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10 Mar 24. US Army seeks suppliers of Titan and Dronebuster C-UAS systems for export to foreign partners.
The United States Army Aviation and Missile Command (AMCOM), Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, anticipates a requirement to provide Titan™ Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) in support of foreign partners.
According to a request published on the US government tender portal sam.gov:
“The contractor shall be capable of delivering at least three (3) Titan™ C-UAS systems to ensure mitigation of control, video, and navigation signals. Each system requires:
- Two (2) main Titan units with fitted cases
- One (1) User Guide
- Four (4) Smart Cards (2 primary, 2 spare)
- One (1) 2590/5590 Battery Power Cable
- One (1) 8-foot LAN cable
- One (1) 50-foot LAN cable
- One (1) GETAC user-interface tablet with AC adapter cord
- One (1) Standard Frequency Antenna – 2.4/5.8GHz receive/transmit
- One (1) Standard Frequency Antenna – GPS
- One (1) Standard Frequency Antenna – WiFi
- One (1) Extended Frequency Antenna Kit (433/868/95 MHz, 1.2GHZ receive/transmit antenna) with fitted case.
- One (1) main unit power supply
“The overall requirement includes software and machine learning upgrades, customer support and training, and a hardware warranty. On-site Operator Training with Interactive Electronic Technical Manuals (IETM), and spare parts are also required.”
AMCOM Redstone Arsenal has also issued a requirement to provide Dronebuster® Block 3/B, Block 4, and/or Block 4Fixed Site (FS), Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) equipment.
“The contractor shall be capable of delivering 20 each C-UAS systems (Dronebuster®) used to defeat Commercial Off the Shelf (COTS) drones. Each Dronebuster® Kit shall include:
One (1) Dronebuster® (Block 3B, Block 4, or Block 4FS) and the following items appropriate for the Dronebuster® version ordered:
- One (1) Combat Sling
- One (1) Battery Charger, Li-Ion
- Two (2) Batteries, Li-Ion, 7.2VDC
- One (1) User’s Manual
- One (1) Quick Reference Card
- One (1) Shipping Case
“Additional User Manuals and Quick Reference Cards may be required based on quantity of Dronebuster® Kits purchased.”
Deadline for responses to both requirement is April 5.
For more information: https://sam.gov/opp/746bfcf14e7e4574b1f762efbe115a30/view; https://sam.gov/opp/725c25f837624130954441c4c1ed816f/view
(Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
14 Mar 24. Revamped KC-46 vision system slipping into 2026, nearly two years late. The rollout of the Boeing KC-46A Pegasus tanker’s new remote vision system will likely slip into 2026, placing it nearly two years behind schedule, according to the Air Force’s top acquisition official.
Andrew Hunter, assistant secretary for acquisition, technology and logistics, told the House Armed Services subcommittee on seapower and projection forces that schedule pressures on the vision system, known as RVS 2.0, are placing in doubt the most recent goal of releasing it to the fleet by October 2025. As a result, RVS 2.0 could end up being nearly two years late.
Hunter indicated the FAA’s airworthiness certification process — the completion of which will officially close out the system’s design approval — is one of the factors again delaying RVS 2.0. Boeing and its primary subcontractor, Collins Aerospace, are the main companies working on RVS 2.0.
“There is some schedule pressure there,” Hunter told lawmakers during a March 12 hearing on the service’s proposed fiscal 2025 budget. “Depending on the completion of the FAA airworthiness certification process, I cannot guarantee you that we would be in a position to field [RVS 2.0] in ‘25. It may be ‘26 – and that is actually likely, I think it will probably field in ‘26.”
Boeing declined to comment and referred Defense News’ queries to the Air Force, which has not yet responded to follow-up questions.
RVS 2.0 will replace the KC-46′s original, troubled Remote Vision System, which does not respond quickly enough to sun and shadows and sometimes produces a distorted image. The Air Force fears that a faulty vision system could lead boom operators to accidentally damage receiving aircraft with the refueling boom.
It will use a series of sensors, screens and 4k ultrahigh-definition cameras to allow the KC-46′s boom operators a 3D, full-color picture as they guide refueling booms into receiving aircraft.
RVS 2.0 was supposed to be released in March 2024. But in October 2022, the service confirmed that schedule had slipped 19 months, largely due to supply chain problems affecting the project’s subcontractors.
Boeing said at the time that parts shortages had led to longer lead times for computing equipment and other technology needed for RVS 2.0. The FAA and Air Force’s airworthiness certification processes also were factors in that delay, Boeing and the Air Force said in 2022.
Hunter also said the KC-46 is still not completely cleared to refuel A-10 Warthog attack aircraft, due to a longstanding issue with the stiffness of its refueling boom and the A-10′s thrust.
It’s not impossible for the KC-46 to refuel an A-10, Hunter said, but “it’s not a particularly good idea to do it on a routine basis, and therefore, we don’t.”
Hunter said the Air Force has enough KC-135 Stratotankers in its fleet to safely operate A-10s wherever it needs.
Boeing is also working on a redesigned actuator for the KC-46′s boom that would allow safe refueling of the A-10.
The Office of the Director, Operational Test and Evaluation said in its fiscal 2023 annual report that the new boom actuator’s flight testing could start later this year, with flight testing of RVS 2.0 expected to start in 2025.
Hunter also told lawmakers he believes the improved video clarity of RVS 2.0 will open up new opportunities to add autonomous capabilities in the KC-46′s refueling operations. And the Air Force could introduce more autonomous capabilities in the KC-46′s cockpit to reduce the pressure on pilots, he said, who can become “task-saturated” during the “dicier” moments of the refueling process.
The Air Force expects to have 102 KC-46s in its fleet by the end of this year, and 118 by the end of 2025. The service is now on contract with Boeing for 139 KC-46s, and plans to buy 179 in all. (Source: Defense News)
14 Mar 24. Cuashub.com said today that Green Sands Exercise Prepares Troops for Overseas Threats. The United States Army Central (ARCENT) is addressing the emerging threat of unmanned aerial system attacks through its two-part Green Sands training initiative. The first part, Green Sands “CONUS” (Continental United States), conducted domestically from Feb. 9 to Mar. 5, focuses on establishing the foundation for Base Defense Operation Centers. The second phase, Green Sands “Heavy,” occurs overseas at the ARCENT Training and Readiness Center. This phase aims to train Base Defense Operation Centers (BDOC) crews for the Relief in Place/Transfer of Authority at their respective outstations in Iraq and Syria.
Green Sands training, initially conducted for the first time last year at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, integrates Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (CUAS) into BDOCs. This integration is achieved through classroom instruction, command post exercises within a BDOC setting, and a virtual live fire exercise specifically focused on CUAS.
The 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, part of the 42nd Infantry Division in the New Jersey Army National Guard, will undergo both training iterations before taking on the force protection mission for Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq and Syria in the spring of 2024.
In a Green Sands first, subject matter experts with the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), currently responsible for force protection throughout the CJTF-OIR region, provided the course instruction, relaying theater-specific lessons learned, best practices, successful counter-UAS integration techniques, and quick action drills to better equip the 44th IBCT transitioning into the region.
“Enemy UAS threaten our Soldiers, service members, and our partners in the CENTCOM AOR [United States Central Command area of responsibility],” said Lt. Gen Patrick D. Frank, USARCENT commanding general. “For the last nine months, USARCENT has implemented CENTCOM’s Green Sands Counter-UAS training initiative by preparing Base Defense Operations Centers throughout the theater through dynamic threat UAS scenarios, multiple iterations, and live fire training.”
In addition to Green Sands training, the 44th IBCT is concurrently finalizing its post-mobilization training in collaboration with the 5th Armored Brigade and 174th Infantry Brigade, guided by First Army Observer, Coach/Trainers. This comprehensive process involves a series of validations, ultimately culminating in a Mission Readiness Exercise.
The Green Sands training includes:
- Introduction to BDOC crew roles and responsibilities
- Instruction in airspace coordination, investigation process, and datalinks
- Forward Area Air Defense Command and Control (FAAD C2) and Correlated Defense System of Systems Simulation hands-on training
- Observation of a low, slow, small UAS integrated defeat system live-fire to instill confidence in kinetic systems
“As we conclude our Green Sands CONUS training, it’s evident that the skills honed here are indispensable,” said Lt. Col. Omar Minott, 44th IBCT deputy commanding officer. “Recent drone attacks underscore the critical need for this training. By mastering counter-drone techniques, we not only protect ourselves but also ensure readiness for future threats. Together, we mitigate risks and safeguard our service members’ safety and mission success.”
Apart from the Green Sands training provided by ARCENT and CENTCOM, the Joint Counter Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-sUAS) University at Fort Sill provides a two-week operator’s course. This program concentrates on the operations of the Joint C-sUAS Office evaluated C-sUAS systems.
Once complete with pre-deployment training and Green Sands Conus, the 44th IBCT BDOC crews will further test their CUAS knowledge at Green Sands Heavy overseas. Safe travels!
https://cuashub.com/content/green-sands-exercise-prepares-troops-for-overseas-threats/?_hsmi=297777275&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-86WL8nmaZW3x5uaKlhtV_tcMzSIlbNGC4ExsuaAscL7k62itrGIVOGhxYe9dnXcIe4UzGRc_3XAWzjIiFWk-3XQIYthIykQeNBFR1onCoMQFa9yyk#utm_campaign=C-UAS%20Hub%20General&utm_medium=email&utm_content=297777275&utm_source=hs_email (Source: https://cuashub.com/)
14 Mar 24. Cuashub.com said today that Echodyne Integrated into Kongsberg’s IRIS Terminal. Kongsberg Geospatial (KG), developer of the IRIS Terminal and IRIS GCS airspace deconfliction solutions, has partnered with Echodyne, the radar platform company, to accelerate and extend Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) applications. The collaboration will provide enhanced situational awareness to Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) operators by visualizing all airspace movement, cooperative and noncooperative, to ensure safe and reliable UAS operations.
IRIS Terminal, now in its second generation, has been adapted from its defense origins to the enterprise UAS sector for visualizing airspace traffic and controlling uncrewed systems in its GCS format. Ownership, cooperative, and non-cooperative traffic are all visualized inside IRIS Terminal’s multiple viewing configurations, along with useful features such as Detect-and-Avoid (DAA) sensor footprints, terrain awareness, or potential conflict warnings. Where the same aircraft produces multiple tracks (one track per sensor), IRIS Terminal’s ‘smart correlator’ feature correlates these multiple tracks into one single track to ensure the user interface (UI) remains uncluttered and the operator can focus on the work at hand.
Radar uniquely captures all airspace movement, regardless of weather or lighting conditions, and Echodyne’s patented metamaterials electronically scanned array (MESA®) radars create an exceptionally detailed picture of airspace movement. Proven in Defense and National Security markets, Echodyne’s patent-protected MESA radar extends electronically scanned array (ESA) performance to civilian security and airspace management applications at COTS (commercial off-the-shelf) price points for the first time. Adding Echodyne radars as pre-integrated components for IRIS enables Kongsberg’s customers to rapidly extend operations by combining extraordinary radar accuracy with market-leading visualization tools for managing enterprise-scale UAS operations.
“The benefits of combining market-leading data and spatial visualization capabilities with radar images showing such great detail of the airspace are enormous,” said Leo McCloskey, VP of Marketing, Echodyne. “AAM applications requiring BVLOS approvals need to present the safety case for comprehensive airspace situational awareness and this collaboration delivers that for customers.”
“We couldn’t be more driven to forge this collaboration between two UAS industry leaders and are excited about the BVLOS prospects to arise from this new relationship,” said Thomas Jimenez, Market Director for UAS at Kongsberg Geospatial. “Leveraging EchoGuard inside IRIS Terminal is truly the marriage of performance solutions to provide Electronic Observers with robust airspace deconfliction tools. Ground-based EchoGuard DAA is our starting point, and we are very excited about the potential of EchoShield and more complex onboard solutions in the near future.”
https://cuashub.com/content/echodyne-integrated-into-kongsbergs-iris-terminal/?_hsmi=297777275&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-96YD1ow5RuuzrbnNQ-hooxUJqPzIFZGLp-oHCrvpZNQtiKr8QGU38oofjddZvHFOrz7_0jesl6vMres8pl8_OBg5JPTFgJeKmBbzxIJiCCb2wLjCU#utm_campaign=C-UAS%20Hub%20General&utm_medium=email&utm_content=297777275&utm_source=hs_email (Source: https://cuashub.com/)
14 Mar 24. India Successfully Tests VSHORADS Air Defense System Against UAV Targets. India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) recently conducted a successful flight test of the Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS). The test, which took place on February 28, saw the VSHORADS missile effectively engaging high-speed unmanned aerial targets off the coast of Odisha.
The trial, conducted off Odisha’s coast, marked a pivotal moment for India’s indigenous defense technology. The VSHORADS missile, designed to counter aerial threats in close proximity, showcased its prowess in intercepting high-speed unmanned aerial targets across various scenarios.
The success of this test underscores the DRDO’s commitment to advancing India’s defense capabilities through cutting-edge research and development. With increasing threats from unmanned aerial systems, the VSHORADS test signifies a crucial step toward bolstering India’s air defense mechanism. As the nation continues to prioritize indigenous defense manufacturing, such achievements reaffirm India’s position as a formidable player on the global defense stage.
The VSHORAD, short for Very Short-Range Air Defense, is a short-range air defense system designed to protect against nearby aerial threats. Originating from India, it is classified as both a Short-Range Air Defense (SHORAD) system and a man-portable air defense system (MANPADS).
Characterized by its lightweight and portability, the VSHORADS weighs approximately 20.5 kg and measures 2 meters in length. With a diameter of 90 mm and a wingspan of 32 cm, it is designed for easy transport and deployment in the field. Its propulsion system is powered by a dual-thrust rocket motor, allowing it to reach a maximum speed of Mach 1.5. Its operational range extends from 250 meters to 7 kilometers, with a maximum flight altitude of 3,500 meters.
The VSHORADS is equipped with a dual-band infrared imaging guidance system, allowing it to detect and track aerial targets with precision. Its detonation mechanism relies on an adaptive proximity fuze, ensuring maximum effectiveness upon impact. This system can be launched from a tripod or weapon platform, providing operational flexibility in various environments.
The success of the VSHORADS test against high-speed unmanned aerial targets off the coast of Odisha represents a significant milestone in India’s quest for self-reliance in defense technology. It paves the way for further advancements in air defense systems, ensuring the safeguarding of Indian airspace against emerging threats.
Photo: The VSHORADS missile, designed to counter aerial threats in close proximity, showcased its prowess in intercepting high-speed unmanned aerial targets – DRDO
(Source: UAS VISION/Army Recognition)
14 Mar 24. Cuashub.com said today that Oklahoma National Guard Leans Forward With Technology Training. The Oklahoma National Guard (OKNG), in coordination with multiple industry partners from across the state, carried out a test showcasing the advanced capabilities of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) at Camp Gruber Training Center on February 22, 2024, the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS) recently reported.
This initiative underscores the National Guard’s commitment to adapting to evolving battlefield technologies, which include integrating artificial intelligence and countering unmanned systems threats, among numerous other emerging technologies.
The primary objective of this program is to prepare and train the OKNG alongside civilian aerospace industry experts and local partners to bolster mission readiness in future aviation and aerospace technologies.
The program is a collaborative platform involving military, civilian, and academic entities. Initiatives such as the counter-UAS and drone school aim to strengthen the readiness and capability of the OKNG to address both domestic and military contingencies in a dynamic environment.
“There’s so much aviation industry that’s coming to Oklahoma, if not already here,” said Brig. Gen. Colby Wyatt, director of the joint staff, Oklahoma National Guard. “It’s a matter of tapping into some of those industries and finding out what it is that they’re doing.”
“Being a former infantryman, they need to know how to survive on the battlefield with something like the new technologies that are coming out,” said Wyatt. “As we work on the minor things, we’re looking for solutions to counter and protect our Soldiers on the battlefield.”
The collaboration at CGTC involved industry partners from various organizations, including the Oklahoma Aerospace Institute for Research and Education (OAIRE), Oklahoma Aerospace and Aeronautics Commission, Oklahoma Department of Commerce, Office of Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD R&E), and the FutureG program.
“Oklahoma has a really rich aviation history, and we’ve got the academic and federal partners here that are leading that beyond-visual-line-of-sight capability and advanced air mobility testing environment,” said Col. Shane Riley, director of military support, Oklahoma National Guard. “They’re looking for those Soldier touchpoint resources to help develop that architecture out—and we, the Oklahoma National Guard, have those capabilities.”
Riley emphasizes that the mission of the National Guard requires close coordination and relationship building to ensure readiness for both natural disasters and potential future battlefields.
“Unique missions that the National Guard has is our domestic response capability,” said Riley. “And what we are seeing out there in the interagency environment today–police departments, fire departments, the power company–are all starting to use drones and unmanned systems to do critical functions.”
The OKNG has a dual mission: supporting interagency responses to serve the people of Oklahoma and collaborating with local civilian and academic agencies in the rapidly evolving industry. Through these collaborations, the OKNG aims to enhance its readiness and capabilities, ensuring a more effective response in times of need.
https://cuashub.com/content/oklahoma-national-guard-leans-forward-with-technology-training/?_hsmi=297970005&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_4RP2leh_KYvmbASDl44OmkBnsujZ2qFzdb7bFNJXlxLtXOKozO41yJVQISXLs0yfRjUCkUE1fWy4h3jNy4FUTTbbQ6DCL2eO3UE2qGk8U4xssHn8#utm_campaign=C-UAS%20Hub%20General&utm_medium=email&utm_content=297970005&utm_source=hs_email (Source: https://cuashub.com/)
13 Mar 24. Lockheed Martin UK supports British Army demonstration of UK technologies at multinational experimentation event. Lockheed Martin has showcased UK sovereign technologies developed by British engineers in support of the British Army’s participation in ‘Project Convergence,’ an event held over the last few weeks to demonstrate next-generation deterrence technologies to an international audience in the United States.
SkyKeeper, a Battlespace Management Command and Control system developed in Ampthill, Bedfordshire, and Indago 4, a TIQUILA programme uncrewed air system (UAS) developed by Skunk Works engineers and containing advanced surveillance technology developed by engineers in Havant, Hampshire were demonstrated to key allies including Australia, France, Japan, New Zealand and the U.S. by the British Army, supported by Lockheed Martin technicians from both locations.
Paul Livingston, Chief Executive, Lockheed Martin UK said: “This event offers an opportunity to show how home-grown UK defence technologies can address lessons currently being learned in Ukraine, while helping our international allies develop and integrate advanced capabilities for multi-domain operations.”
SkyKeeper is an evolution of the British Army’s in-service Land Environment Air Picture Provision (LEAPP) capability, which has been deployed with the British Army during both the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts and has also been used to help protect the British public and dignitaries at high-profile global events hosted in the UK, including COP26 and G7 Summits. LEAPP has recently gone through an upgrade programme which enables it to communicate via Link 16, allowing enhanced situational awareness data sharing among NATO and allied nations.
“Project Convergence (PC) is an excellent opportunity to experiment with new concepts and de-risk future capabilities alongside allied partners. As part of our presence at PC, we have demonstrated LEAPP in a box, showcasing how the system can be adapted for greater flexibility, mobility, and agility. Iterative development of LEAPP is enabling 7 Air Defence Group to sustain a military advantage of this critical capability against an ever-evolving threat landscape,” said Colonel Chris Coton, Commander 7 Air Defence Group.
Lockheed Martin was also invited by the British Army to integrate TIQUILA with Project ZODIAC. Project ZODIAC is transforming how the Army undertakes data-led decision making in the land environment to gain operational advantage and is committed to integrating all battlefield sensor capabilities including new capability delivered by the TIQUILA UAS programme.
Indago 4, one of the small uncrewed air systems which forms part of the UK’s TIQUILA intelligence, surveillance, tracking and reconnaissance UAS programme, took to the skies during Project Convergence. TIQUILA UAS features sophisticated targeting, and automated target and threat recognition, enabled by the latest artificial intelligence technology.
13 Mar 24. Qatari land forces display Boxer with counter-UAV capability. The Qatar Emiri Land Forces (QELF) stand at the DIMDEX 2024 show held in Doha from 4 to 6 March included a Boxer 8×8 armoured vehicle that has been modified to enable it to shoot down small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). A Qatari general told Janes that his service is in the process of receiving 10 of the specially modified Boxers. The Boxer was armed with the RCT30 unmanned turret, the standard armament on the German Army’s Puma tracked infantry fighting vehicle (IFV), but also fitted with what a representative of the Franco-German company KNDS described as a passive radio frequency sensor. He said that this can identify the locations of common types of commercial drones in the vicinity of the vehicle but did not go into detail about how it works. (Source: Janes)
11 Mar 24. DIMDEX 2024: Iran reveals details of airborne synthetic aperture radar. Iran displayed a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) that it has developed for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) during the DIMDEX 2024 show held in Doha from 4 to 6 March.
The SAR has a monopulse flat-plate slotted-array antenna and was labelled as both the S-811 and S-813, with Iranian officials refusing to identify which one it was.
An Arabic-language brochure provided details of both types, saying they can provide high-resolution images at long ranges in all light and weather conditions. It also claimed they have ground moving target indicator (GMTI) and micro-motion target indication (MMTI) modes.
Weighing 40 kg and drawing 500 W of power, the S-811 is the smaller one and was said to have a maximum detection range of 40 km, a resolution of 1 or 2 m, and a swath width of 1–5 km. (Source: Janes)
11 Mar 24. AVT’s CM234 Gimbal Designed for TUAS Missions.
Incorporating high-quality imagery and four-axis stabilisation in less than 6.6kg, the CM234 from AVT Australia delivers the highest performance of imaging capabilities for the lowest SWaP in its class.
The CM234 gimbal combines seven sensor configurations in a compact gyro-stabilised imaging system weighing just under 6.6kg. With four-axis active stabilisation, the CM234 offers greater accuracy in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) and target acquisition operations while providing superior situational awareness to operators.
The CM234 delivers innovative and powerful imaging technology that is ideal for a range of current and future tactical uncrewed aircraft system (TUAS) missions.
Accurate detection and identification – The CM234 combines seven sensors in a compact, four-axis payload. With 4-axis mechanical stabilisation, the CM234 delivers highly accurate detection and identification of an object at maximum zoom, facilitating long-range DRI and allowing the operator to maintain a safe stand-off distance.
Long-range ISR capabilities – The CM234 includes two HD EO sensors, one MWIR sensor, one SWIR sensor, a laser range finder, a laser target designator, and a laser pointer all in one lightweight package. The system also offers advanced mechanical and electronic stabilisation, object tracking, and geo-referencing capabilities to excel across mission sets.
Long-Endurance Operation – On-board video encoding and processing minimises additional hardware to keep the total payload weight under 6.6kg. This extends flight time and delivers enhanced video for operators to facilitate maximum operation.
The CM234 epitomises cutting-edge technology with its compact design and array of sensor capabilities and laser payloads. Delivering unmatched performance in a small size, weight, and power package, the CM234 sets a new standard for precision and versatility in surveillance and reconnaissance systems. (Source: UAS VISION)
09 Mar 24. Central Command’s Kurilla eyes drone-countering lasers for Middle East. Development and deployment of directed-energy weapons would enhance defense across the Greater Middle East, where Iran-backed militants are targeting U.S. troops with missiles and explosive drones, according to the leader of U.S. Central Command.
Army Gen. Michael Kurilla told lawmakers on March 7 that he would “love” to have the Navy deploy more directed-energy arms capable of downing drones. Having supplemental directed energy on hand, he added, would also mean expending fewer U.S. missiles, which can cost ms of dollars a pop. Iranian drones being funnelled to extremist groups can cost thousands of dollars each.
“The bigger concern is if you start talking about swarms. We need to continue to invest in things like high-power microwave to be able to counter a drone swarm that is coming at you,” Kurilla said during the Senate Armed Services Committee hearing in Washington. “Nothing is 100%. At some point the law of statistics will come up. You have to have a layered defense.”
High-energy lasers and microwave weapons are capable of zapping overhead threats in ways dissimilar to traditional munitions and at a fraction of the cost. Lasers can fire at the speed of light and punch holes through material, while microwaves can fry electronics at a distance, rendering tech obsolete. Both are considered a critical element of layered defense, or having multiple countermeasures ready to thwart different threats in different situations.
The Defense Department has for decades pitched money into directed-energy weapons, an average $1 bn annually in the past three years, according to the Government Accountability Office, a federal watchdog.
At least 31 directed-energy initiatives are underway across the department, with some more mature than others. Among them are Lockheed Martin’s High Energy Laser with Integrated Optical-dazzler and Surveillance, or HELIOS, installed aboard the Navy destroyer Preble in 2022, and Epirus’ Leonidas, delivered to the Army in 2023 in furtherance of its Indirect Fire Protection Capability.
Bringing such systems to fruition — let alone mass production — has proven tricky. Aside from their technological complexity, laser- and microwave-based weaponry demand precious components and materials such as germanium and gallium.
Kurilla on Wednesday said the Army “sent us some directed-energy mobile short-range air defense” that are being experimented with. He provided no details about initial results. The service dispatched four Stryker-mounted 50-kilowatt laser prototypes in February, Breaking Defense reported.
Militants across the Greater Middle East have in recent months conducted more than 175 attacks on U.S. and allied forces. A drone strike in Jordan, at the Tower 22 installation near al-Tanf garrison, killed three troops in January. A Houthi missile attack on a commercial ship in the Gulf of Aden this month killed three crew members, as well, and forced an evacuation of the vessel.
“This is not the same central region as last year,” Kurilla said. “Iran’s expansive network of proxies is equipped with advanced, sophisticated weaponry, and threatens some of the most vital terrain in the world with global and U.S. implications.” (Source: Defense News Early Bird/Military Times)
11 Mar 24. Cuashub.com said today that AeroDefense Accelerates Drone Detection Network Development. Last week, AeroDefense announced that the company had received a Tactical Funding Increase (TACFI) contract valued at $1,794,999.96 from AFWERX. This contract is dedicated to advancing AirWarden’s Collaborative Drone Detection Network (CoDDN), specifically addressing critical challenges within the Department of the Air Force (DAF). Representing cutting-edge technology, this development signifies a noteworthy achievement in airspace security. CoDDN facilitates seamless collaboration among various Department of Defense (DOD), state, and local entities, fostering enhanced situational awareness and a swift, unified response to unauthorized drone activities.
In 2022, AeroDefense successfully concluded an AFWERX Direct to Phase II (D2P2) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract. This collaborative effort included commitments from two wings stationed at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (JBMDL), aimed at adapting the company’s permanently installed drone detection sensors for increased mobility and military deployment.
Network Will Expand the Sharing of Sensor Data
AirWarden’s sensors operate as an exclusive network solely accessible to the system owner. The development of the CoDDN extends the capabilities established in the D2P2, facilitating connectivity among different types of AirWarden detection equipment and fostering collaboration among diverse agencies and units. Essentially, end users from various agencies and units can share detection and sensor data, enabling a cooperative response to shared threat intelligence in a secure and controlled manner.
As an integral component of the CoDDN initiative to assess connectivity among previously independent sensor systems, JBMDL is set to deploy fixed sensor systems at McGuire Air Force Base and the adjacent Fort Dix, the largest federal prison in the United States. In addition, JBMDL will extend protection to Lakehurst, the naval component of the base. Spanning over twenty miles from east to west, the base houses more than eighty mission partners and 40 mission commanders. With an expanded drone detection coverage incorporating a collaborative platform, JBMDL enhances its airspace awareness and streamlines joint responses to drone threats.
The Air Force Research Laboratory and AFWERX have collaborated to streamline the SBIR and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) process. This partnership aims to enhance the small business experience by expediting proposal-to-award timelines, broadening opportunities for small businesses, and eliminating bureaucratic overhead through ongoing improvements in contract execution processes.
In 2018, the DAF introduced the Open Topic SBIR/STTR program, expanding the spectrum of innovations funded by the DAF. On September 13, 2023, AeroDefense continued its journey, which commenced in 2020 with the original SBIR award, to develop and deliver innovative capabilities contributing to the strengthening of the national defense of the United States of America.
https://cuashub.com/content/aerodefense-accelerates-drone-detection-network-development/?_hsmi=297657970&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8WokhmoEM7AexK5wl_SfzSLA0qljUlcAxOPfCpILghfgA-Ky9zX3FUK8s6KJD-AxPEN6ZVAx1Yt4f1j1waSGbXnND9a_4h96aOwj_nOVL6lx16x5w#utm_campaign=C-UAS%20Hub%20General&utm_medium=email&utm_content=297657970&utm_source=hs_email(Source: https://cuashub.com/)
11 Mar 24. Cuashub.com said today that Edgesource Releases Whitepaper on AeroScope Upgrade Module.
Last week, Edgesource released an informative whitepaper on the recently released AeroScope upgrade module to provide consumers with much-needed information for consideration.
The AeroScope is a comprehensive DJI-specific drone detection platform that rapidly identifies UAV communication links, gathering real-time information such as flight status, paths, and other information. This monitoring data stream helps users make an informed threat assessment of drone pilots and drone activities.
To recap, DJI pulled their popular AeroScope product from their website last year. This move followed rumors that the company would no longer manufacture the product.
In the latter part of 2023, the company introduced updated AeroScope firmware and dispatched hardware “upgrade modules” to their dealers for customer distribution.
This whitepaper presents an overview of security risks and considerations related to the AeroScope system, the upgrade module, and DJI drones. The document elaborates on the functionality of a DJI drone system and its interactions with AeroScope.
The whitepaper can be found on Edgesource’s website at the following: Edgesource AeroScope Whitepaper. The link can also be found at the bottom of this page. The paper was created in collaboration with Steve Tisseyre of Aerial Defence, Ltd., David Kovar of URSA, Inc., and Mario Behn of NATO NCIA.
https://cuashub.com/content/edgesource-releases-whitepaper-on-aeroscope-upgrade-module/?_hsmi=297657970&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_bsUekHrISA20vzDUjBcMFzeQw3IFuQVLX98rxh_Nbzi_6UsqR5fiEg66ueNMfyP5DvBYqtgw9RkDWYVZM6o4XvSEKy2TIJUJRLLa0gFK0WO9Rut0#utm_campaign=C-UAS%20Hub%20General&utm_medium=email&utm_content=297657970&utm_source=hs_email (Source: https://cuashub.com/)
11 Mar 24. Cuashub.com said today that CENTCOM Commander: Invest in High Power Microwave. On March 7th, General Michael E. Kurilla, Commander of United States Central Command (CENTCOM), testified before the United States Senate Armed Services Committee. He was accompanied by General Michael E. Langley, Commander of United States Africa Command (AFRICOM).
During his testimony, General Kurilla responded to a question from Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) regarding the ability of “small, cheap drones to swarm and to strike targets because of their number and because of the difficulty of detecting them…”
Gen. Kurilla- Invest in High Power Microwave
Kurilla acknowledged that small drones are one of the top threats because they are inexpensive, precision-guided weapons. Kurilla explained, “The bigger concern is if you start talking about swarms. Swarms, so we need to continue to invest in things like high powered microwave to be able to counter a drone swarm that is coming at you.
General Kurilla continued, “But when you look at things like the Coyote missile has been very effective. I mean, nothing is 100 percent. And at some point, the law of statistics will come up to you. You have to have a layered defense. And there are — certain systems cost more than others. What we want to get to also is directed energy, where it costs a dollar or $2 a round. We do have those right now in the Middle East that the Army has provided us.”
Earlier in his testimony before the Armed Services Committee, General Kurilla mentioned the layered defense concept and the need for effective but less expensive drone defense options, “So, we do want to get. It’s a layered defense, whether that’s on a ship or it’s on a base. We do have directed energy. The Army’s transformation and contact forward, they’ve sent us some directed energy, mobile, short-range air defense that we are experimenting with right now over in the Middle East. I would love to have the Navy produce more directed energy that can shoot down a drone so I don’t have to use an expensive missile to shoot it down. But what’s worse than not having that expensive missile shoot it down is hitting that $2bn ship with 300 sailors on it.”
CENTCOM Shoots Down Almost 30 Drones on March 9th
Following the testimony from General Kurilla, CENTCOM reported a busy weekend protecting freedom of navigation in the Red Sea area. Between the hours of 4:00 a.m. and 8:20 a.m. (Sanaa time), Iranian-backed Houthi terrorists conducted a large-scale uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) attack on maritime assets in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
CENTCOM and coalition forces identified the one-way attack (OWA) UAVs and determined that they presented an imminent threat to merchant vessels, U.S. Navy, and coalition ships in the region. U.S. Navy vessels and aircraft, along with multiple coalition navy ships and aircraft, shot down 28 OWA UAVs. There were no reports of damage to commercial ships or U.S. Navy or coalition ships.
These actions followed a deadly week in the Red Sea when an anti-ship ballistic missile launched from terrorist-controlled areas of Yemen struck the M/V True Confidence, a Barbados-flagged, Liberian-owned bulk carrier transiting the Gulf of Aden. The missile impacted the vessel, resulting in three fatalities from the multinational crew, at least four injuries—three of which are in critical condition—and substantial damage to the ship.
https://cuashub.com/content/centcom-commander-invest-in-high-power-microwave/?_hsmi=297657970&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-89kOyiZSDNxhMwLcJzV3qpjdukE9L0X1R_KGPnRZWsYJBX9q0K3XmQDYlKNoC2lPDN5foZmdTJ3HCm9ERs7D4IaBRYEzmFqo_sgKqn7rFM0MXFlk4#utm_campaign=C-UAS%20Hub%20General&utm_medium=email&utm_content=297657970&utm_source=hs_email(Source: https://cuashub.com/)
08 Mar 24. Cuashub.com said today that Counter-Drone Technology: A Review. Counter-Drone Technology: A Review is a research paper by Higinio González-Jorge, Enrique Aldao, Gabriel-Fontenla-Carrera, Fernando Veiga-López, Eduardo Balvis and Eduardo Ríos-Otero.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), commonly called drones, have witnessed a substantial increase in their application across civilian and military domains due to their versatility and cost-effectiveness. Nevertheless, this technology’s irresponsible use or malicious operation poses potential risks to public safety and individual privacy. Counter-drone systems have been developed in response to this threat, encompassing technologies for detecting, positioning, and neutralizing these UAVs. This paper reviews various commercial counter-drone systems, exploring the technologies behind detection, tracking, and classification and the soft and hard kill mitigation strategies.
Publication Date– February 2024
Counter-Drone Technology: A Review contains the following major sections:
- Introduction
- Commercial counter drone solutions
- Technology behind detection, tracking and identification
- Technology behind mitigation
- Conclusion
This is an open-access article distributed under the Creative Commons
Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
C-UAS Hub does not own this content and provides a link for users at the bottom of the page to access it in its original location. This allows the author(s) to track important article metrics related to their work. All credit goes to its rightful owner.
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08 Mar 24. Cuashub.com said today that Combining Spectrum Imagery using Machine Learning. Combining Visible and Infrared Spectrum Imagery using Machine Learning for Small Unmanned Aerial System Detection is a research paper by Vinicius G. Goecks, Grayson Woods, and John Valasek of Texas A&M.
The demand for technology and solutions to counter commercially available small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) is on the rise. Advances in machine learning and deep neural networks for object detection, combined with the reduced cost and power requirements of cameras, have paved the way for promising vision-based solutions in sUAS detection. However, relying solely on the visible spectrum has posed reliability challenges in low-contrast scenarios, such as when sUAS fly beneath the treeline or against bright light sources. As an alternative, utilizing long-wave infrared (LWIR) sensors, which capture the relatively high heat signatures emitted by sUAS during flight, can generate images that effectively distinguish the sUAS from its background.
Nonetheless, compared to the readily accessible visible spectrum sensors, LWIR sensors exhibit lower resolution and may generate increased false positives when subjected to heat sources like birds. This research suggests a solution by combining the strengths of LWIR and visible spectrum sensors through machine learning for the vision-based detection of small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS). By leveraging the heightened background contrast provided by the LWIR sensor and synchronizing it with the relatively enhanced resolution of the visible spectrum sensor, a deep learning model was trained to detect sUAS even in challenging environments.
Publication Date– April 2020
Combining Visible and Infrared Spectrum Imagery using Machine Learning for Small Unmanned Aerial System Detection contains the following major sections:
- Introduction
- Related Work
- Methods
- Results and Discussion
- Conclusion
- Limitations and Future Work
There are no noted distribution limitations of this document. C-UAS Hub does not own this content and provides a link for users at the bottom of the page to access it in its original location. This allows the author(s) to track important article metrics related to their work. All credit goes to its rightful owner.
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08 Mar 24. Cuashub.com said today that Questions to Ask When Researching Counter-UAS Systems. Questions to Ask When Researching Counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Counter-UAS) is a public domain document authored by the Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate (DHS S&T).
This document was authored for Department of Homeland Security components and other entities with counter-UAS authorities to build a more comprehensive understanding of the nuances, capabilities, and limitations of counter-UAS or counter-drone detection technologies. These questions do not address the legal authorities required to operate drone detection and mitigation technologies.
For additional information regarding legal authorities in the United States, please visit Advisory on the Application of Federal Laws to the Acquisition and Use of Technology to Detect and Mitigate Unmanned Aircraft Systems.
Questions to Ask When Researching Counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems contains the following major sections:
- General C-UAS
- Radar Sensor
- Passive Radio Frequency Sensor
- Electro-Optical/Infrared Sensor
- Acoustic Sensor
This is a public domain document. It can be downloaded through the link at the bottom of this page.
Use the information from this document to check out the products and services on C-UAS Hub and ask questions of the knowledgeable and experienced companies found on the website.
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08 Mar 24. Northrop Grumman, AIDC seek to upgrade Taiwan E-2K fleet. Northrop Grumman and Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation (AIDC) have announced a partnership to collaborate on a possible upgrade of Taiwan’s Northrop Grumman E-2K Hawkeye airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) fleet.
According to AIDC, the Republic of China Air Force (RoCAF) requires a strengthening of its reconnaissance, search, and early warning capabilities to offset the growing obsolescence of its E-2K fleet. Janes assesses that any proposed upgrade will seek to improve the existing E-2Ks to the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye standard.
AIDC describes the RoCAF’s E-2K force as “an important player” in Taiwan’s airspace defence, as the aircraft is used to provide “aerial surveillance and command-and-control functions” while “effectively monitoring the surrounding airspace and identifying enemies”.
“The aircraft and [its ability to] provide tactical guidance are of great importance to maintaining Taiwan’s national security and defensive airspace,” AIDC said. “As the [E-2K’s] service life increases, if [Taiwan] can purchase new E-2D aircraft in the future and upgrade the E-2K fleet to the latest configuration, it will strengthen the air force’s reconnaissance, search, and early warning capabilities.”
An upgrade will also “facilitate fleet management and solve the problem of disappearing business sources”, AIDC added.
AIDC and Northrop Grumman said they signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on 23 February at the 2024 Singapore Airshow to support possible future upgrade plans for the E-2K.
Janice Zilch, vice-president, multi-domain command and control (MDC2) programmes, Northrop Grumman, told Janes on 7 March that the MOU “establishes a partnership between Northrop Grumman and AIDC as we jointly seek opportunities to support Taiwan’s requirements for the future of their E-2K fleet, whether acquisitions or upgrades”. (Source: Janes)
08 Mar 24. US Army Selects Anduril and Palantir to Deliver TITAN Deep Sensing Capability for Long Range Fires. Anduril Industries announced today that the company is part of the team selected by the Army to develop and manufacture the Tactical Intelligence Targeting Access Node (TITAN) ground station system, the Army’s next-generation deep-sensing capability. The industry-defining team, led by Palantir Technologies, is made up of the nation’s leading traditional and non-traditional contractors. Under the partnership, Anduril will spearhead hardware design, development, and scaled manufacturing across 10 TITAN vehicles.
TITAN is a vehicle-mounted expeditionary ground station that will accelerate and simplify the Army’s ability to access and process massive volumes of Space, High Altitude, Aerial, and Terrestrial sensors to provide actionable targeting information for enhanced mission command and long range precision fires. TITAN will reduce sensor-to-shooter timelines by enhancing the automation of target recognition and geolocation from multiple sensors, updating the common intelligence picture that brings actionable targeting information to the tactical edge.
“Winning wars of the future is about software-defined, hardware-enabled capability. We have significant expertise in delivering flexible, modular, and expeditionary C4 solutions, and we are proud to partner with Palantir to deliver a highly capable, ruggedized, usable, and integrated solution that will enhance precision on the battlefield,” said Tom Keane, Senior Vice President of Engineering at Anduril. “TITAN is purpose-built for software and comes equipped with the required power, communications, cooling, and compute infrastructure to handle the most intense software workloads while optimizing for ease of operation. With extensive experience developing and manufacturing software-defined hardware systems for austere environments, we look forward to leveraging advanced design, engineering, and manufacturing approaches for the next tranche of vehicle systems, building on the techniques that enabled us to deliver the initial TITAN prototype in months. By leveraging commercial manufacturing best practices, as well as prior expertise delivering thousands of software-defined, hardware-enabled systems through full-rate production, Anduril stands ready to produce TITAN at scale.”
During the previous Competitive Prototyping Phase, Anduril spearheaded the design and manufacturing of a full working prototype vehicle. That prototype underwent rigorous testing during a five-month evaluation period to assess the system’s technical performance and usability across a series of test events replicating relevant operational scenarios. Those soldier touchpoints involved a combination of manned, overhead, and ground based ISR platforms spanning joint service technologies, validating system performance in fusing sensor data from disparate sources at the tactical edge.
Anduril is part of a broader team made up of the nation’s best traditional and non-traditional contractors that share the Army’s imperative to build continuously evolving and innovative systems. By emphasizing openness, interoperability, and modularity, the team will deliver modern capabilities to the warfighter at rapid speeds. This best-in-class offering is scalable, adaptable, and designed for the needs of a rapidly evolving threat environment. (Source: ASD Network)
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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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