Sponsored by Blighter Surveillance Systems
www.blighter.com
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16 June 22. Hensoldt may get a new customer for its stealthy radar kits: the Luftwaffe. German sensor specialist Hensoldt expects to sell a small number of its Twinvis passive radar kits to the country’s air force, a move that would thrust the service into a growing and still-secretive technology field.
Details of the deal remain to be finalized, but company spokesman Joachim Schranzhofer confirmed to Defense News that the Ministry of Defense had signaled an interest to buy. Funds likely would come through a generic line item for air surveillance technology that’s tucked away in a priority list for Germany’s newfound defense-spending appetite.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Defense in Berlin did not return repeated requests for comment.
Passive radar can detect aerial objects – including planes optimized for stealth, like the F-35 – by studying their echoes in the wave salad of civilian radio and television broadcast transmitters. The technology emits no signal itself, which means opponents are unaware they are being tracked, and from where.
Passive radar is useless in undeveloped and remote regions where there are too few signals from which to read disturbances in the electromagnetic field.
But Hensoldt has claimed for years that advances in computing power have improved the technology, enabling almost targeting-quality tracks from even the faintest signals.
The company recently began positioning Twinvis as a new component for ground-based air defense scenarios. Passive radar could augment active sensors for more accurate targeting of incoming threats, for example. It could also lead to limiting use of active radar, a dangerous proposition that gives away the defender’s location and capabilities, according to conventional wisdom.
Earlier this year, Hensoldt and Diehl Defence announced the companies had teamed to integrate Twinvis into Diehl’s IRIS-T range of missile-defense systems as an optional component. A sale to Egypt of 16 IRIS-T units — cleared last year during the final days of the Merkel government — is slated to include the passive radar option and would make Cairo one of the first users of the technology.
Switzerland, which experimented with passive radar during its Air 2030 air-defense modernization campaign, is thought to be another customer.
However, a promised German delivery of an IRIS-T unit to Ukraine for shielding Kyiv is unlikely to include a passive radar option, as the country offers insufficiently dense coverage coverage from radio-frequency transmitters, according to issue experts.
Russia has destroyed many TV and radio towers since it began its bloody assault on Ukraine in late February.
The German air force has toyed with the Twinvis passive radar for several years, though officials have so far shied away from buying it. Defense News reported in 2019 that the service had set up a preliminary acquisition track after sponsoring a large-scale air traffic surveillance demo over Bavaria in late 2018.
The company dispatched a team of passive radar engineers to a pony farm near Berlin’s Schönefeld airport to catch two U.S. F-35 stealth planes visiting for the 2018 Berlin Air Show as they were leaving the exhibit, Defense News reported in 2019. The equine excursion helped analysts compare their passive radar tracking with illumination from active radar and the planes’ own transponder signals.
The growing field of passive sensing also includes detecting radar emissions themselves, with souped-up antenna technology that is becoming smaller and more deployable.
Saab unveiled a new product, Sirus Compact, at the Eurosatory defense exhibit outside of Paris, for example. The sensor picks up and characterizes radar emissions, sending the data to higher headquarters for analysis and enabling commanders to determine a suitable strike scenario.
Weighing less than 3 kg, forward-deployed forces can hang the sensor under an aerial drone or mount it on a mast, Pekka Halme, a technical manager with Saab, told Defense News. One deployed sensor – the higher up, the better – can tell the direction of enemy radar emissions, two or more can pinpoint their exact location, he explained.
(Source: Defense News)
16 June 22. Lockheed Martin integrates new technologies for SkyKeeper system. Lockheed Martin is working with a number of European companies as part of their SkyKeeper solution.
Speaking to Janes, Richard Turner, ground-based air defence (GBAD) business development manager at Lockheed Martin, said that the company has been working with Danish company Weibel, UK-based Chess Dynamics, and Dutch company Robin Radar.
SkyKeeper is a modular battlespace management command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence (C4I) system that can be integrated with any type of effector, kinetic or non-kinetic, from missiles to jammers. The scalable system offers airspace management, airspace surveillance, and GBAD command-and-control (C2).
Weibel, a company that specialises in counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UASs), is working with Lockheed Martin to deliver its XENTA-C X-band drone detection radar to the SkyKeeper solution, Turner detailed.
Lockheed Martin has also worked with Chess Dynamics, integrating their C-UAS radars, infrared and electro-optical sensors, he added.
Tuner explained that Lockheed Martin integrated the XENTA and Robin Radar’s Elvira 2D radar into the SkyKeeper solution during the NATO’s Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems Technical Interoperability Exercise (C-UAS TIE) in 2021. (Source: Janes)
13 June 22. Elbit Systems Unveils a Simultaneous Multi-Mission Tactical Radar System. Elbit Systems launches DAiR, an innovative simultaneous multi-mission tactical radar. The system makes target prioritization redundant enabling a step change in the effectiveness and efficiency of tactical terrain dominance, protection against Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and border security. The new radar will be presented during the Eurosatory 2022 as part of Elbit Systems’ display (Hall 6, D567). The DAiR is an X-band software defined radar system that incorporates hundreds of digital receivers, sophisticated algorithms and computing cores with Artificial Intelligence capabilities. The system is capable of simultaneous detection and tracking of thousands objects of various sizes and velocities, with no need for target prioritization. These unique radar capabilities enable a tactical force to use a single radar system for handling of a very large number of targets of various types and ranges including: humans, small quadcopters, helicopters and UAS, vessels and artillery. Small drones are detected from up to 12km and humans from up to 15km. The DAiR radar systems is compatible with the All-purpose Structured EUROCONTROL Surveillance Information Exchange protocols (ASTERIX) enabling seamless sharing of information with C4I systems.
Oren Sabag, General Manager of Elbit Systems ISTAR & EW, said: “As warfare becomes increasingly multi-domain, the target prioritizing capability, that is central to legacy radars, becomes a liability. Forces are compelled to apply multiple radars just to keep up with the evolving threat – holding a common operational picture becomes harder and costs increase. The DAiR radar system addresses these challenges, does not rely on target prioritization, thereby aligning the radar capability with the imperatives of multi-domain warfare.” (Source: PR Newswire)
09 June 22. ZeroEyes Partners with Asylon Robotics to Develop Drone-Enabled Active-Shooter Response. ZeroEyes, Inc., creators of the only A.I.-based gun detection video analytics platform that holds the US Department of Homeland Security SAFETY Act Designation, today announced a formal partnership with Asylon Robotics, a firm that automates security operations by leveraging aerial and ground robotics for perimeter and drone security and intelligence services.
The partnership integrates ZeroEyes’ human-verified A.I. gun detection software with Asylon’s aerial drone and robot dog video feeds, providing end users with an autonomous response capability in active shooter situations.
The number of law enforcement officers killed intentionally in the line of duty reached a 20-year high in 2021, with gunfire being the leading cause of officer deaths. This concerning statistic underlines the need for autonomous, real-time intelligence in active shooter events to react faster to protecting civilians and law enforcement personnel alike.
“Our grandparents and parents had nuclear attack drills from foreign threats, and we adults had fire drills growing up. Our children today have active shooter drills – things aren’t heading in the right direction,” said Mike Lahiff, CEO of ZeroEyes. “Enabling our A.I. gun detection technology for use beyond static video cameras is a huge step in combating the mass shooting epidemic that our country faces. Our partnership with Asylon Robotics means we’re able to outfit unmanned vehicles with real-time gun detection intel and tools such as lights and audible alarms to distract shooters, giving first responders time to respond to threats more quickly and safely from the air or on the ground, when every second counts.”
ZeroEyes’ proprietary A.I. gun detection technology integrates with existing security cameras to instantly detect visible guns within range of the cameras. When a weapon is detected, ZeroEyes’ military-trained operations center analysts verify the detection and alert first responders within 3-5 seconds. This agreement expands the company’s footprint beyond static cameras to unmanned systems.
ZeroEyes’ A.I. security solution is currently in use in K-12 schools, universities, commercial businesses, US military bases, state and local governments across the country and is monitored 24/7/365 by military veterans. ZeroEyes’ solution was also recently awarded a United States Air Force AFWERX Direct-to-Phase II SBIR Grant for Drone-Robot Enabled Active Shooter Deterrence (DRASD), expanding the use of automated security response technology.
“All of Asylon’s solutions are built to increase safety and enable the security operations center of the future. Partnering with ZeroEyes to integrate its A.I. gun detection solution into our DroneCore platform is a huge step forward in making that happen,” says Damon Henry, CEO and Co-Founder of Asylon Robotics. “Our partnership means we have a more complete solution for customers to safely and intelligently respond to incidents on their properties, such as active shooter scenarios. Adding A.I. gun detection to air and ground security robotics is industry-first and directly in line with our mission to help get the right intel to the right people to make better, faster, and smarter decisions.”
Asylon is the only full-service American robotic perimeter security company. By combining aerial drones and robot dogs with powerful software, its DroneCore command and control platform automates security patrol and response. These advanced and automated robotics systems act as significant force multipliers for streamlining security operations.
About ZeroEyes
ZeroEyes delivers a proactive, human-verified A.I. gun detection software solution that integrates into existing security cameras and mitigates mass shootings and gun-related violence by reducing response times, providing actionable intelligence with images and delivering clarity among chaos – ultimately saving lives. ZeroEyes’ patented solution has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as a promising anti-terrorism technology and is the first video analytics technology to receive SAFETY Act DT&E Designation.
Founded by Navy SEALs and Special Operations military veterans, ZeroEyes delivers accurate and real-time actionable intelligence about the brandishing of a gun near or in an occupied area or building, to local staff and law enforcement with an image of the shooter(s) and location of the threat, within 3 to 5 seconds from the moment the gun is detected. The ZeroEyes team also provides tech consulting, installation assistance and practice drills for active shooter events to enhance safety at schools, corporate and government facilities. Headquartered in the Greater Philadelphia area, the company’s affordable and effective gun detection solution has been adopted by the US Department of Defense, leading public K-12 school districts, colleges and universities, commercial property groups, manufacturing plants, Fortune 500 corporate campuses, shopping malls, big-box retail stores and more. Learn more about ZeroEyes at ZeroEyes.com.
About Asylon
Asylon Inc. is the leading robotic perimeter security company in the United States. Asylon partners with commercial and government entities to modernize traditionally inefficient security practices. By providing customers with the most advanced, American-made, robotic security technology, Asylon helps to ensure that both government and private-sector companies can protect their people, assets, and profits against threats. Asylon provides a customer experience that is second-to-none and is based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Source: PR Newswire)
09 June 22. SESAR ASPRID project tests airport drone detection system in gaming exercise. The EU-funded Airport System Protection From Intruding Drones (ASPRID) research project has carried out a test to demonstrate that the ASPRID system has a positive impact in reacting to drone threats in the airport environment. The participating partners carried out a laboratory test in a gaming exercise format to validate the operational concept of the system.
ASPRID has developed an operational concept and system architecture to protect airport operations from unwanted drones by identifying technologies, procedures and regulations that can help the airport environment recover from any disruption as quickly and efficiently as possible. The two-year project involves seven European entities from Spain, Italy and France, with experts in the different sectors involved: airports, research, innovation technologies, drone operations, IT, safety and security.
The aim was to demonstrate that the ASPRID system has a positive impact in reacting to drone threats in the airport environment by enacting scenarios in which real-time airport traffic simulation software tools have been used, as well as to develop a reporting environment during the project. ENAIRE air traffic controllers and experts from Aena’s Safety and Operations divisions participated in the simulations.
The test was organised at the facilities of Spain’s National Institute of Aerospace Technology (INTA), along with SoulSoftware SRL, Aerospace Laboratory for Innovative Components (ALI Scarl) and the Centro Italiano Ricerche Aerospaziali (CIRA).
Information from qualitative and quantitative data collected during the exercise, by means of questionnaires conducted among experts, will now be evaluated taking into account human performance, system efficiency and the impact on airport security.
The companies that make up the consortium are: Aena, Aerospace Laboratory for Innovative Components (ALI Scarl), Centro Italiano Ricerche Aerospaziali (CIRA), ENAIRE, National Institute of Aerospace Technology (INTA), Office National d’Etudes et de Recherches Aérospatiales (ONERA) and SoulSoftware SRL.
For more information contact: www.asprid.eu
(Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
08 June 22. US Congressional Research Service reports on status of C-UAS defence research and procurement. The US Congressional Research Service has updated its report into the status of US defence agency research and procurement of counter-UAS (C-UAS) systems. In FY2023 the US Department of Defense (DOD) plans to spend at least USD668 m on C-UAS research and development and at least USD78m on C-UAS procurement.
“As DOD continues to develop, procure, and deploy these systems, congressional oversight of their use may increase, and Congress may have to make decisions about future authorizations, appropriations, and other legislative actions.
The following text provides a verbatim summary of agency research and procurement efforts:
Air Force
The Air Force is testing high-powered microwaves and lasers—both forms of directed energy—for C-UAS missions. For example, in October 2019, the Air Force received delivery of a vehicle-mounted C-UAS prototype— the High-Energy Laser Weapon System (HELWS)—that will undergo a year-long overseas field test. HELWS is intended to identify and neutralize hostile or unauthorized UAS in seconds and, when connected to a generator, to provide “a nearly infinite number of shots.” As stated in its 2016 Small UAS Flight Plan, the Air Force may additionally pursue airborne C-UAS options, although the status of such efforts is unclear.
Navy
In 2014, the Navy fielded the first—and, to date, only— operational directed-energy weapon, the Laser Weapon System (LaWS), aboard the USS Ponce (LPD-15). LaWS is a 30-kilowatt laser prototype capable of performing a CUAS mission. The Navy also plans to deploy ODIN, an optical dazzler that interferes with UAS sensors, and HELIOS, a 60-kilowatt laser, aboard the USS Preble (DDG-88) in 2021. Both systems are intended to protect U.S. assets from UAS attacks. In addition, in a March 28, 2019, memorandum, the Department of the Navy announced that it would be partnering with the Defense Digital Service to “rapidly develop new [cyber-enabled] CUAS products to address the evolving UAS threats.”
Marine Corps
The Marine Corps funds a number of C-UAS systems through its Ground Based Air Defense (GBAD) program office. For example, in 2019, the Corps completed overseas tests of the Marine Air Defense Integrated System (MADIS), which employs jamming and guns. The system can be mounted on MRZR all-terrain vehicles, Joint Light Tactical Vehicles, and other platforms. In July 2019, Marines aboard the USS Boxer (LHD-4) used MADIS to neutralize an Iranian UAS that was deemed to be within “threatening range” of the ship. As part of GBAD, the Marine Corps is also procuring the Compact Laser Weapons System (CLaWS), the first DOD-approved ground-based laser. This system—which reportedly comes in variants of 2-, 5-, and 10-kilowatts—is also in use by the Army. Although the Marine Corps has experimented with man-portable C-UAS technologies, now-Commandant of the Marine Corps David Berger testified to Congress in Department of Defense Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems that they “have not panned out” due to weight and power requirements.
Army
In July 2016, the Army published a C-UAS strategy to guide the development of its C-UAS capabilities (to date the only service to do so publicly). This was followed in April 2017 by Army Techniques Publication 3-01.81, Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System Techniques, which outlined “planning considerations for defending against low, slow, small [LSS] unmanned air threats during operations,” as well as “how to plan for, and incorporate, CUAS soldier tasks into unit training events.” C-UAS is also part of the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command’s six-layer air and missile defense concept, composed of (1) Ballistic, Low-Altitude Drone Engagement (BLADE), (2) Multi-Mission High-Energy Laser (MMHEL), (3) Next-Generation Fires Radar, (4) Maneuver Air Defense Technology (MADT), (5) High-Energy Laser Tactical Vehicle Demonstrator (HEL-TVD), and (6) LowCost Extended Range Air Defense (LOWER AD). Although these systems are still in development, the Army has fielded some man-portable, vehicle-mounted, and airborne C-UAS systems. In addition, like the Navy, it has partnered with the Defense Digital Service to develop computer-enabled C-UAS products.
DOD-Wide Developments
DOD is researching and developing a number of C-UAS technologies. For example, the Joint Staff and other DOD agencies have participated in C-UAS efforts such as Black Dart, an exercise intended to “[assess and validate] existing and emerging air and missile defense capabilities and concepts specific to the C-UAS mission set” and “[advocate] for soldiers’ desired C-UAS capabilities.” In addition, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) funds technology development programs for CUAS such as CounterSwarmAI, which is to “develop systems for anticipating and defeating autonomous systems of the future,” and the Multi-Azimuth Defense Fast Intercept Round Engagement System for ship-based point defense.
In December 2019, DOD streamlined the Department’s various counter-small UAS (C-sUAS) programs, naming the Army as the executive agent tasked with overseeing all DOD C-sUAS development efforts. On January 6, 2020, the Secretary of Defense approved the implementation plan of the new office, known as the Joint C-sUAS Office (JCO). Working in consultation with the combatant commands and the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, JCO assessed over 40 fielded C-sUAS systems.
To date, it has selected 10 C-sUAS defensive systems and one standardized command and control system for further development. JCO has produced a Joint Capability Development Document outlining operational requirements for future systems and, in January 2021, released a DOD C-sUAS strategy. JCO is to additionally produce a DOD Directive on C-sUAS and a threat assessment of C-sUAS capabilities.
DOD also plans to establish a Joint C-sUAS academy at Fort Sill, Oklahoma by FY2024. The academy is to synchronize training on counter-drone tactics across the military services.
Finally, Section 1074 of the FY2021 National Defense Authorization Act (P.L. 116-283) requires a series of reports to Congress, including a report on and independent assessment of the JCO’s C-sUAS activities and a report on the threat posed by UAS. Potential Questions for Congress
- Is DOD funding of C-UAS systems appropriately balanced between research and development and procurement programs?
- To what extent, if at all, has the designation of a DOD executive agent for C-UAS reduced redundancies and increased efficiencies in C-UAS procurement?
- To what extent, if at all, is DOD coordinating with other departments and organizations, such as the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Justice, and the Department of Energy, on C-UAS development and procurement?
- Are any changes to airspace management, operational concepts, rules of engagement, or tactics required in order to optimize the use of C-UAS systems and/or deconflict with other U.S. military operations?
- To what extent, if at all, is DOD coordinating with the Federal Aviation Administration and international civil aviation authorities to identify and mitigate C-UAS operational risks to civil aircraft?
For more information
https://crsreports.congress.gov/search/#/?termsToSearch=counter%20uas&orderBy=Relevance (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
11 June 22. Poland’s Zakłady Mechaniczne Tarnów “trials integrated RADA radar and machine gun C-UAS.” Bulgarianmilitary.com and Poland’s Defence24 report that Poland’s Zakłady Mechaniczne Tarnów has tested its anti-drone system built on the RADA multifunction radar and the Browning-type 12.7mm WKLM machine gun.
According to Defence24 the RADA radar can track large aircraft and small drones; if the drone is from a nano class, the radar “catches” it up to 3 km, if it is a micro BA up to 5 km, and a mini class drone is detected at a distance of at least 10 km.
“12.7mm machine gun WKLM is Browning-type. It can make 3600 shots in one minute,” reports Bulgarianmilitary.com. “The machine gun is connected to both radar and visual and thermal imaging cameras, a laser rangefinder that can automatically point the weapon system if the radar detects a drone 10 km away. Defense24 also writes that in addition to the aforementioned connected devices, the weapon system has an operator station. In this way, the entire weapon system can be controlled remotely. Another application of the anti-drone weapon system is that, according to some experts, it can easily be used as a short-range air defense system.”
“Three modes of operation are programmed: fully manual, in which the operator directs the firing agent to the target using a manipulator, semi-automatic, in which the operator’s actions are supported by automatic tracking of the object in the video path and automatic mode in which the target can be captured automatically, and the operator decides to fire at the exact time specified by the system.”
For more information
https://www.zmt.tarnow.pl/wordpress/media-zainteresowane-nagraniem-systemu-zwalczania-bsl-w-uzyciu/
https://defence24.com/ (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
10 June 22. Thales Selected by Airservices Australia to Carry Out Drone Surveillance Trials at Sydney Airport.
- Airservices Australia has chosen Thales as its primary system integrator for an Integrated Drone Surveillance System (IDSS) trial at Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport.
- The system of systems provided by Thales for the IDSS program integrates several sensors and an advanced command and control system to classify, recognise and identify potential threats in airspace around aerodromes.
- At the core of the system, is a 3D holographic radar system, trusted by customers from international airports around the world including the United Kingdom, South East Asia and Oceana, for its safety, reliability, and excellent detection performances and classification of all types and sizes of drones.
Thales has been selected by Airservices Australia, an Australian Government-owned organisation responsible for the safe and efficient management of 11 per cent of the world’s airspace, as the prime systems integrator to launch an Integrated Drone Surveillance Trial utilising the company’s advanced drone surveillance solution.
With the use of drones for commercial and leisure purposes expected to grow exponentially, it is becoming a necessity to identify and efficiently manage their activity near airports.
A world leading systems-of-systems and solutions integrator for over 50 years, Thales is pushing technology boundaries with partners and airports to deliver advanced integrated drone surveillance systems for any airport configuration. Thales will commence a trial in 2022 at Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport, one of the busiest aerodromes in the world. ?
Thales’ solution uses a multi-layered sensor approach and advanced command and control for the detection, monitoring and identification of drones, as well as being able to pinpoint the location of the drone pilot. The entire system provides a comprehensive picture of the airspace in real time around the airport. At the core of the system is a radar, designed to detect, track and classify small, slow, low UAVs from the smallest remote-piloted drones to more sophisticated autonomous drones, in particular for the glide path where the biggest risk exists. ?
Since its launch in 2019, the solution has been deployed at several airports around the world in Europe, America and Asia. For more than 30 years, Airservices Australia has trusted and relied on Thales as the supplier of key ATM infrastructure and solutions, including the OneSKY program, the largest transformation of Australian ATM systems to date.
“Airservices, in partnership with Australian Government agencies, implemented drone detection capabilities at major airports across Australia several years ago. As uncrewed aircraft technologies continue to evolve and increase in use, we are investing in solutions that keep pace with latest developments. Our partnership with Thales allows us to trial next-generation drone detection capabilities to enhance the safe operation of crewed and uncrewed flights operating together in Australian airspace.” Peter Curran, Chief Customer Experience and Strategy Officer, Airservices Australia.
“We are looking forward to starting trials in partnership with Airservices Australia, to enhance their detection capabilities of drones. This partnership strengthens our collaboration of more than 30 years and represents a key building block for our strategy. Over the years, Thales has developed a strong expertise and experience to master the entire drone ecosystem to offer cutting-edge solutions. Indeed, we have demonstrated our ability to be a strong player in the field of airport air surveillance and anti-drone systems, through various worldwide references to date and our 3D holographic radar system solution is becoming a ‘game changer’ in protecting aircraft from rogue drones whilst maintaining airport operations.”Christophe Salomon, Executive Vice President Land and Air Systems, Thales.
“Safety and security are at the heart of all Thales capabilities. This is an exciting new opportunity on trial in Australia that proves the consistency of our strategy by ensuring the safe and secure application of a drone-based economy, whilst increasing opportunities to drive efficiency and financial benefits to a large proportion of Australian businesses in the future.” Chris Jenkins, Chief Executive, Thales Australia & New Zealand. (Source: ASD Network)
10 June 22. The U.S. Air Force has completed installation of Northrop Grumman Corporation’s (NYSE: NOC) AN/APG-83 Scalable Agile Beam Radar (SABR) on Air National Guard F-16s to meet a U.S. Northern Command Joint Emergent Operational Need (JEON) for homeland defense. SABR extends the operational viability and reliability of the Air National Guard F-16s and provides pilots with 5th generation fighter radar capabilities.
“The completion of these deliveries highlights Northrop Grumman’s continued commitment to rapidly field 5th generation radar capability to the fleet to counter and defeat increasingly sophisticated threats to our nation and its allies,” said Mark Rossi, director, SABR programs, Northrop Grumman. “Through our continued partnership with the Air Force, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve, we are providing enhanced radar capabilities with ongoing agile software developments that will keep pilots ahead of adversaries for years to come.”
With this upgrade, the APG-83 radar is flying operationally on 72 jets stationed at nine U.S. Air National Guard bases throughout the country.
Northrop Grumman provides the SABR APG-83 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) fire control radar for the F-16 with advanced capabilities derived from Northrop Grumman’s family of highly successful 5th generation fighter AESA radars. The greater bandwidth, speed and agility of the APG-83 enables the F-16 to detect, track and identify a greater number of targets faster and at longer ranges. In addition, it features all-weather, high-resolution synthetic aperture radar mapping to present the pilot with a large surface image for more precise target identification and strike compared to legacy systems.
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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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