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15 Feb 24. ScioTeq, a leading provider of mission-critical defense and avionics visualization and computing solutions, announces the establishment in Bangalore, India of ScioTeq Pvt Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of ScioTeq bv. This move will further extend ScioTeq’s global presence by providing Sales, Procurement and Services at its Bangalore location. Additionally, by joining with local partners it will position ScioTeq to support local trade sales and manufacturing of its products and solutions for the Defense market. This move aligns with the “Make in India” initiative of the Government of India to create and encourage companies to develop, manufacture and assemble products made in India and incentivize dedicated investments into manufacturing. The policy creates a conducive environment for business investment, while building a modern structure and opening new sectors for capital investment. It also creates additional jobs that align with the government’s mantra “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (Self Reliant India) which is focused on promoting indigenization in the Defense sector.
“ScioTeq is excited to evolve our long-term relationship with India’s defense community to the next level with this newly established subsidiary,” said ScioTeq Vice President of Defense & Security, Klaas Peerlinck. “It confirms our commitment as a partner in India’s defense manufacturing establishment as well as providing a base to provide dedicated service and sales needs.”
India’s Defense budget is the fourth largest in the world thus providing various opportunities for Defense industries to engage and partner with them as they develop and upgrade their military capabilities. ScioTeq, the largest independent advanced visualization company globally, has engaged with the Indian defense establishment for over two decades, providing critical visualization solutions. This long-term experience in the country, robust portfolio of visualization and computing displays and now a local base of operations, amply positions ScioTeq for future growth and provides the Indian Defense sector with visualization and computing solutions across all three of its services – the Navy, Army, and Air Force.
“We welcome the move by ScioTeq in incorporating a wholly owned subsidiary in India to drive indigenous manufacturing of their products. We value our association and look forward to working with them,” said Mr. Arun Ramchandani, Head of Larsen & Toubro Defence (L&T). L&T is a multinational Indian conglomerate engaged in various industry sectors including defense. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
15 Feb 24. Cuashub.com said today that AUVSI and ACI-NA Express Support for Recent ARC Report. The recent release of the final report by the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Detection and Mitigating Systems Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC) was welcomed by Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA) and the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) last week. The report recommends advancing airspace safety and security by advocating for the expanded utilization of drone detection and mitigation technologies. ACI-NA Executive Vice President Matt Cornelius and AUVSI Chief Advocacy Officer Michael Robbins served as co-chairs for the ARC.
The ARC recommends the FAA, with other relevant federal agencies:
- Ensure that all policy decisions are based on a thorough understanding of the industry and that detection and mitigation issues are considered separately for policy purposes.
- Conduct the necessary research and analysis to establish minimum performance standards, a safety framework, best practices, training programs, and a continually evolving approved list of UAS detection and mitigation systems technologies.
- Establish testing protocols and use approved third parties for system testing and authorization.
- Establish an entity for airport terminal airspace operations that is responsible for UAS detection and mitigation system monitoring and aircraft deconfliction, as deconfliction is an Air Navigation Service Provider (ANSP) function that cannot be adequately managed by a detection and mitigation system operator or air traffic control as currently configured.
- Develop a clear approval process for detection and mitigation deployment at airports and non-airport facilities and require detection system operators to complete training and mitigation system operators to complete training and certification. However, the acquisition and deployment of detection and mitigation by airports should remain optional and never be required by the federal government.
- Create a scalable regulatory framework for operational requirements with privacy protections for UAS operators and for the public. The framework should include verified operator and data-sharing programs, noting that any information accessed or exchanged from the agency must have sufficient privacy and security safeguards similar to manned aircraft operators.
Comments from the ARC Co-Chairs
“Airports are chiefly concerned with ensuring the safety and security of the traveling public, airport workers, and airport infrastructure,” said ACI-NA Executive Vice President Matt Cornelius, co-chair of the ARC. “We thank all the experts who contributed their time and efforts to this important initiative to develop a roadmap for providing the aviation community and others with the tools needed to protect critical infrastructure like airports. We look forward to continuing our work with the FAA and other relevant federal agencies in implementing the recommendations contain in this report.”
“The U.S. is positioned for global leadership in demonstrating how effective UAS detection and mitigation policies and technologies can ensure airspace safety and security, while enabling UAS market growth,” said Michael Robbins, Chief Advocacy Officer at AUVSI and co-chair of the ARC. “We thank the public safety community and other stakeholders reflecting a diverse range of perspectives for their participation on the Committee, and this report reflects their input. We call on the FAA to move swifty to implement the ARC plan to bring forward the benefits that detection and mitigation tools can provide to public safety, critical infrastructure owners and operators, and other entities, while also enabling expanded safe and secure drone operations.”
ARC Background
Established through the 2018 FAA Reauthorization Act, the FAA UAS Detection and Mitigation Systems Aviation Rulemaking Committee’s report makes recommendations for the expanded use of, and possible standards for, drone detection and mitigation technologies. The recommendations in this report are intended to provide a framework of actions and policies to promote the safe and widespread adoption of UAS detection and mitigation systems that do not adversely impact or interfere with the safe and efficient operation of the National Air Space.
The ARC Charter was signed in March 2023, and the Committee began its work in May 2023. Committee membership included representatives from more than 50 groups in the crewed and uncrewed aviation communities, government entities, law enforcement, various subject matter experts, and other stakeholders. Abigail Smith, the Executive Director of the UAS Security Office, was the ARC lead for the FAA, along with Tonya Coultas, the Deputy Associate Administrator for Security and Hazardous Materials Safety.
More information on the final UAS Detection and Mitigation ARC Report can be found here: https://cuashub.com/content/faa-uas-detection-and-mitigation-arc-final-report/
https://cuashub.com/content/auvsi-and-aci-na-express-support-for-recent-arc-report/?_hsmi=294270953&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9CedoAFR-N39AraaywTj9Cc8QjLtLyX6k7hduMMLbJPZhIRDdA5f7A1L4lOo1IdBSs51DS4zoB0tau9R5by-Gxr71DaLPMUXVzhASAwEc3HkC8OUg#utm_campaign=C-UAS%20Hub%20General&utm_medium=email&utm_content=294270953&utm_source=hs_email (Source: https://cuashub.com/)
15 Feb 24. Cuashub.com said today that VIPC and URSA Release Virginia UAV Activity Study. As drone usage continues to grow among hobbyists and businesses, a study commissioned by the Public Safety Innovation Center (PSIC) at the Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation (VIPC) indicates the need for effective tools and policy to detect and identify aircraft and operators to enhance safety in the skies over Virginia.
“Overall, most of the drones detected during the study operated safely and in compliance with federal regulations,” PSIC Director Chris Sadler said. “However, it’s the careless, clueless, and criminal operators that either are not aware of the rules for flying drones or simply ignore them that pose a danger to our communities.”
The Virginia UAV Activity Study, conducted by Unmanned Robotics Systems Analysis, Inc. (URSA), was based on data from a sample of more than 3,000 flights the PSIC collected using sensors designed to detect and identify a drone, also known as an uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV), and their operators. The sensors were deployed on a portable trailer at several locations throughout Virginia and a fixed site in Richmond from March to October 2023.
The duration of most flights was very short, with an average of less than six minutes. That is typical of small drones, which are limited by the small, on-board batteries that power the aircraft. In addition, the drones were mainly operated in daylight and on weekdays, indicating they were likely being flown for commercial purposes.
The sensor data also showed that most of the flights were below 400 feet above ground level, the maximum altitude the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) allows for drones weighing less than 55 pounds. However, more than 26 percent of the drones were detected at flight levels above 400 feet, with about five percent at more than 1,000 feet.
About 35 percent of the flights detected near airports exceeded the maximum altitude for those operations, typically less than 200 feet when the FAA authorizes them. Separately, nearly 130 flights operated within 500 feet of critical infrastructure, such as hospitals, stadiums, prisons, police stations, and electric power facilities.
The study described several concerns associated with the increase of drones in the airspace. Their widespread scale, automated capabilities, and operator anonymity raise worries of misuse and accountability challenges. Additionally, their adaptability and affordability heighten potential illicit activities and disposal after incidents.
“The key to maintaining drone safety is education,” Sadler said. “Airspace awareness technology enables law enforcement to detect, identify, and locate the offending operator and then inform them of the rules surrounding responsible drone ownership and flight. In most cases, that solves the problem and improves the operator’s competency. However, policy changes are needed at the federal level to allow state and local public safety to regularly use the technology.”
Congress has authorized only four federal agencies – the Departments of Defense, Energy, Justice, and Homeland Security – to deploy counter UAS technology for security and protection under certain circumstances. However, due to the increased use of UAS in the national air space, the authority for State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial (SLTT) public safety agencies to also use these systems is being considered because they are the first responders to drone incidents. This will enable them to effectively detect, track, classify, and, in extreme situations, the limited ability to mitigate threats.
To tackle these issues, the study said, proactive regulatory measures and increased oversight are essential for responsibly managing the increase in drone activity in the Commonwealth.
“Our findings underscore the urgent need for proactive measures to address the challenges posed by drone proliferation,” URSA CEO David Kovar said. “By leveraging advanced analytic tools, we can better understand the evolving landscape of drone activities and develop targeted strategies to mitigate associated risks.”
The PSIC plans to continue using the sensor-equipped trailer in 2024 to further characterize the airspace in other areas of Virginia. The data will be updated, analyzed, and shared with the FAA and other federal agencies involved in airspace safety.
In addition, the data will help inform Advance Air Mobility (AAM) operators as they begin to develop route systems after gaining FAA certification for their aircraft. These small and often electric-powered “air taxis” are designed to transport cargo and passengers at lower flight levels than legacy commercial airlines.
To view the report, please visit Virginia UAV Activity Study- Virginia Low-Level Airspace Analysis.
Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation (VIPC)
Connecting innovators with opportunities. As the nonprofit operations arm of the Virginia Innovation Partnership Authority (VIPA), VIPC is the commercialization and seed-stage economic development driver in the Commonwealth that leads funding, infrastructure, and policy initiatives to support Virginia’s innovators, entrepreneurs, startups, and market development strategies. VIPC collaborates with local, regional, state, and federal partners to support the expansion and diversification of Virginia’s economy.
VIPC Programs include Virginia Venture Partners (VVP) | VVP Fund of Funds (SSBCI) | Virginia Founders Fund (VFF) |Commonwealth Commercialization Fund (CCF) | Petersburg Founders Fund (PFF) | Smart Communities | The Virginia Smart Community Testbed | The Virginia Unmanned Systems Center | Virginia Advanced Air Mobility Alliance (VAAMA) | The Public Safety Innovation Center |Entrepreneurial Ecosystems | Regional Innovation Fund (RIF) | Federal Funding Assistance Program (FFAP) for SBIR & STTR | University Partnerships | Startup Company Mentoring & Engagement. For more information, please visit www.VirginiaIPC.org. Follow VIPC on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
Unmanned Robotics Systems Analysis, Inc. (URSA)
Unmanned Robotics Systems Analysis, Inc. (URSA) is dedicated to creating software and systems that enhance safety and security across various domains, including air, land, and sea. URSA’s Airspace Awareness Platform delivers crucial insights into unmanned systems activity, which is pivotal in ensuring safety and security on the ground and in the sky. More information is available at www.ursasecure.com
https://d2gg3k04.na1.hubspotlinks.com/Ctc/W4+113/d2GG3k04/VV-Gr22W0FnhW2_8q4_6jF6MNW7-75Mp59xXPtN28qGvq5nXHsW50kH_H6lZ3kLW3ZQK9Q2bYPQfW8CZV8z1GwMwbW3y71981WsJqgN27X_FkQ7th3W2_G2QG3hf5kRVMgvKW5flwf4W1yFx_g6BbtQyW47Tw9g1wkyZtW8TNkH644DQYzW14KwV06gj17FW7gqFLF3WrZYZN5H5PCwWWZWDW6TvKfT8yFbKqW6pPddb97NX00W2y6GKd7zWk11W2C4RGw12Kk4tW1lrCTc7nJL7KW8kNs_S8BdfzCW3xNqht3Dn71-W8H-zlb5F6PCTW3J9QQr4V7x6lW53KdJg6mWBq5W99d2xL1BptNHVJJr4t3wvT18VxVz3C2Kq0jcW9dgR6W2h314QMKcbRj2BjtSW23C3Y45q4v9GW1q1_sg5DqxX8W1gMWnS8_gj9DW9kt60v94Jm0mW9dLCfd7-rZ2Cf2M0YFd04 (Source: https://cuashub.com/)
15 Feb 24. Cuashub.com said today that Virginia UAV Activity Study- March 2023 to October 2023. Virginia UAV Activity Study- Virginia Low-Level Airspace Analysis is an Unmanned Robotics Systems Analysis, Inc. (URSA) report in collaboration with the Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation (VIPC), the Virginia Unmanned Systems Center at VIPC, and the Virginia Public Safety Innovation Center at VIPC.
The widespread proliferation of small unmanned aircraft systems—often known as drones—continues to create potential hazards for aviation and security problems for local communities. Six basic characteristics that can make some SCARED of the drone problem:
- The Scale of sUAS proliferation is widespread and continues to grow.
- sUAS offers unique, automated Capabilities that make the devices easy and
precise to fly.
- During flights, the aerial platform is separated from the operator, providing Anonymity, and making it difficult to hold perpetrators accountable.
- sUAS platforms can be easily Retrofitted or modified for illicit purposes, such as weaponization or delivering contraband.
- The applications of this Emerging technology are still not fully understood; novel uses are continuously being developed for these platforms.
- The relatively low cost of sUAS platforms makes them easily Disposable in the event of an incident, making it challenging to hold the operator accountable.
UAS detection technology was leveraged to capture a snapshot of sUAS activity in selected areas to codify the extent and type of sUAS operations occurring within the Commonwealth of Virginia. The goal of this report is to provide contextual information, enabling state and local stakeholders to understand the extent of sUAS operations, potential hazards, and establish data-driven responses to address community concerns.
Publication Date– January 2024
https://cuashub.com/content/virginia-uav-activity-study-march-2023-to-october-2023/?_hsmi=294270953&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_k6TlRUiRwCRI71llfkvx9p2FjFi7XBPyVSBnaBmt4cEaiDVfL8M3Y8QMjGUj_W_S_XHAknj3YRgalMi9-xX-H3MgiiYNQwgOxAh-qyw55_5ako3o#utm_campaign=C-UAS%20Hub%20General&utm_medium=email&utm_content=294270953&utm_source=hs_email (Source: https://cuashub.com/)
14 Feb 24. Cuashub.com said today that Nocturne Trusted to Protect Marl-Loemühle Airfield Against Drones. Flugplatz Loemühle GmbH has chosen to entrust the protection of Marl-Loemühle airfield’s airspace from unauthorized drones to the expertise of Nocturne Security & Defense. After a close encounter between a propeller-driven aircraft on its approach and a drone at an altitude of 300 meters, the operating company has opted to install a permanent drone detection system from Nocturne Security & Defense.
Managing Director of Flugplatz Loemühle GmbH, Peter Fechner, commented, “We are increasingly confronted with drone incidents that have a high potential for danger. After the last incident, which could easily have ended in a collision, we realized that we had to take preventative measures to ensure the continued safety of our pilots. With Nocturne Security & Defense, we found the experts in the field of drone defense who were able to provide us with a perfect solution for our requirements.”
The drone detection system, consisting of Dedrone sensors on the airport tower, enables drone detection within a radius of 5 kilometers. The system can recognize the presence of drones, read out the type and serial number, and locate the pilot.
“The incidents in Marl have once again shown how real the dangers posed by unauthorized drones are. With our extensive portfolio of drone detection and defense solutions, we can react flexibly and purposefully to all requirements. We also offer the appropriate training and service options,” says Jens Hillenkötter, CEO of Nocturne Drones.
The successful implementation of the drone detection system in Marl marks the beginning of a partnership that will also be groundbreaking for other airfields. Nocturne Security & Defense is organizing the C-UAS Challenge from March 6-7, 2024, where the entire drone detection and defense portfolio will be presented.
You can find more information at: www.anti-drone-security.com
https://cuashub.com/content/nocturne-trusted-to-protect-marl-loemuhle-airfield-against-drones/?_hsmi=294082871&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9k9T6ObLj9oYqd_xeTvw9VO2e28UJ8CytYp7VtD4ECcv2kBEp0p4WdfMQ4g_rdwZAGcX3A-hduqtTRQZovSCIdvNqZ8JoXrVheewvcDx4DWi6vjso#utm_campaign=C-UAS%20Hub%20General&utm_medium=email&utm_content=294082871&utm_source=hs_email (Source: https://cuashub.com/)
15 Feb 24. Thales Nederland triples radar production. Thales Nederland has tripled its radar production over the last few years, Janes learnt while attending the company’s handover of the first Ground Master 200 Multi Mission/Compact (GM200 MM/C) radar to the Royal Netherlands Army (RNLA) in Hengelo, Eastern Netherlands, on 14 February. The increase is in the production of both land-based and naval radars, and the GM200 MM/C is a case in point, with the Netherlands having placed the first order for nine of the radars mounted on Scania Gryphus trucks in 2019. (Source: Janes)
12 Feb 24. Russian C-UAS manufacturer JSC Vektor unveils new suppressor. Russian manufacturer JSC Vektor has unveiled a new counter-unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS) at the World Defense Show (WDS) 2024 held in Riyadh from 4 to 8 February. Known as Serp-VS6, the platform is a radio-electronic suppressor that provides full omnidirectional C-UAS protection in the tactical environment by disrupting the signals of rogue unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and erasing their pre-programmed co-ordinates and flight mission details, a company spokesperson told Janes at WDS. The system, they continued, can be fixed or mounted on a vehicle and can neutralise multiple UASs operating on the Global Positioning System (GPS), GLONASS, Galileo, and Beidou from distances of up to 5 km between 430 MHz and 5.8 GHz (L1 band– 1.5 GHz for Beidou) frequency ranges. The suppressor comprises four radars in total, each of which has a 90° horizontal plane and a -20° to +60° vertical plane. (Source: Janes)
14 Feb 24. Motorola Solutions Acquires Silent Sentinel, a Provider of Specialized, Long-Range Cameras. Motorola Solutions (NYSE: MSI) has acquired Silent Sentinel, a provider of specialized, long-range cameras based in Ware, United Kingdom.
Designed to operate in the harshest conditions, Silent Sentinel’s rugged, thermal cameras offer clear visibility in the complex and extreme environments associated with military, aviation, maritime and critical infrastructure. Equipped with highly accurate detection capabilities, Silent Sentinel’s cameras can identify anomalies from up to 20 miles away (30 km) to extend the perimeter of security and support a faster, more informed response.
“Long-range cameras enable advanced insights that can protect individuals and infrastructure,” said Mahesh Saptharishi, executive vice president and chief technology officer. “With Silent Sentinel, we’re broadening our video security portfolio to help secure and support essential operations and industries around the world.”
This acquisition complements Motorola Solutions’ portfolio of fixed video cameras, expanding its footprint with government and critical infrastructure customers and strengthening its position as a global leader in end-to-end video security solutions.
“On behalf of the Silent Sentinel team, we’re excited to join Motorola Solutions,” said Paul Elsey, managing director, Silent Sentinel. “We look forward to building upon Motorola Solutions’ industry-leading portfolio, offering advanced video security solutions that support our customers in the most challenging environments.”
Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
13 Feb 24. USAF ‘having a hard time’ on E-7 Wedgetail price negotiations with Boeing: Kendall. Development of the Air Force’s first two rapid prototype radar planes proved more difficult than expected, according to acquisition chief Andrew Hunter.
Negotiations to field two rapid prototype E-7 radar planes for the US Air Force have hit a stumbling block over a price disagreement with manufacturer Boeing, according to Secretary Frank Kendall.
During a roundtable with reporters today at the Air & Space Forces Association’s Warfare Symposium, Kendall noted that the Air Force is moving toward space-based platforms to provide intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, but wanted to keep some air-based ISR courtesy of platforms like the E-7A Wedgetail, a replacement for the aging E-3 Sentry.
But Kendall then said the service is ”having a hard time with that one getting a price agreement with Boeing.”
“We’re still in negotiations with them, and that’s not been finalized yet,” he said.
After Kendall’s remarks, a spokesperson for Boeing told Breaking Defense in a statement, “We’re partnering with the U.S. Air Force to deliver this critical capability and are working diligently to reach an agreement.”
When the Air Force awarded Boeing a deal worth up to $1.2 bn contract to kick off E-7 production a year ago, the award was made as an undefinitized contract action (UCA), meaning that early work could start as the Air Force and Boeing ironed out specifics like terms and prices. The UCA covers two rapid prototypes currently in development, and the Air Force hopes to transition that program into production to field a total fleet of 26 Wedgetails by 2032.
Broadly, Boeing officials have recently emphasized that they’re pursuing greater discipline in their contract negotiations after the company’s defense business has hemorrhaged bns of dollars, a stance that has led executives to swear off fixed-price development deals and even resulted in the contractor being eliminated in a competition to build a replacement “Doomsday plane” for the Air Force.
Reaching an agreement on price is crucial for finalizing the Wedgetail contract, a process that E-7 program manager Stu Voboril in a previous interview with Breaking Defense said the two parties were hoping to wrap up this year.
During a later roundtable with reporters, service acquisition chief Andrew Hunter noted that given the financial pressures at Boeing, it’s “not that surprising” the aerospace giant has adjusted its approach to bidding and formulating proposals.
“Obviously when it comes to Boeing, you know, they’ve gotten into some contracts in the past that it’s apparent that as they were bidding those, there was key information they were lacking,” Hunter said. “So maybe at some level, it’s not that surprising that they’re trying hard to do their homework and not bid [for] things and not understand the full scope of the work that they’re going to be expected to perform when they prepare their proposal.”
Hunter also revealed that the Wedgetail rapid prototyping effort encountered some unexpected difficulties. Specifically, the US hoped to leverage work done for the UK’s Wedgetail order, but Air Force requirements proved more divergent from the UK’s model than officials anticipated. (UK lawmakers aren’t happy with how their own acquisition has gone across the pond, though NATO liked the platform enough to agree to buy six aircraft in November.)
RELATED: Despite huge industry losses, Air Force ‘not getting rid of fixed-price contracts,’ Hunter says
“The big surprise there was [an] unexpected amount and degree of non-recurring engineering required to meet the requirement that the [US] Air Force specified, which we thought was very, very close to what the UK is currently procuring from Boeing,” Hunter said. According to an Air Force spokesperson, that non-recurring engineering work is a major driver in the difficulty to reach an agreement on price.
The service is working with the plane maker to “understand the specificity of what’s kind of implied in the Boeing proposal,” Hunter added, which will help identify features that are essential and those that could either be deferred or deemed unnecessary.
“It would be nice to be able to turn the wheel a little faster when it comes to the bid and proposal process,” Hunter said. “Ultimately, it’s about the interplay between us and Boeing, clarifying the scope of work, and so if we can turn the crank a little faster, I think we can actually help them do a better job with their proposals.” (Source: Breaking Defense.com)
13 Feb 24. Czech Elta MMRs to reach FOC by end of 2024. The Czech Republic’s EL/M-2084 Multi-Mission radars (MMRs) from Elta Systems will reach full operating capability (FOC) by the end of 2024, Janes learnt.
A spokesperson from the Armed Forces of the Czech Republic told Janes that all eight radars are now in the country after the final system was delivered in December 2023, with FOC expected before the end of the 2024.
In December 2019 the armed forces ordered eight EL/M-2084 MMRs from Elta Systems in a government-to-government agreement with Israel to replace its ageing Soviet-era ST-68 radars, which have been in service since the early to mid-1980s.
Initially scheduled for delivery by 2021 the radars have encountered delays because of various technical issues. The systems have also struggled to integrate with the country’s command-and-control system. Consequently in December 2023 the Czech government extended the radar programme known as the ‘sustainment and development of Czech Air Force capabilities’. (Source: Janes)
13 Feb 24. MatrixSpace Radar – the smallest, lightest, low cost, high-performance radar – is now shipping to commercial and public organizations in the United States and approved international countries. The award-winning product’s commercial delivery follows its recent Federal Communications Commission authorization.
Designed and developed in the USA, MatrixSpace Radar offers robust situational awareness of both airborne and ground-based objects, regardless of lighting and weather conditions. This facilitates highly accurate drone detection and Counter Unmanned Aircraft System (CUAS) capabilities, Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) flight for uncrewed, autonomous and tethered aircraft, and overall general aviation safety.
MatrixSpace Radar is a very low SWaP-C (size, weight, power and cost), requires no additional infrastructure and is deployable in minutes without specialist training.
Quote from Dan Nobbe, Vice President of RF and Radar Systems, MatrixSpace
“The demand for fast, effective ground and air surveillance is growing rapidly, and partners and customers tell us of their limitations with current solutions. MatrixSpace Radar is designed to provide radar for the rest of us – cost and performance which allows for use cases previously out of reach to commercial, public safety and defense situations.” Quote from Manu Lubrano, CEO and co-founder, INVOLI
“MatrixSpace provides scalable, comprehensive, low altitude, noncooperative detection at any time of day or weather, at a price point that finally makes powerful radar readily accessible. This is key for accelerating advanced air mobility as well as a wide range of public safety and commercial programs such as drone first responder, drone detection and critical infrastructure inspections.”
MatrixSpace’s mission is to offer real-time AI and edge processing-based sensing with the ability to detect and track multiple types of objects in any environment. Combining industry-leading sensing, AI edge processing and RF communication in real-time is a major technology breakthrough that will reinvent business models across multiple vertical market applications, in particular the defense and public safety industry. MatrixSpace Radar is the foundational product of this open architecture sensing platform.
MatrixSpace Radar has the lowest cost, size, weight and power (SWAP) of any comparable radar on the market today. Key features are:
- Portable – Small form factor (8.7cm x 14.1cm x 4.2cm) allows you to place units in any location and simply carry to new locations as needed. Easily attach to autonomous vehicles, or fixed locations like water towers, buildings or poles for a full 360-degree view.
- Detect and monitor relevant movement in any environment – humans, airborne objects, ground vehicles – even in visually challenging conditions, including rain, fog and smoke.
- Fast to deploy – Install and configure the device in minutes. No specialized training required.
- Ultra-low power supply – The radar’s low energy consumption means it can be powered by solar or battery for remote, long-term usage. No standard electricity connection is needed.
- Open and extensible – MatrixSpace Radar is based on an open architecture which easily integrates with industry-wise UTM, Command and Control, counter UAS and traffic and video surveillance systems for a comprehensive, unified view.
- 4D imaging radar – MatrixSpace Radar is the most advanced radar technology designed to both detect objects and visualize them while capturing key aspects of telemetry, such as range, location, heading and altitude, etc.
- Ability to export internationally.
13 Feb 24. Northrop Grumman Corporation’s (NYSE: NOC) LITENING Large Aperture (LA) targeting pod, which incorporates significant enhancements in electro-optical/infrared sensing and processing capabilities, has been tapped by the U.S. Air Force for use across existing LITENING inventory.
- Digital, high-definition daylight and infrared sensors in multiple wavelengths increase the resolution of the pod, allowing imaging from greater stand-off ranges.
- LITENING LA features faster video processing, greater image stabilization, enhanced pod command and control functions, and continuous roll for uninterrupted imaging during maneuvers
- Enhanced air and ground targeting modes offer greater accuracy and tracking under challenging conditions.
Expert:
James Conroy, vice president, electronic warfare and targeting, Northrop Grumman: “Just as the first LITENING targeting pod transformed close air support more than 20 years ago, LA’s passive targeting capabilities have the potential to change the way pilots approach combat in high-intensity conflicts. We are widening the aperture on how electro-optical/infrared targeting can contribute to mission success, with a more advanced and powerful pod.”
Details on LITENING:
LITENING LA is an electro-optical/infrared pod for targeting and surveillance that enables aircrews to detect, acquire, identify and track targets at long ranges. It enables a wide range of missions, including precision targeting, close air support, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance and humanitarian assistance.
The pod features high-resolution, digital color video and infrared sensors, datalink capability and advanced algorithms to detect, identify and engage targets from long ranges. A more powerful mission processor accelerates imaging functions and allows for future capabilities, including artificial intelligence and machine learning.
LITENING LA packages these enhanced capabilities in the same form factor as earlier versions of the pod, so aircraft on which LITENING has been integrated require no modifications. Previous versions of the pod can be upgraded to the LA configuration.
The Air Force plans to integrate LITENING LA throughout its existing aircraft inventory, as it has done since first selecting LITENING in 1999.
13 Feb 24. Cuashub.com said today that VigilantHalo C2 System for Uncrewed Airspace Introduced. In anticipation of future threats, BlueHalo has launched VigilantHalo, a software-driven integration platform tailored for real-time airspace Command-and-Control (C2). VigilantHalo’s adaptable architecture facilitates various missions such as air traffic control (ATC), beyond visual line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations, and Counter-Uncrewed Aerial Systems (C-UAS).
In addition to its national security and National Airspace System (NAS) air traffic control capabilities, VigilantHalo is a complete situational awareness solution for disaster response and critical infrastructure defense with radar and multi-sensor surveillance that can be tailored to suit specific mission and application needs and deployed to cloud, mobile, or fixed-site installations.
“Drones are rapidly evolving our national security landscape and will soon transform commerce, transportation, and many other elements of our daily lives,” said James Batt, BlueHalo Chief Growth Officer. “VigilantHalo is a critical tool for our government and industry partners to implement now in order to keep our airways and communities safe in the future.”
Featuring VigilantHalo’s integrated data processing, fusion tracker, and communications system, operators can effectively monitor and manage air traffic in diverse environments while receiving crucial internal and external system health updates. Informed by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) mesoscale predictions and weather stations, this system delivers weather-based flight path analytics services, pinpointing potential safety hazards. Powered by a custom-built state-of-the-art Sensor Data Processor (SDP), VigilantHalo seamlessly integrates various sensor types and surveillance data feeds into a tailored display to suit specific mission requirements (e.g., ATC, BVLOS, Air Defense, BMC2, Missile Defense, etc.).
BlueHalo recently unveiled VigilantHalo during a demonstration held at Camp Atterbury in Edinburgh, Indiana, attended by military leaders, state officials, and industry partners. The demonstration highlighted VigilantHalo’s capabilities in BVLOS UAS mission controls, detect and avoid (DAA) features, as well as its ability to detect and track non-cooperative or malicious UAS and counter-UAS (C-UAS) systems. VigilantHalo was showcased within a Nomad Tactical Command Vehicle during the demonstration, emphasizing its mobility, ease of integration, and adaptable nature to cater to diverse mission requirements.
“Our customers are excited about this system because it fills a giant void for complete UAS and C-UAS airspace command and control,” said Mary Clum, BlueHalo Sector President. “VigilantHalo is another example of how BlueHalo is meeting the mission with technological innovation to support our warfighters.”
https://cuashub.com/content/vigilanthalo-c2-system-for-uncrewed-airspace-introduced/?_hsmi=293905017&_hsenc=p2ANqtz—DBxa5IGyNIFSNVR6qwAKa6RuRDmYVHTZQsHYM7THugA3dkZcBLhv-6YX3u2Pmigc1gI70VtCUGlomTySLmxUXsNxsXmtqPOZ4bKUUpThyLVzFFs#utm_campaign=C-UAS%20Hub%20General&utm_medium=email&utm_content=293905017&utm_source=hs_email(Source: https://cuashub.com/)
13 Feb 24. Cuashub.com said today that CENTCOM Conducts cUAS Hackathon.
In January, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) handpicked 15 coders from various branches of the Department of Defense to participate in SANDTRAP, a “critical mission” hackathon. This event addressed data and software challenges related to countering one-way unmanned aerial systems (cUAS), a mission crucial for safeguarding U.S. and partner forces in CENTCOM’s area of responsibility. SANDTRAP was hosted as a special segment within the BRAVO series, a recurring hackathon conducted across the Department of Defense (DoD).
Throughout the week-long hackathon, the coders worked on developing prototypes to enhance the speed and accuracy of cUAS operations. By bringing coders to CENTCOM headquarters, subject matter experts could seamlessly collaborate with the hacking teams, facilitating the integration of innovative solutions and paving the way for the transition of capabilities emerging from the hackathon.
“For mission sets as critical as countering one-way UAS attacks, U.S. Central Command is committed to leveraging every talented individual, technical solution, and innovative process available. The SANDTRAP hackathon combined all three: exceptional coders, brilliant software prototypes, and a repeatable process that can give us creative solutions in the future. The Command will continue to hold hackathon events going forward that will help us get after our most critical operational problem sets,” said Schuyler Moore, Chief Technology Officer at CENTCOM.
“Our strategic approach–summarized by ‘People, Partners, and Innovation,’ is successful when we give team members a chance to bring new and creative solutions to the table,” said General Michael Erik Kurilla, CENTCOM Commander. “The SANDTRAP hackathon provided that opportunity, and future hackathons will drive better solutions to critical missions and advance data-centric warfighting for the Command.”
https://cuashub.com/content/centcom-conducts-cuas-hackathon/?_hsmi=293905017&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_Yt6eoaYGCj8Clh6sI24mh9JpxZ5ARzVd53BdeXjeBK5DilzxdVAqXhUwQnPY4wGfRanZ758hvoxcRMCV7N63dlx8u7XlwGM8TC0bkaeQSj3H3f_s#utm_campaign=C-UAS%20Hub%20General&utm_medium=email&utm_content=293905017&utm_source=hs_email (Source: https://cuashub.com/)
09 Feb 24. Senate passes FAA reauthorisation bill, assures funding for next five years. The US Senate Commerce Committee has passed the FAA Reauthorization bill (S. 1939) by a unanimous voice vote. The bipartisan legislation reauthorizes the FAA for the next five years. It includes positive regulatory updates and funding that will support advanced aviation, drones and advanced air mobility.
Passage of the bill follows the House’s passage of their FAA reauthorization bill in July 2023. AUVSI is calling on Senate leaders to swiftly schedule a full vote on the bill in the full Senate.
The Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems (AUVSI) issued a statement supporting this boost to advancing aviation and autonomy, supporting domestic investment, workforce development and fair competition in the global marketplace. It added that is provides meaningful step forward in safely integrating drones operating beyond visual line of sight and AAM aircraft into the airspace, which is crucial to allowing commercial operations to scale to new heights.
For more information visit: https://www.auvsi.org/auvsi-applauds-senate-committee-passage-faa-reauthorization-bill (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
12 Feb 24. US Army announces rapid acquisition authority contract for 600 Coyote 2C interceptors. On 9 February the US Army announced it has awarded a contract, valued at USD75 m, to RTX Corporation for production of 600 Coyote 2C interceptors to support the service’s counter-UAS mission.
The contract is part of a rapid acquisition authority that the Pentagon identified to Congress, with all actions completed in under 30 days from authorisation and receipt of funding. This allows for an expedited process to quickly acquire and field the weapons. The contract “supports a Coyote Interceptor demand increase and subsequent need to increase production capacity,” according to an Army release.
“The Coyote is a key component of the counter-UAS system of systems,” said a 9 February Army release. “It is a ground-launched, radar-guided interceptor, with kinetic and non-kinetic variants, that integrates into fixed site-low, slow, small-unmanned aircraft system integrated defeat systems and mobile-slow, small-unmanned aircraft system integrated defeat systems.”
The move is, in part, inspired by the escalating series of drone attacks on US troops deployed in the Middle East and follows statements made late last year by William LaPlante, Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, that making counter-UAS capability available at scale “[…] is an urgent issue”.
For more information: Army announces rapid acquisition authority contract for Coyote Interceptors | Article | The United States Army (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
12 Feb 24. MARSS updates Interceptor MR drone-killer, suggests deliveries can commence this year. At the World Defence Show in Saudi Arabia last week, MARSS revealed that the Interceptor MR drone, which will apparently imminently enter series production, could be delivered to customers before year end, according to social media reports.
The drone-killer has undergone considerable change since it was last seen in public, including the fitting of foldable-blade propellers to facilitate vertical take-off and increase maximum speed to some 80 km/h. That speed increase is crucial for success of the drone’s kinetic attacks, particularly against Class I targets. Further improvements include the use of titanium in critical impact areas for enhanced durability and the provision of more powerful motors.
In interviews during the show, CEO Johannes Pinl revealed that there is potential for 3D printing of components – an innovation brought about by observation of the unfolding drone war in Ukraine. This could ease and accelerate production – which will take place in both the UK and Saudi Arabia – but might reduce airframe stiffness and therefore survivability in multi-mission scenarios.
Featuring the NiDAR CORE/NiDAR C2 control system and a high-performance computing unit (which has necessitated the inclusion of an air intake to facilitate cooling), the Interceptor MR achieves a range of 5,000m and an operating altitude of up to 2,000m, according to the company. A smaller variant, dubbed Interceptor LR, is apparently intended for short-range protection of manoeuvre force assets such as armoured vehicles. Moving from prototype to series production for both devices may present challenges, but MARSS has in the past shown its ability to quickly and effectively overcome such obstacles. For more information: https://marss.com (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
12 Feb 24. Cuashub.com said today that AeroDefense and Covered 6 Establish Partnership. AeroDefense, an innovative drone detection sensor and software manufacturer, and a pioneering force in airspace security, is excited to announce a dynamic partnership with Covered 6, a leading provider of comprehensive security solutions on the West Coast. This collaboration signifies a strategic alliance focused on enhancing airspace security at high-profile events and critical environments.
The partnership harnesses AeroDefense’s state-of-the-art drone and pilot detection and location technology, AirWarden™, along with Covered 6’s extensive expertise in public safety within both government and private sectors. Covered 6’s successful deployment of the AirWarden drone detection technology at two nationally televised award shows highlights the effectiveness and reliability of the system in real-world scenarios, reinforcing the partnership’s foundation on proven results.
Covered 6 comprises a team of seasoned trainers and consultants with diverse backgrounds in law enforcement, military service, the legal community, and corporate security. Many of their cadre have honed their expertise in challenging environments, including real-life combat scenarios and major crisis management, both domestically and internationally.
AeroDefense offers both fixed and mobile drone detection solutions tailored for stadiums, airports, correctional facilities, military forces, and other critical infrastructure. At the heart of AeroDefense’s offerings is their patented Radio Frequency (RF)-based drone detection system, AirWarden™, which excels at detecting, classifying, locating, and tracking both drones and pilots simultaneously. This system provides actionable intelligence to effectively and safely respond to drone threats. AeroDefense is committed to ensuring compliance with all drone detection technology laws and regulations, underscoring their dedication to responsible and lawful use in safeguarding airspace. Headquartered in Oceanport, NJ, AeroDefense is a privately held company with all engineering, manufacturing, and support operations based in the US. To discover more about AeroDefense and AirWarden, please visit www.AeroDefense.tech.
https://cuashub.com/content/aerodefense-and-covered-6-establish-partnership/?_hsmi=293724479&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8lbcW5n-5JjZ8lsWmf0M-ql3SmIxskFTaf-qe6xmULcwtDxy0E1cxtLWXV8Q8dwdRtkSLW2PkFoVYF-xG8ngo6v5y5fT4cjXJOygIuPW-qM0PEMxc#utm_campaign=C-UAS%20Hub%20General&utm_medium=email&utm_content=293724479&utm_source=hs_email (Source: https://cuashub.com/)
12 Feb 24. Lockheed Martin and Red 6 Announce Augmented Reality Integration Progress for TF-50. New video demonstrates Lockheed Martin’s vision for TF-50 augmented reality pilot training with Red 6 technology integration
Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) and Red 6 today announced a recently completed a groundbreaking effort to integrate the latest Red 6 augmented reality (AR) training technology with a TF-50 simulator. This phase-one milestone facilitates broader evaluation of AR applications and accelerates their integration into the TF-50 aircraft design – all in support of increasing pilot readiness with the least amount of flight hours.
“This milestone demonstrates Lockheed Martin’s commitment to meeting customer needs and advancing 21st Century Security solutions through purposeful digital investments and strategic partnerships,” said OJ Sanchez, vice president and general manager, Integrated Fighter Group at Lockheed Martin. “Technology integration such as this ensures that with the TF-50, pilots have the right tools to enable faster, more efficient training for fourth and fifth generation fighter missions and beyond.”
Lockheed Martin is offering the TF-50 for upcoming, advanced fighter training programs of the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy and several international customers. The TF-50 is uniquely configured as a light attack fighter and an advanced trainer with modern enhancements. To learn more about the TF-50, visit www.lockheedmartin.com/tf-50.
“Red 6 is ushering in a new paradigm with technology that will address current production, absorption and experience challenges facing military flight training,” stated Daniel Robinson, founder and CEO of Red 6. ATARS is the technology that for the first time ever, enables a complete live virtual and constructive ecosystem in the airborne environment – from beyond visual range to within visual range. “We will continue to pursue our vision of connecting all warfighters across all domains into joint training and operational environments – all underpinned by our state-of-the-art AR technology,” continued Robinson.
Red 6 is an LM Ventures portfolio company. Since announcing their partnership, Red 6 and Lockheed Martin continue close collaboration on advanced mission training across live, virtual and constructive environments and recently announced an expanded partnership through a new Mentor-Protégé agreement. (Source: https://cuashub.com/)
12 Feb 24. Czech Defence Minister presses Israel to deliver 3D radar capability. In a visit to Israel, the Czech Defence Minister reiterated her country’s readiness to integrate the radars they purchased five years ago. During a visit to Israel on 8 February, 2024, the Czech Defence Minister Jana Černochová pressed her Israeli counterpart, Yoav Galant, to deliver the capability for the eight 3D radars her country purchased five years ago.
In December 2019, the Czech Republic signed a government-to-government agreement with Israel for the procurement of eight 3D medium-range Mobile Air Defence Radar (MADR) units from Elta Systems, a subsidiary of Israeli Aerospace Industries (IAI). The contract value was Kč3.5bn ($149.6m).
At the time, the Czech Ministry of Defence (MoD) anticipated that the new radars would be “delivered progressively and operationalised by 2023”.
The programme also included a substantial contribution from Czech industries, amounting to 30% of the contract value. The co-operation with local companies applied to all parts of the programme including design, manufacturing, assembly, integration, testing and life-time maintenance of the systems.
Certain security components were manufactured locally, including advanced Gallium Nitride radar modules, as well as auxiliary subsystems such as trucks and camouflage nets.
Although all eight 3D radars are currently in the Czech Republic, “the project has seen a delay caused primarily by technical problems on the supplier side,” the MoD recently stated.
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MADR is an advanced radar, and it is also used within the Israeli Iron Dome system. It will equip the Czech Armed Forces’ 26th Air Command, Control and Surveillance Regiment, where it will replace obsolete, Soviet-era 2K12 ‘Kub’ systems.
Due to the delay, the Czech Government needed to extend the programme as “sustainment and development of Czech Air Force capabilities” in December 2023.
Černochová discussed the complications with Minister Galant and expressed her wish that the problems be overcome for “the radars to be introduced into the Czech Armed Forces’ inventory as soon as possible.”
Israel’s ongoing war against Hamas
After underscoring the close ties between the two countries, Černochová added that “we will resume this common [military system] endeavour as soon as circumstances permit.”
Lately, the Israeli Government has been occupied with its war against the Palestinian militant group Hamas, which waged a surprise attack on Israel on 7 October, 2023. Since then, the Israel Defence Force has been attempting to stamp out the organisation in the Gaza Strip.
The Czech Republic made clear Israel’s right to defend itself while also praising the country’s steps to increase humanitarian supplies to civilians in the Strip. Czech aid is valued at several m Czech korunas in support of civilians in Gaza, as well as Israeli healthcare organisations.
The Palestinian Civil Defence in Rafah, Gaza after Israeli strikes on 17 October 2023. Credit: Shutterstock/Anas-Mohammed.
Černochová reiterated that she is undeterred in continuing to pursue greater industrial co-operation with the Israeli Government:
“The excellent political relations between our countries facilitate the strengthening of business cooperation, while combining the latest Israeli technologies and business skills with the Czech tradition of engineering and the country’s strategic location at the heart of Europe can bring outstanding achievements for both sides, including, but not limited to, the defence industry domain.”
Besides MADRs, the Central European republic has also purchased four Spyder missile defence systems in October 2021. In addition to this, the Israeli company, Elbit Systems, also plans to build a centre for manufacturing uncrewed aerial systems in the territory of the Czech Republic. (Source: army-technology.com)
09 Feb 24. Cuashub.com said today that AFDP 3-01 Counterair Operations.
Air Force Doctrine Publication (AFDP) 3-01, Counterair Operations was written by the United States Air Force (USAF).
Establishing air superiority is typically a primary objective for the Joint Forces, particularly when facing adversaries with aerial capabilities that threaten friendly forces or impede the Joint Force commanders’ (JFCs’) operational activities.
Counterair operations are crucial in securing freedom of maneuver, freedom to attack, and freedom from adversary attacks. These capabilities also serve as a deterrent, dissuading potential hostile actions by presenting a credible military threat against enemy maneuver and attack capabilities.
AFDP 3-01, Counterair Operations, draws from historical foundations and anticipates future challenges, ensuring its relevance and effectiveness. Counterair operations play a vital role in the joint functions of fires and protection, contributing to the attainment of joint force commander objectives across cooperation, competition, and conflict scenarios. The document emphasizes the need for Airmen to receive training in planning and executing operations with a distributed and decentralized approach. Additionally, Airmen should be adept at making decisions and executing missions autonomously, guided by the commander’s intent and the principles of mission command.
Publication Date– June 2023
AFDP 3-01, Counterair Operations contains the following major sections:
- Counterair Operations
- Command and Control
- Counterair Planning and Assessment
- Execution Considerations
There are no distribution limitations noted on this publicly available document.
https://cuashub.com/content/afdp-3-01-counterair-operations/?_hsmi=293461654&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8QCXU9JjgGDOruSjr2NKhWOGdSICINBBz1OVoC7miBbVE5J8U_CS251OerosrthPWwrfOVWGpB6vks38Pny_I58yRlj930iDt32_G_0Fb6x-tIkyA#utm_campaign=C-UAS%20Hub%20General&utm_medium=email&utm_content=293461654&utm_source=hs_email (Source: https://cuashub.com/)
09 Feb 24. Anduril Unveils Iris Sensor Family for Passive Airborne Imaging and Targeting.
- Iris is a family of airborne imaging and targeting sensors designed to autonomously detect and track hundreds of targets at long ranges in contested environments.
Anduril Industries is excited to announce Iris, a family of passive airborne imaging and targeting sensors with advanced technology to support a range of airborne combat applications such as infrared search and track (IRST), missile warning, visualization, and targeting. Iris is a passive sensor, meaning that it does not emit significant radiation and cannot be easily detected or disrupted when operating in contested environments.
Iris is adaptable to most aircraft, including Autonomous Air Vehicles (AAVs) and uncrewed platforms, to enable autonomous, artificial intelligence-powered image processing at the edge to detect and track hundreds of targets at long ranges. Like all Anduril products, Iris is built to be future proof. As a software-defined, hardware-enabled family of systems, Iris benefits from rapid iterations and timely software updates to continuously improve performance, adapt to new situations, and ensure that operators are able to keep pace with the speed of modern conflict.
“In a future fight, airborne systems will be faced with numerous targets and threats moving across all domains,” said Brian Schimpf, Co-Founder and CEO of Anduril Industries. “Airborne sensors must be able to rapidly and autonomously detect, track, identify, and classify each of those targets simultaneously. We built Iris with this in mind, leveraging our expertise in advanced infrared imaging technology and sensor integration that has been at the core of Anduril’s product offerings since our founding.”
Iris leverages Anduril’s proprietary and proven Computational Pixel Imager (CPI) technology that uses processors in every pixel to reduce noise and enable accurate detections at more extreme ranges than previously thought possible. That capability is facilitated by real-time AI detection and classification that autonomously identifies and tracks hundreds of objects of interest to help operators see potential targets through the noise.
“Iris builds on the success and broad adoption of WISP, our CPI-enabled long-range passive sensing solution that is now deployed for critical Counter UAS, Air Defense, and Counter Intrusion missions around the world,” said Matthew Steckman, Chief Revenue Officer at Anduril. “We are proud to offer cutting-edge performance at low cost, with scalable production that leverages novel material science and manufacturing approaches to drive affordability and competitive lead times of critical components. Like all Anduril products, Iris is backed up by our software-first mindset that ensures continuous algorithm improvements across the entire lifecycle of the platform.”
Anduril Industries will offer the Iris family of systems as a mission systems supplier to government customers and prime contractors seeking advanced airborne imaging solutions. Inherently modular and flexible, Iris offers several configurations across lens type, wavelength, and pixel image format to bring best-in-class imaging performance to any mission set. Iris is designed to be Open Mission System (OMS) compliant and leverages an adaptive and low size, weight, and power (SWaP) design that can be used on a variety of airborne platforms.
Iris is the latest addition to Anduril’s suite of advanced, software-enabled imaging and sensing capabilities and follows Anduril’s 2021 acquisition of Copious Imaging. Anduril is a leader in developing critical next-generation aerospace capabilities such as advanced sensors, autonomous vehicles, and software-defined hardware to solve the toughest challenges of U.S. and allied warfighters. (Source: ASD Network)
09 Feb 24. Safran and Nexter integrate sights on the evolving Leclerc tank. The French Directorate General of Armaments has contracted the two companies to integrate new sights on the newly digitised Leclerc XLR MBT.
In an effort to keep the Leclerc main battle tank (MBT) up to date, the French Ministry of Defence has contracted domestic industry organisations to come together to digitise the thirty-year-old platform.
France’s Directorate Gerneral of Armaments (DGA) notified Nexter – a government-owned weapons producer and subsidiary of the holding company KNDS – and Safran – a Paris-based aerospace equipment manufacturer – of the contract.
Namely, the two companies will work together to develop and integrate an ‘observation’ function to the remodeled Leclerc XLR using Safran’s PASEO sight.
Leclerc evolution
The Leclerc is a 57 tonne tracked MBT built by Nexter (previously known as Giat Industries at the time of development). It can fire arrow, explosive and canister ammunition in stationary or mobile modes.
The MBT is currently operational with the French Army and the Armed Forces of the United Arab Emirates.
A 120 millimetre (mm), 52-calibre smoothbore gun is fitted with a thermal sleeve and muzzle reference system. Fumes are exhausted with a compressed air unit.
The gun fires armour-piercing fin-stabilised discarding sabot and high-explosive anti-tank rounds and has a firing rate of 12 rounds per minute.
The latest XLR variant
In April 2021, the DGA awarded a mid-life upgrade contract to address the obsolescence of the platform and upgrade the MBTs under a programme known as ‘XLR’.
France aims to integrate the Leclerc MBT into the Scorpion programme, an initiative that seeks to replace the fighting vehicles of the French Armed Forces with platforms connected to a unified communications and battlefield management system. Ultimately, this will provide a collaborative combat capability on the battlefield.
The Safran-Nexter team’s PASEO sight integration is the latest update in this effort.
In addition, a remotely operated T2B turret equipped with a 7.62mm calibre gun supplied by Nexter’s Belgian partner and firearm company FN Herstal will be installed on the XLR to enhance its armament capabilities.
PASEO sight enhancement
These sights are the two main observation and engagement systems of the Leclerc tank, allowing the crew to detect, identify, and target an object several kilometres away before engaging it.
The optronic core of the Leclerc MBT’s weapon system will be digitised to increase the data flow and provide high-quality images in all conditions.
Notably, its legacy analogue video system will also be replaced by a digital video system while the gunner’s sight is due be modernised with latest-generation optronic sensors and new electronics.
Meanwhile, the commander’s sight will be replaced by the latest-generation PASEO sight, it is designed for panoramic observation and engagement in all conditions. OPT-Sys, another KNDS company, provides the digital monocular that serves as the interface between the tank commander and the PASEO sight.
The PASEO family already provides the same functions on the Jaguar armoured vehicle – of which Thales supplied 60 units to the DGA in 2023. (Source: army-technology.com)
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Echodyne is a U.S. designer and manufacturer of advanced commercial radar solutions for defense and national security applications. The company’s proprietary metamaterials electronically scanned array (MESA®) architecture, a rare breakthrough in advanced radar engineering, leverages a physics-design approach to adapt conventional materials and deliver unexpected and beneficial behavior. The result is a solid-state, low-SWaP unit coupled with advanced software capabilities that delivers superior radar performance and unparalleled data integrity, radically improving system performance and enhancing safety for people and machines. With leading positions in counter-UAS, force protection, base security, and portable ISR, Defense Agencies and Suppliers rely on Echodyne radar for extraordinary accuracy and consistent, reliable operation. For more information, please visit: Echodyne.com.
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