Sponsored by Blighter Surveillance Systems
www.blighter.com
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20 Jun 19. Curtiss-Wright’s Defense Solutions division today congratulated Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) on its recent selection by the U.S. DoD to provide the Degraded Visual Environment System (DVES) for use on the Air Force’s HH-60G Pave Hawk combat search and rescue helicopters. SNC’s DVES, which uses safety certifiable rugged commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) embedded technology, improves situational awareness to pilots and aircrew operating in DVE conditions by adding new functional capabilities to the HH-60G. Use of the DVES will increase the safety of military aircrews by enabling pilots to safely operate in aircraft-induced degraded visual environments such as brownout and whiteout conditions through the use of a multi-sensor system that provides real-time, high-resolution fused data and imagery of the terrain and obstacles. This game-changing technology will increase aircrew situational awareness of obstacles throughout all phases of flight including, power lines, ditches, mountains, rocks and other obstacles, reducing loss of life and equipment.
“We are very pleased to congratulate Sierra Nevada Corporation on being selected to provide it’s important Degraded Visual Environment System (DVES) for use on HH-60G helicopters,” said Lynn Bamford, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Defense and Power. “The DoD’s important life-saving and mission enabling program, will significantly improve situational awareness for helicopter pilots and aircrew while operating in conditions that reduce visibility. We are proud to support SNC on this program, and provide them with a rugged cost-effective size, weight and power-optimized processing solution based on our cost-effective COTS technology.”
“Sierra Nevada Corporation is very pleased to team with Curtiss-Wright on this important program,” said Greg Cox, Executive Vice President for Sierra Nevada Corporation’s Electronic & Information Systems division. “Our DVE system will play a critical role in improving helicopter pilot and aircrew safety by greatly increasing situational awareness.”
Curtiss-Wright manufactures the products used in SNC’s DVES at its facilities in Dayton, Ohio and Ottawa, Canada. The products are shipped to SNC in Sparks, Nevada. (Source: Space Connect)
20 Jun 19. ELTA and Embraer to launch P600 airborne early warning system. ELTA Systems has signed a cooperation agreement with Brazilian firm Embraer Defense & Security to introduce the P600 Airborne Early Warning (AEW) aircraft.
The next-generation aircraft is based on Embraer’s Praetor 600 super mid-size business jet.
The agreement was signed at the Paris Air Show and requires the Brazilian company to provide air platform, ground support, communications systems and aircraft integration.
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) subsidiary ELTA will provide the AEW radar, signals intelligence (SIGINT), other electronic systems and system integration.
The partners intend to target customers in a new segment of the AEW market.
The P600 AEW will have the IAI/ELTA fourth-generation digital active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar as its primary sensor. The radar will be equipped with integrated IFF capabilities.
Embraer noted that the aircraft will meet the need for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities for countries that intend to procure cost-effective solutions for defence and homeland security missions.
Embraer Defense & Security president and CEO Jackson Schneider said: “This aircraft delivers superior performance and flexibility that translates into the greatest value proposition in its category.
“It can be easily configured to match the customer needs and it can perform a wide variety of missions in a very efficient and cost-effective way.”
Launched in October, the Embraer Praetor 600 business jet has intercontinental range and possesses high payload capability.
The P600 AEW will be able to deliver capabilities that are available on much larger platforms, the company added.
ELTA Systems president Yoav Tourgeman said: “As part of IAI’s new strategy, we are ramping up our collaborations with global business entities, leveraging the know-how and technology accumulated over decades of aerospace and defence operations.
“Our partnership, forged with Embraer Defense & Security, enables us to introduce a new market segment by offering a cost-effective mid-size bizjet AEW system.”
The AEW system is designed to provide an extended air situational picture to operators by monitoring aerial activity in areas not covered by ground radar.
Furthermore, the aircraft has the ability to carry out a range of missions, including air defence, early warning, command and control, fighter fleet efficiency, territorial defence, and maritime surveillance.
The P600 AEW can also be configured with the fourth-generation digital AESA AEW radar, civil and military IFF, ESM/ELINT with radar warning receiver capability, and command & control. (Source: airforce-technology.com)
20 Jun 19. Diamond Aircraft launches new maritime surveillance variant. Austria’s Diamond Aircraft unveiled a new maritime surveillance variant of its DA62 light utility twin prop aircraft at the Paris Air Show.
Designated the DA62-MSA, the new aircraft was developed in conjunction with Italy’s Leonardo, and features an intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) suite utilising the Leonardo Airborne Tactical Observation and Surveillance (ATOS) mission system.
The aircraft’s baseline sensor fit includes a Gabbiano Ultra-Light TS Radar and EO/IR turret. The Gabbiano radar allows the aircraft to undertake both land and maritime surveillance operations, including high-resolution ground mapping, ground moving target indication, and weather avoidance. The inputs from the system are sent to an operator’s ATOS touchscreen onboard the aircraft.
Additional sensor systems that can be incorporated onto the platform include Leonardo’s SAGE electronic support measures system for radio-frequency electronic intelligence gathering, and the Spider communications intelligence system for direction finding, interception, and geolocation of communications signals.
The aircraft has a maximum take-off weight of 2,300 kg, and an endurance of up to eight hours.
Diamond Aircraft’s Special Mission Aircraft Technical Sales Manager Michael Neufingerl told Jane’s that the company was targeting markets in Africa, Asia, and South America that were looking for cost-effective ISR systems.
With the bulk of the aircraft’s subsystems manufactured by Diamond, the company is also able to provide customers with a single point-of-contact, Neufingerl said. In doing so, the company is able to reduce the potential downtime of aircraft when servicing and repairs are needed by having fewer stakeholders in the aircraft’s systems. (Source: IHS Jane’s)
19 Jun 19. Observation and intelligence: Safran teams up with Hensoldt and Mades on Electro-Optical/Infrared platform project for Europe’s future MALE drone. Safran Electronics & Defense, Hensoldt Optronics and Mades today signed collaboration agreements on the Euroflir™ 610, a high-performance multispectral electro-optical targeting and observation system proposed for the European MALE RPAS (Medium Altitude Long Endurance – Remotely Piloted Aircraft System).
Drawing on its long experience as a lead partner in European programs, Safran is coordinating this ambitious project with Hensoldt, from Germany and Mades, from Spain, both European leaders in their respective areas of expertise. The three companies will put together their technological and organizational skills to develop and manufacture an innovative system that is key on the decisionmaking chain of MALE RPAS, an important factor in ensuring Europe’s sovereignty.
The Euroflir™ 610 is being unveiled at the Paris Air Show 2019. It will reflect the state-of-the-art in electro-optical systems worldwide, calling on advanced technologies developed in Europe. Based on Euroflir™ 410 New Generation, but significantly larger, the Euroflir™ 610 will offer performances encompassing the needs of the European MALE RPAS. This new-generation multispectral observation and targeting system will feature very-high-performance line-of-sight stabilization to ensure ultra-long-range capability and high-precision target geolocation.
“The partnership between Safran, Hensoldt and Mades provides the foundations for a solid cooperation between three of the most renowned manufacturers in Europe, allowing to offer to the armed forces a new-generation of IR electro-optical system carrying on the successful Euroflir™ product family, said Martin Sion, Chief Executive Officer of Safran Electronics & Defense.
19 Jun 19. Photonis has been awarded a multi-year contract for the delivery of up to 5,000 state-of-the-art image intensifier tubes for night vision monoculars. Photonis will provide the Spanish Armed Forces with high performance 4G image intensifier tubes for usage in the AN/PVS-14 monocular, that will be provided by the Spanish original equipment manufacturer Night Vision Lasers Spain (NVLS). To increase its effectiveness at night, the Spanish Armed Forces wanted to improve their night operability by purchasing the high performance 4G image intensification technology. This technology increases the ability to locate and engage threats and to operate in all night conditions. The 4G standard is the latest technology in intensified night vision. This technology is specifically designed to address the stringent requirements of special forces operators and only 4G can offer ultra-fast Auto-Gating, the smallest halo and unrivalled spectral range from ultraviolet to near infrared. 4G provides an edge over adversaries in the darkest nights, in all terrain and operations and operators can gain from the best DRI range possible.
The 4G image intensification tubes will be used in the AN/PVS-14 monoculars, provided by NVLS. These systems are used worldwide as either a pocket scope, a right or left eye-mounted monocular or as a weapon sight. “Photonis is proud to deliver its unrivalled technology to the Spanish Armed Forces and supports their choice in the AN/PVS-14 as well, since these multi-function systems increase their flexibility and therefore help safeguard their night operations”, according to Frederic Guilhem, Executive Commercial Officer Night Vision at Photonis.
This contract comes at the same time when NVLS introduced their 16mm image intensifier binocular night vision device in Spain. NVLS developed an ultra-compact and ultra-light dedicated binocular goggle solution called MINIMUS BINO, using Photonis 16mm 4G, high FOM, black & white, ultra-fast Auto-Gated image intensifier tubes, that exceeds an independently validated lifetime of more than 10,000 hours. An initial contract of 110 goggles has been awarded by the Spanish Army and they will be used by Spanish Special Forces (Mando de Operaciones Especiales) and the crew served weapon systems operators. MINIMUS BINO represents actually the smallest system in man portable night vision devices, with less than 380 g with a FOV > 40º and integral metallic construction.
19 Jun 19. Elbit Systems Ltd. (NASDAQ: ESLT, TASE: ESLT) (“Elbit Systems”) announced today that it was awarded an approximately $73m contract from Diehl Defence GmbH & Co. KG (“Diehl Defence”) to provide J-MUSIC™ Directed Infrared Counter Measure (DIRCM) systems for the German Air Forces’ Airbus A400M aircraft. The contract will be performed over a four-year period. Elbit Systems will work closely with DIEHL Defence and Airbus Defence and Space for the integration of the J-MUSIC DIRCM systems inside the A400M Defence Aid Support Systems (DASS) protection suite.
18 Jun 19. The U.S. Army recently announced that the Howler counter unmanned aerial system achieved Initial Operational Capability, putting critical protection against drones in the hands of soldiers.
Howler, a name coined by the U.S. Army, combines the capabilities of Raytheon’s Ku band radio frequency system multi-mission simultaneous radar and Coyote® unmanned aircraft system. The KuRFS advanced electronically scanned array acquires and tracks all size UAS threats. Coyote works with KuRFS using its advanced seeker and warhead to identify and eliminate UAS threats.
“We developed and fielded this system in just 17 months,” said Bryan Rosselli, vice president of Mission Systems and Sensors. “Detecting the drone threat is the first critical step in the counter-UAS kill chain. The combination of precise tracking and engagement of these two proven systems gives the U.S. Army a vital capability to defeat this constantly evolving threat.”
In addition to providing advanced situational awareness, precise discrimination and mobility to successfully counter UAS threats, Howler gives the Army singular flexibility to adapt to the quickly changing, multidimensional threat environment.
“Test after test proves that our Coyote is an integral solution for defeating the growing number of enemy drones in the skies above the battlefield,” said Sam Deneke, Raytheon Land Warfare Systems vice president. “Protecting soldiers on the ground is a top priority, and this new system truly delivers.”
Raytheon’s portfolio of sensors, and kinetic and non-kinetic effectors networked into a command and control system covers the full counter-UAS kill chain.
18 Jun 19. Laser-powered sensor to open up ‘anonymised’ security era. A sensor that uses an array of lasers to detect objects, people and vehicles could herald an era of anonymised surveillance that isolates threats from uninvolved people or objects.
Cepton Technologies 3D Lidar detection system, the Vista-EdgeV Perception Evaluation Kit (PEK), combines the unerring accuracy of lasers to scan the environment in much the same way a radar does, but at a much higher resolution, building an image of the world around it regardless of lighting conditions.
Presenting the technology in the UK for the first time at IFSEC International in London’s ExCeL (which opens today (18 June), Cepton’s Neil Huntingdon says that because the device combines the sensor with a powerful micro-computer in a single package it can process the information directly at the “edge”* and highlight only potential threats, such as an intruder or a suspicious package. This then guarantees the anonymity of those not involved in any suspicious incident.
Neil, Cepton’s VP of Business Development, said: “Our technology allows for far greater protection of data – because it allows operators to zero in on possible issues in a way other technology cannot.
“There are many advantages to this; most notably Lidar can see in the dark, it only transmits a fraction of the information a video would, reducing the burden of data storage and network bandwidth charges, while opening the door to more mobile installations.
“Perhaps most importantly it means we can guarantee the anonymity of people or objects not deemed a threat. This is a step-change from existing technology, where everyone’s face is captured and held on video storage, regardless of whether they were involved in an incident or not.”
In addition to being more dynamic than video technology, the system has been designed with user simplicity in mind.
“You hand someone a camera and they know what it is and what to do with it. This is often not the case with a Lidar and Cepton intends to change that.” said Jerone Floor, Head Of Product at Cepton.
“Our customers should not need to be Lidar experts to set up and test our system, but, at the same time, the tools are available to take it to the next level and develop products based on our Vista family of sensors.”
Cepton’s technology, which can operate over Wi-Fi, mobile networks or Ethernet, can also be used to enable driverless cars and to monitor traffic and infrastructure usage, enabling smarter modelling of transport networks.
Neil added: “This technology is undoubtedly an exciting prospect for security and transport – and we believe it is the key to the delivery of truly smart cities that can make our communities safer and more connected.”
18 Jun 19. BIRD Aerosystems to Launch and Demonstrate the OSCAR – An Autonomous Multi-Sensor Maritime Awareness System that Complements the ASIO Maritime Special Mission Aircraft solution. Fully integrated with BIRD’s MSIS Mission Management System, OSCAR is an ideal solution for a nation’s maritime protection requirements as it provides advanced intelligence and threat assessment for the vessels within the nation’s areas of interest. BIRD Aerosystems, the leading developer of Airborne Missile Protection Systems (AMPS) and Special Mission Aircraft Solutions (ASIO), will officially launch the OSCAR – Ocean Surveillance Control and Reconnaissance solution, and demonstrate it for the first time at the Paris Air Show 2019.
Combined with a secure over-the-cloud deployment and multi-sensor integration, OSCAR is an affordable and quick to deploy Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) solution delivering real-time intelligence and threat assessments for the vessels within the country’s areas of interest. Alongside the OSCAR, BIRD will also present its SPREOS DIRCM in its latest production configuration.
“Fully autonomous and personally customized for the needs of each customer, BIRD’s OSCAR solution drives operational costs down and detection probabilities up, and I am confident that it will be a real game-changer in the field of maritime surveillance and patrol” Says Ronen Factor, Co-Chief Executive Officer and Founder at Bird Aerosystems. “The OSCAR Solution and the SPREOS DIRCM are two of our latest innovative and advanced solutions, that demonstrate BIRD’s unique capability of combining operational know-how with high-end technology and engineering capability. We are happy to present them at the 2019 Paris Air Show”.
BIRD’s OSCAR is an ideal solution for a nation’s maritime protection needs, as it provides 24/7 protection of the maritime domain and Tier 1 Level of prevention against illegal activities at sea such as Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, oil theft, smuggling and illegal transshipment, as well as for Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) monitoring.
Fully autonomous and advanced multi-sensor system, OSCAR applies machine-learning algorithms on real-time data sources such as satellite and terrestrial AIS, satellite SAR/EO/IR, LRIT, coastal radars, tactical sensors and more, and uses it to detect, analyze and prioritize suspicious vessels while providing automatic alerts to the user once these threats are found.
Once OSCAR detects potential threats, it plans an effective flight plan for the ASIO special mission aircraft which is then loaded into the MSIS mission management system to enable an effective surveillance mission. Additionally, during the mission OSCAR receives the real-time tactical sensor data of the aircraft which is then further analyzed and detect additional possible threats.
BIRD Aerosystems will also present its patented Self Protection Radar Electro-Optic System (SPREOS) DIRCM, which combines a radar-based confirmation sensor and an active laser jammer to ensure optimal protection against different MANPADS threat types. The patented SPREOS uniquely performs threat confirmation to ensure zero false alarms hence jamming will be activated only once the threat has been confirmed and analyzed.
About BIRD Aerosystems
BIRD Aerosystems is a privately-owned company established in 2001 and based in Israel. The company specializes in developing and deploying two main product lines: Airborne Missile Protection Systems (AMPS) and Airborne Surveillance, Information and Observation (ASIO) solutions.
BIRD’s field-proven Airborne Missile Protection System (AMPS) family of solutions provides complete protection against all known Surface to Air Missiles (SAM) including MANPADS, Laser Beam Rider threats and radar-guided missiles. The company’s ASIO solution offers decision makers and field-commanders accurate, real-time terrestrial and maritime information that enhances situational awareness.
Combining in-depth knowledge of airborne operational requirements along with continuous innovations that drive the development of new and advanced airborne products and solutions, BIRD provides turn-key programs that include operational analysis, system design, system integration and installation, project management, extended product support, and a broad range of system engineering activities including ground testing, flight testing and system certification.
BIRD Aerosystems’ solutions are in wide scale, long-term use by some of the world’s largest commercial, governmental, military, and transnational organizations – including NATO forces, UN Air Operations, the US Government, Airbus and other major aircraft manufacturers, and many others.
18 Jun 19. Viking Twin Otter Guardian 400 makes show debut. The aircraft is based on the Twin Otter, and has been developed in association with Austrian company Airborne Technologies.
The aircraft shown at Le Bourget featured one wing-mounted SCAR 15 pod, equipped with a Hensoldt ARGOS II electro-optical infrared (EO/IR) camera. Future development of the suite for the aircraft will include the mounting of a second SCAR pod fitted with a Leonardo Osprey radar system that can give the aircraft 120° of radar coverage, combined with a visual detection and ranging (ViDAR) system provided by Sentient. Additional radar coverage can be gained by mounting further antennas on the aircraft, however, this will be less modular and add weight to the aircraft.
Further developments under way include the integration of the Artemis cellular geolocation system from UK company Smith Myers, which will allow for finding and tracking mobile telephones on the ground.
Data and imagery can be downlinked to users on the ground through a system developed by UK company ECS, at a range of 12–20 km for a tablet, or up to 200 km for fixed headquarters or larger vehicle mounts.
A roll-on/roll-off tactical workstation system can be installed inside the aircraft. Other additional configuration options include a stretcher, camera hatch, and enlarged lavatory facilities.
According to Viking’s Rob Mauracher, executive vice president of sales and marketing, the company chose the SCAR pod system as it provided a significant capability for the aircraft, and is also a very flexible system. The ability to change the aircraft’s role rapidly helps to provide potential users with a versatility in the platform that can cover multiple tasks and missions, with reduced operating costs that multiple aircraft would incur. (Source: IHS Jane’s)
18 Jun 19. Lockheed Martin Demonstrates Mature, Proven Radar Technology During U.S. Army’s Sense-Off. Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) successfully completed a demonstration of its radar solution for the U.S. Army’s Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor (LTAMDS) program during a Sense-Off at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico. During the two-week demonstration period, the Lockheed Martin team completed a series of exercises showcasing our radar solution and how it will meet the Army’s requirements for the LTAMDS system, while providing additional deployment strategies for the air and missile defense mission.
The company’s radar offering will incorporate a balance of mature production radar technology in a scalable, next-generation architecture designed to evolve as mission needs change. Both Lockheed Martin and its strategic partner, ELTA Systems Limited, are prepared to conduct the testing it takes to successfully meet the Army’s timeline.
“The LTAMDS program requires mature technology specifically designed to address the threat, which Lockheed Martin and ELTA both bring to the program. We are demonstrating and proposing an innovative approach,” said Dr. Rob Smith, vice president and general manager of Radar and Sensor Systems at Lockheed Martin. “We will leverage technology that is production-ready and proven in the field, allowing us to meet the Army’s requirements quickly and provide qualified systems within 24 months after the initial contract award.”
“We have a proven track record of performing on programs with aggressive development and delivery needs, such as the Q-53 radar, where both capability and schedule commitments are extremely important,” said Smith.
Proven Experience
As global leaders in ground-based radar systems, Lockheed Martin and ELTA have several recent development and production radar programs that offer Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) technology, that does not require modifications. Lockheed Martin has already fielded tactical operational radars with gallium nitride (GaN) technology, beginning with its delivery of a TPS-77 Multi Role Radar system to Latvia and a TPS-77 system to Romania, both in 2018. The company is also on contract to deliver GaN in the Army’s Q-53 system.
ELTA is in active production and fielding of the GaN-based ELM-2084 Multi Mission Radar that detects and tracks both aircraft and ballistic targets, while providing fire control guidance for missile interception or artillery air defense. The Army is actively procuring Iron Dome systems that include battle-proven ELM-2084 radars.
Lockheed Martin Team
The Lockheed Martin team is built around the strength of our global organization and supply base, including strategic partnerships with ELTA and the radar systems engineering expertise of deciBel Research in Huntsville, Alabama.
With broad and deep experience developing and delivering ground-based radar solutions to our customers, our high-performing, high-reliability, Solid State Radar (SSR) systems specialize in counter-target acquisition, early warning, situational awareness and integrated air and missile defense. Our radars are designed with the highest degree of commonality and fully integrated SSR systems. They can operate in all environments, are available in highly mobile configurations and are deployed worldwide. It’s why the Lockheed Martin team ground-based radars are the choice of more than 45 nations on six continents.
19 Jun 19. L3 Technologies and Saudi Arabian Military Industries enter JV. L3 Technologies and Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) have entered a joint venture (JV) agreement during the Paris Air Show.
Through the JV, L3 and SAMI will team up on projects related to electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) and special mission systems in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).
The agreement follows the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the JV between the companies in February.
For Saudi Arabia, the JV deal supports the country’s Vision 2030 goals to have enhanced local capabilities in the aerospace and defence industries.
L3 Technologies chairman, CEO and president Christopher Kubasik said: “Through this partnership, L3 will further establish a long-term presence within the KSA.
“This venture with SAMI, which includes research and development, manufacturing, training and sustainment activities, represents a key milestone in the further development and execution of L3’s international growth strategy.”
L3 Technologies will leverage its experience in designing and manufacturing multi-spectral and multi-sensor EO/IR imaging and targeting sensor systems.
The company also manufactures fully customisable mission systems for air, land and maritime vessels.
As part of the JV, L3 and SAMI will establish a centre of excellence in the country to locally design and implement advanced technologies for numerous applications.
SAMI chairman Ahmed Al-Khateeb said: “We are pleased to partner with L3 as we move towards our goal of creating a Center of Excellence in the Kingdom.
“As we continue to support objectives tied to Saudi Vision 2030, this long-term partnership with L3 will help grow the sensor and mission systems industry while creating a comprehensive through-life support structure for our military customers.” (Source: army-technology.com)
18 Jun 19. Elbit Systems Commenced the Operation of the Maritime UAS. Patrol Service to European Union Countries. The Maritime UAS Patrol Service is being used by the Icelandic maritime authorities to enhance the maritime picture over its Exclusive Economic Zone.
Elbit Systems has started operating the maritime UAS patrol service available to countries in the European Union (EU) under a contract between the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) and the Portuguese company CEiiA. Iceland is the first EU country to use this particular long-range UAS patrol service. The Icelandic maritime authorities based the Hermes 900 Maritime Patrol operation at the Egilsstaðir airport in the East of the island, from which maritime UAS patrol has the capability of covering more than half of the Icelandic Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
The Hermes 900 Maritime Patrol is a persistent long-range unmanned maritime surveillance system tailored for littoral and blue water operations, featuring maritime radar, an Electro Optic payload, Satellite Communication, an Automatic Identification System (AIS) receiver and an Emergency Position-indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) receiver. Thus configured, the Hermes 900 Maritime Patrol enables persistent monitoring of vast swathes of sea and long coastlines and effective identification of suspicious activities and potential hazards. The particular Hermes 900 Maritime Patrol in use is adapted to withstand the strong winds and icy conditions common to the North Atlantic Ocean.
Elad Aharonson, General Manager of Elbit Systems ISTAR Division, commented: “We are pleased to have been able to commence operation only a few months after the contract was awarded to CEiiA. Providing maritime UAS services to European Union authorities is a vote of confidence in the Hermes 900. Extensively deployed, the Hermes 900 family of UAS is continuously extending its capabilities, introducing the capability to operate in civilian airspace and integrating self-protection suites and stronger payloads.”
18 Jun 19. Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) and Black Sage are now partnering through a formal teaming arrangement to provide an integrated drone detection and mitigation system for civil authorities, critical infrastructure and military organizations around the world.
“As we saw at Gatwick and Heathrow airports, drones operating inside commercial air corridors are posing a real challenge,” said Todd Probert, vice president of Raytheon Intelligence, Information and Services. “And though Raytheon has developed a range of counter-drone systems, from missiles to lasers to high-powered microwaves, authorities also need a system that can safely stop and land a drone where it may not be safe to shoot them down. That’s why we’ve teamed with Black Sage on a solution safe enough to operate in a populated area.”
To defend urban environments, like airports and cities, against drones, Black Sage’s sensors, AI, and radio-frequency jammers have been integrated into Raytheon’s Windshear command and control system. This combined system allows a single operator to control a network of sensors and effectors that safely and quickly track, take over or land drones flying where they shouldn’t.
Though the integrated system is designed primarily for urban environments, the systems are rugged enough to operate at even the most remote military bases.
“Together we address a diverse range of customer missions combining some of the deepest and strongest capabilities in the industry,” said Dave Romero, managing partner at Black Sage. “Customers now have access to an unprecedented and complete kill-chain; one that can be deployed as narrowly or broadly as the mission requires.”
17 Jun 19. Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) successfully delivered the 500th Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS). All units have been delivered on time or ahead of schedule to support aircraft production and sustainment requirements.
“We are proud to bring superior capabilities to the F-35,” said Michael Williamson, vice president of Sensors & Global Sustainment at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control (MFC). “We know how important this capability is to the warfighter and we continue to invest in our Advanced EOTS upgrade, which will bring extended capabilities to the cockpit.”
F-35 EOTS is the world’s first sensor to combine forward-looking infrared and infrared search and track functionality to provide F-35 pilots with precise air-to-air and air-to-ground targeting capability. EOTS allows aircrews to identify areas of interest, perform reconnaissance and precisely deliver laser and GPS-guided weapons.
The company also delivered the 4,000th Distributed Aperture System (DAS) Window for the F-35 Lightning II. The DAS Window set consists of six polycrystalline silicon, low-observable, infrared transparent windows for Electro Optical (EO) DAS sensors on the F-35. Each shipset of windows enables the EODAS sensor to provide threat detection and 360-degree situational awareness to the pilot.
17 Jun 19. NATO, Airbus and Elbit Systems have successfully executed the integration of the J-MUSIC™ DIRCM (Direct Infra-Red Countermeasures) self-protection system onboard the A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft of NATO Multinational Multi Role Tanker Transport Fleet (MMF).
The three-day long integration flight tests performed at the end of May at the Madrid- Getafe airfield were led by Airbus team, supported by Elbit Systems engineers and monitored by representatives of NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) and the Organization for Joint Armament Co-operation (OCCAR). During these flight tests the J-Music DIRCM system demonstrated flawless functionality and showed the ability to defeat multiple threat types simulated at the A330 MRTT aircraft while conducting a series of flight maneuvers. The integration flight tests also established that the J-Music DIRCM system could handle simultaneous threat scenarios and overcome head-on, tail-on and side-on threats, from several ranges and at different altitudes.
Elbit Systems’ DIRCM is designed as open architecture integrating the latest laser technology together with a high frame-rate thermal camera and a small, dynamic high-speed sealed-mirror turret thus delivering high performance defence against Infra-Red missiles threat.
The MMF programme is a multinational pooling and sharing initiative in which five nations (Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Norway) are jointly acquiring, managing, operating and supporting a fleet of eight A330 MRTT aircraft from Eindhoven and Cologne. The aircraft, procured by OCCAR from Airbus and outfitted with the Elbit J-Music DIRCM system, are owned by NATO and managed by the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA).
Peter Dohmen, General Manager, NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA), said “The MMF programme is a clear example of nations recognising the need to generate modern defence capabilities in a cooperative, cost-efficient and effective way. The joint work done between NSPA and OCCAR elevates this international defence cooperation even further. Currently with five nations participating in this initiative, the successful integration of the Elbit J-Music self-protection system adds security and operational flexibility to the fleet, making it even more interesting for other nations to join this programme.”
Arturo Alfonso Meiriño, Director, Organisation for Joint Armament Co-operation (OCCAR), commented: “Managing European armament programmes is at the core of OCCAR, so I am very proud that the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation is playing a major role in the MMF programme, contributing to the achievement of another important milestone with the integration of the J-Music DIRCM system in the MMF fleet, achievement reached thanks to the fruitful collaboration of all parties.”
Alberto Gutiérrez, Head of Military Aircraft at Airbus, noted: “The completion of this milestone is a significant step that paves the way for the delivery of the first A330 MRTT for the MMF fleet by 2020. It also underlines the excellent work done by the Airbus team together with Elbit and the customers to ensure Europe’s strategic air-to-air refueling capabilities for decades to come.”
Elad Aharonson, General Manager of Elbit Systems ISTAR Division, commented: “We are proud to take part in the MMF programme and to deliver the J-Music, a mature DIRCM system, to protect the entire fleet. I believe that the effective cooperation with our partners at NSPA, OCCAR and Airbus on the MMF programme will be a blueprint for additional projects.”
17 Jun 19. Photonis and CILAS combine technologies to offer laser designation & detection solutions. Photonis Technologies and CILAS are combining a selection of their products to provide plug-and-play solutions to end-users. The companies combined CILAS’ Ground Laser Target Designators (GLTDs) with the CMOS Night Observation Device (CNOD) powered by Photonis’ Nocturn to be able to see the laser of the GLTD during day and night.
CILAS’ GLTDs include laser modules providing ultra-compact solutions for optronics payloads of helicopters, UAVs and land platforms. They have been designed with proprietary, ITAR-free, laser athermal technology to provide high performance semi-active laser guidance. Photonis’ CNOD is built in partnership with Rochester Precision Optics and is a versatile digital high-definition sight that enables its operator to see in the bright sunlight as well as in low light conditions with high contrast and high resolution. The CNOD is unique because it provides these two functions in a single device at a fraction of the cost of similar systems currently on the market and can be used as clip-on or stand-alone weapon sight for 24/7 high definition operation. Additionally, the CNOD detects all designators in the visible and near infrared spectrum during day and night. Its video can be remotely visualized real-time and recorded in HD format. By combining the GLTD and CNOD, users are able to see both the targeted environment and the laser when it is completely invisible for the eyes, with a compact, lightweight and portable solution, offering a paradigm shift in safety and comfort.
17 Jun 19. IAI Elta announces multi-sensor air defence system. Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) subsidiary Elta Systems unveiled on 12 June a new version of its EL/M-2084 Multi-Mission Radar (MMR) that has been developed to counter emerging threats.
Called the Multi-Sensor MMR (MS-MMR), the new system includes an additional radar and passive sensors to enable it to build a more comprehensive air situational picture (ASP).
IAI developed the MS-MMR in response to emerging aerial threats, including low radar-cross section aircraft and weapons. “This created a demand for ASP systems to provide higher accuracy, faster update rates and upgraded identification of aerial threats while increasing the need for survivability in the modern battlefield,” the company said in a statement. (Source: IHS Jane’s)
13 Jun 19. Leonardo and Diamond Aircraft partner to offer maritime surveillance variant of DA62 Special Mission Aircraft.
- The new DA62-MSA (Maritime Surveillance Aircraft) will be on show for the first time at Paris Air Show 2019
- The aircraft will be pitched to customers who have a requirement for affordable Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms suitable for short and medium range maritime and over-land surveillance missions
- The sensor fit will include Leonardo’s Gabbiano Ultra-Light TS Radar and a third-party Electro-Optic (EO/IR) system, integrated with Leonardo’s ATOS mission system
Leonardo and Diamond Aircraft Industries are teaming up to offer a version of Diamond’s popular twin-engine DA62 aircraft customised for maritime surveillance missions. The new variant, designated DA62-MSA (Maritime Surveillance Aircraft) will be on show for the first time at Paris Air Show later this month. It will be outfitted with a full Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) suite based on Leonardo’s ATOS (Airborne Tactical Observation and Surveillance) mission system.
The collaboration is a response to the need for cost-effective, short/medium-range land and maritime surveillance platforms in regions such as South America, Africa and Asia Pacific. The DA62-MSA meets this requirement by bringing together an affordable and pilot-friendly aircraft with a full set of state-of-the-art sensors which, through the ATOS mission system, deliver a single, intuitive operational picture to the crew.
The DA62-MSA’s baseline sensor fit will include a Leonardo Gabbiano Ultra-Light TS Radar, which comes with an extensive suite of modes including optimised maritime patrol capabilities (such as high sea state detection), high resolution ground mapping via synthetic aperture radar (SAR) modes, ground moving target indication (GMTI) and weather avoidance modes. The aircraft will also come with a High Definition electro-optic (EO/ IR) turret which, like the radar, will be fully integrated into the operator’s touch-screen ATOS display in order to follow and manage the surveillance missions.
Sensor options will also be offered for users who require additional capability, including Leonardo’s SAGE electronic support measures (ESM) system and Spider communications intelligence (COMINT) system. SAGE provides tactical threat awareness and strategic intelligence gathering in the radio-frequency (RF) environment, while Spider can detect, intercept, identify and geo-locate communications of interest.
More than 110 Twin Engine Special Mission aircraft have been sold by Diamond and more than 60 ATOS systems are installed by Leonardo on 10 different platforms, including for Italy’s Air Force, Guardia di Finanza (customs police) and Coast Guard and Australian Customs. With the DA62-MSA, Leonardo and Diamond are able to offer an extremely cost-effective and user-friendly light ISR solution for maritime security needs, with a Take Off Weight (MTOW) of 2,300kg, endurance of up to 8 hours and up to four crew able to operate with land and maritime radar.
Liqun Zhang, CEO of Diamond Aircraft said, “Diamond Aircraft is very proud to step into such an important strategic partnership with Leonardo to provide a cost-efficient high-performance maritime surveillance solution to the market. We all recognized the importance of such a capability and the high demand of many countries to protect their borders against illegal fishing and other criminal operations, This new airborne solution, based on our DA62 Special Mission Aircraft, will be available to the market by the end of the year, ready to deliver and provide security and surveillance tasks. During Paris Air Show 2019, Stand A6, the very first time Diamond will static display this configuration to the audience.”
Fabrizio Boggiani, Senior Vice President Airborne Sensors & Mission Systems, Leonardo Electronics said “Partnership is central to Leonardo’s way of doing business and as such we are delighted to be working with Diamond Aircraft on this venture. Our aim is always to provide the optimum solution to our customers and we believe that this combination of Diamond’s platform with a full suite of Leonardo sensors and our mission system provides an extremely compelling offer for this market segment.”
(Source: ASD Network)
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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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