16 Jun 11. FLIR Systems, Inc. announced that the Star SAFIRE 380-HD electro-optical/infrared sensor completed successful flight operations on the Northrop Grumman Firebird, an intelligence gathering air system, which can be flown as a manned or unmanned aircraft. The Star SAFIRE 380-HD is a 15” durable turret, gyrostabilized, multi-spectral, digital high-definition optical sensor designed for use on UAS, helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. The system, weighing less than 100 lbs, boasts the capability to run eight payloads simultaneously, including both SWIR and a laser designator. During the recent Empire Challenge, sponsored by Joint Force Command (JFCOM), three systems were installed on Firebird and operated continuously to meet the flight duration requirements.
“Through reliance, performance and easy integration, we are confident the latest gimbals in the Star SAFIRE HD family will continue set the standards for the future of EO/IR airborne solutions,” said Bill Sundermeier, president of FLIR Government Systems. “We are proud that the Star SAFIRE 380-HD has proven to be incredibly complementary to the universal interface on the Northrop Grumman Firebird.”“Northrop Grumman completed a detailed assessment for multi-spectral EO/IR sensors suitable for multiple missions,” said Rick Crooks, director of special projects and Firebird program manager for Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems. “We selected the Star SAFIRE 380-HD for its performance, capability and ease of integration. FLIR has provided outstanding support to the Firebird program and the key full motion video assets used during Empire Challenge.”
20 Jun 11. Elbit Systems debuted today at the 49th Paris Air Show a full-size model of its highly-effective C-MUSIC™ for the protection of large jet aircraft against shoulder-launched missiles (MANPADS).
Visitors to the Elbit Systems booth will be able to closely preview the impressive 2.7m long pod as if they are visiting below an actual aircraft’s belly, as the C-MUSIC™ will be hung from the booth’s ceiling, demonstrating its outstanding aerodynamic structure. The pod will be outfitted with see-through windows to enable visitors to examine the advanced Fiber Laser based DIRCM mirror turret developed by Elbit Systems Electro-optics Elop, as well as the PAWS (IR Passive Approach Warning System) sensors developed by Elbit Systems Elisra.
20 Jun 11. Textron Defense Systems’XM1100 Scorpion networked ground munitions system successfully completed its final government design verification field test. Held at Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona, the demonstration evaluated the Scorpion system’s ability to detect and track individual and multiple targets, as well as engage vehicle targets. Its munitions dispensing module (DM) and networked munitions controller also were evaluated for reliability and performance. The Scorpion system performed successfully throughout the multi-day event. In a demonstration of operational effectiveness, the Scorpion obstacle engaged and stopped a column of tracked vehicles in a “many-on-many” test scenario. (Source: Yahoo!/BUSINESS WIRE)
21 Jun 11. The US Army 2nd Brigade, 1st Armored Division, Special Troops Battalion (2/1 STB) has received two Husky mounted detection system vehicles to assist in clearing and identifying improvised explosive devices (IED) in combat environments. The Husky mounted detection system is a vehicle with ground penetrating radar and is capable of detecting IEDs and anti-tank land mines. The Buffalo armoured vehicle is a mine-resistant ambush protected vehicle designed to safely clear routes in dangerous combat environments. The unit will use the vehicles in various training exercises during the US Army’s six-week network integration evaluation (NIE) at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, US. NIE will train the unit to better operate the vehicles in combat situations before deployed into actual combat situations. (Source: armytechnology.com)
17 Jun 11. Lockhe