24 Nov 10. The Boeing Company has begun offering a Surveillance Detection System (SDS) capable of near real-time, 360-degree detection of optical threats. The system identifies when friendly forces are being monitored or targeted by cameras, binoculars, sniper scopes or other optical means.
Using internal funds, Boeing Directed Energy Systems developed and demonstrated the new capability on a U.S. government test range within two months of the release of initial customer requirements, and successfully completed field testing over the past year. The company validated the system’s performance through tactically relevant scenarios. The SDS can be adapted to meet specific customer needs, including tracking of counter-surveillance; snipers; intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; and improvised explosive devices. The system provides the range and GPS position of detected threats in a prioritized database built on real-time target interrogations to greatly increase situational awareness and identification. (Source: ASD Network)

30 Nov 10. A new night driving system, based on Opals’ Compact Eye thermal engine, has been designed to provide a cost effective enhanced driver vision system which works in total darkness, rain, fog, smoke, dust, etc. This allows vehicles to move in conditions difficult for others ensuring the required equipment and personal can reach their objectives safely. This enhanced night driving system utilises an uncooled thermal imager combined with a 75-degree field of view lens. The Compact Eye is a miniature high-performance microbolometric thermal imaging engine, based on a 384×288 pixels 25micron ASi microbolometer detector providing full frame rates, 50/60Hz of video. The engine features powerful proprietary algorithms, fully tried and proven to be effective in poor visibility conditions. It provides a selection of outputs (CCIR or RS170) and digital (optional) video outputs. The CompactEye is tuned to long-wave infrared with sensitivity of less than 0.050°C with a F1 lens. The whole system is enclosed in a Meron housing and integrated with hard carbon coated optics. The system has an anti-blooming mechanism to prevent dazzle and ensure excellent vision at all times this module can easily be integrated into vehicle designs. Video data can be taken from the camera and interfaced into a suitable display. Easy to implement and utilise this system offers a quick solution to poor visibility situations for all land vehicles when speed and time is critical

19 Nov 10. Sagem naval sights enhance awareness and self-defence. Two new sights for naval applications have been added to the product range of French optronic systems specialist Sagem. The company’s Vigy Observer is based on the compact and lightweight modular Multi-Purpose Sight (MPS) panoramic day/night stabilised observation system, originally developed for manned turret applications aboard tracked and wheeled armoured vehicles including the French Army’s Véhicule Blindé de Combat d’Infanterie (VBCI). In its new guise, it is an enhanced situational awareness system for installation on fast patrol boats. (Source: Jane’s, IDR)

24 Nov 10. Exotic Automation & Supply, a leading supplier of
specialty rubber and plastic components based in Farmington Hills, Michigan, announced the launch of the company’s ProteXus(tm) Crew Protection Systems. ProteXus(tm) Crew Protection Systems were developed by Exotic’s Specialty Products Group in conjunction with the U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development, and Engineering Center (TARDEC) and the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization (JIEDDO). Key prime contractors were also involved in the project. Exotic’s Specialty Products Group has over 30 years of experience working with the U.S. Department of Defense as well as NASA.
“We are proud to announce the launch of our ProteXus(tm) Crew Protection
Systems. These products are designed specifically to meet a serious challenge: Def