Sponsored by Blighter Surveillance Systems
www.blighter.com
————————————————————————-
07 Apr 22. Blighter Surveillance introduces A422 drone detection deployable radar system. Blighter Surveillance System’s latest A422 radar system is a fully integrated off-the-shelf drone detection and ground surveillance system, says the company. It is designed to detect drones in congested urban environments and operates in day and night conditions. The technology can detect, locate and recognise unmanned aerial systems (UAS). It is deployed using a simple modular mast, requires low power consumption with mains and battery power options. User-defined geographic alert zones allow unattended monitoring in conjunction with target displays with a background map.
The new radar comes with mast mounting hardware, system cabling, mains power supply and a rugged laptop for remote system operation via a wired network connection.
The system is designed for rapid deployment from Peli-style transit cases and can be used for:
- Urban battlefield reconnaissance
- Remote border surveillance
- Camp protection
- Other covert operations
The A422 deployable radar system covers a horizontal azimuth scan sector of 180°. For 360° surveillance a dual-A422 back-to-back configuration can be used. The radar uses Blighter’s W20S antennas which give a wide vertical elevation coverage up to 30°.
Blighter’s x400 series radars are already deployed along the DMZ for South Korean forces.
For more information visit: www.blighter.com (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
13 Apr 22. Blighter Surveillance Systems (‘Blighter’, www.blighter.com) the British designer and manufacturer of electronic-scanning radars and surveillance solutions, has announced the launch of the A422 Deployable Radar System. The A422 is a ground-based military radar for drone detection and wide area perimeter surveillance, and the new configuration allows it to be deployed rapidly in remote and inaccessible areas.
The A422 presents a flexible and rapidly deployable ground surveillance solution which excels at micro-UAV detection in congested urban environments. It is extremely portable, able to be transported in a vehicle and then carried by hand up to a vantage point, where it can be deployed swiftly and efficiently for covert day and night operation.
The supplied kit allows the A422 to be deployed on a modular mast designed for compact storage and simple assembly and adaptability, and it capitalises on the A422’s low power requirements to allow mains or battery power options. The system includes a remotely deployed ruggedised laptop with an easy-to-use interface which clearly displays targets and permits the user to chart geographic alert zones for the purpose of unattended monitoring of targets.
The A422 is a medium-range air security military radar capable of detecting and reporting airborne as well as ground and coastline targets at up to 20 km, with unsurpassed clutter suppression for near horizon, urban and shoreline operation. The A422 offers moving target detection and machine learning (ML) classification to aid long range vision for 180°, ideally suited to the detection of low-slow-small (LSS) targets.
The flexibility of the new A422-based military radar system means that it is perfectly suited for use in rough or mountainous terrain as well as in urban environments, allowing it to be used for agile border security and rapid response situations such as battlefield reconnaissance or search and rescue operations.
Blighter radars are deployed in more than 35 countries around the world, delivering round-the-clock all-weather security protection along borders, for coastal facilities, military bases and critical national infrastructure.
Blighter CEO Angus Hone said: “The Deployable Radar System offers users the best-in-class threat detection capability of the A422 military radar, coupled with unparalleled flexibility in the field. We are pleased to be offering such a comprehensive off-the-shelf solution which exemplifies our drive for innovation and our determination to deliver market-leading solutions.”
14 Apr 22. USAF demonstrates new AWACS capability. This recent demonstration is a result of the Airborne Cooperative EW Integrated Reprogrammable Exchange, or ACEWIRE, concept. (Photo: US Air Force)
The USAF’s recent AWACS demonstration proves its ability to quickly update software, especially mission files, during flight.
The USAF’s E-3G airborne warning and control system aircraft (AWACS) has, for the first time, demonstrated the ability to receive and process in-air EW software updates derived from EW data collected and transmitted during flight.
The E-3G Sentry, operated by the AWACS Combined Test Force, updated its electronic support measures database while in flight over central Texas with a file transmitted from its reprogramming centre at Eglin AFB in Florida using BLoS SATCOM.
The aircraft collected EW information and transmitted the data back to Eglin AFB. Within an hour, the data had been analysed, deficiencies were corrected and the data was transmitted back to the E-3G for immediate loading during the mission.
Lt Col Dameion Briggs explained: ‘This is a big deal because it takes a process that can normally take months, down to hours. It enables the E-3G crews to update their sensor information in near real time.’
The test was made possible using the E-3G’s upgraded satellite communications system called Internet Protocol Enabled Communications and its more flexible mission computing system.
While the USAF continues to operate and upgrade the E-3G Sentry, the service also launched its effort to replace the aircraft earlier this year, in February.
(Source: News Now/Shephard)
13 Apr 22. NATO inducts first E-3A into Final Lifetime Extension Programme. NATO has launched the Final Lifetime Extension Programme (FLEP) for its Boeing E-3A Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) fleet, inducting the first of 14 aircraft.
The aircraft N-1 left the main operating base of the NATO Airborne Early Warning & Control Force (NAEW&CF) at Geilenkirchen, Germany, on 11 April, bound for the Leonardo modification facility in Tessera, Italy.
“The ‘long climb’ towards the induction of the first FLEP aircraft [N-1] for modification of the mission system has come to a successful conclusion,” NATO said. “We should be proud of what we have accomplished during the past four years [of preparatory work], but the steep climb is now ahead of us.”
As noted by FLEP programme manager Dana Whaley, this “steep climb” comprises finishing the N-1 modification in the next 12 months, completing the mission system software development, installing the system integration laboratory and ground systems at Geilenkirchen, resolving hardware and software integration problems, validating and verifying the technical orders, and training the initial cadre of operators and maintainers. “Afterwards, we have 13 additional aircraft to modify,” Whaley said. (Source: Janes)
14 Apr 22. Hensoldt to deliver TRS-4D radar for German Navy’s F126 frigates. First delivery of the naval radar from Hensoldt is expected to take place in 2025. Thales has signed a contract worth more than €100m with German sensor solutions provider Hensoldt to deliver a TRS-4D naval radar for the German Navy’s F126 programme. Under this contract, Hensoldt will deliver its TRS-4D radar’s non-rotating version with four fixed-panel arrays to Thales. Hensoldt is expected to make its first delivery of the radar in 2025. Following the delivery, Thales will perform the installation of the radar onto the F126 frigates, complying with the combat systems and mission requirements of the German Navy.
Hensoldt Naval & Ground Radars vice-president Markus Rothmaier said: “Our TRS-4D and its high-end components are deployed onboard several German Navy ships offering a high degree of commonalities to the customer.
“I am proud that we are able to offer the German Navy, together with Thales’ sensor technology and combat system, a comprehensive and truly European solution.”
In 2020, the F126 programme was contracted to provide four multi-purpose combat F126 frigates to the German Navy.
The ten-year-long programme also includes multiple land-based pieces of training and tests, along with an option for two additional frigates.
Delivery of the first F126 ship to the German Navy is anticipated in 2028.
Hensoldt’s TRS-4D radar is based on advanced gallium nitride active electronically scanned array (AESA) sensor technology.
The multi-function surveillance and target acquisition radar has easy integration and high operational availability.
Hensoldt’s naval radars are already in service with the German Navy frigates, including Frigate F125 and the second batch of K130 corvettes.
Equipped with the new naval radar and other advanced systems and sensors, the future F126 frigates will be able to perform several naval missions in difficult maritime environments.
Damen Naval, the prime contractor for the F126 programme, recently selected Leonardo’s OTO 127/64 lightweight (LW) Vulcano defence systems for the frigates. (Source: naval-technology.com)
04 Apr 22. AEC Skyline and ForcePro link to provide C-UAS equipment to Benelux. The CEOs of Dutch companies AEC Skyline and ForcePro, Stef Have and Theo Karafantis have signed a cooperation agreement aimed at developing counter unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS) capabilities within the Benelux countries, according to an AEC press release. AEC Skyline has been providing aerial services (close air support, electronic warfare, ISR) and critical data solutions (systems integration, IT networking) to the Netherlands and foreign armed forces, the defence industry and research institutes for many years. ForcePro is active in the C-UAS domain, representing DroneShield.
“It is the firm belief of both CEOs that the two parties will strengthen each other when it comes to delivering and maintaining solutions that cover the entire C-UAS chain, from detection, identification and classification to interception,” said the press release.
For more information: https://aec-skyline.com/news (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
12 Apr 22. Elbit Systems of America Partners to Produce Next-generation Night Vision Through DARPA-funded Program. Elbit Systems of America has partnered with Physical Sciences Inc. and Stanford University to produce a next-generation night vision system for America’s Warfighters, offering more capability in a smaller and lighter package. The partnership was created to produce a solution for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) that selected the group to participate in its Enhanced Night Vision in eyeglass form (ENVision) program. The team collaboration on DARPA’s ENVision program will run through October 2023. Elbit Systems of America and its partners will each bring their expertise to the project, providing an advanced night vision solution with an expanded field of view, broader bandwidth, and enhanced situational awareness, with a goal to package the device within the form factor of a regular pair of glasses. Ultimately, the partners’ next-generation night vision device will enable Warfighters to see through fog, dust, and darkness in a system that is lightweight and easy to wear.
“The ENVision program challenges us to break the mold. Traditionally, more capability equates to greater size, weight, and power, but now we aim to flip this paradigm. We’re pushing ourselves to create an ideal night vision solution with increased performance in a much smaller, lightweight configuration and we’re excited to take on this challenge with our partners,” said Erik Fox, Vice President and General Manager of Elbit Systems of America – Night Vision.
Elbit Systems of America President and CEO Raanan Horowitz said “At Elbit America, we understand advancements in technology come when our workforce is bold and takes on industry challenges in collaborative new ways. Teamed with Physical Sciences Inc. and Stanford University, we are well-positioned to offer DARPA a breakthrough solution that will provide our nation’s Warfighters with the very best next-generation night vision solution.”
Elbit Systems of America has been developing advanced low light imaging technology to significantly decrease the size and weight of night vision devices and will apply this know-how to the ENVision program. All of the technology and lessons learned during the development of the ENVision concept will be key in creating a significant breakthrough for the industry. (Source: ASD Network)
07 Apr 22. US government finds counter drone technologies enhance safety and security, but may have unintended effects. A US Government Accountability Office (GAO) blog finds counter-drone technology can detect and—when needed—jam, capture, or disable unauthorized drones. But this technology can also cause problems. For example, in January 2019, a drone was spotted near Newark Liberty International Airport, halting all air traffic activity for over an hour. The reality is, uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS), or drones, have a variety of important uses—from search and rescue to cinematography.
How does counter-drone technology work?
Counter-drone technologies generally fall into two categories: detection and mitigation.
Detection technologies include infrared devices to track heat signatures, radio frequency detection for signals from a drone’s remote controller, and acoustic methods to recognize the unique sounds of drone motors.
Mitigation technologies are those that can repel or intercept a drone. For example, interference signals can jam the communications between the drone and its operator. Other technologies can try to net the drone, shoot it down, or disable it using trained hawks.
Who can use counter-drone technology?
Domestically, only four federal agencies have been authorized to deploy counter-drone technologies under certain circumstances. For example:
- The Department of Defense could use counter-drone technology to secure domestic military bases.
- The Department of Energy could use it to protect sensitive nuclear facilities.
- The Department of Justice could use it to secure prisons and prevent drones from smuggling contraband inside.
- The Department of Homeland Security could use it to protect large gatherings, like the Super Bowl.
What are the challenges facing counter-drone technology?
One of the main challenges to current counter-drone technology is that it’s not always effective. For example, detection systems may overlook a drone because of interference or mistake a bird for a drone. And mitigation systems may have a limited range or fail against quick or unpredictable drones.
Another challenge is unintended consequences. For example, counter-drone technology may collect personal information or interfere with nearby communications. Systems that disable drones can lead to damage from errant projectiles or falling drones. Therefore, counter drone technology is usually customized to meet a specific purpose and location.
A final challenge is that no other entities—apart from the four federal agencies listed above—are federally authorized to deploy this technology. Local agencies generally rely on a small number of federal counter-drone units to respond to drone threats in their area.
Key questions for policymakers
With over 2 million drones projected to be in use in the US by 2024, the risks to critical sites and safety are likely to grow. This increase raises several questions for policymakers, including:
- What research and development could improve counter-drone solutions while minimizing unintended effects?
- What are the trade-offs for authorizing law enforcement and others to use counter-drone technology?
- What is the appropriate level of coordination and oversight?
For more information visit: https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-22-105705
(Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
08 Apr 22. India’s DRDO details specifications for national C-UAS system to industry. Indian news services report that the Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has outlined to Indian defence companies the detailed requirements for a national counter-UAS capability defined by the Defence Research and Development Organisation.
Companies such as Adani Defence Systems, Larsen & Toubro, and Astra Microwave, ICOMM Tele Ltd and Electronics Corporation of India Limited were among those to receive the specifications.
“Using various sensors, the Counter Drone System may detect, track, and identify aerial drones, send the information to linked systems, and enable counter tactics to prevent them from carrying out their intended mission (soft kill) and/or destroy them (hard kill),” according to Business Today. “Drone detection is accomplished using radars and an RF-based detecting technology. The Electro Optic sensor and COMINT are used to identify the object. Soft kills are carried out using RF jamming and anti-GNSS technology, while hard kills are carried out using Laser Directed Energy Weapons. Small Hybrid UAVs, Micro UAV/Multirotor, and Nano UAVs are among the drones that the system can detect, identify, and neutralise.”
For more information: ttps://www.businesstoday.in/latest/story/rajnath-hands-over-drdos-counter-drone-system-docs-to-firms-including-adani-defence-lt-328997-2022-04-07
Rajnath Hands Over Documentation Of DRDO’s Counter Drone System To Adani Defense, L&T And Others
(Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
————————————————————————-
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.
————————————————————————