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26 Jul 24. Indian Navy installs Lanza-N surveillance radar on INS Mysore. The Indian Navy has installed a new radar on one of its Delhi-class guided-missile destroyers to enhance surveillance capabilities. Janes understands that the Indian Navy has installed the naval version of Spanish company Indra’s Lanza 3D air surveillance radar on its second Delhi-class destroyer, INS Mysore (D60), as part of the vessel’s mid-life upgrade. In May 2023 Indra announced it will supply three Lanza-N 3D radars to the Indian Navy. Indra said at the time that it had delivered the first of these radars to the Indian Navy, while the production of the second and third radars had been initiated. Indra has also partnered with India’s Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) to deliver additional Lanza-N radars to the Indian Navy. TASL will acquire Lanza-N’s core elements from Indra and build 20 additional Lanza-N radars in India for integration on multiple undisclosed Indian Navy vessels. The Lanza-N radars will be delivered to the Indian Navy under a INR12 billion (USD143 million) contract secured by TASL from the Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) in 2019 to supply 23 shipborne 3D air surveillance radars to the service by 2029. (Source: Janes)
25 Jul 24. Cuashub.com said today that EnforceAir2 Receives Confirmation from the FAA. D-Fend Solutions, the leader in field-proven radio frequency (RF) cyber-based, non-kinetic, non-jamming, counter-drone takeover technology, has received additional confirmation from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for EnforceAir2, the award-winning counter-drone technology acclaimed for its ability to provide protection from unmanned aircraft systems, following completion of a series of evaluations related to airport operational continuity.
In communications with D-Fend Solutions, the FAA commented that “The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) evaluated EnforceAir2’s (EA2) ability to detect, track, and identify potential risks posed by errant or hostile unmanned aircraft systems and ensured the system does not adversely impact or interfere with safe airport operations, navigation, air traffic services, or the safe and efficient operation of the National Airspace System. This evaluation was conducted as part of Section 383(a) of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018,” which requires the FAA to develop a plan for certifying, permitting, authorizing, or allowing UAS detection and mitigation systems in the National Airspace System (NAS).
“This assurance by the FAA is a significant milestone for EnforceAir2 toward fulfilling its vision of surgical detection and mitigation of drone threats within the National Airspace System,” said Zohar Halachmi, Chairman and CEO of D-Fend Solutions. “Our mission to ensure control and continuity in airports has been advanced by this recognition, which is a testament to our ability to provide safe and effective counter-drone solutions.”
This acknowledgment continues to highlight EnforceAir’s impactful recognition by the FAA for counter-drone technology. In 2023, D-Fend was selected for participation in the FAA’s Airport UAS Detection and Mitigation Research Program at Atlantic City International Airport (KACY) and Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR). The program aims to enable the agency to work with other federal departments to ensure systems are being developed, tested, or deployed to detect and mitigate potential risks posed by errant or hostile UAS operations.
https://cuashub.com/en/content/enforceair2-receives-confirmation-from-the-faa/?utm_campaign=C-UAS%20Hub%20General&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9RySbqKOYtt2EfTkBw_-1JnfxNP942BInUXrXy6EOFa5oPpNd1Omog395m4YL6s6UrRxnfYa6quddkgBx9Le18QunpglpP4wBTyhw56F7dVFTrDQ0&_hsmi=317281452&utm_content=317281452&utm_source=hs_email (Source: https://cuashub.com/)
24 Jul 24. An innovation by Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) will deliver unprecedented interoperability to F-35 Lightning II and F-16 fighters, ground-based artillery systems such as HIMARS, and the MLRS family of munitions. For NATO partners, the interoperability could extend to other 4th Generation jets as well as new mobile rocket launchers built in Europe.
The innovation: Lockheed Martin engineers are transforming the combat-proven Sniper® targeting pod — a staple on 4th Generation fighters worldwide — into an edge communications and computing node to enable combined joint all domain Command and Control.
While the F-35 comes equipped for interoperability, two technical enhancements in this new Sniper Networked Targeting Pod will keep 4th Generation fighters and other legacy platforms in sync. An advanced datalink compatible with the F-35 will allow seamless sharing of target and surveillance information between aircraft. A Mobile Ad-hoc Network (MANET) radio, meanwhile, will support a decentralised but highly secure mesh network of multiple air, ground and sea platforms ready to share and act on that information.
The rapid development of Sniper is a direct response to NATO defense forces that seek closer collaboration between new F-35s and existing fleets of 4th Generation fighters, which they expect to fly another 40 years. Customers also want continuous target-tracking data from aircraft sensors to improve ground-based precision fires’ capabilities and strike targets that relocate after being discovered.
“To deliver unprecedented interoperability, we’ve evolved Sniper to do what’s never been done before,” said Stacy Kubicek, Vice President, Sensors & Global Sustainment, Lockheed Martin. “The Sniper Networked Targeting Pod connects the battlespace, enabling seamless data sharing across platforms and systems – a capability in high demand by U.S. and allied forces and a powerful force multiplier for joint operations.”
Lockheed Martin’s investment in the Sniper Networked Targeting Pod is part of the company’s vision for 21st Century Security®, which aims to integrate networking capabilities and edge computing across customers’ aircraft, sensor systems and weapons.
The enhanced Sniper will enable missions in which F-35 multirole fighters and their advanced sensors serve as forward observers that identify and track targets while sharing precise coordinates with F-16s and ground-based Command and Control Systems that allow the employment of MLRS family of munitions from either HIMARS or M270.
“The F-35 is the aircraft of choice for allies across NATO. By 2035, there will be more than 600 F-35s in the European region,” said J.R. McDonald, vice president of F-35 Business Development. “The enhanced capabilities the Sniper targeting pod can bring will serve to further enhance the connectivity and interoperability the F-35 brings to current and future customers.”
Lockheed Martin has proven interoperability through a series of ongoing tests and demonstrations. Recent tests, using HIMARS and GMLRS, have shown Sniper’s ability to connect air and ground forces in new ways. The company plans to conduct more-complex flight testing and live missile shots in cooperation with the U.S. military.
Core to 21st Century Security, Lockheed Martin engineers have speeded the development and testing of Sniper by harnessing the latest digital technologies such as simulated missile shots directed by real-world inputs from the targeting system.
Lockheed Martin chose the Sniper pod to facilitate communication between 5th and 4th Generation jets for two reasons:
- Upgrading a “plug-and-play” external pod with a datalink compatible with 5th Generation fighters provides more flexibility than modifying the aircraft.
- The Sniper pod is widely integrated, easy to upgrade, and trusted by air forces around the world.
The electro-optical sensor system has been successfully integrated on the F-16, as well as most other types of military jets deployed in Europe. U.S. and allied air forces have put nearly 2,000 Sniper pods through more than 4 m operational hours worldwide including combat and nontraditional intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions.
Now, besides linking F-35s, F-16s, rocket launchers, and command and control systems, the Sniper Networked Targeting Pod could enhance capabilities of other Lockheed Martin-built systems. Those include the United Kingdom’s SkyKeeper air-defense system and Lockheed Martin’s new low-observable hypersonic missile, Mako. (Source: U.S. DoD)
24 Jul 24. Teledyne FLIR Defense Unveils Non-ITAR Long Range Airborne Imaging System at Farnborough Air Show. Teledyne FLIR Defense, part of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated (NYSE:TDY), today unveiled its UltraFORCE® 380-HDc imaging system at the Farnborough International Air Show. The new long-range airborne surveillance solution is not subject to International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), easing shipment and freedom of movement to customers outside the United States.
The UltraFORCE 380-HDc delivers superior high-definition multi-spectral imaging in a compact, low-profile package. Full 1080p resolution across its visual, thermal, low-light, and shortwave infrared (SWIR) cameras makes the 380-HDc an optimal solution for airborne reconnaissance, patrol, and search and rescue missions.
UltraFORCE 380-HDc also features an advanced laser rangefinder and pointer, allowing users to covertly ‘light up’ targets or points of interest and to coordinate operations with observers wearing night vision goggles or similar devices. Intelligent, automated operation optimizes tracking and continuously indicates size, location, speed and distance of multiple targets.
“The new UltraFORCE 380-HDc is a powerful long-range imaging system in a small package,” said Kety Frachey, senior director for airborne systems-Europe at Teledyne FLIR Defense. “With 380-HDc, we’ve brought together the most vital capabilities military and law enforcement users worldwide require to execute their missions in a smaller SWaP-C form.”
With its low 14.6” height profile and weighing only 30 kg (65 lbs), the UltraFORCE 380-HDc gimbal is designed to maximize ground clearance in rotary aircraft without sacrificing capability and performance. The system provides two- to four-times greater magnification than other products in its class.
UltraFORCE 380-HDc will be available globally starting in the fourth quarter. The system can be fully supported by Teledyne FLIR’s Surveillance Service Centre in West Malling, Kent, meeting UK and EU localized content requirements. UltraFORCE also will be configurable with the company’s 380X upgraded imaging capabilities, including multi-tile video management, touchscreen, and de-scintillation filter that removes atmospheric effects such as fog and smoke, among other features.
(Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
23 Jul 24. Intersoft Electronics Inc. US of Naples, Florida, and TSS Solutions of Melbourne, Florida, are combining forces to develop and deliver Air Surveillance Radar (ASR) Service Life Extension Programs (SLEP), as well as Counter Unmanned Aerial System (CUAS)/anti-drone opportunities, to the U.S. military. Both companies are well positioned and complement each other’s seasoned radar manufacturing capabilities.
The announcement was made during the 2024 Farnborough International Airshow.
Intersoft and TSS Solutions signed the agreement Monday, leveraging the companies’ great synergies to satisfy the growing demand for ASR SLEP to modernize aging systems. “The combination of these two radar powerhouses will serve the U.S. Warfighter and Government well,” says Michael Espinola, CEO of Intersoft Electronics Inc.
Don DiFrisco, President and CEO of TSS Solutions, echoes Espinola’s optimism about the agreement. “TSS has a long track record of success partnering with industry leaders to innovate world-class, cost-effective solutions for the Warfighter,” DiFrisco said. “Our partnerships with Intersoft, in particular, have produced industry-leading results. We have every expectation of raising the bar even higher with this latest collaboration.”
The scalable radar solutions comprising the new agreement integrate Intersoft’s ASR-M®, a modular approach to Airport Surveillance Radar that embeds advanced technologies to enhance radar performance. The modularity accelerates system integration and commissioning while reducing costs in production, maintenance, and support.
The core of ASR-M® is the Next Generation Signal Processor (NGSP®), which features patented, innovative technologies that address current and emerging challenges, such as wind farm mitigation, anomalous propagation, and 5G interference.
With a pedigree of 40 years in design, development, manufacturing and field services, Intersoft Electronics has become a reference in radar technology and CNS services worldwide. Intersoft-electronics.com.
Founded in 1991, TSS Solutions, an Acorn Capital Management company, is a global defense electronics leader in upgrading, reengineering, repairing, and operating ground-based tactical and fixed-position radar and SATCOM systems. TSS Solutions serves the global defense, telecommunications, and commercial industries. TSSsolutions.com.
Acorn Capital Management is a middle-market private equity firm focused exclusively on Aerospace, Defense, and Intelligence. Acorn invests solely in operating companies that strive to enhance global mobility and protect national interests. Acorn has a formidable reputation in the industry and is recognized for its deep understanding of the Aerospace and Defense markets, with proprietary access to the best companies within these sectors. With operational expertise and its ability to lead and manage investments through variable economic and industry cycles, Acorn works with management to build its portfolio companies into significant market leaders. AcornCapitalManagement.com(Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
23 Jul 24. Aeva® (NYSE: AEVA), a leader in next-generation sensing and perception systems, today announced that a top national defense security organization has chosen Aeva’s 4D LiDAR technology to help protect critical energy infrastructure sites across the United States. Aeva’s sensors are expected to be the primary detection sensor to protect sensitive locations in various facilities from intrusion, such as water entries and exits and at perimeter fences, with first deliveries expected later this year.
Aeva’s 4D LiDAR sensors were selected because of the unique benefits associated with its FMCW-based technology including:
- Instant velocity data for every point – allowing for quick detection of moving objects, whether on the ground or on the surface of water.
- Immunity to interference – critical for ensuring reliable performance when the sun is in the field of view of the sensor, such as during sunrise and sunset.
- Ultra long range – allowing for the early detection of potential intruders at a range of hundreds of meters away from the sensor.
- High-density point cloud – ensuring that the sensor can detect small objects with ease.
- Improved immunity to detection – making the system better protected from would-be intruders using technologies like night vision goggles.
“After evaluating multiple sensing technologies, including 3D time-of-flight LiDAR, this top national defense security organization selected Aeva 4D LiDAR because of our pioneering work in FMCW-based perception technology,” said James Byun, Managing Director of Business Development at Aeva. “This win further validates the growing applications for and unique benefits of Aeva’s technology for some of the most demanding and high-stakes physical security applications, which complement our existing automotive and industrial programs, and we are pleased that our technology is trusted to help protect some of the most sensitive critical infrastructure sites across the country.”
About Aeva Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: AEVA)
Aeva’s mission is to bring the next wave of perception to a broad range of applications from automated driving to industrial robotics, consumer electronics, consumer health, security and beyond. Aeva is transforming autonomy with its groundbreaking sensing and perception technology that integrates all key LiDAR components onto a silicon photonics chip in a compact module. Aeva 4D LiDAR sensors uniquely detect instant velocity in addition to 3D position, allowing autonomous devices like vehicles and robots to make more intelligent and safe decisions. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
22 Jul 24. BAE Systems looking to accelerate LAD cockpit for Eurofighter. BAE Systems is looking at potentially accelerating development of its large area display (LAD) cockpit for the Eurofighter Typhoon.
Speaking to reporters ahead of the Farnborough International Airshow 2024 running from 22 to 26 July, Andrew Mallery-Blythe, Typhoon operational requirements manager and test pilot at BAE Systems, said the aim is to try and have the LAD included in the upcoming Phase 4 Enhancement (P4E) upgrade package that is to be rolled out in the late 2020s.
“We are looking to see if the LAD could be brought forward to be put in the P4E architecture,” Mallery-Blythe said at the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) on 19 July, adding, “Currently, the team working on it does not believe there is a technical reason why it could not be brought forward.”
The LAD is one of three primary upgrades being developed for the Eurofighter, with the other two being the Leonardo European Common Radar System (ECRS) Mk 2 E-Scan radar and the BAE Systems Striker II helmet-mounted display (HMD). However, while the ECRS Mk 2 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar and the Striker II HMD have been contracted for operation aboard the jet in 2030 and 2028, respectively, the LAD remains a company-funded effort.
As Mallery-Blythe told Janes and other defence media during a tour of the company’s Warton production and development facility in May, the Eurofighter’s current cockpit that displays sensor and flight information to the pilot via three multifunction displays (MFDs) is no longer up to the task. (Source: Janes)
22 Jul 24. US selects BriteCloud active expendable decoy for F-35. Leonardo’s UK-based electronic warfare (EW) business is set to supply active expendable radio frequency (RF) decoys to enhance the self-protection capability of US-operated F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters.
In an 18 July solicitation notice issued ahead of the Farnborough International Airshow running from 22 to 26 July, Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) said it was planning the sole-source procurement of up to 2,000 Active Expendable Decoys (AEDs) per year for fiscal year (FY) 2025 through FY 2027. Leonardo – manufacturer of the BriteCloud AED – was explicitly identified as the only contractor with the manufacturing technology, infrastructure, capacity, and platform qualifications to meet the requirement.
Dispensed from standard chaff/flare launchers, AEDs are small, self-contained, expendable jammers that function as a ‘break lock’ countermeasure to defeat RF-guided anti-air missiles in the terminal phase of an engagement. They function independently of the aircraft to provide an additional RF countermeasure capability.
NAVAIR – which contracts on behalf of the F-35 Joint Program Office – in early June 2024 released a sources sought notice detailing plans for the fast-track, single-source procurement of an AED for the F-35 platform. This outlined requirements for a mission load-programmable AED with a 2×1×8 inch form factor that has previously demonstrated RF countermeasures performance at Technology Readiness Level 9 (defined as an actual system proven through successful mission operations). It has also mandated that the AED “must be qualified for use on F-35 and ready for immediate production”. (Source: Janes)
22 Jul 24. Cuashub.com said today that Ondas Holdings Inc., a leading provider of private industrial wireless networks and commercial drone and automated data solutions, announced it has received an initial purchase order from a military customer for several Iron Drone Raider counter-UAS systems. These systems will be deployed and operated as part of military defense activities to protect borders, critical locations, populations, and defense forces from hostile drones.
The initial purchase follows Ondas’ accelerated development of the Iron Drone Raider system to meet specific, military-grade defense and homeland security forces requirements. This development was prioritized to address urgent security needs arising from ongoing global geopolitical conflicts. Additional follow-on orders and deployments of the Raider system are anticipated to address the continuous and urgent demand for protection against hostile drones.
“We are excited to receive our initial Iron Drone Raider order directly from a military customer, positioning Ondas as a prime defense contractor for this high-performance counter-drone system, ” said Eric Brock, Chairman and CEO of Ondas. “The Raider has best-in-class specifications designed to protect critical locations and populations from the rapidly growing threat posed by hostile drones. This Raider platform, powered by proprietary, advanced autonomy software and integrated sensors is a major asset in Ondas’ portfolio. We believe this unique AI-enabled technology can provide a highly reliable, cost-effective solution to hostile drones compared to alternatives, which are typically expensive and often cause significant collateral damage when deployed. We are excited to deliver the Raider to our initial military customer and plan to offer the platform to defense and security customers worldwide.”
The ongoing conflicts in Ukraine, Israel, and other parts of the world underscore the growing threat posed by small, hostile drones, which are increasingly used for aerial surveillance and kamikaze attacks. Countermeasures such as jamming GPS signals can neutralize some drones, and those operating autonomously or without communications require a kinetic option, which is not always feasible and can cause collateral damage.
To address this challenge, the Iron Drone Raider system has been developed to counter all types of hostile drones, regardless of their navigation methods. This system uses a high-speed interceptor drone called Raider, which identifies and “locks on” incoming hostile drones. It navigates using advanced AI-enabled sensor technology, operating along a “Continuum of Autonomy.” Integrating ground-based and onboard thermal and micro-radar sensors with AI-powered command and control software enables the Raider to operate autonomously at high speeds and be responsive in complex, GPS-denied environments.
Once deployed, the Raider drone locates, tracks, and incapacitates the hostile drone using a net. The net can be attached to a parachute to ensure a safe descent, gently lowering the captured drone to the ground. After the mission, the Raider drone returns to its launch site for reuse. The fully automated system includes a docking station that can simultaneously store and launch up to five Raider drones.
The global counter-drone market was valued at approximately $1.6 bn in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 27.8%, reaching $14.9 bn by 2032, according to Beyond Market Insights. Ondas believes that the current demand for counter-UAS capabilities is driven primarily by government customers, with defense and homeland security applications accounting for most of the spending on protecting borders, populations, and critical government locations. As hostile drone threats and civil aviation regulations evolve, Ondas anticipates significant growth in non-defense and commercial markets for protecting critical infrastructure assets. An Ondas subsidiary is expanding its manufacturing capacity to support the adoption of the Iron Drone Raider in the rapidly growing counter-drone market.
https://cuashub.com/en/content/ondas-secures-order-for-iron-drone-raider-counter-uas-systems/?utm_campaign=C-UAS%20Hub%20General&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz—2jLxPJ7GVbLL64qpGZXHCS1sTn5xgqfUseVsuO93hMbtG81aM6njuzKcjXJBghzu0hePV1W9akvjDbV59MnDQF1gv8-FYm-ejC_WbxXtxb8dUyE&_hsmi=316915833&utm_content=316915833&utm_source=hs_email (Source: https://cuashub.com/)
23 Jul 24. Fortem Technologies announced the successful partnership with MBDA, showcasing an innovative new effector concept for Sky Warden at the Farnborough International Airshow 2024. This collaboration highlights the advanced capabilities of Fortem’s DroneHunter® technology, integrated into MBDA’s Sky Warden counter-uncrewed aerial systems (C-UAS) modular solution. MBDA recently demonstrated the effectiveness of the Sky Warden system during an operational event in Italy, impressing 17 customer delegations with its ability to neutralize a wide range of offensive drone threats in realistic operational scenarios. The Sky Warden system utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) to assist human operators in identifying and classifying threats from its comprehensive sensor suite, including radar, passive RF, and electro-optical cameras. This enables the system to automatically assign the most appropriate effector, maximizing efficiency and response time. A key advancement showcased at the airshow is the new ground-launched anti-air munition developed in collaboration with Fortem Technologies. This effector is designed to defeat Class 1 and smaller Class 2 uncrewed aircraft systems (sUAS) and loitering munition threats. Featuring an independent warhead design, operators can deploy this new drone platform instantly on the battlefield. Tests have proven its effectiveness and lethality.
“Fortem Technologies is honored to contribute to this cutting-edge solution, providing unmatched expertise and technology to enhance the Sky Warden system”, said Jon Gruen, CEO of Fortem Technologies. “This relationship highlights the speed, agility and development capabilities that Fortem and MBDA combine to meet our customers’ rapidly changing needs while offering a solution at cost parity with some of the evolving threats we see.”
The recent demonstration in Italy showcased Sky Warden’s ability to neutralize various threats using a combination of jammers, hunter drones, lasers, and the Mistral 3 missile. The new RF-guided drone-style effector with a directional fragmenting warhead complements the existing effector solutions within Sky Warden. This gives customers more options to adapt Sky Warden to their specific needs.
Sky Warden is a scalable system capable of neutralizing any form of threat, from tactical drones to reconnaissance mini-drones and traditional air-breathing threats. It manages the full C-UAS kill chain from detection to neutralization and can operate both as an integrated component in a layered air defense architecture or in a standalone configuration. Its modular, scalable, and evolvable design ensures that it meets the diverse requirements of global customers. (Source: PR Newswire)
22 Jul 24. RAF to fly Red 6 augmented reality helmet in Hawk trainer. The UK Royal Air Force (RAF) is to fly the Advanced Tactical Augmented Reality System (ATARS) on a BAE Systems Hawk T2 advanced jet training aircraft by the end of October.
Speaking to reporters ahead of the Farnborough International Airshow running from 22 to 26 July, Group Captain Ryan Morris, assistant head planning, military flying training, said that the augmented reality helmet developed by US company Red 6 will be demonstrated on a Hawk jet in partnership with BAE Systems.
“We have signed the second part of a contract [with Red 6] today, for a concept demonstration to see if [the helmet] can be integrated in a Hawk and what training benefit that might bring,” Gp Capt Morris said at the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) 2024 on 19 July. “This concept demonstration will involve flying 10-or-so sorties in Hawk in October,” he added.
As Gp Capt Morris noted, the demonstration will see one of the RAF’s 28 Hawk T2s pulled from the flightline at RAF Valley to be fitted with the head tracker and other equipment before the demonstrations are flown out of the same location in North Wales.
“We have enough Hawks on the line right now [following recent engine issues that have caused problems with pilot training] so that [removing one for the concept demonstration] would have no impact,” he said. (Source: Janes)
19 Jul 24. USMC seek C-UAS technology to protect troops from small enemy drones. The United States Marine Corps has issued a Request for Information (RFI) from industry to help forces counter the threat from small drones.
Issued on July 15, the RFI pertains to dismounted counter-uncrewed aircraft systems (C-UAS) technology “to support ‘every’ Marines’ ability to conduct self-defence against threat Groups 1 and 2 small UAS (sUAS)”. Recent exercises and intelligence have shown that troops are vulnerable to UAS and require the ability to defend themselves from the threat.
The Marine Corps says it has an “emerging urgent requirement” for lightweight, easy to use and easy to train systems that can detect, track, identify and defeat small drones. The RFI calls for both squad-level and platoon-level C-UAS. Squad-level solutions need to be carried by dismounted Marines with little to no impact on their primary mission. They would use a passive detection system that can detect UAS using acoustic or radio frequency (RF) detection. Sensors should be body worn and components may include a handheld tablet, bracelet, earpiece, and/or glasses that receive alerts, warnings, or notifications from an external sensor such as a radar.
Also sought are Platoon-level solutions which may be transported in light tactical vehicles, assembled without the use of material handling equipment and operate on battery power.
To defeat enemy sUAS, non-kinetic squad-level solutions would feature a directional RF and/or Global Positioning System (GPS) jammer, and ideally able to mount on organic rifle. Non-kinetic platoon-level C-UAS would include an omni-directional RF/GPS jammer and/or spoofer. Kinetic systems for both levels might be in the form of a rifle / rifle optic capable of tracking and defeating small UAS.
Vendors are requested to submit white papers for capabilities that meet the requirements by August 2. Mature capabilities that have the potential to meet these requirements may be invited to an Industry Day in September 2024 for a demonstration against live targets.
For more information: https://sam.gov/opp/7583df85be8e43049feef904fa50ad55/view
(Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
19 Jul 24. UK DASA seeks aerial threat detection systems. The UK Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) has launched a new GBP2 m competition seeking fast paced proposals over four key challenge areas, called Innovation in Support of Operations.
One of the four areas of interest pertains to aerial threat detection. According to the full competition document, DASA is looking for information on “reduced cost, low probability of intercept, wide-area sense and detect [systems] including (but not limited to) air search (including passive) and the function of 3D counter-battery radar.”
The document lists potential threats to be detected as adversary RF emitters; adversary ISR assets including drones, vehicles or personnel; and adversary weapons in flight such as mortars, rockets, and artillery.
Funded by the Ministry of Defence, the competition intends to identify “nearly ready solutions and techniques that can be accelerated into scalable and deliverable effect faster than our adversaries”.
The competition will run for three cycles, open continuously from 18 July until 3 December 2024. DASA expects individual funded proposals to be in the region of to be in the range of GBP50,000 to GBP200,000. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
22 Jul 24. Israeli researchers develop technology to locate hostile drones in extreme weather. A new development by researchers at Tel Aviv University’s Faculty of Engineering is designed to locate hostile drones in changing and extreme weather conditions. The system uses an AI-enabled radar that will classify drones according to the electromagnetic radiation they emit. The researchers explain that drones are usually identified using cameras that record every aircraft that enters Israeli territory, but add that weather conditions can make it difficult to photograph and locate the drones. As part of the new development, the identification is carried out through a representation of the drone’s ‘identity card’, using radar and electromagnetic tagging of the drone’s wings, separating drones with different IDs. The AI algorithm relies on a neural network that classifies the drone as friendly or hostile, and is designed to work in changing weather and environmental conditions. Experiments were first carried out under laboratory conditions in a sterile environment, and then in an external environment, to simulate real cases. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
19 Jul 24. EU standardisation committee issues draft C-UAS agreement for public comment. Last August, The European Committee for Standardisation (CEN) held a workshop on testing methodology for counter-uncrewed aerial systems (C-UAS). The participants have now agreed on the final draft of the CEN Workshop Agreement (CWA), which seeks to develop a standardised test methodology for UAS detection, tracking and identification systems to protect the lower airspace. It does not cover the neutralisation of drones. It is the aim that this standardised test methodology will lead to a much better understanding of the capabilities of C-UAS technology within the EU network of law enforcement agencies.
To create the CWA, 823 drone incidents from across the world have been analysed to identify trends and any gaps that should be filled to ensure a coherent and cohesive approach to the drone threat across EU member states.
The standardised test methodology is based upon a series of standard user-defined scenarios representing a wide set of use cases such as prison and airport security, critical infrastructure protection, border security, drugs and human trafficking. While these scenarios are geared towards civil use, the CWA document notes that “as the domain of counter-UAS is highly dual use-oriented, more military scenarios are certainly also highly relevant”.
The final draft of the CWA provides industry with insight into the operational needs and performance requirements of end users, to drive the design of the C-UAS solutions. It also sets out a standardised way of testing and communicating performance specifications and capabilities.
CEN says the integral test methodology proposed allows for a fair qualitative and quantitative comparison between different C-UAS technologies.
A public enquiry on the draft CWA is now open, closing on 28 August 2024. Comments can be submitted to the Workshop Secretariat Mrs. Cristina Popa using a commenting form. CEN says that the comments received will be considered by the workshop participants before its publication.
For more information: European Committee for Standardisation: https://www.cencenelec.eu/
18 Jul 24. Dedrone releases next-gen computer vision models for lower airspace awareness. Dedrone has made its next generation of computer vision models available for broad use by its customers. The Pythagoras 1 release for lower airspace awareness and counter-UAS features improvements in precision on all object classes and recall on most object classes. This next generation model is now powering all of Dedrone’s products.
Dedrone used NVIDIA’s machine learning graphics processing unit H100 as a training system and PyTorch as the framework for its computer vision models, which enabled the company to employ a completely new neural network architecture. The company’s existing data sets were augmented through both simulated data sets and the integration of active learning of the most interesting cases.
Dedrone employs data augmentation techniques using the AutoKat tool. AutoKat augments existing images by inpainting artificial objects into them, either with or without existing annotations. For this project, the company acquired various models, including 21 helicopters, seven planes, and 11 drones (including quadcopters, fixed-wing drones and three Group-3 drones), which can be scaled, oriented, and placed in any position within an image. “This method allows us to create a diverse set of images, particularly useful for balancing our dataset by generating many helicopter and plane annotations,” Dedrone said in a blog post. “It also helps in addressing the object size distribution, which is crucial for advancing our models to work with 4K images.”
Pythagoras 1 has delivered an average 20% speed increase of Dedrone’s video tracker in addition to improving accuracy, and reducing both false positives as well as false negatives. “These improvements can be measured by improved Mean Average Precision (mAP) and Mean Average Recall (mAR),” Dedrone said. “Recall and Precision are the two key metrics used to assess detector performance. In practice, there is a trade-off between these metrics. Increasing the threshold for classifying an object in the airspace will result in fewer false positives, thus improving precision. However, this tends to allow for more false negatives in practice, so recall is now lower.”
The company also reports a 14x improvement in average precision for extremely small drones. These improvements were observed across all objects and several spatial scales.
The new inference engine has reduced the time it takes for its model to execute on a video, which, in turn, allows Dedrone to leverage more “neurons” in its neural network for a similar cost of frames per second when compared to the company’s previous model. Additionally, the network can handle more pixels of information without taking a large hit in runtime when compared to Dedrone’s previous deployment method. This change has enabled the company to quickly process and infer what is in 4k video, and consequently allow it to be ready for new airspace awareness challenges like Drone as First Responder. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
16 Jul 24. Eurocontrol C-UAS specialists recognised for their work on standardisation. Eurocontrol’s Julia Sanchez and Javier Ceballos-Gutiérrez have been honoured by the Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautcs (RTCA, Inc), for their contributions to counter-uncrewed aerial systems (C-UAS) standards. Julia Sanchez, an uncrewed air traffic management expert, received the Outstanding Leader award for her pivotal role in creating DO-403: system performance and interoperability requirements for non-cooperative UAS detection systems. Leading a team of experts, Julia developed a comprehensive and robust framework. Javier Ceballos-Gutiérrez, a surveillance expert, was recognised as a Significant Contributor for his foundational work on C-UAS system architecture. His expertise in air traffic management and performance based surveillance helped define the system’s architecture and standardising interfaces. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
16 Jul 24. UK NPSA issues call for fourth CORE event to test AI-enhanced C-UAS. Following three successful C-UAS Capability Optimisation Research Environment (CORE) events, the UK’s National Protective Security Authority (NPSA) is looking for expressions of interest from vendors of AI-assisted detect, track, and identify technology. The technology will form part of this year’s CORE event, which is expected to be held from Monday 7th – Friday 11th October 2024 and hosted by both NPSA and the United States Department of Homeland Security. The theme for 2024 is AI-enhanced C-UAS. Use of AI could, for example, include providing initial detection in congested spectrum environments, improving classification (UAS vs non-UAS or to further levels of detail), automatically assessing threat intent, or achieving better outcomes than traditional fusion, correlation and tracking algorithms and techniques. NPSA will provide the test site with infrastructure including control rooms and data recording tools, and a test fleet of rotary and fixed-wing platforms. There is no participation cost to the vendor. Interested parties are required to complete the expression of interest form by August 9. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
22 Jul 24. Chess Dynamics and BAE Systems Bofors collaborate on next-generation Tridon Mk2. Chess Dynamics, the leading British surveillance, tracking and gunfire control specialist, has today announced a successful collaboration with BAE Systems Bofors for the fire control element of the Tridon Mk2. This next generation 40mm anti-aircraft system represents a significant advancement in firepower and operational capability, and incorporates Chess’ leading air defence system technology. ,The Tridon Mk2 builds upon the legacy of the original Tridon system, renowned for its dependability, with enhanced capabilities to mitigate a wide range of threats from drones to aircraft. The system offers security and protection for military forces and civil infrastructure across large areas. Chess Dynamics’ expertise in surveillance, fire control and precision positioning has been instrumental in accurately delivering live target coordinates to the Tridon Mk2 for a ground-based air defence (GBAD) role. The Tridon Mk2 fire control system is a variant of Chess’ Hawkeye Air Defence (AD) system. The Hawkeye AD system provides an integrated fire control solution for all types of ballistic effectors. It contains high-definition thermal imager and daylight TV sensors, coupled with a high-performance laser range finder, all co-mounted on a dynamic direct-drive positioner. With a built-in tracker, Hawkeye AD delivers precise 3-D coordinates of both air and surface targets to gun control or combat systems.
“We are incredibly proud to work with BAE Systems Bofors on this critical project,” said David Tuddenham, Managing Director at Chess Dynamics. “Our Electro-Optic Fire Control pedigree in both the Land and Maritime domains delivers class leading GBAD technology and capabilities for BAE Systems Bofors and the Tridon Mk2 end users. This significant project for Chess builds on many years of partnership with BAE Systems”.
The collaboration between Chess Dynamics and BAE Systems Bofors underscores their commitment to delivering cutting-edge defence solutions to meet the evolving needs of modern warfare.
22 Jul 24. iLAuNCH backs revolutionary new EO camera. The iLAuNCH research collaboration’s latest project will develop an Earth observation camera that uses shortwave infrared technology and AI to peer through clouds.
The “multi-sensor camera” is being developed by Leonardo, Spiral Blue Nominal Systems and ANU and will be used for disaster operations, land management and defence.
The $180-m iLAuNCH trailblazer is a partnership between academic institutions and more than 20 industry partners that aims to accelerate the development of the space manufacturing sector.
Since its inception in 2022, it has already helped scores of projects.
“This partnership will bring first mover advantage to Australian industry and ANU, which is set to deliver a commercially viable product for future satellites,” said iLAuNCH Trailblazer executive director, Darin Lovett.
The four organisations will each bring different technology and skills to the project.
“Leonardo has developed extremely sensitive detectors for shortwave infrared which can show heat on an image as well as seeing the earth’s surface through clouds,” said iLAuNCH.
“This shortwave infrared technology has not yet been integrated into a full camera system for space applications.
“ANU has been developing their Rosella processor as the computer behind the detector that reads in the images and makes them available for other processing.
“Spiral Blue has developed an in-space computer tailored for edge processing AI and will be integrating their computer against the ANU processor to capture and process imagery through refining AI, which enables more advanced processing capabilities.
“Nominal Systems helps make the integration of this space camera into a full satellite bus seamless by bringing their satellite hardware into the loop design tools, so that at the completion of the project they can offer a fully integrated plug and play space camera.”
iLAuNCH said the development of this technology would also create a pathway for its commercialisation and enable PhD graduates to transition directly into skilled jobs.
The news comes after the federal government scrapped the high-profile $1.2bn project to detect bushfires from space last year.
The National Space Mission for Earth Observation (NSMEO) was announced by the previous administration in the weeks leading up to the election and would have seen four local satellites launched from 2028.
It significantly follows the cancelling of a separate promise to invest $32.3m into Australia’s spaceports and launch sites and amid criticism Labor lacks interest in the space sector.
The $1.2bn program was set to be jointly led by the ASA, CSIRO, Geoscience Australia, the Bureau of Meteorology, and the Department of Defence. (Source: Space Connect)
22 Jul 24. Eurofighter ECRS Mk2 E-Scan radar on course for first flight in coming weeks. BAE Systems and its programme partners are on course to fly the Leonardo European Common Radar System (ECRS) Mk2 aboard a Eurofighter Typhoon testbed aircraft in the coming weeks.
Ahead of the Farnborough International Airshow 2024 running from 22 to 26 July, the prime contractor for the project to fit the new E-Scan radar aboard the Royal Air Force’s (RAF’s) 40 Tranche 3 Typhoon FGR4 combat aircraft said that ground trials at the company’s Warton facility in northern England had been completed, ahead of the imminent commencement of flight trials.
“A programme of ground-based testing has been completed on a Eurofighter Typhoon test and evaluation aircraft equipped with the advanced new ECRS Mk 2 radar ahead of flight trials,” BAE Systems said on 19 July.
News of the milestone came seven months after BAE Systems said in January that the first ECRS Mk 2 E-Scan radar had been fitted aboard Eurofighter test aircraft ZK355/BS116 ahead of flight trials scheduled to begin later in 2024. With ZK355/BS116 the first to be fitted and flown, further aircraft will be added to the flight-test programme as it progresses.
The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) awarded BAE Systems in July 2023 an GBP870 m (USD1.12 bn at the time) contract for further development and integration of the ECRS Mk 2 for the RAF’s Tranche 3 Typhoon fleet. This five-year award is geared at taking the radar from development to a production standard, and covers 12 radar sets in addition to the prototype set delivered for testing in April 2023. (Source: Janes)
20 Jul 24. Boeing to supply E-7 in first major win since plea deal.
The United States Air Force said it had reached a deal with Boeing (BA.N), for the supply of E-7 Wedgetail airborne warning and control aircraft and downplayed concerns that the company’s internal crisis would harm its ability to supply the Pentagon.
The provisional deal covers the rapid production of prototypes as the Air Force phases out E-3 Sentry or AWACS airborne warning and control aircraft, and follows reports of disagreements over the price for the 737-based Wedgetail planes.
“We have reached agreement with (Boeing)… We have got a reasonable price point that we can afford,” Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall told reporters at the Royal International Air Tattoo military air show in western England.
A formal contract will be finalised in August, he added.
It is the first major contract announcement since Boeing agreed earlier this month to plead guilty to a criminal fraud conspiracy charge to resolve a U.S. Justice Department investigation into 737 MAX fatal crashes over five years ago.
Experts have said the guilty plea, which is opposed by the crash victims’ families, potentially threatens the company’s ability to secure contracts from agencies such as the Defense Department and NASA, although it could seek waivers.
Asked how the plea deal had affected the Pentagon’s ability to negotiate with Boeing, Kendall said, “The short answer is it has not; we are continuing to do business with Boeing”.
Delta cancels more flights after IT outage
Under U.S. rules, the Pentagon has to assess whether any supplier it does business with is a responsible company.
“We will be working in a coordinated fashion … to understand what implications there might be from the plea deal, but I don’t anticipate at this point that it is going to … lead to significant disruption of our contracting,” Andrew Hunter, assistant Air Force secretary for acquisition, technology and logistics, told reporters.
Boeing is the Pentagon’s second-largest contractor and is widely said to be competing with Lockheed Martin (LMT.N) in a strategically important contest to replace the F-22 fighter.
The latest agreement stems from efforts by the Air Force to replace Cold War-era E-3s, whose distinctive rotating radar dome allows crew to track targets and direct aircraft in a battle.
The transition between the two planes has been delayed amid negotiations over price, raising some concerns in Congress about gaps in capability.
“We are very glad to have an affordable basis for the rapid prototyping program, which is the basis for the production programme going forward,” Hunter said.
Boeing welcomed the agreement, which provides a boost to its defence business following a series of cost overruns and delays.
“We are focused on executing well and meeting the needs of our customer,” a spokesperson said. (Source: Reuters)
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Echodyne is a U.S. designer and manufacturer of advanced commercial radar solutions for defense and national security applications. The company’s proprietary metamaterials electronically scanned array (MESA®) architecture, a rare breakthrough in advanced radar engineering, leverages a physics-design approach to adapt conventional materials and deliver unexpected and beneficial behavior. The result is a solid-state, low-SWaP unit coupled with advanced software capabilities that delivers superior radar performance and unparalleled data integrity, radically improving system performance and enhancing safety for people and machines. With leading positions in counter-UAS, force protection, base security, and portable ISR, Defense Agencies and Suppliers rely on Echodyne radar for extraordinary accuracy and consistent, reliable operation. For more information, please visit: Echodyne.com.
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