Sponsored by Echodyne
www.echodyne.com
——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————–
15 Aug 24. BRINC and Echodyne to Enable Automated BVLOS Operations without Visual Observers for First Responders.
The partnership will integrate BRINC’s cutting-edge Drone as First Responder (DFR) solution with Echodyne’s ground-based radars to enable a path toward Beyond Visual Line of Site operations without Visual Observers.
BRINC, a pioneer in drone technology for first responders, is proud to announce a partnership with Echodyne, a leader in ground-based radar systems. This collaboration will integrate Echodyne’s advanced MESA® radar technology into BRINC’s purpose-built Drone as First Responder (DFR) solution. The strategic relationship enables a path toward beyond-visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations without visual observers, advanced airspace awareness for safer operations, and lowers the barrier to entry for public safety agencies looking to start or expand DFR programs.
Drone as First Responder (DFR) systems significantly lower emergency response times and enable more informed decision-making for first responders. Current FAA regulations require a visual observer onsite for drone operations to monitor flights. The onsite visual observer rule limits drones’ flexibility and operating times for emergency response operations. More importantly, it adds an extra staffing burden when public safety agencies across America are understaffed. As evidence of the staffing shortage, the Police Executive Research Forum’s 2023 study on police staffing found that police resignations have increased over the last 4 years, alongside a 5% decrease in sworn-in officers over the same period.
DFR requires extended range and operation in obstructed environments and inclement weather. Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) waivers are essential for successful DFR implementation. The partnership with Echodyne will add a layer of safety and reliability while providing a path for BRINC’s customers to meet the stringent Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements for BVLOS operations without a visual observer.
“By combining BRINC’s drone technology with Echodyne’s advanced radar, we are creating a safe, robust, and reliable solution for first responders to deploy 911 response drones autonomously to emergencies,” said Blake Resnick, BRINC CEO.
Echodyne’s radar systems offer continuous monitoring and real-time data on the drone’s surrounding environment, including the location of other aircraft, obstacles, and dynamic changes that can occur at a moment’s notice.
“Echodyne radars have been used for years by UAS centers of excellence, as well as FAA and NASA testing programs,” said Eben Frankenberg, Echodyne CEO. “DFR represents a unique opportunity to introduce widescale BVLOS operations, and radars are the ideal sensor to provide detailed and accurate airspace situational awareness.”
As part of BRINC’s comprehensive DFR offering, BRINC Integrates Echodyne’s hardware to send radar readings to an agency’s connected LiveOps account. From LiveOps, agencies can simultaneously view their drone operations, ADS-B data, airspace advisories, weather conditions, and radar data. The Echodyne addition provides a comprehensive, all-in-one view of the surrounding airspace, enabling automated LiveOps triggers to inform pilots of potential dangers. It also enables the automated grounding or rerouting of drones to avoid air traffic.
Interested agencies can work with BRINC to spread the costs of the solution over multi-year contracts, making DFR technology more accessible.
To learn more about BRINC DFR, the first purpose-built 911 response ecosystem, please visit: https://brincdrones.com/responder-station/
To learn more about Echodyne’s ground-based radar solution, please visit: https://www.echodyne.com.
Agencies looking to learn more about BRINC DFR and LiveOps can contact BRINC here: https://brincdrones.com/contact-about-your-drone-program/
16 Aug 24. DASA funded anti-drone sensor is purchased by the Royal Navy.
LiveLink Aerospace’s counter-UAS sensor helps protect Royal Navy ships
- Initially developed with DASA funding, LiveLink Aerospace’s counter-drone sensor unit has been purchased for frontline use by the Royal Navy
- LiveLink Aerospace were supported by DASA funding to develop a cutting edge concept into a working prototype
- Low-cost and easy to integrate, the drone sensor unit can be quickly installed at fixed-sites, mobile-sites, vehicles and on vessels
- This was the first system trial undertaken on the Royal Navy’s experimental ship, XV Patrick Blackett
Cheap, accessible commercial-off-the-shelf drones present a serious challenge to defence and security. This is exacerbated by their limited radar signature, making them difficult to detect by traditional air defence systems.
As the use of unmanned air systems (UAS) continues to rise and pose greater risks to both military forces and vital national infrastructure, it has become more important than ever to develop a portable, cost-efficient solution that can be easily integrated with existing systems.
This is a challenge area that was recognised by Hampshire-based SME LiveLink Aerospace, which pivoted their commercial technology to focus on supporting defence and security.
LiveLink Aerospace’s innovation gets off the ground with DASA support
LiveLink Aerospace first engaged with DASA through the 2020 Countering Drones: Phase 2 competition. Run on behalf of the Home Office, the competition sought counter unmanned air systems (CUAS) innovations that can be integrated at fixed-site and mobile-site scenarios. LiveLink Aerospace spearheaded a consortium to develop a cost-effective, end to end CUAS solution. They secured DASA funding for their project, which prioritised passive sensors for comprehensive coverage and resilience.
Aleks Kowalski, LiveLink Aerospace’s Business Director said:
Not only did DASA have the vision to support a high risk project where the commercial market was failing, but working with DASA provided wider benefits. The project liaison staff provided by DASA were excellent. They provided constructive criticism when required, represented the ‘voice of the customer’ to challenge the development team, and much appreciated enthusiasm and encouragement throughout. Additionally, compared with other grant awarding bodies, the whole paperwork and process was streamlined and well thought through – we didn’t need to employ additional staff for their paperwork!
Safeguarding the skies
The consortium developed a low-cost, flexible and scalable sensor unit for tracking multiple UAS – called Passive Detection & Ranging (PDAR). The PDAR system uses conventional software defined radios, integrated circuits that can be reprogrammed and an innovative implementation of Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) technology to detect radio frequencies (RF) emitted by drones. The senior unit itself is also silent and stealthy, as it does not emit RF emissions that could alert an adversary.
With the help of AI and a command and control station, also developed by LiveLink Aerospace, data from each individual sensor is gathered and used to detect, alert and predict UAS threats and increase situational awareness in the operational area.
Key benefits for defence and security
- Stealth: the sensor unit is entirely passive with no RF emissions to alert an adversary or conflict with other activities.
- Cooperation: when deployed alongside other sensors, the system can enable cooperative action to achieve faster threat scanning and greater range and accuracy of UAS threat detection.
- Low-cost and easy to use: quick and simple to install; with flexible calibration and connection to other systems.
- Multi-purpose: the core system can (with modular upgrades) also provide wider signals analysis and intelligence, full air surveillance, and alternative position, navigation and timing infrastructure.
Soaring success
LiveLink Aerospace further adapted their CUAS technology for a Royal Navy tender in 2022, which sought a maritime solution for CUAS. The PDAR system, originally developed for DASA, demonstrated its cost-effectiveness and efficiency. Following competitive field trials, the Royal Navy procured more than 10 CUAS systems for their frontline ships.
Not only does this show DASA funded innovations making a big impact, it also emphasises how Defence can leverage civilian innovations discovered by DASA through its security-focused competitions and services.
LiveLink Aerospace achieved another success when their technology was the first to be trialled aboard the XV Patrick Blackett during the Royal Navy tender. Commissioned in 2022, the XV Patrick Blackett serves as the Royal Navy’s test vessel for new technologies.
Ben Keene, General Manager, LiveLink Aerospace Ltd said: “We were impressed how quickly and efficiently the Navy were able to progress the project from a field trial to a sea trial with the XV Patrick Blackett. NavyX organised the sea trial in just days, and provided first rate engagement and engineering support throughout. We were slightly apprehensive when we heard we were the first technology to be tested onboard, but left very impressed by the quality and flexibility of the operation.”
Silencing the buzz: The future of CUAS
DASA has played a crucial role in supporting LiveLink Aerospace in advancing their technology and making it accessible to end users in both security and defence.
LiveLink Aerospace is expanding its team and recruiting more experts to enhance and meet the demand for their CUAS system. They are committed to further developing CUAS systems, and collaborating with defence and security partners and organisations, with the ultimate objective of ensuring that every valuable deployed asset is protected with CUAS technology as a standard feature in the same way as CCTV is now a default expectation.
LiveLink are also continuing to build on the foundations DASA invested in, with significant ongoing innovation in air defence technologies, and alternative position, navigation, timing and communication technologies that do not rely on expensive and vulnerable satellites.
(Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
15 Aug 24. US Army open to replacing Microsoft as prime under ‘IVAS Next,’ industry sources say.
“Microsoft fully intends and is prepared to compete for IVAS Next. We remain committed to delivering the industry’s best capabilities for our warfighters,” a company spokesperson told Breaking Defense.
Tech companies are preparing to jump into the US Army’s IVAS Next competition after receiving briefings from the service about a decision to recompete the prime contractor position on its futuristic mix-reality goggles, according to multiple sources.
Over the past year, Army leaders have teased a “IVAS Next” initiative, focused on improving issues in its Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS) system. But what was not clear was how much of a recompete that would be, and whether the focus would be on minor tweaks and upgrades or the creation of a full-on new system, including new headsets.
After attending Army-led industry days and one-on-one meetings with the government over recent months, a trio of industry sources independently told Breaking Defense they are now expecting a new open competition to decide who wins a lucrative contract to produce a new headset suitable for combat. And as they wait for the Army to release a formal solicitation, companies are beginning to line up their own tech offerings in hopes of becoming a prime contractor or partner up with a company that is.
A spokesperson for the Program Executive Office Soldier, which runs the IVAS program, did not respond to Breaking Defense’s request for comment as of publication.
The current version of IVAS is based on a militarized version of Microsoft’s HoloLens 2 heads-up display. But the program has suffered through a series of issues for half a decade, and service leaders have repeatedly threatened to cancel the program — which initially had a ceiling value of $22 billion — if the issues were not fixed. While Microsoft has managed to keep the effort alive, the fact the service is indicating to industry it would be open to a new prime contractor on IVAS Next is a sign of potential trouble for the tech giant and its high-dollar production deal.
For its part, Microsoft said it is going all in on the new competition, even though it has downsized its mixed-reality department — a team whose work includes the HoloLens 2 heads-up (HUD) display.
“Microsoft fully intends and is prepared to compete for IVAS Next,” a company spokesperson told Breaking Defense on Wednesday. “We remain committed to delivering the industry’s best capabilities for our warfighters.” (The company referred other questions to the Army.)
Microsoft will not be alone in that field, with a total of 80 companies showing up to learn about IVAS Next plans at a December industry day, according to an Army roster. Among the notable names: defense tech darlings Anduril and Palantir, as well as L3 Harris, the US arm of Israeli heavyweight Elbit, and the US arm of Britain’s BAE Systems. (One firm on that list, augmented reality goggle-maker Magic Leap, has since announced plans to pivot away from making its own headsets.)
Massachusetts-based Kopin, which builds display technology used in the F-35 helmets, was on that event list from December and is preparing to bid on the revamped program as a prime, company CEO Michael Murray told Breaking Defense on Monday. From his vantage point, Murray said he anticipates Microsoft will remain a key IVAS player because they “own the cloud software, the connectivity software and the soldier connectivity software.”
But Murray and his team are working on a plan to snatch away production from Microsoft for the hardware, including the display system and heads-up goggles, he said. That plan includes the introduction of a “NeuralDispay” — a bidirectional display with integrated imaging pixels designed to track a user’s eye movement.
“As you look at the micro display, it’s looking right back at you and trying to figure out what is the best brightness and contrast,” he explained. “As you hit fight or flight and your pupils dilate, we turn down the brightness, because it’s too bright because your eye has changed, we turn up the contrast because your pupil is so large it can no longer see the size of the shape.”
While Murray said this technology is currently not ready for prime time — he pegged it at a technology readiness level four— the company is hoping to continue developing it for a IVAS heads-up display to alleviate past complaints of cyber sickness, and begin shrinking the display down towards the size of sunglasses.
System Of The Future?
Pitched as a game changer for the service, IVAS was billed as a single device soldiers could use both in combat (including under the cover of darkness) and for virtual training. Reports began emerging in 2021 about problems with the device, and a scathing Pentagon inspector general report followed that included soldiers complaining of discomfort, dizziness, nausea, and system reliability.
While service leaders publicly stood behind the program at first, they have been slowly tempering expectations and opted to split the program up into three initial versions — the 1.0, 1.1 and 1.2 iterations of the goggles. (The service has acquired 5,000 1.0 units, with plans to acquire an additional 5,000 1.1 units for limited use.)
The Army has billed that new 1.2 version as the make-or-break upgrade — an iteration to correct past problems, in part, by transitioning the device from a helmet-like display with a 70-degree field-of-view, to a hinged, flat design with a 60-degree field-of-view that soldiers can flip up. A computer puck on soldiers’ chests in the earlier versions is also moved to the back of the helmet, a cord connecting the puck to the HUD is shorted and moved to the back of the HUD, and a new low-light sensor from Canon is included.
This year kicked off with a squad-level assessment of the new setup, with an Army spokesperson saying in February that “design objectives” had been achieved. Additional 1.2 goggle testing was slated to continue throughout 2024 and lead up to a company-level user assessment in calendar 2025, designed to help determine “whether or not” the Army proceeds with a large-scale 1.2 buy, head of Army acquisition Doug Bush told senators in May alongside Army Futures Command head Gen. James Rainey. (In a statement this week, Microsoft said 1.2 development and testing remains on track, as does version 1.1 deliveries.)
“As a former infantryman, I realize the potential [of IVAS] … if it works; It is a legitimate 10 times upgrade to our most important formations,” the four-star general told members of the Senate Armed Services airland subcommittee.
“But if it does not work, then I think we would have to take a very hard look at whether we continue down that path or use that money for other critical aspects of our night-vision strategy, because we have to make sure the entire Army can own the night,” Rainey added.
It’s currently unclear what effect, if any, the 1.2’s potential success could have on the Army’s envisioned IVAS Next project, and it appears the service is in the early days of feeling out that program. Industry sources previously told Breaking Defense they expect a solicitation for IVAS Next later this year, at which time the Army’s next-generation vision may be clearer.
(Source: Breaking Defense.com)
15 Aug 24. Tactical Directed Energy Laser Wins C-UAS Competition.
AIM Defence’s Fractl:1 Tactical Directed Energy Laser took first place at the international Counter Drone Sandbox in Canada, successfully shooting down over 30 targets during the exercise. AIM Defence’s Fractl:1 Tactical Directed Energy Laser has taken first place at the international Counter Drone Sandbox in Canada.
During the event, Fractl was able to track and neutralize drones at up to 1.5 kilometres away, and successfully shot down more than 30 targets over the course of the exercise.
The Canadian evaluation team judged that the AIM Fractl system best met sandbox prize criteria for demonstrated performance, continuous improvement, and significant follow-on interest from the Department of National Defence and Canadian Armed Forces in AIM’s Fractl CUAS approach. AIM Defence was subsequently awarded a $1 million dollar prize for first place.
The Sandbox, conducted as part of the Canadian Armed Forces’ Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS)’ program, is designed to competitively evaluate counter-drone technology across the globe.
The program has run biannually for the last six years and is internationally regarded as an independent assessment of counter drone capabilities for both NATO and Five Eyes allies.
Reflecting the proliferation and growing concern of weaponized drones, the 2024 Sandbox focused on the effective detection and defeat of quadcopter, FPV, and fixed wing targets. AIM Defence was one of fifteen companies selected to show off their technology at the event with other participants including industry leaders from Canada, the USA and the UK.
AIM co-founder, Ms Jessica Glenn, commented; “We’re extremely thankful to the Canadian Government for giving us this opportunity and to their red team who really put our system to the test with a range of drones that we’d never seen before from FPVs to fixed wings across a range of scenarios. It was a challenging event and we’re proud to have come out on top.”
AIM co-founder, Dr Jae Daniel, added; “While we are immensely proud of our achievements to date, we’re just getting started. We’ve seen a significant uptick in demand for effective counter drone technologies and plan to reinvest the winnings back into AIM so we can continue to develop best in class technology and protect our allies.” (Source: https://www.defenseadvancement.com/)
15 Aug 24. Anti-Drone System Concept Revealed. The Laser Shield Anti-Drone System (LSAD) is being developed to counter the growing use of small-scale unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for warfare purposes in conflict zones around the world.
Laser Photonics Corporation and Fonon Technologies have released a visual concept of the Laser Shield Anti-Drone System (LSAD) – a joint development by the two companies to create a laser defense system for use against unauthorized drone activity.
The LSAD is in development to counter the growing use of small-scale unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), or drones, for warfare purposes in conflict zones around the world.
Following the successful early testing of Fonon’s LSAD prototype at LPC’s testing facility in Orlando, the two companies are progressing further along the development pipeline, leveraging their expertise in laser-powered equipment.
Furthermore, Fonon Technologies is exploring opportunities with U.S. military decision-makers to assess the needs of various service branches and explore new partnerships and technologies. Fonon Technologies will handle the marketing and promotion of the LSAD technology upon its commercialization, targeting government, military and defense sectors, while LPC handles the manufacturing of the product.
Bryan Lee, Vice President of Fonon Technologies, said; “The capabilities of laser-powered anti-drone systems can give a considerable advantage to those defending against low-cost, simple drones used in today’s conflict zones. We are one of several companies around the globe who have announced or tested laser anti-drone systems. The LSAD offers an entirely new concept that is not yet being fielded globally.”
Wayne Tupuola, CEO of Laser Photonics, added; “We are excited to continue on this joint development project with Fonon Technologies. The immediate need for a counter-drone solution presents LPC and Fonon Tech with a grand opportunity to deliver an essential defense system to U.S. forces.” (Source: https://www.defenseadvancement.com/)
15 Aug 24. Cuashub.com said today that Science & Tech Community Invited to Support National Security. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) released a new Long Range Broad Agency Announcement (LRBAA) 24-01, which is a standing, open invitation to the scientific and technical communities to propose research and development projects in support of our nation’s security. DHS encourages proposals for 23 research and development topics categorized by DHS mission areas. This program allows the Department to apply scientific and technical knowledge to its operational environments and advances innovation in industry, academia, and the public sector.
“The LRBAA provides DHS the opportunity to explore unique ideas for potential innovative solutions from industry and academia to address some of the country’s most pressing security challenges,” said Dusty Lang, LRBAA program manager. “The process is designed to allow innovators to gauge DHS’ interest early on, reducing the effort and expense of creating a full proposal.”
The current 23 LRBAA topics are categorized under five mission areas:
Counter Terrorism and Homeland Security Threats (CTHOM)
- CHTOM 01: Development of Tools for Test and Evaluation of Machine Learning Algorithms
- CHTOM 02: Threat Prevention
- CHTOM 03: Novel Approaches and Locations for Explosive Performance Characterization and Testing
- CHTOM 04: Public Safety Tools for Lithium-Ion Battery Incidents
Secure U.S. Borders and Approaches (SEC BORAP)
- BORAP 01: Screening at Speed
- BORAP 02: Noninvasive, Minimally Disruptive Sensors and Systems
- BORAP 03: Air Based Technologies
- BORAP 04: Countering Unmanned Aircraft Systems
- BORAP 05: Maritime Domain Awareness Technologies
- BORAP 06: Immigration Services Program
- BORAP 07: Detection Canine Technologies
- BORAP 08: Maritime Environment and Climate and Coastal, Port, and Waterway Security
- BORAP 09: Forensics and Criminal Investigations
Secure Cyberspace and Critical Infrastructure (SEC CYBCI)
- CYBCI 01: Predictive Analytics
- CYBCI 02: Shared Cyber Resilience
- CYBCI 03: Software and Hardware Supply Chain Assurance
- CYBCI 04: Trustworthy and Responsible Artificial Intelligence
- CYBCI 05: Advanced and Emerging Data Computation and Analytics
- CYBCI 06: GMD and Nuclear EMP Critical Infrastructure Risk
Preserve and Uphold the Nation’s Prosperity and Economic Security (PROES)
- PROES 01: Emerging Technologies
Strengthen Preparedness and Resilience (PRRES)
- PRRES 01: Technology Acceptance
- PRRES 02: Using Internet of Things (IoT) for Community and Infrastructure Resiliency Against All-Hazards
- PRRES 03: Integrating Risk Sciences and Adaptive Engineering for Community and Infrastructure Resilience
LRBAA will host a hybrid Industry Day on August 21, 2024, 10 AM – 4 PM ET, at the DHS Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Headquarters office in Washington, D.C., which will include in-person and virtual attendance options. The free event will provide attendees an opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the topics in the new announcement. Secure your spot by registering now.
To be notified about this and other events, email your request to join the LRBAA mailing list to .
For more information on LRBAA, check out the LRBAA Today webinars on the DHS S&T YouTube channel. For more information on the DHS S&T LRBAA and the new topic announcement, contact or visit https://oip.dhs.gov/baa/public.
https://cuashub.com/en/content/science-and-tech-community-invited-to-support-national-security/?utm_campaign=C-UAS%20Hub%20General&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8Os6KiljbU50kZCR6yQ14GVoGSD7ffAXvQPKqLbUjqhuCmDmJEqwBQP3hmiL5ovCbtFjdSoSbFLaPHxXDWA_IHLfgJTfyMaJOXNw5RKwjaZ12fajQ&_hsmi=320235845&utm_content=320235845&utm_source=hs_email (Source: https://cuashub.com/)
14 Aug 24. MatrixSpace has been selected for a $1.9m AFWERX Tactical Funding Increase (TACFI) Phase II Sequential contract to develop a distributed dual-mode mesh radar for base defense, based on the MatrixSpace Radar hardware platform. The project runs for 22 months and starts immediately. The project, in support of the Air Force 87th Security Forces Squadron, involves scaling MatrixSpace Radar for use in tactical, expeditionary, installed base force protection scenarios by creating a scalable low-cost distributed radar sensor mesh for low-airspace surveillance. The sensor mesh must detect, track, and identify low flying objects such as UAVs, loitering munitions, and one-way attack vehicles that are RF silent. The deployable system will provide the Air Force with a model for a network of rapidly deployable security sensors that is scalable and does not require additional infrastructure for power and communications. AFWERX is the innovation arm of the Department of the Air Force (DAF) and a directorate within the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), bringing cutting-edge American ingenuity from small businesses and start-ups to address the most pressing challenges of the DAF. AFRL is the primary scientific research and development center for the Department of the Air Force and plays an integral role in leading the discovery, development, and integration of affordable warfighting technologies for our air, space and cyberspace force.
Quote from Matthew Kling, VP of Intelligent Systems, MatrixSpace
“This TACFI project addresses a core requirement in new force protection, which is providing an enhanced level of awareness in complex, challenging environments, quickly. A distributed radar sensor mesh has the ability to detect and identify previously undetected objects, making it essential for the new world of battlespace awareness. This project enables MatrixSpace to demonstrate our product for field use.”
Designed and developed in the USA, MatrixSpace Radar offers robust situational awareness of both airborne and ground-based objects, regardless of lighting and weather conditions. This facilitates highly accurate drone detection and Counter Unmanned Aircraft System (CUAS) capabilities, Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) flight for uncrewed, autonomous and tethered aircraft, and overall general airspace awareness and security.
14 Aug 24. Cuashub.com said today that 2024 Counter-UAS Sandbox Winners Announced. At this year’s Counter-UAS Sandbox, three “Diamond in the Rough” prizes were awarded to the top innovations in detecting and/or defeating micro and mini uncrewed aerial systems (UAS).
The 2024 CUAS Sandbox event, held from May 27 to June 21 at CFB Suffield in Alberta, showcased the counter-drone technologies of 15 innovators from five countries. Participants received feedback from defense experts and end users, while the DND/CAF gained valuable insights into the latest advancements in CUAS technology.
Building on the outcomes of the 2022 CUAS Sandbox, the Department of National Defence (DND), the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), and their defense and security partners (including the RCMP and Public Safety) are pursuing CUAS solutions capable of detecting and/or neutralizing Micro and Mini UAS. These systems should be able to be integrated into broader military command and control frameworks, focusing on hard-kill capabilities.
The following innovators incorporated in Canada have been awarded the 2024 CUAS Sandbox “diamond in the rough” prizes:
First Place- AIM Defence
A multinational company with offices in Vancouver, British Columbia, and Australia.
Prize- $1m
Fractl:1 Tactical Counter Uncrewed Aerial System
AIM’s Tactical Directed Energy system, equipped with advanced AI tracking and ultra-compact laser technology developed in-house, successfully tracked and neutralized drones from distances up to 1.5 kilometers. During the exercise, the system effectively engaged and neutralized over 30 drones.
Second Place (tie)- DARIT Technologies
Sherbrooke, Quebec
Prize- $375,000
Air Intrusion Monitoring System (AIMS)
This system utilizes multimodal sensing and AI to detect and track rotary drones in real-time. It integrates acoustic, vision, lidar, radar, and radiofrequency (RF) sensors for enhanced drone monitoring.
Second Place (tie)- Prandtl Dynamics
Toronto, Ontario
Prize- $375,000
Meteorological Ultrasonic Drone Destruction System (MUDDS)
This cutting-edge technology employs ultrasonic waves to disrupt the inertial measurement units (IMUs) and sensors of uncrewed aerial systems (UAS). It delivers a ranged, non-targeted neutralization of internal components, offering a powerful defense against weaponized UAS while minimizing collateral damage. MUDDS is highly effective for civilian security operations and critical infrastructure protection.
(Source: https://cuashub.com/)
12 Aug 24. US defence research official calls for more C-UAS solutions. Heidi Shyu, the United States undersecretary of defence for research and engineering, says autonomous systems remain a threat and something the Department of Defense (DoD) is seeking solutions for.
“If you look at the situation now, which is something easily predictable back in, I will say, two decades ago, you’re already seeing the increase in the number of unmanned systems,” she said. “With that increasingly growing, exponentially worldwide, the obvious thing we have to think about is how are we going to counter that. Because we already have unmanned systems that are intruding into our installations.”
Shyu was speaking at a discussion on August 9 at the National Defense Industrial Association’s 2024 Emerging Technologies for Defense Conference and Exhibition in Washington, D.C.
There are rules for how the US military services can engage with autonomous systems if they are deemed a threat, and defeating them will mean complying with those rules. “What we’re trying to do is figure out [the] different rules,” Shyu said. “We can’t really shoot it down with a missile.”
The undersecretary said that while there are solutions available now, the DoD is interested in having industry proffer even more options for it and the military services to consider.
“We have to figure out solutions,” she said. “I think counter-[UAS] is never going to die, because it’s a cat and mouse game. As soon as you figure something out, your adversary will do something different. This is going to be a growing need and there isn’t one solution that can counter every single scenario. Therefore, you need to have an integrated solution of multiple capabilities. This is one area, which is not even classified … where if you have great ideas, this is a great opportunity.”
Another area where Shyu said the DoD needs ideas is in contested logistics, where adversaries attempt to disrupt, destroy or defeat friendly force logistics operations. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
109 Aug 24. Northrop Grumman launches low-cost guided-ammunition system to counter drone swarms. Northrop Grumman has launched a new type of air defence/counter UAS system called Cannon-Based Air Defence (CBAD) employing a range of guided-ammunition weapons to affordably combat a growing array of threats, including swarms of drones and cruise missiles.
“Cannon-Based Air Defense is a system-of-systems solution to engage and defeat large quantities of low-cost air threats,” says the company in its promotion material. “It provides terminal defense for air bases and augments existing air defense solutions in the field today. The system includes layered effectors and sensors integrated into the force with battle management command and control (BMC2) systems. The enabling technology for CBAD is the development of guided ammunition. This provides a lethal, cost-effective, and resilient interceptor against a wide range of aerial threats. Launched in small salvos, these munitions are capable of multiple, continuous inflight maneuvers towards threats, increasing range and maximizing lethality. Guided ammunition is scalable across several calibers, allowing for layered defenses.”
“Traditional, long-range interceptor missiles are no longer cost-effective as adversaries deploy low-cost, expendable technologies in large quantities. CBAD provides an affordable, layered terminal defense with scalable manufacturing base and simplified logistics footprint. With CBAD, this advanced weapons system will help warfighters win tonight, and every tomorrow through intelligent weapons ready to deliver in their favor.
According to the company, programme differentiators include low-cost, large quantity simplified logistics, with costs around 99.5% less than missile batteries.
For more information
https://www.northropgrumman.com/what-we-do/advanced-weapons/cannon-based-air-defense (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
09 Aug 24. AIM Defence wins Canadian Army CD 1m prize by neutralising drone swarm with laser. Canada’s AIM Defence has won a CAD1m competition from the Canadian Army during a three-week contest that ended in mid-June for its Fractl:1 high powered laser counter UAS system. The system is integrated with an in-house developed AI tracking system and can neutralise 30 drones at distances up to 1.5km away, according to the company.
According to the company’s website:
“Fractl has been designed to detect and defeat the intrusion of unwanted drones in a multi-domain environment. By using the world’s most advanced tracking and optics system, Fractl’s laser beam can hit a drone moving at 100 kilometres an hour a kilometre away with a beam the size of a 10-cent piece. Able to target a drone’s rotor, wiring, camera or other key operating area means the device can be retrieved from the field for forensic analysis to enhance operational awareness. Fractl’s advanced operating system is easily integrated into existing systems to effectively reduce operator load and enhance engagement response time.
“Fractl is highly deployable, offering battery and AC power options while the entire field ready unit weighs less than 50 kilograms.”
For more information: https://www.aimdefence.com/news (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
08 Aug 24. DSNA deploys drone detection system in Nice and Marseille with more areas to follow. French air services navigation provider DSNA has selected the XTR SERIS consortium to provide a drone detection service for airspace around airports.
In a LinkedIn post, Guillaume Blandel, Director of Operations at DSNA, said drone activity has been identified for some time by airlines and DSNA services as a new threat. “The DSNA therefore had to equip itself with a drone detection service near the largest platforms, in line with its DSNA2030 modernisation programme.”
Blandel confirmed that the service is now active in Nice and Marseille. “It is part of the existing operational concept relating to the processing of non-collaborative drones by adding electronic detection and automatic reporting to human visual reporting (pilots, airport operator agents, ATMs, etc.). For tower managers, the operating procedure consists of a simple telephone report by an XTR SERIS operator of the intruder and the area concerned (orange or red) according to which measures are recommended.”
The service is likely to be extended to sites in Lyon, Toulouse, Bordeaux, Basel-Mulhouse, Nantes and Beauvais, Blandel said.
The XTR SERIS consortium comprises SERIS Security and Drone XTR. In 2023, Drone XTR detected over 150,000 unauthorised drone flights , covering 65,000 hectares under surveillance. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
12 Aug 24. South Korea’s KF-21 fighter radar being tested by Paramount in South Africa. Testing of the KF-21 Boramae fighter radar continues in South Africa, on a modified Boeing 737 operating out of Wonderboom National Airport.
The Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar is among the most challenging components of the indigenous KF-21 fighter jet programme. South Korea originally sought to acquire AESA radar technology from the United States, but export restrictions precluded this, and so it decided to develop its own radar for itself. The KF-21 AESA radar programme marks South Korea’s first AESA radar development efforts, and may be scaled for other future applications.
The radar is being developed under the auspices of the South Korean Defence Acquisition Programme Administration (DAPA), with the South Korean Agency of Defence Development (ADD) and Hanwha Systems Co (HSC) taking the lead. Paramount Aerospace Systems was contracted as a subcontractor by HSC and Italian aerospace company Leonardo to test the radar.
An AESA radar electronically steers the radar beam by using hundreds or thousands of transmit/receive modules on the antenna. Advantages over traditional radars include increased detection range (thanks to beam focussing and steering), improved resolution (particularly against stealthy targets), enhancing tracking capability (including of multiple targets), lower probability of interception and jamming (due to electronic agility and redundancy), and longer service life due to fewer moving parts.
In December 2021, airborne tests of the KF-21’s AESA radar on modified Boeing 737 took place in South Africa, attended by developers from the ADD and HSC. The following year, airborne tests took place in South Korea as well after the modified Boeing 737 arrived in South Korea at the beginning of March, and had the radar fitted onto a new nose section. The modified Boeing 737 (ZS-TFJ, msn 26541) subsequently flew a number of sorties over Korean airspaces before heading to South Africa for further testing.
ZS-TFJ flew for Ceskoslovenske Aerolinie and Czech Airlines between 1992 and 2013 as OK-XGC. It was then transferred to Africa Aircraft Maintenance and registered as ZS-TFJ in 2015. In July 2020 the aircraft was taken over by Paramount Aerospace Systems, when it was seen with AESA testing markings (but without the modified nose at that stage).
In 2023 DAPA said the modified Boeing 737 from November 2022 to February 2023 carried out 18 radar test flights, with flight tracking data showing multiple flights from Wonderboom.
ZS-TFJ has been seen at Wonderboom again this year just in the last week carried out multiple flights in the Pretoria region lasting about three hours at a time, including on 6 and 8 August.
Radar testing is also being carried out on board the KF-21, which performed its maiden flight on 19 July 2022. Radar evaluation flights on the KF-21 are expected to take place from March 2023 to February 2026, evaluating things like maximum detection range in air-to-air mode, tracking distance, and tracking accuracy.
South Korea plans to start mass producing the KF-21 by mid-2026. The Republic of Korea Air Force (RoKAF) has a requirement for a large number of KF-21 aircraft to replace its ageing fleets of F-4E Phantom and F-5E Tiger II fighter aircraft, which were inducted from the mid-1970s.
Paramount expertise
Paramount offers a wide variety of aviation services, and through Paramount Aerospace Systems the company can provide flight testing, aircraft modification and refurbishment, upgrades, maintenance, mission equipment development and installation. The company does installation work globally for a wide range of customers, with one being the conversion of two Embraer Lineage 1000 business jets into maritime patrol aircraft.
Paramount Aerospace can establish an air force through the acquisition and supply of aircraft, spares and maintenance and the training of transport, helicopter and fighter pilots. It also has a ground school that trains ground crew and technicians able to maintain aircraft. The company offers Mirage F1 upgrades – it refurbished two F1 squadrons for Gabon and Republic of Congo after acquiring the ex-SAAF F1 fleet – but can source and supply various aircraft types.
It has also assisted the US-based Airborne Tactical Advantage Company (ATAC) make its legacy F1s airworthy again. Maintenance and training are growing in importance for Paramount Aerospace Systems, which in April 2018 received a contract from US aviation service provider Draken International for the overhaul of and engineering support for 22 ex-Spanish Air Force Mirage F1 jets, which are offered to the US Air Force and allied nation customers for adversary training. Paramount acquired four ex-French F1Bs for pilot and maintenance technician training. (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)
08 Aug 24. Ukrainian Soldiers Rely on Pocketable Drone Detector Amidst Constant Threats. of Russian drones have turned to a new, highly sought-after gadget known as Tsukorok, or “sugar,” developed by London-based Ukrainian engineer Dmytro Selin. This grassroots device, produced by various manufacturers, emits a loud beep when a drone enters its detection range, allowing soldiers to seek cover or activate jamming devices.
The Tsukorok has gained popularity due to its simplicity and effectiveness. A mortar crewman in the Donbas region described it as “amazing because it is so cheap and simple.”
Ukraine has significantly improved its drone operations, using inexpensive, off-the-shelf drones to intercept Russian reconnaissance drones. However, electronic warfare remains a critical challenge. French Army Chief of Staff Gen. Pierre Schill noted that 75% of drones in Ukraine are taken down by electronic warfare.
Meanwhile, German developers are testing a new drone in Ukraine called HCX, made by HIGHCAT. This drone is immune to radio-frequency jamming and detection, as it communicates with its operator via a fiber-optic cable, making it difficult for adversaries to locate and target.
The Russian military have used truck-mounted jamming systems to disrupt Western-made, GPS-guided artillery and missiles. Moscow has recently employed armored vehicles with jamming devices to enhance their front-line operations.
On the Ukrainian side, more than 50 companies are engaged in producing electronic warfare equipment, ranging from simple devices like the Tsukorok to more complex jamming systems. Despite the increasing production, demand far exceeds supply. Bohdan Danyliv, head of the military department at the Prytula Foundation, emphasized the urgent need for more jamming equipment, noting that current demand is at least 10 times higher than supply.
Selin’s Tsukorok, developed initially in 2022, detects signals from Russian Orlan reconnaissance drones. Its use has expanded rapidly due to positive feedback from Ukrainian military personnel. However, scaling up production has been challenging due to unreliable deliveries of parts and the complexities of international manufacturing.(Source: https://www.sofx.com/)
————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
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.
——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————–