10 Jun 11. The Israeli Defence Force (IDF) Homefront Command has successfully tested its emergency surface missile system (SMS) network, which has been developed to provide information about incoming missiles. The test simulated an incoming missile to alert people in the projected target area, with participation from 250 soldiers in Ofakim, Israel. IDF is planning to conduct further tests of the SMS alert system nationwide. Israeli mobile telecommunication carriers, Pelephone Communications and Cellcom Israel, participated in the trial. (Source: airforcetechnology.com)
08 Jun 11. ThalesRaytheonSystems today announced that advanced Firefinder radars have been fielded in theater supporting and protecting U.S. troops and allies. Reliability and maintainability improvements have been added to the AN/TPQ-37 Firefinder Weapon Locating Radar system that support an extended service life with reduced life-cycle costs. Currently fielded in Iraq, upgraded Firefinders are scheduled to be deployed into Afghanistan in the coming months. ThalesRaytheonSystems, in conjunction with Tobyhanna Army Depot, is delivering modernized radars that include a new modular, air-cooled transmitter; a new Operations Control shelter; and a new, common radar processor applied across the U.S. Army’s entire fleet of AN/TPQ-37 Firefinder systems. It is known as the Reliability Maintainability Improvement (RMI) program. Forty percent of deliveries are complete with final delivery scheduled in early 2013.
“These RMI systems can be deployed with confidence for effective operations in challenging environmental conditions,” said Kim Kerry, chief executive officer, ThalesRaytheonSystems, U.S. Operations. “The Firefinder modernization provides the U.S. Army and allies around the world with the capabilities needed for detection and troop protection.”
Firefinders are precise detection and location systems designed to find enemy artillery, mortar and rocket firing positions. The radar also predicts impact zones and transmits data to friendly forces, allowing time for effective counter-fire tactics. Nearly 400 Firefinders are deployed by 18 nations worldwide. Sized for easy transport, they are prized for their accuracy, mobility, reliability and low life-cycle costs. Along with its Improved Sentinel Battlefield Air Defense Radar (AN/MPQ-64F1) and the AN/TPQ-36 Firefinder Weapon Locating Radar, ThalesRaytheonSystems’ radar capabilities are currently unmatched by prototypes and other unproven technologies too costly and cumbersome to meet 21st century battlefield requirements.
08 Jun 11. The Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) Night Vision Training System (NVTS) has successfully completed factory acceptance testing. The NVTS, designed by Environmental Tectonics Corporation, includes a computer-based training system with automated training programmes for unaided vision and night vision goggle flying and a Terrain Model Board to duplicate the Saudi Arabian terrain. The system will be installed at the RSAF areomedical training centre that has been designed to provide night vision training. The RSAF will use the system to train pilots to safely and effectively conduct unaided vision night flying operations as well as the safe use of their own vision goggles. (Source: airforcetechnology.com)
07 Jun 11. Lockheed Martin’s Joint Air-to-Ground Missile (JAGM) tri-mode seeker successfully acquired and tracked multiple moving maritime vessels during recent high-speed, captive flight tests. The tests occurred in the Gulf of Mexico, off the shore of Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., against multiple maritime targets, including a Revenge Advanced Composites (RAC) state-of-the-art, low-signature, high-speed patrol craft. The RAC performed a series of evasive maneuvers against Lockheed Martin’s JAGM tri-mode seeker, mounted in the nose section of a Sabreliner Series 60 jet aircraft.
09 Jun 11. Bourque Industries Inc. completed testing of its Kryron armor at the Army Research Laborator