
Oskar Schulthess, business development manager, head of power solutions, for Elma Electronic, noted, “The criticality of reliable power in remote, harsh environments can’t be underestimated. This rugged power system not only offers a scalable infrastructure to meet the various needs of in-the-field applications, but now provides a means for extended operation for increased piece of mind and reliability during military operations.”
The RP24 features a flexible 115/230 VAC input range, a stable 27 VDC output, Class II reinforced isolation and IP67 protection. In addition to EMP, overvoltage, shock and vibration protection, each 1000W AC/DC unit provides full load operation from -35°C up to +60°C at an altitude of 3500m.
The system can withstand shocks from falls up to 1.5 meters, ensuring reliability during transport and deployment compliant with MIL-STD-810G. It also complies with MIL-STD-461G for EMC and meets HEMP (High-altitude Electro Magnetic Pulse).
Fully charged in as little as four hours with sequential charging, the new, high-capacity RA24 provides a 50 Ah Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) battery known for its safety and longevity. With a nominal output voltage of 25.6V, the RA24 ensures continuous power delivery during outages or in the absence of an external power source.
01 Oct 24. Alva Industries, a manufacturer of frameless motors with FiberPrinting™ technology, has today announced the launch of SlimTorq™, a new range of slotless thin-section motors ideal for high-precision applications on land, sea and air.
SlimTorq™ motors are available in sizes from 39mm to 130mm outer diameter and manufactured by the company’s next-generation, patented FiberPrinting™ technology. FiberPrinting™ enables ironless and slotless motor windings with a 60% copper fill factor, setting a new standard in precision, torque density and adaptability.
Visit http://www.alvaindustries.com/product/slimtorq-motors or download the product catalog here to learn more.
Attributes of SlimTorq™ motors include:
- Ultra-thin& compact form factor
- High precision & power
- Brushless for reliability
- Low noise and vibrations
- Non-skewed windings for maximised torque output
- Infinite design possibilities, enabling rapid customisation
Applications for SlimTorq™ motors include:
- High precision gimbals
- Medical devices & surgical robotics
- Defense & satcom
- Marine propulsion
- Metrology
- Semiconductor
“We hear all the time from engineers developing systems for high-precision applications that they need to reduce size and weight, while improving overall performance,” said Nicolas Giraudo, CCO at Alva Industries. “With SlimTorq™ this is now possible, as it is the thinnest and lightest precision torque motor available on the market.”
“One of the key benefits of FiberPrinting™ is its intrinsic flexible process, allowing us to develop custom windings faster than competitors”, said Jørgen P. Selnes, CEO & co-founder of Alva.
Visit http://www.alvaindustries.com/product/slimtorq-motors or download the product catalog here to learn more.
02 Oct 24. Red Cat and Palladyne AI Partner to Embed Artificial. Intelligence into Teal Drones to Enable Autonomous Operation
- Combined system capabilities to be featured at Association of the United States Army (AUSA) annual meeting October 14-16, 2024
Palladyne AI Corp. (NASDAQ: PDYN and PDYNW) (“Palladyne AI”), a developer of artificial intelligence software for robotic platforms in the defense and commercial sectors, and Red Cat Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: RCAT) (“Red Cat”), a drone technology company integrating robotic hardware and software for military, government, and commercial operations, today announced a partnership intended to enhance the autonomous capabilities of all Red Cat’s Teal drones using Palladyne AI’s Pilot software.
Leveraging its years of innovative development work for U.S. Government customers, Palladyne AI is developing an artificial intelligence platform for unmanned systems to enable persistent detection, tracking, and classification of objects of interest by synthesizing multi-modal sensor fusion data in real-time. The AI product for mobile systems, known as “Palladyne™ Pilot”, will facilitate shared situational awareness across multiple drones and autonomous navigation when integrated with drone autopilot systems. Palladyne Pilot is expected to be made available for all Teal drones, including those already in the field.
Palladyne AI’s artificial intelligence software platform is designed to train and enhance the effectiveness of autonomous, mobile, stationary and dexterous robots. Teal has developed a drone system comprised of two robotic UAVs and related control systems that have earned Blue UAS Certification by the U.S. Department of Defense. The partnership will expand the drone system capabilities, facilitating the creation of a network of collaborating drones and sensors that self-orchestrate to provide superior intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities.
“Red Cat’s partnership approach to delivering the best in class solutions has earned them recognition and certification from the U.S. Department of Defense for their drone systems,” said Ben Wolff, CEO, Palladyne AI. “We are honored to team with Red Cat to offer advanced and effective technology for aerial intelligence needs for defense, public safety, and commercial operations in challenging environments.”
“Palladyne AI is enabling cost-effective small drone platforms that incorporate some of the same autonomy capabilities typically only found on large drone platforms costing tens of ms of dollars,” said George Matus, CTO, Red Cat. “Their Palladyne Pilot autonomy software provides our drone systems with generalizable autonomy that enables a high level of adaptability and performance in challenging environments, materially reducing the cognitive load on drone operators and enhancing the operational capabilities and mission effectiveness of our drone platforms.”
Palladyne AI will join Red Cat at the AUSA conference in booth 330, as well as other joint marketing initiatives throughout the year.
(Source: ASD Network)
————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
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.
———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————