PGK production ramps up

PGK production ramps up

BY CHRISTOPHER F FOSS

Northrop Grumman (Stand 03-A04, US Pavilion) has now completed the second production year of its M1156 Precision Guidance Kit (PGK). This was originally developed to meet the requirements of the US Army and Marine Corps, but has also been sold to at least two export customers, Australia and Canada, for use with their BAE Systems M777 155mm lightweight artillery systems.

All M1156 PGK option 1 (15,525 units) and option 2 (8,001 units) have been delivered ahead of schedule, with production ramping up from 48 to 68 units a day, but at the same time, build time was reduced from 7.41 hours to 5.92 hours per unit and scrap was reduced by 24 per cent.

The US Army uses its M1156 PGK with 155mm M795 and M549A1 artillery projectiles fired from 155mm/39 calibre artillery systems, but it can also be fitted to 155mm artillery projectiles fired from 155mm/52 calibre artillery systems, such as the German PzH 2000. The company has also confirmed that it delivered a batch of XM913 50mm Bushmaster dual-feed cannon in 2018, which has been developed in co-operation with the US Army Armament Research, Development and Engineering Centre, and will fire a family of 50 x 318mm ammunition. The XM913 will make its first public appearance during its Bushmaster User Conference to take place in Arizona, USA, in April 2019.

Furthermore, Northrop Grumman has also confirmed that it is developing a new proximity fuzed air-bursting 30 x 113mm ammunition for use with its M230 series of cannon. This new development will use a sensor to identify potential targets prior to bursting.

Totally tough and secure smartphone

BY SAM J BASCH

For military and civil operators requiring ultra-secure communications, DarkMatter Group (Stand 05-A12) has the solution in the KATIM R01 smartphone, launched this week. Designed to withstand extreme field conditions, it is the latest in the company’s end-to-end secure communications solutions, which range from devices to back-end services.

The KATIM R01’s strength and rigidity are delivered by five layers of hardened case that allow the smartphone to be dropped, run over and immersed in deep water for 30 minutes. Built-in barometer, temperature and humidity sensors optimise endurance and durability for vibration, dust, altitude and extreme temperatures. In an emergency, it delivers messages sent with GPS co-ordinates, with a dedicated SOS button and touchscreen operated accurately with gloved and wet hands. Equally tough on the inside, the KATIM R01 is tamper-resistant and has a hardened operating system (OS) with a hardwarebased crypto root of trust. It is impervious to attackers trying to physically break into the phone, using advanced active physical and real-time monitoring to instantly detect intrusions and wipe the device to protect user data. DarkMatter’s ShieldMode can be used to securely cut off microphones and cameras during confidential discussions, provided the phone is still powered on and online.

According to Karim Sabbagh, DarkMatter Group’s chief executive, the rugged smartphone was designed for the extreme field conditions experienced by defence and emergency services, as well as the mining, construction, transport and energy sectors.

“We believe in a world where smart and safe mobile security is guaranteed. The KATIM R01 delivers unbreakable security and the same great user experience, no matter where you are. It’s tough, it’s rugged and it’s ready for anything,” Sabbagh said.

The KATIM range includes the phones, OS and apps, as well as the KATIM command centre.

Shock-proof cases for sensitive equipment

For the safe transportation of sensitive electronic equipment, there are now new sizes of removable shock rack transport cases from US company SKB Cases (Stand 03-B01). The company’s 30in 3RR series is lightweight, shock-proof, watertight, dust-proof and heat and chemical resistant.

The cases are moulded of linear medium-density polyethylene (LMDP) plastic that meets MIL- STD-810G standards and includes eight elastomeric shock absorbers. This allows for a standard payload up to 68kg. An extended payload of up to 136kg can be ordered as an option. The standard COTS case comes with a front and rear lid to accommodate rack gear that is longer than 30in and edge castors to allow convenient case transport. The interior rack chassis slides out and is fully removable from the inner rack frame, which allows the user to remove the chassis for integration and maintenance of equipment.

SKB is also displaying its 3i-6018-8B-L long gun case, injection-moulded from ultrahigh-strength polypropylene copolymer resin. This material is specified by the US military for cases and containers and features an automatic ambient pressure equalisation valve to self-regulate for different altitudes.

Drones neutralised

Poland’s Advanced Protection System (APS, Stand 06-B16), in partnership with its distributor Anker Sikkerhet AS, has just completed the installation of its Ctrl+Sky system at Sola Airport, Stavanger, Norway.

The Ctrl+Sky 3D radar, mounted on a mast, will monitor the airspace for drones and birds, while the system’s CyView software will automatically inform airport personnel of any unwanted intrusions. The radio frequency (RF) sensors will provide an additional layer of information on possible drone activities. Collected data will be archived and statistics can be retrieved for improved situational awareness and enhanced airport safety management.

The Ctrl+Sky multisensor system has been selected by Avinor, the company that owns and manages Norway’s airports. An eight-year contract was awarded and Stavanger was chosen to be the first airport to deploy the system.

The military-grade counter-drone system has been sold to military, law enforcement and security agencies in several countries. Its 3D radar, coupled with RF sensors, cameras, acoustic sensors and automated jammers, enables reliable detection and neutralisation of any drone, whether commercial, radiocontrolled or autonomous, in any weather conditions.