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11 Sep 23. Echodyne Receives FCC Authorization for High-Accuracy EchoShield Radar. Demand for high-performance radar growing across all customer markets and applications. Echodyne, the radar platform company, today announces it has received Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Authorization for its EchoShield radar. The FCC Authorization allows EchoShield to be used for non-experimental purposes and arrives as demand for its breakthrough radars grows across all markets and applications. Echodyne’s software-defined, multi-mission, commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) radars are used for situational awareness by Defense, Government, and Critical Infrastructure customers, and as a navigational sensor by Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) markets.
The primary drivers for the demand surge are security applications across all geographies. While large, conventional radars are optimal for addressing traditional air defense threats like jets and missiles, demand is growing for compact, portable, attritable, high-performance radars to deal with contemporary threats, especially drones. The low cost and operational effectiveness of drones as weapons demonstrates the need for symmetry in Counter-UAS solutions. Echodyne’s radars are built on patented Metamaterials Electronic Scanning Array (MESA®) technology that shatters the barriers to cost-effective electronically scanned array (ESA) radar, the gold standard for operational excellence, and creates high-performance attritable solutions for mission-critical security applications, such as Counter-UAS.
“We have been working with Echodyne for many years,” said Al White, CEO of High Point Aerotechnologies. “Our business is designing intelligent Counter-UAS solutions for Defense and Government customers, and Echodyne’s radars have consistently topped the list for both accuracy and reliability. EchoShield sets a new mark in radar performance.”
EchoShield has been active in trials and early deployments, with reviewers consistently citing accuracy and reliability as key differentiators to other radar options. Customers for EchoShield include global Defense Prime Integrators, Federal law enforcement and security agencies, and commercial and governmental research organizations.
“Chess Dynamics solutions are highly tailored to customer requirements,” commented David Eldridge, Chess Sales & Marketing Director. “EchoShield’s highly accurate data creates a strong foundation that precisely cues other sensors and effectors and improves overall solution performance.”
A medium-range, software-defined, pulse-Doppler, cognitive 4D radar, EchoShield intelligently searches a large, customizable Field of View (FoV) and tracks objects of interest with highly precise angular accuracy. Utilizing cognitive radar concepts to combine different waveforms, beam schedules, and other resources into user selectable mission sets, EchoShield tailors radar performance to user, location, and mission requirements.
Key features include:
- MESA Technology: Echodyne’s proprietary MESA radar is a rare breakthrough in advanced radar engineering that outperforms comparable radars on the market and shatters price-performance barriers.
- Data-Fidelity: Data fidelity is increasingly important for detecting and identifying dynamic, inexpensive, and readily available off-the-shelf drones. Tracking objects with reliably precise angular accuracy in both azimuth and elevation, EchoShield easily manages complex scenes, achieves a tight lock on the drone intruder, and directs other sensors and effectors with stunning accuracy.
- Seamless Integration: No sensor can stand alone, and all systems benefit from better foundational data from radar. To ease integration into systems of systems, EchoShield radars utilize industry-standard TCP/IP over Gigabit Ethernet with multiple rich-data output options and a powerful suite of software tools to assist integration activities.
- Multimodal: By design, Echodyne radars have the lowest size, weight, and power (SWaP) relative to performance of any comparable radar. EchoShield is designed to meet Fixed, Portable, and On-the-Move (OTM) requirements.
“We are pleased to see such high demand for our EchoShield radar,” said Eben Frankenberg, CEO of Echodyne. “MESA allows us to design and build radars that deliver unprecedented performance in a commercial off the shelf package with unbeatable C-SWaP.”
EchoShield is a core piece of a software-enhanced radar architecture, utilizing both on-radar software (firmware) and off-radar software to create high-fidelity situational awareness that ensures mission safety and success. The FCC Identifier for EchoShield is 2ANLB-MESA00054 and includes both FCC Part 87 and Part 90 authorizations. For more information on EchoShield, please visit: https://www.echodyne.com/radar-solutions/echoshield or visit Echodyne at DSEI, booth H1-807.
13 Sep 23. Teledyne FLIR Defense Demonstrates Groundbreaking UAV Vehicle Reconnaissance Technology at DSEI in London.
‘Black Recon’ tech concept will enable crews in fighting vehicles to autonomously launch and recover small drones for immediate, covert situational awareness without leaving the vehicle.
Teledyne FLIR Defense is showcasing a new technology concept at this week’s DSEI conference in London that will allow crews to autonomously launch small drones operated from inside a military vehicle; perform reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition (RSTA); and then recover the aircraft without ever having to leave the safety of the vehicle. The Black Recon™ Vehicle Reconnaissance System is a development program that features an entirely new micro-unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) designed to withstand the rigors of traveling on infantry and other fighting vehicles. (Photo: Business Wire)
Teledyne FLIR Defense, part of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated (NYSE:TDY), is showcasing a new technology concept at this week’s DSEI conference in London that will allow crews to autonomously launch small drones operated from inside a military vehicle; perform reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition (RSTA); and then recover the aircraft without ever having to leave the safety of the vehicle.
The Black Recon™ Vehicle Reconnaissance System (VRS) is a development program that features an entirely new micro-unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) designed to withstand the rigors of traveling on infantry and other fighting vehicles. The system is built to provide continuous untethered reconnaissance at flight speeds that allow the UAV to work ahead of advancing vehicles, supplying valuable situational awareness even beyond line of sight.
Fitted inside a hardened launch box mounted to a vehicle, Black Recon’s deployment system can launch up to three UAVs during a mission. When one returns, a unique cradle-arm autonomously recovers the drone using patented technology to precisely track, capture, and dock the UAV – day or night, even in poor weather. Drones are then automatically recharged for the next mission
With its thermal and visual payload, Black Recon delivers live imagery and targeting information to vehicle crews. Operators can use the system for a wide range of missions, such as assessing if terrain is passable, sweeping for mines and improvised explosive devices, or performing close-up inspection under bridges using onboard illumination. The system provides high precision RSTA and can perform GPS-denied operations.
“Black Recon represents a groundbreaking new capability and a force multiplier for warfighters to take on near-peer adversaries,” said Dr. JihFen Lei, executive vice president and general manager of Teledyne FLIR Defense. “The ability to launch and recover UAVs in seconds from a vehicle, without exposing the crew, will enable fighting units to maintain operational tempo and leverage the system when it’s needed most – in dynamic, uncertain, and complex environments.
“We continue to refine Black Recon’s technology and are excited about future applications, not only for the military but also other areas like law enforcement, border security, and critical infrastructure protection. We look forward to sharing the concept with industry partners during DSEI,” Lei added. Visit Teledyne FLIR at Stand # H1-361 to see the Black Recon at DSEI from Sept. 12-14, or learn more online.
13 Sep 23. MilDef launches new Panel PC technology. MilDef, a systems integrator and full-spectrum provider specializing in rugged IT, presents a newly developed Panel PC with a rapidly detachable computer module for the next level of operational flexibility. The unique combination of display and computer enables groundbreaking use of computers and displays in military operations. The system has been implemented on combat-ready platforms.
MilDef’s Panel PC integrates a ruggedized display and detachable computer into an “intelligent display”. The retractable and space-efficient computer can be prepared for missions, plugged into the opened display before missions, and taken away after missions to analyze data. The unique feature is that the computer is extremely easy to quickly detach from the display, while both the computer module and the display section can be used standalone. The Panel PC has undergone rigorous testing for ruggedization and can withstand significant electromagnetic demands, whether in air, land or sea applications.
Fredrik Persson, MilDef CTO, emphasizes its significance:
“The Panel PC technology represents a powerful evolutionary step in ruggedized and smart display systems. Adaptability and cost-effectiveness have been guiding principles in the development process to offer a unique solution with significant benefits in military operations. In our solution, new computer modules can be easily integrated with existing display modules without replacing the entire system, for both increased operational security and life cycle economy”.
The displays are available from 10 inches upwards, with HD and resilient multitouch. The display features NVIS backlighting with a dimmable touchscreen and configurable function keys for individualized settings. An on-screen display can be added for simplified display navigation.
See MilDef’s Panel PC at the DSEI exhibition in London. Booth H2-655.
13 Sep 23. RTX business Collins Aerospace selected by BAE Systems as Large Area Display provider for Eurofighter Typhoon cockpit development. RTX (NYSE: RTX) business Collins Aerospace has been selected by BAE Systems as the provider for Large Area Display technology to be integrated into the cockpits of future Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft.
The ultra-high-definition Large Area Display (LAD) will be used by BAE Systems as part of its rapid capability development programme, Project Medulla, which sees it investing in future technologies for use across its combat air portfolio, including Eurofighter Typhoon.
The LAD will serve as a pivotal tool for pilots, consolidating critical flight data, sensor inputs and tactical information into a single, easily accessible interface. Through real-time data feeds from radar, targeting systems, and threat detection, pilots will maintain an up-to-the-second view of the battlefield, enabling swift and precise decision-making during high-stakes engagements.
“The selection of Collins Aerospace as the current best athlete for the LAD equipment will support our continued investment into our combat air platforms, including Typhoon,” said Ian Clark, Head of Medulla, BAE Systems Air. “Together with upgraded mission systems and increased processing power our teams are developing, the LAD will enable pilots to harness the full potential of Typhoon’s advanced in radar and weapons technology ensuring the aircraft remains the backbone of combat air power for decades to come.”
“Our Large Area Display for Eurofighter Typhoon cockpits represents a game-changing advancement in combat aviation,” said Craig Bries, VP GM, Marketing, Sales, & Aftermarket Services, Collins Aerospace. “Specifically designed for combat aircraft, the Large Area Display will revolutionise aerial operations by offering complete situational awareness and unparalleled operational effectiveness providing fighter pilots with an unmatched advantage.”
The Large Area Display’s intuitive design and resistive touch screen technology will streamline information flow and will significantly reduce cognitive workload, allowing pilots to focus on critical tasks and maneuvers, thereby maximising operational effectiveness. With this state-of-the-art technology, combat aircraft pilots will be better equipped to manage complex aerial scenarios, optimise flight paths and respond proactively to enemy threats.
Collins Aerospace will work with BAE Systems to develop a Large Area Display solution that leverages existing, field-proven design elements while incorporating the latest available display technologies in order to minimise obsolescence and development schedule risks.
Collins Aerospace has a long-standing relationship with BAE Systems, which has evolved through successful collaboration on the Tornado, Eurofighter Typhoon and Hawk aircraft programs. Collins Aerospace supplies close to 50 percent of the world’s avionics displays and has more than 30 years of experience in producing high performance display products for fighter aircraft as well as trainers, bombers, helicopters, and commercial aircraft worldwide.
12 Sep 23. Leonardo DRS, Inc. (NASDAQ: DRS) announced today that it is releasing its next-generation 5-inch stabilized, multi-sensor EO/IR payload gimbal, with market leading high-definition nighttime imaging capability.
The Small Unmanned Aircraft System Tactical Agile Gimbal (STAG)-5 LLD gimbal is designed for small, unmanned aircraft systems, including common launch tube UASs, small tactical multirotor UAVs, and light fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters.
The STAG-5 LLD is the latest advancement in the DRS STAG-5 family of gimbals designed for Class 1 UAS platforms used across the U.S. military for a range of missions. The gimbal provides a combination of the newest small high-performance sensors including high-definition electro-optical, high-definition long-wave infrared, short-wave infrared, laser range finder and a laser target designator. The gimbal systems are highly stabilized, Modular Open Systems Architecture (MOSA) compatible, less than 6” diameter and weigh under five pounds. STAG-5 LLD delivers higher performance through significant savings in weight and volume over current competitor products.
The high-definition long-wave package includes the industry leading DRS TENUM 1280 10-micron uncooled camera core. TENUM is a commercial off-the-shelf sensor providing ultra-high resolution and long-range imaging performance in a small package.
“Adding this high-performance gimbal for day and night use to our STAG-5 family of systems provides the warfighter a market leading capability to improve airborne operations, including JTAC missions, from small, highly portable UAV platforms,” said Jerry Hathaway, senior vice president & general manager of the Electro-Optical & Infrared Systems business. “We are proud of our innovative team that developed this breakthrough capability, it offers UAS primes, operators, and end-users a new choice to improve their intelligence surveillance reconnaissance-targeting mission execution and effectiveness.
Find out more about our family of advanced gimbal products on our website.
About Leonardo DRS
Headquartered in Arlington, VA, Leonardo DRS, Inc. is an innovative and agile provider of advanced defense technology to U.S. national security customers and allies around the world. We specialize in the design, development and manufacture of advanced sensing, network computing, force protection, and electric power and propulsion, and other leading mission-critical technologies. Our innovative people are leading the way in developing disruptive technologies for autonomous, dynamic, interconnected, and multi-domain capabilities to defend against new and emerging threats. For more information and to learn more about our full range of capabilities, visit www.LeonardoDRS.com.
12 Sep 23. Teledyne FLIR Expands Turnkey Neutrino Ground ISR Series for Integrators Provides world-class mid-wave infrared imaging performance required for short-, mid-, and long-range applications, including perimeter surveillance, border surveillance, and counter-UAS (CUAS) systems. Teledyne FLIR, part of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated, today announced two additional mid-wave infrared (MWIR) imaging solutions for integrators developing ground[1]based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) systems. The Neutrino Ground ISR 300 and Ground ISR 420 offer high-performance imaging, long life, and a low switching cost through the combination of Teledyne FLIR’s best-in-class MWIR camera modules, continuous zoom (CZ) lenses and image processing with market-leading control electronics from InVeo Designs LLC. “The Neutrino Ground ISR series incorporates multiple focal plane array (FPA) resolutions and CZ lens options, all with the same industry standard image processing and interface electronics, allowing for differing detection recognition and identification (DRI) requirements and affordability,” said Dan Walker, vice president of product management, Teledyne FLIR. “As the most complete and versatile integrated MWIR solution yet for ground-based ISR systems, the newest addition to the Neutrino series delivers the performance, reliability, and support expected from Teledyne FLIR.” To drive high system-level performance, the Neutrino Ground ISR series includes industry-adopted AgileCore™ imaging electronics, long-life Linear Stirling coolers that provide a superior mean-time-to-failure of greater than 27,000 hours, and fully integrated CZ optics. Developed and produced by Teledyne FLIR, formerly New England Optical Systems (NEOS), which joined FLIR in 2019, the CZ lenses provide a range of focal length options to maximize DRI. The series also features an industry-leading two-year warranty. With the choice of either 640×512 or 1280×1024 thermal pixel resolution, the modules provide optimal thermal sensitivity while the zoom, focus, and boresight retention enable superior autofocus and focus-to[1]range. They also feature common camera interfaces with 30Hz Camera Link or Gigabit Ethernet and 1080P30 HD-SDI or 720P60 HD-SDI to streamline development further. All Neutrino Ground ISR products are manufactured in the USA, classified under US Department of Commerce jurisdiction as EAR 6A003.b.4.a, and are not subject to International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Customers also have access to a comprehensive software development kit (SDK), integration support, and documentation from the highly qualified technical services team at Teledyne FLIR. The Neutrino Ground ISR products are upgradable to operate Teledyne FLIR’s AI detection, tracking, and classification models and image signal processing (ISP) libraries for super-resolution, turbulence mitigation, contrast enhancement, and more that will be available in 2024. To learn more about the new Neutrino Ground ISR Series, please visit
12 Sep 23. MARSS Showcases Five New Products at DSEI, Demonstrating its Unwavering Commitment to Security Innovation. MARSS, a leading name in defence technology, reaffirms its unwavering commitment to innovation as it prepares to unveil five ground-breaking products at this year’s DSEI event in London, taking place from September 12th to 15th.
Among the latest product innovations, and the centrepiece of its display at DSEI, MARSS will be showcasing NiDAR X-JOC (eXpeditionary Joint Operation Command). This rapidly deployable, containerised Command and Control (C2) centre houses 4 operators in comfort, monitoring a network of remote air defence systems in addition to an entire CUAS detection and countermeasure capability built into the JOC. The replica NiDAR X-JOC at DSEI will allow visitors to experience, first-hand, the unique capabilities of MARSS’ NiDAR C2 system in a variety of live and simulated scenarios.
MARSS is also launching NiDAR X-SCOUT– the drop and forget Counter UAS expeditionary system. An easily deployable CUAS system that has been built around the flatbed of a Land Cruiser – one of the smallest pickup trucks that is widely used across the Middle East. Transported by such a pick-up truck or similar (Humvee or JLTV, or even air-dropped), it can be dropped at any location and be operational with remote control or fully autonomous for a week and more.
MARSS will also be showcasing its expansion of its Interceptor product range, including the Interceptor-SR (Short Range). Designed for vehicle integration or man-portable, the AI-enabled autonomous Interceptor-SR offers a cost-effective and low collateral solution to neutralise hostile CAT1 UAVs beyond 1km. The high-speed electric craft defeats threats using its kinetic energy, offering non-lethal protection for mounted or dismounted infantry as well as other qualified civilian/Government users.
Additionally, the Interceptor-MR (Medium Range), an evolution of the Interceptor first shown at the World Defense Show, has been reengineered to counter the latest CAT2 UAS threats, addressing ongoing infrastructure security challenges observed around the world, including in Ukraine.
All MARSS products harness the cutting-edge NiDAR Core software, leveraging AI detection, recognition, and classification alongside an intuitive touchscreen interface. This technology empowers users to, rapidly and effortlessly, monitor and respond to threats while efficiently safeguarding assets, all with fewer operators compared to traditional setups.
Johannes Pinl, MARSS Founder and CEO says “Innovation is in our DNA. By listening to our customers and having boots on ground, we know what their problems are, and we have the team and resources to respond to them. Being part of discussions around the Saudi Mega Projects and Ukraine, and growing our team in the UK as we run tests with the UK MOD, we’re finding out more of the issues operators are facing day by day.
“The solution is always NiDAR, and our development of physical effectors and hardware products will enhance CUAS platforms to be the best they can be, against threats our customers are facing today and tomorrow.”
Furthermore, MARSS proudly introduces RADiRguard CITY, a solar powered streetlight with hidden cutting-edge surveillance capabilities. In line with MARSS’ commitment to protect perimeter and people, RADiRguard CITY can keep civilians safe from threats as varied as gun attacks, air pollutants or vehicles entering pedestrianised areas.
While developing these products, MARSS has also continued to invest in its R&D workforce – recently trebling the size of its research team in Bristol, who are pioneering MARSS’ hardware offerings with a range of innovations.
Johannes Pinl added, “MARSS remains dedicated to pushing the boundaries of defence technology, and these new product offerings underscore its commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions for an ever-evolving security landscape.”
You can see MARSS and the latest NiDAR products at DSEI, Excel London, 12th to 15th September, in the Future Tech Hub, Stand H1-680.
About MARSS
Founded in 2005, MARSS is a global technology leader with extensive experience spanning over 15 years, including research collaboration with the EU, NATO, security agencies, academia and industry.
Leveraging innovation and technology to provide the highest level of security against emerging threats, MARSS’ intuitive solutions employ integrated sensor surveillance, machine learning and open-source intelligence to protect nations, critical infrastructure, naval assets, security operations, heads of state, commercial shipping and ms of lives worldwide. The MARSS product family includes NiDAR™, NiDAR 4D, NiDAR Command, NiDAR X, NiDAR CUAS, NiDAR CUAS COMPACT, MOBtronic™, RADiRguard™ and INTERCEPTOR.
12 Sep 23. MARSS launches new portable Interceptor to neutralise hostile drones. Live from DSEI, defence and security technology specialist, MARSS, today launched its new portable UAS countermeasure. Combining innovations of its larger sibling, with a smaller size and lighter weight, the Interceptor-SR (Short Range) marks a step-change in vehicle and personnel drone protection. MARSS’ Interceptor, launched in 2022, is an AI-enabled autonomous UAS, that offers an intelligent, cost-effective and low collateral alternative to short range missiles for the rapidly evolving mission to neutralise hostile drones. This new portable solution can be used on the battlefield to neutralise CAT1 drones at 1km+, giving mounted and dismounted infantry the confidence of knowing they are always protected, wherever they are, in an inherently safe (no explosive or jet fuel required) manner.
The Mounted Infantry version employs multiple Interceptor-SR launchers, which can be integrated onto a range of crewed or uncrewed vehicles. Combined with NiDAR C2 and sensors onboard the vehicle acting as detector, the Interceptor-SR is launched by the push of a button. Once airborne, the Interceptor-SR uses an onboard thermal sensor to autonomously track the hostile UAV and neutralise it using kinetic energy. This offers a world leading mobile CUAS system, from ‘detect’ to ‘defeat,’ with a cost-per-engagement significantly more favourable than conventional weapon systems.
For dismounted infantry, a further version is in development, packaged around a re-usable lightweight shoulder launcher, with an integrated thermal sight to find and target hostile drones when deployed. Once launched, the operator remains ‘over-the-loop’ to confirm a successful engagement or to abort at any time.
The Interceptor-SR is fully compliant with the UK MoD SAPIENT standard and as such is interoperable with other compliant battlefield sensors and networks.
Stephen Scott, Head of R&D for Defence at MARSS, commented: “We developed the Interceptor-SR in direct response to customer demand. When we launched the Interceptor at the inaugural World Defense Show last year, many customers commented on the need for a portable CUAS solution that mounted and dismounted infantry could successfully use to defeat category 1 threats at shorter ranges”.
“Interceptor-SR is our answer – a mobile solution that’s half the size of our larger Interceptor model, but offers many of the same features. Hostile drones are adapting to the battlefield on a weekly basis, and their proliferation will continue beyond current conflicts. We’re always pushing hard to stay ahead of the threat and develop capability in an agile and responsive way for our end users. Interceptor-SR compliments the larger Interceptor and offers another air defence layer to protect against these evolving drone threats.”
MARSS’ Interceptor-SR provides an inherently safe approach to defeat drones that can be deployed in both military and civil operations.
Scott added, “The Interceptor-SR is a unique, portable solution, unlike anything else on the market, so we’re anticipating strong demand, especially given the unfortunate proliferation of drone attacks in the Ukraine conflict.”
Visit MARSS’ stand at H1-680 to view the new Interceptor-SR, along with MARSS’ replica containerised C2, X-JOC, where visitors will be able to experience, first-hand, the unique capabilities of MARSS’ NiDAR system in a variety of scenarios.
12 Sep 23. CONTROP Precision Technologies (“Controp”) Ltd.- A global leader of EO/IR Systems and Technology unveils its ‘Smart Vision’, an innovative suite of technology driven by edge AI & smart algorithms enhancing the level of autonomy & automation for a variety of surveillance & reconnaissance missions. Warfighting technologies are evolving and creating new battle landscapes with smart and elusive enemies. Increasingly, more and more surveillance systems are generating 24\7 data flows from a variety of sensors to command & control centers, creating unprecedented data workloads, making it nearly impossible for the operators to conduct successful missions when confronting these massive data workloads.
Coming to DSEI 2023, Controp will showcase ‘Smart Vision’ technology as part of its vision to push the boundaries of its EO\IR surveillance technologies forward. ‘Smart Vision’ is a suite of technology for EO/IR applications driven by Edge AI and smart algorithms enhancing the level of autonomy & automation for multi-domain surveillance & reconnaissance missions providing a faster, smarter & more precise detection, investigation, and classification processes aimed to reduce operator’s workload.
‘Smart Vision’ Technologies:
- Edge AI: Automatic Target Recognition (ATR) and Video Motion Detection (VMD) capabilities
- Smart Algorithms: Tracking, Persistent Surveillance, enhanced Image Processing (such as turbulence mitigation, colored TI and SWIR),
‘Smart Vision’ operational benefits:
- Agile solution for various operational challenges
- Quick target acquisition and tracking
- Shortening sensor to shooter cycle
- Decision making support
- Reducing operator’s- workload
- Persistent Surveillance enhanced by VMD & ATR
- Enhanced Image Processing
Hagay Azani, CEO, CONTROP:
“At DSEI 2023 Controp will present its vast and impressive portfolio at the forefront of EO\IR High-end Technology.
Controp is an innovative and agile company, always ahead of the market with its unique EO\IR solutions.
We are driven by the question of how to turn the visual information coming out of our best-in-class systems into unique operational value. Today, our customers want the systems to tell them the story and not to look for the story by themselves. This is exactly what we do with our ‘smart’ layer called ‘Smart Vision’. This is a suite of technology driven by edge AI & smart algorithms enhancing the level of autonomy & automation for a variety of surveillance & reconnaissance missions.”‘
12 Sep 23. At DSEi 2023, sensor solutions provider HENSOLDT will be showcasing its “Ceretron” sensor suite. This is integrated into the “Multi-Utility-Vehicle” (MUV) and has already proven its detection capability and operational capability in an uncontrolled scenario with the German Army.
With more complex combat situations and the associated increase in combat value of armoured vehicles with optical, optronic and radar sensors, the volume of data to be analysed also increases. In order to avoid information overkill, HENSOLDT has an innovative solution in its portfolio with “Ceretron”. The sensor suite combines sensors, merges their data streams, evaluates them in real time, processes them and provides the vehicle crew and the entire battle group with an AI-supported operational picture. In this way, military-relevant information is provided automatically on an ad hoc basis. In this way, decisions can be made even faster and more intelligently in the future.
“For the realisation and further development of ‘Ceretron’, HENSOLDT has the necessary and specific understanding of sensors in the entire spectral range,” says Tanya Altmann, Head of HENSOLDT’s Optronics & Land Solutions Division. “Through the automated AI-supported evaluation of sensor data, we significantly accelerate the situational awareness process for planning and decision-making. We therefore want to contribute this expertise, proven in practical scenarios at the German Army, to future programmes, such as D-LBO in Germany and FOXTROT in the Netherlands, together with our partners.”
“Ceretron” can be flexibly configured to meet the requirements of each mission. It can network a wide range of heterogeneous sensors that come from the extensive HENSOLDT portfolio or from third-party systems. This modularity allows maximum flexibility to adapt the solution to the capability-related requirements of military users.
With this sensor suite, HENSOLDT ensures information superiority and at the same time relieves the user through the use of decentralised artificial intelligence. This enables effective and highly efficient reconnaissance, target acquisition and transmission of target data across the battlefield – military capabilities that are becoming increasingly mission-critical in current conflict scenarios, such as Ukraine. Moreover, by applying it to new platforms as well as existing ones, information superiority along the entire sensor-to-effector value chain can be realised quickly, at minimal cost and in a threat-appropriate manner.
For more information, visit HENSOLDT at ExCel London, Stand: H6-425.
08 Sep 23. Holland Temporarily Replaces Radar Stations with Mobile Systems. Defense is deploying a NATO mobile radar system to replace the radar station in Wier for six months. It will soon be out of use due to renovations required by noise pollution. Defense is also purchasing a new mobile system, the Groundmaster 400a. This will monitor the airspace in the south until the end of 2026. Then a new radar station in Herwijnen will take over that task.
State Secretary Christophe van der Maat wrote this today in a letter to the House of Representatives. The use of mobile radar systems is the most feasible option for now, but Van der Maat emphasizes that this is a temporary solution. “Mobile radar systems provide basic coverage. Defense has higher requirements and wants to monitor the airspace with state-of-the-art SMART-L radar stations that are significantly better. It is therefore very important that the new radar station in Herwijnen is built as quickly as possible.”
Noise standards
Defense now uses two radar stations to monitor and secure Dutch airspace. For the Northern Netherlands this is the new SMART-L radar station in Wier. According to the applicable noise standards, this may only be on during the day. It makes too much noise in the evening and at night. Due to the deteriorated security situation in Europe, the radar has been in use 24/7 since March last year.
The radar station will soon be renovated and will receive a soundproof dome and a modified drive to combat noise pollution. After the renovation, the station must meet noise standards. To bridge the six-month renovation period, Defense uses a Deployable Air Defense Radar (DADR) from NATO, from Leeuwarden air base.
Risk
The airspace in the south is monitored by the very outdated MPR station in Nieuw Milligen. There is an increasing risk of failure. It will certainly take until the end of 2026 before a new SMART-L radar station in Herwijnen can take over airspace surveillance. To bridge that period, Defense purchases a Groundmaster 400a from Thales France. This will be placed on the military site in Nieuw Milligen. The Groundmaster will be available from the third quarter of 2024.
Defense has asked NATO to move the DADR to Nieuw Milligen for a few months after the six-month period in Leeuwarden. This is because it is uncertain whether the outdated MPR station will continue to work. The southern part of the airspace will also have basic radar coverage in the second quarter of next year. (Unofficial translation by Defense-Aerospace.com) (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/ Netherlands Ministry of Defence)
12 Sep 23. Radar Displays on Low Bandwidth Networks Boosted by New Product from Cambridge Pixel. Cambridge Pixel, a leading innovator in radar processing solutions, is proud to announce the launch of RadarLink, an innovative and highly configurable software product that provides automatic monitoring of the data link performance and adapts the radar video encoding process to achieve the best quality image for the available network bandwidth.
Radar technology is often used in environments where bandwidth is limited, unreliable and expensive. This presents a critical challenge to operators wishing to see a clear and consistent display of the radar video. RadarLink solves this, providing a software tool that can be configured to preserve specific data for individual operator requirements.
Key Features of RadarLink:
- Intelligent Data Link Monitoring: RadarLink continuously assesses the data link quality, ensuring that critical radar information is transmitted efficiently, even in challenging network conditions.
- Adaptive Prioritisation: RadarLink intelligently prioritises radar data based on its importance, allowing users to receive the most critical information first. This ensures that vital details are always available, regardless of network limitations.
- Configurable Encoding: Intuitive controls allow most aspects of the radar video encoding to be configured as needed. This ensures any required data in the radar image is preserved, enabling users to make informed decisions with confidence.
- Seamless Integration: RadarLink seamlessly integrates with existing radar systems and network infrastructure, making it easy to implement without extensive modifications.
- User-friendly Interface: The user-friendly interface of RadarLink ensures that operators can easily configure and monitor the software.
Commenting on the new product, Cambridge Pixel director, Richard Warren, said “This new product addresses the long-standing challenge of unreliable bandwidth in radar video transmission. With RadarLink, our customers can rely on optimal radar video quality, even in the most challenging network environments.”
RadarLink is being launched by Cambridge Pixel at DSEI in London this week.
12 Sep 23. Rheinmetall and its subsidiary Rheinmetall Electronics UK Ltd. announced that their Trailblazer Camera Modules has met key safety requirements, allowing the system to be accredited to Safety Integrity Level (SIL) 2. The Trailblazer Safety Design has been engineered in accordance with IEC61508. The safety design and controls have been independently assessed and deemed to be compliant with IEC61508 SIL 2 and
ISO26262 Automotive Safety Integrity Level B (ASIL B), the functional safety standard for road vehicles. Compliance with these standards ensures Trailblazer can be used as the driver’s primary vision system, enabling hatch down driving in tracked and wheeled armoured vehicles.
Trailblazer system is the chosen vehicle vision provider across several armoured vehicle platforms including the Boxer Mechanised Infantry Vehicle and Challenger 3 for the British Army.
Trailblazer improves driver and crew effectiveness by extending visibility beyond the normal daylight spectrum, overcoming adverse weather and low-light conditions with enhanced thermal imagery, using Rheinmetall Electronics UK’s Video Fusion algorithm. Trailblazer is safe by design and is the preferred Driver Vision System for hatches down driving in all weather and light conditions.
TRAILBLAZER Drivers Vision Systems can be configured from an array of several Camera Modules offering fields of view covering 68°, 90°, 180° and 240° alongside specially designed military displays and other accessories. The TRAILBLAZER system can be used as both Drivers Indirect Vision System (DVIS) and a Local Situational Awareness System (LSAS) when several modules are placed around the vehicle.
Rheinmetall Electronic UK’s Trailblazer system will be demonstrated on booth H5- 110 at DSEI.
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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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