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05 Apr 24. HENSOLDT Singapore enters into strategic collaboration with HTX to develop the Next-Generation Rapid Deployable CUAS System for Urban Security. HENSOLDT, a leading sensor solution provider, announces its collaboration with Singapore’s HTX (Home Team Science and Technology Agency), to drive the advancement of Rapid Deployable Counter UAV Systems (CUAS) for urban environment. This collaboration is a response to the ever-increasing threat posed by over-the-counter drones. Combining HENSOLDT Singapore’s specialized software expertise, system integration skills, and operational insights from HTX, the collaboration aims to deliver an integrated solution that meets the unique demands of an urban environment.
The Rapid Deployable CUAS system, a key outcome of this partnership, incorporates HENSOLDT’s Z:ASSESS software and state-of-the-art Multi-Sensors Data Fusion (MSDF). The system is built on an extremely modular and scalable concept, includes Surveillance Radar, EO/IR cameras, Jammer and allowing seamless integration of additional sensors to enhance its capabilities. This CUAS suite is designed to provide real-time threat detection and mapping, offering users a comprehensive view of identified threats overlaid on chosen zones. The system is showcased for the first time at the HTX Pavilion at Milipol Asia-Pacific–TechX Summit 2024.
The collaboration illustrates the high level of cooperation between HENSOLDT Singapore and HTX. “This is only the beginning of such strategic partnerships between the HTX Singapore and HENSOLDT Singapore. We look forward to expanding this relationship in the near future”, says Ines Maiwald, Head of Business Development Asia at HENSOLDT.
“The collaboration aims to address the unique challenges presented by urban environments, providing an effective solution for CUAS in Singapore”, says Dr. Ben Soon, Senior Principal Engineer from HTX, who played a crucial role in architecting the system’s design.
HENSOLDT Singapore has previously demonstrated its expertise in drone defense through its CUAS system. This collaboration with HTX signifies a shared commitment to advancing security measures and responding proactively to evolving threats. The CUAS system is not only intended for permanent deployment but also for temporary protection during major events, showcasing its versatility and adaptability.
The collaboration also represents a significant step in addressing the complex security landscape associated with unmanned aerial systems in urban areas. This joint effort is poised to set new standards for CUAS technology, contributing to enhanced security and protection against emerging threats.
04 Apr 24. Vuzix Receives New Additional Orders from Two Aerospace Defense Firms to Further Develop Their Waveguide-based Display Solutions. Vuzix® Corporation (NASDAQ: VUZI), (“Vuzix” or, the “Company”), a leading supplier of smart glasses and Augmented Reality (AR) technology and products, announced it has received new additional orders from two aerospace and defense firms to further develop and deliver waveguide-based display solutions in 2024.
The first, a new order from a global Tier-1 aerospace and defense firm, involves the development of new head mounted display (HMD) technology for military aircraft. The customized HMD waveguide and HD display engine development program with this customer has continued to expand and move toward eventual production. Vuzix has previously completed multiple stages of product development and refinement with this partner.
Vuzix has also received a new follow-on order for further development of a lightweight heads-up display (HUD) replacement for technologies previously supplied by a China-based company. This order was received from a US-based company that is a leader in technologically advanced and intelligent solutions for the global aerospace and defense industry. This customer is the incumbent supplier for several existing programs and has turned to Vuzix as a US-based manufacturer of waveguide and display technologies.
“We continue to design and further develop next generation waveguide-based display solutions for these large aerospace and defense players as they pursue multiple production opportunities,” said Paul Travers, President and CEO of Vuzix. “As the only US-based manufacturer of waveguides, we look forward to announcing further developments with the many defense firms with which we are already engaged.”
About Vuzix Corporation
Vuzix is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of Smart Glasses and Augmented Reality (AR) technologies and products for the enterprise, medical, defense and consumer markets. The Company’s products include head-mounted smart personal display and wearable computing devices that offer users a portable high-quality viewing experience, provide solutions for mobility, wearable displays and augmented reality, as well OEM waveguide optical components and display engines. Vuzix holds more than 350 patents and patents pending and numerous IP licenses in the fields of optics, head-mounted displays, and augmented reality Video Eyewear field. Moviynt, an SAP Certified ERP SaaS logistics solution provider, is a Vuzix wholly owned subsidiary. The Company has won Consumer Electronics Show (or CES) awards for innovation for the years 2005 to 2024 and several wireless technology innovation awards among others. Founded in 1997, Vuzix is a public company (NASDAQ: VUZI) with offices in: Rochester, NY; Munich, Germany; and Kyoto and Tokyo, Japan. (Source: PR Newswire)
04 Apr 24. Edge Group and Indra form JV to target non-Nato, non-EU radar sales. The collaboration is expected to enhance the companies’ capabilities in delivering advanced radar systems for air, land, and sea applications.
Edge Group and Spain’s Indra Sistemas announced on 4 March, 2024, the establishment of a new joint venture (JV) based in Abu Dhabi.
The partnership, signed by EDGE’s Managing Director & CEO, Hamad Al Marar, and Indra’s CEO, Jose Vicente de los Mozos, in Madrid, focuses on developing and manufacturing next-generation radar systems.
The collaboration is expected to enhance the companies’ capabilities in delivering advanced radar systems for air, land, and sea applications.
The partnership intends to leverage the Edge’s commercial position and Indra’s technological capabilities to for research and design and expand market presence purposes, particularly in untapped non-Nato areas outside the European Union.
It also aims to contribute to the technological advancement and economic growth of both the UAE and Spain, by building a skilled team in the UAE, leveraging local and global talent in sales and engineering roles.
The joint venture will focus on the development of new technologies and global market expansion, transferring technology and shifting some of Indra’s engineering, commercial, and manufacturing capabilities to the new entity.
Indra’s involvement is projected to fast-track the technological and commercial progression of its radar business to meet its strategic plan objectives for growth in international markets.
Officials from both companies expressed optimism about the joint venture’s potential to become a leading force in the radar technology sector.
H.E. Faisal Al Bannai, chairman of Edge Group, said: “Our new joint venture with Indra, as a global market leader in the field of advanced radar technologies, will enable us to combine the strengths of both companies to create an entity which will become a major industry-player in this sector.”
Marc Murtra, chairman of Indra, said: “This agreement between the two companies can create one of the world’s leading players in the field of radar technology and is a step forward in Indra’s international expansion strategy.
“With strategic initiatives such as this, we are making decisive steps in key vectors of our Strategic vision 2024-2026: technological leadership, international growth and partnerships building,” continued Murtra. (Source: army-technology.com)
02 Apr 24. Russian Drone Protection. A Russian military manual provides useful details on how Russian land forces counter uninhabited aerial vehicles at the tactical level.
As Armada highlighted in a recent article we have obtained a Russian language manual discussing the use of first person view Uninhabited Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) by Russian land forces. The manual was published earlier this year. The previous article highlighted some of the electromagnetic characteristics of these aircraft. This discussion will detail the tactical Counter UAV systems (CUAV) that Russia’s land forces deploy which are also detailed in the manual.
Details already exist in the public domain regarding several Russian CUAV systems which tend to be deployed from the tactical edge to distances of circa four kilometres (2.5 miles) behind the frontline. For example, the Aviaconversia system primarily targets Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals. Used point target defence, Aviaconversia has some utility against UAVs relying on GNSS Position, Navigation and Timing (PNT) signals. The system can use either omnidirectional antennas or a directional Yagi antenna and emits four watts/W of power. It jams PNT signals transmitted by the US Global Positioning System and China’s Beidou constellations across wavebands of 1.1 gigahertz/GHz to 1.6GHz. Additional GNSS jamming is provided by the Barrier R1N which is designed for point target protection. Covering wavebands of 1.125MHz to 1.675MHz, Barrier R1N provides up to ten watts of output power using two antennas each of which cover a 180-degree radius.
Joining Aviaconversia is the Silok-2 which attacks RF links between the aircraft and its pilot on frequencies of 2.4GHz and 5.8GHz. These are the standard frequencies providing the pilot-aircraft RF (Radio Frequency) control link for civilian-standard drones. Silok-2 uses several antennas to give 360-degree coverage while four directional antennas can augment the system for directional jamming.
From a doctrinal perspective, Russian land forces tactical CUAV deployment focuses on static systems to protect point targets and mobile equipment. Latter capabilities include vehicle-mounted equipment and individual rifle-style anti-drone guns. Presumably, the latter are used to either plug gaps in existing CUAV coverage at the tactical edge and/or accompany land forces to provide tactical protection during manoeuvre. For example, the Pishal CUAV apparatus which has a rifle-style configuration and open sources claim it has a range of up to two kilometres/km (1.2 miles). Pishal can attack the RF links the UAV depends on across frequencies of 600MHz to six gigahertz.
Static Systems
Static systems are used for UAV detection and tracking, and the point defence of specific targets. SkyPoint-2 detects both the aircraft and operator via their RF emissions. It can detect a UAV at a range of 1.5km (one mile) and covers frequencies of 2.4GHz, 5.2GHz and 5.8GHz. Directional jamming is provided by the Argus-5000 which targets frequencies of 433MHz, 900MHz, 1.5GHz, 2.4GHz, 5.2GHz and 5.8GHz. An optional additional bandwidth of 1.2GHz can be provided. Argus-5000 gives seven jamming channels each of which produces between 20W and 50W of power.
Other systems designed for static deployment include the SkyHunter-4M/P, the latter of which is designed for use in harsh climates. SkyHunter-4M/P detects UAVs using control frequencies of 400MHz to 512MHz, 860MHz to 873MHz, 902MHz to 928MHz, 1.070 gigahertz/GHz to 1,370GHz, 2.265GHz to 2.615GHz, 5.150GHz to 5.350GHz and 5.725GHz to 5.875GHz. Jamming signals are transmitted by the system across wavebands of 430MHz to 450MHz, 860MHz to 873MHz, 902MHz to 928MHz, 1.575GHz to 1.602GHz, 2.4GHz to 2.484GHz, 5.150GHz to 5.350GHz, 5.725GHz to 5.875GHz.
The Barrier R1N CUAV system covers a 180-degree radius and provides up to ten watts of output power. It is primarily deployed to provide point defence for static targets. The SkyHunter-4M/P is available in two variants with the SkyHunter-4P optimised for use in harsh climates. Both systems detect and jam UAV RF links across wavebands from 400MHz up to 5.875GHz.
Groza and Lesochek
Larger tactical CUAV systems employed by Russian land forces include the Groza-S mobile equipment which is usually mounted onboard light armoured vehicles to improve mobility. Groza-S detects and suppresses CUAV frequencies across wavebands of 100MHz up to six gigahertz. Along with being deployed to Ukraine, open sources say Groza-S has deployed to Syria and Libya. In Syria, the system helps protect Russian forces supporting the regime of local dictator Bashir al Assad. Groza-S systems have also been supplied to Libyan warlord Khalifa Haftar.
Other dedicated military systems include the RP-333P variant of the RP-377 Lesochek portable electronic countermeasure. The latter was developed as a jammer to be used against radio-activated improvised explosive devices. It entered service with the Russian military in 2012. Details on the frequencies used by the RP-333P are spare but it is thought to cover a 30MHz to six gigahertz waveband. The RP-333P equips vehicles, has a backpack configuration and can be used statically. Russian land forces also use the Repellent-1 CUAV apparatus, the performance of which has been subject to scrutiny.
The breadth of Russian tactical CUAV systems reflects Russian land forces Electronic Warfare (EW) doctrines which heavily emphasise the exploitation of EW for electronic protection. Static CUAV systems help provide an electromagnetically sanitised area in which the manoeuvre force can operate. As matters stand in Ukraine at present, this suits Russia’s operational posture. Frontlines remain largely fixed with both sides struggling to make significant operational headway. The challenge for Russian land forces will be if the war assumes a significantly more mobile dimension. Such an operational and tactical change will test the provision of on-the-move CUAV protection. (Source: Armada)
03 Apr 24. F126 Milestone – Successful FAT for German Navy Radar Training Simulator.
- RADAR training simulator destined for delivery to the Federal German Navy’s (FGN) Marinetechnik Schule (MTS)
- Part of a comprehensive Integrated Bridge Management System (IBMS) for the F126 frigate program
- Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) was conducted in conjunction with the Damen Naval team
- F126 is one of four OSI programs for the German Navy
OSI Maritime Systems is pleased to announce the successful completion of the FAT for the Radar training simulator to be installed at the Marinetechnik Schule (Naval Engineering School).
Through Damen Naval, OSI is providing a comprehensive navigation suite for the German Navy F126 program. The delivery consists of Integrated Bridge Management Systems (IBMS) for the 4 frigates and the various land-based test and training sites, all powered by ECPINS, OSI’s leading WECDIS solution.
Over three days, the FAT involved the Damen and OSI teams working together to audit the system testing at OSI’s Canadian production labs.
Ken Kirkpatrick, President and CEO, OSI, emphasized the significance of the FAT within the project cycle, “The FAT serves as a crucial milestone, providing definitive proof of concept before the system leaves OSI’s production labs.” He further added, “The collaborative efforts of OSI, Damen, and Thales have culminated in over a year of engineering, laying the foundation for the F126 Integrated Bridge Management System.”
As an integral component of this initiative, OSI’s IBMS will be integrated with the Thales TACTICOS Combat Management System, providing the Position Navigation and Time (PNT) for all F126 systems and networks.
The F126 frigate IBMS program, alongside the K130 and RadEA navigation suite upgrade projects and the high-speed tactical navigation suites for the F126 Einsatzboote (small craft), form four major FGN programs OSI is currently delivering for. Leveraging ECPINS’ commonality, scalability, and navigation performance, the vast majority of the German Navy fleet will be equipped with OSI’s IBMS and ECPINS solutions in the upcoming years.
Jon Nicholson, Vice President of Systems Delivery, OSI, emphasized the collaborative nature of the F126 project, stating, “The successful FAT highlights the strong relationship between OSI and Damen and the underlying F126 IBMS delivery demonstrates the shared commitment — it’s truly ‘Unser gemeinsames Ziel’ (Our common goal).” (Source: ASD Network)
04 Apr 24. The KME team decided to use the much-awaited Future Soldier Technology Conference in Central London to officially launch the next generation of battlefield illumination technology – Introducing our Remote Operated Infra-Red Tactical Markers.
Designed to both mimic and enhance the form and function of traditional chemical glowsticks, but adding greatly increased capability with the integration of cutting-edge (IR) Led technology, these devices offer unparalleled versatility and reliability for various applications in the land, sea and air domains.
Key Features:
1.Innovative Design: Available in both traditional glowstick and “puck” formats offering choice to the user on which will best support their operation, both being sleek, compact, easily deployable and user friendly in operation, for use in any environment. Utilising current in service battery options and optimising the power consumption of both controller and device the system can be used operationally for prolonged periods without the need for battery resupply.
- Remote Control: Command up to three ROIR products wirelessly using an intelligent methodology of encrypted secure command signal with a range of up to 200m in an urban environment.
- Easy Sychronisation: Each device can be easily synchronised and desynchronised with the controller unit allowing for swift re-tasking and cross use operations.
- Durable Construction: All RIOR products are built to withstand extreme conditions, with an operating range of -40°C to +60°C and an IP68 Rating for water and dust resistance.
- Multi-Domain Deployment: Suitable for use in the most extreme operational environments on land, at sea and in the air, including dive-able and parachute-compatible designs ensuring complete versatility.
- Horizon Scan / Future Capabilities: Future enhancements may include the ability to command RIOR devices from a mobile app, the introduction of further IR equipped illumination devices (Assault Lights / Landing Lights / Beacons) and integration with proximity sensors to further enhance the capability to the end user.
04 Apr 24. Bayraktar TB3 Flies with ASELFLIR-500 Electro-Optical System.
The testing process of the Bayraktar TB3 Armed Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, which Baykar developed indigenously and originally, continues successfully. The indigenous UAV successfully completed its 25th flight test with the ASELFLIR-500
INDIGENOUS UAV, INDIGENOUS CAMERA
The Bayraktar TB3 UAV flew for the first time with the ASELFLIR-500, developed indigenously by Aselsan, during the Medium Altitude System Identification and Performance Test conducted at the AKINCI Flight Training and Test Center in Çorlu, Tekirdağ.
During the test, the integration of the ASELFLIR-500 Electro-Optical Reconnaissance, Surveillance and Targeting System, which outperforms its global counterparts, was successfully completed. The Bayraktar AKINCI UAV, conducting training flights during the test, was tracked by ASELFLIR-500.
BAYRAKTAR TB3 PT-2 IN THE SKY
The second prototype (PT-2) of the Bayraktar TB3 Armed Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, conducted at the AKINCI Flight Training and Test Center in Çorlu-Tekirdağ, successfully completed its first flight test last week and united with the sky.
SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED TESTS
The Bayraktar TB3 UAV has successfully conducted 25 flight tests to date. Having completed a total of 196 hours of flight during test flights, the Bayraktar TB3 has successfully passed the High-Altitude System Performance Tests many times by flying above 30,000 feet altitude. The Bayraktar TB3 UAV, which has successfully completed tests measuring system and endurance performance, is powered by TEI’s indigenous PD-170 engine.
FIRST TAKEOFF FROM TCG ANADOLU IN 2024
The Bayraktar TB3 UAV will be the world’s first armed unmanned aerial vehicle capable of taking off from- and landing on short-runway vessels like TCG Anadolu with its foldable wing structure. Selçuk Bayraktar, Baykar’s Chairman and Chief Technology Officer, announced that they plan to start tests with TCG Anadolu for Bayraktar TB3 within 2024.
The capabilities that Bayraktar TB3 will possess will be an important innovation for unmanned aerial vehicles in this class. With beyond-line-of-sight communication capability, the indigenous UAV will be controllable from very long distances. Thus, with reconnaissance-surveillance, intelligence, and the attack missions it carries out against overseas targets with its smart munitions, it will have a multiplier effect on Türkiye’s deterrent power.
EXPORT CHAMPION
Baykar, which has self-financed all its projects since its establishment, obtained 83% of its total revenue from exports since the beginning of the UAV R&D process in 2003. According to the Turkish Exporters Assembly’s (TIM) 2021 and 2022 data, Baykar became the top exporter in the defense and aerospace sector.
The Defense Industry Agency announced that Baykar was the top exporter within the sector in 2023 with $1.8 bn. Baykar, which generated more than 90% of its revenue from exports in recent years, single-handedly accounted for one third of the defense and aerospace sector’s exports in 2023. Export agreements have been signed with a total of 34 countries –including 33 countries for the Bayraktar TB2 UAV and 9 countries for the Bayraktar AKINCI UCAV. (Source: UAS VISION)
03 Apr 24. X-FAB Enhances Image Sensor Performance Through Back-Side Illumination. Presenting a foundry route to medical, automotive and industrial customers that combines boosted sensitivity, larger pixel size and more extensive sensor area.
X-FAB Silicon Foundries SE, the leading analog/mixed-signal and specialty foundry, has just announced a major addition to its optical sensor offering. Aimed at use in next generation image sensor fabrication, the company is now able to provide a back-side illumination (BSI) capability in relation to its popular XS018 180nm CMOS semiconductor process.
Through BSI, imaging devices’ performance characteristics can be significantly enhanced. It means that the back-end process metal layers do not block the incident light from reaching the pixels, increasing fill factors by up to 100%. This is highly beneficial in situations of low-level illumination – as higher pixel light sensitivity can be achieved. BSI also offers the added advantage of significantly reducing the crosstalk between neighboring pixels, due to shorter light paths, leading to better image quality. Though small-pixel BSI solutions for 300mm wafers with high-volume consumer usage are commonplace, there are very few options available for image sensors with stitched large-pixel arrangements for 200mm wafers, especially when additional customizations are required. The new X-FAB BSI capability brings new possibilities, allowing customers with even the most demanding application expectations to be served – such as those involved in X-Ray diagnostic equipment, industrial automation systems, astronomical research, robotic navigation, vehicle front cameras, etc.
Leveraging the XS018 platform, which offers high readout speeds and exhibits low dark currents, image sensors with multiple epi options will be produced. An ARC layer can be added and then tuned in accordance with particular customer requirements. The accompanying X-FAB support package covers a full workflow from initial design through to the shipment of engineering samples, with a comprehensive PDK included.
“BSI technology has become increasingly prevalent in modern imaging devices, thanks to its ability to boost image quality by placing light-sensitive elements closer to the light source and avoiding unwanted circuitry obstructions. This is proving very useful in environments where light is limited,” states Heming Wei, Technical Marketing Manager for Optical Sensors at X-FAB. “Though much of this uptake has been within the consumer electronics sector, there are now numerous opportunities emerging in the industrial, automotive and medical markets. Via access to X-FAB’s BSI foundry solution, it will now be possible for these to be properly attended to, with a compelling offering being provided that brings together heightened sensitivity, enlarged image sensor dimensions and bigger pixel capacities too.”
28 Mar 24. AFRL Rome to receive funding for C-UAS high-speed imaging technology research. US Congresswoman Elise Stefanik has announced that she has secured over USD415 m in funding for the Air Force Research Lab in Rome (AFRL Rome), New York, in Fiscal Year 2024. AFRL Rome works in the fields of surveillance, reconnaissance, quantum information science and intelligence. Through the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, Congresswoman Stefanik delivered several congressional funding increases for AFRL Rome, including USD2 m for counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS) high-speed imaging technology. AFRL scientists and engineers have already developed a suite of C-UAS technologies, designed to detect and defeat drones without interfering with military and civilian systems. In addition, the funding includes USD10 m for UAS traffic management and advanced air mobility enhancements. For more information:www.afrl.af.mil (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
29 Mar 24. CILAS to provide lasers to Paris Olympics and Paralympics C-UAS programme. Laser specialist CILAS will supply two high-energy lasers to the French army to help secure the skies above the 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games. The company will also provide operational training for its HELMA-P lasers as part of the contract.
The HELMA-P system is capable of detecting, identifying, tracking and neutralising drones and other targets. It can operate in urban areas and has a range of one to seven kilometres.
The announcement follows a test exercise by the French Air and Space Force for the Parade anti-drone programme in Coubertin earlier in March. The Parade contract was awarded in 2022 to Thales and CS Group who lead a consortium of small and medium sized French companies.
In addition to the Helma-P lasers, the complete anti-drone system includes a drone interceptor and a jamming rifle.
For more information: www.cilas.com (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
02 Apr 24. Cuashub.com said today that Elbit Unveils 3rd Generation Anti-Drone System. Last week, Elbit Systems Ltd., an Israeli defense electronics company, showcased its latest iteration of the ReDrone anti-drone system, marking the third generation of its advanced version. Over recent years, the escalation in drone-related threats has spurred an increased demand for solutions addressing this issue, with particular interest in Elbit’s advancements in this field. ReDrone integrates a suite of systems designed to detect and counter threats effectively. These systems encompass the Actively Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) DAiR 3D multi-mission radar, boasting advanced capabilities, sensors for detecting communications signals, and the COAPS-L advanced electro-optics systems. Collectively, these components yield a comprehensive aerial overview and enable sophisticated electronic attack capabilities, all seamlessly orchestrated through a unified command and control application. ReDrone can detect and identify multiple targets concurrently within secured areas. Furthermore, it can track and neutralize hostile drones, regardless of environmental factors such as day or night, urban or open terrain, and varying weather conditions. Its versatility extends to a spectrum of defense tasks, including safeguarding airports, military installations, and strategic sites, securing borders and convoys, and protecting forces deployed on the battlefield. https://cuashub.com/content/elbit-unveils-3rd-generation-anti-drone-system/?_hsmi=300823108&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_gtGnHa_44CetfxdVqC5HKcHkJrgWliZYh05riJi2lawgPXM37GjJLbWnocrRr_r3UeFsBSzmKDiQq9pYy87l06dmg2eWaAcnvS9Dh2yifUdP699c#utm_campaign=C-UAS%20Hub%20General&utm_medium=email&utm_content=300823108&utm_source=hs_email (Source: https://cuashub.com/)
29 Mar 24. US Defence Budget signed into law – C-UAS spending rises across the services. President Joe Biden has signed into law six fiscal 2024 spending bills, including one containing USD824.5bn for the Defense Department, according to the National Guard Association (NGA). According to the US Senate Committee on Appropriations, the bill fully funds the budget request for counter-small UAS and provides more than USD177 m above the budget request, including for Counter Uncrewed Aerial Systems (CUAS) Group 3 Defeat Acceleration, 5G-enabled drones, and high energy laser atmospheric study and prototype systems.
“Congress technically missed a deadline of midnight Friday to send the appropriations package to the White House, but still averted a partial shutdown of the federal government,” said the NGA. “The Pentagon can now launch the initiatives and procure the key weapons systems it had planned for this year.”
The US Army’s 2025 budget request includes USD13.5m for hand-held C-UAS devices to equip a division and USD54.2 m for backpack-size jammers, according to press reports. Other C-UAS items on the budget include:
- USD117.4m total for C-UAS equipment for the US Army
- USD3.8m for directed energy systems for the US Navy
- USD369m for ground based air defence
- USD110m for Iron Dome air defence systems for the US Air Force.
For more information
https://comptroller.defense.gov/Portals/45/Documents/defbudget/FY2025/FY2025_p1.pdf
https://www.appropriations.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/fy24_defense_bill_summary.pdf
https://www.ngaus.org/newsroom/dod-finally-has-fiscal-2024-spending-plan
(Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
02 Apr 24. Vampire at sea: L3Harris eyes maritime version of counter-drone system. L3Harris Technologies is eyeing a maritime mission for its mobile counter-drone system, with the company doing early design work to create a Vampire payload that could be mountedon an unmanned surface vessel.
In early 2023, L3Harris announced it had received $40 m from the Pentagon to build 14 truck-mounted Vampire sets — or Vehicle Agnostic Modular Palletized ISR Rocket Equipment — to send to Ukraine. Each kit includes a WESCAM MX-10 RSTA targeting sensor and an Advanced Precision Kill Weapons System rocket and launcher.
Several media outlets reported in February that Ukrainian forces shot down a Russian Shahed drone with the Vampire counter-unmanned aerial system weapon.
Jon Rambeau, the president of L3Harris’ Integrated Mission Systems, told Defense News in a March interview that he had received user feedback that the system had been successful in taking out the Russian drones that have most troubled Ukrainian forces.
The company is now looking at, first, “can more of that capability be provided in Ukraine for that c-UAS mission,” he said, particularly in light of the “single-digit millions of dollars” cost per Vampire unit.
And second, he said, “how could you take a Vampire kit and put it on a small unmanned surface vessel and deploy that in the ocean as part of layered approach to defending shipping and military ships?”
The U.S. Navy and other global forces are struggling to keep the Red Sea region safe amid ongoing attacks by Houthi forces in Yemen. The Houthis have shot cruise missiles, ballistic missiles and drones at targets at sea and ashore, leaving naval forces to determine which ones to let fly harmlessly into the sea, which ones to engage with expensive defensive missiles, and which to try to take out using cheaper guns.
Leaders have lamented not yet having laser weapons onboard ships, which could address some of this cost challenge.
Rambeau did not specifically address which customer might use this maritime Vampire or in which geographic area. Both the Houthis in the Red Sea and the Russians in Ukraine are using the same Iran-made attack drones, meaning Vampire would be applicable in both settings.
Asked about ongoing discussions with a customer to pursue a maritime Vampire payload, Rambeau said, “it’s more conceptually, could you do this? Yes we could. Could you do some preliminary design work? Yes we can. So we’ve done some of that, and now there’s discussion [on] how fast could we field that and what would that look like, what would it cost, when could we get them.”
Whereas the original Vampire system was mounted on and launched from the back of a pickup truck, putting the same rocket launcher on a small unmanned surface vessel is a bit more challenging.
“Making sure that the vessel as sufficient stability to withstand the thrust of the rocket as it leaves the launcher; making sure that the vector of the exhaust from the rocket isn’t damaging part of the vessel itself — so just some of the configuration, orientation, stability” issues to work through, Rambeau said. “But we think all of those things are manageable.”
Even as it mulls the maritime application, L3Harris will continue improving its Vampire system. Rambeau said the user feedback from Ukraine showed the need for greater training upfront, as well as improving the sensor suite.
He noted the original goal was to get a basic product out rapidly and cheaply, with L3Harris always intending to upgrade to better sensors that allow operators to see farther out and better detect and track potential drone threats. (Source: C4ISR & Networks)
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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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