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28 Jun 14. Extreme weather, vast distances and stretches of darkness have long made it difficult to protect Arctic territories, and the problem has grown as ice fields recede and open swaths of ocean year-round. Now new tools are helping nations head off the evolving risks, allowing better communication and monitoring at the northern tip of the Earth. Raytheon’s satellite sensors and radars are providing safer navigation for Arctic ships, more efficient communication for U.S. military operations in the region and more accurate low-light detection of Arctic ice movements and weather conditions. In May Canada awarded Raytheon Canada Ltd. a five-year contract to operate the North Warning System, a joint Canadian and United States radar system that detects airborne threats from Labrador to the Yukon. The company has also developed the Raytheon Arctic Monitoring and Prediction (RAMP) program, which integrates satellite information into onboard navigation systems, helping ships steer clear of dangerous floes in the Arctic’s constantly changing ice fields. An estimated 15 percent of the world’s undiscovered oil reserves – and 30 percent of its undiscovered natural gas reserves – are located in the Arctic, so the system could help unlock new energy sources. Greater awareness of ice makes Arctic shipping lanes more viable, leading to shorter transit times for cargo. It also allows safer access to remote villages.
02 Jul 14. Saab Defense and Security USA to commence delivery of its new naval radar in 2016.
Key Points
* The Sea Giraffe 4A is a medium-to-long range S-band AESA radar that has been developed by Saab Defense for naval platforms
* Company officials believe the new radar is a cost-competitive system that could equip large ships to provide simultaneous air detection and surface surveillance capability
The developer of a new medium-to-long range naval radar capable of conducting simultaneous air detection and surface surveillance operations will commence deliveries to a customer beginning in 2016.
Officials at Saab Defense and Security USA, LCC told IHS Jane’s that the initial client for the company’s Sea Giraffe 4A, a 2×2 m aperture S-band active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, is on contract for a number of the new systems. (Source: IHS Jane’s)
01 Jul 14. Northrop Grumman Corporation has produced its 50,000th G-2000 gyroscope, the world’s smallest tactical grade, dynamically-tuned gyroscope in production, which is used for both military and commercial purposes. The G-2000 senses rate orientation for stabilization and targeting applications. Since 1992, Northrop Grumman’s Salt Lake City facility has produced the two-axis G 2000 gyroscope for missile and torpedo guidance, as well as pointing and stabilization of electro-optical/infrared cameras, antennas, periscopes and radars. “The G-2000 offers high performance and reliability at an affordable cost. It’s the gold standard for miniature dynamically-tuned gyros due to its higher engineering and exceptional consistency of quality, manufacture and delivery,” said Bob Mehltretter, vice president, Navigation and Positioning Systems, Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems. “Although the gyro is small in size, its impact has been huge due to its role in national security and saving lives.” The G-2000 supports national security through its use on missiles, including the Patriot Advanced Capability-3, Harpoon and AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles, among other platforms. In 2010, the G-2000 helped to guide the drill that rescued 33 trapped Chilean miners from an underground mine. The G-2000 is used for both military and commercial applications by domestic and international customers. The gyroscope is especially suitable for environments that are subject to high shock forces. Early next year, Northrop Grumma