02 Apr 12. Cassidian has developed a new-generation Convoy Protection Jammer that significantly enhances the protection of vehicle convoys against attacks by radio-controlled improvised explosive devices (RCIEDs). The Vehicle Protection Jammer uses the ultra-fast SMART Responsive Jamming Technology developed by Cassidian to substantially enhance protection compared to conventional systems. It detects and classifies radio signals in the 20 MHz to 6 GHz frequency range used to detonate roadside bombs. After detection and classification, it transmits real-time jamming signals, which precisely match the hostile frequency band, thus interrupting the connection between assassin and bomb. Thanks to new digital receiver and signal processing technologies, the system can achieve reaction times of well below a millisecond. Up to 1.5 m threat signals on all common frequency bands can thus be detected and jammed each second. By concentrating the jamming energy on the frequency that is active in each case, the system requires considerably less energy. Moreover, communication between own-side personnel is still possible while using the jammer. Legacy jamming systems, in contrast, try to disrupt the bombs’ detonation mechanisms by permanently emitting a powerful burst of energy over a wide frequency spectrum. The disadvantages inherent in these systems are that they require a lot of space, primary energy and cooling power and disable own-side radio communications while on patrol.

04 Apr 12. The Thales TopOwl helmet-mounted sight and display (HMSD) has been deployed on the battlefield aboard the United States Marine Corps Y-model Huey helicopter in Afghanistan and the French Tiger helicopter in Afghanistan and Libya. On a daily basis, the TopOwl system is demonstrating its operational benefits and its ability to increase mission success rates. In Libya, helicopters were deployed without ground forces. For more than four months, all offensive missions were conducted from a naval platform at night, in total darkness. The TopOwl-equipped Tiger was a major component in these operations, working closely with other helicopters deployed on night missions to destroy large numbers of targets with a broad range of weapon systems. TopOwl is currently the most advanced HMSD available on the market. TopOwl provides the pilot with the best environmental vision capabilities, with unique visor-projected intensified night vision and unmatched comfort of use. The system displays images from any onboard sensors, such as an HD FLIR, in front of the pilot’s eyes. TopOwl features a very high-accuracy head-tracking system to slave any type of weapon or sensor. TopOwl is perfectly balanced, providing the highest levels of comfort and thereby reducing pilot fatigue and improving performance and safety on long and repetitive missions. (Source: ASD Network)

04 Apr 12. L-3 WESCAM was part of a three-member industry team deployed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency to participate in exercises to help detect, identify and track illegal activity along the U.S. border. The event was funded by the DHS Science and Technology Directorate and was formulated to evaluate a new surveillance system for use by the CBP on border missions. Working partners for these exercises were Raven Industries and Logos Technologies. L-3’s Flexible Area Surveillance Technology (FAST), a fully integrated surveillance solution, performed flawlessly throughout the evaluation. The solution includes an aerostat platform, a WESCAM electrooptical and infrared (EO/IR) imaging system, connectivity to a ground control center and the ability to view acquired surveillance footage from ground stations. For demonstration purposes, the solution also included the Kestrel EO/IR sensor from Logos Technologies. For this evaluation, the aerostat was equipped with WESCAM’s MX™-15 sensor. Its ultra long-range imaging capability and leading EO/IR technolog