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————————————————————————- 18 Feb 14. Plextek Consulting announced its collaboration with the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) UAS R&D Programme has resulted in a new way to detect and track small, slow moving Unmanned Air Systems (UAS) using innovative radar technology. Plextek Consulting successfully detected and tracked small UAS during a two-week sensor trial in Scotland organised by Dstl. The unique trials also enabled demonstration of advanced signal processing techniques to differentiate radar returns from moving objects such as swaying-trees and birds, while also being able to distinguish between different types of UAS, such as fixed-wing and quad-copter. Following the success of the UAS trials, Plextek Consulting is undertaking the development of a solution that can combine the benefits of an electronically scanned radar with advanced signal and image processing methods to detect, track, recognise and identify a non-cooperative airborne target.
Paul Martin, Chief Technology Officer commented on the project: “Working with Dstl has been a great opportunity to prove and highlight the performance of our patented radar technology, with clear results revealing there is an innovative, cost-effective way to detect low-cost UAS. Once fully developed, this can be applied with both homeland defence and commercial domains, by the provision of local airspace monitoring and enhancement to the safety of UAS operation.”
Plextek Consulting is seeking collaboration with system integrators to incorporate its unique technology with other sensors and systems to provide a complete air surveillance solution.
18 Feb 14. CCS approves Indian Army’s night-vision equipment procurement proposal. The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), India, has approved the Army’s proposal for the procurement of night-vision equipment Thermal Imaging Fire Control System (TIFCS). The proposal worth more than Rs18bn ($290m) has been cleared in a bid to improve performance of the Army’s tank fleet at night. Headed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, the CCS cleared the proposal for the T-90 and T-72 battle tanks, PTI reports. Both the tanks will be equipped with the systems, which will be procured from Italy-based Elbit Systems, under the plan. The Army is in the process of clarifying certain questions raised by the CCS in connection with the proposal prior to signing the deal and is undertaking a programme to modernise its entire fleet of over 2,000 BMPs with advanced weaponry and night-fighting capabilities. The forces consist of 63 armoured corps regiments and more than 30 mechanised infantry battalions. The Army is prepared for high-intensity, fast-tempo and short-duration battles in the future, for which the forces are said to form a key component. Recently, a proposal to procure thermal imaging sights for the armoured vehicle fleet of the force consisting of tanks and infantry combat vehicles has been cleared by the Defence Acquisition Council headed by Defence Minister A K Antony. The Army will use 2,000 of the TI sights for the commanders of the T-72 tanks.(Source: army-technology.com)
17 Feb 14. Boeing and Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance (AFI KLM E&M) have successfully completed the Mid-Life Upgrade modification on the first of four E-3F Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft for the French Air Force. The upgrade is part of a Foreign Military Sale in 2010 between France’s Direction Générale de l’Armement (DGA) and the U.S. government. In June 2013, Boeing subcontractor AFI KLM E&M began upgrading the electrical, mechanical and structural systems and mission hardware on this aircraft. The Mid Life Upgrade – the largest ever for French AWACS – will provide the fleet a robust picture of the battlespace and more actionable information while reducing aircrew workload. The aircraft now w