Sponsored by Blighter Surveillance Systems
www.blighter.com
————————————————————————-
24 Nov 22. Targeting AI & Computer Vision, Innodisk Launches New Camera Module Series. Innodisk, a global leader in industrial-grade storage and embedded peripherals recently announced its shift towards the AI industry. As 50% of Innodisk’s AI development is related to image recognition, the company has also launched a new camera module series to further support image recognition technology. Compared with existing products on the market, Innodisk’s new camera modules have three major advantages: customized development, platform compatibility, and ISP adaptation. At the same time, quality and longevity are guaranteed to the same high standards as all Innodisk products, and are backed up with 3 years of warranty.
Camera modules are used in a wide variety of applications, from ATMs to hospital bedside infotainment
systems. Innodisk’s optimized cameras will meet the varied requirements of these applications, including AI image recognition, where a small MIPI camera may need to fit into a parking meter or smart charging station to detect number plates, or into a production line to detect defects automatically. Alongside Innodisk’s other video recording technologies such as InnoREC for SSDs, the company creates a complete solution for integrators with video capture needs.
Johnny Wu, Director of Innodisk’s International Intelligent Peripheral Application Division, said “Innodisk AI is the complete integration of software and hardware solutions, in addition to key technologies such as platforms and algorithms. The recently launched camera module series will blossom in various emerging AI and intelligent applications around the world, and are expected to achieve outstanding results in the increasingly prosperous field of AI computer vision applications.”
Innodisk has already released its USB 2.0 and MIPI (ISP integrated) series camera modules, including
models EV2U-RMR2, EV2U-SGR1, and EV2U-RMR1. The company will continue to optimize and enrich their product line up, and aim to release 4K cameras with auto focus functionality.
Innodisk hopes that its latest expansion into the camera market alongside its new AI focus will together help customers build an intelligent world.
About Innodisk
Innodisk is a service-driven provider of flash memory, DRAM modules, and embedded peripheral products for industrial and enterprise applications. For more information about Innodisk, please visit
https://www.innodisk.com
23 Nov 22. USMC tests new Light Marine Air-Defence Integrated System.
The LMADIS has been designed to defeat and neutralise the enemy’s uncrewed aircraft systems. The US Marine Corps (USMC) has tested a new ground-based air-defence (GBAD) capability, called Light Marine Air-Defence Integrated System (LMADIS).
The test was executed by Marines assigned under 2nd Low Altitude Air Defence (LAAD) Battalion.
It was carried out from the Marine Corps Outlying Landing Field Atlantic in North Carolina, US.
According to the USMC, the use of commercial off-the-shelf drones in battlespace and offensive warfare has increased over the years and the new system is being tested to upgrade the service’s existing GBAD capabilities.
USMC 2nd LAAD gunner staff sergeant Dustin Yonkings said: “With constant evolving of commercial drones, one thing that won’t change is required frequencies used to pilot any drone.”
The new LMADIS capability is designed to defeat and neutralise enemy’s uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS). It minimises airborne threats by disrupting available electronic signals between the UAS and its operator.
The system leverages electronic weapons equipped on a compact and light frame, such as Polaris-developed MRZR multi-configurable off-road vehicle, which allows deployment of LMADIS to austere environments using air transport support.
The USMC informed that the new system uses a total of two MRZRs, housing CM262U optic, RPS-42 radar and Skyview MP system and the Modi II dismountable electronic-warfare system, used to disrupt enemy drones and communications.
The CM262U is used as the system’s ‘eyes’, while the radar system is equipped to provide 360-degree air surveillance and long-range drone detection.
The system is also supported by an AN/PRC-158 manpack radio system, that allows LMADIS to transfer detected threats’ information to the troops in its immediate proximity and to commanders in rear echelon.
The latest effort is part of USMC’s Force Design 2030 modernisation initiative. (Source: naval-technology.com)
23 Nov 22. NAGSF deploys mobile exploitation element outside Italy for first time. The NAGSF detachment was deployed at Ramstein base between 10 and 22 November. The Nato Alliance Ground Surveillance Force (NAGSF) has deployed its mobile exploitation module, called Mobile General Ground Station (MGGS), outside Italy for the first time.
It was deployed to test the expeditionary capabilities of the alliance forces to exploit the data collected by an RQ-4D remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) from a remote location. A camp was established by the NAGSF detachment within Allied Air Command’s (AIRCOM) headquarters at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. The detachment arrived on 10 November through a commercial road convoy and was deployed until 22 November.
NAGSF experts established the system and connectivity, as well as worked with other contractor technicians to link-up RQ-4D to monitor its operations during reconnaissance flights conducted along the eastern flank.
The team also exploited and transferred the collected data from the RPA.
US Air Force captain and deployment commander Jacob Sanborn said: “The purpose of the deployment to Ramstein is to achieve a checkmark on the air force’s way to NAGSF enhanced initial operational capability.
“We simulate exploitation of the data our RQ-4D RPA gather in-flight and make it available to local ground force commander in the form of basic intelligence products.
“And we relay information to our main operating base in Sigonella for further distribution.”
As many as five RQ-4D aircraft are operated by NAGSF from its base in Sigonella, Italy, where forces collect, process and distribute intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) data.
Meanwhile, the ground unit, which includes fixed/mobile/transportable ground stations, provides data-link connectivity, processing and exploitation capabilities to enhance interoperability.
AIRCOM chief of staff major general Gianluca Ercolani said: “From our operational perspective, this deployment greatly helps Nato’s procedures to collect, process and distribute ISR results within the organisation and with allies – even out of a remote location.” (Source: airforce-technology.com)
22 Nov 22. Northrop Grumman Corporation’s (NYSE: NOC) short range Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) command and control (C2) system successfully completed its most complex system of systems test to date. The Forward Area Air Defense Command and Control (FAAD C2) served as the C2 system for all C-UAS assets used to detect and intercept a variety of weapons during live fire trials during recent tests at the Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona.
“Our combat-proven Counter UAS C2 system is constantly adapting to meet current and future threats,” said Christine Harbison, vice president and general manager, combat systems and mission readiness, Northrop Grumman. “As we demonstrated, our open architecture can quickly integrate new capabilities from across the battlefield.”
The assessment included several complex tests with live fire scenarios using FAAD C2 integrated with eight sensors and six effectors simultaneously to defend against coordinated rocket, artillery and mortar and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) attacks. FAAD C2 provided a complex single integrated air picture with multiple threats to provide situational awareness, identifying and evaluating threats, and defeat hostile targets with multiple effector types.
The U.S. Army’s live fire test evaluated the latest C-UAS system of systems performance prior to deploying systems for operational use. FAAD C2’s successful completion allows Northrop Grumman to release a new software baseline which includes new C-UAS capabilities.
FAAD C2 is deployed in several theaters of operation simultaneously conducting short range air defense, C-UAS and counter-rocket, artillery and mortar missions. Its open, multi-domain, system-of-systems architecture enables easy integration with available and future sensors, effectors and warning systems to launch rapid, real-time defense against short-range and maneuvering threats. FAAD C2 will integrate into the Integrated Battle Command System, the Army’s contribution to the U.S. Department of Defense Joint All-Domain Command and Control initiative.
22 Nov 22. Canada seeks equipment in light of Ukraine conflict. Canada is seeking equipment for its forces in Latvia and to replace arms supplied to Ukraine, Director Armament Sustainment Program Management in the Canadian Department of National Defence, Colonel Yves Raymond, said the first day of SAE Media Group’s Future Armoured Vehicles Survivability 2022 conference held in London from 16 to 17 November. He told the conference that Canada had an urgent operational requirement (UOR) for anti-tank guided weapons and counter-unmanned aircraft systems for deployment to Latvia and was seeking to replace M777 towed howitzers transferred to Ukraine. He also spoke of a UOR for a ground-based air-defence system. (Source: Janes)
21 Nov 22. US Navy seeks installed C-UAS units to protect US Marine Corps facilities. The US Department of the Navy on 15 November 2022 issued a request for information (RFI) with a deadline of 13 January 2023 for installed C-UAS units to protect US Marine Corps facilities.
According to the tender:“The Program Executive Officer Land Systems (PEO LS), Program Manager, Ground Based Air Defense (PM GBAD) is looking for interested parties to address the United States Marine Corps’ (USMC) force protection installation security capability gap for the detection, identification, tracking, and defeat of small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) operating within the vicinity of specific missions sets associated with USC Title 10, Section 130i. This gap presents a significant vulnerability to the security, safety, and protection of personnel, facilities, and assets.
“The purpose of this RFI is to seek potential solutions and feedback from industry and gather information on candidate non-developmental systems that are currently available to support a potential acquisition under the I-CsUAS program. The USMC (Government) wants to assess industry’s ability to provide and sustain a materiel solution within an accelerated acquisition schedule at an affordable cost, and to determine the technical and manufacturing maturity of candidate systems that provide capabilities desired for I-CsUAS as described in paragraph 3. This RFI constitutes market research in accordance with FAR Part 10 and is not an RFP. USMC is issuing this RFI, in support of PEO LS, to determine if any potential sources in industry have the capability to provide the support described herein.
The Government is particularly interested in Industry recommendations and feedback to improve contract requirements, contract structure and type, performance metrics and incentives.
Respondents who are interested are requested to provide the information that identifies their capability to meet or exceed technical and support requirements.
A ‘non-kinetic’ defeat is defined as an electromagnetic, acoustic, or other signature disruption of an sUAS’ flight path short of using a kinetic defeat capability (such as drone-on-drone intercept, laser, or direct fire munition).
The system will be deployed on 20 Marine Corps installations within the Continental United States (CONUS) and 13 Marine Corps installations outside the Continental
For more information: https://sam.gov/opp/92bba4ab342f4d91999134fc297508f5/view (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
21 Nov 22. US Joint Counter small Unmanned Aircraft Systems seeks C-UAS detect and kinetic defeat white papers. The US Joint Counter small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-sUAS) Office (JCO) has issued a Request for White Papers (RFWP) for Detect and Kinetic Defeat of Group 3 sUAS Systems Demonstration. The tender was published on November 18, 2022 with an Original Response Date of November 29, 2022.
According to a tender document published on the www.SAM.gov website:
“This Project Announcement (PA) is a four-phased project announcement. The JCO and Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO) are seeking whitepapers to identify industry interest in demonstrating detect and kinetic defeat of Group 3 sUAS at distances equal to or greater than 2 kilometers (km) slant range. The purpose is to identify potential performers that may have promising technologies or approaches relative to the mission described below. Following government evaluation of the whitepaper submissions, the Offerors may then be asked to participate in the JCO Demonstration tentatively scheduled for January 2023. This demonstration may be used to inform security cooperation cases and may result in the award of competitively selected prototype projects. Vendors should only submit a White Paper for consideration if their system will be operationally ready for testing by 3 January 2023.
The government seeks Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6+ (https://acqnotes.com/acqnote/tasks/technology-readiness-level) solutions for the purpose of detect and defeat of Group 3 sUAS threats. The overarching government objective is to rapidly procure production representative, cost-effective detect, track, identify and defeat system(s) for Group 3 sUAS threats for the full threat flight envelope, including at a distance greater than or equal to 2 km in distance.
This is a competitive solicitation seeking innovative technologies that accelerate attainment of these critical technologies and may result in the award of prototype projects, which include not only commercially available technologies fueled by commercial or strategic investment, but also concept demonstrations, pilots, and agile development activities that can incrementally improve commercial technologies, existing government-owned capabilities, or concepts for defense application. Both large and small businesses, academic institutions are encouraged to respond. The information provided may be used by the Department of Defense (DoD) in developing its acquisition strategy, statement of work/performance work statements, and/or statement of objectives. Interested parties are responsible to adequately mark proprietary, restricted or competition sensitive information contained in their response accordingly. The government will NOT reimburse respondents for any cost associated with the submission of the information being requested. For more information: https://sam.gov/opp/1b686153308145e1841d190ea330201b/view
(Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
21 Nov 22. US FBI chief urges expansion of counter drone laws in testimony to homeland security committee. A report by DroneDJ cites Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) Director Christopher Wray urges tightening of laws to support the Drone Act of 2022 expansion of counter drone capabilities in the US.
“FBI director Christopher Wray made the disclosure during testimony before the Senate Homeland Security Committee Thursday, adding ballast to calls by a variety of actors to muscle up counter drone laws to match the threats that the rising number of UAVs in use pose,” says DroneDJ.
“Wray gave no details on the investigations underway into pilots in the US seeking to deploy the craft with improvised explosive devices (IED) aboard. But given the well-publicized effectiveness of the consumer vehicle in the Ukraine war, it’s unlikely his congressional audience failed to register the potential dangers such use would pose.
“As the threat continues to grow, we are investigating, even as we speak, several instances within the US of attempts to weaponize drones with homemade IEDs,” Wray said, adding observations that anyone even casually following events in Ukraine would appreciate. “These are extraordinarily sophisticated tools… in terms of their visibility, the speed with which they can move, the distance with which they can move, and also the loads that they can carry… We must be able to counter (them).”
“Wray added that weaponization of UAVs was far from the only dangerous drone deployment the FBI was investigating. Topping the list, he said are “hundreds of drones that have been acting in violation of federal law” by flying in prohibited airspaces, including areas surrounding airports and major outdoor events. Given the numbers of craft involved – and injury to people by even an accidental crash over a crowd – Wray urged his Congressional audience to again extend existing counter drone measures that were prolonged to December 16 when its original October expiration date loomed. “It’s important for Americans to understand if that authority is not reauthorized next month, that public gatherings like the Super Bowl in Arizona, like New Year’s Eve in Times Square, like Formula One in Las Vegas, and I could go on, none of those things will have protection from this threat,” Wray said.
The Department of Homeland Security and Department of Justice are currently responsible for counter drone measures under the Homeland Security Act of 2002, and its 2018 enlargement. The White House called for expansion of these powers in April 2022, with legislation currently “stalled” in Congress. For more information: www.dronedj.com (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
14 Nov 22. Fortem and Smart Communication partner to deliver counter drone systems at 2022 FIFA World Cup. Fortem Technologies is working with Smart Communication Systems to provide counter drone solutions for the FIFA World Cup games taking place in Qatar from November 21 to December 18, 2022, and will continue to provide C-UAS systems to other important events and venues throughout the region, says the company press release.
Fortem is providing its SkyDome counter UAS solution that detects, defeats, and protects against rogue drones. The SkyDome system classifies threats and mitigates them autonomously with its interceptor drone, DroneHunter. At the heart of the Fortem SkyDome System is TrueView radar, an AI-enabled, networkable radar designed to perform in urban environments and crowded, public places such as sports arenas and airports.
Timothy Bean, President and COO of Fortem Technologies, said: “We are thrilled to be able to partner with Smart Communication Systems to provide the best counter-drone security to ensure the safety of players, sports fans, and everyone involved in putting together one of the most viewed global events in decades.” For more information: www.fortemtech.com (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
15 Nov 22. Dedrone partners with Axis for AI-driven multi-sensor C-UAS network to detect multiple targets. Dedrone has today announced that it has formed a partnership with Axis Communications to incorporate Axis network cameras into Dedrone’s counterdrone command and control (C2) platform, DedroneTracker. With Axis camera integration, Dedrone can provide artificial intelligence (AI)- and machine learning (ML)-driven multi-sensor fusion to autonomously detect, track, and identify drones (DTI) with multi-target and multi-camera capability. This airspace security system has already been successfully tested at several locations including Consolidated Edison’s New York City energy facilities.
According to a company press release:
“Consolidated Edison and Dedrone will speak at ISC East, the leading event for the Northeast’s security and public safety community, on Wednesday, November 16, 11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. The session will explore how to build a threat assessment and a living security strategy that can rapidly respond to new threats as they arise. More details here.”
“ConEdison demands a high level of intelligence and autonomy to ensure the safety, security and business continuity of our NYC Energy Center,” said Scott Gross, Facility Security Officer at ConEdison. “We selected Dedrone because it allows us to integrate our already existing Axis PTZ (pan, tilt, zoom) cameras into DedroneTracker, enabling the PTZs to provide an additional layer of situational awareness for faster drone risk assessment and better payload inspection.”
Gross continued, “Knowing what the drone is, what it’s carrying, and where it is, are all essential to good security strategy. Our successful implementation here in the challenging urban environment of NYC proves the Dedrone and Axis solution can be successful at all our locations throughout the five boroughs and Westchester County.”
Axis’ PTZ cameras, when integrated into Dedrone, offer both wide-area coverage and high-detail footage, said the company statement. The cameras feed into Dedrone’s AI/ML sensor-fusion system, leveraging the DedroneDNA drone library, to accurately differentiate between drones and non-drones and then identify the drone model. Dedrone’s C2 platform, DedroneTracker, continuously and autonomously examines potential targets in the background, then identifies potentially threatening drones, allowing the operator to track and mitigate as needed.
For more information: https://www.dedrone.com/press/dedrone-integrates-axis-communications-camera-to-deliver-multi-sensor-airspace-security-solution (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
18 Nov 22. Velodyne Lidar Supplies Lidar Sensors to GreenValley International. Velodyne Lidar, Inc. has announced a multi-year agreement to provide its lidar sensors to GreenValley International for handheld, mobile and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) 3D mapping solutions, including in GPS-denied environments.
Velodyne is already shipping sensors to GreenValley as part of this agreement.
GreenValley uses Velodyne’s Puck lidar sensors to provide perception and navigation capabilities that enable their systems to utilize SLAM (simultaneous localization and mapping) in their mobile mapping solutions. The ability to scan without GPS by using lidar allows foresters, archaeologists, civil engineers and surveyors to build robust datasets without preparations ahead of time or complex post-processing software.
GreenValley International’s LiGrip handheld SLAM lidar system and LiBackpack DGC50 mobile backpack 3D mapping system, both equipped with Velodyne Lidar’s Puck sensor
Velodyne’s power-efficient, versatile sensors allow GreenValley to incorporate their technology into a variety of form factors, from backpacks to drones/UAVs to handheld mobile devices that can be used in a wide range of indoor and outdoor environments, regardless of temperature, lighting or precipitation.
“Adopting Velodyne’s industry-leading lidar sensors has enabled GreenValley to innovate and provide various industries with cutting-edge, reliable 3D mapping solutions,” said Dr. Qinghua Guo, CEO of GreenValley International. “Velodyne’s lidar sensors currently power select models in our aerial and handheld mapping catalog. We have received extremely positive end user feedback, and we are excited about our future collaborations.”
“GreenValley is transforming various industries with its innovative and reliable lidar-powered 3D mapping solutions,” said Dr. Ted Tewksbury, CEO of Velodyne Lidar. “Enabled by Velodyne’s lidar sensors, GreenValley’s aerial and mobile mapping product catalog has greatly improved data processing efficiency, saving time and reducing costs for customers worldwide.” (Source: UAS VISION)
————————————————————————-
Blighter Surveillance Systems is a world-leading designer and manufacturer of best-in-class electronic-scanning ground-based radars, surveillance solutions and Counter-UAS systems. Blighter’s solid-state micro-Doppler products are deployed in more than 35 countries across the globe, delivering consistent all-weather security protection and wide area surveillance along borders, coastlines, at military bases and across critical infrastructure such as airports, oil and gas facilities and palaces. Blighter radars are also used to protect manoeuvre force missions when deployed on military land vehicles and trailers, and its world-beating multi-mode radar represents a great leap in threat detection technology and affordability for use in a variety of scenarios.
The Blighter range of radar products are used for detecting a variety of threats, from individuals on foot to land vehicles, boats, drones and low-flying aircraft at ranges of up to 32 km. Blighter Surveillance Systems employs 40 people and is located near Cambridge, UK, where it designs, produces and markets its range of unique patented solid-state radars. Blighter prides itself on being an engineer-led business committed to providing cost-effective and flexible solutions across the defence, critical infrastructure and national security markets.
————————————————————————