Sponsored by Blighter Surveillance Systems
www.blighter.com
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19 Aug 21. Saudi Arabia operating new air-defence radar. The Royal Saudi Air Defence Forces (RSADF) displayed a previously unseen radar during a parade marking the start of training for the Islamic year 1443 on 18 August.
The Saudi Ministry of Defence released a photograph and a short video showing the event was held at the Institute of Air Defence Forces training facility in Jeddah and included components from Patriot, HAWK, Shahine (Crotale), and Skyguard air defence systems as well as a truck carrying a radar with an elevated antenna and a second that may have been the associated command post.
While the radar could not be seen clearly in the available imagery, it appeared to match the 3D TDA radar that was unveiled by the China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC) during the World Radar Expo held in Nanjing in April.
CETC said the S-band radar uses advanced digital array and software technology to detect and track low-altitude targets such as cruise missiles as well as small and slow unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
A dismounted TDA was displayed at the Expo, but CETC released a photograph showing six radars that were mounted on Mercedes-Benz Arocs heavy-duty trucks and painted a desert colour like the one seen in the RSADF parade. (Source: Jane’s)
19 Aug 21. Northrop Grumman Global Hawk Connects the Joint Force in Advanced Battle Management System Exercise. Northrop Grumman Corporation’s (NYSE: NOC) RQ-4B Block 30 Global Hawk, with imagery and signals intelligence collection capabilities, was utilized by the United States Air Force during Advanced Battle Management System (ABMS) exercises for the United States European Command. Global Hawk plays a significant role in autonomous high-altitude, long-endurance systems in support of numerous missions.
‘Global Hawk is critical today and indispensable tomorrow as we continue to invest in new capabilities to improve system flexibility, resilience and responsiveness,’ said Leslie Smith, vice president, Global Hawk, Northrop Grumman. ‘We are adopting proven advancements in technology and infrastructure to provide modernized cockpits, dynamic mission rerouting, OMS compliant payload computing, universal payload adapters and IP-based communications.’
Global Hawk is the premier autonomous high-altitude, long-endurance ISR platform for the U.S. Air Force and global partners. No other system provides a better combination of range, endurance and payload capacity, as demonstrated by the U.S. Air Force’s continuous use of Global Hawk to collect intelligence and deter regional threats for the past two decades.
To meet future operational needs, Global Hawk can extend and connect beyond its traditional strategic ISR mission and serve as an airborne network edge node, providing persistent communications relay and secure processing without putting personnel in harm’s way. These capabilities will be critical to helping realize the Department of Defense’s Joint-All Domain Command and Control vision.
Northrop Grumman solves the toughest problems in space, aeronautics, defense and cyberspace to meet the ever evolving needs of our customers worldwide. Our 90,000 employees define possible every day using science, technology and engineering to create and deliver advanced systems, products and services.
17 Aug 21. Exensor Technology to supply the Swedish Armed Forces for enhanced domestic security. On June 29, 2021, Exensor Technology – a subsidiary of Bertin Technologies (CNIM Group) – was once again selected by the Swedish Armed Forces for the supply of the Flexnet Unattended Ground Sensor (UGS) solution. It will be the first time this scalable mesh networked system will be used by the Swedish Home Guard to protect, guard and monitor the national territory.
Formal signing ceremony was held in the headquarters of Försvarets Materielverk, the Swedish Defense Materiel Administration, in Stockholm on the 29th of June, 2021. Under the terms of this important contract, a considerable amount of systems will be delivered over two years, between 2022 and 2023.
Exensor Technology will provide the Swedish National Security Forces with a large number of tactical modular ground sensor systems to improve their operational and strategic capabilities for protection and intelligence gathering. It will rest on the Flexnet surveillance solution consisting in a toolbox of wireless and battery-operated sensors and cameras for detection, classification and identification of any potential threat on the ground.
Composed of a portfolio of passive seismic-acoustic and infrared sensors, along with night/day motion cameras, Flexnet registers movement and threat activities, thus reducing burden on the operators. By offering a compact and lightweight footprint for easy transportation and concealment, the Flexnet system can be rapidly deployed in remote areas of interest.
As a tailored, robust solution, Flexnet also allows for customized configurations to adapt to any specific situation, regardless of the environment. Mission dependent, Flexnet can be used as a standalone system or be integrated with other C2 systems for battle management, in order to increase the Swedish Home Guard’ situational awareness and strengthen its decision-making capability.
This user-friendly, advance sensor technology will thus meet the most demanding requirements of the Swedish Home Guard in terms of accuracy, reliability and short responsiveness for the benefits of national safety and security.
Following the contract signature, Marcus Rosenqvist – Exensor Technology’s Vice-President Sales and Marketing – said: “This major contract is another important milestone for Exensor and proves our technology meets the highest standards set by our customers. We are proud to be part of the modernization of the Swedish home guard. This new contract further reinforces Exensor’s position as a leading player in the design and manufacture of mobile, scalable sensor platforms for the protection of Armed Forces worldwide.”
17 Aug 21. CACI develops multi-sensor imaging system for enhanced sUAS operations. The CM62 Micro Gimbal integrates HD EO imagery and a custom long-wave infrared core in a 260g compact system.
CACI International has developed a multi-sensor imaging system to improve small uncrewed aerial system (sUAS) operations in the future.
The AVT CM62 Micro Gimbal features an integrated high definition electro-optical (EO) imagery and a custom long-wave infrared (LWIR) core.
Weighing 260g, the low-power surveillance system is small, compact and lightweight. It provides high-performance intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. CACI CEO president and CEO John Mengucci said: “The CM62 represents a new generation of surveillance systems.
“Engineered for the modern battlefield, the CM62 is designed to provide superior capability against the evolving threats that our sailors, marines, and warfighters are facing against our technologically savvy adversaries.
“This technology will have a significant impact on survivability and resiliency during sUAS operations and beyond.”
Last year, CACI acquired AVT, which is a provider of advanced engineering, imaging solutions and software development for national security missions worldwide.
According to CACI, small, lightweight and low-power systems decrease the need for resources on equipment and offer more efficient capability.
The company also stated that battlefield equipment and tools become mission ready when existing platforms are equipped with smaller-profile multi-sensor imaging systems.
In September 2019, CACI International secured a $197m task order to support the critical surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities of the US Army. (Source: army-technology.com)
17 Aug 21. DroneShield Enters C-UAS Training and Simulation Market. DroneShield Ltd (ASX:DRO) (“DroneShield” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce the release of DroneSim, a lightweight and rapidly deployable UAS/drone simulator that is able to mimic common drone signals for the purpose of C-UAS system testing and validation. The device is capable of generating aerial (UAV), ground (UGV) and water surface (USV) drone signals.
Constructed within a ruggedized hard case with MIL-SPEC connectors, DroneSim is durable and requires minimal training to install and operate. When connected to a network, DroneSim can be operated remotely. This allows for faster system testing and system testing in environments where drones may be unable to fly. An easy-to-use GUI allows the user to select between different drone/UAS protocols and requires minimal training to use. The product was developed in response to customer demand.
DroneShield’s CEO Oleg Vornik commented, “We are excited to launch DroneSim as our entry in the important market for training and simulation systems. As a global leader in the C-UAS space, DroneShield is well positioned to expand its solution ecosystem into this area”.
The product is expected to be of significant interest to a range of DroneShield customers globally across military, law enforcement, and Government agencies.
16 Aug 21. Sentinel air-defence radar to receive M-Code capability. Lockheed Martin and Orolia Defense & Security will begin integrating mission timing and synchronisation units, capable of transmitting via Military Code (M-Code) signal, into the US Army’s Sentinel A4 air and missile defence radar system. Officials from Orolia delivered the initial shipment of M-Code-enabled SecureSync rack-mounted synchronisation platforms to Sentinel prime integrator Lockheed Martin in May, for implementation into the newest tranche of Sentinel A4 air defence radar systems. “SecureSync with M-Code provides enhanced resilient positioning, navigation, and timing [PNT] capabilities and improved resistance to existing and emerging GPS threats, such as jamming and spoofing,” according to a statement issued by Orolia.
Traditional Assured-Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (A-PNT) and Global Positioning System (GPS) subsystems on military platforms operate predominantly on Selective Availability Anti-Spoofing Module (SAASM)-enabled GPS PNT capabilities. At its core, SAASM capabilities consist of an enhanced security architecture for GPS signal transmission, which is designed to encrypt and decipher signals via ‘over-the-air’ rekeying of signal receivers.
M-Code, on the other hand, is a military-only GPS signal located in the L1 and L2 GPS bands that utilises a higher power signal, advanced message encryption formats, and signal modulation techniques to improve transmissions while hardening the signal against electronic warfare or signals intelligence threats.
Sentinel A3 system is an X-Band, Gallium Nitride (GaN)-based system with a scan rate of 30 RPM and a maximum 360º detection range of 40 km. Employed with electronic countermeasures, the Sentinel can be deployed with an army ground unit on a towed platform or operated autonomously from a forward location ahead of a unit’s position via wideband fibre-optic datalinks or Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System (SINCGARS). (Source: Jane’s)
16 Aug 21. EOS conducts successful C-UAS live fire shoot in Australia. EOS Defence Systems has announced the successful live firing of its Titanis counter unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) solution at a private range in Australia. This marks the conclusion of the first stage of the company’s ambitious plan to expand live fire weapon system development activities in Australia.
CEO for EOS Defence Systems Grant Sanderson said, “We successfully detected and engaged a number of UAS targets using the Titanis C-UAS solution incorporating the R400 remote weapon station, including moving targets and swarms of multiple drone threats. Being able to conduct weapon system development in Australia represents a significant sovereign capability.”
EOS Defence Systems used Boresight aerial target drones to demonstrate the capabilities of the Titanis system; Boresight was an entrant in the Land Forces 2021 Innovation Awards. EOS Defence Systems is the launch customer for this new capability.
EOS has been working closely with weapon and ammunition OEMs and providers, state and federal agencies, equipment providers, and the land owner to create a field firing area suitable for a wide range of weapon systems. Infrastructure including hard stand firing points and an approved ammunition magazine are established, and range instrumentation including shot detection and meteorological sensors are being commissioned.
Sanderson stated, “While we complete our design and development work in Australia, most of our live firing to date has had to be conducted overseas due to the lack of suitable ranges in Australia. However, the Australian Government’s drive to greater domestic defence capability has provided us with the confidence to invest in the creation of an Australian solution.”
Sanderson continued, “This is a critical first stage in developing our local live firing capability. We expect to expand this further to allow for more complex activities over the coming months.”
EOS will use the range to live fire a number of its products including the T2000 medium calibre turret and its R400 and R800 remote weapons stations, directed energy effectors, and the Titanis C-UAS solution.
(Source: Rumour Control)
12 Aug 21. US defense department demonstrates drone interception with low collateral effect with Robotican Goshawk. Robotican reports a successful autonomous drone interception demonstration for the US Department of Defense Irregular Warfare Technical Support Directorate (IWTSD) using its Goshawk interceptor drone. According to Robotican, the Goshawk interceptor drone provides autonomous interception to counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) at any stage of their mission. A designated net enables the Goshawk to capture and carry the hostile drone, delivering it to a predefined area for safe disposal – with no collateral damage.
In the demonstration, the hostile drones were launched from a remote location to penetrate a no-fly zone protected by the Goshawk. After initial target detection, the Goshawk was automatically launched on its interception mission – autonomous from launch to landing. Various scenarios and profiles were enacted during the demonstration, such a complex target chase and a challenging head-on engagement, with the Goshawk and target drone flying head-on towards each other. All targets were successfully intercepted with the catch, carry and disposal performed to demonstrate the benefit of retrieving hostile drones. The target drones used were of varying sizes and models representing the operational need.
Hagai Balshai , CEO Robotican, “We are very proud of our achievement. Our challenge was to develop an autonomous drone interceptor that causes no collateral damage, which we believe is key for an efficient 24/7 C-UAS system. This successful demonstration gives us confidence in our solution, and in the journey, we have begun with this amazing technology.”
For more information visit:
www.robotican.co
(Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
13 Aug 21. Department 13 to launch three C-UAS systems at AUVSI Xponential. Australian counter-UAS (C-UAS) systems manufacturer Department 13 will be launching a range of products – Scout13, Atlas13, and Blackbird-C – at AUVSI Xponential Atlanta.
According to a company press release: “New to Department 13’s product group, Scout13 is an intelligent drone sensor system providing unparalleled situational awareness for commercial, government and military applications, including drone detection, identification, attribution and location. Atlas13 is the new software user interface (UI) that Scout13 and Mesmer will talk to, constantly feeding detection data into the system to enable the most efficient drone detections and best practice airspace management and compliance. Blackbird-C is the latest sUAV from Nightingale Security. It is a smaller transportable version of the Blackbird drone, which is improving the opportunity for faster response mobile surveillance operations.
“The low altitude airspace management solutions are part of Department 13’s broader, full spectrum ecosystem of unmanned innovation designed to detect, protect and operate at elite levels surrounding autonomous reconnaissance, security and surveillance.” (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
14 Aug 21. RedTail Unveils Innovative LiDAR System for sUAS. RedTail LiDAR Systems, a supplier of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) mirror-based LiDAR technology, unveiled the market introduction of the RTL-450 LiDAR sensor. The product will be launched at the XPONENTIAL 2021 Trade Show which is being held in Atlanta, Georgia from August 16-19.
The RTL-450 incorporates a lightweight MEMS mirror and a precision navigation system to generate accurate data for the most demanding of aerial surveying missions. The high-resolution, three-dimensional point clouds created by the RTL-450 provide operators an unsurpassed ability to conduct advanced analytics of geographic and manmade features on the earth’s surface.
The RTL-450 – which is designed and assembled in the U.S. – incorporates patented LiDAR sensor technology to achieve superior performance. The innovative LiDAR system, which weighs in at just over 4 pounds, is designed to operate independently of a drone platform, providing great flexibility for drone integration. The modular nature of the design facilitates quick and efficient integration onto user selected platforms. To date, the RTL-450 has been integrated onto the FLIR SkyRaider, Freefly Alta-8, 4D-X6, DJI Matrice 300 and DJI Matrice 600. The simple and easy to use software interface – coupled with a comprehensive online training curriculum – allows system operators to be up and running in no time.
The system operates in a raster scan mode for surveillance missions and a side-to-side line scan mode for area mapping. The intuitive command and control, and high-brightness display integrated into the ground control station (GCS) allows operators to monitor and optimize data collection missions, an offering that that is unique in the world of small UAV LiDAR systems.
“We are thrilled to introduce RedTail LiDAR Systems’ RTL-450. This LiDAR system has been enhanced for use on a wide variety of small, user selected drones. The innovative MEMS mirror technology ensures that drone operators create one of the best, high-quality point clouds in the industry,” said Brad DeRoos, President and CEO of RedTail LiDAR Systems.
The RTL-450’s high-resolution point clouds – generated at a rate of up to 400,000 pulses per second and 5 returns per pulse – are extremely well-suited to numerous military, first-responder and commercial applications, including mission planning, battle damage assessment, force protection, emergency response, remote surveillance, construction and resource management, and infrastructure development. What makes the RTL-450 unique is that all laser pulsed are transmitted toward the ground toward the area of interest.
The detail contained within the 3D LiDAR images makes them ideal for use with Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML) algorithms for the autonomous detection and classification of objects of interest with no human intervention required. The fact that 3D point clouds are created using the light from the pulsed laser ensures images can be collected both day and night. Receiving up to 5 returns from every light pulse transmitted enhances through canopy light transmission, thereby allowing the ground to be imaged even under heavily foliated conditions – an important capability that cannot be provided by photogrammetric imaging techniques. (Source: UAS VISION)
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Blighter Surveillance Systems is a world-leading designer and manufacturer of best-in-class electronic-scanning ground-based radars, surveillance solutions and Counter-UAS systems. Blighter’s solid-state micro-Doppler products are deployed in more than 35 countries across the globe, delivering consistent all-weather security protection and wide area surveillance along borders, coastlines, at military bases and across critical infrastructure such as airports, oil and gas facilities and palaces. Blighter radars are also used to protect manoeuvre force missions when deployed on military land vehicles and trailers, and its world-beating multi-mode radar represents a great leap in threat detection technology and affordability for use in a variety of scenarios.
The Blighter range of radar products are used for detecting a variety of threats, from individuals on foot to land vehicles, boats, drones and low-flying aircraft at ranges of up to 32 km. Blighter Surveillance Systems employs 40 people and is located near Cambridge, UK, where it designs, produces and markets its range of unique patented solid-state radars. Blighter prides itself on being an engineer-led business committed to providing cost-effective and flexible solutions across the defence, critical infrastructure and national security markets.
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