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13 Sep 19. UK MoD outlines C-UAS demand signals. Officials from the UK Ministry of Defence’s (MoD) C-sUAS team have challenged industry to provide greater capability for armed forces operating in austere conditions. According to Wg Cdr Rob Wilson, head of the Royal Air Force’s C-sUAS programme, the MoD is seeking technology to support urban operations especially, including user requirements for man-wearable and on-the-move solutions.
Citing a series of examples to delegates at DSEI on 13 September, Wilson described how the MoD remains in the ‘understand’ phase of its C-sUAS strategy, before highlighting how the organisation had not witnessed ‘many systems capable of working in near peer environments or urban terrain’.
Wilson also described additional requirements across the contemporary and future operating environments with examples including demand signs for C-sUAS to counter mass attacks of swarming UAS.
Discussing how legacy C-sUAS solutions could be improved in the future, Wilson also called for longer range capabilities as well as less manpower intensive operations.
‘The nature of the threat and the range of technologies, techniques and disciplines that can be used to defeat it, have led to duplication of effort and conflicts over funding and ownership of the problem set,’ he warned.
According to Peter Clarke, head of the MoD’s Rapid Innovation Cell which was first launched in January 2019, multiple equipment areas continue to be pursued over the next few years.
So-called sub-challenges include the integration of multi-sensors and effectors into C-sUAS systems; capability to identify incoming drone intentions; neutralisation of air/ground UAS networks; automated detect, track and identify capabilities; introduction of post ECM effectors; C-sUAS on the move; swamping and swarm defeat; as well as urban detect, track, identify and defeat.
Clarke also highlighted a series of features critical to the development of a mature C-sUAS system, which includes rapidly upgradeable solutions featuring high levels in automation, equipped with open interfaces and threat data bases and easy-to-use user devices by non-specialists.
As a result, the MoD is seeking to conduct regular testing of seven types of ‘high technology readiness’ commercial and military off the shelf technology, including: C-sUAS equipment for the protection of land bases and ships; man-wearable and man-portable equipment for urban and rural areas; vehicle fits for on the move and static missions; hunter-killer drones; unattended C-sUAS equipment; and intervention from air and space platforms.
‘We are seeing a lot of interest from C-sUAS equipment suitable for deployment on a land base but we are keen to see more capability in those other areas,’ Clarke concluded.
The UK MoD already operates an inventory of C-UAS technology from original equipment manufacturers including Leonardo, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and the Anti-UAV Defence System consortium. (Source: Shephard)
13 Sep 19. AUDS unveils latest counter-drone variant. The Anti-UAV Defence System (AUDS) consortium has unveiled an optimised version of its counter-UAS (C-UAS) designed to support mobility requirements in the land domain. The consortium, which includes Enterprise Control Systems (ECS); Blighter Surveillance; and Chess Dynamics, has designed a lower profile AUDS solution capable of being integrated on board smaller tactical ground vehicles.
Called the Modular Integrated Pod System (MIPS), the solution provides end users with the ability to ‘rapidly configure the system for intended missions including mobile force protection; mobile short range air defence; long range surveillance; or ground based air defence’.
To date, AUDS is available in three configurations including fixed mast; containerised; and mobile solutions with the latter variation featuring integration on board Stryker infantry fighting vehicles.
Speaking to Shephard ahead of DSEI, chief executive officer of ECS, Colin Bullock discussed how the latest AUDS variant, currently at Technology Readiness Level 9, would be capable of being integrated on board 4×4 all terrain vehicles including F150 Ford Rangers.
As Bullock explained, the latest variant features a lower profile and centre of gravity, achieved through the rearrangement of system components which include electro-optical camera; RF antennas and inhibitors; and radar.
‘Antennas are now located on either side of the solution, as opposed to on top, to lower the centre of gravity,’ Bullock explained while describing the ‘flatter’ AUDS variant.
‘Once deployed, MIPS is designed for ease of sustainment, be that on the vehicle, or even when dismounted and operated remotely. Each MIPS has in-built automatic detect, track and destroy options. MIPS can receive and hand off targets of interest via a fully integrated combat and command and control network,’ a company statement confirmed.
Bullock was unable to comment on whether the new design had been made in response to emerging operational requirements from end users. However, defence sources have explained to Shephard how demand for more mobile C-UAS capabilities continued to be required by forward deployed small unit teams, particularly from the special operations community.
AUDS components include Chess Dynamics’ Hawkeye DS and EO Video Tracker; Blighter’s non-rotating passive electronically scanned array A400 Series Air Security Radar; and ECS’s Direction RF Inhibitor in Ku- and L-bands; capable of detecting, tracking, identifying and defeating UAS threats. (Source: Shephard)
11 Sep 19. Grunts to get new binocular night vision goggles by spring 2020 ― and they’re not green. New binocular night vision devices that swap the old green tinted view with clearer white phosphor imaging will be in the hands of grunts by spring 2020, according to Marine officials.
On Sept. 6 the Corps awarded a contract valued at $249m to Harris Corp., based out of Roanoke, Virginia, for the purchase of squad binocular night vision Goggle systems, according to a news release.
The Corps expects delivery of 14,000 devices, with the first sets to be doled out to grunts, according to the release.
“Awarding this SBNVG contract and fielding these systems to the warfighter is one more step toward increasing the command and control, lethality and ability of the infantry squad to overwhelm our adversaries,” Lt. Col. Tim Hough, the program manager for infantry weapons at Marine Corps Systems Command, said in a release.
The new night vision device is a combination of binocular goggles and a clip-on thermal imager, which will improve depth perception and the ability to see in extreme low light and inclement weather, the release detailed.
“Additionally, the use of white phosphor provides a greater capability to see at night with more clarity, giving Marines enhanced situational awareness,” Hugh said in the release.
The Marine Corps posted its for proposal for the new night vision devices in the fall of 2018.
Prior to the awarding of the contract, the Corps used a Defense Logistics Agency contract to procure 1,300 systems, according to a release.
“We made the investment to procure the 1,300 systems and fielded them to two infantry battalion, so we already had a good, robust understanding of the technology we were chasing,” Roberto Gonzalez, team lead for combat optics at Marine Corps Systems Command, said in a release.
Grunts with 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines, embarked with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit will be fielding the new night vision devices.
The infantry Marines with the 26th MEU are currently operating 15-Marine sized squads, and will be the first Marine unit to deploy and test the new squad configuration.
The Corps said it expects the contract and delivery of the new night vision devices to be complete by September 2024, according to a release.
(Source: Defense News Early Bird/Marine Times)
13 Sep 19. Effective Guardians. Responding to the continued proliferation and evolution of remotely controlled bombs, Leonardo (Stand S5-100) has introduced two additions to its Guardian family of counter-improvised explosive device (C-IED) products.
While cheap to make and often relatively low-tech in their design, radio-controlled IEDs constitute a deadly threat to vehicle-borne and dismounted ground forces. Moreover, insurgent groups and terrorists are quick to adopt new technologies that can overcome previous C-IED generations.
Leonardo in the UK has more than 30 years’ experience in the design and manufacture of C-IED systems designed to afford ground forces improved protection against roadside bombs and other concealed explosive devices. Some 25,000 of these systems have been delivered to date, performing successfully in combat zones such as Northern Ireland, Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria.
Leonardo’s two new versions − Guardian HR and Guardian HFE − are designed to overcome enemy forces’ attempts to bypass current C-IED technology. Guardian HR, claimed to be the most advanced vehicle-borne radio-controlled IED jammer on the market, is a responsive jamming system based on a software-reconfigurable architecture, offering an enduring capability to meet the changing threat environment and specific user requirements.
Responsive jamming focuses power against a specific threat signal instead of using a barrage of lower-power jamming energy. A reprogrammable software-defined architecture affords additional flexibility to the system by allowing updates via a software download − similar to the installation of an app on a mobile phone.
Another feature of Guardian HR is its extended-frequency coverage across the 20MHz- 6GHz bandwidth. This gives the system the ability to block the higher-frequency signals used by some mobile phone devices.
Leonardo has also introduced Guardian HFE as a high-frequency extension for operators of existing vehicle-mounted C-IED systems such Guardian H3. Successfully trialled by the Italian Army in June this year, Guardian HFE can also be configured as an add-on to other third-party C-IED systems. (Source: IHS Jane’s)
12 Sep 19. Moroccan Armed Forces Acquire Anti-Drone System. Morocco’s Royal Armed Forces have acquired from a Ukrainian firm, the Proximus Bukovel AD system. This new system will allow the FAR to annihilate any threat of drones, noted the Website FAR-Maroc, which disclosed the news.
Moroccan air defense is being strengthened with the acquisition, from the Ukrainian firm PROXIMUS, of the early warning system for UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicle), an aircraft without a human pilot on board known as a drone. According to FAR-Morocco, specialized in defense matters, Bukovel AD is considered one of the most modern anti-drone defense systems.
In addition to early detection of enemy drones, this system completely blocks GPS control channels.
The official website of the Ukrainian firm, points out that “Bukovel AD is a system aimed at early detection of approaching enemy’s UAVs and full blocking of data and GPS/GLONASS control channels.”
In addition to scrambling the GPS control channels, “the system also generates a series of false management signals that significantly increase overall performance,” the firm explains, adding that “Bukovel AD effective range reaches 10-15 kilometers which makes it ideal for military or civil infrastructure facilities protection in combat environment.” (Source: UAS VISION/The North Africa Post)
13 Sep 19. The sensor solutions specialist HENSOLDT will deliver its newly developed airborne multi-mission surveillance radar PrecISR™ to the provider of airborne special missions operations QinetiQ GmbH, Möchengladbach/Germany. HENSOLDT was awarded a contract to deliver one PrecISR™1000 until year-end to QinetiQ for installation onboard a Pilatus PC-12 special operations aircraft with no modifications to the air frame of the aircraft. The radar data is displayed by a HENSOLDT EuroNav7 mission system which is already in operation.
“HENSOLDT capitalizes on decades of experience in airborne and space radar”, explains HENSOLDT CEO Thomas Müller. “Thus we were able to translate our unique radar capabilities into an innovative product which opens up new capabilities for airborne surveillance missions.”
PrecISR™ translates latest achievements in active array and digital receiver technology into a scalable high-performance sensor which can be installed aboard helicopters, UAVs and fixed-wing mission aircraft. Due to its software-defined radar modes and electronic beam steering, PrecISR™ can fulfil different tasks virtually at the same time. It is able to detect, track and classify more than a thousand objects and thus literally find the ‘needle in a haystack’. Because of its compact design and the fact that all radar related components are located outside of the airframe, the airborne platform integration of PrecISR™ is significantly simplified compared to other radars. Its superior precision and target accuracy make it the sensor of choice for surveillance of large maritime and coastal areas.
13 Sep 19. Elbit Systems’ DSEI 2019 Display Included HattoriX. Elbit Systems’ HattoriX is a manpack Fire Support system that, for the first time, enables Forward Observers (FO) and similarly tasked tactical teams, to passively, rapidly and independently acquire Category 1 (CAT-1) targets (Target Location error of few meters).
HattoriX introduces a step change in the effectiveness of target acquisition at the tactical level as it demonstrably enable accurate and rapid engagement of Time Sensitive Targets (TST) and enhance the survivability of tactical teams. Depicted in the enclosed image is an Israeli Defense Force (IDF) Forward Observer operating HattoriX.
Featuring payload agnostic mission computer that runs proprietary software, photogrammetry algorithm and an Augmented Reality (AR) overlay of real-time C2 data, HattoriX performs automatic fusion of Geographical Information System (GIS) database, pre-loaded targets data, payload’s visual feed, and C2 information, thereby enabling the tactical user to intuitively issue CAT-1 targets without using any emitters, and seamlessly feed acquired targets and additional target information (image, video, description) into any Battle Management System.
Interfacing with any Electro-Optical payload of choice, HattoriX is comprised of a Goniometer, a mission computer, a touch-screen display unit and a lightweight tripod. HattoriX also includes a remote-controlled configuration for extended force protection. Users include FOs, Forward Air Controllers (FAC), Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTAC), reconnaissance teams, field intelligence and Special Forces.
12 Sep 19. Rohde & Schwarz helps engineers stay ahead of technological advancements in radar and EW with testing solutions that deliver precise analysis, clean signal sources and high-resolution measurements, shown at DSEI 2019. Rohde & Schwarz provides test and measurement solutions created to meet the most challenging requirements in aerospace and defense. The company’s test instruments offer precise signal and phase noise analysis, clean signal generation and high-resolution time domain verification with unrivaled instrument performance, all of which with a unique approach focusing on the ease of use for engineers and developers.
The latest generations of multifunctional Active Electronically Scanned Arrays (AESA) radar systems have been developed as a response to the rapidly increasing complexity of electromagnetic environments and enhanced electronic warfare (EW) capabilities. This architecture brings new challenges, such as frequency and mode agility, as well as complex waveforms and pulse modulations in an often compact and fully integrated radar system design. Hence, engineers are looking for the right tools to address these challenges, reduce risks, meet challenging time-to-market objectives and simplify the costly and time-consuming development and design process.
Rohde & Schwarz provides a dedicated portfolio for radar and EW testing that focuses on bringing realistic scenarios – usually simulated in extensive field tests – to the lab. With this new approach, engineers and developers are provided with greater insight much earlier in the design and development phase. The R&S Pulse Sequencer software, for instance, used together with signal generators from Rohde & Schwarz, provides an ideal solution for simulating angle of arrival (AoA) in the lab to verify direction finding performance of radar warning receivers. This setup eliminates the need for expensive field tests and is used to create complex simulations with static or moving emitters in a 3D scenario, providing a new level of realism, in any lab.
Furthermore, electronic attack and defense suites widely use digital radio frequency memory (DRFM) jammers in order to deceive hostile radars and protect assets. Rohde & Schwarz offers a specialized product portfolio, including high-end signal and spectrum analyzers as well as best-in-class phase noise testers, designed to address all challenges during the design phase of such smart jammers, but also for system performance validation and production.
12 Sep 19. FN Herstal Unveils its New Aiming Solution at DSEI 2019 Exhibition. Belgium-based FN Herstal, one of the world’s leading designers and manufacturers of small caliber weapons and weapon systems, will showcase its newly-developed ballistic calculator at Defense and Security Equipment International Exhibition from September 10 through to September 13.
The most compact, high-performance ballistic calculator on the market FN Herstal has developed a new compact weapon mounted range finder with an embedded ballistic solver and an all-in-one laser system. This ruggedized device fits to any squad weapon, and replaces devices like legacy laser aiming devices, handheld range finders and smartphone-based ballistic apps.
The FN® Ballistic Calculator enhances lethality by increasing hit probability and situational awareness, and simplifying target designation.
The FN® Ballistic Calculator combines ballistic sensors and laser capabilities in a small form factor. It integrates:
- a unique ballistic solver capable of efficiently managing the effect of bullet trajectory
- an advanced state-of-the-art laser range finder
- a state-of-the-art OLED screen that displays relevant and accurate ballistic correction data in an optimum quality
- a large number of designation capabilities such as a visible or infrared laser pointer, and a variable infrared illuminator
- a system to quickly and securely attach the ballistic calculator onto the host weapon
- different technologies such as Bluetooth or RS232 to connect to a soldier system or any other accessories.
With the addition of this military quality product, FN Herstal continues to expand its FN® e-novation product line, which harnesses modern technology to further enhance the capabilities of the dismounted combatant. (Source: Armada)
11 Sep 19. Addressing the increasing demand for protection of vehicles and convoys against hostile drones, Elbit Systems is introducing ReDrone Vehicular Tactical System, a vehicular configuration of the Company’s operational anti-drone protection and neutralization system.
Based on the field proven and operational ReDrone system, ReDrone Vehicular Tactical System detects, identifies and neutralizes all types of drones (at any radio frequency) within a radius of several kilometers, providing any vehicle with a 360 degrees protection shield against hostile drones. Suitable for on-the-move or stationary operations, in day and night and in all weather conditions, ReDrone Vehicular Tactical System is offered for all types of military and para-military vehicles.
Rapidly deployable, ReDrone Vehicular Tactical System works automatically or manually, with no setup or operator control required for the entire process. Its open architecture enables a full data flow to the vehicular control system and an effective interface with command and control centers. With the detection of a hostile drone, the ReDrone Vehicular Tactical System neutralizes all communications between the drone and its operator, including radio, video and GPS signals. The system is also capable of separating a drone’s signals from its operator’s remote control signals in order to locate and track each of them separately.
Operational with several armed forces, ReDrone performed dozens of interceptions when deployed as part of the last visit of the Pope to Latin America.
09 Sep 19. Raytheon’s new radar brings unique precision to counter-UAS. An object in flight heads toward a forward operating base. It be could be anything from a drone to enemy aircraft, or just a flock of birds. Identifying that object long before it reaches the base is crucial for protecting the assets and personnel stationed there.
At a nearby airport, an air traffic controller sees what he believes to be a UAS in the sky over a runway. He alerts the authorities to ground all flights. Allowing an airliner to take off without fully vetting the target could pose a great risk — one not worth taking.
Addressing such scenarios begins with precise detection of drones, friendly or otherwise, and knowing what you are seeing before you engage—a process counter-UAS experts call “positive identification.”
“I can’t emphasize how imperative the detecting, identifying and tracking elements of the counter-UAS kill chain are,” said Bryan Rosselli, vice president of Mission Systems and Sensors at Raytheon. “Without sensors and C2 working seamlessly to identify and communicate information on the target, it is impossible to know what response is appropriate to use.”
To aid positive identification, Raytheon offers sensors built specifically to see UAS in flight. KuRFS, short for Ku Radio Frequency Sensor, is an advanced electronically scanned array, or AESA, radar that uses the ku-band frequency for detection, identification and precision tracking of potential threats. A small, powerful radar, it provides nonstop surveillance of airborne objects. It can also sense and identify incoming rockets, artillery or mortars. It can provide warning to soldiers who may be in the way, giving them the time they need to take cover and counter.
“What makes KuRFS unique is not just its ability to see with precision, but that it’s a sensor readily integrated with a variety of counter effects. Together, the operator gets a full system that can look, understand and engage,” said Rosselli.
Earlier this year, the U.S. Army announced that its Howler system, a combination of the KuRFS radar with the Raytheon Coyote UAS, achieved initial operational capability. This system identifies a drone with the KuRFS radar and sends the Coyote UAS to destroy it with a kinetic impact. It’s a game-changer, as the threat from UAS requires a customized response.
One sensor, one effector is not sufficient to address the spectrum of UAS classes and scenarios.
“KuRFS can be integrated with both the Coyote UAS and also Raytheon’s High Energy Laser, or HEL,” Rosselli said. “Raytheon is regularly modeling various drone engagement scenarios with our customers, and can tailor fully integrated systems for each of those cases.”
Having a layered defense of sensors, C2 and effectors acting together as a total system is the most effective means for detecting and defeating drone attacks. (Source: Shephard)
09 Sep 19. SIG SAUER Academy Partners with FLIR Systems to Expand Capabilities of Night Vision Operators Course. SIG SAUER Academy, the leading provider of the highest quality firearms and tactical instruction in the world, is pleased to announce a partnership with FLIR Systems for the Night Vision Operator course , to include the addition of cutting-edge FLIR Night Vision and Thermal Imaging equipment.
“The addition of FLIR products to our Night Vision Operator course will allow SIG SAUER Academy students to experience the latest and some of the most innovative night vision devices, and expand their operational capabilities. This partnership adds significant depth to the course curriculum and allows our students to train with the same equipment in use with Special Forces across the globe,” began Steve “Mato” Matulewicz, Vice President, SIG SAUER, Inc.
The SIG SAUER Academy Night Vision Operator Course is designed for law enforcement and military units to enhance their capabilities and safety with night vision and thermal imagining equipment for critical situations. Taught by experienced Special Forces Operators, students will be introduced to equipment in use with law enforcement and the military while learning tactics to supplement existing methods and procedures.
“The addition of FLIR night vision and thermal technology to the suite of optics offered at SIG SAUER Academy will better equip users with the tactical advantage to not only protect themselves, but complete their mission safely and effectively,” added Jamie Dery, Vice President and General Manager of FLIR’s Outdoor and Tactical Division. “We’re excited to partner with an industry leading brand to better the lives and livelihoods of our customers.”
Founded in 1978, FLIR Systems is a world-leading industrial technology company focused on intelligent sensing solutions for defense, industrial, and commercial applications. FLIR Systems’ vision is to be “The World’s Sixth Sense,” creating technologies to help professionals make more informed decisions that save lives and livelihoods.
The next offering of Night Vision Operator is November 12, 2019 at SIG SAUER Academy in Epping, New Hampshire.
12 Sep 19. Raytheon anticipates international boom in counterdrone sales. Raytheon is expecting a boom in international sales of its counter-UAS system already battle-tested with the U.S. Army.
The Howler system — which includes a Ku-band Radio Frequency Sensor, a command-and-control system, and a Coyote unmanned aircraft system designed to take out enemy drones — could soon see an abundance of buyers. The system could also include a high-energy laser defeat solution and a high-powered microwave capability to provide a non-kinetic approach to knocking drone threats out of commission, according to company officials.
“We have experienced quite a bit of interest from our international friends, partners and allies,” James McGovern, Raytheon vice president of mission systems and sensors in its Integrated Defense Systems business, told Defense News during an interview at DSEI, a defense exposition in London.
“It’s exploded: Counter-unmanned aircraft systems is the in-vogue discussion on weapon space and solution set at every trade show we’ve been to. It’s a nonstop revolving door of interested customers in our solutions,” he added.
Over the past five years, drone threats — cheap, commercial off-the-shelf ones — have proliferated in use, posing a threat on the battlefield as well as to airports, sports stadiums, government buildings and urban areas.
Raytheon is preparing to reach initial operational capability with the U.S. Army of its Block II version of the Coyote, which is a variant that makes the Block more missile-like in appearance. The IOC goal is for the first quarter of 2020, according to Pete Mangelsdorf, director of the Coyote and rapid development programs within the land warfare systems portfolio at Raytheon.
In the meantime, the company is soon expecting congressional notification for a sale to its first foreign country, Mangelsdorf said. Raytheon expects to see roughly 15 more countries issue letters of request for the Howler system to include Block II Coyote rapidly following the first congressional notification, he added.
The company has license to separately sell sensors abroad, but generally customers are not just interested in what the sense-and-detect capability sensors would bring but rather want full-up systems that include all of Howler’s elements.
Raytheon’s Howler system is flexible and can integrate into other systems and platforms, according to McGovern. Currently, Howler is used on a U.S. Army truck, but it could be integrated onto a pallet at a fixed site or mounted on a different truck depending on customer needs, McGovern said.
The U.S. Army system was developed in response to a joint urgent operational need statement to find something that could counter drones as well as rockets, artillery and mortars, according to Mangelsdorf. The Block I version of the Coyote, which looks more like a plane or loitering munition than a missile, was the interim capability in response to the joint urgent operational need statement.
The system is scalable in size. McGovern said Raytheon has used its gallium nitride technology to scale down the radar array while maintaining range and detection sensitivity, and while fitting it onto a smaller vehicle in the event a customer has a need for increased mobility, like in the case of special operations forces.
The radar has the ability to see singular drones and identify drone swarms with high fidelity. Other radars might just pick up a drone swarm as one big blob, McGovern noted. (Source: Defense News)
04 Sep 19. US Army Updates Night Vision Goggles. The latest iteration of the Army’s new night vision goggles could be in the hands of soldiers and Marines as soon as mid-September, according to a program officer.
The service is targeting Sept. 23 to deliver the first systems to the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division out of Fort Riley, Kansas, said Brig. Gen. Anthony Potts, the head of program executive office soldier.
Sgt. 1st Class William Roth, a tech advisor with the soldier lethality cross-functional team out of Fort Benning, Georgia, said the update to the enhanced night vision goggle-binocular, or ENVG-B, increases the system’s sturdiness.
The latest upgrade focuses on the durability of the position assembly binocular, Roth told reporters in July during a media day at Joint Base Meyer-Henderson Hall, Virginia.
“We’re just making sure that when the goggle is on the position assembly, that it’s durable, it’s stable and doesn’t move,” he said.
The Army tested the technology’s durability in July, with soldiers hiking a mountain three miles up and three miles down under harsh conditions while wearing the systems, Roth said.
During the test, the goggles were durable and didn’t jostle around, he said. “We are 100 percent ready to go when it comes to durability of the position assembly.”
Additionally, the goggles have an augmented reality targeting component that is similar to the popular gaming app “Pokemon Go.”
“If I want to plot a building or plot enemy or friendly [formations], I can actually plot it on here and see within the goggle,” he explained.
The system also comes with a labeling mechanism that allows servicemembers to flag objects, buildings or people.
“If there is another soldier on the other side of that wall, and he looks that way, he’ll see a blue icon inside of that wall so he’ll know where his friendly force disposition is,” Roth said.
The goggles are also enabled with rapid target acquisition, which links the system to a weapon’s sight, giving a soldier enhanced viewing options and allowing them to take cover while firing weapons.
“That rapid target acquisition would actually allow him, if he chose to stand behind a building, to actually stick his weapon out and not expose his body and he would still be able to engage targets accurately,” Potts said.
Last year, the Army awarded L3 Technologies a three-year, $391m contract to manufacture the goggles. The company has since changed its name to L3Harris Technologies following a merger with Harris Corp. in June. The Marine Corps has also placed an order for 3,100 systems, he noted. (Source: National Defense)
09 Sep 19. The sensor solutions provider HENSOLDT will expand its industrial footprint in the UK by strengthening its subsidiary Kelvin Hughes Ltd., Enfield, and renaming it HENSOLDT UK. HENSOLDT has acquired Kelvin Hughes in 2017 and created a security solutions product line at Kelvin Hughes’ Enfield site.
“We are expanding our activities in the UK and will bring together our existing portfolio with Kelvin Hughes’ offerings,” said Thomas Müller, CEO of HENSOLDT. “In this way we are creating comprehensive system solutions which will boost our UK business significantly”.
“Kelvin Hughes and HENSOLDT have shaped the radar market for seven decades,” said Russell Gould, Managing Director of Kelvin Hughes. “Bringing together our products under one brand name will increase our visibility in the market and will open up additional business opportunities.”
Kelvin Hughes, with approximately 200 employees, designs, produces and markets radar sensors mainly for maritime and security applications. Among their products is the SharpEye™ solid state high performance pulse Doppler radar family as well as the CxEye™ Command and Control software that allows the integration of multiple radar and camera sensors into a comprehensive sensor package. The company generates revenues of more than €30m. Their products are used by more than 30 navies and coastguards worldwide.
05 Sep 19. Dynamite Global Strategies releases AIRDEFENSE 6.0 counter-drone system. The latest version of Dynamite Global Strategies (DGS) AIRDEFENSE Counter-UAS system just released features increased detection range and speed, and an expanded data base according to the company. AIRDEFENSE 6.0 is a modular system which provides a drone shield made up of a number of devices. This enables AIRDEFENSE to attack individual UAS, irrespective of the frequency band used by them during a counter-drone countermeasure. The system is calibrated and tested in the deployment environment, and is available for protection of fixed sites or mobile convoys. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
10 Sep 19. 2D Radar Sensor from OmniPreSense. OmniPreSense Corporation, a supplier of Short-Range Radar (SRR) sensors, has announced its first 2D radar sensor, the OPS243-C. The OPS243-C operates as both a Doppler and FMCW radar sensor capable of reporting the speed, direction, and range for objects in its field of view. The extra reporting capability enables new Smart City applications such as vehicle and foot traffic monitoring as well as in-room presence detect. By providing additional information about objects in its field of view, the OPS243-C can enable systems to better visualize their environment and provide better context for what’s happening in front of them. A smart traffic monitor can understand the difference between a car that is passing on the street and one making a right turn. A monitor for foot traffic can count the number of people in a conference room. When only one person is present, it can ensure the lights remain on. Other systems such as robots or drones can quickly understand the difference between a stationary wall or an object moving towards them.
The OPS243-C can detect people up to 20m away and vehicles up to 60m away. It has a tight 20 ̊ beam width and draws less than 1.9W of power. The same simple API found on other OmniPreSense radar sensors is utilized. The sensor will carry FCC/IC modular certification lowering cost and speeding time to market.
“The OPS243-C continues our trend of providing increased radar sensor functionality,” commented Rob Frizzell, CEO and co-founder of OmniPreSense. “The additional data provides enhanced context to determine what is happening for Smart City applications.” (Source: UAS VISION)
12 Sep 19. Indian Air Force receives second indigenous AEW&C system. India’s state-owned Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) handed over the second of three indigenously designed Netra airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) systems to the Indian Air Force (IAF) on 11 September to augment the service’s network centric capabilities. The system was delivered to Bhatinda Air Force Station in Punjab State close to India’s border with Pakistan. Mounted on a Brazilian-made Embraer EMB-145 by the DRDO’s Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS) in Bangalore, the Netra AEW&C system provides 240-degree coverage and surveillance ranges between 250 km and 375 km.
The first Netra system was delivered to the IAF at the 2017 Aero India show in Bangalore. At the time the DRDO said that the second such system would be delivered within the same year. However, DRDO sources explained that the handover was delayed by about two years following IAF demands for modifications and capability improvements in Netra.
IAF officials said that the service deployed its sole Netra platform alongside the Mirage 2000H fighters that bombed an alleged Islamist militant training base in northwest Pakistan in late February in retaliation for a bomb attack that killed 40 Indian paramilitaries in Kashmir a fortnight earlier.
The CABS-developed AEW&C system comprises an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, secondary surveillance radar, electronic and communication countermeasures, beyond-line-of-sight datalinks, satellite communication systems, and advanced identification friend-or-foe probes.
With an air-to-air re-fuelling capability to augment its five-hour operational endurance, the ERJ-145’s self-protection suite includes missile approach and radar warning receivers.
DRDO officials said the Netra platform is capable of delivering a ‘recognisable air surveillance picture’ of aerial threats via search, track-while-scan and priority-track modes to provide airborne and ground-based assets their exact location for possible exploitation. (Source: IHS Jane’s)
10 Sep 19. DroneShield has today released the following ASX announcement. DroneShield Enters into a Watershed Partnership with BT.
- BT and DroneShield have partnered to provide counterdrone solutions to BT’s customers across the UK
- Significant short-term and medium-term customer requirements following Gatwick Airport shutdown in December 2018, and numerous other incidents involving drones in the UK
- BT is the largest telecommunications company in the UK
- DroneShield is the ASX-listed global counterdrone solutions leader
- A watershed moment in DroneShield’s development, and in the development of the counterdrone industry
London, United Kingdom – 11 September 2019 – DroneShield Ltd (ASX:DRO or DRO.AU) (“DroneShield”) is pleased to announce a partnership with BT Group plc (LSE:BT.A) (“BT”), a global leader in telecommunications solutions with operations in 180 countries, and the largest telecommunications company in the United Kingdom. Going forward, BT will provide counterdrone solutions to a range of its customers across a number of industries and sectors, utilising DroneShield’s industry-leading drone detection and mitigation technology.
DroneShield’s CEO Oleg Vornik commented, “This is a watershed moment for DroneShield. Following the Christmas 2018 events at the Gatwick airport, when rogue drones brought UK air travel to a standstill, stranded hundreds of thousands of travelers and caused tens of millions of dollars in economic damage, the UK industry and government have been actively searching for effective and cost-effective drone detection and mitigation solutions. For BT, this search has now culminated in a partnership with DroneShield, a global leader in anti-drone solutions.
The effect of the partnership is that BT, with its millions of customers in the UK and globally, including, notably, airports and other civil infrastructure, is rolling out an anti-drone service UK-wide, using DroneShield’s products and technology. While DroneShield has previously co-operated with larger organizations in several countries, this is a very different arrangement, with a very different company. This partnership with BT, coupled with the urgent need for the solution across the UK, cracks open for DroneShield one of the world’s largest anti-drone markets that is also ahead of other countries in adopting anti-drone technologies. This is an important step-change for DroneShield.
This is the first time that a major global telecommunications provider will offer standalone drone mitigation services to its customer base. This marks a significant point in the counterdrone industry’s development – counterdrone services are now as mainstream and customer-adopted as other telecommunications services, and can be purchased from a major telecommunications carrier. DroneShield is proud to be at the forefront of this seachange in the industry.”
For DroneShield, this partnership builds on DroneShield’s transformational March and June quarters, its first $1m+ revenue quarters.
13 Sep 19. Better detection and tracking. Elta (Stand S7-330) has developed new algorithms for its ELM-2270 over-the-horizon (OTH) radar that improve the detection and tracking capability of the system when operating in 200nm exclusive economic zones.
OTH radars operate in low-frequency HF bands and can operate at ranges further than a typical sensor can, utilising wave propagation and emitting a signal over the sea that follows the earth’s curvature to detect targets that are beyond line-of-sight. While this is not a new technology, effective implementation of OTH has been challenging, largely due to the HF frequency being affected by clutter, but improved algorithms and a hardware design have enabled the company to overcome this in the ELM-2270. The sensor utilises a 2D receiving antenna uniform circular array with a co-located transmit antenna, and continuously transmits at 120° in azimuth wide-angle beam, while the receiver performs full-digital beam forming, which provides instant coverage of an entire sector.
Meanwhile, the Israel Aerospace Industries subsidiary has also announced it has received a contract from an undisclosed Asian customer for its ELM-2114 perimeter protection radar. This will be installed within a system around the perimeter of military assets throughout the country to protect against potential intrusions and includes different independent security layers, this radar being that longest range of those. ELTA is delivering the new ELM-2114 V1K version of the radar, which provides what it says is a 100 per cent increased detection range over its predecessor, ELM-2114 V05, able to operate over ranges of 1km for a moving person and 2km for moving vehicles. (Source: IHS Jane’s)
10 Sep 19. Mission Microwave Technologies, LLC, a manufacturer of highly efficient Solid State Power Amplifiers (SSPAs) and Block Up Converters (BUCs) and Intellian, the global leader of mobile satellite communication antenna systems, confirmed their progress in building extremely high throughput terminals for newly launched Ka band capacity and the completion of early deployment trials on a LEO constellation.
Intellian have designed high capacity mobile terminals for the rapidly growing Ka-band HTS (High Throughput Satellite) market and needed to be able to offer high power Ka-band solutions to support wide bandwidths and up to 32-ary advance modulation schemes. Based on Intellian’s prior and on ongoing work with Mission Microwave the companies have aligned their engineering efforts to create an exceptional product offer for maritime, mobile and LEO/MEO satellite operators.
Mission Microwave is providing a range of Ka and Ku-band Block Upconverters to Intellian with power levels up to 400 watts. Mission’s core capabilities in designing compact and highly efficient amplifiers have enabled Intellian to produce high performance terminals with industry leading efficiency and reliability that are now operating over HTS and LEO networks.
“We have developed a working relationship with Intellian that is beneficial to our joint customer base of satellite operators, service providers and end-users. Both companies’ have found a common goal in building a loyal and successful customer base using the most advanced technology available and providing those technologies in a commercial product with a proven long-term value..” said Steve Richeson, Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Mission Microwave. “Intellian’s engineers have a thorough understanding of the requirements for mobile and tracking terminals and our team enjoyed working with them to overcome the challenges for this demanding commercial application of our products.”
“Our customers demand that we provide them with optimal solutions in terms of reliability, price and performance. The Mission Microwave products have inspired the industry with their dramatic increases in performance and reliability in an efficient and elegantly designed package. Intellian have found the Mission Microwave BUCs to be an enabling technology to help us serve our customers better and to expand into new market segments.” commented Intellian executive Jim Hatcher, Senior Director of Product Management.
The terminal systems provided by Intellian will provide connectivity to new generation networks operating beyond the reach of high capacity terrestrial and traditional satellite services. Intellian’s terminals rely on Mission’s BUCs providing reliable high performance in a compact and efficient package with state-of-the-art monitor and control capabilities to assure terminal performance in a range of challenging environments.
Mission Microwave continues to be at the forefront of the satellite terminal industry in shipping high power Ku and Ka Band BUCs for mobile applications in ground, maritime and other applications for both government and commercial industry sectors that require high efficiency, reliability and performance. Mission Microwave is exhibiting September 13-16 at the International Broadcasting Convention at the RAI Exhibition and Convention Centre in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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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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