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10 Jul 24. Echodyne participates in NATO’s C-UAS drill. Echodyne announced in a LinkedIn post that it has supported NATO’s Communications and Information Agency (NCI Agency) to help with the alliance’s testing of its first-ever counter-drone doctrine.
In the recent Ramstein Legacy drill exercise, participating units familiarised themselves with technology that included electronic warfare equipment, radars, and command-and-control systems through practical exercises and hands-on training.
The drill, held June 3-14, focused on developing NATO’s integrated air and missile defence as well as countering small uncrewed aerial system threats. CS Group and Rohde & Schwarz also participated in the exercise.
Reporting on the drill, Defense News said that GPS spoofing was detected and affected some of the drones. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
18 Jul 24. Cuashub.com said today that Zen Technologies Unveils Air and Ground Defense Technologies. According to news reports, India’s Zen Technologies, a provider of anti-drone technology and defense training solutions, along with its subsidiary AI Turing Technologies, has launched four new innovative air and ground defense technologies- the Hawkeye, Barbarik-URCWS (Ultralight Remote Control Weapon Station), Prahasta, and Sthir Stab 640.
Zen Technologies, India’s provider of anti-drone technology and defense training solutions, along with its subsidiary AI Turing Technologies, has launched several innovative products:
Hawkeye– Equipped with multiple sensor detection modules, it enables all-weather drone tracking up to 15 km, ensuring continuous threat detection and enhanced security.
Barbarik-URCWS– Described as the world’s lightest remote-controlled weapon station, offering precise targeting capabilities with calibers ranging from 5.56mm to 7.62mm, suitable for ground vehicles and naval vessels.
Prahasta– An automated quadruped that uses LiDAR and reinforcement learning for real-time 3D terrain mapping, facilitating unparalleled mission planning, navigation, and threat assessment. It can be armed with various caliber weapons (9mm, 5.56mm, 7.62mm) and serves as a first line of defense for commandos during CI operations.
Sthir Stab 640– A rugged stabilized sight designed for armored vehicles, ICVs, and boats, featuring an intelligent fiber optic gyro-stabilized system. It provides exceptional situational awareness with automatic search and tracking capabilities and is compatible with weapon mounts of 7.62mm, 12.7mm, 20mm, and 30mm calibers.
https://cuashub.com/en/content/zen-technologies-unveils-air-and-ground-defense-technologies/?utm_campaign=C-UAS%20Hub%20General&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9r0-NZCxTqkx0V8c3ir2xaag7vQqzDMfsy8AQLXf6XJazyrU2z59CL3DUyOs5AtcHFOUMAdUxc5i2TqmsczpxVXGe5k6ViWSWeOMVuxJpvRET7pFI&_hsmi=316249918&utm_content=316249918&utm_source=hs_email (Source: https://cuashub.com/)
17 Jul 24. Cuashub.com said today that USMC Seeking Information on Dismounted Counter-UAS Solutions.
With the proliferation of UAS threats on the modern battlefield, Marines must maintain awareness of friendly UAS and be capable of self-defense against hostile UAS. Every unit, down to the individual Marine, is vulnerable to surveillance and potentially dangerous attacks from threat sUAS, regardless of their geographic location on the battlefield. Marines need effective self-defense capabilities against these threats to ensure freedom of movement. This need has been demonstrated through numerous Department of Defense (DoD) experiments, training exercises, and real-world operations.
The purpose of this Request for Information (RFI) is to gather potential solutions from the industry for Dismounted Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System (Counter-UAS) systems, enabling every Marine to defend against Groups 1 and 2 small UAS (sUAS) threats. Vendors must submit white papers detailing capabilities that meet the specified requirements. Mature capabilities that fulfill these requirements may be invited to an Industry Day in September 2024 at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, for live target demonstrations. This RFI aims to identify potential solutions for an urgent emerging requirement.
The requirements may include training, integration, testing, production, and maintenance support. This RFI is market research per FAR Part 10, not a Request for Proposal (RFP). In support of Program Executive Officer Land Systems (PEO LS), the USMC is issuing this RFI to determine which vendors can provide the described support.
Squad-level solutions need to be carried by dismounted Marines with little to no impact on their primary mission. Platoon-level solutions may be transported in light tactical vehicles, assembled without the use of material handling equipment, and operated on battery power.
Original Published Date: Jul 15, 2024, 08:28 am EDT
Original Response Date: Aug 02, 2024, 05:00 pm EDT
https://cuashub.com/en/content/usmc-seeking-information-on-dismounted-counter-uas-solutions/ (Source: https://cuashub.com/)
17 Jul 24. Cuashub.com said today that Air Mobility Command and AFRL Pioneer UTM at MacDill AFB. Air Mobility Command (AMC) and the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Information Directorate are assessing the CLUE UAS Traffic Management (UTM) system at MacDill Air Force Base, reports Marc D. DeNofio of the AFRL. This is the first Department of the Air Force (DAF) installation to utilize UTM in controlled airspace managed by DOD air traffic controllers. This integration ensures the safe operation of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAS) alongside manned air operations, enhancing overall operational safety.
Initiated in 2016, the CLUE program aims to prepare the Air Force and DOD for UAS operations on their installations. The system provides situational awareness and operational capabilities for UAS operators and stakeholders. Introduced at MacDill in February 2022, CLUE demonstrated its capabilities, focusing on airspace deconfliction and security.
Collaboration with various Air Force and AMC units determined it to advance to the next assessment phase. Developed over two years at MacDill, CLUE assists air traffic controllers by providing a three-dimensional view to enhance procedures and enable automatic flight permissions for UAS operators. In May 2024, CLUE UTM began formal operational feasibility assessments accessible to the Air Traffic Control Tower, the Base Defense Operations Center, and Airfield Management.
CLUE UTM is sensor-agnostic, integrating various sensors and systems for UAS detection, tracking, and identification. At MacDill, it helps airspace managers and UAS operators achieve real-time flight planning and mission execution through a control interface called SAFIRE-X, ensuring operational feasibility for DOD use cases.
https://cuashub.com/en/content/air-mobility-command-and-afrl-pioneer-utm-at-macdill-afb/?utm_campaign=C-UAS%20Hub%20General&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8wGxPXk5qHlvt2GY7EAQRSZra5M4aiU6ub_CjaHeeiQn1msSFM6-3WDaEvuAu_9j0Qt0no9vXvJazS6BguktJlIBkyO49-kublkebG0t8s0r83Ae8&_hsmi=316113079&utm_content=316113079&utm_source=hs_email (Source: https://cuashub.com/)
16 Jul 24. Cuashub.com said today that The importance of counter-UAS “left-of-launch” security planning
The term “left-of-launch” has been widely used by the military, public safety, and counter-UAS professionals worldwide over the last few years. What does the term mean, and what is its importance to an overall physical security plan in the homeland security environment?
A similar term, “left-of-boom,” has been used extensively by military and public safety professionals over the last two decades to describe the time before an improvised explosive device (IED) incident when measures could be implemented to prevent or minimize the impact of the event.
To facilitate these IED preventive measures, the FBI-led Terrorist Explosive Device Analytical Center (TEDAC) was created to help the U.S. government and its international partners proactively prevent and mitigate IED attacks by providing scientific and technical information and intelligence to law enforcement, military, and intelligence partners to disrupt the networks that finance, supply, build, emplace, and employ the devices.
In addition to investigative and forensic measures to disrupt the IED networks, the left-of-boom also includes training, creating or modifying security policies and procedures, technology implementation, and physical design measures meant to prevent or minimize the impact of an IED attack.
What does left-of-launch mean?
The term counter-UAS left of launch is very similar in context to its IED cousin. It describes the time before a careless, clueless, or nefarious drone incident when measures could be implemented to prevent or minimize the event’s impact.
In an article published in War on the Rocks earlier this year, Paul Lushenko and Caitlin Lee suggest that the U.S. government has primarily adopted a narrow “right-of-launch” reactionary approach that involves intercepting and neutralizing drones once they are en route to their target using various methods. The authors further mention that a “bullet-on-bullet” approach is likely expensive and insufficient. The authors further promote the concept of a left-of-launch approach to “focus not only on drone attacks but also the networks behind them.”
Similarly, in a 2023 article, David Kovar suggests that “analyze” and “attribute” should be part of the CUAS Kill Chain. To prevent the next malicious UAV operation before it occurs, the mitigated UAV should be analyzed to understand the “who, what, when, where, why, and how” of its operation. Attribute the operation to an individual, group, or potential threat actor if possible. Finally, intelligence sharing feeds the results into the kill chain.
Image Credit: David Kovar, URSA, Inc.
What are the critical left-of-launch preventative measures?
Analysis, attribution, and attacking the network are all key components of left-of-launch activities, but what else does the concept include?
There are several left-of-launch activities that public safety and security teams can begin to work on and implement now to reduce the threat of careless and clueless or nefarious drone activity. Examples of these activities include:
UAS Risk and Threat Analysis
A UAS threat and risk assessment should be one of the first left-of-launch steps an organization should take. The results of these efforts will play a significant role in developing policies and procedures, training, identifying internal and external stakeholders, determining physical hardening measures, and, if warranted, selecting and deploying counter-UAS technologies.
UAS threat identification involves recognizing potential means and methods of attack. This includes assessing existing protective measures (if any), identifying vulnerabilities in the asset being examined against the considered UAS attack tactic, and developing attack scenarios.
A UAS risk assessment aims to identify relevant threats, construct attack scenarios, determine vulnerabilities, estimate the likelihood of terrorist or malicious acts, and evaluate their potential consequences.
Security by Design and Physical Hardening
Security by design is a proactive approach involving designing and building airspace awareness and protection features into critical infrastructure or other assets.
This can mean including network infrastructure and building specific field-of-view vantage points to install counter-UAS technology in a structure’s original design. It could also include features in the original design or post-construction modifications that prevent or minimize the impact of careless/clueless or nefarious drones, such as a roof over a stadium, nets over an area susceptible to contraband delivery, or installing specific infrastructure to protect critical components at an oil/gas or chemical facility from an airborne UAS threat. It can also mean disguising or hiding assets of value.
Training
Training is a vast category, and the needs of each role or function can vary. Training can include UAS threats, UAS response procedures, counter-UAS equipment-specific training, and legal and regulatory compliance, to name a few.
Policies and Procedures
Policies and procedures are essential to an organization’s operations. They provide a framework for consistent decision-making, ensure regulation compliance, and promote efficient and effective processes.
Policies are formal guidelines or rules that dictate how certain situations should be handled within an organization. An example of a policy could be how the agency or organization complies with applicable state/federal laws and regulations related to counter-UAS technologies.
Procedures are detailed, step-by-step instructions for implementing policies and performing specific tasks. They describe the processes required to achieve the policies’ objectives. An example procedure could be the steps for applying for the necessary regulatory authority for the agency’s radar or the procedures for collecting, preserving, and analyzing digital evidence collected from a drone.
Tabletop Exercises
Tabletop exercises are valuable tools for organizations to prepare for and manage drone-related incidents. Regular exercises build confidence among security team members, ensuring they are ready to act effectively in an actual crisis.
The benefits of a drone-related incident tabletop include:
- Enhanced preparedness— Exercises can help clarify roles and responsibilities during a drone-related incident and help internal and external security stakeholders understand the complexities and challenges they might face during an actual incident.
- Improved coordination and communication— Drone response exercises can facilitate coordination between internal and external security stakeholders, fostering a collaborative approach to a known or suspected drone incident.
- Identify gaps and weaknesses— Exercises can help identify gaps and deficiencies in current drone response plans, procedures, and protocols.
- Risk management—Drone response exercises can enable organizations to proactively approach risk management by anticipating and preparing for potential issues. The exercises can also help an organization understand resource needs and constraints, allowing better allocation during an event.
- Decision-making practice—Exercise participants have the opportunity to practice making critical decisions under pressure. The exercises also provide a platform for developing and testing team members’ leadership capabilities.
- Learning and training—Participants develop and hone their crisis management, problem-solving, and teamwork skills. Knowledge and best practices can also be shared among security stakeholders.
Collaboration with other Internal and External Security Stakeholders
Collaboration with internal and external security stakeholders is crucial for effective airspace awareness and protection efforts.
Sharing information and insights between internal teams and external partners, such as partner organizations, law enforcement agencies, and intelligence communities, enhances situational awareness and threat detection.
Collaborative efforts ensure that resources are effectively allocated and utilized, avoiding duplication of efforts and maximizing the use of available technology and expertise.
Combining the strengths and capabilities of various stakeholders leads to developing more robust and comprehensive counter-UAS strategies that address potential vulnerabilities and gaps.
Regular communication and coordination between stakeholders streamline decision-making processes and ensure a timely and coordinated response to potential threats.
Community Engagement and Social Media
Community engagement, similar to training, is a broad term. It can include developing relationships with local drone clubs, RC airplane organizations, and retail locations where drones are sold. It can also include developing relationships with businesses and landowners near the protected asset or venue and installing “No Drone Zone” signs.
Social media and outreach to other news and information outlets can pay significant dividends by reducing the incidents of the careless and clueless over a protected facility. In doing so, public safety and security personnel can focus their efforts on the non-compliant users of the airspace or drone pilots with nefarious intent.
Selection and Implementation of Technology
The discussion of counter-UAS technologies is last and not by accident. Implementing airspace awareness and protection technologies as part of an agency or organization’s security plan is essential to a defense-in-depth security posture. The previous left-of-launch measures have no legal constraints and can now be used by any organization or entity.
Each organization seeking to evaluate and purchase airspace awareness and technologies has unique user requirements, budgets, and, in some cases, legal and regulatory constraints that dictate the types of technologies able to be deployed.
A defense-in-depth counter-UAS strategy involves using legally authorized multiple detection and mitigation technologies to enhance the likelihood of detecting and countering various drone threats.
The four primary categories of technologies used to detect UAS are radars, EO/IR cameras, acoustic sensors, and various radio frequency detection technologies. Kinetic and non-kinetic are the two categories of technologies used to mitigate, disrupt, disable, or destroy drones.
The DHS Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Counter-UAS) Technology Guide provides additional information on counter-UAS technologies. For further legal and regulatory information in the United States, please visit Advisory on the Application of Federal Laws to the Acquisition and Use of Technology to Detect and Mitigate Unmanned Aircraft Systems.
Summary
Although responding to a known or suspected drone threat is essential to airspace awareness and protection, right-of-launch activities should not be the only focus of a security team or public safety agency.
Left-of-launch activities and planning can occur regardless of legal or regulatory authorities and a budget to purchase counter-UAS technologies. In many cases, left-of-launch activities can significantly reduce or eliminate the threat or impact of a careless/clueless or nefarious drone operation.
The C-UAS Hub Resources section contains resources to help organizations conduct and organize left-of-launch activities. Counter-UAS product and service information can also be found on our industry resource website.
The importance of counter-UAS “left-of-launch” security planning
(Source: https://cuashub.com/)
16 Jul 24. Cuashub.com said today that Upcoming CORE- AI to Detect, Categorize or Identify UAS Threats. Following the success of the previous three CORE events, the UK National Protective Security Authority (NPSA) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will host another event from Monday, October 7th, to Friday, October 11th, 2024. This event will focus on using AI to detect, categorize, or identify UAS threats.
CORE is a collaborative environment for companies with C-UAS technologies at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 and above to experiment, research, and develop their capabilities. It provides a community-driven approach to research and development, enabling C-UAS companies to collaborate, engage in two-way communication with the UK Government and international partners, and access the expertise of NPSA and the Cross-Government Science & Technology community.
The October CORE event will be open to technologies utilizing AI to detect, categorize, or identify threats posed by UAS. This includes but is not limited to, the use of AI for:
– Initial detection in congested spectrum environments
– Improved classification (differentiating UAS from non-UAS and further detailing)
– Automatic threat intent assessment
– Achieving superior outcomes compared to traditional fusion, correlation, and tracking algorithms and techniques
Companies interested in this opportunity should visit the Capability Optimisation Research Environment (CORE)- Expression of Interest website. The expression of interest form must be completed and submitted by Friday, August 9th, 2024.
https://cuashub.com/en/content/upcoming-core-ai-to-detect-categorize-or-identify-uas-threats/?utm_campaign=C-UAS%20Hub%20General&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8YDfBAbJohp5U-1poF7wZf7e8z3oUFjv0jyX2BPGGysXdVtjXMHIbaJHZ3Ti1GdKpZVyojPXQY-rf-J2-vx-M9wT5uZrmP4a_xgCJxjyWvuZvZJcE&_hsmi=315979602&utm_content=315979602&utm_source=hs_email(Source: https://cuashub.com/)
16 Jul 24. Cuashub.com said today that U.S. Army Releases Directed Energy RFI. The Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO) is seeking High-Energy Laser (HEL)-based weapon solutions from the industry for integration into common Army Air and Missile Defense (AMD) networks. The goal is to demonstrate a capability to defeat Groups 1-3 UAS threats utilizing an engage-on-the-short-halt capable platform. The proposed HEL solution should include the USG-defined Modular Open System Architecture (MOSA) weapon system design considerations, allowing greater flexibility for U.S. Soldiers to employ, operate, and maintain the system.
Laser weapon systems will be critical components within the Army’s formations as their lethality, interoperability, and sustainability improve over the next decade. Rapid and scalable production of these systems necessitates collaboration among industry partners. The RCCTO aims to work with industry to accelerate the development and field testing of a producible and sustainable laser weapon system. This system is designed to meet the Army’s counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) battalion force protection requirements by integrating seamlessly into the Army’s AMD architecture, specifically to deliver lethal effects against Groups 1-3 UAS.
Following the RCCTO Other Transaction Authority (OTA) prototype award under Title 10 USC 4022 in early FY25, the selected vendors’ laser weapon systems will undergo an accelerated United States Government (USG) field test program to ensure they are safe and operationally suitable.
After successfully completing the development and demonstration phase, RCCTO will select a prime contractor for production in FY26. The program plans to transition to the Program Executive Office Missiles and Space (PEO MS) for production, with consideration for utilizing the Middle Tier of Acquisition (MTA) Rapid Fielding approach to produce up to 20 laser weapon systems. These units will leverage available hardware and software open-interface standards to maximize lethality, interoperability, sustainability, and producibility.
Original Published Date: Jul 10, 2024, 11:16 am CDT
Original Response Date: Aug 07, 2024, 05:00 pm CDT
For more information, please visit Broad Agency Announcement- Special Topic, Enduring Directed Energy, on sam.gov.
https://cuashub.com/en/content/us-army-releases-directed-energy-rfi/?utm_campaign=C-UAS%20Hub%20General&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz–HdxKyyp_Q3K6TI8g9YtCuijwz3Z_GDenrB0quLyLwXN_GuyqpBB_WFNzC757aA2A3fecnyfHn-021OVzIQR6WRjhwW7ZQ2N-KbNcJk1PYr5r0gW8&_hsmi=315979602&utm_content=315979602&utm_source=hs_email (Source: https://cuashub.com/)
17 Jul 24. EOS dazzles with its laser technology at the 2024 Canadian CUAS Sandbox event. Last month, Electro Optic Systems (EOS) joined innovators from across Canada and around the world for the Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS) program’s 2024 Counter Uncrewed Aerial Systems (CUAS) Sandbox event. At the event, counter-drone prototypes were put to the test in realistic scenarios; EOS demonstrated its Laser Dazzler technology.
Led by Ian Hilton-Cowie, EOS Projects Engineering Lead, and the EOS Defence Systems Titanis Team, the demonstration highlighted the potential of the Laser Dazzler as part of their counter-drone solutions. The Laser Dazzler, integrated into the company’s Slinger counter-drone system, successfully showcased its ability to degrade, deny, and destroy the electro-optical sensors on typical UAS, using a non-lethal, zero-collateral laser.
Andreas Schwer, Group CEO of Electro Optic Systems, said, “EOS has established itself as the pioneer in Laser Dazzling technology, being the first to successfully integrate it into remote weapon systems. Through the success of our Slinger system, we have proven our ability to deliver accurate counter-drone technologies. The Laser Dazzler builds on this experience, using our world-leading technology to extend options for non-lethal payloads.”
The Laser Dazzler enhances the remote weapon system (RWS) with optic-dazzling, disabling, and disengaging capabilities, offering a formidable solution to counter uncrewed threats. It can be integrated with an RWS as almost a drop-in replacement for the 7.62mm coaxial machine gun. This allows operators the flexibility to use either lethal kinetic or non-lethal scalable kinetic electronic warfare (SKEW) measures against aerial threat.
The dazzle effects from CUAS begin at the effective range of its camera. Laser light, being a single wavelength and coherent, travels far in a vacuum but disperses over distance in the atmosphere. The Laser Dazzler features bespoke beam-forming and optics engineered to achieve the necessary power density at operational ranges, tailored to specific tactical requirements.
For Group 1 UAVs, which rely heavily on the global positioning system (GPS) and global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) along with inertial navigation systems (INS) for navigation and payload delivery, maintaining sensor integrity is crucial. The Laser Dazzler’s capability to mitigate sensor damage from light exposure ensures sustained operational accuracy.
Designed and developed in Australia specifically for export markets, the Laser Dazzler addresses current and emerging threats from uncrewed systems, drawing on lessons from recent conflicts, such as in Ukraine.
Schwer concluded, “EOS is committed to the continuous development of defence technology, equipping allied forces with systems that are not just lethal but also adaptable. Our ongoing innovations and partnerships keep pushing the boundaries of what is possible in defence technology.”
Organisers will publish lessons learned and announce the prize winners in the coming weeks.
17 Jul 24. Teledyne FLIR, part of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated, today announced the next-generation embedded software for the ITAR-free Boson+ thermal camera module, delivering high performing uncooled thermal imaging technology for defense, firefighting, automotive, security, and surveillance applications.
Featuring industry-leading thermal sensitivity of ≤20 mK, Boson+ has been upgraded to provide even sharper thermal imagery and improved spatial filtering. Continuously improved thermal performance and proven market-leading reliability make Boson+ the low-risk integration choice for unmanned platforms, security applications, handhelds, wearables, and thermal sights.
“Boson+ shares the industry-leading size, weight, and power (SWaP) of the widely deployed and real-world-proven Boson thermal camera module, simplifying integration and shortening time to market for our customers,” said Dan Walker, vice president, product management, OEM cores, Teledyne FLIR. “With software updates including new color palettes, low gain mode, and an updated GUI, the AI-ready Boson+ continues to be the go-to thermal module for defense, industrial, and commercial integrators.”
Boson+ interfaces seamlessly with the new Teledyne FLIR AVP, an advanced video processor that powers Prism™ AI and computational imaging at the edge. The AVP, built on the latest Qualcomm QCS8550, efficiently runs Teledyne FLIR Prism AI software providing detection, classification, and target tracking. To improve data fidelity and enhance decision support, it also operates Prism ISP algorithms including super resolution, image fusion, atmospheric turbulence removal, electronic stabilization, local-contrast enhancement, and noise reduction.
Made in the USA, the 12-micron pixel pitch Boson+ is available in both 320 x 256 and 640 x 512 resolutions. The noise equivalent differential temperature (NEDT) of 20 mK or less offers significantly enhanced detection, recognition, and identification (DRI) performance. Improved video latency enhances tracking, seeker performance, and decision support.
Truly designed for integrators, the Boson+ is available with a variety of lens options, comprehensive product documentation, an easy-to-use SDK, and a user-friendly GUI. Customers have access to the US-based Teledyne FLIR Technical Services team to reduce development risk and cost. Boson+ is dual use (non-ITAR) and is classified under US Department of Commerce jurisdiction as EAR 6A003.b.4.a.
The Teledyne FLIR Boson+ is available for purchase globally from Teledyne FLIR and its authorized dealers. To learn more, visit www.flir.com/bosonplus.
15 Jul 24. German Advanced Radar Detection System Integrated onto Predator B. General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA‑ASI) and Raytheon Deutschland GmbH,have announced that they will integrate the Advanced Radar Detection System (ARDS) onto a GA-ASI Predator B/MQ-9 Reaper. A scalable Electronic Support Measure (ESM) system for passive radar monitoring, ARDS is designed and developed by Raytheon Deutschland on the basis of modules which are produced in Spain and in the UK.
“Adding an ELINT [Electronic Intelligence] role to Predator B by integrating ARDS will help our customers to map air defense radar threats in contested airspace, from stand-off distances,” said Linden Blue, CEO, GA-ASI
The European-made ARDS provides passive, wide-area ELINT over land and sea and enables high-fidelity detection and direction-finding of RF emitters. The ARDS will be integrated into a standard pod that will be mounted on the centerline hard point of Predator B.
“Predator B is the ideal platform for our ARDS as it deploys the ELINT capability with significantly greater endurance at much lower cost per flight hour compared with other platforms,” said Andreas Radermacher, managing director, Raytheon Deutschland GmbH.
A combined GA-ASI and Raytheon team is currently freezing the design of the integration hardware that will make this capability available to customers in 2018. The team plans to execute developmental and operational flight tests in the second half of 2017. (Source: C4ISR & Networks)
15 Jul 24. Kopin Partners with Wilcox Industries for Modular Dismounted Soldier System. Provides Integrated Day and Night Heads up Display Optical Solutions. Kopin Corporation (NASDAQ: KOPN), a trailblazer in application-specific optical solutions and high-performance micro-displays for defense, enterprise, consumer, and medical products, announced its collaboration with Wilcox Industries on the cutting-edge FUSION CLAW™ head borne information system.
The FUSION CLAW is set to revolutionize the battlefield with its advanced modular technology platform, seamlessly integrating night vision, communications equipment, Identification Friend-Foe (IFF), AI-informed power prioritization, multi-spectral forward illumination, mission recording, and Day/Night Heads-Up Display (HUD) into a single, lightweight package. The system’s design ethos—modularity, scalability, adaptability, and power management—ensures that operators can remain laser-focused on their missions. Kopin’s pivotal role involves the development and production of look-through mixed reality accessories, which we believe significantly enhance warfighter situational awareness with state-of-the-art Day and Night HUDs.
These new accessories will work with legacy fielded systems and as the demand for sophisticated Day and Night Visual Augmentation Solutions (VAS) skyrockets with over 70,000 systems already fielded and 100 commercial licensees integrating with the Android Tactical Assault Kit (ATAK)(1) , the FUSION CLAW system stands at the forefront of technological innovation. Warfighters can now access a wide array of information directly through a seamless heads-up display, eliminating the need for the user to look down at a chest-mounted End User Device (EUD).
“ATAK system users and future AR initiatives need the capability to view critical information in all ambient lighting conditions, from intense daylight to total darkness,” said Nic Peterson, Kopin’s Director of Business Development for Warfighter Vision. “We believe our power-efficient, high-performance microdisplays combined with innovative near-eye optics enable Kopin’s HUD products (designed and built in USA) to meet the complete operational needs of the warfighter and augments their current ATAK system, today. We are delighted to expand our customer base with esteemed partners like Wilcox, renowned for their outstanding contributions to the armed services.”
We believe with the FUSION CLAW system, Kopin and Wilcox Industries are poised to deliver unmatched situational awareness and mission success, ushering in a new era of battlefield innovation and significant revenue potential. James Teetzel, CEO of Wilcox Industries, stated, “The teaming of Kopin & Wilcox presents a unique partnership that is well poised to meet the development and production demands of the customer. The proliferation of this requirement for a headborne modular technology platform, with integrated VAS components, has amplified the necessity for such a business partnership, and we could not be more excited.” For this partnership, Wilcox brings a myriad of technical expertise related to the development of headborne mounting solutions and electro-optics, in addition to years of experience facilitating urgent and unique contract requirements for the US DoD and broader international defense market. As an industry leader in this space, Kopin brings vast industry knowledge and experience with micro-displays and optical solutions. Together, we believe the Wilcox & Kopin team will not only be able to meet customer requirements but will also facilitate increased technological development. James Teetzel further stated, “Wilcox has always listened to our customers, as it is their collective guidance that has allowed Wilcox to design, develop, and offer industry leading technology for over 40 years. The forming of this partnership is no different, as Wilcox looks to work jointly with Kopin in providing the best-in-class solutions in line with specific end-user requirements. We are honored and privileged to work closely with Kopin to jointly develop, produce, and provide meaningful equipment in support of the Modular Dismount Solider System requirements.”
(1) Tactical Assault Kit (TAK) – Air Force Research Laboratory (afresearchlab.com)
About Kopin
Kopin Corporation is a leading developer and provider of innovative display and optical technologies sold as critical components and subassemblies for defense, industrial and consumer products. Kopin’s technology portfolio includes ultra-small Active-Matrix Liquid Crystal displays (AMLCD), Liquid Crystal on Silicon (LCOS) displays and Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) displays, a variety of optics, and low-power ASICs. For more information, please visit Kopin’s website at www.kopin.com.
About Wilcox
With over 40 years of experience, Wilcox Industries designs, develops, and manufactures complex mounting and electro-optical solutions to fit the needs of even the most urgent and demanding Government and Department of Defense customer requirements. Our state-of-the-art headquarters and production facility in Newington, New Hampshire allows for single facility, vertically integrated approaches that not only increase efficiency, but also meet the intense security requirements necessary to support Government and Department of Defense contracts. For more information, please visit Wilcox’s website at www.wilcoxind.com
(Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
11 Jul 24. AFSOC seeks industry feedback for ‘Swarm Carrier’ drone.
The Swarm Carrier would be one of three drone types that Air Force Special Operations Command expects will strengthen a budding initiative to incorporate more autonomous systems in missions. Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) is seeking industry feedback for a “Swarm Carrier” uncrewed aircraft system capable of launching from a C-130 and deploying drones of it own, according to a new notice published Wednesday.
AFSOC eventually plans to seek input on drones in sizes between Group 2 and Group 3, Pentagon parlance for small- to mid-size UAS. One drone would be a Group 2 intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) drone, which could be internally carried and launched by the Group 3 “Swarm Carrier.” The Swarm Carrier itself should be capable of launching as a palletized effect from a C-130. And a separate Group 3 drone would be “signature managed” — denoting stealth qualities that could hide it from detection — and deployed from a Group 5 UAS, the largest drone class, to act as a command node for a swarm and relay data back from a contested or denied environment.
According to the document, a request for information (RFI) will follow for each of the other drone concepts besides the Swarm Carrier. The command wants industry to move relatively quickly: The RFI seeks systems that could be fielded within two-to-three years, which could then be upgraded through a modular open systems architecture approach.
Visit Honeywell Aerospace website to learn more.
The market research bolsters a concept in the works by AFSOC known as Adaptive Airborne Enterprise, or A2E, that has motivated tasks like a single crew controlling multiple MQ-9 Reapers. AFSOC officials have also previously discussed plans to outfit platforms like the Reaper, a Group 5 UAS, with the ability to launch several smaller drones.
A document included in the market research [PDF] describes the A2E concept as extending the reach of special operators, who could send drones into contested and denied environments with kinetic, non-kinetic, and sensing capabilities. “A2E systems and payloads will operate overtly or covertly as mission dictates, with the ability to provide low-cost, expendable mass and attritable platforms while also providing high-fidelity targeting information and required effects for the Joint Force,” the document says.
AFSOC is looking to cast “the widest possible net” in its search for viable vendors, including “non-traditional performers and innovators with relevant capabilities and technologies.” Especially in the UAS space, small and mid-size companies have recently beat out big defense primes in contests like the Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program and a test vehicle project led by the Air Force and Defense Innovation Unit.
Like with CCA, the RFI says that vendors who lose out in initial bids could get other chances in the future. Responses are due by August 9.
(Source: Breaking Defense.com)
15 Jul 24. UK procures Smash C-UAS fire-control system. A soldier of the British Army’s 16 Air Assault Brigade demonstrates the Smart Shooter Smash C-UAS fire-control system mounted on an L85A3 assault rifle at the GBAD Expo on 11 July. (Janes/Nicholas Fiorenza)
The United Kingdom is procuring the Smash counter-unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS) for the British Army, Janes learnt at the Ground Based Air Defence (GBAD) Expo hosted by the British Army at Baker Barracks, Emsworth, southern UK, on 11 July. The 500 Smash fire-control systems ordered have been entering service with 16 Air Assault Brigade over the last two months, with one system equipping each platoon.
Smash is designed to ensure that each round finds its target by providing a standard assault rifle with precision targeting algorithms and advanced electro-optical processing, according to its manufacturer, Smart Shooter.
It can be integrated into any type of assault rifle, and its employment was demonstrated to Janes mounted on an L85A3 by a 16 Air Assault Brigade soldier. He said the system only releases the trigger of the weapon it is mounted on if an optimum shot is possible.
Incorporating a laser rangefinder, Smash enables the destruction of low-altitude unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) at a range of 250 m in day mode and 100 m in night mode, according to Smart Shooter. It can also receive target information from an external sensor. (Source: Janes)
15 Jul 24. US Army Seeks Counter UAS High-Energy Laser Solutions.
The U.S. Army’s Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office is seeking to develop a high-energy laser that can defeat groups 1 through 3 unmanned systems.
The RCCTO is requesting white papers in response to this BAA W50RAJ24S0001 Supplement. The white paper format shall be in accordance with (IAW) instructions found in the White Paper Submission section of this document. A Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) cost is requested with the white paper submission IAW Section V(A) (14) of the BAA.
The ROM cost is requested with the whitepaper per the format in Annex A and will not contribute to the page total for the white paper submissions.
White paper submissions are due no later than 5:00pm CT on 07 August 2024.
Summary
Laser weapon systems will be critical enablers within the Army’s formation as the lethality, interoperability, and sustainability of these systems advance over the next decade. The ability to produce laser weapon systems rapidly and repeatedly at scale requires industry partners to work together. RCCTO’s objective is to collaborate with industry to expedite the development and field testing of a producible and sustainable laser weapon system. This system will be designed to meet the Army’s C-UAS Battalion force protection requirements by seamlessly integrating into the Army’s Air and Missile Defense (AMD) architecture, specifically to deliver lethal effects against Groups 1-3 Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS).
Following the RCCTO Other Transaction Authority (OTA) prototype award, under Title 10 USC 4022 in early FY25, selected vendors’ laser weapon systems will undergo an expedited United States Government (USG) field test program to demonstrate that they are safe and suitable for operational use.
RCCTO will select a prime contractor in FY26 for production following the successful completion of the development and demonstration effort. The program intends to transition to Program Executive Office Missiles and Space (PEO MS) for production and is considering using Middle Tier of Acquisition (MTA) Rapid Fielding to produce up to 20 laser weapon systems. These production units will maximize available hardware and software open-interface standards to maximize lethality, interoperability, sustainability, and producibility requirements.
Problem Statement
The rapid increase in the availability and sophistication of UAS represents a significant challenge to U.S. strategic objectives. Adversary capabilities are progressing exponentially, and the USG is challenged with increasing our ability to efficiently assess and mitigate nefarious UAS threats.
The imminent emerging threat to U.S. Soldiers comes from Groups 1-3 UAS platforms that provide the enemy with intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) and attack capabilities; either through delivery of submunitions or via one-way kamikaze attacks. These Group 1-3 UAS threat systems are well suited to conduct tactical and operational level missions, can be launched from forward operating positions without the use of conventional runways, and are difficult to detect and destroy due to their low-flying altitude and small size. To maintain overmatch on the battlefield, continued modernization through use of emerging technologies is required to increase detection, range, lethality, reliability, and survivability in Multi-domain Operations (MDO).
To aid in this fight, RCCTO is seeking High Energy Laser (HEL)-based weapon solutions from industry for integration into common Army AMD networks to demonstrate a capability to defeat Groups 1-3 UAS threats utilizing an engage-on-the-short-halt capable platform. The proposed HEL solution should include the USG defined Modular Open System Architecture (MOSA) weapon system design considerations, allowing greater flexibility for U.S. Soldiers to employ, operate, and maintain the system.
Opportunity Sought
The U.S. Army objective is to produce a HEL weapon system capable of fixed site defense (“palletized”) and/or integration onto an existing Army Platform, such as a Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV). White paper submissions shall include how you would approach designing, integrating, building, and delivering a HEL C-UAS weapon system in a cooperative manner with the government stakeholders. The USG will provide the Army’s Forward Area Air Defense Command and Control (FAAD C2) Interface Control Documents (ICD), Army owned platform interface specifications, such as JLTV, including onboard sensors and radios, the Integrated Recording Appliance (IRA) design reference ICD, and the Navy Joint Laser Deconfliction Safety System (JLDSS) as Government Furnished Information (GFI) upon contract award. The systems must be ready for a sensor and laser lethality characterization test in 1QFY25, a lab demo in 2QFY25, an integrated system field test in 3QFY25, and a Soldier Touch Point (STP) event in 1QFY26.
All white papers must be received no later than 5:00 pm CT on 07 August 2024. (Source: UAS VISION/The Bridge; Laser Focus World; SAM.GOV)
15 Jul 24. C-UAS deployed over Madrid to protect Spanish football fans. Spanish National Police deployed counter-uncrewed aerial systems (C-UAS) technology to protect fans who gathered to watch the European Football Championship final match on July 14. Tens of thousands of football fans gathered in Madrid, for example, at the Plaza de Colón and Puente del Rey, where the city council had installed large screens to show the action as Spain took on England.
Spanish tech media outlet, El Radar, reported that the National Police Air Unit deployed an Airbus helicopter and DJI drones as well as the C-UAS technology from DJI and ASDT. ASDT’s technology is part of the national police and army’s Condor programme. The police established officers in one of the towers near Plaza de Colón and another at ground level in Madrid Río. Both teams flew drones to monitor and capture images.
The airspace was closed to drones not engaged in security operations. Nevertheless, before the match got underway, the police unit detected the first unauthorised drone. As the game progressed, a police drone picked up images of members of the crowd throwing flares into the air. The drone was flown higher to avoid being hit by a flare. Further unauthorised drone flights were detected in different locations around Madrid, mostly after the match ended and the crowd celebrated victory.
The police’s air unit is used to deploying C-UAS at football matches and regularly uses the technology at national league and Champions League matches, El Radar reports. The systems are designed to safely disable the drone and return it to the ground without destroying it, which could cause damage over a crowd of people. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
13 Jul 24. Senate Armed Services Committee calls for answers on AI-enabled and DE C-UAS resourcing and deployment.
The United States Senate Armed Services Committee has voiced its concerns regarding the speed at which the US military is fielding AI-enabled counter-uncrewed aerial systems (C-UAS).
In its report, the committee points to obstacles to transitioning these innovative capabilities from Special Operations Command (SOCOM) to conventional forces. “The committee commends SOCOM and U.S. Central Command for leveraging innovative capabilities like open-architecture, vertical take-off and landing, and AI-driven autonomous air vehicles for Group 3 defeat missions,” the report states. “However, the committee is concerned that the Services have not budgeted to sustain and expand these types of critical capabilities.”
Seeking answers, the committee is calling on the service acquisition executives of the US Army, Navy, and Air Force to provide separate briefings to the Committees on Armed Services of both the Senate and the House of Representatives, by January 31, 2025. These briefings should include plans to resource, transition, and scale advanced, AI-enabled, combat-validated UAS defeat capabilities to conventional forces.
In addition, to meet the growing threat to the military from individual UAS and UAS swarms, the committee recognises the importance of directed energy (DE) capabilities in C-UAS but cautions that these must be fully tested and servicemembers must be trained in their operation before they can be deployed. The committee therefore is calling for the Secretary of Defense to submit a briefing by March 31, 2025, on the current Department of Defense (DOD) capability to test DE systems and plans to increase that capability.
The committee says this briefing should cover a number of issues including a complete list of DOD test ranges currently conducting DE systems testing; an assessment of existing Federal Aviation Administration and National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) policies and regulations relevant to the testing of DE systems and the use of spectrum analysis tools; and an assessment of the potential impacts of DE system tests on the National Airspace System and the electromagnetic spectrum. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
13 Jul 24. Russian drone strays into Belarus airspace. Lieutenant General Mykola Oleshchuk, Commander of the Air Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, said in a Telegram post that a Russian Shahed-type strike drone had strayed into Belarusian airspace in the early hours of July 13.
Oleshchuk said Russia launched five of the drones from Primorsko-Akhtarsk towards Ukraine during an air raid, and that Ukrainian military had shot down four of in the Donetsk and Kharkiv regions.
“The fifth left Ukrainian airspace in the direction of the Gomel region of Belarus,” MSN reported the commander as saying, with local media reports suggesting the drone flew for at least 300km over Belarus.
This is not the first occurrence of a Russian strike drone reaching Belarus. For example, another incursion happened just two days prior, on July 11. The location of both drones is currently unknown. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
12 Jul 24. South Korea intends to target Pyongyang’s drones with lasers this year. South Korea will deploy laser weapons to shoot down North Korean drones this year, South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) said in a video statement on YouTube.
DAPA has developed the directed energy weapons in cooperation with Hanwha Aerospace, for the project dubbed ‘StarWars’. The lasers are designed to shoot down flying drones by burning down engines or other electric equipment in drones with beams of light. The cost for one launch is approximately 2000 won (GBP 01.11 or USD 01.44).
The laser system, known as Block-I, neutralised 100 percent of its targets during a live-fire test on April 23, DAPA said.
While other countries are developing similar weapons, South Korea is likely to be the first to deploy them on a large scale, if it meets its goal to put the systems into practice this year. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
12 Jul 24. Drone Coalition commits to one million drones and C-UAS tech for Ukraine. The Drone Coalition member nations have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a framework for the international supply of drones to Ukraine. The coalition comprises Estonia, Denmark, Sweden, Netherlands, Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, New Zealand, Poland and Latvia. To date, the Netherlands, the UK, Latvia, New Zealand, and Sweden have pledged in total over EUR45M to the common fund, with additional contributions anticipated.
Latvia is providing a drone testing training range for industry and military to continuously improve drone technology. The UK launched an industry competition on behalf of the Drone Coalition to develop and procure First Person View (FPV) drones, of which 265 bids were received. These bids are currently being evaluated and the first contracts are expected to be signed in August.
Ukraine has a high demand for a wide spectrum and capacity of drones, and the Drone Coalition is planning to deliver one m FPV drones to Ukraine. The MoU commits to providing Ukraine with drones and components produced by the industry of Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) countries, as well as finding ways to support Ukrainian manufacturers to ensure that the Ukrainian Armed Forces are equipped with the most efficient capabilities.
The framework established in the MoU outlines the coalition’s core activities, management structure procurement mechanisms.
In addition to the FPV drones, coalition members are working to provide other types of uncrewed aerial systems including reconnaissance, strike drones, AI upgraded drones, as well as counter-drone capabilities.
A statement issued by the coalition’s member nations on July 10 reads: “Through the Drone Coalition we will be seeking joint procurement initiatives to utilise and expand national industrial capacities. We, nations of the Drone Coalition, encourage additional funding to be made available to achieve the coalition’s aims. The Drone Coalition remains open for other Allies and partners to join.” (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
10 Jul 24. MARSS to participate in Red Sands C-UAS exercise. Companies will demonstrate counter uncrewed aerial systems (C-UAS) technologies at the annual Red Sands exercise in Fort Drum, between 26 July to 8 August 2024. The exercise serves as a dress rehearsal for the third edition of the Saudi Arabia Red Sands 24.2, scheduled for September.
The theme for this year’s exercise, organised by ARCENT and DEVCOM in coordination with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defence is the networking of sensors and countermeasures.
MARSS will be joining partners to demonstrate the integration of sensors and effectors into its NiDAR technology, featuring artificial intelligence capabilities. The event will provide hands-on experience of how NiDAR can support in defeating hostile UAS.
MARSS offers a C4 that is scaled down to an essential C2 between the sensors. At the upcoming exercise, NiDAR has been selected as the C2 system to integrate C-UAS effectors from the United States. MARSS is able to integrate with a number of effectors, including mobile and long-range systems, to give NiDAR the ability to defeat up to CAT3 drone threats.
MARSS is partnering with third parties on future C4 proposals, allowing the company to expand into other domains including autonomous vessels across the marine industry. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
08 Jul 24. Tusk seeks NATO support to shoot down Russian drones over Ukraine. Prime Minister of Poland, Donald Tusk, said his country would take out Russian drones and missiles over Ukraine before they stray into Polish airspace, if NATO would support the action.
Tusk was speaking to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at a briefing in Warsaw today where the two parties signed a security agreement.
Ukrainian news outlet Censor.NET shared a video of the briefing and reported Tusk as saying: “We have been talking for a long time about an idea that was born in Poland – about the idea of NATO’s response to aerial attacks, that are headed in the direction of Poland and are still within the territory of Ukraine. To try to shoot them down without waiting for them to fly into NATO territory, and even over Ukrainian land. And it seems absolutely logical.”
To do so, Tusk said Poland would need the “unequivocal cooperation” of NATO. “We are open to this,” Censor.NET reported Tusk as saying. “Logic shows that it would be much more effective. But we are under no illusions that this is an easy decision. Therefore, in the document we have written down the desire, the need for such a conversation. We will include allies from other NATO countries in this conversation.” (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
12 Jul 24. D-Fend releases upgraded EnforceAir2 C-UAS. D-Fend Solutions has announced the release of EnforceAir2 version 24.04.2, which includes all upgrades to the counter-drone system released since its launch last year.
Version 24.04.2 of EnforceAir2 includes new user interface (UI) features, expanded detection and mitigation coverage, and enhanced capabilities for deployment on naval vessels. The system also now provides operational support in zones with disrupted GNSS environments.
The upgraded UI offers an AI-based mitigation engine that recommends appropriate drone mitigation options for each individual drone; direct UI integration linking drone tickets with map representation of drone location to enhance situational awareness when dealing with drone swarms; a new graphic representation of the threat level and the possible intentions of the pilot; and single-click access to detailed drone information to enable operators to assess a drone’s threat level.
Application Programming Interface (API) upgrades include strengthened support for exchange of information with external command and control (C2) systems in real time, and additional feeds into EnforceAir2 SDR to facilitate tagging of large numbers of authorised drones for the control airspaces that may contain thousands of drones operating as a baseline.
EnforceAir2 naval deployment upgrades include support for multiple sensors deployed on a moving platform utilising D-Fend’s MSC2 technology, as well as enhanced mobile counter-drone system plans and dynamic updating of warship operational area maps.
In addition to the software enhancements, D-Fend has expanded EnforceAir2’s detection and mitigation drone coverage with the inclusion of many additional drone models. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
12 Jul 24. US Army eyeing new multifunction precision radar. US Army officials are looking to fast-track the development of a new multifunction precision radar (MFPR) system to support the ground service’s ongoing development of its Hypervelocity Gun Weapon System (HGWS), according to a recent industry solicitation.
The request for information (RFI), issued by the army’s Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO) on 8 July, is calling for industry details on “technical skills, facilities, tooling, and personnel” required for the development of an MFPR prototype.
The information provided by industry via the request for proposals (RFP) must also demonstrate a company’s ability to develop two functional MFPR prototypes for operational demonstration by fiscal year (FY) 2027, the solicitation stated. Based on the responses to the RFP, army officials anticipate issuing a development contract for the radar prototypes no later than August, it added.
Any viable MFPR prototype system, according to army officials, must be able to receive and transmit data across “an operational band that is available or could be available” for US Department of Defense (DoD) use, the RFI said.
The prototype must also be capable of providing “radar track data and support projectiles in flight” while also providing “long-range, high-precision, and maximized angular coverage for search detection, identification, and tracking of threats”, army officials said in the solicitation.
In terms of target and threat tracking capability, industry offerings for the MFPR programme must be capable of seeking, detecting, and tracking air and missile threats while distinguishing between “friendly projectiles” and valid threats, the RFI stated. (Source: Janes)
15 Jul 24. US Army seeks directed energy C-UAS solution against groups 1-3 UAS platforms. The US Army’s W6J1 RCCTO BELVOIR office is seeking industry white paper responses to its requirement for an enduring directed energy weapon requirement. Deadline for responses is August 7.
“Laser weapon systems will be critical enablers within the Army’s formation as the lethality, interoperability, and sustainability of these systems advance over the next decade,” says the tender document. “The ability to produce laser weapon systems rapidly and repeatedly at scale requires industry partners to work together. RCCTO’s objective is to collaborate with industry to expedite the development and field testing of a producible and sustainable laser weapon system. This system will be designed to meet the Army’s C-UAS Battalion force protection requirements by seamlessly integrating into the Army’s Air and Missile Defense (AMD) architecture, specifically to deliver lethal effects against Groups 1-3 Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS).
“Following the RCCTO Other Transaction Authority (OTA) prototype award, under Title 10 USC 4022 in early FY25, selected vendors’ laser weapon systems will undergo an expedited United States Government (USG) field test program to demonstrate that they are safe and suitable for operational use.
“RCCTO will select a prime contractor in FY26 for production following the successful completion of the development and demonstration effort. The program intends to transition to Program Executive Office Missiles and Space (PEO MS) for production and is considering using Middle Tier of Acquisition (MTA) Rapid Fielding to produce up to 20 laser weapon systems. These production units will maximize available hardware and software open-interface standards to maximize lethality, interoperability, sustainability, and producibility requirements.
“The rapid increase in the availability and sophistication of UAS represents a significant challenge to U.S. strategic objectives. Adversary capabilities are progressing exponentially, and the USG is challenged with increasing our ability to efficiently assess and mitigate nefarious UAS threats.
“The imminent emerging threat to U.S. Soldiers comes from Groups 1-3 UAS platforms that provide the enemy with intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) and attack capabilities; either through delivery of submunitions or via one-way kamikaze attacks. These Group 1-3 UAS threat systems are well suited to conduct tactical and operational level missions, can be launched from forward operating positions without the use of conventional runways, and are difficult to detect and destroy due to their low-flying altitude and small size. To maintain overmatch on the battlefield, continued modernization through use of emerging technologies is required to increase detection, range, lethality, reliability, and survivability in Multi-domain Operations (MDO).
To aid in this fight, RCCTO is seeking High Energy Laser (HEL)-based weapon solutions from industry for integration into common Army AMD networks to demonstrate a capability to defeat Groups 1-3 UAS threats utilizing an engage-on-the-short-halt capable platform. The proposed HEL solution should include the USG defined Modular Open System Architecture (MOSA) weapon system design considerations, allowing greater flexibility for U.S. Soldiers to employ, operate, and maintain the system.
“The U.S. Army objective is to produce a HEL weapon system capable of fixed site defense (“palletized”) and/or integration onto an existing Army Platform, such as a Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV). White paper submissions shall include how you would approach designing, integrating, building, and delivering a HEL C-UAS weapon system in a cooperative manner with the government stakeholders. The USG will provide the Army’s Forward Area Air Defense Command and Control (FAAD C2) Interface Control Documents (ICD), Army owned platform interface specifications, such as JLTV, including onboard sensors and radios, the Integrated Recording Appliance (IRA) design reference ICD, and the Navy Joint Laser Deconfliction Safety System (JLDSS) as Government Furnished Information (GFI) upon contract award. The systems must be ready for a sensor and laser lethality characterization test in 1QFY25, a lab demo in 2QFY25, an integrated system field test in 3QFY25, and a Soldier Touch Point (STP) event in 1QFY26.”
For more information
https://sam.gov/opp/f01b5e2152e946f1887d09cd41f37ba0/view
(Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
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