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15 Jul 22. £2.35bn Typhoon upgrade sustains 1,300 UK jobs.
Typhoon fighter jets will be fitted with the world’s most advanced radar – part of a £2.35bn investment at the Royal International Air Tattoo.
- Typhoon fighter jets to be equipped with world’s most advanced radar
- Additional upgrades will ensure jet can counter emerging threats
- Funding sustains 1,300 engineering jobs across the UK
The state-of-the-art European Common Radar System (ECRS) Mk 2 radar will further transform the Eurofighter Typhoon’s control of the air, bringing a world-leading electronic warfare capability which will allow the aircraft to simultaneously detect, identify and track multiple targets in the air and on the ground.
It will support operations in the most challenging situations, equipping pilots with the ability to suppress enemy air defences using high-powered jamming and engage targets whilst beyond the reach of threats.
Minister for Defence Procurement, Jeremy Quin, said: “It’s vital the UK remains at the forefront of military capabilities to be able to deter and defend. These technological enhancements will maintain the cutting-edge capabilities of Eurofighter Typhoon and help underpin the development path towards the Future Combat Air System. The work also ensures the aircraft can integrate additional capabilities and weapons later in the decade to counter emerging threats until 2040 and beyond. This sees Typhoon enhanced with the latest mission computer and cockpit interface, as well as an improved navigation system and signal jamming technology.”
ECRS Mk2 will be delivered into service towards the end of the decade and today’s announcement ensures that the advanced technical skills and expertise needed to develop, integrate and deliver these complex projects remain in the UK and are available to support the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) programme.
The radar is a prime example of the UK’s world-leading onshore technology, being developed by Leonardo UK in Edinburgh and Luton and integrated by BAE Systems in Warton.
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston, said: “The ECRS Mk2 radar is a transformational upgrade for our Typhoon aircraft, and a step change in capability. It will ensure Typhoon is ready and able to protect our skies into the future, in the face of fast-evolving threats to the UK and our allies.”
The Typhoon programme continues to support more than 20,000 jobs throughout the UK. The latest investments, negotiated by Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S), sustain more than 1,300 jobs across the UK, including Leonardo UK’s sites in Edinburgh, Luton and Lincoln, BAE Systems at Warton and Samlesbury, Lancashire, Kent, Meggitt in Stevenage and II–VI in County Durham.
DE&S CEO, Sir Simon Bollom, said: “The integration of ECRS Mk2 on Typhoon offers the RAF unparalleled radar capability for the next decade. It is an excellent example of DE&S working collaboratively to procure battle-winning technology that allows our Armed Forces to keep one step ahead of their enemy.”
The announcement builds on the Integrated review and Defence Command Paper – which was backed by an additional £24 billion for Defence in cash terms over four years. This funding will allow for investment for the long term in vital capabilities, while simultaneously adapting to a more dangerous and competitive world. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
15 Jul 22. QinetiQ prepares Airborne Technology Demonstrator (ATD) for next-generation systems and sensor capability. QinetiQ and BAE Systems have collaborated to develop an Airborne Technology Demonstrator (ATD) to enable and de-risk the development of future sensors and technologies in the Air sector. To illustrate the potential utility, QinetiQ and BAE Systems have worked closely to create an engineering mock-up of a fast jet radome fitted to the ATD.
On public display for the first time at the Royal International Air Tattoo show 2022 (RIAT), the nose modification is the latest innovative, cutting-edge capability delivered by QinetiQ’s Aviation Engineering Centre (AEC) in conjunction with BAE Systems Air business. The ATD – fitted with the new nose – is expected to take to the skies with this new configuration later this year and will enable the aircraft to accommodate next generation Radar and Sensor systems to support future development programmes.
A bespoke, modular multi-role capability that meets the requirements of both military and civil customers, the ATD supports cost-effective specialist training, experimentation, air carriage, and Test and Evaluation (T&E) activities.
Nic Anderson, Chief Executive UK Defence, remarked, “Building on QinetiQ’s Aviation Engineering Centre’s exceptional track record in aircraft design and modification, this latest variation represents an exciting development in UK flight test capability. Working with BAE Systems in collaboration to support the development of future sensor capability is very exciting.”
Ian Muldowney, BAE Systems Chief Operating Officer (Air), added, “The ability to utilise the asset in conjunction with our MBSE approach and Systems Integration approach will undoubtedly reduce schedule and technical risk on many of our programmes internal and external – current and future, and with the right approach will help validate our model-based efforts in a low cost agile way.”
Using an RJ100 airframe, the addition of fast jet nose cone is just the latest in a series of modifications to this platform. Transformed into a flying laboratory and classroom, the ATD provides power and data backbones and flexible workstations to enable research and development projects to be quickly and easily integrated. Including a number of other innovations, this systems-rich resource enables quick role change and ultimately, the successful delivery of critical customer mission activity.
15 Jul 22. Russia Uses Stupor Anti-Drone Guns in Ukraine. Stupor, Russia’s advanced electromagnetic weapon against unmanned aerial vehicles, has been used for the first time during the special military operation in Ukraine, a security source has told TASS.
“Russia’s Stupor electromagnetic systems were used for the first time during the special operation in Ukraine, against Ukrainian drones,” the source said.
In his words, the device has demonstrated its high efficiency and operability.
“Just as you press a button, Stupor jams the operator’s signal to the drone. After that, the drone is neutralized and forced to land in a designated area. The need for such portable anti-drone weapons became evident, because the Ukrainian troops use are using a large number of UAVs and various small copters,” he said.
The source did not elaborate on where exactly the anti-drone weapon was being used.
TASS has no official confirmation of this information at the time of the publication.
Stupor was designed by the Russian Defense Ministry’s Main Robotics Research and Test Center to counter unmanned aerial vehicles, including copters, under direct visibility. A prototype of the device was unveiled at the Army-2017 International Military-Technical Forum.
The gun emits separate electromagnetic pulses to suppress channels used to operate a drone. As a result, the drone loses contact with its operator, while its uncontrolled flight ends in a crash. Stupor has a range of two kilometers, covering a 20 degree sector.
The device is capable of suppressing navigation and transmission channels used by unmanned aerial vehicles, as well as their photo and video cameras within the electro-optical range of frequencies. It can be charged from the grid, as well as from a car battery.
: (Source: UAS VISION/TASS)
14 Jul 22. Homeland Security, Justice officials urge Congress to expand counter-drone authority. Federal officials from the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security asked lawmakers for expanded authority to address the growing threat of domestic drones during a Senate hearing on Thursday.
Unmanned aircraft systems have become a regular feature of American life over the past decade. As the cost of production decreased, many industries, from food delivery to outdoor recreation, have sought to capitalize on the technology.
The rise of drones has also raised concerns about safety. Congress should give local and state law enforcement power to counter drone threats and expand the existing authority given to federal agencies, which is poised to expire this fall, the officials said.
“Like many advances in technology, drones also bring serious risks to the public when they’re misused,” said Brad Wiegmann, deputy assistant attorney general for DOJ’s National Security Division, told the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing.
The Federal Aviation Administration estimates that by 2024, about 2.3 million unmanned aircraft systems, including 1.5 million recreational drones and about 800,000 commercial systems, will be registered to fly in U.S. airspace.
Wiegmann said that DOJ has seen an increase in drone usage across a wide spectrum of criminal activities. The drones can be used to smuggle items into prisons, disrupt flights and have the potential to be armed with weapons. Drones equipped with makeshift explosives pose a particular threat to large gatherings of people, he said.
Under its current authority, the FBI conducted 70 counter drone operations at large public events ranging from the Super Bowl to the New Year’s Eve celebration in Times Square, Wiegmann said.
However, demand for counter-drone support outstrips the federal government’s limited resources, he said.
“We need to empower others to help us take on this responsibility,” Wiegmann said, pointing toward the potential capabilities of state and local officials.
Wiegmann said he supports a pilot program that would enable a number of state and local law enforcement entities each year to engage in drone detection and mitigation activities. The program would enable more gatherings, including large-scale sporting events, to be protected through counter-drone technology.
Acting DHS Assistant Secretary for Counterterrorism and Threat Prevention Samantha Vinograd said that the existing power provided to federal agencies contains gaps that need to be closed as Congress moves to reauthorize the authorities given to federal law enforcement officials.
For example, although the Transportation Security Administration is tasked with airport security, it lacks authority to proactively protect transportation infrastructure from drone threats, she said.
Can TSA mitigate cases of drones near airports?
The increase of domestic drones poses a specific hurdle for airports, which need to keep track of everything in nearby air space to avoid collisions with planes. In 2019, air traffic at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey was temporarily halted after a drone sighting in nearby air space.
Vinograd asked lawmakers to expand TSA’s power to mitigate drones when they’re detected in nearby skies. The extension would not only protect human life but also minimize the economic impact on airports forced to shut down due to drone sightings, she said.
In April, the White House released a whole-of-government plan to address domestic drone threats. The plan seeks to expand where the government can protect against drone activity, who is authorized to take action and how it can be accomplished lawfully.
As part of the plan, the Biden administration called on Congress to close many of the gaps highlighted by Vinograd and Wiegmann during the Thursday hearing.
Democratic Sen. Gary Peters of Michigan, chair of the committee, said he plans to introduce bipartisan legislation in the coming weeks to reauthorize and strengthen counter-drone authorities.
(Source: C4ISR & Networks)
14 Jul 22. CPI TMD Technologies Division shows its latest TWT-based and solid-state MPMs on Stand 1120L, UK Pavilion (ADS).
At the Farnborough Airshow 2022, the CPI TMD Technologies Division of Communications and Power Industries (CPI) will be showing its advanced travelling wave tube (TWT)-based microwave power modules (MPMs) and solid-state MPMs for radar, electronic warfare (EW), and communications systems.
Said Nigel Hann, CPI TMD Technologies Division’s sales director, “A great deal has happened at our company since we were at the Farnborough Airshow four years ago. First and foremost was the recent acquisition of the former TMD Technologies by CPI. This acquisition by such a large and well-respected company has enabled us to accelerate the growth of our business and, most importantly, has allowed CPI to offer its customers a broader range of innovative and reliable RF and microwave products to meet their requirements.’’
ON SHOW PTS10147 – solid-state with the latest GaN technology
Compact and lightweight, the solid-state broadband PTS10147 operates over the 2-6 GHz frequency range with a high power of 100W (pulsed or CW) and a linear gain of up to 60dB.
The excellent power performance and very compact and lightweight construction of the PTS10147 have been achieved by employing gallium nitride (GaN) high-power transistors in the output and driver stages. This design provides the benefit of an extremely high power-to-volume ratio.
Designed with demanding EW applications in mind, the PTS10147 is particularly effective in electronic attack (jamming) roles.
Introduced just recently by CPI is the PTS10224 solid-state GaN technology MPM for radar applications. This MPM operates in the 8.5-9.6 GHz X band with a typical power output of 400 W and is proving successful in a recent naval application.
ON SHOW Transponders for radar use
The CPI TMD Technologies Division will be showing a selection of radar transponders for applications that include unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs}.
12 Jul 22. USAF 55th Wing at Offutt AFB receives first WC-135R Constant Phoenix. The new WC-135R will serve as the USAF’s atmospheric collection aircraft. The US Air Force’s (USAF) 55th Wing at Offutt Air Force Base (AFB) has received its first of three WC-135R Constant Phoenix aircraft.
The aircraft, with tail number 64-14836, arrived at Lincoln Airport, Nebraska on 11 July. It will be fielded as the USAF’s atmospheric collection aircraft.
The latest delivery is part of the USAF’s programme to modify KC-135R Stratotankers to replace the legacy WC-135C/W fleet.
The modification of WC-135R was carried out by 645th Aeronautical Systems Group, also called Big Safari in Greenville, Texas.
The new aircraft is equipped with a new cockpit and same four high-bypass turbofan engines.
45th Reconnaissance Squadron (RS) commander lieutenant colonel Chris Crouch said: “When you add power of those engines and lower weight of this jet, you have an aircraft that is much more fuel efficient.
“We will have a lot more range to get to op areas that we could never reach before.”
The WC-135R will be operated and maintained by 45th RS, to support 21st Surveillance Squadron (SURS), Detachment 1 (Det 1) global missions.
21st SURS Det 1’s mission is to collect particulates, gaseous effluents and debris from accessible regions of atmosphere under the Limited Nuclear Test Ban Treaty of 1963.
Det 1 commander lieutenant colonel Sean Orme said: “The delivery of new aircraft ensures we keep pace with nuclear monitoring capabilities to continually reassure our allies.”
“The third aircraft will be pivotal in enhancing WC-135 ops flexibility, reliability, endurance, scientific analysis capacity and ensure crews are better ready to go into action at a moment’s notice.”
Delivery of second WC-135R is expected to take place in winter this year, followed by the third aircraft’s delivery scheduled in summer 2023.
(Source: airforce-technology.com)
12 Jul 22. Daronmont Technologies achieves strategic surveillance milestone for JORN. The South Australian SME has completed advanced design work on sounders and transponders for strategic surveillance as part of the $1.2 bn upgrade to the Jindalee Operational Radar Network (JORN). South Australian SME Daronmont Technologies has hit a new milestone for the JORN Phase 6 upgrades, marking the completed design of sounder and transponder capabilities which enable the radar network’s strategic surveillance.
The work has been completed as part of a teaming partnership with prime contractor BAE Systems Australia for the delivery of the project.
JORN is a network of three remote over-the-horizon radars (OTHR), which are located in the Northern Territory, Western Australia and Queensland. It is expected that the upgrade will employ next-generation capabilities to enhance the radar network and extend its operational life beyond 2042.
The current JORN network is 35 yeas old.
As part of the upgrades, Daronmont Technologies deployed teams to share integration, software and engineering expertis, as well as delivering the sounders and transponders to each of the JORN sites
According to a release by Daronmont, each responder generates ionohec data which is then analysed by the JORN radar, while each transponder provides alocation to calibrate the JORN radar’s analytics
Such sounders and transponders are located across coastal and inland sites and are replaced as part of the upgrade.
The announcement comes following the delivery of the final data pack for the Sounders and Transponders Detailed Design Review (DDR) in February.
“This result is the culmination of several years of hard work and strong collaboration and we now look forward to executing our designs in the next exciting phase of the sounders and transponders upgrade,” Ben Norris, chief executive officer of Daronmont, said.
“We value the strong partnership with BAE Systems Australia and especially the Integrated Project Team (IPT) approach that the company champions.”
Ash Searl, director of battlespace integrated solutions at BAE Systems Australia, welcomed the announcement.
“JORN is a critical asset that ensures the Australian Defence Force has a comprehensive understanding of activity north of Australia’s maritime borders.
“This latest on-schedule milestone is a result of the excellent working relationship between the Commonwealth, BAE Systems and Daronmont Technologies and clearly demonstrates the benefits of having a collaborative ‘one team’ approach.
“Well done to all the people involved in this outstanding outcome.”
(Source: Defence Connect)
12 Jul 22. SIONYX Launches Nightwave, Making Night as Clear as Day.
The new ultra-low-light marine digital camera system guides boaters of all skill levels safely through any maritime environment
BEVERLY, Mass. (July 12, 2022) – SIONYX™, a leader in digital color night vision technology, announces the launch of Nightwave, the first-of-its-kind marine camera system. Built around the brand’s proprietary Black Silicon BSI CMOS sensor, Nightwave allows mariners to navigate safely by easily spotting hazards and debris in moonless starlight without additional illumination, maximizing time on the water.
Built to operate in the toughest marine environments, the night vision camera is IP67 waterproof and shock rated. Nightwave seamlessly integrates to any vessel’s electronics by connecting to major brand MFDs via the analog video output. With flexible mounting and setup, Nightwave can also connect to a mobile device via Wi-Fi for an enhanced user experience. At an MSRP of $1,595.00, Nightwave sets a new standard of affordability for night vision, making it accessible to boaters of all levels.
“Developing solutions to increase safety on the water and navigate with confidence is part of our mission,” said Gio Lepore, Global Product Manager at SIONYX. “Nightwave’s digital color night vision allows anglers and boaters to be active on the water as early or as late at night as they’d like. This technology provides clear color images in near-total darkness and is simple to install and operate. It should be a standard piece of equipment on every vessel to ensure a safe trip at any time.”
Notable Features Include:
- <1mlx moonless starlight sensitivity allows mariners to see well beyond human eyesight and detect a man-sized object at 150 meters
- The system’s high resolution detector provides upgraded quality imaging capability in near total darkness
- Wide 44o field of view increases situational awareness to spot unexpected obstacles, debris, markers, vessels, and more
- Convenient installation flexibility: permanent mounting hardware is included, as well as a standard 1/4”-20 mount interface.
o Nightwave can be oriented ball-up or ball-down, to meet any challenging mounting requirements
- Lightweight and portable (870 G)
- Stay up to date: the latest firmware and software releases are available through the SIONYX mobile app
The Mobile App:
Nightwave mobile app features include:
- Connect to Nightwave for additional features and capabilities
- Set camera orientation and position for optimal viewing experiences
- IR cut filter control
- Over the air updates
o Manage firmware updates to your Nightwave camera through Wi-Fi
- Initial release will be android compatible, with iOS releasing shortly after
- Future releases will include additional features such as wireless video streaming
Built rugged, connected, and capable, Nightwave is an impressive addition to any vessel. For more information on SIONYX or to reserve your unit, please visit www.sionyx.com/products/nightwave.
About SIONYX
SIONYX is a silicon-based photonics company that develops and manufactures proprietary ultra-low-light CMOS image sensors and high-performance night vision camera systems. These sensors dramatically enhance the performance of light sensing devices commonly used in commercial, industrial, medical, and defense-related applications. The company is proud to be working with the United States Department of Defense (DoD). SIONYX has supported the U.S. Government (Defense and Intelligence) with advanced imaging and camera technology and recently was awarded a nearly $20M contract by the U.S. Army for the delivery of digital night vision cameras for the highly publicized IVAS (Integrated Visual Augmentation System) program. SIONYX is headquartered in Beverly, Massachusetts.
12 Jul 22. Farnborough Airshow: Nir-Or will present its Large Area Display (LAD) 20” X 8” for glass cockpit. Ideal for the newest and most advanced combat aircraft such as the F-35, LAD is a main flight display with full dual-redundant screens controlling both the avionics panel and other flight or mission-specific operational features.
Farnborough International Airshow, UK, 18-22 July 2022, Stand 3521
Nir-Or, a subsidiary of IMCO Industries Ltd. (Tel Aviv Stock Exchange TASE: IMCO), will present the next generation of its Large Area Display (LAD) 20” X 8” for glass cockpit at the Farnborough International Airshow.
As a prime system integrator, Nir-Or specializes in integrating hardware and software solutions into real-time embedded systems for the defense sector, focusing on LCD displays for glass cockpit, avionics systems, and Rugged Computer Systems.
Ideal for the newest and most advanced combat aircraft such as the F-35, LAD (Large Area Display) is a main flight display with full dual-redundant screens controlling both the avionics panel and other flight or mission-specific operational features. Specially designed for airborne applications, LAD provides a dynamic viewing range, from full sunlight reading to night operation with NVG compatibility. Featuring an illuminated bezel Keyboard with optical multi-touch screen functionality and showing both graphic symbology and other flight-specific operational features, Nir-Or’s LAD supports multiple video inputs to meet mission needs.
Alongside the LAD Display, Nir-Or will also demonstrate other leading displays and solutions, including Large Area Display Demonstrator for the Black Hawk, a glass cockpit program for ALH helicopters, and AH–64 Apache Gunner display that was specially upgraded for the Israel air force.
Nir-Or’s CEO, BG. (Ret.) Roy Riftin: “As a prime system integrator, Nir-Or is offering cutting edge displays for aircraft and helicopters, including the newest and most advanced ones. Nir-Or’s LAD for glass cockpit includes optical multi-touch screen functionality and other key features that enhance the pilot’s situational awareness and command and control capabilities”.
11 Jul 22. East Tech 2022: RRP S4E supplies camera system for surveillance to Indian Army. Mumbai-based RRP S4E has been supplying its multisensor optical platform camera system for surveillance − Viraj 28 A − to the Indian Army’s Eastern Command, Shikhar Gupta, senior executive for business development at RRP S4E, told Janes at East Tech 2022, an event held in Kolkata by the Indian Army’s Eastern Command on 7 and 8 July.
The company received an order to deliver 50 Viraj 28 A systems to the Indian Army, Gupta said.
“Out of this, 25 cameras have already been installed at various locations across India’s northeastern states in the earlier half of 2022,” Gupta added.
“The delivery of the remaining systems will be completed by August,” he said.
According to Gupta, Viraj 28 A’s day camera has a range of 20 km, while the night camera has a range of 7−10 km. It also has a laser rangefinder (LRF) that can detect the range of a target within 5−7 km. (Source: Janes)
11 Jul 22. East Tech 2022: Zen Technologies to deliver 25 counter-unmanned aerial systems to IAF. Hyderabad-based Zen Technologies has delivered two units of its counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) to the Indian Air Force (IAF), Abdul Imran, subject matter expert on anti-drone systems at Zen Technologies told Janes at East Tech 2022, held in Kolkata by the Indian Army’s Eastern Command on 7 and 8 July.
The IAF has placed an order for 25 units of Zen’s C-UAS, Imran said, adding that the rest of the 23 units will be delivered by October 2022.
Zen Technologies secured a INR1.55 bn (USD19.5 m) order from the IAF for its C-UAS – named Zen anti-drone system (ZADS) – in September 2021.
The ZADS units, which are being delivered to the IAF, have a 5 km range for detection, a 4 km range for jamming, and are capable of operating at a maximum altitude of 5,000 m, Imran said. (Source: Janes)
11 Jul 22. East Tech 2022: Indian Air Force to receive anti-drone system from Big Bang Boom Solutions. Chennai-based Big Bang Boom Solutions will deliver its Anti-Drone Defence System (ADDS) to the Indian Air Force (IAF) from August, Gaurav Sharma, chief government relationship officer of the defence startup firm told Janes.
Speaking at the East Tech 2022 event in Kolkata on 8 July, Sharma said the company received a request for proposal (RFP) in June 2022 to provide an undisclosed number of ADDS units to the IAF.
The complete ADDS system is portable and can be operated by a single person. The system utilises radar detection, electro-optic/infrared (EO/IR) tracking, and passive radio frequency (RF) scanning features to provide countermeasures against rogue unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), Big Bang Boom Solutions said. (Source: Janes)
11 Jul 22. US Homeland Security Department seeks C-UAS industry capability information. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Office of Procurement Operations (OPO) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) on behalf of the DHS Science and Technology Directorate (S&T), Office of Mission and Capability Support (MCS) for counter-UAS market information.
According to the tender: “The DHS/S&T/MCS is conducting market research to identify potential sources of support in the areas of detecting, tracking, identify, reporting, and countering small, unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) and performing radio frequency (RF) spectral measurements of C-UAS technologies. This support is intended to assist S&T in maintaining awareness of technologies on or over the horizon; and understanding the available facilities for conducting RF spectrum measurements.
“S&T’s C-UAS program assesses C-UAS technologies both in laboratory and real-world operational environments and assists DHS Components in: developing and refining requirements, completing the Congressionally mandated process to test and evaluate prototype C-UAS capabilities at a covered asset or mission, and in executing limited duration C-UAS technology pilots at DHS Component locations. The program also guides the development of new and innovative technologies to deliver critical C-UAS capabilities to DHS Components.
“S&T is interested in learning about the availability of aircraft deployable systems to counter the threat of sUAS, commonly referred to as drones, which includes the capability to detect, identify, classify, track, and/or mitigate (DTI-M) these threats. The system will primarily be implemented for manned flight safety in the border environment. The ability to detect sUAS, avoid collision, and take mitigating action is paramount. In addition to manned fixed and rotary capabilities, this RFI topic area also seeks capabilities as they may apply to DHS operated unmanned aircraft and tethered platforms. The system should be cable of being carried or integrated aboard DHS-operated rotary wing, fixed-wing, unmanned, and tethered aircraft.
The following table contains additional system parameters sought:
- The system shall be capable of functioning in an aircraft/airborne environment Detect, Track, Identify, and/or Mitigate at pilot’s or operator’s discretion.
- The system shall be capable of functioning under varying aircraft attitude conditions Detect, Track, Identify, and/or Mitigate at pilot’s discretion regardless of aircraft attitude.
- The system shall be capable of functioning in a moving aircraft in the air, and on the ground. Detect, Track, Identify, and/or Mitigate at pilot’s discretion regardless of aircraft speed, including while in a hover.
- System Size, Power, and Weight Requirements The system shall be configurable to integrate into any DHS-operated rotary wing, fixedwing, unmanned, and tethered aircraft.
- The system shall be configurable to prevent electromagnetic interference and be compatible in aircraft electromagnetic environment for DHS aircraft The system shall meet applicable Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) standards for installation in aircraft.
- The system shall not have known cyber vulnerabilities or transmit data beyond the operator’s network cyber-hardened hardware and software will be preferred.
- The system shall be able to detect an unmanned aircraft system and report its presence to a Law Enforcement (LE) agent on the ground (Detect) System shall alert the pilot or operator via a means that minimizes focused attention. E.g., audible alarm.
- The system shall be able to detect an unmanned aircraft system affiliated ground controller and report its presence to a LE agent on the ground (Detect) For the law enforcement mission, the system shall be able to collect and store augmented information on the threat sUAS such as operator position.
- The system shall be able to record data for unmanned aerial system and report it to a LE agent on the ground The system shall have the capability to log DTI-M data
- The system shall be able to inform the operator of where the detected unmanned aircraft vehicle is by providing its latitude, longitude, and altitude. Additionally, the system should include as much additional meta-data associated with the detected platform as possible. (Track) System shall provide relative position information such as bearing, range, altitude, and speed. System shall indicate heading of the sUAS so as to alert the pilot to take evasive action and/or the operator to initiate law enforcement coordination.
- The system shall be able to inform the operator of where the unmanned aerial systems ground controller is located in two or more dimensions (Track) For law enforcement actions, the system shall be able to geographically depict the sUAS operator’s position. An example would be a map overlay with reference points.
- The system shall be able to report/ collect specific details (make/model) about the UAS system and/or its payload (Identify) For law enforcement and intelligence collecting operations, the system shall have the ability to inform the intelligence cycle with information such as time, point of origin, and flight duration.
- The system shall be able to render the UAS inoperable by the aircrew or operator. (Mitigate) Pilot or operator will maintain full control and have the option to selectively mitigate or activate a persistent mitigation action (i.e. fence around the aircraft).
- The system shall display and be capable of sharing information across varying mission displays. The pilot or operator shall be able to have full situational awareness of the air domain within the range of the systems. The system shall be able to integrate across several platforms. E.g., an aircraft cockpit display, a display in a manned UAS ground control station or operations center, etc.
Issuing organisation: US Department of Homeland Security
Tender number: 70RSAT22RFI000012
Deadline: July 20, 2022
For more information:
https://sam.gov/opp/e74004e337ae4b199dc55c6ea4799ce3/view (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
11 Jul 22. BIRD Aerosystems completed another installation of its AMPS solution on UN helicopters. This follows several previous successful installations of BIRD’s solutions on UN Air Operations aircraft .
BIRD Aerosystems, a global provider of innovative defense technology and solutions that protect fleets, armored vehicles and ground assets of governments and related agencies, announces that it has completed another installation of its AMPS-MV Airborne Missile Protection System, which includes the MACS sensor, on UN Air Operations Mi-17 helicopters. Ready for immediate operational use, The AMPS-MV systems will protect the UN Air Operations VIPs when flying in Africa.
As a qualified supplier of Airborne Missile Protection System for the UN as well as for other leading organizations such as the US government and various NATO forces, this follow-on order comes after several previous successful installations of BIRD’s solutions on UN Air Operations aircraft in recent years.
Operationally deployed in dangerous conflict areas worldwide, BIRD’s AMPS missile protection system provides the most enhanced protection for military and civilian aircraft against the growing threat of ground-to-air missiles (MANPADS). AMPS automatically detects, verifies, and foils SAM attacks through the effective use of countermeasure decoys (Flares and Chaff) and by Directional Infrared Countermeasures (DIRCM) that jam the missile’s IR seeker and protect the aircraft. The AMPS-MV includes BIRD Aerosystems’ patented Missile Approach Confirmation Sensor (MACS) sensor, which performs unique confirmation of suspected incoming missile threats detected by the main electro-optical passive sensors, practically eliminating any False Alarms. MACS ensures that only actual missiles will be declared by the system and reacted upon.
Ronen Factor, Co-CEO and Founder at BIRD Aerosystems: “Providing the highest level of protection for its personnel, the UN Air Operations again chooses to equip its aircraft with BIRD’s AMPS Airborne Missile Protection System. As the recent conflict in Ukraine showed us, the importance of these systems for the protection of soldiers’ lives is undoubted.”
08 Jul 22. Leidos Australia-built ISR capability achieves FOC.
Technology offering Defence personnel with streamlined access to ISR data is set to officially enter service. Australian Defence Force analysts can now search for and assimilate intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) data across multiple databases, with new integration technology, developed in partnership with Leidos Australia, achieving final operational capability (FOC) as part of JP 2096.
Dubbed “Wagardi” — a Larrakia word meaning “dilly bag”, given to Defence by the Larrakia People — the technology is designed to accelerate the delivery of information users, improving decision-making in the battlespace.
Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy said introducing Wagardi into service with the ADF would make it easier for personnel to “access, discover and collaborate” on ISR information.
“The Wagardi capability is a step change in the ease with which intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance information is able to be accessed and utilised,” Minister Conroy added.
“Achieving this milestone allows Defence to put this capability in the hands of a broad range of personnel who rely on quick and reliable access to the vast amounts of information produced by Australian and allied Defence capabilies.”
Meanwhile, Defence has confirmed Leidos Australia would continue as the prime system integrator for the next two tranches of JP 2096 Phase 1.
Leidos has been tasked with overseeing Wagardi’s effective introduction into service before delivering tranche two, which aims to extend the same search and discovery functionality to deployed users.
Tranche three is expected to focus on integrating data from selected allied, coalition and whole-of-government data stores.
According to Minister Conroy, the project would continue to provide opportunities to local industry, with the Commonwealth government previously estimating around $450 m would be invested locally upon completion of the project.
“Having Leidos, together with other Australian providers, deliver the final two tranches of the joint project will ensure approximately $95 m is spent in Australia,” he said. (Source: Defence Connect)
11 Jul 22. Thales supports employment in Nouvelle-Aquitaine by training experts in defence aerospace.
- Thales’s Châtellerault-La Brelandière site in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of France is diversifying its operations and has opened a new centre of excellence for maintenance and support of airborne optronics equipment.
- About 70 trained maintenance and support specialists have been working at the dedicated 4,000 sq.m. facility since the start of 2022, and the Group plans to expand the workforce by more than 50 people by 2030.
- Supported by the Nouvelle-Aquitaine regional council, this centre of excellence is at the heart of the regional economy and is working to promote the local industrial ecosystem and drive its future development.
As part of a broader effort to revitalise local industry, Thales is building on its long-standing presence in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of France by opening a new centre of excellence specialising in maintenance and support of airborne optronics equipment. By combining the wide-ranging skills of its specialists with the disruptive techniques employed by the new facility, Thales is providing an effective response to the need to improve the availability of strategic military equipment and ensure the success of armed forces missions.
Thales’s Châtellerault-La Brelandière site has traditionally manufactured ring laser gyro (RLG) inertial navigation systems for civil and military avionics equipment. Its activities have been impacted by the crisis in the aerospace sector, and the site has therefore had to diversify and make the skills of its employees available to other customers. The electronics sector has long been a central feature of France’s industrial landscape and has come to play a strategic role in guaranteeing the country’s national sovereignty. To provide advanced technical support for its high-tech products, Thales has made significant investments, alongside the Nouvelle-Aquitaine regional council, to develop a new 4,000 sq.m. technical and logistics infrastructure at the Châtellerault-La Brelandière site. The installations include 750 sq.m. of cleanroom space and about 100 latest-generation test benches.
Two support lines dedicated to optronics equipment for combat aircraft have been brought into operation In under 12 months. One line covers all support operations for the TALIOS pod[i], while the other is dedicated to supporting the OSF front-sector optronics system and the DAL laser warning receiver.
Seventy technicians, engineers and technical experts are now providing customers with specialised know-how in electronics, mechanics, optics and data analytics. The site’s logistic support capabilities ensure smooth and efficient workflows to guarantee the highest level of equipment availability for customers. The staff working at the new support facility received training at Thales’s optronics and missile electronics campus at Élancourt, near Paris, to acquire new skills and add a new dimension to their careers.
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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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