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07 Jun 17. Alkras Laser Technology Zooms Forward. Alkras has told armadainternational.com that it expects the development of a new anti-Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) laser to be completed and tested by the end of 2017. The company added, via a written statement, that this laser: “will be 50 times more compact and light weight than any other comparable system.” The firm stated that it expects to achieve power levels of up to one megawatt, or higher, for the laser. It adds that the product could be used for protecting airports, nuclear installations, diplomatic premises, and military and civilian infrastructure. In addition, the system employs molecular laser technology which provides an eye-safe nine to ten micron wavelength, along with low maintenance and repair costs. The company has already demonstrated its expertise in anti-UAV technology with the development of the Novel Laser. This weighs only 45 kilograms (99 pounds) with the laser generator producing 3000 watts of power, and installation of the system possible on light ground vehicles. The company has stated that this complete UAV laser system will cost around $500,000. Tests have shown this laser to be effective against small ground and flying targets such as UAVs at a range up to 500 metres (1640.4 feet/ft). (Source: Armada)
07 Jun 17. EW Europe: Sierra Nevada validates SkyCAP C-UAS. Sierra Nevada demonstrated its SkyCAP counter-UAS (C-UAS) system earlier this month during the US military’s Black Dart C-UAS exercise at Eglin Air Force Base. SkyCAP is a variant of the company’s dismounted Advanced EW System – Modular (AEWS-M), modified to meet US government requirements. The system is designed to identify UAS and defeat radio frequency (RF) performance as part of lightweight dismounted, on-the-move tactical vehicle platforms, and for fixed-site infrastructure protection. During the exercise, multiple C-UAS missions were completed, including detecting, tracking, identifying and defeating UAS threats representative of what US and coalition forces face in forward deployed locations. According to Sierra Nevada, SkyCAP’s performance at Black Dart validated the system as a viable C-UAS solution. (Source: Shephard)
07 Jun 17. Elbit awarded F-35 cockpit contract. Elbit Systems of America has been awarded a contract to develop a replacement cockpit display for the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF).
The contract, which was announced by Elbit Systems on 6 June, is for the Technology Refresh 3, Panoramic Cockpit Display Unit (PCDU). The value of the contract was not disclosed, with Elbit Systems saying only that “the award was not in a material amount”.
The F-35 is currently equipped with a single Rockwell Collins 508×203 mm (20×8-inch) panoramic projection, touch-sensitive screen (actually two half-size screens functioning as a single unit). Elbit Systems and Rockwell Collins already collaborate on the F-35 Helmet Mounted Display System (Gen 3), through their ESA Vision Systems (RCEVS) joint venture. Elbit Systems declined to provide any further information on the PCDU to Jane’s or to supply an image. Cockpit NG also enables embedded training with simulated scenarios and targets generated to replicate specific mission scenarios, helping reduce overall operating costs for the user. (Source: IHS Jane’s)
07 Jun 17. NATO expands role of AWACS against Islamic State. NATO has expanded the role of its E-3A Component in the fight against the Islamic State, authorising its Boeing E-3A Airborne Warning And Control System (AWACS) aircraft to co-ordinate coalition strike missions in the Middle East for the first time.
The 6 June announcement by the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) clears the NATO E-3A Component to expand its current role of providing surveillance and situational awareness fo