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20 Jul 23. RAF Deploys Indra’s Lanza 3D Radar.
- Indra’s long-range transportable radar can detect and track Tactical Ballistic Missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles in addition to being exceptionally effective in mitigating the effects of electronic warfare and wind farms.
- The RAF exhibited this state-of-the-art radar this weekend at the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT), one of the world’s biggest aviation shows.
- Indra is one of the world’s largest radar manufacturers and the leading supplier of transportable surveillance systems to NATO.
The Royal Air Force (RAF) is operating Indra’s long-range transportable Lanza 3D radar (LTR-25) as an integral part of the surveillance of the United Kingdom’s airspace. As part of the RAF’s Global Enablement Team, it is as an asset that is prepared to be rapidly deployed anywhere in the world.
Throughout the weekend, the RAF exhibited it’s capabilities at the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT), one of the largest military aviation shows in the world, that brings together the world’s foremost air forces and Air Chiefs.
“The deployments of this radar with the RAF, highlights Indra’s ability to meet the needs of the most technically demanding clients and reinforces our position as one of the world’s leading radar suppliers”, commented Domingo Castro, Indra’s Integrated Systems and Space Director.
The Lanza is a family of state-of-the-art 3D radar systems, based on a fully modular and scalable architecture, both in hardware and software. The RAF´s Lanza Radar has been designed as a tactical deployable radar, capable of being rapidly transported by air, sea, rail and road.
The system can detect and track tactical ballistic missiles, providing air surveillance command and control centres with the early warning information required to neutralise attacks. It delivers the trajectory parameters necessary to initiate offensive, defensive or intelligence measures, such as the estimated launch point, cue point, impact, interception, etc.
In addition, the radar incorporates advanced techniques and algorithms, developed in-house by Indra, to mitigate the reflections and clutter caused by wind turbines and solar panels. This is an effective, validated, capability in these increasingly challenging, densely populated environments. (Source: ASD Network)
20 Jul 23. Bombardier Defense delivers Global 6000 for Saab’s GlobalEye programme. The partnership between Bombardier Defense and Saab continues to yield results by delivering a sixth Global 6000 aircraft to the GlobalEye program.
Bombardier Defense, a Canadian aircraft manufacturer, has successfully delivered the sixth Global 6000 aircraft to Saab, the Swedish defence supplier.
Saab will transform this aircraft into their Airborne Early Warning and Control (AWAC) solution, GlobalEye, further enhancing the Swedish Air Force’s capabilities. This collaboration showcases integrating Canadian and Swedish innovation, leveraging Bombardier‘s advanced aircraft platform and Saab’s radar and communication systems.
Saab’s GlobalEye program is centred around the AWAC solution, designed to provide real-time situational awareness to military and civil authorities across all domains. With the ability to perform several missions, such as search-and-rescue, border surveillance, and military operations, the first GlobalEye AWAC aircraft was rolled out in 2018.
The UAE delivered its third GlobalEye airborne early warning and control aircraft from Saab in 2021, and the Swedish-based defence supplier also provided Sweden with two of the aircraft, with the delivery of the aircraft expected to take place in 2027.
This airborne surveillance solution utilizes Bombardier’s flexible and customizable Global 6000 aircraft, recognized for its speed, range, and endurance, making it the preferred choice for governments worldwide.
Jean-Christopher Gallagher, Executive Vice-President Aircraft Sales and Bombardier Defense expressed pride in the company’s reputation as a go-to platform for esteemed defence contractors like Saab, “Our jets are internationally recognized as modern, go-to platforms by some of the world’s largest defence contractors, such as Saab.”
The Global aircraft family represents the right-sized solution for multi-mission, surveillance and VIP transport. Time and time again, it has met customers’ expectations for their most demanding mission needs. The Bombardier team is proud to associate its aircraft with strong partners to create next-generation defence solutions worldwide.”
Beyond their successful collaboration with Saab, Bombardier Defense has recently announced a partnership with General Dynamics Mission Systems-Canada to deliver the next-generation Multi-Mission and Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) aircraft. However, Bombardier Defense faces stiff competition from Boeing’s P-8 Poseidon, who look to leverage their current presence in Canada.
This platform is poised to meet the requirements set by the Government of Canada for the Canadian Multi-Mission Aircraft (CMMA) program, promising a solution to the nation’s defence needs.
With the impressive transformation of the Global 6000 aircraft into the GlobalEye program, the joint efforts of Bombardier Defense and Saab are setting new standards for defence solutions across the world.
Saab reported a strong Q1 2023 with a total order intake of Skr17bn ($16.4bn), marking a 110% increase from Q1 2022.
(Source: airforce-technology.com)
19 Jul 23. Typhoon Phase 4 Enhancement and European Common Radar System Mark 2 Programme – Accounting Officer Assessment.
The ECRS Mk 2 radar’s accounting officer has informed the House of Commons’ Public Accounts Committee that this is the only radar that meets British requirements, and that the other ECRS variants (Mk 0 and Mk 1) “are incapable of meeting the Key User Requirements.” The Mk 0 variant has been sold to Kuwait and Qatar. (Leonardo photo)
The document below was sent by the Accounting Officer for the Typhoon Phase 4 Enhancement and ECRS Mk 2 radar program to Dame Meg Hillier MP, Chair of the House of Commons Public Accounts Committee (PAC). It is dated Dec. 13, 2022 and was released by the Ministry of Defence on July 18, 2023.
- It is normal practice for Accounting Officers to scrutinise significant policy proposals or plans to start, or vary, major projects, and then assess whether they measure up to the standards set out in Managing Public Money. From April 2017, the government has committed to make a summary of the key points from these assessments available to Parliament when an Accounting Officer has agreed an assessment of projects within the Government’s Major Projects Portfolio.
- This assessment has been undertaken in accordance with the requirement to conduct an Accounting Officer Assessment when a programme joins the Government’s Major Projects Portfolio for the first time. This occurred in September 2021, the Typhoon Phase 4 Enhancement and European Common Radar System Mark 2 Full Business Case receiving final HM Treasury approval at the end of March 2022.
Background
- Investing in Typhoon strategic capability is essential to maintain relevance and UK political choice as detailed in the Defence Command Plan (2021). Without an upgraded capability, adversaries purchasing cheap, available, and easy to operate capabilities would be able to deny UK navigation, control of the air and/or Freedom-of-Action/Manoeuvre. This programme brings together 2 inextricably linked and interdependent projects: 1) Delivery of the European Common Radar System Mk2 radar hardware and software and 2) Phase 4 Enhancement package that integrates European Common Radar System Mark 2 onto Typhoon and delivers other essential upgrades in the same timeframe.
Regularity
- The European Common Radar System Mark 2 programme complies with all relevant United Kingdom and international legislation, regulation, and laws. The radar equipment is being developed in accordance with Eurofighter standards which have been agreed between the 4 Eurofighter Partner Nations in line with national airworthiness agency requirements for safety and certification. When in service, it will be operated by the Royal Air Force in accordance with Military Airworthiness Authority regulations.
- European Common Radar System Mark 2 programme complies with Parliamentary requirements for the control of expenditure and has appropriate departmental and HM Treasury approvals in place.
Propriety
- The delivery of European Common Radar System Mark 2 continues within the allocated funding line and the scope of the existing project approvals. It is governed in accordance with and complies to relevant internal Ministry of Defence annual budget, project management and commercial processes. The programme is reviewed and assured using the Gateway Review process and is subject to oversight and scrutiny by the Department and the Infrastructure and Projects Authority through quarterly reporting.
It is assessed that Air Command’s governance of European Common Radar System Mark 2 authorised expenditure continues to be of an appropriate standard and that longer-term commitments are sustainable.
Value for money
- Benchmarking with other Typhoon radar options shows European Common Radar System Mark 2 to be of lower cost and deliver significantly greater capability. The programme’s extensive test regimen has demonstrated that earlier iterations of the European Common Radar System (Mark 0 and Mark 1) are incapable of meeting the Key User Requirements. Comparable international radar development and manufacture costs greater than those of European Common Radar System Mark 2 and comparable technical challengers.
In addition, European Common Radar System Mark 2 investment sustains a highly specialised, world-leading United Kingdom industry base and ensures advanced technical skills and expertise in complex sensors are available for the Future Combat Air System programme. Over the coming decade, this investment will generate and sustain over 1300 high-end engineering jobs across the United Kingdom. These include Leonardo United Kingdom (Edinburgh, Luton, Lincoln), Meggitt (Stevenage), BAES (Warton, Samlesbury, multiple RAF bases) and II–IV (County Durham).
Feasibility
- Overall Typhoon programme delivery is managed by the NATO Eurofighter and Tornado Management Agency. The UK has direct programme management and oversight of programme development within the boundaries of the NATO Eurofighter and Tornado Management Agency contractual framework. In April 2021 a Joint Project Office between the Ministry of Defence and Industry was established to improve Management Information and provide greater Departmental governance.
- The technical requirements of the project are assessed as deliverable. Domestic investment to date has matured the technology and reduced technical risk on the programme; upon conclusion of current activity, a prototype European Common Radar System Mark 2 will be delivered ready for embodiment and flight testing on a UK development aircraft.
Conclusion
- Successful delivery of the Typhoon Phase 4 Enhancement and European Common Radar System Mark 2 programme will enhance Typhoon with both hardware growth capacity and an enabling architecture which will provide rapid, low-cost spiral development of advanced military capabilities. This will ensure the United Kingdom can affordably keep pace with evolving threats and maintain operational advantage until the current Typhoon Out of Service date of no earlier than 2040.
The Demonstration & Manufacture phase of Typhoon Phase 4 Enhancement and European Common Radar System Mark 2 also enables the United Kingdom to fulfil export commitments, exploit future export opportunity, support a high-value national industry and the development of the Future Combat Air System.
- The Typhoon Phase 4 Enhancement and European Common Radar System Mark 2 programme meets the Regularity; Propriety; Value for Money; and Feasibility standards.
- As the Ministry of Defence Accounting Officer, I considered this assessment of Typhoon Phase 4 Enhancement and European Common Radar System Mark 2 programme and approved it on 13 December 2022.
- I have prepared this summary to set out the key points which informed my decision. If any of these factors change materially during the lifetime of this programme, I undertake to prepare a revised summary, setting out my assessment of those factors.
- This summary will be published on the government’s website (www.gov.uk). Copies will be deposited in the library of the House of Commons and sent to the Comptroller and Auditor General and Treasury Officer of Accounts.
(Click here for the original document (3 PDF pages) on the UK MoD website: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1124984/20221213_PUS_to_PAC_P4E_and_ECRS_Mk2_AOA.pdf.) (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/UK MoD)
18 Jul 23. Introducing ROMEO-X Series Red Dot Sights from SIG SAUER Electro-Optics. Introducing the all-new ROMEO-X series of optics from SIG SAUER Electro-Optics; inspired by the recently released mil-spec ROMEO-M17 the ROMEO-X delivers military grade performance, reliability, and durability for civilian everyday carry. The ROMEO-X series of red-dot sights is offered as a ROMEO-X Compact for micro-compact pistols to include the P365 and a ROMEO-X Pro for full-size pistols to include the P320.
“The ROMEO-X family of red dot sights is completely optimized for everyday carry and built using the same technology and testing standards of our mil-spec optics that are designed to withstand the rigors of the battlefield,” said Andy York, President, SIG SAUER Electro-Optics. “The ROMEO-X Series is designed for ease of use beginning with the side battery placement leading to an overall low deck height of the sight. This profile gives the optic an extremely low position when mounted to the slide for a full sight picture and co-witness with the existing standard-height iron sights. The ROMEO-X Compact and ROMEO-X Pro are engineered, tested, and built-in Oregon to be the ultimate aiming solution for EDC.”
The SIG SAUER Electro-Optics ROMEO-X Series red-dot sights are available in a compact version (ROMEO-X Compact), to fit micro-compact pistols, and a Pro version (ROMEO-X Pro), to fit full-size pistols, featuring a distortion-free aspheric glass with a patent-pending Beryllium Copper flexure-arm adjustment system, in 7075 aircraft-grade aluminum housing with machined anti-reflection grooves on shooter facing surfaces. The ROMEO-X Series optics incorporate a high-efficiency point source red LED emitter with 2 MOA dot / 32 MOA circle reticle, side independent brightness adjustment buttons, 15 brightness settings including night vision settings, and a side-mounted CR1632 battery compartment with a threaded battery cap so the optic does not need to be removed from the pistol for battery changes. Additionally, the ROMEO-X Series offers a low deck height for standard-height iron sight co-witness, has a minimum continuous runtime of 20,000 hours at medium brightness setting and utilizes MOTAC™ (Motion Activated Illumination), MAGNETAC™ (Magnetic Activation), and D.A.R.C™ (Dark Adaptive Reticles & Coatings) technologies.
ROMEO-X Compact:
Clear Aperture Diameter: 24mm
Reticle: 2MOA Dot / 32 MOA Circle
Lens Type: Asphere
Illumination Settings: 15 ( 12 Day / 3NV)
Overall Length: 1.62 inches
Overall Width: .94 inches
Overall Height: 1.23 inch
Mounting Footprint: SHIELD™ RMSc
Weight (w/o battery): 1.0 ounce
MSRP: $519.99
ROMEO-X Pro:
Clear Aperture Diameter: 24mm
Reticle: 2MOA Dot / 32 MOA Circle
Lens Type: Asphere
Illumination Settings: 15 ( 12 Day / 3NV)
Overall Length: 1.84 inches
Overall Width: .94 inches
Overall Height: 1.23 inch
Mounting Footprint: DeltaPoint™ Pro
Weight (w/o battery): 1.15 ounces
MSRP: $589.99
Like all SIG SAUER Electro-Optics the ROMEO-X Series includes the Infinite Guarantee, an unlimited lifetime guarantee that requires no warranty or receipt should your optic need to be replaced at any time.
For complete information about the SIG SAUER Electro-Optics ROMEO X-Series or watch the product video visit sigsauer.com. The ROMEO X-Series optics are now available at retailers and sigsauer.com.
17 Jul 23. Leonardo and Sierra Nevada Corporation Partner to Extend Global ISR Reach. Leonardo UK Ltd. and its U.S.-based subsidiary, Leonardo Electronics US Inc., today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with U.S.-based Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) that brings the companies together to jointly address a range of international defence and security markets. The project is designed to capitalize on each company’s technical expertise and draw on strengths in identified markets where they have relevant infrastructure and experience. With 40+ locations across 19 U.S. states, SNC will support the further development of Leonardo Electronics US Inc. as it expands its engineering, assembly and manufacturing capabilities. At the same time, Leonardo will leverage its success exporting airborne sensor products and close work with customers in the European, Middle East and Asia Pacific regions, and incorporate SNC’s capabilities to add value to relevant projects.
Mark Hamilton, Managing Director of Electronics UK, Leonardo said: “The United States is a strategic market for Leonardo and SNC is a leader in innovative technology solutions for aerospace and defence. Our relationship to date has proven extremely successful and it makes sense for us to expand this further in one of our strategic domains. We look forward to working with SNC to deliver world-class defence solutions and electronics capabilities to the U.S. and beyond.”
Leonardo and SNC have worked together previously on several projects for U.S. and international customers, with SNC selecting Leonardo as its radar supplier of choice for maritime patrol aircraft programmes. Most recently, SNC chose Leonardo to supply its Osprey 50 E-scan surveillance radar for the RAPCON-X intelligence, surveillance & reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft.
Tim Owings, Executive Vice President, Mission Solutions and Technologies, SNC said: “In my time at SNC I have witnessed its impressive growth. From expanding across the U.S. to now having locations in the U.K. and Germany, it’s been an honor to be part of this journey. To collaborate with Leonardo – a proven, trusted partner – to support further expansion simply makes sense.”
Having established an effective, transparent and trusted working relationship, the companies are looking toward future joint projects. This could include expanding the firms’ collaboration relating to the RAPCON-X family of systems, as well as opportunities in the electronic warfare (EW) domain, drawing on products such as the Leonardo SAGE Electronic Support Measure (ESM) system.
Both companies possess complementary technologies and capabilities that could immediately increase capability for the warfighter. SNC is best known for its unique mission applications, while Leonardo offers world-class sensors that span the electromagnetic spectrum. These range from radio frequency (RF), including radar and EW, to electro-optics (EO). Both companies own expertise in integration, with Leonardo at the forefront of deep sensor integration research as part of its work on the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), and SNC’s ability to rapidly engineer, integrate ISR solutions, and re-configure aircraft of nearly any size and shape to create the best mission solution for its customers. (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/ Leonardo)
18 Jul 23. Fourth and Final P-8A Poseidon Lands in New Zealand. Five years ago, on 2 July 2018, Cabinet approved the acquisition of four Boeing P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft to replace the aging P-3K2 Orion aircraft – a $2.34bn, once in a generation investment. Today, the fourth and final aircraft was welcomed to New Zealand, landing at its new home at Royal New Zealand Air Force’s Base Ohakea.
The Poseidon aircraft will deliver support to New Zealand’s peace and security operations, maritime surveillance, resource protection, humanitarian and disaster responses, in New Zealand, the Pacific, and further abroad.
Sarah Minson, Deputy Secretary of Capability Delivery at Manatū Kaupapa Waonga Ministry of Defence thanked all those involved, both in the United States and New Zealand, for their commitment to the delivery of the aircraft.
“From the initial contract with the US Foreign Military Sales process, through to the construction of the fuselages in Kansas, the trip to the Boeing factory in Seattle, their paint roll out and test flights and operational release earlier this month, this has been an incredibly smooth process.
“These aircraft are now all ready to begin their lifetime of service to Aotearoa New Zealand.”
The four P-8A Poseidons will be used by the Royal New Zealand Air Force to conduct a range of tasks including aerial surveillance of New Zealand’s areas of interest such as the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), the South Pacific and the Southern Ocean including the Ross Dependency and Antarctica. They will support a range of Government agencies, including Ministry for Primary Industries, New Zealand Customs, New Zealand Police, and the Department of Conservation.
About the P-8A Poseidon
The P-8A Poseidon is a multi-mission aircraft that was developed to replace the P-3 Orion for long-range maritime patrol in the United States Navy. It has also been selected by Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, Republic of Korea, Germany, Norway and a variant is used by India. The P-8A has been designed and purpose built to patrol maritime environments and monitor vessels on and below the surface.
The P-8A is a military aircraft based on the commercial Boeing 737-800 fuselage. However, it has been substantially modified to include a weapons bay, hard points, increased electrical generation capacity, Boeing 737-900 wings and structural strengthening for military operations. The aircraft is produced by Boeing Defense, Space and Security in Seattle.
The P-8A has modern surveillance sensors, electronic support measures, self-protection systems and a communications suite of radios, data links and satellite communication. A fuel capacity of almost 34 tonnes, gives the P-8A the ability to remain on station 2,000 kilometres from base.
P-8A Poseidon statistics:
-Wingspan: 123.6 ft (37.64 m)
-Length: 129.5 ft (39.47 m)
-Height: 42.1 ft (12.83 m)
-Propulsion: Two CFM56-7B engines 27,300 lbs thrust
-Speed: 490 kts (902km/h)
-Range: 1,200 nm with 4 hours on station
-Ceiling: 41,000 ft (12,496 m)
-Crew: 9
(Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/ New Zealand Ministry of Defence)
17 Jul 23. Rafael enhance drone detection and geolocation capability.
The integration of CRFS’ RF technology bolsters the effectiveness of Rafael’s Drone Dome solution in securing airspace against hostile drones.
Rafael, a defence solutions provider, has integrated CRFS’ RF technology into its widely recognized Drone Dome C4, an off-the-shelf, end-to-end counter-unmanned aircraft system (cUAS) solution.
By integrating CRFS’ RFeye technology as a sensor in their Drone Dome C4i, Rafael can now provide enhanced detection and geolocation capabilities, resulting in operational advantages and enabling new concepts of operation.
The integration project was initiated by Rafael to bolster the RF detection and geolocation capability of its Drone Dome solution, enabling it to counter the security risks posed by hostile drones.
During the NATO Summit last week, Japan showed the importance of drone detection systems, announcing that they would be transferring the systems to Ukraine to counter Russian aggression.
Security concerns have escalated as incidents involving autonomous drones continue to rise worldwide. The threat vectors associated with hostile drones have become more diverse and sophisticated, from intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations to targeting and direct attacks.
The RFeye receiver, known for its RF performance, offers drone detection across a range of threat vectors and an extensive operational range. Its design facilitates deployment, while advanced detection, geolocation, and data filtering/streaming services are available through user-friendly open APIs, ensuring easy integration with existing systems.
Mr Rafi Amir, Business Development Lead at RAFAEL, expressed satisfaction with the capability enhancement resulting from the integration project, stating, “We are delighted with the capability enhancement we have been able to offer our clients on the basis of this integration project.
CRFS is a recognized leader in their domain of RF-based detection and geolocation of airborne targets, so all Drone Dome™ customers and partners can benefit from our enhanced capabilities in this important domain.”
CRFS, as the trusted RF sensor solution for Drone Dome, is honoured to support RAFAEL in enhancing cUAS capabilities. Pio Szyjanowicz, COO at CRFS, highlighted the collaborative effort and expressed pride in the partnership, saying, “We are extremely proud to support RAFAEL with enhanced cUAS capabilities and be the trusted RF sensor solution for Drone Dome.
CRFS works closely with end customers, system integrators, and international partners, delivering technologically advanced capabilities that provide actionable RF intelligence, real-time situational awareness, and enable spectrum dominance.”
The collaboration between RAFAEL and CRFS demonstrates their commitment to delivering technologically advanced defence solutions that address evolving security challenges effectively.
(Source: army-technology.com)
14 Jul 23. Collins Aerospace Completes MS-110 Flight Integration on F-16 Aircraft.
- The advanced, long-range MS-110 sensor is now ready for operational service
RTX business (NYSE: RTX) Collins Aerospace has announced the completion of flight testing for the MS-110 Multispectral Airborne Reconnaissance System to enter operational service. Following the first flight in July 2022 on an F-16 for an undisclosed international customer, Collins executed a number of extensive flight tests and related ground activities to confirm that the system’s wide area, long range sensor suite is now ready for deployment. The company is in the process of delivering a total of 16 sensors to international Fast-Jet operators and is in various stages of contractual activities for another 13 pods for three additional customers.
The advanced MS-110 builds on the success of the widely deployed DB-110 with which it shares a common support and imagery exploitation infrastructure. Existing DB-110 operators have the option of upgrading their pods to the MS-110 configuration at their own maintenance facilities, limiting cost and operational downtime for this critical reconnaissance resource. The multispectral features of the MS-110 improves intelligence analysts’ ability to extract vital information from a wide variety of target sets.
“With MS-110 development and integration completed, the critical intelligence made available by the system can be rapidly rolled out to support multi-domain efforts,” said Andy Hunter, director and general manager, Intelligent Sensing for Collins Aerospace. “The extension and expansion of an Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity contract with the U.S. Air Force Foreign Military Sales organization will be a major factor in accelerating production and improving system affordability.”
Collins Aerospace airborne reconnaissance systems have been fielded and operational on tactical fast jet platforms such as the F-15 and F-16 as well as special mission ISR business jets. The system is also compatible with MALE UAVs such as the MQ-9. The MS-110 sensor leverages Collins Aerospace’s proven multi-spectral imaging (MSI) expertise from SYERS-2C flown on the U-2. (Source: ASD Network)
17 Jul 23. Wedgetail Trilateral Joint Vision Statement Signed at the Royal International Air Tattoo. A joint vision statement has been signed between the Heads of the Royal Air Force, Royal Australian Airforce, and the United States Air Force, setting out their mutual intent to work collaboratively on the development of their countries’ Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft.
The Royal Air Force Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton, the Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force, General Charles Q. Brown Jr. and the Chief of the Royal Australian Air Force, Air Marshal Robert Chipman, signed the document at a ceremony held during the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford in Gloucester.
The trilateral agreement is a commitment by the three nations to work together for mutual benefit through cooperation relating to Wedgetail capability development, evaluation & testing, interoperability, sustainment, operations, training, and safety.
“The signing of this this Joint Vision Statement by our three Air Forces is an exciting opportunity that will allow us to work collaboratively to develop our Wedgetail fleets to ensure that they remain ready to provide Airborne Early Warning & Control as the threats and challenges we face change.
“Collaboration and interoperability are critical to our warfighting advantage, signing this joint vision statement represents another step in the long-term, enduring commitment we have to the future and to the security of our three countries,” Gen. Brown said.
“The relationship between the United Kingdom, Australia and the United States is more robust than ever, and we share a mutual understanding of the challenges we face in the air domain and the need to address them,” said Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton, Chief of the Air Staff.
“This Joint Vision Statement is a testament to the close relationship shared historically by our three Air Forces. I look forward to continuing our joint interests in this versatile and impressive capability,” said Air Marshal Robert Chipman, Chief of the Royal Australian Air Force.
The Wedgetail is the most capable and effective airborne early warning and control platform in operation today. The RAF’s three Wedgetail aircraft are currently being modified in the UK, creating over 100 skilled jobs. The aircraft will be based at RAF Lossiemouth. (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/raf)
13 Jul 23. Italy’s civil aviation authority to help secure airspace above prisons nationwide. The head of Italy’s prison administration department (DAP) Giovanni Russo, and the director general of the national civil aviation agency (ENAC) Alessio Quaranta, have signed a memorandum of understanding which lays the foundations for the surveillance of prisons by drones, according to The Penitentiary Police Society of Justice and Security
“Present at the signing of the agreement were the president of ENAC, Pierluigi Di Palma, and the heads of the Penitentiary Police Corps of the Security and anti-drone systems section of the DAP, the manager Antimo Cicala and the inspector Ferdinando Vertucci,” said the organisation’s news service. “The agreement will serve to regulate the cooperation and exchange of information between DAP and ENAC and to establish principles and methods of use of the UAS of the Prison Administration.
“In particular, the level of vigilance will be increased thanks to the aerial surveillance of the external and internal perimeter of the institutes and it will be easier to carry out monitoring activities in the event of internal riots by prisoners or protest demonstrations outside the walls by part of organized groups.
“The use of drones will also make the search for escaped prisoners more effective and the hunt for other drones used to smuggle illegal objects into prisons more effective. Finally, it will be easier to monitor the state of penitentiary facilities, security systems and building interventions from above.
“For us it is a very important agreement,” explained the head of the DAP Giovanni Russo,”to control the airspace above the institutes and above all to counter the illegal introduction of telephones, drugs and sometimes even weapons that are delivered through the use of drones. On the other hand, when these new technological scenarios open up, it is also necessary to reflect on the fact that crime, especially organized crime, immediately tries to infiltrate them.Therefore it is necessary to adopt suitable countermeasures to prevent and counter these threats”.
“It is the first wide-ranging agreement with a police force,” said the director general of ENAC Alessio Quaranta, ”since the others we have signed are more of a technical-operational nature. Precisely its breadth will allow for a whole series of spin-offs for the future, with which it will be possible to expand and improve collaboration with the Prison Administration”.
According to the news source, the protocol – which lasts three years – identifies a series of predefined scenarios in Visual line of sight (VLOS) and Beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) missions. The piloting of drones will be entrusted to personnel of the Penitentiary Police Corps qualified by the APR Center of Excellence of the Air Force or in possession of specific qualifications issued by training bodies recognized by ENAC.
“A specific provision by the Head of the DAP for the organization of the service will be launched shortly.” For more information: www.gnewsonline.it (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
17 Jul 23. UK hosts inaugural AUKUS AI and autonomy trial to track targets in real-time. The UK hosted an Australia-UK-US (AUKUS) partnership artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomy trial in May, aimed at driving these technologies into responsible military use. The work saw the initial joint deployment of Australian, UK and US AI-enabled assets in a collaborative swarm to detect and track military targets in a representative environment in real time. Accelerating the development of these technologies will impact on coalition military capability, says the press release.
The trial, organised by the UK’s Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), achieved world firsts, including the live retraining of models in flight and the interchange of AI models between AUKUS nations. The AUKUS collaboration is looking to rapidly drive these technologies into military capabilities.
The AUKUS Advanced Capabilities Pillar, known as Pillar 2, is pursuing a trilateral programme of work on a range of leading-edge technologies and capabilities to promote security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Through Pillar 2, Australia, the UK, and the US have collaborated to accelerate collective understanding of AI and autonomy technologies, and how to rapidly field robust, trustworthy AI and autonomy in complex operations, while adhering to the shared values of safe and responsible AI.
UK Deputy Chief of Defence Staff, Military Capability, Lieutenant General Rob Magowan said: “Accelerating technological advances will deliver the operational advantages necessary to defeat current and future threats across the battlespace. We are committed to collaborating with partners to ensure that we achieve this while also promoting the responsible development and deployment of AI.” For more information visit: www.gov.uk (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
17 Jul 23. SIA establishes counter UAS working group, delivers policy input, invites participation.International industry association, the Security Industry Association (SIA) has established a counter Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) working group in April 2023 to actively support the work needed to accomplish the recommendations of the national action plan (set up by the Biden administration) and further educate and give authorities options to mitigate UAS attacks. This group collaborates with external organizations and recruit industry experts aligned with this goal; tracks and monitors supportive legislation; and identifies, educates and engages legislators.
The working group has authored a series of articles on important drone and counter-UAS topics, supports S.1631 the Safeguarding the Homeland From the Threats Posed by Unmanned Aircraft Systems Act of 2023, and has provided topic input for the US Department of Homeland Security speaker at the SIA National Capital Region Security Forum’s June 2023 counter-UAS event. For more information visit: www.securityindustry.org
(Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
14 Jul 23. SkeyDrone deploys Radar Pro C-UAS to protect festivals in Belgium. SkeyDrone has implemented its new C-UAS system Radar Pro to protect party-goers at Ghent Fest.
According to a Linkedin post: “SkeyDrone has developed a cutting-edge ‘Made In Belgium’ drone detection solution in collaboration with its partner Senhive. The small-scale system is capable of detecting, identifying and tracking rogue drones, and their pilots.
“Law enforcement – Belgische politie – Police belge or FOD Mobiliteit en Vervoer / SPF Mobilité et Transports – can now get the exact location of the drone pilot, the brand and model drone, its serial number and the tracking information of the drone’s flight.
“This new solution will be demonstrated at different festivals across Belgium.” For more information: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skeydrone/?miniCompanyUrn=urn%3Ali%3Afs_miniCompany%3A66610984 (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
14 Jul 23. Meteksan develops C-UAS system to counter kamikaze drone threat. The FELIX On-The-Move Counter UAS System is being exhibited for the first time at IDEF 2023.
“As a result of the work carried out by Meteksan Defence over the last few years, the development of an innovative system named FELIX for the detection, tracking and neutralization of mini/micro UAVs (drones) and Kamikaze UAVs has been completed,” said the company in a press statement. “FELIX, which can detect and jam faster UAVs from higher altitudes with its increased elevation coverage and update frequency rate, became one of the most interesting products of the IDEF 2023 Exhibition on the very first day.
“In addition to the innovative technologies it offers, FELIX is also one of the few UAV defense systems in the world market with its ability to operate on the move. With its Retinar AESA radar system developed with AESA/MIMO technology and customized for drone detection, MERT electronic attack system capable of target-specific reactive jamming, and command and control software, FELIX will be a new generation close-range air defence system that can operate even on the move, and will be a force multiplier for our security units in the protection of both fixed facilities and VIP/convoy protection.
“Retinar AESA, the detection and tracking system of FELIX, offers increased tracking performance with high update frequency and high-performance target classification features with low speed sensitivity. Retinar AESA, which can detect and track even on the move, can operate 24/7 without being affected by adverse weather conditions.
“The MERT Electronic Attack System, another component of the FELIX system, creates a much wider protection area thanks to its increased jamming range compared to active jamming systems. Standing out with its broadband reactive jamming, dynamic spectrum management and target-specific jamming features, MERT provides full protection to security forces even on the move. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
13 Jul 23. Zen Technologies secures export order worth over USD41.5m to provide military training and C-UAS solutions. Zen Technologies, a provider of military training and anti-drone solutions, reports an export order win valued at approximately USD41.5m to deliver military training and anti-drone solutions.
According to the press release, Zen Technologies provides land-based military training simulators, driving simulators, live range equipment, and anti-drone systems, supported by a dedicated Research and Development (R&D) facility in Hyderabad.
Zen Technologies’ anti-drone system adopts a multi-layer, multi-sensor architecture designed to provide comprehensive security against drone attacks. The system comprises several modules that collectively contribute to the detection, classification, tracking, and neutralization of drone threats:
- RF Based Drone Detector (RFDD): The RFDD detects drones by analyzing the radio frequency communication between the drone and its Ground Control Center (GCC). By continuously scanning a wide band of frequencies commonly used by drones and their GCCs, the system identifies signals of interest, estimates the drone’s direction, and employs an array of receive antennas to pinpoint the signal’s source.
- Video Based Drone Identification & Tracking (VDIT): Equipped with day and night camera sensors mounted on an automatic servo-based positioning system, the VDIT module captures video and images of drones. Working in tandem with the RFDD, the VDIT confirms the presence of a drone and initiates tracking. Video feeds are processed by software algorithms, facilitating accurate identification and tracking of drones within a range of up to 3 km.
- RADAR: To detect autonomous drones operating without a direct link to their operators, the system incorporates an X-band 3D RADAR. This RADAR provides precise data on the drone’s coordinates, including azimuth and elevation. The RADAR’s feed is integrated into the data fusion center, enhancing remote monitoring capabilities.
- Data Fusion and Command Center (DFCC): The DFCC acts as the central hub for integrating data from the RFDD, VDIT, and RADAR modules. It employs detection and classification algorithms based on both RF and visual data, presenting a comprehensive threat situation to the user. The DFCC’s user interface incorporates a map with defined zones of threat and allows for customized monitoring areas and threat identification zones.
- Drone RF Jammer (DRFJ): The DRFJ disrupts the communication link between the drone and its GCC by jamming ISM bands, GNSS signals, mobile signals, and other intercepted frequencies. By automatically generating jamming waveforms based on frequencies detected by the RFDD, the system utilizes directional antennas to radiate the jamming signals. Users can also manually input jammer frequencies for added flexibility.
- Hard Kill Options: Zen Technologies’ Anti-Drone System offers two hard kill options to neutralize drone threats. The first option is kinetic-based neutralization, which employs a gun capable of auto-aligning with the target and firing bullets to physically destroy it. The second option is a net-based drone catcher, where a dedicated drone equipped with a hanging net is launched to capture rogue drones safely. This option is particularly suitable for small rogue drones carrying potentially harmful explosives. For more information visit: www.alphadefense.in
(Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
13 Jul 23. DedroneTracker.AI Version 6.0 ‘already in use by US and NATO governments.’ Counter drone company has launched a new version of DedroneTracker.AI, Version 6.0. The updates, based on feedback from law enforcement officials, security professionals and military operators in the field, moves forward in AI/ML enabled autonomous threat detection and classification capabilities demanded by strategic customers. DedroneTracker.AI offers sensor-fusion, AI/ML enabled threat risk prioritization, autonomous threat interrogation and classification for drones. An early rollout of this version was first adopted by the US federal government as well as a number of NATO member governments and is now available for all Dedrone clients as a software update.
According to the press release, DedroneTracker.AI Version 6.0 delivers a list of US government CsUAS pre-configured integrations, enabling any government customer to field a “System-Of-Systems” capability with DedroneTracker.AI as the Single Pane of Glass for complex CsUAS systems. Version 6.0 also includes bi-directional integration between the DedroneTracker.AI platform and the Aerial Armor software platform, representing the first step in complete integration between Dedrone and the recently purchased Aerial Armor. In advance of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations requiring the use of Remote ID enabled drones or broadcast modules becoming effective in September 2023, the new version of DedroneTracker.AI supports the latest US, EU, and Japanese Remote ID standards, and offers integration and consolidation of Remote ID detections with non-Remote ID detections.
“With this latest version of our AI platform, we have significantly improved end-to-end autonomy for CUAS and enable safe, productive drone usage,” said Aaditya Devarakonda, CEO of Dedrone. “This leap in capabilities comes from proprietary motion and computer vision models to classify any and all flying objects in a 3D airspace. Additionally, we have data from millions of drone flights and pictures/videos of UAS on different backgrounds constantly training and enhancing these neural networks. Today, our massive sensor network continues to enhance these learning models to the next level creating a moat that truly differentiates our solution versus both legacy and emerging competitors.”
DedroneTracker.AI serves as the heart of Dedrone’s end-to-end counterdrone solution. By taking inputs from multiple sensors including radio frequency (RF), radar, video and acoustics, it confirms drone presence and determines precise location of drone and pilot. Based on behavior, imagery, historical flight data, and other inputs, the AI engine offers the operator a single queue of risk- prioritized targets through autonomous background interrogation of unauthorized drones while simultaneously tracking multiple friendly drones. The new version of the software also allows for the operation of mitigation tools directly from the same interface.
The company most recently launched DedroneTactical, its counter-small uncrewed aerial system (CsUAS) expeditionary kit for any sUAS-based threat profile and location. The company also offers City-Wide Drone Detection, a zero-install airspace security solution for both law enforcement and security professionals; DedroneFixedSite, an on-site multi-sensor solution designed for easy integration with extant security hardware; and DedroneRapidResponse, a mobile detection unit designed for easy setup and transport. All solutions and kits leverage DedroneTracker.AI and support constant updates to the software.
For more information visit:www.dedrone.com (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
12 Jul 23. Turning collective intelligence against hostile drone swarms – VTT Technical Research, Finland. VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland has published a paper investigating a hypothesis that the best way to defend efficiently and affordably against a drone swarm is to use another drone swarm.
The paper describes a ConOps for a counter-swarm scenario in which the defender side uses a swarm of drones to defend a target against an attacking drone swarm. A preliminary version of the ConOps for a counter-swarm scenario was drafted through a counter-swarm simulator and discussions with military experts of the Finnish Defence Forces.
In nature, the species that most successfully resist an attack by social insects (the original inspiration for autonomous drone swarms) are other social insects. Both sides have the same characteristics in terms of their intrinsic ability to self-organise in response to highly dynamic circumstances, based on incomplete information and without any centralised control structure (and the vulnerability associated with it). The end goal of this project was to identify methods for adapting the collective intelligence paradigm to swarm tactics, and to develop conceptual, analytical, and numerical tools to evaluate performance in defence applications.
Authors Fabrice Saffre, Hannu Karvonen, Jari Laarni, Toni Lastusilta, and Antti Väätänen explored the interaction between individual autonomous units operating simultaneously within each other’s sensing and actuation range. In this context, the investigation of interaction patterns between multiple swarms that may have different, possibly mutually exclusive goals presents a substantial scientific and technical challenge. Of relevance to the defence sector are the dynamics of a confrontation between two autonomous swarms, one of which is trying to reach a predefined target (the attacker) and the other to prevent it (the defender).
Many examples of this type of swarm vs. swarm confrontations exist in nature and can be used as blueprints to define stochastic, rule-based decision systems that, when applied independently (but sometimes based on shared information) by individual autonomous units, can foster the emergence of a collective response to the threat posed by the other swarm. This hypothesis forms the basis and justification for the CounterSwarm project, of which objectives, methods, results, and conclusions are summarised in this report. For more information visit: www.defmin.fi (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
12 Jul 23. US defence department plans request for proposals for MADIS increment 1, late 2023 or early 2024. A request for proposals for MADIS Increment 1, Block 2 is tentatively scheduled to be released in late fourth quarter fiscal 2023 or early first quarter fiscal 2024, according to a social media post, and reported in Army Recognition.
The Marine Corps is preparing to release a request for proposals for the next iteration of its Marine Air Defense Integrated System (MADIS) with the hopes of acquiring new “non-kinetic” weapons that can take out enemy unmanned aerial systems and other threats.
In US military terminology, the “kinetic” descriptor typically refers to projectiles and missiles, while “non-kinetic” weapons include directed energy, electronic attack, or cyber tools.
The MADIS family of systems will provide Marine littoral regiments, Marine expeditionary units and other deployable Marine Air Ground Task Force elements with “an organic, mobile, 360-degree expeditionary, upgradable, and state of the art fully integrated Short Range Air Defense (SHORAD) capability” to defend against small drones, fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft while maintaining pace with maneuver forces, according to Defense Department budget documents.
According to a separate post, US Marines anticipate full-scale production of the Marine Air Defense Integrated System (MADIS) Remote Weapon Station (RWS). This system plays a crucial role in the Marine Corps ground-based air defense portfolio and has reached a significant milestone by transitioning to full-scale production. Manufactured and managed by Kongsberg at its Johnstown facility, the MADIS RWS enhances protection against drones and increases lethality against evolving threats.
The MADIS RWS, equipped with Kongsberg’s RS6 RWS, includes a percussion-primed XM914E1 30mm x 113mm cannon with a coaxial M240C (7.62mm) machine gun, an integration kit for the STINGER Air-To-Air Launcher (ATAL), and provisions for future counter-drone (C-UAS) systems. As part of the Marine Corps’ plan to modernize its two low-altitude air defense (LAAD) battalions, the MADIS RWS is the first 30mm remote weapon system qualified on the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle platform (JLTV). It is mounted on JLTVs and operates in pairs designated as Mk1 and Mk2. The MADIS Mk1 is equipped with STINGER missiles and neutralizes fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft, while the Mk2 fulfills the C-UAS mission, while also providing radar and command-and-control capabilities for the pair.
In September 2021, the US Marines awarded Kongsberg a five-year production contract with an Other Transaction Authority (OTA), valued at up to USD94 million. This contract includes a series of Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) systems, full-scale production units, spare parts, and training. It follows a previous OTA contract awarded to Kongsberg in September 2020 for test articles and activities, including Design Verification Testing (DVT), after a competitive process.
The MADIS RWS by Kongsberg leverages technology and expertise from various counter-drone (C-UAS) and air defense programs. The system shares similarities with the PROTECTOR RWS family, which has been delivered and deployed by the US Army and Marine Corps.
Kongsberg is the leading manufacturer of RWS, having delivered over 20,000 units to more than 20 countries worldwide. Additionally, Kongsberg is the sole provider of RWS and remote turrets to the US Army and Marine Corps. All RWS and remote turrets supplied to US customers are manufactured at Kongsberg’s facility in Johnstown, relying on a vast American supply base.
More information here: https://www.unmannedairspace.info/counter-uas-systems-and-policies/us-marine-corps-to-add-l-madis-counter-drone-system-to-air-defense-capabilities-from-2024/ (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
12 Jul 23. SkyTrack brand evolves into Vision Flex CUAS to reflect multi-role counter drone capabilities. Counter drone specialist Open Works Engineering has renamed its SkyTrack brand to Vision Flex. The latest systems continue to support the twin-AI classification and tracking performance for counter drone missions. However, the technology has developed to be multi-role, and provide autonomous optical surveillance, targeting and tracking capabilities for a range of applications. E.g. Border Protection, Maritime and Coastal surveillance, Base Protection, Homeland Security and UGS/USV.
According to the company, Vision Flex provides high performance surveillance, tracking and classification capability for use on static, mobile and un-manned systems. Vision Flex cameras are highly configurable and can be used with built-in twin-AI modules or 3rd Party classifiers and trackers. For more information visit: www.openworksengineering.com/vision-flex/ (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
12 Jul 23. Cambridge Pixel and Vizgard demonstrate vision-based BVLOS drone detection capabilities. A 9-month project funded by a DASA Security Rapid Impact Open Call, with support from two UK police departments, explored the use of vision-based 360° Detect and Avoid capabilities for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone operations.
Cambridge Pixel’s VSD software was used by the consortium in a DASA-funded demonstration that included visual tracking of a UK police drone.
Cambridge Pixel joined the consortium with Vizgard and Gibson Robotics to combine capabilities for the final project demonstration earlier this month, at the Edinburgh Royal Observatory. Vizgard’s onboard edge computer and an upgraded FortifAI computer vision server were used to simultaneously process six 4k video streams. Near-real-time classification of aerial objects, including other drones and their true bearings, were streamed through an encrypted cellular connection.
According to the press release, a key aspect of the project was demonstrating how a vehicle-mounted PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) camera system could autonomously monitor the local airspace and maintain persistent visual tracking of the police drone. The VSD display software from Cambridge Pixel was employed with a local ADS-B receiver to clearly display the position of transmitting aircraft on a bird’s eye map view. The advanced security monitoring with camera tracking and control provided by VSD made it an ideal solution to integrate with Vizgard’s FortifAI, which leveraged a combination of Deep Neural Networks to track the drone and scan the sky for non-transmitting aerial objects.
VSD was recently upgraded by Cambridge Pixel to support even more radars, devices and video tracking. Vizgard’s technology is also providing automated long-range 360° visual detection along the ‘Skyway’ drone flight corridor, which will connect Reading, Coventry and Cambridge.
Commenting on the project, Alex Kehoe, CEO of Vizgard, said “Having had prior experience working with Cambridge Pixel on various C2 projects, I was already aware of the exceptional expert support we could anticipate for this project. With the integration of VSD and FortifAI, our capabilities have expanded, enabling us to cater to customers seeking to harness our AI for time-critical insight alongside their library of supported sensor technologies. This development not only broadens our service offerings but also creates exciting prospects for potential partnerships with other sensor providers, whether it be for C-UAS or more general security applications.” For more information visit: www.cambridgepixel.com (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
11 Jul 23. DroneShield reports additional counter drone products assigned with NATO stock numbers. Counter drone company Drone Shield reports several of its products have been assigned a NATO Stock Number (NSN) including RfPatrol Mk2, DroneGun Mk3, DroneGun Mk4, and DroneSentry-X. This follows up on the earlier NSN assignment for DroneGun Tactical (5865661650137) in February 2019, which significantly contributed, and continues to contribute, towards that product becoming one of DroneShield’s best-selling items, says the company.
An NSN is a 13-digit numeric code, identifying all the “standardised material items of supply” as they have been recognised by all NATO countries including United States Department of Defense, and allows for any of the 31 NATO militaries to purchase the items on a “military catalogue” basis, significantly simplifying the procurement process.
The assignment of an NSN is also relevant to non-NATO customers in that it is considered to signify that the product has achieved a certain level of acceptance by the world’s most discerning military customers, the members of NATO and NATO’s allies.
The Company expects that the receipt of these additional NSNs for will assist its sales efforts in both NATO and non-NATO countries.
For more information visit: www.droneshield.com
14 Jul 23. EU’s Joint Research Centre issues tender for C-UAS living lab and building protection. The European Commission, DG Joint Research Centre (JRC) has issued a tender worth around EUR4.5m “to setup a C-UAS living lab for Critical Infrastructure stakeholders and for a better UAS protection of European Commission and European Institution buildings. This tender covers C-UAS solution services for both the Berlaymont and Charlemagne buildings in the European quarter in Brussels.”
According to the “Counter UAS equipment for research and protection of Commission infrastructure” tender document:
The application of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), commonly referred to as “drones”, is increasing rapidly used for services in agriculture, transport, survey, surveillance etc. However, there is potential for misuse of UAS: they can be used to breach privacy, for espionage by using cameras or other sensors, to hijack telecommunication signals and in combination with biological or chemicals agents, explosives or other weapons they could harm persons, disrupt services and damage infrastructure.”
Deadline for the receipt of offers is 15 September 2023.
For more information: https://ted.europa.eu/udl?uri=TED:NOTICE:422962-2023:TEXT:EN:HTML&src=0 (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
13 Jul 23. FAA rescinds remote ID compliance declaration for DJI Mavic Pro Platinum. The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has rescinded its declaration of compliance (DOC) for the DJI Mavic Pro Platinum unmanned aircraft “with the assigned tracking number RID000000111 that the FAA-accepted on January 19, 2023, effective immediately.”
Beginning September 16, 2023 all US registered drone pilots, including those who fly for recreation, business, or public safety, must operate their drone in accordance with the rule on Remote ID. The Mavic Pro Platinum is no longer in production.
According to the FAA:
“Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 89 establishes remote identification (RID) requirements for unmanned aircraft operated in the airspace of the United States. With a few exceptions, unmanned aircraft produced for operation in the airspace of the United States are subject to the production requirements of part 89. A person producing a standard RID unmanned aircraft or RID broadcast module for operation in the United States must show that the unmanned aircraft or broadcast module complies with the RID performance requirements of subpart D of part 89 by following a FAA-accepted means of compliance (MOC).
“A DOC is the method by which a producer declares that a standard RID unmanned aircraft or RID broadcast module has been designed and produced to meet the applicable minimum performance requirements of subpart D of part 89 by using an FAA-accepted MOC.
“The FAA relies on the DOC to ensure the standard RID unmanned aircraft or RID broadcast module identified on the DOC is designed and produced in accordance with an FAA-accepted MOC and complies with the applicable RID requirements of part 89.
“On January 19, 2023, the FAA evaluated and accepted a DOC application with the assigned tracking number of RID000000111 appearing to be from DJI for the Mavic Pro Platinum unmanned aircraft. On February 16, 2023, the FAA received communication from DJI stating that the group of products listed in the DOC application with the assigned tracking number RID000000111 were, in fact, not compliant with the performance requirements of part 89. Therefore, DJI requested a rescission of the FAA-accepted DOC with tracking number RID000000111. DJI’s subsequent internal review of the incident determined that the employee listed as the contact on the DOC application no longer had RID certification responsibilities at the time the DOC was submitted, and their employee stated he did not submit the RID000000111 DOC. The FAA is continuing to investigate.
Basis for Rescission
“In accordance with § 89.540(a)(1)(i), the Administrator may rescind a DOC under the circumstance that a standard remote identification unmanned aircraft or remote identification broadcast module listed under an FAA-accepted DOC does not meet the minimum performance requirements of §§ 89.310 or 89.320. In accordance with § 89.540(a)(1)(ii), the Administrator may also rescind acceptance of a DOC when a previously FAA-accepted DOC does not meet a requirement of this subpart.
“The basis for rescission of the DOC with tracking number RID000000111 is as follows:
(1) DJI statement to the FAA that the group of products listed on DOC tracking number RID000000111 is not compliant with part 89 RID performance requirements.
(2) Statement from the DJI employee, whose name was listed as point of contact on the DOC submission, stating he had not made the DOC submission.
(3) DJI’s request for rescission of the DOC with tracking number RID000000111.”
On July 1, 2023 DJI issued a statement on remote ID:
“All DJI drones manufactured after September 16, 2022, such as Mavic 3 Pro, Mavic 3 Classic, Inspire 3, and DJI Mini 3, all have built-in remote ID capabilities. For drone pilots operating other DJI models to ensure compliance with the remote ID requirements, they have three options:
- Update the Drone’s Firmware: Several of DJIs latest and most popular drone models have obtained, or will soon receive firmware updates to support remote ID functionality. These updates guarantee that you can adhere to the FAA’s remote ID regulations.
- Purchase a Separate Broadcast Module: In cases where certain drone models cannot receive firmware updates for remote ID, customers have the option to purchase a separate broadcast module. This module can be retrofitted onto your drone and broadcasts identification and location information as required by the remote ID rule.
- Fly within FAA-Recognized Identification Areas (FRIAs): FRIAs are specific locations recognized by the FAA where drones can operate without the need for remote ID transmission.
For more information
https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/07/12/2023-14802/notice-of-rescission-of-unmanned-aircraft-systems-remote-identification-declaration-of-compliance
https://forum.dji.com/thread-293343-1-1.html (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
12 Jul 23. Kazakhstan becomes 66th member of JARUS, first central Asian country to join. The Joint Authorities for Rule Making on Unmanned Systems (JARUS) has officially accepted the Kazakhstan Aviation Administration (AAK) as its 66th member. The addition of Kazakhstan will support collaborative efforts in the region and help to advance unmanned aviation regulation and development in Kazakhstan and Central Asia.
The document was signed by LIU Hao, Secretary General of JARUS, and Catalin Radu, Director General of the Aviation Administration of Kazakhstan JSC.
To further advance the unmanned aviation industry, a seminar on the regulation of unmanned aviation in Kazakhstan was held as part of the meeting. The seminar facilitated discussions on topics related to regulatory harmonization and the development of unmanned aviation systems. Attendees examined the current state of the industry, identified challenges and opportunities, and reviewed existing legislation and proposed amendments.
Kazakhstan’s membership in JARUS marks an important milestone, as it becomes the 66th country to join this non-profit international organization. JARUS serves as a platform for regulators, industry experts, and stakeholders to collaborate in developing and harmonizing standards and regulations for unmanned aircraft systems.
For more information visit: www.jarus-rpas.org (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
11 Jul 23. European study supports Drone Strategy 2.0, calls for increased coordination and prioritisation. A study published in May following a request by the European Parliament TRAN committee is informing an assessment of the Drone Strategy 2.0 and offers a set a proposed policy recommendations.
The study, ‘Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) integration into European airspace and operation over people’, provides an overview of good practices and military and civil UAS integration. The seven key findings are as follows:
- The integration of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) within airspace will happen in stages. Current operations are in segregated airspace away from manned aircraft. Integration with manned aircraft will require improved technical and operational procedures. These are currently being looked at as part of Research & Innovation (R&I) programmes.
- UAS have similarities and differences with manned aircraft in terms of how they operate. The focus should be on areas in which they differ, such as manoeuvrability, communications, performance and the diversity of their operating environments.
- Operations over populated areas require a specific focus on ground risk. Integration into airspace over these areas needs to account for dynamic changes in population densities as well as safety, privacy, security, noise and social acceptance concerns.
- Good practices have been identified across the areas of user-friendly platforms and information sharing, step-by-step approaches to use cases, engagement with industry and city stakeholders and military and civil synergies.
- There are a number of lessons that can be learned from Military and Civil cooperation on systems, technologies and processes. However, procurement barriers could be eased to support the adoption of civil technologies beyond R&I.
- Incentives for industry are an area in which the EU is arguably slightly lagging behind the US and China, where government programmes are seeking to reduce cost and risk for private sector development in the UAS and electric vertical take off and landing aircraft (eVTOL) markets.
- Drone Strategy 2.0 provides good coverage of the issues currently facing the UAS industry. However, it may underplay some of the difficulty in achieving full integration, which requires further coordination and prioritisation to keep the EU on track to achieve a largescale drone market in the EU by 2030.
The study says: “Drones have the potential to become an increasingly important part of mobility strategies. The European Drone Strategy 2.0, which was published in November 2022 by the European Commission, provides political direction on the next steps of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) development within the European market. However, there remain key technical, procedural, social and regulatory requirements that need to be addressed if UAS are to be safely and commercially integrated within European airspace and wider society. Accordingly, the objective of this study was to assess the challenges and possible solutions of integrating UAS within European airspace and, in particular, over populated areas, to consider military and civil integration, to identify and analyse good practices and to undertake an assessment of the Drone Strategy 2.0.”
For more information visit: www.transport.ec.europa.eu
(Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
16 Jul 23. ‘An absolute folly’: UK lawmakers’ scathing report on E-7 Wedgetail acquisition. Though the UK will get three planes instead of five, the procurement report estimates that the E-7 program will cost $2.5bn, only marginally less costly than the $2.7bn agreed in the original order. A lawmaker report into the state of UK military procurement has delivered a scathing verdict of the Royal Air Force’s E-7A AEW1 Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) program, declaring that the acquisition “represents extremely poor value for money.”
Published by the UK Defence Committee today, the report describes a decision to cut an original order of five aircraft to three units as “an absolute folly” in light of such a small number of aircraft being seen as a “prize target” for enemy forces. An Initial Operating Capability target could also be delayed by a further year to 2025, according to the document.
Based on a contract stipulation making the UK MoD liable to pay for all five Northrop Grumman Multi-role Electronically Scanned Array (MESA) radars underwritten in the original order, despite the newer decision to only acquire three aircraft, the procurement report estimates that the E-7 program will cost £1.89bn ($2.5bn), only marginally less costly than the £2.1bn ($2.7bn) agreed in the original order.
“Even basic arithmetic would suggest that ordering three E-7s rather than five (at some 90 [percent] of the original acquisition cost) represents extremely poor value for money,” the report states.
UK procurement arm, Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S), and manufacturer Boeing are criticized for still being unable to agree on a Full Business Case (FBC) planning phase and an in-service support contract. The report adds that the support contract “should already have been successfully finalised long ago.”
The UK MoD was unavailable for comment on the report today, but an RAF spokesperson told Breaking Defense on Saturday that it is working off an “expectation” that the FBC will be delivered in Q3 2023. A date of mid-2023 was previously made public. Representatives for Boeing were unavailable for comment on the report.
A number of other problems referenced in the lawmakers’ document have been widely reported previously. Those include Boeing disclosing aircraft manufacturing setbacks caused by COVID-19 and workforce issues, as well as the decision by the RAF to retire the E-3D Sentry in 2021, leaving a three-year AEW&C capability gap. Boeing said in December 2022 that an average supplier lead time increase of 244 days for E-7 parts had led it to delay a first aircraft delivery to RAF Lossiemouth, Scotland, until 2024.
The UK Defence Committee will also publish a forthcoming aviation procurement that “will likely examine the operational impact and alleged life-cycle savings” from the decision to only acquire three aircraft.
All three Wedgetail platforms are in production at STS Aviation Services modification facility in Birmingham, England, as they have to first be converted from Boeing 737 Next Generation airliners.
“One aircraft has its MESA radar installed. The other two are following behind,” said Dan Gillian, Vice President of Mobility, Surveillance and Bombers at Boeing, on Friday. “From when the first aircraft to the last come out [of the hangar] for the UK and go into service will be about six months from start to finish.”
He added that prior to delivery to the RAF, the aircraft will go through a “robust” flight test program.
“I’m confident that as the UK brings their capability online, and they and all the allies in the region see what that aircraft can do, I think the demand for E-7 will be there for decades to come,” added Gillian.
Besides industrial matters, Australia, the UK and US signed a Wedgetail “Joint Vision Statement” at the Royal International Air Tattoo earlier this week. The UK MoD noted in a statement that the trilateral agreement “is a commitment by the three nations to work together for mutual benefit through cooperation relating to Wedgetail capability development, evaluation & testing, interoperability, sustainment, operations, training, and safety.”
Already fielded by Australia, the E-7 has been selected by the US Air Force to replace E-3 Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft, with Boeing handed a $1.2bn contract to develop a prototype in February 2023.
“We are on contract to build their first two aircraft [for the US] now,” explained Gillian. An additional 24 aircraft are expected to be procured by 2032. (Source: News Now/Breaking Defense.com)
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