Sponsored by Blighter Surveillance Systems
www.blighter.com
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10 Jun 20. NPS Alumnus Applies Research to Improve Efficacy, Cost of Radar and Counter UAS Systems. No one knows how to improve conditions on the battlefield like warfighters themselves. This unique perspective allows mid-career officers across the services to choose graduate programs that not only advance their own skills and leadership qualities, but also directly impact the warfighting domains they operate in, as well as their individual toolbelts. Even in the university’s most technical engineering programs, detailed research has the potential to greatly advance current and future DOD systems, leading to advancements in either cost efficiencies or system efficacy.
In the case of 2015 Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) graduate Marine Corps Maj. Michael Wade, it was both.
While Wade was performing his research at NPS in the electrical engineering program, researchers were touting the virtues of a compound called gallium nitride, including retired Rear Adm. Matt Klunder, then Chief of Naval Research, who called it “one of the most important compounds you’ve probably never heard of,” in this Navy Live post. “If you have a Blu-ray disc player in your house, you already own some gallium nitride. If you have a flat-screen LED television, that also has gallium nitride. Quite simply, without this material, much of today’s high-end electronics wouldn’t exist,” the post continued.
Wade’s research focused on the redesign and implementation of a radar’s transmit/receive modules (TRMs) that consist of high-power amplifiers built with high-electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) … Wade suggested using gallium nitride (GaN) instead of the traditional gallium arsenide (GaAs).
Recognizing the potential value of GaN, Wade’s research at NPS demonstrated this transition provides a higher breakdown voltage and higher current, which allowed a decrease in the number of TRMs needed to meet the power requirement. Furthermore, GaN HEMTs have a more effective thermal displacement capability, despite being more powerful, which extend their expected operational lifetime. This not only increases the effectiveness of the system, but also has the potential to save millions of dollars over the production and sustainment lifespan of a radar system.
The Right Marine for the Job
Prior to coming to NPS and while on active duty, Wade earned his bachelor of science in engineering at Miami University via the Marine Enlisted Commissioning Education Program. He was then picked for an Advanced Degree Program funded by NASA to conduct research in the field of Friction Stir Welding. He simultaneously completed a master’s in mechanical engineering at the University of South Carolina. Finally, he was selected through the Commandant’s Career Level Education Board to come to NPS for his master’s. Because of his previous experience, Wade knew what he wanted to study – semiconductors in radar applications.
NPS Professor Todd Weatherford of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering specializes in electrical and thermal semiconductor modeling. As his advisor, Weatherford connected Wade with Lawrence Berkeley National Lab’s National Center for Electron Microscopy. University of California, Berkeley Research Engineer Petra Specht thoroughly enjoyed their collaboration.
“[NPS students] have unbelievable discipline,” Specht said. “You can just ask them to do something and they will do whatever it takes to get it done.”
She said she was especially impressed by Wade’s innate intelligence and imagination, and that he wasn’t afraid to think outside the box. Specht said she learned a lot from Wade, including a better way to put a device in a finicky preparation machine. She still uses his technique to this day.
Wade’s thesis was funded by the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), a DOD agency that specializes in countering weapons of mass destruction. He worked with the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) to build a better semi-conductor transistor, NRL was also very active in the GaN research realm at the time.
The pathway Wade took through DTRA to get funding is no longer offered directly to DOD schools. But Weatherford hopes more collaborations – or purposeful “cross-pollination” as he calls it – and funding opportunities like those that allowed Wade to pursue his research will become available in the near future, especially on the back of the Education for Seapower strategy released early this year.
“It’s important to have the right people in the right positions,” Weatherford says. “Some of those right people are young officers that have operational knowledge. We put a graduate degree on them and they become the glue to pull everything together. Mike is a great example.”
Weatherford couldn’t have said it better, school leaders say. Wade’s thesis idea also fit all the right components of making a strong thesis … It was a topic he was interested in; it was something a third party was interested in funding; and, there was an NPS professor with the advanced subject matter expertise work as his thesis advisor.
Realizing the Investment
After graduating from NPS’ Graduate School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, the Marine Corps realized its investment in Wade with his immediate payback tour, an electrical engineer billet where he put his degree directly to use on the Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar program. The program provides the Fleet Marine Force with a modern sensor capable of both volume search and fire control missions, giving the Marine Corps expeditionary, multirole capabilities with pace setting range, detection and target classification against new and evolving threats. Here, he applied the exact same essential material he studied, using GaN in high-electron mobility transistors.
“It’s a great feeling to conduct a payback tour that’s utilizing what you had just been studying for years,” Wade says. “I mean, that’s what they built me for.”
He then moved to work on the Ground-Based Air Defense (G-BAD) program as a technical subject matter expert on radar, electronic warfare and all things science, technology, engineering and mathematics – G-BAD is the power behind the service’s Light Marine Air Defense Integrated System (LMADIS). His work with G-BAD not only helped the Marine Corps, but helped Wade himself master skills he plans to use after he retires from the military.
Wade recently came back to NPS to find the next bright Marine who will replace him. And he was happy to see a growing pool of Marines exploring similar, highly-technical areas of study. He was equally pleased to see the recent push by the DOD to prioritize education for warfighters, quick to point out that the benefit of his technical research at NPS was realized because he was able to combine that with his experience in the battlefield.
“There are things that we think about on the battlefield that others don’t,” he explained. “When you’re here at a program office building warfighter capability, and you understand the issues and requirements of the battlefield and are building a system to meet those, [that experience] really makes for a more effective system.” (Source: ASD Network)
10 Jun 20. HENSOLDT’s airborne multi-mission radar completes first flight. PrecISR surveillance radar proves simple integration and extraordinary detection performance. HENSOLDT’s newly developed airborne multi-mission surveillance radar PrecISR™1000 has successfully completed its maiden flight. In a one-week flight campaign together with H3 Mission Systems GmbH based in Tussenhausen-Mattsies, Germany, the radar proved its value in terms of simple integration and performance.
Thanks to its simple industry standard interfaces, and to the excellent support of an experienced mission aircraft team at H3, the aircraft was modified and the radar was integrated, tested and flown within two months from kick-off to mission completion. PrecISR™1000 proved to be very stable and generated a huge amount of high-quality reconnaissance data such as SAR pictures during its first operational flight.
The radar translates latest achievements in active array and digital receiver technology into a scalable high-performance sensor which can be installed aboard helicopters, UAVs and fixed-wing mission aircraft. Due to its software-defined radar modes and electronic beam steering, PrecISR™ can fulfill different tasks virtually at the same time. It is able to detect, track and classify more than a thousand objects and thus literally find the ‘needle in a haystack’.
Because of its compact design and the fact that all radar related components are located outside of the airframe, the airborne platform integration of PrecISR™ is significantly simplified compared to other radars. Its superior precision and target accuracy make it the sensor of choice for surveillance of large maritime and coastal areas.
PrecISR™ ground surveillance capabilities include reconnaissance and characterization of fixed targets using Moving Target Indication (MTI), Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) operating in Spot or Strip mode. For maritime surveillance it characterizes the maritime targets through Maritime Inverse Synthetic Aperture Radar (ISAR) operation and Range Profiling. Air surveillance capabilities include detecting and intercepting of low flying aircraft, gathering information on direction and speed of all kinds of targets for correlation with data from other sensors, e.g. ADS-B, AIS, EO/IR.
HENSOLDT has been awarded an order by a provider of airborne special missions operations to deliver PrecISR™1000 until year-end for installation underneath a Pilatus PC-12 special operations aircraft.
08 Jun 20. Australian Defence conducts high-altitude balloons launch trials. The Australian Defence Force (ADF) has conducted the first of a series of launch trials of high-altitude balloons from West Wyalong in New South Wales (NSW).
The trials will demonstrate the ADF’s capability to deploy sensors and communications equipment into the untapped altitudes of stratosphere.
Conducted in close consultation with the Civilian Aviation Safety Authority, the trials are expected to generate new opportunities for local businesses in the defence sector.
Australian Minister for Defence Linda Reynolds said: “The trial aims to demonstrate Australian designed and developed launch capabilities that can deliver and maintain sensor payloads to an altitude that significantly improves situational awareness over a wide area.
“Having these high-altitude balloons as part of Australia’s sovereign capability means that we could deploy advanced sensors into the atmosphere quickly and cost-effectively, giving our forces comprehensive data in the air, on the ground, or at sea.”
The Australian Government is using innovative ideas to educate and encourage more children to pursue science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers.
With the help of the trials, the Australian forces demonstrate the application of science and advanced technologies to a broader audience.
Australian Minister for Industry Science and Technology Karen Andrews said: “This event is sure to capture the imagination of our young people who are fascinated by aerospace.
“The fact that these launches are happening right here in our backyard gives Australians a real sense of the incredible opportunities and career pathways that are available.” (Source: army-technology.com)
08 Jun 20. IAI Signs $350m Special Mission Aircraft Contract with Major European Country. Israel Aerospace Industries has received a $350m special mission aircraft related contract from a major European country. The contract will be executed by IAI’s ELTA Systems, a global leader in the special mission aircraft domain.
IAI delivered Special Mission Aircraft to Israel Defence Forces (IDF) and numerous countries worldwide, and are considered to be strategic assets. IAI is one of a select few companies which have these technology capabilities in-house. IAI achieved a major breakthrough in Special Mission Aircraft thanks to advanced sensor miniaturization technology coupled with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning software applications, allowing high performance business jets to be used as Special Mission Aircraft. Previously, most of the Special Mission Aircraft in the world were based on converted cargo or passenger planes.
Gideon Landa, ELTA VP and GM Airborne Systems: “As part of IAI’s strategy, we are bolstering our presence in Europe for leveraging our business and extending cooperation. IAI’s Special Mission Aircraft offer advanced and unique technological capabilities to meet a broad range of most demanding intelligence missions. Europe represents a strategic business region for IAI, and we will continue to broaden our products and services to bring our unique technologies to the benefit of our customer’s evolving operational requirements.”
IAI/ELTA offers four lines of Special Mission Aircraft:
— AEW&C (Airborne Early Warning & Control) Aircraft utilizing AESA radar and IFF (Identification, Friend or Foe), SIGINT and Communication systems to generate and disseminate an Air and Maritime Situational Picture. It also contains an Air Battle Management and Strike Aircraft Guidance System. ELTA’s CAEW (Conformal Airborne Early Warning) aircraft is fitted with a dual band AESA radar providing complete uncompromised 360° azimuthal coverage and is an example of a leading in the class system based on a business jet. IAI has entered into cooperation agreements with Airbus and Embraer to develop and market additional AEW&C aircraft variants.
— AGS (Air to Ground Surveillance) aircraft using advanced AESA SAR/GMTI radar, SIGINT and EO/IR sensors and an Intelligence Management System to cover large areas, providing Real-time detection, identification, tracking and distribution of surface targets from standoff range in all weather and visibility conditions. A leading product in this category is the IAI MARS2 that includes a breakthrough Digital AESA SAR/GMTI radar and latest generation SIGINT integrated with an advanced Multi-INT system, carried by a high performance business jet.
— MPA (Maritime Patrol Aircraft) equipped with high performance AESA radar, SIGINT and EO/IR sensors to create an up-to-date maritime picture during Search And Rescue missions, Maritime policing, Environmental Monitoring, Anti Surface Warfare (ASuW) and Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) in support of Naval and Coast Guard operations. ELTA’s MPAs are based on business jets and turboprop platforms featuring the world leader combat proven ELM-2022 radar family, serving in many countries on all continents.
— SIGINT (Signal Intelligence) aircraft monitoring the electromagnetic spectrum to detect and accurately locate emitter arrays and communication networks, creating a complete Electromagnetic Order of Battle over the entire large arena of interest. ELTA has developed and provided most advanced SIGINT aircraft to the IDF on business jet platform and supplied airborne SIGINT systems to many Special Mission Aircraft worldwide.
Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd. is Israel’s largest aerospace and defense company and a globally recognized technology and innovation leader, specializing in developing and manufacturing advanced, state-of-the-art systems for air, space, sea, land, cyber and homeland security. IAI also designs and manufactures business jets and aerostructures, performs overhaul and maintenance on commercial aircraft and converts passenger aircraft to refueling and cargo configurations. (Source: defense-aerospace.com/Israel Aerospace Industries)
08 Jun 20. Anritsu launches AeroShield passive RF detector counter-UAS system. Anritsu Company has launched AeroShield™ MX280002A, a hardware and software solution for passive RF detection and tracking of drone activity. Consisting of a flexible Application Programming Interface (API) and demonstration program, AeroShield fills a critical need for C-UAS system integrators by providing a comprehensive RF solution for drone mitigation, says the company.
“The AeroShield tracking process uses Time Difference of Arrival (TDOA) for accurate drone positioning,” according to an Anritsu press statement. “When compared with Angle-of-Arrival (AOA), TDOA has proven to be a superior method for tracking drones where continuous geo-location is required. Siting requirements for TDOA require no calibration, allowing for flexibility in choosing sites. Additionally, the reduced power, simpler antenna requirement, smaller size, and lower complexity of TDOA systems allow for discreet siting in urban areas and mobile applications.
“Tracking speed and reliability are optimized by continuously adjusting the receivers’ signal-to-noise (SNR) ratio during the drone’s incursion. Typical drone detection and tracking range with three Anritsu Remote Spectrum Monitors (RSMs) is 500 meters, but is easily scalable to cover wider areas with additional receivers. Alarms and reports are automatically generated for the user.
“The drone detection and tracking process is fully automated and active 24/7. The application continuously scans 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz ISM bands for drone activity. Additional custom bands can be added by the user. Proprietary algorithms have also been implemented to minimize false positives; a constant problem faced by C-UAS providers.
“AeroShield leverages 30+ years of RF receiver and software development at Anritsu. Each receiver is rigorously tested over temperature extremes, EMI immunity, and emissions, so it can detect and track drones in a variety of RF environments. Extensive testing has been conducted using rotary and fixed wing drone models.
“Every element needed by the system integrator to incorporate receivers and software is available in the API. All functions and algorithms for RF detection and tracking of the drone video signal, including example source code, training materials, and simulators, are available. A fully-functional demonstration application package is also part of the AeroShield solution. At least three Anritsu RSMs are required to use the detection/tracking system. The drone detection and tracking application downloads I/Q data captures from each RSM and performs continuous TDOA measurements to accurately geo-locate drone positions.” (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
08 Jun 20. British Royal Marines to test new helmet camera. The British Royal Marines will test a new helmet camera that aims to provide them with access to more information to make tactical decisions during missions.
Claimed to be tough and weather proof, this purpose-built camera has the capability to perform under extreme conditions.
It links to a new network system, which allows the analysis of live data so that the information can be swiftly exploited.
MarWorks, the Royal Navy’s information warfare technology specialist, has procured the camera and the network.
This equipment is part of the Future Commando Force concept, which will see the Royal Marines operate in smaller lethal teams using the new technology.
The camera will work with the mobile network radios. The recently procured network radios have been undergoing trials with 40 Commando and Advanced Force Operations.
It is easily mountable and can work with open software to stream data.
MarWorks worked with Visual Engineering to adapt general-purpose cameras to fulfil marine requirements.
The feed can be streamed live over the network to marines on the ground, which helps in providing greater situational awareness. The information can also be fed to other members of the team so that they can view it on smart devices.
MarWorks has helped to set up a tactical IP network as part of Future Commando Force experimentation.
MarWorks programme manager Dave McInerney said: “This sort of challenge is exactly why technology accelerators such as MarWorks were established.
“We take a problem from the user community, try and find an affordable technical solution, if it is off-the-shelf then great but when it’s not quite there, we are able to work with industry, big and small, to develop a solution that meets the users’ need.” (Source: naval-technology.com)
04 Jun 20. NASA deploys Moog Gauntlet C-UAS in Kennedy Space Center trials. The US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has selected Moog Space and Defense Group’s Gauntlet system to support drone detection trials in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) restricted airspace around launch pads 39A and B of Kennedy Space Center. The presence of unapproved aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) in this area presents significant security risks to human and high value mission payloads. Moog’s Gauntlet system adds visibility and alerts authorities to all drone activity that would otherwise be unobservable by conventional security means.
The Gauntlet system has been in place for several launches and operates continuously in all weather conditions. The proven technology has provided drone detection, identification and tracking of numerous incursions, some NASA sanctioned, over a significant area. Results from this demonstration will provide inputs to a future, cooperative, interagency drone detection capability.
Gauntlet, connected over a secured VPN network, is a transportable, relocatable solution used for 360-degree, long-range airspace protection. This system offers evidence capture and retention capabilities similar to that of cameras utilized in physical security. Gauntlet is often employed as part of larger solutions to protect civilians, law enforcement, and other high-value assets at Special Event Assessment Rated (SEAR) events.
For more information visit:
https://www.moog.com/content/sites/global/en/markets/security/counter-uas.html (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
08 Jun 20. FLIR Systems Launches FLIR Screen-EST Software to Improve Skin Temperature Screening for COVID-19.
FLIR Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: FLIR) today announced the FLIR Screen-ESTTM software for FLIR T-Series, Exx-Series, and A-Series thermal imaging cameras. The software provides automatic measurement tools that perform elevated skin temperature screenings of individuals in two seconds or less at entries, checkpoints, and other high-traffic areas while maintaining recommended social distancing guidelines.
“Governments and businesses across the globe are hard at work developing new processes to ensure public health and safety from COVID-19, including the use of radiometric thermal imaging cameras as part of a comprehensive frontline screening program,” said Jim Cannon, President and CEO at FLIR. “Now with FLIR Screen-EST software, those organizations can increase the speed and accuracy of frontline screening when using FLIR’s thermal cameras.”
The FLIR Screen-EST Method
FLIR Screen-EST software is designed to automatically take a skin temperature measurement near the tear duct of each person, the surface area most closely correlated to core body temperature. When used with T-Series, Exx-Series, or A-Series cameras, the software enables screening of individuals to occur 50 percent faster than FLIR Systems’ existing on-camera screening mode, accelerating throughput. If the software detects a skin temperature that exceeds a threshold set above the baseline average, Screen-EST will notify the operator and display or sound an audible alarm on the subject’s viewing monitor. The individual then should be directed to a secondary medical screening*.
Honed through nearly two decades of experience designing and manufacturing thermal measurement solutions for skin temperature screening, Screen-EST automatically takes skin temperature samples at the screening location to determine an average skin temperature baseline. It then adds additional samples throughout the day. This relative temperature screening method helps accounts for regular body temperature fluctuations caused by natural biological and external environmental factors, thus reducing the amount of inaccurate readings that can impact absolute temperature alarm systems.
FLIR Screen-EST software is for Windows-based laptops and desktops. It offers a plug-and-play connection for FLIR thermal imaging cameras and can be installed or removed within minutes. This provides additional flexibility for operators to easily move locations or to quickly detach the camera for other purposes, including facilities maintenance or machine inspection.
FLIR Screen-EST software for T-Series cameras is available for purchase globally today for $595 USD, 595€ EUR, and 499£ GBP in English only on FLIR.com and through FLIR authorized distributors. Screen-EST software for Exx-Series and A-Series will be available in later this month. To learn more, please visit www.flir.com/screen-est.
* FLIR cameras are for frontline skin temperature screening only. They do not detect fevers, viruses or any specific medical ailment. Anyone who exhibits an elevated skin temperature must receive secondary screenings conducting by medical personnel with medical-grade equipment to determine a diagnosis.
08 Jun 20. AV Navigation Autopilot Survives Anti-Drone System. Meaconing, Intrusion, Jamming, and Interference (MIJI) is one of the most discussed topics when it comes to UAV operations. It refers to the interception and rebroadcast of signals that are more powerful than the ones used to navigate the aircraft.
Although this type of attack can be possible on any type of signal with a stronger one, it mainly affects the GNSS. So, to minimize the possibility of MIJI, there are a few things that a customer must seek clarifications about. That includes:
- What EMI/EMC tests have their system passed?
- What mechanisms have been implemented to identify and mitigate these attacks?
- To what extent does it affect loss from these subsystems to the global performances?
UAV Navigation has ramped up its security measures by designing a very robust system from both hardware and software perspectives. The quality of the components and their special designs help mitigate the impact of certain high-power signals. For example, our hardware is certified to MIL-STD-810F and MIL-STD-461F. This proves that the system has been tested by an independent party that certifies its level of adequacy.
From a software point of view, UAV Navigation’s systems can resist interception due to two main reasons: the non-dependence of GNSS for critical system loops, which allows us to continue operating despite not being able to use GNSS and the multiple cross supervisory logics. Also, the UAV Navigation property ICD (Interface Control Document) that our system incorporates, allows the system to prevent, analyze, and detect any possible interference or system failure.
This involves having multiple high-quality sensors (independent observers) on board and developing advanced estimation logics. Many manufacturers prefer the quickest and cheapest tactic and end up delegating too much logic to the GNSS. That makes the GNSS more vulnerable to attacks.
After receiving a request from one of its clients, UAV Navigation carried out robustness tests of an ALPHA 800 rotary-wing platform from the company Alpha Unmanned Systems, which uses our flight control solution. For this, the services of a company specialized in anti-drone jamming guns were hired.
Despite testing with different models and powers, the result could not be more satisfactory: the system was able to detect the interferences and continue operating without any major issues. (Source: UAS VISION)
04 Jun 20. US Army tests electro-optical scope designed to target small drones. The US military newspaper Stars And Stripes reports US soldiers are field testing an electro-optical device designed to target small drones. The SMASH 2000 sighting system is a rifle-mounted scope developed by Israeli manufacturer Smart Shooter. The newspaper reports special operators at the al-Tanf base in southern Syria using the device to fire on range targets and also at a box in the air suspended below a small drone.
The small arms fire control system is designed to allow the shooter to select a target and lock on while pressing the trigger. The electro-optical system, which includes image recognition software, blocks the action until the firing solution can guarantee a hit, when it automatically activates the trigger. It can be used in daylight and at night.
Smart Shooter has paired with German firearms maker Sig Sauer to offer the system to the US and other militaries. The system is designed to enable firearms including machine guns and assault rifles to be used to destroy flying drones.
The SMASH system is already in use in the Israeli armed forces, has been tested previously stateside by the US military. The newspaper says this appears to be the first time US soldiers overseas were pictured using it.
For more information visit:
www.stripes.com (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
05 Jun 20. Raytheon completes near-field testing of first production AN/SPY-6(V)1 array at Radar Development Facility. Raytheon Missiles & Defense recently completed comprehensive near-field range testing on the first production AN/SPY-6(V)1 radar array processed through the company’s Radar Development Facility (RDF) in Andover, Massachusetts, the company confirmed on 2 June.
The 4.3 m × 4.3 m modular array is now ready to be wrapped, packed and shipped to the future US Navy guided-missile destroyer Jack H. Lucas (DDG 125) at the Huntington Ingalls Industries Ingalls Shipbuilding yard in Pascagoula, Mississippi.
Previously, radars would still need to be calibrated at this point in their development. But Raytheon now does that work in the RDF, noted Scott Spence, Raytheon, senior director of naval radars for Raytheon Missiles & Defense.
Raytheon Missiles & Defense tested its AN/SPY-6(V)1 radar arrays at its Radar Development Facility.
“The radar is already calibrated and ready to go to the ship,” Spence told Janes.
The third and fourth AN/SPY-6(V)1 radars, also known as Air and Missile Defense Radars (AMDRs) are in the ranges for testing and calibration and Spence said. “Once we get the first one through, we [will] learn how to calibrate the radars quicker. It’s more like a mass-production capability.”
The company already had experience in calibrating the radar after building a demonstration sensor and another testing-program sensor, he pointed out.
Now, thanks to the company’s investment in advanced robotics production in the RDF, he said, it will be possible to produce the radars more quickly, reliably and with greater throughput.
The RDF uses robot technology to move radars around the field ranges with greater speed and efficiency. “It’s redefining how we orchestrate all that movement and go through the calibration activities.”
The facility technology is operating exactly as the company had planned, he added. (Source: Jane’s)
04 Jun 20. Kopin Develops 2560 x 1440 FLCOS Display for High Performance, Rugged Applications. Breakthrough 0.95-Inch Display using Wide-Temperature Range Ferroelectric Liquid Crystal.
Kopin Corporation (NASDAQ: KOPN), a leading provider of innovative wearable computing technologies and solutions, today announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary Forth Dimension Displays (ForthDD) has developed a new WQHD (2560 x 1440 resolution) full-color Ferroelectric Liquid Crystal on Silicon (FLCOS) display for use in extreme temperature and shock environments. The new display incorporates ForthDD’s proprietary Wide Temperature Range Ferroelectric Liquid Crystal (WTR FLC) material to operate over extended temperature ranges, which enables it to be used in a variety of previously unsupported rugged applications such as automotive, defense and avionics.
“FLCOS displays provide superior fill factor, color purity, and fast switching speeds which produces very high quality imagery, but historically ferroelectric liquid crystals have been restricted to limited temperature range applications,” said Greg Truman, Forth Dimension Displays’ Managing Director. “The breakthrough provided by our WTR FLC performance together with the very high resolution of the our WQHD display allows us to support resolutions that exceed the limits of our Active Matrix Liquid Crystal Displays (AMLCD) and brightness levels that exceed the capability of Organic Light Emitting Diode displays (OLEDs). The innovation provided by our WTR FLC, which has passed environmental and reliability tests, opens up many new applications and markets including high volume US defense product applications.”
The WQHD display with 8.2-micron pixels utilizes ForthDD’s patented Time Domain Imaging (TDI™) technique to produce superior full color imagery and no perceptible motion artifacts. The specialized ultra-fast ForthDD FLCOS overcomes the motion artifacts of standard Liquid Crystal on Silicon (LCOS) displays. The display is available as a stand-alone item for integration with a customer’s system or is supplied as a Board Level Product with fully integrated driver and optional illumination subsystem. WQHD displays have now been fully tested and are undergoing system qualification with the first defense customer as a part of fully integrated Kopin display systems, which incorporate the display with Kopin electronics, optics and system packaging elements.
“The availability of the new WQHD display gives us another microdisplay technology in our defense and enterprise product offerings and is ideal for use in systems needing cutting-edge high resolution and bright full color video images without color breakup,” said Bill Maffucci, Kopin’s Vice President/General Manager of Government and Professional Products. “The unique WQHD display is an excellent complement to our AMLCD displays which are primarily for soldier centric systems. As a result, it provides Kopin with the opportunity to open up new markets such as ground vehicle platforms. These market segments have been largely supported by CRT technology and represent a significant potential growth area facilitated by the new WQHD display.”
About Forth Dimension Displays Limited (ForthDD)
Forth Dimension Displays has been a wholly owned subsidiary of Kopin Corporation (NASDAQ:KOPN) since its acquisition in January 2011. Based in Dalgety Bay, Scotland, UK, the company focuses on the design, development, manufacture and sale of leading edge high resolution Ferroelectric Liquid Crystal on Silicon (FLOCS) microdisplays and SLMs for professional and technical markets. Details on ForthDD’s website at www.forthdd.com (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
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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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