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07 Sep 23. Aimpoint, the leading manufacturer and innovator of red dot sighting technology, has been chosen to deliver mini red dot sights to the Alternative Individual Weapon System, designated L403A1 to UK MOD, via our exclusive UK distributor Edgar Brothers. The AIW will consist of three elements including the rifle system L403A1, the optic system L900A1, and the training system. As part of the optic system, Aimpoint will supply the ACRO® P-2 red dot sight. Built to exceed the requirements of the users, the ACRO series sights have been tested and proven to withstand the extreme shock, vibration, temperatures, and material stresses generated by firing over 20,000 rounds of .40 S&W ammunition. Primarily designed for use on handguns, the ACRO next generation can also be mounted on carbines, shotguns and hunting rifles or utilized as a backup sight on magnified scopes and thermal imagers. These versatile optics are night vision compatible and are the ultimate solution for extremely rugged, low-profile, compact sighting needs.
“We at Aimpoint are extremely proud to be part of this Hunter project that pushes the limits of innovation for the modern personal weapon system. We trust our distributor Edgar Brother to bring the system into service alongside DE&S in a very professional way, and that our product will contribute to the success of the AIW by enhancing soldiers’ capabilities to effectively perform their mission.“- Erik Jeppsson, Sales & Marketing Director Aimpoint.
As the Prime Contractor and UK distributors, Edgar Brothers will supply the equipment to UK MOD.
07 Sep 23. U.S. Navy awards RTX and Elbit Systems of America a $16m contract for improved F/A-18 pilot helmet mounted display systems. Collins Elbit Vision Systems (CEVS) – a joint venture between Collins Aerospace, an RTX (NYSE: RTX) business, and Elbit Systems of America – has been awarded a contract by the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division for development, engineering, logistics and test support of the Improved Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System used in Block III F/A-18E/F and E/A-18G aircraft. With this award, CEVS is formally introducing the Zero-G Helmet Mounted Display System+ (HMDS+)™. The Zero-G HMDS+™ will provide an augmented view of the battle space inside the pilot’s helmet to allow for faster decision making, increasing survivability and effectiveness. “The team followed a new development process that incorporated early and continuous pilot input to field the best solution. The result is an innovative and adaptable HMDS that will follow a long, successful line of fielded HMDS from CEVS,” said CEVS Co-General Manager Jeff Hoberg. In addition to providing improved capability, the balanced and ultra-lightweight design of the Zero-G HMDS+™ will significantly decrease the physiological strain pilots experience. For the last 30 years, CEVS has been at the forefront of developing and delivering solutions that keep pilots safe and battle ready. To learn more about the cutting-edge capabilities and benefits to pilots from the Zero-G HMDS+™, visit collinsaerospace.com/ZeroG.
05 Sep 23. HENSOLDT will present its wide range of sensor technologies for the air, sea and land domains at DSEi 2023. In London, HENSOLDT will present sensor solutions for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions, as well as sensors to improve protection of friendly forces and operational effectiveness. For more information, please visit HENSOLDT at ExCel London, Stand: H6-425.
In the land domain, HENSOLDT will showcase its advanced solutions for armoured vehicles with the “Multi Utility Vehicle” (MUV), including innovative optronic systems such as MUSS (Multifunctional Self-Defence System) and SETAS (See Through Armour System). The solution “Ceretron” by HENSOLDT combines sensors, fuses their data streams, evaluates and processes them in seconds and provides an AI-supported operational picture to the crew, thus enabling them to make smarter decisions even faster.
HENSOLDT’s impressive portfolio of advanced active and passive land radar sensors is complemented by the innovative “TwinSens” sensor solution. To enable end users to secure their territory against attacks from hostile missiles and aircraft, HENSOLDT has combined its TRML-4D active air defence radar with its world-leading “Twinvis” passive radar. This powerful solution protects air defence systems against hostile interference by reducing active emission times and thus the electromagnetic footprint detectable by hostile forces.
HENSOLDT will also present its portable battlefield radar solutions from the SPEXER family, who are designed for delivering early and precise detection data with associated target classification as a basis for engagement of asymmetric threats. In addition to HENSOLDT’s system technologies, a selection of weapon sights will also be on display.
In the air domain, HENSOLDT will present its airborne multi-mission surveillance radar “PrecISR”, along with other sensors such as the “ARGOS” II electro-optical gimbal, which can be seamlessly integrated into the Xplorer Mission System. With “MissionGrid”, HENSOLDT shows a scalable mission system that takes full advantage of the rich feature set provided by the company’s radar and electro-optic sensor range. Combined with data fusion and mission management software, “MissionGrid” provides a capability increase that enables a single aircraft to fly multiple missions.
In the maritime domain, HENSOLDT will exhibit the “SharpEye” range of 2D navigation radars and Integrated Navigation Bridge System (INBS). These systems are used extensively by the UK Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary. HENSOLDT will also be presenting a range of multi-sensor optronic masts for submarines such as the “OMS 150” and “OMS 300”.
Safety forms the basis for a sustainable future – HENSOLDT is equally committed to both. The company takes its responsibility as a sustainable, local business very seriously and has set itself ambitious goals for emissions avoidance, resource-conserving business and responsible corporate governance. For this reason, HENSOLDT supports numerous initiatives aimed at sustainable investments in local communities, education, employees and the environment.
05 Sep 23. Excelerate Technology partners with Digital Global Systems (DGS) with an exclusive distribution agreement to take drone detection systems worldwide. Excelerate Technology, a leading global hybrid connectivity provider and expert systems integrator to governments, civil defence agencies, and emergency services has joined forces with Digital Global Systems (DGS), a next-gen software platform for wireless deployments that characterises the Radio Frequency environment across multiple dimensions, as its preferred distribution partner for the DGS CLEARSKY™ Drone Threat Management (DTM) system.
The partnership enables DGS to provide its vehicle-mounted and fixed location DGS CLEARSKY™ technology to customers to assist in detecting drones quickly, anywhere from 70 MHz to 6 GHz, without relying on a drone signature library.
Fernando Murias, Chairman and CEO of DGS, said: “We are thrilled to join forces with Excelerate. They are a credible and respected sales partner who will help to bring our leading-edge drone threat management solution to the market.”
DGS CLEARSKY™ provides anomalous signal detection and multiple geolocation techniques for any signal of interest in the 70 MHz to 6 GHz range. Anomalous signals include:
- Unintentional interference
- Intentional signal interruption (jamming)
- Communications devices encroaching on a protected area
- UAVs (aka “drones”)
CLEARSKY™ combines machine learning and a real-time analysis of signal characteristics to rapidly detect drones and other anomalous activity without the reliance on a library of known drone signals. Additionally, CLEARSKY™ is frequency agnostic, meaning transmissions can be detected and classified outside of frequency bands where drones typically operate. This ensures that drones that have been modified to operate outside the regulated frequencies can be detected.
Excelerate’s solutions provide reliable communication and enhanced situational awareness even where no terrestrial networks are available, are congested, or have been severely compromised. With an extensive reach that spans varied industries and geographies, Excelerate is renowned for delivering solutions that are fit for purpose, user-friendly, and address the unique demands of each region. This global presence serves as a testament to the company’s unparalleled adaptability and dedication to creating a safer and more connected world.
DGS’s Drone Threat Management (DTM) system complements Excelerate’s offering by detecting, classifying, and locating drones anywhere in the swept spectrum (70 MHz to 6 GHz). Further features include its ability to classify UAVs in fewer than two seconds, integrating with third-party systems, such as cameras and radar; and the use of patented geolocation techniques to provide better accuracy and detect new and unknown drones without reliance on a signature library.
Additionally, DGS technology offers spectrum optimization for enhanced communications by delivering RF environmental data to 5G infrastructure. This allows for ultra-reliable and low-latency applications while paving the way for true dynamic spectrum sharing.
David Savage, founder, and CEO of Excelerate said: “This partnership with DGS is an exciting one with combined experience spanning many years in delivering ubiquitous connectivity and secure solutions between the two companies. The partnership will form part of our global partner programme and will enable us as a company to scale up our drone offering. This is particularly significant for our collaboration with customers in policing and counter-terror, critical infrastructure, and secure facilities, enhancing their capability to identify and respond effectively to unauthorised or potentially harmful drone activities.”
The partnership is complete, and the two companies will demonstrate their combined expertise on stand J130 at the Emergency Services Show in Birmingham, UK from 19th – 20th September 2023.
05 Sep 23. Electro Optic Systems (EOS) has demonstrated its Australian made directed energy and kinetic counter-drone capabilities in a field environment, in front of an international audience.
This demonstration is a watershed moment for EOS and for directed energy technology in Australia, evidenced by the presence of potential export customers from Europe, the Middle East, North America, and South East Asia.
The testing was the first of its kind in Australia, with EOS successfully engaging moving drones from a moving vehicle with the ‘Slinger’ kinetic weapon system. The testing involved destroying drones with machine guns out to 500 metres and lasers beyond 1000 metres, with a very high level of accuracy.
Importantly, these capabilities are being designed and manufactured in Australia, by Australians, using an extensive Australian supply chain.
Executive Vice President of EOS Defence Systems, Matt Jones, said, “I am enormously proud of the achievements of the team at EOS, with testing exceeding expectations on all counter-drone systems”.
“Drones are a threat in military and civilian environments right now. Counter-drone capabilities, like those developed by EOS, are becoming increasingly essential, and will save the lives of our allies, or perhaps our own Defence Force personnel in the future.”
These EOS counter-drone systems are evidence of genuinely sovereign capabilities meeting the needs of government and Defence, including countering contemporary and emerging threats, such as those in Ukraine.
Mr Jones said “EOS’ directed energy capability has significant export potential, adding to Australia’s strategic weight and the reputation of Australian defence industry”
The directed energy capability also demonstrates EOS’s capabilities in an area of priority for the Defence Advanced Strategic Capability Accelerator (ASCA), and the focus of AUKUS Pillar II on electronic warfare.
Initially designed for export, these cutting-edge capabilities have generated interest from potential customers in North America, Europe, the Middle East, and South-east Asia.
04 Sep 23. Saab launches Giraffe 1X Deployment Set. Saab launches a new Deployment Set configuration for the Giraffe 1X radar that will be shown for the first time in public at DSEI 2023.
The new configuration is designed to be easily transported, swiftly re-located and quickly operational: all features highly desirable on a modern battlefield or where air threats from any direction pose a real risk to a fixed installation.
Giraffe 1X Deployment Set is an easily deployable, compact and robust, software-based, lightweight 3D AESA radar. Its small footprint and large search volume (75 km) make it excellent for urgent operations with limited possibilities. Giraffe 1X Deployment Set is a versatile solution for both mobile and fixed installations.
“Giraffe 1X Deployment Set is a highly deployable capability made for delivering an instant air picture after deployment. We are constantly pushing the time limits to give operational forces time to act,” says Carl-Johan Bergholm, head of Saab’s business area Surveillance.
Giraffe 1X provides commanders with quality air defence target data, drone detection for counter-UAS, and sense and warn capability for rockets, as well as artillery and mortar. Giraffe 1X offers continuous software upgrades in order to meet emerging threats. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
29 Aug 23. Eurocae releases draft ED-322 on interoperability requirements for non-cooperative UAS detection systems. Standards agency Eurocae has released its draft document ED-322 on System Performance and Interoperability Requirements for non-cooperative UAS detection systems. The document describes the system performance and interoperability requirements for non-cooperative UAS detection systems (Counter-UAS) in airport environments. The document is intended to summarise the different aspects of the Counter UAS (C-UAS) system and to have a better understanding of the C-UAS system components at the detection level. This document will identify performance requirements parameters of the Counter UAS detection system as it has been defined in the ED 286 / DO-389 Operational Services and Environment Definition (OSED) for Counter UAS in Controlled Airspace.
ED-322 was developed jointly by EUROCAE Working Group 115 ‘Counter UAS’ and RTCA SC-238. The consultation on this new standard is open until 10 October 2023. After this date, it will be submitted for approval by the EUROCAE Council.
Julia Sanchez, co-leader of WG 115 stated: “I am very pleased that, after a few years of work, we now have the first international standard on C-UAS for the detection part. C-UAS is not part of the UAS Traffic Management, but most probably interfaces will emerge in the future and the standard already supports interoperability”.
Filippo Tomasello, member of WG 115, added: “This standard was developed with civil airports in mind, but nothing prevents other public entities, including militaries, using it for procurement of C-UAS. EuroUSC Italia would be happy to support you if requested. Procurement based on international standards offers more assurance on system performance”.
Detection systems are essential part of the Counter UAS (C-UAS) systems which may be necessary to protect major airports from drone intrusions. These intrusions disrupt air traffic regularity. However, the standard may be applied by entities wishing to purchase C-UAS systems to protect any sensitive sites from drones anywhere in the world.
For more information visit: www.easa.europa.eu (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
30 Aug 23. Frontex study finds ‘added value and market potential’ for HAPS in high level and specific use cases. Frontex has just released a nine-month technological assessment report on the potential of high-altitude pseudo-satellites (HAPS) to enhance law-enforcement operations, border surveillance and communication.
Main findings of the report
The report looks at the technological readiness, assessing the technology of HAPS as such, but also its potential use to help tackle challenges faced by Frontex and other members of the EU Innovation Hub for Internal Security.
The authors of the report looked at particular case studies to see how HAPS can be used in such activities as earth observation, telecommunication and navigation, search and rescue missions, remote sensing and operations and provision of ad-hoc telecom and satellite navigation (GNSS).
The study includes the following elements:
- an overview of balloons and airships (LTA – lighter-than-air) and with fixed-wing aircraft (HTA – heavier-than-air);
- an analysis of individual HAPS technologies, including a comparison of the platforms, payload analysis, technological challenges, infrastructure demands, and regulatory barriers.
Conclusions
The study concluded that HAPS have a real potential within each of the three identified high level use cases linked to the activities of Frontex and other members of the EU Innovation Hub on Internal Security, entailing Earth Observation, Telecommunication, and Navigation . Whilst the level of research and development varies across the three use cases – as the navigation use case proved to be less of a driver for development compared to Earth observation and telecommunication – there is an extensive added value in leveraging HAPS for each of the three, and the insights collected during the study underlined the technological feasibility of HAPS.
Beyond the assessment of the potential and technological readiness of HAPS for the three high level use cases, five additional specific use cases were established. They were designed in close collaboration with Frontex and the EU Innovation Hub on Internal security, in order to be able to assess the potential of HAPS through the lens of relevant operational activities. The five specific use cases included in the study entailed:
- Search & Rescue missions;
- (Cross-border) remote sensing/observation, monitoring of points of interest;
- Remote vehicle/UAS/IoT operations;
- Covert operations; and
- Provision of ad hoc back-up telecommunication network and GNSS.
The stratospheric environment represents enormous engineering challenges. However, the added value and market potential drive industrial – and in some cases institutional – actors to invest ms of euros in development of HAPS, opening the door to the stratosphere and opening up the possibility for the EU ecosystem related to internal security to leverage the technology, as it can provide a clear added value in all assessed high level and specific use case.
Innovation hub platform
The project is carried out under the EU Innovation Hub for Internal Security, a cross-sectorial EU platform which ensures collaboration between internal security innovation actors, formed by the EU Justice and Home Affairs agencies, European Commission, the Council General Secretariat and the EU Counter Terrorism Coordinator.
Download the report here: https://frontex.europa.eu/assets/EUresearchprojects/2023/FX_HAPS_WP2_-_Technological_Assessment_Consolidated.pdf
For more information visit: www.frontex.europa.eu (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
31 Aug 23. Robin Radar and Exavision demonstrate ‘affordable multi-layered counter drone protection.’ Robin Radar Systems reports its IRIS drone detection radar is now compatibility with the Exavision’s NEMOSYS-XR-HD counter-UAV optronic solution. The companies successfully demonstrated collaboration to provide multi-layered CUAS protection using two accurate, compatible systems, working in tandem to deliver a low false-alarm rate for end-users.
The companies say it is easy to connect IRIS with Exavision’s GUI, and simple to configure and operate the system. Both technologies are mission-proven in multi-sensor-multi-effector drone detection and defence systems worldwide in demanding scenarios.
The aim is to give government authorities and other end-users access to affordable CUAS capability; without significant investment in multi-sensor integrated systems.
The companies plan to test the system’s capability in the coming months.
According to Robin Radar, IRIS combines smart software and affordable radar for drone detection and tracking. With 360-degrees azimuth coverage and elevation coverage of 60-degrees, IRIS is designed to provide early warning of approaching drones.
Exavision’s NEMOSYS HD comprises a range of high definition optronic solutions designed designed for extra-long-range surveillance effective night and day. For more information visit: www.robinradar.com; www.exavision.com (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
12 Sep 23. UK defence technology company Chess Dynamics has launched Deep Embedded Feature Tracking (DEFT), an advanced real-time video tracking capability that provides accurate and robust tracking in complex situations.
- System incorporates advanced technologies to improve traditional video tracking.
- Machine learning improves understanding of the target while tracking.
DEFT utilises a deep learning approach, developed by Chess brand Vision4ce, to create a comprehensive model of the tracked target, allowing the system to accurately locate dynamic targets and reliably re-acquire the target following periods of occlusion. DEFT provides improved tracking of difficult targets, such as dynamic objects that are changing appearance or rapidly accelerating, against foreground and background clutter, where traditional algorithms struggle.
The technology enhances Chess’s AI-driven target detection and tracking capability and integrates with Neural Network-based object detection and classification of targets including multi-rotor drones, vessels and land vehicles.
As the tracking progresses, the model is continuously fine-tuned to enhance its understanding of the target, resulting in precise long-term, robust tracking performance. Accurate classification allows the system to take advantage of automation technology for threat prioritisation and alerts, while also developing robust analytics data to enable more accurate decision making.
David Tuddenham, Chess Group Managing Director said: “The increased proliferation of stealthy drones and more flexibly deployed forces has posed an unprecedented threat to security and privacy. These agile and hard-to-detect devices capitalise on cluttered environments to evade traditional surveillance methods, highlighting the urgent need for innovative technologies to counteract them.
DEFT has been developed in response to this growing issue. It exhibits remarkable resilience in the face of dynamic targets, effortlessly adapting to changes in appearance or rapid acceleration. Adopting Vision4ce’s highly efficient technology will allow us to address a critical challenge in modern surveillance.”
For more information please visit www.chess-dynamics.com
About Chess Dynamics:
Chess Dynamics is a Systems House providing surveillance, fire control and special project capability for Land and Maritime domains.
Chess’ portfolio of proven surveillance and fire control solutions also includes counter-UAV (drone) protection systems, the Vision4ce branded real time video and image processing solutions for electro-optic systems.
The company also provides a complete service including survey, installation, training, and maintenance across its entire product range, including bespoke engineering solutions.
Chess has been supplying equipment, sub-systems and systems to defence leaders and prime contractors since 2005. Chess is a subsidiary company of the Cohort group and the company is led by David Tuddenham.
Chess Dynamics is a subsidiary of Cohort plc – the independent technology group and parent company of six innovative, agile, and responsive businesses Chess, EID, ELAC SONAR, MASS, MCL and SEA, providing a wide range of services and products for domestic and international customers in defence, security and related markets.
Cohort plc was admitted to London’s Alternative Investment Market (AIM) in March 2006. Its headquarters are in Reading, Berkshire and the Group employs around 1,000 core staff at its operating company sites across the UK, Germany, and Portugal. www.cohortplc.com
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Echodyne is a U.S. designer and manufacturer of advanced commercial radar solutions for defense and national security applications. The company’s proprietary metamaterials electronically scanned array (MESA®) architecture, a rare breakthrough in advanced radar engineering, leverages a physics-design approach to adapt conventional materials and deliver unexpected and beneficial behavior. The result is a solid-state, low-SWaP unit coupled with advanced software capabilities that delivers superior radar performance and unparalleled data integrity, radically improving system performance and enhancing safety for people and machines. With leading positions in counter-UAS, force protection, base security, and portable ISR, Defense Agencies and Suppliers rely on Echodyne radar for extraordinary accuracy and consistent, reliable operation. For more information, please visit: Echodyne.com.
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