Sponsored by Blighter Surveillance Systems
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17 Oct 19. Will Raytheon Counter-Drone System Head To Mideast With Patriot? Raytheon’s Howler could shore up a critical weak spot in Patriot: defense against low-and-slow threats like drones. In an intriguing hint of things to come, Raytheon has been given permission by the Pentagon to begin discussing how its Howler counter-drone system can work with the company’s Patriot batteries.
If you want to consider a use for such a combination, think of the Saudi Arabian oil production facilities struck by Iranian drones and cruise missiles — an attack that bypassed traditional Patriot missile defenses. “This would be a very capable system for this to be deployed with Patriot,” Cliff Johnson of Raytheon told me when I asked if deploying to Saudi would be a sensible use of the combination.
The Howler includes a Ku-band radar (KRFS) to detect targets, the Army-standard Forward Area Air Defense (FAAD) system for command and control, and the Coyote drone/missile to shoot down incoming drones. It’s a capability for which the Army issued a Joint Urgent Operational Need statement last year,
One of the weaknesses of Patriot in this day and age is that, while its radar can detect smaller threats such as drones, its missile is not designed to take out smaller targets flying slowly and at low altitudes. After all, those threats didn’t exist when Patriot’s requirements were drawn up. So the mission for Howler is area defense of critical targets, including other air and missile defense systems like Patriot, against low-and-slow threats. Howler’s C2 system could be based with the Patriot or separately.
As Breaking D readers will remember, the US is sending two more Patriot batteries to Saudi Arabia to improve protection against the Iranians (and their Houthi friends). In addition, 3,000 troops are on the way. We don’t know if any Howler systems will be following them, but it’s not an unreasonable assumption.
Bear in mind that Raytheon had earlier requested permission to discuss the combination of the two systems, and we don’t know if they received permission during AUSA as a coincidence or… But no one dissuaded me when I asked them if a Saudi or other CentCom deployment was likely. (Source: Defense News Early Bird/Breaking Defense)
17 Oct 19. Raytheon Clinches ‘Must Win’ U.S. Contract for New Patriot Radar. Raytheon Co. has won a U.S. Army contest to provide a new radar system for Patriot missiles, beating out Lockheed Martin Corp. and Northrop Grumman Corp., said people familiar with the matter.
The Army is set to announce the deal as early as Thursday, said one of the people, who asked not to be named because the decision is still private. The firm fixed-price contract is initially set at about $384m.
With the victory, Raytheon retains a key piece of one of its most important weapons franchises. The new radar, known as the Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor, is designed to detect enemy missiles that can be shot down by Patriots. The deal calls for Raytheon to build and test six radar prototypes within 36 months, delivering them for accelerated testing by 2022.
The program has “major U.S. Army and international foreign sales implications,” Cowen & Co. analyst Roman Schweizer said in a note to clients last month. “For incumbent Raytheon, it’s a strategic ‘must win.’”
Army Brig. General Brian Gibson said Tuesday that the winner had been selected. He didn’t identify the victor. The contract is being awarded under a streamlined procedure called “Other Transaction Authority,” or OTA, which is intended to accelerate programs outside traditional defense acquisitions.
The new system is “a radar that the U.S. Army wants to develop to essentially allow the Patriot system to continue to live on another 40 years” and counter new threats such as drones, Raytheon Chief Executive Officer Thomas Kennedy told analysts last month at a Morgan Stanley conference.
Raytheon declined to comment. The Waltham, Massachusetts-based company is in the process of merging with United Technologies Corp. (Source: Defense News Early Bird/Bloomberg)
16 Oct 19. Lockheed Martin’s Sniper targeting pod completes fit check on FA-50. Lockheed Martin has announced that its Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod (ATP) has passed fit check on the FA-50 light combat aircraft.
Completion of the fit check marks a key milestone in the integration of the Sniper pod into the FA-50 platform. The FA-50 platform is manufactured by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and Lockheed Martin for the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF). Lockheed Martin is under contract with KAI to integrate Sniper ATP on the FA-50.
In a statement, Lockheed Martin said: “The fit check verified the engineering, physical connections and interfaces, as well as validated upload and download procedures of the pod.”
The company stated that the pod will undergo further tests to evaluate the electromagnetic interference, laser mask zone and aircraft transfer alignment parameters.
All tests will conclude with a flight test. The company expects to complete the integration by August next year. Sniper is expected to achieve full certification by the end of next year. The system is designed to serve as an interoperable targeting pod for the aircraft. It provides pilots with high-resolution imagery for ‘precision targeting and non-traditional intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions’.
The targeting pod, which has more than 20 customers across the globe, can detect, identify, automatically track and laser-designate small tactical targets at long ranges. It also allows the use of laser-guided and GPS-guided weapons to counter both fixed and moving targets. Sniper targeting pod is known for its interoperability across platforms such as F-18, B-1, F-15, F-16, B-52, A-10 and F-2. (Source: airforce-technology.com)
15 Oct 19. Shadow drones will get new sensors. The Army of Tomorrow needs data collected today, and every new pairing of sensor and platform is another node in the ever-hungry maw of future AI. At the 2019 Association of the United States Army meeting, defense giant L3Harris announced an order from the Army for 65 electro-optical sensor suite units, specifically to mount on the Army’s latest Shadow drones.
Configured to mount on the Tactical Unmanned Air Systems Shadow UAV (RQ-7Bv2), the contract is for 65 WESCAM MX-10D electro-optical, infrared and laser designator sensor suites. The sensor suite can geolocate and tag targets, on land or in the air. The sensor collects information for fighting at a distance, with an eye toward the threats posed by new vehicles or weapons in use across the globe.
Before receiving the contract, L3 first delivered eight of the sensors as part of a testing program, which then led to the larger contract.
For the Army to take advantage of AI, it will first need to collect data on which it can train AI algorithms. While the Shadow was already a data-rich platform, every new iteration provides more information that cannot be collected anywhere but by military vehicles. (Source: Defense News Early Bird/C4ISR & Networks)
15 Oct 19. Lockheed Martin’s Modernized Turret Adds Performance, Operational Capabilities to the AH-64E Apache Helicopter. The new design increases turret reliability by 40 percent and drastically improves aircraft availability through a variety of flight line maintenance enhancements. The U.S. Army recently awarded Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) a $40.6m contract to produce Modernized Turrets (M-TUR) for the AH-64E Apache helicopter, an upgrade to the Modernized Target Acquisition Designation Sight and Pilot Night Vision Sensor (M-TADS/PNVS) system with enhanced operational and performance capabilities.
“Our primary objective with the Modernized Turret is to improve system performance, increase reliability, and reduce required maintenance and support costs,” said Tom Eldredge, director of Apache Fire Control programs at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. “The M-TUR demonstrates our commitment to delivering advanced, affordable capabilities and innovative solutions to our nation’s warfighters, enabling increased readiness, reliability and survivability in battle.”
In addition to performance improvements that provide greater rates and acceleration of sensors in azimuth and elevation, M-TUR’s new modular design improves turret reliability by 40 percent and reduces operation and support costs with a dramatic decrease in time required to conduct flight line maintenance. The design also allows for subassembly replacement on the flight line and includes higher reliability components that will improve aircraft availability.
M-TADS/PNVS provides Apache helicopter pilots with long-range, precision engagement and pilotage capabilities for mission success and flight safety during day and night, and in adverse weather conditions. Lockheed Martin has delivered more than 1,400 M-TADS/PNVS systems and spares to the U.S. Army and 16 international customers in 15 nations over the last 14 years. For additional information, visit our website: www.lockheedmartin.com/mturret.
15 Oct 19. HMS Prince of Wales tests long-range radar to track Typhoons. The Royal Navy’s newest vessel, HMS Prince of Wales, has tested its long-range radar for the first time to track two Royal Air Force (RAF) Typhoon aircraft flown from Lossiemouth. HMS Prince of Wales, the second ship in the Royal Navy’s Queen Elizabeth-class of aircraft carriers, is undergoing sea trials in the North Sea. The 920ft-long, 65,000t ship began the sea trials last month off the coast of Scotland and is putting its systems through paces in Sea State 6 conditions.
During the course of the ongoing trials, the vessel has achieved a series of firsts. Among the highlights is the first test of HMS Prince of Wales’ citadel, the self-contained heart of the ship designed to protect sailors from chemical, nuclear and biological weapons.
Last month, a Merlin Mk2 helicopter performed maiden landing on the deck of the HMS Prince of Wales.
Following this feat, the carrier hit a top speed of 25k as part of engine testing during the second week of trials.
The £3bn warship, which was assembled in Rosyth, also tested its small-calibre guns, which serve as the last line of defence against small fast craft.
HMS Prince of Wales senior warfare officer lieutenant commander Grahame Flint said: “I know that, after a long time focussing on the ship’s material state, and training in firefighting and damage control, my above water weapons section were very keen to demonstrate their own capabilities.”
The carrier made its first port visit to Invergordon to refuel and take on supplies, including food. With formal commissioning scheduled to take place by the end of the year, the ship is expected to visit its home base of Portsmouth next month. (Source: naval-technology.com)
15 Oct 19. Raytheon and Korean Air partner on Multiple-Intelligence Aircraft for Republic of Korea Air Force. Team will offer advanced ISTAR system tailored to ROKAF mission. Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) and Korean Air signed an exclusive collaboration agreement at the Seoul International Aerospace and Defense Exhibition earlier today to pursue the Republic of Korea’s Air Force’s Intelligence Surveillance Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance program.
Under the agreement, Raytheon will be the prime contractor and provide multiple-intelligence, or Multi-INT, technologies for the aircraft. Korean Air will deliver design, logistics and life cycle support services.
“Technology is changing the way we fight and the speed at which we do it. For today’s commanders, a few seconds can make the difference between success and failure,” said Roy Azevedo, president of Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems. “By combining multiple sensors with advanced communications systems, we give Korean commanders the information they need, when they need it.”
Multi-INT synthesizes data from a variety of sensors – including radar, multifunction electro optical/infrared, and signals intelligence suites – to create a comprehensive picture of the battlespace. Working with Bombardier, Raytheon and Korean Air will modify Global 6500 business jets to meet ROKAF’s specific mission needs.
“We expect to make a great contribution to increase surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities for the Korean military by collaboration between Raytheon, which has the world’s best mission equipment technology, and Korean Air which has the best aircraft upgrade and MRO capabilities in Korea,” said Lee Soo-Keun, Executive Vice President and CTO at Korean Air.
Raytheon’s ISTAR solution can be used for multiple missions, including: monitoring natural disasters, enforcing maritime embargos, ensuring border security and protecting against ballistic missile attacks.
About Korean Air
Korean Air is carrying out depot level maintenance and upgrade program for more than 4,500 aircraft, including Korean and US fighters, cargo aircraft and helicopters, as the largest military aircraft upgrade capability and depot level maintenance company in the Asia-Pacific region. In particular, Korean Air is the leading UAV development company in Korea, including division-level tactical UAV, which are being deployed to the Army, and strategic MUAV under flight test and tilt rotor UAV. The successful completion of the Navy P-3C maritime patrol aircraft upgrade program which is the core power of the anti-submarine operation of the Republic of Korea and the Air Force’s SIGINT aircraft system development program, successfully contributed to strengthening the ROK’s anti-submarine power and surveillance and reconnaissance power.
14 Oct 19. Cobham Advanced Electronic Solutions today introduced a new multi-axis gimbal system for military applications such as counter unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and air defense operations that offers the industry’s best combination of reliability, precision and affordability. The SPS-1000 is Cobham’s next-generation sensor positioning system (SPS) that accurately acquires, tracks, and points a variety of sensor payloads in harsh land, sea and airborne environments. The new positioner maximizes use of Military Commercial Off-the-Shelf (MILCOTS) components, leading to significant cost savings and lead-time reductions. Two key benefits of the SPS-1000 modular design approach are integral field-replaceable control electronics, which eliminates all external cables without any sacrifice in performance; and a reconfigurable design allowing for utmost payload flexibility.
“Cobham has a long history in developing multi-axis gimbal systems and a full range of high precision sensor positioning solutions,” said Jeff Hassannia, Senior Vice President of Business Development, Strategy and Technology, Cobham Advanced Electronic Solutions. “Our new SPS-1000 is designed with the goal to provide customers with a cost effective solution that can be delivered to the field in less time, and with low cost of ownership. It is truly a hallmark of Cobham’s SPS Series of Precision Positioners and offers the industry’s best combination of performance, delivery and affordability.”
About the new SPS-1000 Sensor Positioning System
Utilizing over 25 years of field-proven expertise in electronic imaging, signal processing, control systems and systems integration, Cobham’s scalable, modular, lightweight sensor positioning systems can easily support payloads ranging from five to 2,000 pounds. Designed to support payloads up to 150 pounds, the new SPS-1000 features brushless direct drive DC motors; absolute optical encoders; C-based firmware; as well as gyro stabilization/slip ring and customer I/O interface options. The SPS-1000 is priced at less than $150,000 in small unit quantities and will be available in January 2020. To view data sheet and more information, please visit www.cobham.com/positioners.
Cobham’s SPS-1000 Sensor Positioning System will be on display this week at AUSA 2019 in Washington, D.C. at Booth #1915.
14 Oct 19. App augments counter drone system from 42 Solutions and Rinicom. Dutch company 42 Solutions released a beta version of its App to secure airspaces against non-cooperative drones at inter airport europe, Munich, and Eurocontrol counter-UAV workshop in early October. It is due to be tested at Eindhoven Airbase and other Dutch/Belgium airports in the near future. The development augments the drone detection and ATM situational awareness platform CUPS developed jointly with UK company Rinicom.
When a drone is detected, the CUPS C2 App is used to assess whether this drone poses a threat. It does this automatically using pre-configured sensitive areas, and the location of aircraft and authorised drones that are obtained from the integrated ATM and UTM systems. The threat is forwarded to the airport tower and the security App when the CUPS C2 operator acknowledges the threat.
The purpose of the App is to provide security forces with information to deal with the drone threats. It does this by providing the real time location of the threatening drone, its heading and history and (if available) its pilot. The situational awareness can be enhanced with further details about the drone, the location of cooperative drones registered in UTM applications and the location of responding team members. Through a reporting function the status of the action taken is communicated to all stakeholders knowing exactly when the situation is normalised again. Air Traffic Controllers are alarmed only when risks of collision are increasing and preventive action in final approach and/or take-off is needed.
CUPS is a Eurostars project of 42 Solutions, Netherlands and Rinicom, UK and financed by the EU. The system detects non-cooperative drones, assesses threats, shares situational information among stakeholders, has a command and control working position and a ‘human in the loop’-option. CUPS and the mobile App offer jointly enable an effective process to mitigate threats of non-cooperative drones. (Source: https://www.unmannedairspace.info)
14 Oct 19. Systel’s Raven Strike to process hostile fire detection for army vehicle demonstrators. Systel’s Raven Strike computing system for combat vehicles is being tested on prototype platforms, specifically the US Army’s optionally manned fighting vehicle (OMFV) demonstrators, according to Aneesh Kothari, vice-president of marketing for Systel.
Raven Strike on OMFV, provided to the competing suppliers as government-furnished equipment via a US Army contract, is running a software algorithm suite for hostile fire detection and localisation (HFDL), an especially data-intensive process, Kothari told Jane’s ahead of the Association of the United States Army’s (AUSA᾿s) annual conference in Washington, DC from 14 to 16 October. The 15.88kg computer in this application integrates the vehicle’s sensors and then processes, exploits, and disseminates data, which can then go to other sensors or to a display, he explained. (Source: IHS Jane’s)
14 Oct 19. L3Harris Technologies Providing US Army New Networked Night Vision Goggles with Advanced Mobility Capabilities.
Highlights:
- Initial delivery of 40 combat-ready Enhanced Night Vision Goggle – Binocular systems
- Improves soldiers’ situational awareness, mobility and protection
- Part of initial order, with additional delivery orders subsequently received, under $391m ENVG-B Directed Requirement contract
L3Harris Technologies (NYSE:LHX) has begun initial deliveries of its new Enhanced Night Vision Goggle – Binocular (ENVG-B) that provides U.S. Army soldiers with improved situational awareness, mobility and protection. The delivery is part of an initial order under a $391m ENVG-B Directed Requirement contract from the U.S. Army received in 2018.
L3Harris delivered the first 40 combat-ready systems as part of an initial fielding that is expected to be completed by early 2020. This advanced binocular night vision goggle supports the Army’s Soldier Lethality Cross-Functional team priorities. The ENVG-B includes L3Harris’ high-performance white phosphor image intensification technology in a dual-tube goggle, as well as a separate thermal channel for image fusion and thermal target detection. This technology will enhance the ability to locate and engage threats and access common operating environment imagery.
“The ENVG-B is the result of a year-long collaboration with the U.S. Army to deliver the most advanced night fighting system ever fielded,” said Dana Mehnert, President, Communication Systems, L3Harris. “This is the first networked night vison system that brings battlefield imagery and data directly to the soldier’s eye, providing situational awareness beyond the capability of near-peer threats facing the U.S. military and our allies around the world.”
Following the delivery of the first 40 units, L3Harris received two additional delivery orders totaling approximately $153m for nearly 7,000 additional systems and logistics support. Combined with the initial $88m delivery order, L3Harris has received orders to deliver just over 10,000 ENVG-B systems under the Directed Requirement contract.
The ENVG-B includes a new high-resolution display and an embedded soldier wireless personal area network, rapid target acquisition and augmented reality algorithms to interface with the U.S. Army’s Nett Warrior. The complete system will interface with the Army’s family of weapon sights, while enhancing interoperability and data sharing.
14 Oct 19. BOM® HEET Receives APEL® Approval. First Active Anti-fogging Goggle Meeting Military Standards and Extreme Cold Weather Performance.
Abom, Inc. announced that it is now Authorized Protective Eyewear List (APEL) approved for its successful ABOM HEET® active anti-fog tactical eyewear goggle system. ABOM successfully completed U.S. ARMY – Product Manager Soldier Protective Equipment (PM SPE) audit and full compliance review for APEL qualification in May 2019. Our ABOM HEET Goggle platform met all military qualification criteria by MCEP (Military Combat Eye Protection Program) and MIL-PRF-32432A requirements.
ABOM HEET tactical goggle meets the military’s stringent MIL-PRF-32432A Ballistic Standard as well as the ANSI Z87.1-2015, Z87.1+ High Velocity and High Mass Impact Standards. ABOM active anti-fogging technology is the only active anti-fog goggle system to meet ANSI rating. “Meeting the highest possible standards of quality and performance has always been something we take seriously. Increasing manufacturing of key tactical products like the HEET here in America will help us raise the bar even further — and we plan to expand on this important initiative in the future,” said Jack Cornelius, President.
Under direction from MCEP Senior Integrated Product Team (IPT), ABOM’s Quality Management System (QMS) is now ISO9001:2015 compliant with full certification expected before the end of the year. ABOM’s HEET goggle has been assigned a National Stock Number (NSN): 4240-01-678-6072, and is listed on the APEL to support US Military and DoD Agencies.
APEL approval allows Abom to significantly increase U.S.A. manufacturing capabilities and expanding sales growth and R&D efforts into new emerging technologies such as Laser Rejection Lenses and Augmented Reality HUD integration.
Critical to success, ABOM is fortunate to have strong team of veterans and advisors experienced in ramping up military-tactical manufacturing, production and sales operations. Starting this month, ABOM focus is to kick-off our national GSA distributor program for the APEL product approval with two major tailored logistic support program partners; ADS (Atlantic Diving Service, Inc.) and Federal Resources. ABOM will also build sales momentum with marketing support from GMP (Government Marketing and Procurement LLC) serving as a primary link between top-performing solution providers and government buyers. Contact abom.com for more information and product inquires. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
09 Oct 19. JSTARS modifications under new contract include new liquid oxygen valve. Key Points:
- The US Air Force will perform a variety of upgrades to its E-8C JSTARS fleet under a September contract award
- Modifications will range from a new liquid oxygen valve to the bandwidth-efficient common data link
The US Air Force (USAF) plans to make a variety of modifications, including a new liquid oxygen valve, to its fleet of Northrop Grumman E-8C Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (JSTARS) aircraft as part of a 27 September contract award.
The sole sourced award to Northrop Grumman, potentially worth USD495m, covers 16 mission and one trainer aircraft as part of an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (ID/IQ) arrangement. USAF spokesperson Patty Welsh said on 7 October that many modifications are anticipated under the JSTARS System Improvement Program (JSSIP) IV contract, ranging from replacing the liquid oxygen valve to prime mission equipment modification, such as the bandwidth-efficient common data link, which she said is the US Army’s primary communications link. Welsh said all modifications are subject to funding availability.
The intent of the contract is to modify all 16 JSTARS aircraft with each modification, Welsh said. The aircraft modification order is dependent upon the timing of the modification and each aircraft’s status at the time, such as deployed, in depot, or identified for training sorties. The 27 September contract award was for replacing the liquid oxygen valve.
The contract award will support the current JSTARS programme office and Air Combat Command (ACC) projections of improvement to increase or maintain E-8C performance, capability, reliability, and maintainability. Work is expected to be completed by 26 September 2024. (Source: IHS Jane’s)
10 Oct 19. RAAF-funded project testing extended capability for P-8A Poseidon. A Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF)-funded project is testing an extended search and rescue capability for the P-8A Poseidon. The study is being conducted off the coast of the Naval Air Station Patuxent River (PAX) in Maryland and is evaluating the UNIPAC III Search and Rescue (SAR) kit on the P-8A maritime patrol aircraft.
The US Navy’s Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) revealed that the kit will enable the P-8A to provide survivor assistance to 100 people in a single sortie.
RAAF Squadron Leader Nathan Mula said: “The UNIPAC III SAR kit is designed to substantially increase survivor assistance. The kit increases the survivor assistance capability of the P-8A from 16 to 100 people in a single sortie.”
Mula is a P-8A Flight Test Tactical officer stationed at PAX and is part of the cooperative programme between the US and Australia at the Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Office (PMA-290).
The test programme involves sustaining survivors with food, water, and communications for an extended period.
Mula further said: “Not only does the RAAF take a large step toward a major capability milestone, but the US Navy receives the developmental and operational test experience and results. By leveraging the developmental experience, both countries are able to increase their capability to provide assistance to survivors in the oceans around the world.”
The P-8A is used for maritime patrol, reconnaissance, intelligence and surveillance, and search and rescue missions.
It is operated by the US, Australia, and India. The aircraft has also been ordered by the UK, South Korea, Norway, and New Zealand.
P-8A Air Vehicle Stores Compatibility flight test engineer Katie Giewont stated that the team carried out several ground and flight tests over the past year to certify the UNIPAC-III SAR kit. The RAAF will perform further operational testing with the new kit in Australia. The US Navy will study the implementation of the UNIPAC-III kit for its P-8A Poseidon fleet.
Results from the operational tests conducted by the RAAF will be studied to explore the potential of adding the capability. (Source: naval-technology.com)
14 Oct 19. IMSAR Gets $7m US Navy Multi-Mode Radar Contract. U.S. Navy unmanned surveillance experts needed a synthetic aperture/ground moving target indicator (GMTI) radar for small military unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). They found their solution from IMSAR LLC in Springville, Utah. Officials of the Naval Air Warfare Aircraft Division in Lakehurst, N.J., announced a $7.3m one-year order to IMSAR on Thursday to develop and build the AN/DPY-2 split aces payload systems and communications relay package for the RQ-21A Blackjack UAV.
The DPY-2 radar is based on the IMSAR NSP-5 radar that integrates into the payload bay of the Boeing Insitu RQ-21A Blackjack UAV, which is 8.2 feet long, has a 16-foot wingspan, and weighs 135 pounds with full fuel and sensor payloads.
The IMSAR NSP-5 radar, also called Split Aces, is a synthetic aperture/GMTI radar payload powered by Ku-band NanoSAR synthetic aperture radar technology housed in a pod with enclosed electronically scanned array antennas It is for tracking moving targets on the ground.
The NSP-5 provides high-resolution SAR imagery, coherent change detection, and ground moving target indication, and provides capabilities similar to the U.S. Air Force Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (Joint STARS), only in a much smaller package for a much smaller aircraft. Joint STARS is based on the Boeing 707 commercial passenger jet.
The NSP-5 radar is 45.3 inches long, 5.4 inches in diameters, weighs 16 pounds, and consumes 150 Watts of power. It’s designed to detect, track, and target columns of enemy infantry and combat vehicles moving on the ground in all-weather conditions, during the day and at night.
The system also has GMTI capability and synthetic aperture radar to image personnel or vehicles. Non-military roles of this radar also could include border security and search and rescue.
This order is part of a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) project, begun in 2012, called Advanced Radar Concepts for Small Remotely Piloted Aircraft.
On this order IMSAR will do the work in Springville, Utah,, and should be finished by October 2020. (Source: UAS VISION/Military & Aerospace Electronics)
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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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