Sponsored by Echodyne
www.echodyne.com
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15 May 24. Echodyne, the radar platform company, announced that its EchoFlight radar is integrated into the American Aerospace Technologies, Inc. (AATI) AiRanger aircraft, which obtained a waiver from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) last week for commercial Beyond Visual Line-of-Sight (BVLOS) flight operations. The waiver permits AATI to use the onboard detect-and-avoid (DAA) system for adhering to aircraft right-of-way rules during BVLOS operations, making the AiRanger the first unmanned aircraft system (UAS) to meet industry consensus standards for the DAA system.
This approval marks a major milestone for the unmanned aviation industry as a whole and is the culmination of concerted efforts over many years from a diverse array of technology partners and regulatory bodies to safely bring a next-generation, first-of-kind BVLOS aircraft into commercial operation. The level of rigor and evaluation for such a feat is not to be understated, as this process required regulatory agencies to review new, emerging technologies that had never come into their assessment purview before.
In addition, the complex and cutting-edge aviation navigation technologies underpinning the AiRanger aircraft had not previously been integrated into one, singular system. The scale of the achievement is highlighted by how the AiRanger is able to rely on such advanced technologies to assist with remotely piloted concepts of operation (ConOps) across the full spectrum – human on the loop, human in the loop (semi-autonomous), and human out of the loop (fully autonomous).
“With the granting of the FAA waiver, it showcases how this entire process has been truly a multi-party collaborative endeavor and AATI is grateful to Echodyne for their steadfast and exceptional support throughout the multi-year effort,” said David Yoel, CEO at American Aerospace Technologies, Inc. “Echodyne’s EchoFlight radar provides unparalleled data fidelity and precision, and this first-of-its-kind waiver is evidence of radar’s role in providing the situational awareness necessary for successful detect-and-avoid systems.”
The FAA approval allows AATI’s AiRanger – a 220-pound aircraft capable of flying for 12 hours and up to 750 miles at altitudes to 12,000’ MSL – to conduct commercial operations at medium altitudes under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) beyond the pilot’s line of sight and without airborne or ground observers. The AiRanger’s initial deployment will be for critical infrastructure patrol, threat detection and reporting, focusing on pipeline surveillance. The operation is vital for maintaining pipeline integrity and safety, and ensuring quick response to potential hazards or leaks.
While many stakeholders had to come together to drive this innovation to market, the achievement underscores the essential role that radar plays in the commercialization of such aircraft operations – providing foundational situational awareness data to search, detect, and track volumes of airspace for both cooperative and non-cooperative aircraft. EchoFlight is integrated into a pod on each wing of the AiRanger aircraft, providing the necessary visibility to meet minimum operational performance standards (MOPS). The detection and tracking ranges provided by EchoFlight provide the DAA system with sufficient time and information to take avoidance measures and maintain operational safety.
“As all stakeholders in the unmanned aviation industry are aware, it takes a village to develop such a complex aviation navigation system that receives regulatory approval,” said Eben Frankenberg, CEO at Echodyne. “The integration of our EchoFlight radar into the AiRanger is one critical piece of many in the puzzle to create the safety case for BVLOS flight operation. We’re ecstatic to share in this milestone industry moment and are proud to see the value of radar realized in the commercialization of BVLOS operations.”
16 May 24. Cuashub.com said today that Epirus Delivers IFPC-HPM Systems to U.S. Army. Earlier this week, Epirus announced the delivery of the final two of four Indirect Fire Protection Capability – High-Power Microwave (IFPC-HPM) systems to the U.S. Army, marking a significant milestone. Key milestones achieved through collaboration between Epirus, the U.S. Army’s Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO), and the U.S. Army’s Air Defense Artillery (ADA) community include the delivery of the HPM systems and the successful completion of New Equipment Training (NET) and Engineering Developmental Testing (EDT). These achievements pave the way for deploying IFPC-HPM capabilities to Soldiers to counter drones and drone swarms.
“We delivered our first IFPC-HPM system to RCCTO in November 2023, just nine months after our initial contract award, and finalized delivery of all four systems this March,” said Andy Lowery, Chief Executive Officer, Epirus. “Completion of NET and EDT puts the U.S. Army closer to fielding HPM operationally.”
Throughout April, EDT was conducted to evaluate the military utility and effectiveness of the IFPC-HPM system against UAS and UAS swarms, encompassing a variety of increasingly complex flight patterns. This testing also provided soldiers from the unit slated to receive the systems an opportunity to operate this capability following the NET they underwent at their home station in March.
The data gathered during EDT will be utilized in the Army Test and Evaluation Command’s test report for IFPC-HPM. This report will be crucial in informing the Department of Defense’s decisions regarding the counter-drone solution’s future programming, budgeting, and operational deployment.
“I’m thrilled with the effectiveness of our HPM systems throughout the test. We were able to demonstrate effects that we haven’t done in this close to a real-world environment, including coordinated fires for additional range and advanced waveforms for greater effectivity,” said Lowery. “We learned a lot about the importance of each system within the system-of-systems approach that will inform capabilities, limitations, and requirements. Most importantly, we’ve demonstrated that our HPM systems are effective for the counter-drone and counter-swarm mission as a final protective fires solution within a layered defense.”
https://cuashub.com/en/content/epirus-delivers-ifpc-hpm-systems-to-u-s-army/?utm_campaign=C-UAS%20Hub%20General&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_BBETOBVJ_7LoCP5wu3irhx5bopRdMfUJpK3qfQckdErmJrzdT8__vcFPVJnYAP7mYeUHpm92TZyQjLrWLvCHDLYJtwsJLH1miPyzxoGtE5mlsSgs&_hsmi=307273246&utm_content=307273246&utm_source=hs_email (Source: https://cuashub.com/)
16 May 24. Photonis, a leading brand of Exosens, and newcleo have signed their first purchase order to explore the deployment of the nuclear instrumentation detectors in the reactor core.
Photonis, part of Exosens, a market-leading global provider of electro-optic solutions used in the detection and amplification of photons, ions, electrons, and neutrons, confirms its commitment into supporting key actors of the nuclear industry, in order to meet the safety and performance challenges faced by the new generation of nuclear reactors. Photonis is providing newcleo, a renowned European leader in nuclear innovation, development and technical support to explore the deployment of nuclear instrumentation detectors in the reactor core of newcleo’s Small Modular Reactor demonstrator.
newcleo’s reactor design has been optimised over the last 20 years leading to the concept of an ultra-compact and transportable 200MWe module with improvements in energy density compared to other technologies.
The company is designing and building the next generation (Generation IV) of nuclear reactors: a lead-cooled fast reactor (LFR) fuelled with Mixed OXide (MOX) that will effectively close the nuclear fuel cycle, using what is today considered waste, as fuel.
The reactor design developed by newcleo was selected as part of the “Innovative Nuclear Reactors” call for projects under the France 2030 investment plan.
newcleo will contribute to climate change mitigation and global decarbonation. The nuclear player is combining available and proven technologies with new developments to create a sustainable business and deliver a new generation of safe, clean, more efficient reactors at competitive cost.
16 May 24. Cutting-edge drone killer radio wave weapon developing at pace. A new game-changing weapon that uses radio waves to disable enemy electronics and take down multiple drones at once is under development for the UK’s armed forces.
The Radio Frequency Directed Energy Weapon
- System can neutralise a swarm of drones for 10p a shot.
- UK designed and built system offers operational advantage and battlefield protection
- UK Armed Forces will be operating with this technology in the coming years
A new game-changing weapon that uses radio waves to disable enemy electronics and take down multiple drones at once is under development for the UK’s armed forces.
This forms part of work to put the UK’s defence industry on a war footing following the Prime Minister’s announcement last month of an increase to the defence budget to 2.5% of GDP by 2030.
An example of a Radio Frequency Directed Energy Weapon (RFDEW), the versatile system can detect, track and engage a range of threats across land, air and sea. The system will be able to effect targets up to 1km away, with further development in extending the range ongoing. It beams radio waves to disrupt or damage the critical electronic components of enemy vehicles causing them to stop in their tracks or fall out of the sky.
At only 10p per shot fired, the RFDEW beam is a significant cost-effective alternative to traditional missile-based, air defence systems, capable of downing dangerous drone swarms with instant effect. The high level of automation also means the system itself can be operated by a single person. This technology can offer a solution to protection and defence of critical assets and bases.
Minister for Defence Procurement, James Cartlidge said:
We are already a force to be reckoned with on science and technology, and developments like RFDEW not only make our personnel more lethal and better protected on the battlefield, but also keep the UK a world leader on innovative military kit.
The war in Ukraine has shown us the importance of deploying uncrewed systems, but we must be able to defend against them too. As we ramp up our defence spending in the coming years, our Defence Drone Strategy will ensure we are at the forefront of this warfighting evolution.
RFDEW technology can be mounted on a variety of military vehicles and uses a mobile power source to produce pulses of Radio Frequency energy in a beam that can rapidly fire sequenced shots at individual targets or be broadened to simultaneously engage all threats within that beam.
Dstl Chief Executive, Paul Hollinshead said:
These game changing systems will deliver decisive operational advantage to the UK armed forces, saving lives and defeating deadly threats.
World class capabilities such as this are only possible because of decades of research, expertise and investment in science and technology at Dstl and our partners in UK industry.
The advanced technology is being developed by a joint team from the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) and Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S), working with UK industry under Project Hersa. The next steps for RFDEW is undergoing extensive field testing with British soldiers over the summer. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
15 May 24. Cuashub.com said today that Counter-UAS Planning and Assessment Tool Released. At this year’s Association of Old Crows (AOC) Europe in Olso, Norway, Leonardo has unveiled Skytender, a Counter-UAS planning and assessment tool, reports EDR On-Line.
AOC Europe serves as a conduit, linking entities and individuals spanning government, defense, industry, and academia to facilitate the exchange of insights and knowledge. Its mission includes fostering discussions on the latest developments within the electromagnetic and information-related spheres.
Skytender empowers decision-making superiority and enhances asset protection by quantifying the effectiveness of deployed C-UAS systems against potential threats within the designated physical and electromagnetic deployment Area of Responsibility (AOR).
This solution aims to:
- Accurately quantify the effectiveness of multiple C-UAS systems by analyzing sensor coverage, understanding RF emissions, optimizing sensor placement, and evaluating jammer behavior.
- Enhance situational awareness and threat assessment by determining optimal tactics, identifying points of vulnerability, and simulating UAS swarms and coordinated attacks.
- Provide a simplified user experience through a pre-configured C-UAS sensor and effector assets library and an intuitive, modern user interface, minimizing operator data entry requirements.
- Allow scenarios to be configured and simulated in minutes, and include 2D and 3D mapping for intuitive visualization of the simulated scenarios/management.
- Define, train, and disseminate Counter-UAS plans and SOPs, including a visual representation of the area that can reduce the need for an in-person site survey.
https://cuashub.com/en/content/counter-uas-planning-and-assessment-tool-released/?utm_campaign=C-UAS%20Hub%20General&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8EcAskxS2j9UXTsJ1bu7DNpkuSlASclGTdQIS3hwo9UtSEYoIF999yxETlbn129gdxiHgjUQ545bYWkM1iFkYKT9Vw8Jk93eq4smax9YUpFeHkm4Q&_hsmi=307153547&utm_content=307153547&utm_source=hs_email (Source: https://cuashub.com/)
15 May 24. Cuashub.com said today that Anduril and Dedrone Repeat on CNBC Disruptor 50 List. The 12th Annual CNBC Disruptor 50 Companies list was released this week, and two companies who have strong roots in Counter-UAS made the list again- Dedrone and Anduril Industries.
Approximately two-thirds of the 50 companies listed as Disruptors emphasize the significance of artificial intelligence to their operations. Notably, at the helm of this trend sits OpenAI, which retains its position as the list’s No. 1 company for the second year.
The influence of AI transcends these companies, with thirteen identifying as “generative AI companies,” including five within the top 10 of this year’s list. These firms secured over $5.5 bn in investments over the past year.
Industries across the spectrum, from cybersecurity to agriculture, recognize AI as indispensable to their missions. Furthermore, there’s a notable departure from the past Silicon Valley-driven era of disruptive innovation solely backed by venture capitalists, shifting away from the “better, faster, cheaper” mantra.
Anduril was listed at #2 on the 2024 list this year, moving up from the #7 spot the company held in 2023. Anduril first made the list in 2022, when it was listed at #23. Anduril describes itself as a “defense products company” that can take concepts from R&D to deployed capabilities in months.
Dedrone secured a spot on the prestigious list for the second year. Dedrone is a Sterling, Va.-based defense tech company and inventor of technology with advancements to protect against escalating drone warfare. Recognized for innovations in smart airspace security, Dedrone technology is used by the military, government, and commercial customers, including airports, stadiums, and high-profile events such as Formula One Grand Prix, to detect, track, and reduce threats. Additionally, Dedrone systems are at work in Ukraine.
(Source: https://cuashub.com/)
13 May 24. UK seeks new partner to maintain RAF Fylingdales radar. The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) is looking for a new partner to support the operation and maintenance of the Solid-State Phased-Array Radar (SSPAR) at Royal Air Force (RAF) Fylingdales. RAF Fylingdales provides a continuous ballistic missile early warning service to the UK and the US. It also functions as a space surveillance and tracking (SST) system, capable of detecting objects the size of a can 3,000 miles into space. The SSPAR building and a significant number of the ancillary systems were built or installed over 35 years ago. A new partner is therefore required to operate, maintain, and possibly sustain the radar going forwards as the current support contract is coming to an end, a request for information (RFI) issued by the MoD on 6 May detailed. (Source: Janes)
12 May 24. 2Q24 DroneSentry-C2 Next-Gen v10.0 Release. DroneShield Limited (ASX:DRO) (“DroneShield” or “the Company”) is pleased to announce the roll-out of one of the largest updates yet to the DroneSentry-C2 platform, bringing a completely revamped User Interface, smarter AI, and extending detection capabilities to the C-UAS Command-and-Control software industry.
This Version 10.0 release of DroneSentry-C2 marks a turning point in the industry-leading software. The program has been re-written from the ground up, resulting in a faster and smoother experience. The redesign is even easier to use, and provides a framework for significant upcoming features.
Major upgrades include:
- Streamlined User Interface: Most noticeable to any existing user will be the modernised look and feel of the DroneSentry-C2 interface. Stripped-back menus allow for faster navigation and clearer access to settings. Operators can now modify key setting without ever needing to navigate away from the monitoring dashboard. Load times moving between sites and analytics have been significantly reduced.
- Mission Set Optimisation: The updated user interface has been optimised for both desktop and tablet experiences. Enabling far better use in ‘On-The-Move’ applications such as for vehicles and dismounted missions.
- ThreatAI Launched: ThreatAI is an integrated threat analysis system for detected objects in DroneSentry-C2, which intelligently provides a responsive threat rating based on data from all sensors and user input. This new information is utilised by other sub-systems across the platform to better inform command decisions.
- Improvements to existing AI: SensorFusionAI and DroneOptID continue to grow in their performance when identifying and classifying detected drones. This update sees improvements to both accuracy and breadth of these AI models.
- Full integration of OTM sensors: DroneSentry-X Mk2 is now completely integrated into DroneSentry-C2 and SensorFusionAI, allowing for integrated control of disruption features, and smarter detections in the field.
- Usability and Accessibility: A stronger focus on data visualisation makes complex information easier to understand and review quickly. Localisation into Spanish and Polish brings DroneSentry-C2 to more regions that need it.
- Planning tool: This feature has been split out into a separate application to help new and existing clients plan out their Counter-UAS installations, and review the suitability of different systems.
Version 10.0 of the DroneSentry-C2 system is available from today, being deployed to existing DroneShield systems this week. It is available with both DroneShield and third party hardware sensors, and is provided on a subscription basis, either via secure cloud or on-premises server.
DroneShield CTO Angus Bean commented, “The release this quarter allows us to bring the DroneSentry-C2 platform to many more users. In a growing market it allows us to better scale and maintain our Software-as-a-Service, and simplifying the front-end opens opportunities with clients who were previously beyond our reach.”
10 May 24. Japan’s defense chief calls for more counter-drone tech. Japan’s defense chief Friday encouraged the country to bolster its anti-drone capability after drone footage posted on Chinese social media showed a Japanese aircraft carrier docked at a restricted port west of Tokyo.
Defense Minister Minoru Kihara’s acknowledgement of the vulnerability comes more than a month after a video filmed by a drone showed JS Izumo, one of two Japanese helicopter carriers, being retrofitted to carry stealth fighters to strengthen Japan’s counter-strike capability in the face of China’s military actions in the Indo-Pacific region.
The footage, also showing plants, buildings and facilities at the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s Yokosuka naval base, was posted on a Chinese social media site in March, prompting an investigation by ministry officials. The footage has also been posted on other platforms, such as X, formerly known as Twitter.
“After the video analysis, we have reached a conclusion that the footage was most likely filmed by a flying drone,” Kihara told reporters.
“We are taking the findings extremely seriously,” the minister added. “If drones harm defense facilities, it could cause serious disruptions to the defense of our country.”
Kihara declined to comment how the drone was able to fly over the flattop undetected, citing security reasons. But he stressed the need to respond to rapid technology advancement of drones and other unmanned vehicles. He also vowed to fortify defense around military bases.
He said Japan will accelerate efforts to introduce more capable anti-drone equipment and strengthen countermeasures such as forcible landing of drones by jamming.
The development comes as Japan accelerates its military buildup with long-range missiles under the ongoing security strategy adopted in 2022. JS Izumo serves a key role in that strategy.
In 2015, a small drone laced with traces of radiation was found on the roof of the prime minister’s office, sparking concerns about unmanned systems and their possible use for terrorist attacks. The incident did not lead to injuries nor damage, but the drone’s owner was convicted of obstruction of business.
Drone flights have since been restricted above key public and diplomatic areas as well as nuclear power facilities. While drones are used widely for industrial, search and rescue, and security purposes, the number of violations involving such technology have also rapidly increased.
(Source: Defense News Early Bird/Defense News)
08 May 24. Elbit America Team, Leaders Celebrate 3,000th Delivery of the F-35 HMDS. On April 25, 2024, Elbit America employees and legislators gathered to celebrate delivery of the 3,000th F-35 Helmet Mounted Display System (HMDS) from the company’s site in Merrimack, N.H.
Andy Chiango, Elbit America’s Vice President of Merrimack Operations and Site Lead, said, “Delivering 3,000 F-35 Helmet Mounted Display Systems to our Lockheed Martin and F-35 Joint Program Office customers is a tremendous achievement. Our Merrimack team has a direct impact on our nation’s defenders by providing this sophisticated equipment for the last decade, and we will continue supporting the F-35 HMDS for years to come.”
Elbit America’s Senior Director for Electronic Systems Bob Hess said, “The F-35 Gen. III Helmet Mounted Display System is the most advanced helmet-mounted display system in the world. The system’s next-generation user interface serves as a pilot’s primary display system, providing them with vital flight, tactical and sensor information day or night.”
The F-35 HMDS is produced by Collins Elbit Vision Systems, a joint venture between Elbit America and our long-time partners at Collins Aerospace.
Special guests at the celebration included U.S. Representative Chris Pappas (NH-01), who said, “American leadership is needed on the world stage, and a strong defense industrial base is crucial to that mission. The F-35 Helmet Mounted Display System helps warfighters stay safe and aware and allows them to complete their mission every time and come home.”
Also attending the celebration, were State Representatives Jeanine Notter (NH-12) and Maureen Mooney (NH-12) who jointly read a proclamation from the New Hampshire House of Representatives on the 3,000th delivery of the F-35 HMDS.
In addition, Chris Scott from U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen’s office and Justin Troiano from U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan’s office read letters congratulating Elbit America on the accomplishment. (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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