ISR | Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

Archive for the ‘ISR’ Category

DSEi 20 – DefendTex Drone-155

Tuesday, September 21st, 2021

Australia’s DefendTex has introduced the Drone-155, a drone launched from a custom 155mm tube which, once aloft, deploys four propellers to loiter over targets.

Featuring a GPS autopilot, it offers up to 120 minutes of flight time with a top speed of 40 m/s. The max payload is 20 kg. It can be fitted with ISR, EW, Kinetic, RPG40 multiple launcher, laser designator or smoke/flash payloads. It can also be used to deploy the? DRONE40 described below.

The Drone-40 is normally launched from 40mm Grenade Launchers and can stay aloft for up to 60 minutes, featuring a top speed of 20 m/s. Current payloads include ISR, HE Frag, Fuel-Air, Anti-Armor, Flashbang, Smoke, and C-UAS.

Posted in DSEi, ISR, UAS | Comments Off on DSEi 20 – DefendTex Drone-155

TEKEVER Launches TEKEVER ATLAS for UAV Real-Time and Historical Processing Data

Friday, September 17th, 2021

DSEI, September 15th, 2021 – TEKEVER is demonstrating during DSEI (London, 14-17, 2021) its new TEKEVER ATLAS, a tool to enhance Unmanned Aerial Systems missions. It provides advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) analytics onboard for real-time and historical processing of data. Designed for key decision-makers, TEKEVER ATLAS delivers intelligence onboard, as well as ground-based tools, and assures that the right person gets the right information at the right time.

“TEKEVER ATLAS is a tool that extends the capabilities of TEKEVER’s unmanned technology. It allows you to collect all the information and to explore it after it’s been collected. ATLAS is a good name for the systems because it holds all the information that we are gathering about the world. It connects to multiple UAS systems at same time to collect data of the sensors that are on board (optical video, infrared video, radar, multispectral sensors, static aperture radars, for example). That information comes over a private network and gets collect in our AI/ML-powered datacenter, where all the information is stored and tagged”, explains Paulo Ferro, TEKEVER Director of Business Development

Decision-makers will be able to plan missions more effectively by easily including parameters such as areas of interest, objectives, and targets. This will enable the end-user user to review the specific details of any mission, and to easily retrieve historical data necessary as evidence for prosecution.

Posted in DSEi, International, ISR, Press Release, UAS | Comments Off on TEKEVER Launches TEKEVER ATLAS for UAV Real-Time and Historical Processing Data

HENSOLDT and L3Harris Join Forces for NATO Surveillance Programme

Wednesday, September 15th, 2021

Taufkirchen, Germany, 14 September 2021 – Sensor solutions provider HENSOLDT and L3Harris Technologies join forces to develop new capabilities for NATO’s Alliance Future Surveillance and Control (AFSC) programme. Both companies have signed a joint strategic cooperation agreement to combine their respective skills in the areas of platform-independent mission solutions.

In the frame of the cooperation, HENSOLDT, with its track record in developing and manufacturing sensors and mission systems, will contribute, among other things, capabilities in the areas of active and passive sensors, sensor data fusion and network management capabilities.

“Next-generation surveillance requires an intelligent approach to platform-independent, networked high-end sensors, AI-based date exploitation and dissemination” said Jürgen Halder, Head of Strategic Projects at HENSOLDT’s Spectrum Dominance division. “L3Harris and HENSOLDT with their respective strengths are ideally suited to offer NATO the optimum solution.”

“Our team will explore open systems, multi-function solutions and data-centric concepts to sustain the NATO Alliance’s military advantage from 2035 and beyond“, said Dave Johnson, Vice President, Strategy, Integrated Mission Systems, L3Harris.

L3Harris and HENSOLDT are part of an international team that brings together NATO nations’ industrial expertise in surveillance and control. This team will analyse the risks and feasibility of technologies and components within its system-of-systems approach to enhance the NATO Alliance’s capabilities to 2035 and beyond. L3Harris’ international teammates share a common vision: to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of future NATO military operations through the procurement and integration of a multi-domain (AFSC) capability centred around the data enterprise.

Posted in ISR, Press Release | Comments Off on HENSOLDT and L3Harris Join Forces for NATO Surveillance Programme

DroneShield Enters the Sonar Market with SonarOne

Tuesday, September 7th, 2021

DroneShield Ltd (ASX:DRO) (“DroneShield” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce a material capability upgrade to its multi-domain DroneSentryTM counterdrone / counter-UxS threat awareness and response system, via addition of SonarOneTM, cutting edge sonar detection system, for directional real time reporting of underwater threats.

SonarOneTM is a sophisticated sonar monitoring device capable of detecting and tracking hostile unmanned underwater vehicles (“UUVs”) or diver intruders in protected waters. Ideal for deployment around naval vessels, harbours, and critical infrastructure, SonarOneTM is easy to install and monitor via the DroneSentry-C2TM, DroneShield’s intuitive and easy to use operator interface, with no specialist sonar training required.

Oleg Vornik, DroneShield’s CEO, commented, “With the inclusion of SonarOne, the DroneSentry system provides a comprehensive all-domain awareness and protection system, including Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs), Unmanned Water Surface Vehicles (USVs), UUVs, and divers.

As the original counter-UAS market pioneer which set the industry standards since its inception, we are pleased to continue leading the market by offering this breakthrough unique capability to our customers globally.”

Image: overview of a facility protected with the full suite of DroneShield sensors

With a substantial detection range for divers and UUVs, SonarOneTM can protect large sites with few installation points, reducing the amount of preparation required by the installer and the need for pre-existing infrastructure. With its directional capability and simultaneous tracking of multiple targets, SonarOneTM provides the operator with complete awareness of multi-directional underwater robotic and manned swarm attacks.

The product is unrestricted in deployment, meaning it is available for sale, and expected to be of interest to, a wide range of customers including ports, harbours, naval bases, private yachts, residences, power stations, and various offshore platforms.

Additional product details are available here.

Posted in ISR, Press Release | Comments Off on DroneShield Enters the Sonar Market with SonarOne

AeroVironment Selected by U.S. Special Operations Command for $22 Million Beyond Line of Sight ISR Services Award Under Mid-Endurance Unmanned Aircraft Systems IV Program

Tuesday, July 13th, 2021

• First award for satellite communications-enabled beyond line of sight (BLOS) on competitive Mid-Endurance Unmanned Aircraft Systems (MEUAS) IV program

• AeroVironment receives task order to provide ISR services at additional customer location

• AeroVironment JUMP 20 is a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL), fixed-wing unmanned aircraft that AeroVironment uses to provide advanced multi-sensor intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) services

JUMP 20 is a VTOL, fixed-wing unmanned aircraft system that can be deployed quickly and requires no launch equipment or runway. (Photo: AeroVironment, Inc.)

ARLINGTON, Va., July 13, 2021 – AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV), a global leader in intelligent, multi-domain robotic systems, today announced it was awarded a competitive task order valued at approximately $22 million on May 21, 2021 from the U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) for ISR services using JUMP® 20 medium unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) at an undisclosed customer location. The ISR services include the first SATCOM-enabled unmanned aircraft system for beyond line of sight operations as part of the existing Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) MEUAS IV contract. The task order specifies a 12-month period of performance and multiple follow-on option years for ISR services.

“The JUMP 20 delivers an unmatched level of versatility, with runway and infrastructure independence, multiple payload configurations, class-leading endurance and a track record of reliability and ruggedness,” said Gorik Hossepian, AeroVironment vice president and product line general manager for medium UAS. “The inclusion of a SATCOM payload adds beyond line of sight operation to the JUMP 20, providing our customer with expanded reach and situational awareness, and representing another game-changing, market-leading capability.”

The AeroVironment JUMP 20 is the first fixed-wing unmanned aircraft system capable of vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) to be deployed extensively in support of U.S. military forces. Ideal for multi-mission operations, JUMP 20 delivers 14+ hours of endurance, a standard operational range of 185 km (115 mi) and is runway independent. The system can be set up and operational in less than 60 minutes without the need for launch or recovery equipment and has a useable payload capacity of up to 30 pounds. The JUMP 20 also features a common autopilot and ground control system architecture providing a highly customizable, modular platform which can be custom-configured to meet operational or customer requirements.

Posted in Aviation, Contracts, ISR, Press Release, SOF, UAS | Comments Off on AeroVironment Selected by U.S. Special Operations Command for $22 Million Beyond Line of Sight ISR Services Award Under Mid-Endurance Unmanned Aircraft Systems IV Program

Need a SCIF in a Jiff?

Monday, June 14th, 2021

These days it’s quite common to drop a pre-fabricated building, configured as a Secure Compartmented Information Facility into a deployed location, rather than setting up a tent which is vulnerable to a wide variety of hazards, both environmental and man-made.

ADS Inc offers multiple solutions including the Armag A.R.C. Vault (Armored, Rapid-deployment, Compartmented Vault), a custom manufactured, modular SCIF providing a significant level of TEMPEST, ballistic, and forced entry protection that meets or exceeds ICD 705 and SAPF requirements. The A.R.C. Vault is manufactured to customer size specification (from 200 sq ft, to 10,000 sq ft) from continuously welded 1/4″ steel and designed for rapid deployment, offering turn key, plug-and-play, and rapid integration.

To learn more about the various solutions offered by Atlantic Diving Supply, visit www.adsinc.com/news/the-importance-of-scif-rooms-in-the-military

Posted in ADS, ISR | Comments Off on Need a SCIF in a Jiff?

USMC Modernizing Intel System, Reducing Size

Thursday, June 3rd, 2021

MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. —

Marine Corps Systems Command is in the process of fielding a modernized version of an intelligence system that provides critical information to commanders on the battlefield.

The Distributed Common Ground/Surface System-Marine Corps is a mobile, secure and integrated intelligence system that Marines can leverage to inform commanders about threats and other information on the battlefield.

“DCGS-MC brings all the information on the battlefield to a central location, where it can then be analyzed to support the commander’s decision-making,” said Gunnery Sgt. Travis Godley, with DCGS-MC at MCSC.

This new version of DCGS-MC comprises updated computer hardware and software connected to the Marine Corps Enterprise Network. The system includes sensors to collect data, antennas to receive information, and workstations for analysts to review info and produce reports.

The modernized technology also includes a geographic intelligence capability that collects satellite imagery and intelligence information. This enables Marines to create maps and other intelligence products to inform the commander’s decision.

“The new DCGS-MC capability is a modern approach for the Marine Corps to perform intelligence tasks,” said Master Sgt. John Phillips, an MCSC representative who contributed to the DCGS-MC project. “This system will ultimately make Marines’ jobs easier.”

MCSC has begun fielding the modernized system to Intel Marines. Phillips projects the first round of fielding to conclude in July 2021 and for the system to be fully fielded by the end of 2022.

Improvements over legacy system

Col. Dave Burton, MCSC’s program manager for Intelligence Systems, pinpointed notable improvements the new DCGS-MC has over the original system.

The first improvement involves weight. The system was designed to provide a flexible hardware and software solution to decrease size and power requirements while increasing the capability of Marine intelligence analysts.

The legacy system, fielded from 2014 to 2016, required multiple hardware, including up to four servers. Burton said the newer DCGS-MC decreases the amount of hardware needed for use, reducing the technology’s size, weight and modularity.

He said a reduction in weight ultimately increases overall efficiency.

“DCGS-MC is in line with the [Commandant’s Planning Guidance] to lighten the load of Marines and modernize the Marine Corps,” said Burton. “Instead of having separate servers for individual programs, you can combine a number of different servers into one.”

The system also enables increased battlefield mobility, an area of focus in 38th Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. David Berger planning guidance. Berger emphasized the importance of employing mobile, operationally relevant and relatively easy-to-sustain capabilities.

“This system provides additional flexibility to support tactical operations as we support Marine operations,” said Thomas Roebuck, MCSC’s product manager for DCGS-MC. “It also provides a much more modern toolset.”

Roebuck said the newer capability also enables users to migrate data to the cloud. He explained that units can leverage the cloud capability to perform various tasks even when disconnected from the enterprise network.

“As we move forward from a technology perspective, [cloud migration capabilities] become increasingly important,” said Roebuck. “That allows the information to freely flow in between the tactical user all the way up to the intelligence community.”

MCSC also ensured that DCGS-MC was interoperable, allowing Marines to exchange critical information with other services, including the Army, Air Force and Navy. Interoperability fosters collaboration and increased communication among the joint forces, said Phillips.

“Not only are we interconnected with the Marine Corps Enterprise Network, but we can also support the joint mission with the Navy because this technology was designed in a way to be interoperable with Navy intelligence systems as well,” said Phillips.

The new DCGS-MC capability is a modern approach for the Marine Corps to perform intelligence tasks. This system will ultimately make Marines’ jobs easier.

Master Sgt. John Phillips, an MCSC representative who contributed to the DCGS-MC project

An expedited acquisition

According to a 2016 report, the average major defense acquisition program that reported between 1997 and 2015 took about seven years from initiation to the start of fielding.

MCSC fielded the updated DCGS-MC just over two years after initiation, as the Marine Corps has been implementing new, more agile methods of acquiring products. The expedited acquisition process puts a significant intelligence capability in Marines’ hands more quickly, said Phillips.

“The command is at a transition point, where we’re looking at more agile methods of acquisition,” said Phillips. “We intentionally pursued this acquisition cycle in a condensed timeline, and the end result will benefit all parties involved.”

Throughout 2020, MCSC held several user evaluation events for the new DCGS-MC. Marines from 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing and operators from Marine Corps Forces Cyberspace Command tested the equipment and provided valuable feedback the DCGS-MC team used to enhance the capability.

“Seeing Marines interact with this new system and the new capabilities being provided is something incredible to see,” said Godley. “Not only Marines interacting with the capabilities, but also bringing up new ways to do things.”

Godley explained how the Marine Corps once employed “runners” who collected intelligence information on the battlefield to inform commanders. The modernized DCGS-MC provides this data through electronic means.

“DCGS-MC brings that information back to the commander to make an informed decision while also disseminating it throughout the forces so that lower-level commanders can also make decisions,” said Godley. “It allows for all levels of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force to access critical information, which benefits the entire Marine Corps.”

By Matt Gonzales, MCSC Office of Public Affairs and Communication, Marine Corps Systems Command

Posted in Guest Post, ISR, MARCORSYSCOM, USMC | 3 Comments »

USSOCOM Moves Forward with 5 Armed Overwatch Contenders

Tuesday, May 18th, 2021

Last week USSOCOM selected five candidates for their Armed Overwatch program which the Command places a high priority on to provide dedicated Close Air Support, precision strike, and airborne intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) from austere locations in a permissive environment.

The candidate systems:

L-3 Communications Integrated Systems AT-802U Sky Warden

Leidos Inc Bronco II

MAG Aerospace MC-208 Guardian

Sierra Nevada Corp. MC-145B Wily Coyote

Textron Aviation Defense AT-6E Wolverine

Missing is the Embraer EMB 314 Super Tucano or A-29, as it has been known during the cancelled USAF Light Attack Aircraft trials which seemed a serious contender when USSOCOM began talking about the need for an Armed Overwatch capability a few years ago. Even stranger, Air Force Special Operations Command is poised to begin operating three A-29s as part of their Combat Aviation Advisor mission.

It’s important to note that the Air Force also purchased several AT-6E Wolverine examples after cancellation of the Light Attack Aircraft program which it continues to experiment with.

However, the candidates selected are all noticeably different aircraft which will give the Command multiple data points to determine how to best fulfill their requirement.

USSOCOM is using the Other Transaction Authority (OTA) agreement acquisition strategy. To mitigate risk, they’ve looked at this from the outset as leveraging Near Non-Developmental airframes from industry.

Despite this, last year Congress put the brakes on purchasing the aircraft but allowed the Command permission to conduct an evaluation during this year.

In all, USSOCOM plans to buy 75 Armed Overwatch aircraft to satisfy their global commitments. As an offset, it looks like AFSOC’s fleet of U-28A “Draco”, a legacy airborne ISR aircraft which is based on the Pilatus PC-12 will get the axe to help free up manpower billets, ramp space and the budget. Draco can’t fulfill the Armed Overwatch mission due to its lack of close air support capability.

Noticeably absent from the candidate aircraft are unmanned systems. During a SOFIC media round table yesterday, USSOCOM Acquisition Executive Mr Jim Smith explained that the Command always anticipated a mix of manned and unmanned systems, but in the future he expects Armed Overwatch to become even more capable by controlling semi-autonomous unmanned aerial systems as part of the program.

Despite the program’s foxua on manned aircraft, Dr Michael Vickers, former Army Special Forces Officer and CIA Operations Officer who just so happened to also serve as Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations, Low Intensity Conflict and Interdependent Capabilities, made an rather compelling case in an Op-Ed in the Military Times for relying on the General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper for the mission. He cited the lack of risk to a manned crew and noted that the aircraft is already in the inventory rather than a new system as well as a few other points. It’s worth a read, but keep in mind that he now sits on the General Atomics advisory board which manufactures the MQ-9.

To select the right aircraft for the job, Mr Smith laid out the criteria the Command would use to evaluate the systems with emphasis on what he described as the “move, shoot, and communicate” Key Performance Parameters.

– Austere Take Off and Landing
– Range / Endurance
– Weapons Employment (they will be interested for the evaluation)
– Communications (Line of Sight and Beyond Line of Sight)
– Cockpit Configuration
– Full Motion Video capture
– Auto Pilot

They’ve allotted five weeks in June and July at Elgin AFB, Florida for the five candidates and each will make five flights. The first three flights will be used to evaluate the criteria listed above. The fourth flight is a make up and the final flight will include an AFSOC Operator in the crew.

After that, the Command will take a hard look at the candidate performance as well as the logistics chain required for the 75 aircraft. According to past comments by AFSOC Commanding General Lt Gen James C. “Jim” Slife, they hope to make a decision and begin procurement in 2022.

Posted in Aviation, ISR, SOF, SOFIC | 6 Comments »