Sponsored by Blighter Surveillance Systems
www.blighter.com
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02 Jun 20. AMS Defence has signed a partnering agreement with Blighter Surveillance Systems to supply ground-based radar solutions for critical infrastructure protection and complex airborne threats.
AMS Defence has today announced a partnership agreement with UK based radar manufacturer Blighter Surveillance Systems. This partnership will explore a number of opportunities in the fields of Force Protection, Perimeter Security and Critical Infrastructure protection.
As part of the agreement, Blighter will include the Blighter A400 series air security/drone detection radars, Blighter B400 series radars and the coastal security specialised C400 series radars.
Additionally, to support ground forces, Blighter and AMS Defence will be providing the Blighter B202 MK 2 man-portable radar system for rapid, mobile deployment and the Blighter Orbiter radar system for vehicle mounted solutions.
Blighter Surveillance Systems has a well-established global footprint already, from providing surveillance systems along the DMZ in South Korea to their Anti-UAV Defence System (AUDS) being deployed by the US Armed Forces to protect critical assets and personnel.
Angus Hone, Blighter Surveillance Systems CEO said: “We are delighted to be officially partnered with AMS Defence. Australia is a key defence market for Blighter and AMS Defence established expertise will help expand our footprint in this region. We look forward to working with them to respond to the requirements of the Australian Armed Forces.”
AMS Defence CEO Richard Morton said the company are excited to play to our strengths and expand our traditional ISR and sustainment offerings to include Critical Infrastructure protection including airports, defence establishments and border control.
The product offering can be used to detect a wide variety of moving objects, such as crawling and walking persons, land vehicles, boats and low flying aircraft (including drones/UAVs).
The radars use a microwave radio signal to scan areas of air, land or water which can extend up to 32 km in range and up to a full 360° in azimuth.
Multiple offerings and configurations allow cost effective solutions to be selected for a variety of market sectors. (Source: Defence Connect)
02 Jun 20. Patriot One repurposes threat detection systems for Covid-19. Following investment from Canada’s Digital Technology Supercluster, Patriot One CEO Martin Cronin explained to Army Technology how threat detection tools can be repurposed to help detect cases of Covid-19. Under the CAD4.5m co-investment, Patriot One is developing the capabilities of its PATSCAN VRS system, which was originally designed for detecting weapons and aggressive behaviour. The company is using the money to develop modules that can detect if people have elevated temperatures, measure if social distancing is being followed and even if people are wearing masks.
Patriot One envisions the detection systems could be deployed in hospitals, schools and care homes to name a few locations to help countries get back on their feet and control the spread of infection as lockdowns ease.
Patriot One CEO Martin Cronin told Army Technology: “The PATSCAN platform provides a network of advanced sensor technologies with powerful next-generation AI and machine learning software. The network can be deployed covertly, anywhere from a far perimeter to interiors, across multiple environments. Each sensor solution in the Platform identifies weapons, related disturbances or fights, or potential health and safety threats from contagious viruses by recognising elevated body temperature, face masks or contravention of social distancing rules, for immediate security response.
“These capabilities make it an invaluable detection tool to help detect and manage the spread of the Covid-19 virus.”
The company’s VRS systems were originally designed to pull in camera feeds and sensor data to detect firearms, offensive weapons and explosives while not having to put up cumbersome and intrusive sensors. The idea is that security checkpoints can become a point of attack for adversaries and by removing them someone with malicious intent can be caught with a tap on the shoulder rather than when they are going through traditional security apparatus.
To adapt the system to detect elevated temperatures and people not wearing masks, Cronin said the company’s platform uses the same premise as its threat detection base. It uses AI and machine learning to detect temperature anomalies and staff can then be warned of the possible danger that person could present. The system can pull in information from multiple or a single thermal imaging camera to build a picture of the temperatures of the people in its view.
Cronin explained: “The hardware was already in development for weapons detection but is now converted to enable the PATSCAN platform to detect body temperature anomalies. The system will run single or multiple thermal cameras for elevated body temperature and will consist of an edge computing laptop or a server with GPU capacity.
“Software with AI/machine learning and computer vision technology was configured to detect the changes in normal body temperature to elevated boy temperature with the thermal
camera. And the EO [electro-optical] camera for the detection of masks uses the same process we use to detect a gun in a person’s hand, which then requires training the solution for the detection of the presence of a facial mask.”
Outside of smaller, close-knit environments like hospitals and care homes, Patriot One is testing the utility of the systems across other settings including offices, sports stadiums and law enforcement facilities, All settings were the company’s traditional threat detection systems could be employed.
Commenting on the locations, Cronin said: “The platform can be deployed across a wide range of environments, including car-parks, building approaches, employee and public entrances and inside buildings as required.
“The elevated body temperature screening module can be used to quickly scan individuals or a queue of people entering a building in a controlled checkpoint environment. This includes offices, care facilities and other locations where it is important for incoming employees and visitors to be screened for possible elevated body temperatures indicative of fever from flu-like symptoms.”
Cronin went on to explain that the face mask detection module is ideal for use in more enclosed areas like offices, schools or universities, where it is more important that people wear masks to prevent the spread of Covid-19, and social distancing is harder to maintain.
A key difference between Patriot One’s system and traditional thermal imaging methods is the software element. Standard thermal imaging cameras alone can be inaccurate making them ineffective at effectively measuring someone’s temperature from a distance. The PATSCAN system can learn its environment, self-correct for variances making its detections more accurate.
Cronin said: “There are many integration efforts on the market that add a thermal camera to an existing system. However, thermal cameras have a wide variance band, making accurate screening difficult or ineffective.
“The PATSCAN VRS solution is different. Its AI core means it is trained to self-correct for a range of environmental variables, including camera to detection zone, the number of people present, screening area height, camera angle, fluctuating skin temperatures and weather conditions. This can be tailored according to the specific environment it is operating in and hugely improves the accuracy of screening.” (Source: army-technology.com)
02 Jun 20. FLIR Systems Installs Its EST Screening Solution at Pentagon to Support the Fight Against COVID-19. FLIR Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: FLIR) announced it has installed its EST™ screening system at the Pentagon Visitor Center in Washington, D.C. The company’s integrated EST screening solution, the A700 EST-IS, features the FLIR A700 thermal imaging camera. The system is being used to screen visitors for elevated or higher than expected skin temperatures, which can help guard against the spread of COVID-19. FLIR Systems has installed its EST screening system at the Pentagon Visitor Center in Washington, D.C. The company’s integrated screening solution features the FLIR A700 thermal imaging camera and is being used to screen visitors for elevated or higher than expected skin temperatures, which can help guard against the spread of COVID-19.
The installation of its EST system at the Pentagon is one of many efforts FLIR is currently discussing with United States Department of Defense officials for applications across the armed services. The news follows statements made by FLIR President and CEO Jim Cannon on a recent earnings call that the company booked roughly $100m in new EST business in the first quarter of 2020. More recently, General Motors announced it will use FLIR cameras at many of its sites to screen workers in an effort to help prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus.
“For more than 40 years, FLIR has provided advanced thermal imaging technology to America’s military — on its aircraft, helicopters, ships at sea, and to forces on land,” said Cannon. “We’re honored to again serve the U.S. defense community in this effort to better protect visitors to the Pentagon and support elevated skin temperature screening.”
For applications in public buildings, hospitals, airports, schools, sports venues, or manufacturing, FLIR Systems’ EST cameras can be a first line of defense in managing the risks associated with a global pandemic. These groups and others are using FLIR thermal imaging cameras and software for the initial screening needed to help detect people with signs of elevated skin temperature. Once identified, those individuals can be checked with a medical device to determine if they have a fever, one of the symptoms of a coronavirus or other flu infection.
FLIR is the global leader in thermal cameras for temperature screening-related applications. Its technology has been employed worldwide by customers since the 2003 SARS epidemic, with unique functionality that includes advanced measurement tools and alarms to enable faster critical decisions.
29 May 20. Radar developers adapt for tracking hypersonic-speed threats. Hypersonic-speed missiles and weapons pose vexing yet likely surmountable challenges to radar engineers, with some new designs now reaching the market.
Hypersonic technology could propel ordnance to speeds in excess of Mach 5 and has been enthusiastically embraced by military planners and missile engineers. The Russian Aerospace Forces, for example, are understood to be introducing hypersonic weapons including the conventional and nuclear Kh-47M2 air-to-surface missile, which has a claimed speed of Mach 10.
Various hypersonic initiatives are ongoing, with the People’s Republic of China reportedly developing the DF-ZF glide vehicle, Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyeniya working on the 3M22 Zircon surface-to-surface missile, and each of the US military branches running a development programme.
Hypersonic missiles pose challenges to radar designers due to their high velocities, manoeuvrability, and radar cross section (RCS). While software controlling contemporary ground-based and naval air surveillance radars operates at enviable speeds, the velocities of hypersonic weapons can still cause issues. For example, if a radar needs two seconds to detect and commence tracking a Kh-47M2, if flying at Mach 10, it would in that time have already travelled almost 7km. (Source: Jane’s)
28 May 20. Kopin Selected by L3Harris for Next Generation Military Program. The Squad Weapon – Fire Control Program Represents a Multi-Year System Procurement Agreement.
Kopin Corporation (NASDAQ: KOPN), a leading provider of innovative wearable computing technologies and solutions, today announced it has been selected by L3Harris (NYSE: LHX) to supply its high-brightness liquid crystal display (LCD) module for inclusion in the integrated rifle scope for the Next Generation Squad Weapon – Fire Control (NGSW-FC) program. Kopin’s display module is composed of a high-performance internally – designed VGA resolution LCD microdisplay with a specialized LED backlight and Kopin’s driver board.
The NGSW-FC is slated to replace the traditional direct view riflescopes currently fielded by the US Army. The NGSW-FC provides an integrated approach to targeting by combining range-finding capability, ballistic computation and environmental sensors that increase the probability of accurate targeting, while decreasing the time to engage a threat. The US Army plans to procure up to 250,000 systems to support many of its current and future weapon platforms. This weapon system is for ordinary daylight situations and is in addition to the thermal weapon systems that Kopin is currently supplying. Deliveries of initial prototypes are expected to start in third quarter of this year and early production is expected to commence in mid-2021.
“This selection and contract award is just the latest example of Kopin being awarded a program to supply high brightness LCDs for military augmented reality applications,” said Bill Maffucci, the Company’s Vice President/General Manager of Government Programs, “This award is a testament to both the strength of our technology and production capabilities. Over the years Kopin’s display products have demonstrated superior performance in the most challenging environments and continue to be the displays of choice for high performance military applications. We look forward to continuing to provide our soldiers with the best technology possible.”
For the US Army, the Next Generation Squad Weapons (NGSW) is a family of products that includes a Rifle (NGSW-R) and an Automatic Rifle (NGSW-AR) that integrate an advanced fire control and common 6.8mm ammunition. The NGSW-FC is an advanced individual fire control device that supports the NGSW-R, NGSW-AR, and other individual and squad weapon systems. The L3Harris NGSW-FC prototype utilizes open architecture to deliver to an initial augmented core capability followed by increasing increments of capability over time as technology matures and evolves.
“We are excited with this new major win as it both showcases our unique technological capabilities and represents a major new production opportunity for Kopin,” said Dr. John C.C. Fan, President of Kopin Corporation. With our full suite of microdisplays including LCD, LCOS and OLED, Kopin has become the microdisplay provider of choice for defense and enterprise applications. With our expertise in optics and specialized IC chips we have now expanded our capabilities to include high level integrated modules and subsystems. With the increased demand for AR and VR applications from both defense and enterprise customers, we are very enthused about Kopin’s positioning in this growing market segment.”
(Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
01 Jun 20. Chess Dynamics launches new HD camera to meet complex surveillance challenges.
- Significantly enhanced imaging definition across target detection activities
- 40X optical zoom in full colour for exceptional daylight imaging
- Designed to withstand even the toughest operating conditions
Chess Dynamics, leading British surveillance, tracking and gunfire control specialist, today announces the launch of the PiranhaLR800 HD Camera. The high definition camera offers enhanced image clarity and target detection accuracy for complex surveillance operations, particularly those across exposed coastal and border environments.
With significantly upgraded performance to meet customer demands, the PiranhaLR800 will be part of the standard offering across the Chess Hawkeye (Land) and Sigma (Security) ranges, and will be available for use by armies, navies, and commercial customers concerned with enhanced military and surveillance operations.
Graham Beall, Chess Group CEO commented: “Rapidly evolving threats, including those posed by unmanned maritime, land, and air vehicles, present complex surveillance challenges. As such, we have noticed an increased customer demand for enhanced imaging definition across 24-hour surveillance operations, particularly within large, exposed areas at sea or on land.
“The PiranhaLR800 HD Camera has been developed in direct response to this demand. The higher definition of the camera delivers a significant operational advantage, providing forces with a far more precise view of a target, and where required, the ability to respond accordingly with greater accuracy. With the capability to integrate within an existing technology setup, or as part of a complete new system, the PiranhaLR800 provides a flexible and agile solution for defence and security organisations”, Beall continued.
Increased accuracy through image clarity at longer ranges
Featuring an 40x optical zoom in full colour, the PiranhaLR800 HD Camera offers exceptional daylight imaging, which enables target detection activities to identify and classify objects in far greater detail and across a larger area. It also performs well in low light and poor weather conditions.
With a focal length of 20mm-800mm, the minimum object distance from the front lens ranges from 10 metres to infinity (focal length 20-400mm), and 20 metres to infinity (focal length 401-800mm). This is alongside a day/night selection, which can be in either auto or manual mode, enhancing imaging definition across 24-hour surveillance operations.
Designed to withstand the toughest of operating conditions Heaters and a heated window have been integrated to offer an operational temperature range of -32˚C to +49˚C, as well as being able to withstand 95% relative humidity at +40˚C in salt laden environments.
Facilitating all-weather activities, the cameras are also able to withstand heavy rainfall of up to 100mm per hour and can be fitted with water spray and wiper modules to ensure continued image clarity.
Meeting demands for land and security applications
The PiranhaLR800 HD camera has been developed to specifically meet customer demands for enhanced imaging definition across 24-hour surveillance operations.
Integrated with the Chess Hawkeye range, focused upon land-based settings and supporting precise reconnaissance, surveillance, and targeting, the PiranhaLR800 HD camera will increase accuracy through image clarity at longer ranges. Across the Chess Sigma range, the new HD camera will enhance the provision of access to complete, accurate and precise information and advanced long-range real-time video and still images 24/7. The PiranhaLR800 HD camera can be integrated within existing surveillance and tracking systems as part of a performance upgrade. Chess will also continue to produce and support standard definition cameras across land and security applications.
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Blighter® Surveillance Systems (BSS) is a UK-based electronic-scanning radar and sensor solution provider delivering an integrated multi-sensor package to systems integrators comprising the Blighter electronic-scanning radars, cameras, thermal imagers, trackers and software solutions. Blighter radars combine patented solid-state Passive Electronic Scanning Array (PESA) technology with advanced Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) and Doppler processing to provide a robust and persistent surveillance capability. Blighter Surveillance Systems is a Plextek Group company, a leading British design house and technology innovator, and is based at Great Chesterford on the outskirts of Cambridge, England.
The Blighter electronic-scanning (e-scan) FMCW Doppler ground surveillance radar (GSR) is a unique patented product that provides robust intruder detection capabilities under the most difficult terrain and weather conditions. With no mechanical moving parts and 100% solid-state design, the Blighter radar family of products are extremely reliable and robust and require no routine maintenance for five years. The Blighter radar can operate over land and water rapidly searching for intruders as small a crawling person, kayaks and even low-flying objects. In its long-range modes the Blighter radar can rapidly scan an area in excess of 3,000 km² to ensure that intruders are detected, identified and intercepted before they reach critical areas.
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