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30 May 24. Cuashub.com said today that DIU Seeks Modular Spectrum Characterization Solution. The Department of Defense (DoD) is seeking autonomous modular spectrum characterization solutions capable of passively detecting and gathering data primarily from wideband, high-bandwidth electromagnetic spectra while ensuring secure data storage. The initial prototype should focus on collecting radio frequency (RF) signatures, with future iterations potentially expanding to gather other phenomena, such as acoustic signatures. Proposed solutions must operate autonomously and support multiple configurable triggering methods, including user-based activation, geofence boundary activation, and time-based scheduling activation. Additionally, the solution must record both Power Spectral Density (PSD) and raw in-phase and quadrature (I/Q) data to on-board and/or attached storage media.
Traditional methods of Electromagnetic Spectrum signature gathering face several significant constraints:
- Wideband and High Bandwidth Limitations: They struggle to effectively capture wideband, high bandwidth signatures.
- Software Limitations: Existing software solutions are often not easily configurable, lack autonomy, have limited or no data parsing capabilities, and are not interoperable with various software-defined radios (SDRs).
- SWaP Constraints: Size, weight, and power (SWaP) limitations make these solutions difficult to transport and limit their portability and deployability in the field.
Final technology solutions should be designed with the smallest possible form factor using commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components arranged to support a variety of size permutations. The solutions should minimize power consumption during idle operation and consist of non-emitting COTS components/devices. Some versions must be capable of operating under MILSPEC electromagnetic interference (EMI) conditions or be configurable to a non-emitting state. Future iterations may need to integrate with various platforms, such as unmanned systems (UXS), manned vehicles, and the Android Tactical Assault Kit (ATAK).
Please visit the Defense Innovation Unit- Modular Spectrum: https://www.diu.mil/work-with-us/submit-solution/PROJ00541?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=DIU%20New%20Solicitation%20Announcement%20-%20Modular%20Spectrum%20Characterization&utm_content=DIU%20New%20Solicitation%20Announcement%20-%20Modular%20Spectrum%20Characterization%20CID_fd4f1497fcea06ad74b7a9ce5ea1c223&utm_source=newsletter&utm_term=Read%20More Characterization opportunity for additional information.
Responses are due by June 11th, 2024, at 23:59:59 US/Eastern Time
(Source: https://cuashub.com/)
28 May 24. U.S. Navy Awards Leonardo DRS Radar Design Agent and Engineering Services for AN/SPQ-9B. Leonardo DRS, Inc. (NASDAQ: DRS) announced today that it was awarded a contract from NAVSEA to provide AN/SPQ-9B radar design agent and engineering services. The contract includes options, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value to more than $26 million.
Under the contract, DRS will provide system engineering, software development, hardware design, installation, safety, test, product updates, system upgrade and configuration management support.
“We are very proud to be selected as the design agent on SPQ-9B and are honored to support this critical air and surface threat detection program for the Navy,” Cari Ossenfort, senior vice president and general manager of the Leonardo DRS Naval Electronics business unit. “Our agility, proven engineering processes as well as our experienced team are the key reasons we are a trusted partner to NAVSEA and PEO Integrated Warfare Systems.”
The AN/SPQ-9B is an X-band, pulse Doppler, frequency-agile radar which was designed specifically for the littoral environment. It has a very high clutter improvement factor supporting a very low false track rate in the littorals and in high clutter environments. It scans out to the horizon and performs simultaneous and automatic air and surface target detection and tracking of low flying anti-ship cruise missiles surface threats, and low/slow flying aircraft, UAVs, periscopes, and helicopters.
This award builds upon our existing RF and EW systems capabilities and is an expansion of the support that DRS has provided for AN/SPQ-9B over the past six years. This work is an example of DRS’s deep experience as a leader in complex design and manufacturing supporting a wide range of missions. The company’s capabilities extend across all domains to support naval, ground, air, space, and cyber missions in areas of sensing, force protection, computer networking, as well as naval power and propulsion systems.
(Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
24 May 24. Autonomous Surveillance Tower System Developed for U.S. Customs & Border Protection. Anduril’s Extended Range Sentry Tower (XRST) is designed to enable autonomous detections at extended ranges for counter intrusion missions, with tracking ranges of up to 7.5 miles away and 5+ miles autonomously.
Anduril Industries has unveiled its latest innovation in counter intrusion, the Extended Range Sentry Tower (XRST).
The most recent addition to Anduril’s Sentry family of autonomous systems, XRST brings proven autonomous surveillance capabilities to longer-range applications, while ensuring that operators are presented with relevant decision points, not noise.
XRST is designed to enable autonomous detections at extended ranges for counter intrusion missions. The system includes a sensor head that is integrated atop an 80-foot expeditionary tower to enable detection, classification, and tracking objects of interest up to 7.5 miles away, including 5+ miles autonomously.
Peter Babb, VP of Counter Intrusion at Anduril Industries, said; “We are constantly improving our technology solutions to deliver unrivaled situational awareness to operators, delivering autonomous capabilities that act as force multipliers for border security and force protection missions around the world. Our systems give operators the mission advantage they need to focus on responding to incursions, rather than working to identify them.”
XRST is part of the Sentry family of systems that leverage autonomy as a force multiplier to detect, identify, and track objects of interest. Sentry reduces manpower needs and response times by presenting tailored alerts to operators within seconds of detection. By constantly processing and training state-of-the-art algorithms at the edge, Sentry enables operators to increase the speed, accuracy, and effectiveness of their efforts.
XRST seamlessly integrates with Lattice, Anduril’s software platform, and existing Sentry Tower networks to create a network effect for counter intrusion. Lattice fuses real-time data from Anduril’s Sentry Towers in addition to third-party data sources to create comprehensive actionable intelligence for operators.
Anduril developed XRST to meet requirements for longer range detections for U.S. Customs and Border Protection, while using artificial intelligence, computer vision and machine learning to free up agents who, without this technology, have to spend countless hours manually identifying crossings.
In November 2023, Anduril sprinted to complete the pilot tower and deployed it to support operations in Texas.
(Source: https://www.defenseadvancement.com/)
30 May 24. Cuashub.com said today that ACS Invited to Demonstrate Bullfrog Robotic Gun System. Allen Control Systems (ACS), a defense technology company specializing in counter-drone robotic gun systems, announced this week that it has been invited to participate in the U.S. Defense Department’s Technology Readiness Experimentation 2024 (T-REX 24-2). This premier event assesses and fast-tracks new technologies deemed critical for warfighting efforts by the DoD. ACS will demonstrate the Bullfrog™ Robotic Gun System at the event.
Low-cost, lethal, and increasingly autonomous drones are being deployed in large numbers by enemy forces worldwide. Recent advances in drone technology have made these drones more resilient to radio frequency (RF) jamming, allowing them to complete deadly missions. Another method to disable autonomous enemy drones is through kinetic defeat solutions that physically damage or destroy them. Previously, this required expensive missiles. At T-REX 24-2, ACS will demonstrate a new, highly accurate, and cost-effective kinetic defeat solution.
ACS’s Bullfrog™ robotic gun system combines cutting-edge software, computer vision, and artificial intelligence (AI) with the M240 machine gun to neutralize large numbers of lethal drones at higher effectiveness and much lower cost than any solution available today.
“Bullfrog is a step change in capability,” said Steven Simoni, co-founder and CEO of ACS. “As the only kinetic defeat solution at T-REX 24-2, we’re looking forward to demonstrating how our counter-drone robotic gun system addresses the threat from low-flying, cheap drones that have changed the battlefield.”
T-REX 24-2, hosted by the DoD and the Indiana National Guard, is a critical demonstration and evaluation platform for advanced military technologies. T-REX 24-2, happening from Aug. 19 to 26 at Camp Atterbury, Ind., is a component of the DoD’s Rapid Defense Experimentation Reserve (RDER), a process to incentivize experimentation of military technologies and accelerate the path from concept to the field.
Post Image- Camp Atterbury serves as a primary training site for individual, collective, and joint operations, providing realistic venues for live, virtual, and constructive training and testing events to increase training readiness, attract commercial defense industry participation, and build strategic partnerships. Camp Atterbury consists of over 34,000 acres four miles west of Edinburgh, Indiana. This includes approximately 26,000 acres of maneuver training space, a 6,000-acre impact area, urban training venues, the Atterbury Rail Deployment Facility, and much more. (Image Credit: National Guard Sgt. Joshua Syberg)
https://cuashub.com/en/content/acs-invited-to-demonstrate-bullfrog-robotic-gun-system/?utm_campaign=C-UAS%20Hub%20General&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9dHIF7ovNrhCymQbqNCHJZ7lcVbHruuN6u4-TKdB-2xYldGUsDDOFECzlpy5IhGBDoQjR7NiT4A9rrKmCNSbOZZEEj7JyG9muyjxi_fEfFSyJF3ls&_hsmi=309394989&utm_content=309394989&utm_source=hs_email(Source: https://cuashub.com/)
29 May 24. Israel examines M61 Vulcan for countering drones. Israel is examining the M61 Vulcan cannon to counter drones, according to the Israel Defense Forces, with local media reporting the weapon would go atop armored personnel carriers deployed along the northern border.
The potential acquisition comes as the country clashes with the Lebanon-based militant group Hezbollah, which launched drones and missiles toward Israel in April.
The Israel-based Alma Research and Education Center recently estimated that Hezbollah has more than 2,500 UAVs for various purposes, such as intelligence gathering and attack. The center added that drone attacks on Israel increased from seven in February to 24 in March.
The Israel Defense Forces placed drone-detection systems across the northern border to improve the response time and accuracy of interceptions, and in the military’s Northern Command established a unit dedicated to targeting drones. Still, Hezbollah was reportedly able to send a drone into Israeli airspace in May to attack a military facility.
The M61 is a six-barrel, electrically fired Gatling-style rotary cannon able to fire 6,000 rounds per minute. It has been in use on the U.S. military’s fixed-wing aircraft for decades. The American firm General Dynamics produces the weapon.
It has also been in service with the Israel Air Force since 1975, and received modifications as the Machbet variant. The force stationed the weapon at the northern border on top of the M113 armored personnel carrier, known locally as the Bardehlas, until it was retired in 2006.
Use of the Vulcan cannon relies mainly on ground forces identifying UAV threats to target.
Israeli defense companies that currently provide counter-drone products are Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Israel Aerospace Industries. Both companies declined to comment for this story, as did the Israeli Defense Ministry.
However, an IDF spokesperson told Defense News that the military “does not have Vulcan cannons at the moment. It, along with others solutions, are being tested at this stage in trials in the defense industries as part of our process of building military strength in the war.”
“There are a variety of measures, some in an operational trial, and others in the research and development phase, alongside adjustments in the operational activity in the field,” the spokesperson added. (Source: C4ISR & Networks)
30 May 24. Cuashub.com said today that DHS Prepares for Future Security Challenges. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released the first-ever department-wide Innovation, Research and Development (IRD) Strategic Plan, articulating key investment goals over the next seven fiscal years to prepare for future security challenges. Developed at the direction of Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas, the Strategic Plan serves as a blueprint for DHS to keep pace with technology by leveraging research and development to address homeland security challenges.
“This visionary roadmap, informed by scientific efforts, will empower DHS and its components to reduce risks to the homeland through optimized innovation, research, and development investments,” said Dr. Dimitri Kusnezov, DHS Under Secretary for Science and Technology. “The technologies resulting from our IRD investments play a critical role in equipping the Department’s front-line operators with necessary tools to outpace our adversaries and enhance our preparedness and response capabilities.”
In 2022, Secretary Mayorkas tasked the DHS Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) with examining DHS’s execution of research and development (R&D), including developing a coordinated strategy focused on areas for long-term Departmental research. The resulting IRD Strategic Plan will help the Department and its partners make coordinated, integrated investments. In addition to capturing current IRD efforts already underway – compiling data from every DHS component and office – it provides an overview of complementary efforts led by federal, state, local, tribal, territorial, nongovernmental, and private sector entities.
From this analysis of common research fields, the plan highlights eight Strategic Priority Research Areas (SPRAs) and future capabilities that DHS needs across its missions. The SPRAs will enhance the coordination of R&D across DHS while giving a demand signal for industry, interagency, academic, and international communities about future partnership opportunities. The Strategic Priority Research Areas for Fiscal Years 2024-2030 are:
- Advanced Sensing – next-generation sensor capabilities to enhance detection against a broad spectrum of threats.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Autonomous Systems – automated technologies that provide predictions, recommendations, or decisions across various operating environments, including means to deal with adversarial AI.
- Biotechnology – augmented capabilities to predict, detect, and defend against current and emerging bioagents and biotechnologies of concern.
- Climate Change – technologies to strengthen climate adaptation/resilience, improve equity, protect critical infrastructure, and reduce carbon emissions.
- Communications and Networking – enhanced communications and networking capabilities while maintaining security and resiliency.
- Cybersecurity – enhanced resiliency, protection, and operational assurance across data, software, hardware, and communications networks.
- Data Integration, Analytics, Modeling, and Simulation – enhanced, integrated data ecosystems, analytics, and modeling to enable more accurate data-driven insights, predictions, and decisions.
- Digital Identity and Trust – enhanced capabilities to establish and verify individuals’ identities and associated data’s validity, integrity, and privacy.
In collaboration with stakeholders from across DHS, S&T is advancing the implementation of the Strategic Plan by developing IRD investment roadmaps for each SPRA. These roadmaps will inform the Department’s budget process for FY 2027 and beyond.
More information about the IRD Strategic Plan and its priorities can be found at DHS IRD Strategic Plan FY24-30 | Homeland Security.
https://cuashub.com/en/content/dhs-prepares-for-future-security-challenges/?utm_campaign=C-UAS%20Hub%20General&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9j0XAPKeqPRT-kcAix23YGhBqPTSYOKvmx8rinFTqx2QuSFytPBwq8yPx_X5_i1VH3QG_V1mNdPlQ46x9d9-tqrcarBDu7o_0T675kI1xWXmbIZ1U&_hsmi=309394989&utm_content=309394989&utm_source=hs_email (Source: https://cuashub.com/)
29 May 24. Sweden to acquire additional GlobalEye AEW&C aircraft, accelerate entry into service. Sweden is to add to its order of two Saab S 106 GlobalEye airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft, at the same time as fast-tracking the type’s entry into service.
The Swedish government made the disclosures as part of a wider announcement of military aid to Ukraine published on 29 May. In the announcement, the government said that its commitment to donate one of the Swedish Air Force’s (SwAF’s) two Saab ASC 890 AEW&C airframes would be backfilled by an increased and accelerated order of the GlobalEye.
“The donation [of a Saab ASC 890 AEW&C aircraft] will entail a temporary decrease of Sweden’s defence capability, which will be addressed by procuring additional S 106 GlobalEye aircraft and advancing previous orders for two new GlobalEye aircraft,” the government announcement on the military aid package to Ukraine said.
The Swedish government contracted Saab in June 2022 to deliver two GlobalEye aircraft, with the option for two more. In response to a request for further information on the latest announcement, the SwAF told Janes. (Source: Janes)
29 May 24. Cuashub.com said today that Sentrycs Secures Contracts to Protect European Military Bases. Sentrycs, a global leader in cyber-based RF counter-drone technology, has announced strategic deals to implement its advanced counter-UAS (Unmanned Aerial Systems) solutions to protect European military bases.
This field-proven Israeli technology will empower customers to counter immediate threats from small and commercial drones conducting ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) missions over sensitive sites, such as military bases, and occasionally engaging in attacks, as seen in recent conflicts like the Ukraine-Russia war and the Middle East.
Sentrycs’ solutions utilize proprietary protocol analysis technology to passively detect drones, track their flight paths, and identify their models, unique serial numbers, and IDs, distinguishing between friendly and enemy drones. If a drone is deemed a threat, the system neutralizes it by landing it safely in a predefined zone.
Sentrycs Portable Kit
These systems can be deployed as standalone units or integrated into broader, multi-layered C-UAS solutions to ensure effective protection against various types of drones.
“Winning these projects signifies a meaningful market recognition of Sentrycs’ unique capabilities and technology leadership,” said Yoav Zaltzman, CEO of Sentrycs. “Our commitment to ongoing innovation and our agility in adapting to the fast-changing threats, along with strong customer support, allow us to provide a field-proven and effective long-term solution. We are proud to contribute to the security of our allies with our advanced counter-drone solutions.”
Sentrycs Secures Contracts to Protect European Military Bases
https://cuashub.com/en/content/centcom-completes-week-long-counter-uas-hackathon/?utm_campaign=C-UAS%20Hub%20General&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz–DHXvEkZ-4wQRCxb8p18eFcWMCuviWoiZ9P_e8iyW5slONL1B-G9YGFa7OK2ot3fLAtCWFecjBGaMlAd6GWkQleD-qIJVP5oA2Q6bIhUyeOOnPkvs&_hsmi=309214000&utm_content=309214000&utm_source=hs_email (Source: https://cuashub.com/)
29 May 24. Cuashub.com said today that CENTCOM Completes Week-Long Counter-UAS Hackathon. The United States Central Command (USCENTCOM) recently concluded a weeklong Desert Architect Counter-UAS hackathon featuring 20 expert hackers. This event was organized with the Defense Digital Service, the 513th Military Intelligence Brigade, the 18th Airborne Corps, and the Defense Information Systems Agency.
Desert Architect aimed to address critical data and software challenges related to countering one-way unmanned aerial systems (UAS) within USCENTCOM’s area of responsibility. Held at USCENTCOM’s headquarters, the hackathon brought together top-tier hackers and USCENTCOM subject matter experts to focus on rapid innovation. The goal was to enhance the efficiency and precision of UAS-related processes, which are crucial for protecting US and allied forces. This initiative highlighted the Department of Defense’s commitment to developing advanced technological solutions to meet evolving threats.
“US Central Command is committed to leveraging every talented individual, technical solution, and innovative process available,” said Schuyler Moore, chief technology officer at USCENTCOM. “Desert Architect has combined exceptional hackers and brilliant software prototypes with a repeatable process to provide creative solutions building on progress made at our previous hackathon. This initiative targets critical operational issues, expanding the command’s network of technical experts and enhancing capabilities in the counter-UAS space.”
Throughout the week, participants collaborated to develop innovative prototypes to improve the speed and accuracy of UAS countermeasures. USCENTCOM’s subject matter experts were instrumental in this effort, working closely with the coding teams to ensure seamless integration and facilitate the rapid transition of these capabilities beyond the hackathon.
“Our strategic approach, summarized by ‘people, partners, and innovation,’ is successful when we give team members a chance to bring new and creative solutions to the table,” said General Michael Erik Kurilla, USCENTCOM commander. “Desert Architect provided that opportunity, and future hackathons will drive better solutions to critical missions advancing data-centric warfighting for the command.”
https://cuashub.com/en/content/centcom-completes-week-long-counter-uas-hackathon/?utm_campaign=C-UAS%20Hub%20General&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz–DHXvEkZ-4wQRCxb8p18eFcWMCuviWoiZ9P_e8iyW5slONL1B-G9YGFa7OK2ot3fLAtCWFecjBGaMlAd6GWkQleD-qIJVP5oA2Q6bIhUyeOOnPkvs&_hsmi=309214000&utm_content=309214000&utm_source=hs_email (Source: https://cuashub.com/)
29 May 24. Pulsar Unveils the Axion XQ30 Pro: The Ultimate Compact Thermal Imaging Monocular. Pulsar, a leader in advanced thermal imaging technology, is proud to introduce its latest innovation, the Axion XQ30 Pro thermal monocular. Designed for first-time users and seasoned outdoor enthusiasts alike, the Axion XQ30 Pro sets a new standard for thermal imaging monoculars, providing exceptional performance and a robust set of features in an ultra-compact body.
Compact and Powerful
Unveiled at the prestigious IWA Outdoor Classics 2024, the Axion XQ30 Pro measures just 5.6 x 1.6 inches, making it the smallest thermal monocular in Pulsar’s lineup. Despite its compact size, it boasts a professional grade European made 384×288 thermal imaging sensor with NETD <25 mK, delivering unmatched sensitivity and detailed thermal images. These features ensure superior image quality for a variety of outdoor applications.
Feature-Rich for Versatile Use
The Axion XQ30 Pro is packed with features tailored to meet the needs of hunters and outdoor adventurers. Key features include:
- Digital Zoom and Picture-in-Picture Mode: Enhance your viewing experience and focus on critical details with ease.
- Eight Color Palettes: Adapt to various environments and conditions with customizable display options.
- Onboard Multimedia Suite: Capture photos and videos of your adventures, all viewable on the power-efficient AMOLED screen.
- Wi-Fi Connectivity: Seamlessly connect to smartphones and tablets via the Stream Vision 2 app, allowing for real-time sharing and remote control.
29 May 24. Terma, a global leader in radar technology, proudly announces the launch of its latest product suite advancement, a range of cybersecurity capabilities tailored specifically for the renowned SCANTER radar series. This breakthrough offering reinforces Terma’s commitment to ensuring security and reliability for its customers’ radar sites.
Terma’s new cybersecurity capabilities are designed to strengthen the resilience of SCANTER radars, providing comprehensive protection against cyber threats. Accessible to both existing and new radar customers, these new capabilities offer seamless integration into the customers’ existing cybersecurity infrastructure, supplementing the integrity of customers’ operations.
Centered around robust development, verification, and hardening processes, Terma’s cybersecurity capabilities offer a comprehensive suite of tools designed to bolster defenses against evolving threats in radar infrastructure, establishing a resilient and trustworthy defense mechanism. Moreover, Terma’s sophisticated monitoring setup enables swift identification and rectification of software vulnerabilities. Including features such as authenticated and encrypted communication and logging of suspicious activities, the capabilities empower rapid response and mitigation strategies.
“We are thrilled to unveil our latest cybersecurity capabilities tailored to SCANTER radars,” says Mads Ulrik Kristoffersen, Product Director, Radar & Hardware Systems at Terma. “With cyber threats on the rise, it’s imperative for organizations to adopt proactive measures to safeguard their assets. This addition to our already very strong SCANTER solutions not only enhances the resilience of SCANTER radars but also offers peace of mind to our valued customers.”
Terma’s new cybersecurity capabilities for SCANTER radars are ready for deployment now.
28 May 24. Cuashub.com said today that U.S. European Command Hosts Counter-Drone Workshop. U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) and the Polish Ministry of National Defence co-hosted a regional counter-drone workshop with experts from Great Britain, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Romania, and Ukraine in Poznan, Poland, from May 20-24, 2024.
The workshop aimed to facilitate information sharing, enhance counter-drone capabilities, and develop training programs to prepare joint response forces for evolving drone threats, including surveillance, harassment, and attacks.
“Drones are highly prolific and evolving at an exponential rate across all domains – air, ground, underwater, and surface,” said British Army Maj. Gen. Charles Hewit, vice director of operations at USEUCOM. “To keep pace with this rapidly advancing threat, we must work closely with our capable Allies and partners to share expertise and develop collaborative counter-drone solutions.”
The workshop enabled participating delegations to synchronize efforts, establish interoperability agreements, and integrate regional counter-drone capabilities.
Participants discussed each country’s counter-drone force structures, identifying potential capability, equipment, and policy gaps to ensure comprehensive protection of U.S., Allied, and partner nation assets.
Aligning military and law enforcement jurisdictions was also crucial for ensuring a coordinated counter-drone effort among the participating countries.
Polish Army Brig. Gen. Kazimiertz Dynski, Chief of the Air and Missile Defense directorate, said the workshop allowed Allies and partners from across the European theater to synchronize efforts. Only through interoperability, agreements, and an integrated approach can we effectively counter the drone threat facing our nations,” Dynski said.
The workshop is part of an ongoing effort by USEUCOM and Allies to address the proliferation of drones by adversaries and other threat networks.
(Source: https://cuashub.com/)
24 May 24. Grand Forks County and GrandSKY launch Project ULTRA to enhance DoD UAS/UTM capabilities. Grand Forks County in the United States, in collaboration with GrandSKY, has launched Project ULTRA (UAS Logistics, Traffic, Research, and Autonomy), an initiative aimed at enhancing the Department of Defense’s (DoD) capabilities through advanced uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) technology.
Project ULTRA is a collaborative effort involving federal organisations and private entities such as NASA, the Air Force Research Laboratory and MITRE. The initiative aims to boost logistics and traffic management within the National Airspace System (NAS) by using UAS technology.
The project, contracted by Washington Headquarters Services, is structured under a 5-year Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (ID/IQ) contract with a maximum ceiling of USD18.25 m. Task orders will be issued to define specific projects and funding details, with Task Order 01 valued at USD2,480,281, set to commence at the end of May and conclude by September 30, 2024.
The project aims to enhance airspace situational awareness and traffic management within the NAS through testing and evaluation of uncrewed traffic management and other traffic management systems. It will develop replicable and scalable logistical and supply delivery systems to remote military locations, utilising beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) capabilities to create scalable service models for various DoD installations. Small UAS (sUAS) capabilities will be integrated into the project and scalable Counter UAS (C-UAS) technologies will be developed to enhance physical security measures at military facilities and to integrate C-UAS technologies with traffic management.
The Northern Plains UAS Test Site will provide critical support in flight route modelling, UAS selection, and Federal Aviation Administration coordination. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
22 May 24. US military hackathon creates prototypes to enhance C-UAS capabilities. The United States Central Command (USCENTCOM) recently concluded a weeklong hackathon featuring 20 expert hackers in partnership with Defense Digital Service, 513th Military Intelligence Brigade, 18th Airborne Corps, and the Defense Information Systems Agency.
The event, known as Desert Architect, was designed to tackle critical data and software challenges associated with countering one-way uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) within USCENTCOM’s area of responsibility.
“Desert Architect has combined exceptional hackers and brilliant software prototypes with a repeatable process to provide creative solutions building on progress made at our previous hackathon,” said Schuyler Moore, chief technology officer at USCENTCOM. “This initiative targets critical operational issues, expanding the command’s network of technical experts and enhancing capabilities in the counter-UAS space.”
Throughout the week, participants collaborated to create innovative prototypes that are designed to enhance the speed and accuracy of UAS countermeasures. USCENTCOM’s subject matter experts engaged closely with the coding teams to pave the way for rapid capability transitions beyond the hackathon. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
24 May 24. Visionary Machines to develop C-UAS technology for Australian defence department. Defence Connect reports that Visionary Machines has been awarded an innovation contract to develop its Pandion counter drone and robotic autonomous systems passive 3D multispectral perception sensor technology. The contract follows the company’s winning submission to Army Innovation Day 2023, an Australian Department of Defence initiative that sees the Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator (ASCA) partner with the Australian Army to challenge industry in solving complex problems for the Land Force.
Visionary Machines tendered for and was successful in securing a Phase 2 technology demonstration contract applicable across all three Counter Robotic and Autonomous Systems (C-RAS) capability themes, including Counter Aerial, Counter Ground and Counter Littoral and Riverine RAS.
Visionary Machines’ Pandion C-RAS Passive 3D Multispectral Perception System is an optical system for drone detection with multiple vehicle and stationary array applications. It is designed to track targets including uncrewed aerial systems, uncrewed ground systems, and uncrewed waterborne systems at significant distances from ground level or near ground level.
(Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
24 May 24. Defense spending measure would bar Chinese lidar in U.S. military systems. A U.S. defense spending bill advanced by the House of Representatives this week contains a measure that would bar the use of Chinese-made lidar sensors in U.S. military systems.
The measure, introduced by Rep. Elise Stefanik, a Republican from New York, would block the U.S. Defense Department from buying or using the Chinese-made version of the technology, which is a type of light sensor that is widely used in both autonomous vehicles and drones to help the machines gain a three-dimensional view of the world around them.
“As the U.S. military increases its use of autonomous unmanned systems, my amendment sends a clear signal that the U.S. cannot rely on untrusted lidar that jeopardizes our national security and undermines the competitiveness of American companies,” Stefanik said in a statement.
If passed into law, the measure would add to growing U.S. unease with Chinese-made lidar sensors. In January, the Defense Department added China’s Hesai Group (ZN80y.F), one of the biggest makers of lidar systems, to a list of companies with alleged ties to Beijing’s military.
Hesai has sued the Defense Department, arguing that the Chinese military does not exert any influence or control over the group and alleging that the designation harmed its reputation.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg told Reuters last year his agency has national security concerns about such technologies and that there was a need to better understand “the true ownership of the different enterprises that are supplying different elements of our transportation systems.” (Source: Reuters)
24 May 24. CSIR and ATNS expand passive radar testing. The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and South Africa’s Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS) company will trial innovative passive radar technology at Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport as passive radar systems continue to gain traction in South Africa.
ATNS and the CSIR signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in May 2017 on the deployment of passive radar system technology for civil aviation operations, and renewed this in April 2023.
ATNS said both entities are making significant progress in meeting the MoU’s requirements and improving civil aviation safety in South Africa and beyond. ATNS is the sole provider of air traffic management, communication, surveillance, navigation, and training and associated service within South Africa. ATNS manages 10% of the world’s airspace.
The CSIR has collaborated with local companies on passive radar including Peralex and Lochtron, as well as academic institutions (the University of Pretoria and University of Cape Town). Armscor has also provided funding support for passive radar research and development.
Passive radar is much cheaper than active radar, as it has no moving parts and only requires receiving antennas, receiver hardware and a computer – a single node could cost around a few hundred thousand Rand, versus millions of Rand for a traditional radar system.
With the CSIR leading technology development, ATNS has provided technical know-how on system configuration to meet Air Traffic Management (ATM) technical standards requirements, in line with the International Civil Aviation Organization Standards and Recommended Practices (ICAO SARPs).
Over the last eight years the CSIR’s passive radar system has been rolled out to multiple sites in the North-Eastern part of South Africa, including one site on the roof of the CSIR’s buildings in Pretoria, another at the University of the North West (Potchefstroom campus), a third at Emalahleni (Tshwane University of Technology campus), one at Hartebeeshoek and another at OR Tambo International Airport.
Now, ATNS and CSIR engineering teams are currently at Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA) to measure and survey passive radar site coverage. The aim is to determine the coverage that the system will provide in the area once deployed. This exercise will also determine the sites and the number of radar antennas to be installed, ATNS said this month.
“Deploying a passive radar at KMIA is an ideal opportunity to test the system, refine the current software and hardware solutions, and monitor continued passive radar performance characterisation testing over a predetermined period. This will include a robust systems engineering approach followed by customisation updating, verification and validation of the Air Traffic Control Passive Radar technology,” ATNS said.
Transmitters of opportunity
Unlike traditional radar, passive radar only needs a receiver to detect reflections of targets of interest from signals emitted by other sources, such as FM radio broadcast towers, TV transmitters, WiFi and weather radar. This makes passive radar (also known as passive coherent location, passive bistatic radar, piggyback radar and covert radar) cost effective, safe (no emissions) and highly mobile. No spectrum licensing is required either. By using several receiver sites one can use multilateration to identify the location of an aircraft, or by using a single receiver one can measure the angle of arrival of the reflected signal to determine a target’s location.
One of the benefits of passive radar is that it is covert, as it does not have a transmitter subsystem onsite that can be detected and destroyed. Transmitters more often than not, consist of public broadcast infrastructure and are therefore clandestine as radar transmitters. Furthermore, it is possible to detect stealth aircraft using passive radar due to the bistatic nature of the radar (transmit and receive functionality are geographically separated), as well as the lower operating frequencies of passive radar illuminators – which renders the radio absorbent material of stealth aircraft ineffective.
Passive radar is a rapidly progressing technology as the number of useable emissions increase and the cost of computer processing power decreases. Some European countries are even looking at replacing their active air traffic radars with passive radar systems.
The CSIR is looking at multiple applications for passive radar, including air traffic control (pending certification), border security and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) detection around airports. It has even tested passive radar at the coast and discovered that it can detect surface vessels like harbour patrol boats – small boats were detected at ranges of 4-5 kilometres during tests carried out in 2014 in the Western Cape. Tests at the CSIR have also seen the system detecting road traffic.
Passive radar prototypes have been built and tested in South Africa since 2013. In the Western Cape, passive radar receivers were able to detect large airliners at ranges of 250 km and also detect and track a C-47TP Turbo Dakota transport aircraft. A test in Gauteng in 2013 was able to detect a Cessna 172 aircraft flying at 2 000 feet above ground level at a range of 80 km and accurately predict the rotation speed of the aircraft’s propeller. These tests were done by using FM radio transmissions as the illuminator of opportunity.
ATNS pointed out that passive radar can be used for air surveillance or to fill gaps in active radar networks, and in the long term, may replace primary surveillance radars.
Passive radar for the Square Kilometre Array
Peralex has successfully used passive radar stations in the Northern Cape to monitor air traffic for the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) radio telescope in what is one of the first commercial applications anywhere in the world for the technology.
Peralex was contracted to supply a commercial passive radar system as the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) has a requirement to monitor their airspace. Requiring minimal electromagnetic interference is a co-requisite for this, making passive radar an ideal solution. (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)
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