Military Systems & Technology magazine - Edition 3- 2023

DSEI 2023 - Mastsystem Int’l Oy to exhibit at Finnish Pavilion.

DSEI London – Finnish Pavilion – Hall 7

– H7-127 (12-15 September 2023).

Taking place in ExCeL exhibition and conference centre, DSEI London 2023 will be the biggest defence sector exhibition event for upcoming year. At DSEI 2023Mastsystem has a great pleasure to exhibit as part of Finnish Pavilion, (hall 7 – H7-127).

View Mastsystem.com article: DSEI 2023 - Mastsystem to exhibit at Finnish Pavilion.

Be sure to stay updated by following our exhibition calendar,

and social media accounts. If you want to be along the first ones to book a meeting with our experts, please contact us directly via: sales@mastsystem.com.

In addition of seeing our tactical mast systems function firsthand, you will also and learn how we will help you and configure the optimal system for your needs. Our exhibition product range covers wide range of field- and vehicle mast systems, all made from light, yet strong glass- or carbon composite material. Get to know our wide product and service range: Tactical composite antenna mast systems | Mastsystem.

See how Mastsystem showcased its products at the Eurosatory 2022 exhibition: Eurosatory 2022 exhibition | Mastsystem.

mastsystem.com

TANKS

But here at Western Global we believe there is a more effective solution that can overcome the limitations of the bladder tank and deliver more robust solutions that offer greater flexibility to keep pace with ever-changing demands.

Reduces set up time:

Traditional fuel systems can take days of ground preparation and require specialist support and equipment. A Western Global tank reduces set up time providing a quick and simple plug and play system.

Environmentally secure:

The tanks are fully contained (110% bund / secondary contained) environmentally secure fuel storage solution. No need for additional spill berms to be placed underneath!

Redeployable anywhere you need fuel:

The plug and play nature of our tanks together with the accessible design for easy maintenance and inspection will keep your mission running smoothly.

This solution will extend run times on generators, heaters and coolers, as well as refuel equipment and military vehicles.

It is a superior solution for transporting and storing fuel, exhaust fluid and lubricants – with approvals for diesel, gasoline, A1 and JP8; currently available in 250, 500 and 1,200 gallon units.

Meet the Western Global team of fuel storage experts visit us at in Hall 2 Stand H2-875 and learn more about how transportable and stationary fuel tanks provide an uninterrupted energy source that refuels and extends runtime on your equipment.

Western-Global.com/defense

For over 50 years, ground forces have relied on bladder tanks to form fuel system supply points that are often not the best solution for enduring missions.

Over almost 60-years we’ve perfected fuel storage, including stationary, containerized tanks and moblie fuel cubes, for government and defense applications. They guarantee a secure, uninterrupted source of energy and environmental compliance in high-risk sites and situations.

WESTERN-GLOBAL.COM/DEFENSE

RAPID DEPLOYMENT OF BULK FUEL FARM

CHALLENGE

The US Army (Poland) required a fuel farm to support generators, heaters, and other military assets for expanding a European military camp. The solution needed to be ready to deliver fast and easy to install.

Western Global tendered for the fuel farm project that required a 5-day turnaround. In order to meet the deadline required, we made pre-checks to ensure our inventory was ready to meet the strict time constraints of the project.

Location South Eastern Poland

Demand Rapid deployment of fuel farm

Solution

5x TransTank M Series with Bulk Transfer and Twin Retail Dispensers and Generators

Response 30,000 Gallon fuel farm, fast turnaround

PREPARATION

Ahead of the formal order we pro-actively worked with our customer to ensure the project could be delivered within the short timeframe required.

The following considerations and discussions were made:

■ Ground surface and preparation.

■ Total area required for the fuel farm - set up drawings provided.

■ Traf昀c route plan and signage - to ensure the safety of personnel on-site.

■ Site safety - grounding and bonding of all equipment for static charge. And appropriate safety signage and equipment, such as 昀re extinguishers.

■ Environmental protection - equipment and vehicle berms, spill skit.

■ Mechanical Handling Equipment (MHE) to load and unload equipment on site.

■ Site fuel requirements for set-up, testing, and operator training.

By carefully considering these factors and proactively preparing the site, we were con昀dent the fuel farm installation would be completed safely and ef昀ciently within the project timeframe. Our JP8 solution delivered compliance, surety of supply and forward 昀exibility to the US Army.

SOLUTION

■ Site access - data provision for access to the site.

■ Arrangements for con昀rmation and system installation checks.

■ Installation timeline - client installation check, 昀uid test, personnel training, and equipment handover.

We delivered 昀ve TransTank M-Series Twin Tips with Bulk Transfer and Twin retail dispensers to safely store and dispense 30,000 Gallons of fuel. Each tank is self-contained and double-walled with 110% secondary containment.

The 30,000 gallon fuel farm was delivered ahead of schedule.

TIMELINE

When installing tanks and training operators, time is of the essence. That’s why we wasted no time getting started after receiving the award.

■ Day 1: Fuel storage containers and equipment loaded and delivered to the site overnight.

■ Day 2: We saw the tanks unloaded and set up according to the site layout. Electrical bonding and client installation checks were completed here as well.

■ Day 3: Traf昀c signage and safety equipment was set up, followed by fuel delivery, system 昀uid testing, operator training, and fuel delivery for site 昀ll.

DAY 3

CHALLENGE COMPLETE, AHEAD OF SCHEDULE

The client was able to deliver fuel to the site, marking the successful completion of the project. By working closely with our clients to understand their needs and challenges, we delivered a bulk fuel solution ahead of time that was 昀t for purpose and exceeded customer expectations.

At Western, we are proud of our reputation as a trusted partner in the industry, and we are committed to delivering exceptional results for every project we undertake. If you’re looking for a reliable fuel storage solution, get in touch with our defense team today.

READY FOR ANYTHING

Presence in Poland to support quick deployment of products. E: defense@western-global.com | W: western-global.com/defense

Due to the ef昀cient coordination and planning, the site handover was completed ahead of schedule

ADVANCED ARMOUR & VEHICLE INTEGRATION

DSEI London, UK, 12-15 September, H4-468

Land Zone & B5 Central Boulevard

2023 has been a busy year for NP Aerospace. The company is set to launch numerous new collaborations with vehicle partners and to announce new armour contracts, DSEI being a prime location to communicate the next phase of growth.

Military Vehicle Survivability

NP Aerospace continues to reinforce its position as survivability partner for a wide range of vehicle OEMs from infantry vehicles to heavy armoured militarised trucks. The company first armoured the Snatch Land Rover in the 1990s for use in Northern Ireland, before going on to build and integrate the Mastiff and Ridgback for Iraq and Afghanistan. With NATO AEP-55 STANAG capabilities ranging from level 2-6 across various global programmes, NP Aerospace is focusing on a new level 3 armour for a major truck provider at DSEI. The Engineering team is also working on armour for light utility vehicles, panoramic sight armour, buoyant armour and complex shaped spall liner.

Support and Spares Expansion

2023 has seen significant expansion in the number of NP Aerospace engineering support programmes and spares contracts. Starting life with the UK Ministry of Defence Post Design Services contract in 2014, NP Aerospace has gone on to win the UK MOD Protected Mobility Engineering & Technical Support contract (PMETS) which has run for more than four years and is extended

up to 2026 working with partners such as General Dynamics and Supacat. The company has also recently been awarded the Canadian Department of National Defence (DND) Land Equipment Program – Engineering Technical Support Services Contract (LEPETSS) – extending reach into North America in collaboration with Marshall Land Systems Canada and specialist suppliers.

The spares side of the business which started in 2008, also continues to grow with the UK MoD VSCAPS (Vehicle Support Capital Spares) Framework Agreement and work on securing support contracts outside of the UK. There will be a 3D Printing Live Demonstration at B5 to showcase the ability to print metallic parts at scale, through the company’s work on the UK MOD and Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) Framework for additive manufacturing, the development improves logistics by increasing the speed at which parts can be delivered on operation.

Vehicle Innovations & Partnerships

The vehicle support team has expanded its engineering resource, recruiting from the commercial sector such as F1 to bring new skills and experience into the business. This has proved particularly effective for new innovations such as the hybrid demonstrators which are part of the British Army’s move to net Zero by 2050 and the Mastiff and Ridgback XC offroad suspension system which will be demonstrated at the Tyron Booth H4-450 in partnership with Texelis and Horstman.

A key development for NP Aerospace is the number of partnerships with overseas companies wishing to enter new markets. On stand

B5 the team will be showing an innovative and highly mobile new to the UK platform and will be making various announcements in the areas of laser air defence integration and mortar systems integration designed to provide further protection for military personnel. This includes a new collaboration with Nurol Makina and other world leading military companies.

Personal Armour Developments

The NP Aerospace Composites & Armour Business located out of the UK Coventry site has expanded its manufacturing footprint with significant programmes in ballistic helmet production and body armour plates. A key focus continues to be support for Ukraine with impressive numbers of shipments being delivered in short timescale. The latest figures show that NP has delivered or is in the process of delivering over 180,000 lifesaving ballistic armour plates into Ukraine and more than 40 EOD suits. In addition, 84,000 helmets have been delivered by UK Government and 2,800 helmets via third parties and many Mastiff vehicles have been used on the frontline.

The company is also supporting ArtArmor, a Ukraine Embassy backed initiative set up by Ukraine MP Oleksandr Kovalchuk which sees shot ballistic plates that have saved the lives of Ukrainian soldiers painted by talented Ukrainian artists to raise money to support the frontline. One of the plates due to be auctioned will be available to view at the show.

Helmet Manufacturing Hub

NP Aerospace developed its first helmet for the British Army in 1979 and has built a significant business with additional programmes including the Canadian DND CM735 helmet contract. One of the latest developments is the creation of a helmet shell production hub for third party manufacturers seeking proven protection and volume manufacturing capability. Current numbers show 3,500 plus helmets per month with capacity for over 8,500 per month which is attracting new global OEM partnerships.

to be a key focus for NP Aerospace. The team are working on next generation soldier systems with high threat plates, integration with new carrier systems to improve wearability and ultra-light helmet variants. A new rifle shield prototype for tactical operations will be showcased, along with a leg protection system in conjunction with partner Human Protective. On the law enforcement side of the business NP Aerospace has won a significant UK contract which will soon be announced.

EOD & Demining Suits

NP Aerospace has produced EOD and demining suits for over 15 years and is seeing continued orders globally. Ukraine is a key focus for demining and other areas in Eastern Europe. The 3020 ELITE suit will be presented at DSEI which can be used for lightweight search, breaching, CBRN and increased protection lightweight EOD. The NIJ certified 4030 ELITE Bomb Suit will be worn by a serving female EOD operator to highlight women in EOD and the importance of ergonomics. There will also be a showcase of a next generation helmet and suit configuration targeting new markets.

NP Aerospace DSEI Booth Locations

H4-468 Land Zone – Composites & Armour Systems

B5 Central Boulevard – Vehicle Systems, Services & Spares

DSEI London, UK, 12-15 September

npaerospace.com

The Will-Burt Company is the world’s premier manufacturer of mobile telescoping masts, towers, trailer systems, and pan and tilt positioners. We offer virtually every mobile payload elevation solution and full integration services for defense, government, 昀rst responders, telecommunications, energy production and other markets. Will-Burt also offers contract manufacturing, metal fabrication, powder-coating, and rapid prototyping services. We are an international company with of昀ces and manufacturing in the USA, United Kingdom, Germany, Turkey, and Singapore. All manufacturing locations are backed by a certi昀ed ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System. Incorporated in 1918, Will-Burt is an employee-owned company. Will-Burt products are manufactured to meet the most demanding environmental requirements and are certi昀ed to MIL-STD-810 standards.

Concealed Elevation System

Will-Burt’s Concealed Elevation System is a rugged and precise mobile elevation platform that provides rapid deployment of a wide variety of sensors from a concealed position in a standard 8’ pickup truck bed.

The compact design provides up to 24.3 ft³ / .69 m³ for the sensor payload with the tailgate in the closed position. Available with an electro-mechanical or pneumatic elevation system, payload stability is assured with section keys and keyways that minimize rotational movement.

Designed and Manufactured in the USA by The Will-Burt Company, the Concealed Elevation System will optimize the performance of sensors resulting in mission success.

The GEROH SPM mast, the strongest and most accurate mobile mast, is now available in a compact, low-pro昀le design. This low-nested mast allows a payload to be stored inside the vehicle to protect the valuable sensor.

GEROH SPM

All Will-Burt products sold for Defence are MIL-STD 810 certi昀ed by a third-party.

COMPACT ELEVATION SYSTEM

Will-Burt’s Compact Elevation System is a rugged and precise mobile elevation platform that provides rapid deployment of a wide variety of sensors in as little as 30 seconds from a compact position in a standard 8’ pickup truck bed or trailer platform.

The compact design provides up to 24.7 ft3 / .7 m³ for the sensor payload with the tailgate in the closed position. Available with an electro-mechanical or pneumatic elevation system, payload stability is assured with section keys and keyways that minimize rotational movement.

Designed and Manufactured in the USA by The Will-Burt Company, the Compact Elevation System will optimize the performance of sensors resulting in mission success and is customizable to accommodate a variety of power systems as specified by the customer.

Covert

• Elevation system and payload hidden within pickup bed envelope

• Designed for transport while in horizontal or vertical positions

• Under 30 second tilt time

Compact

• Up to 24.7 ft3 / .7 m³ available space for the sensor payload

Minimized mast twist

• Full-length mast section keys

Strong and Robust

• No need for guying with field-proven rugged telescoping mast design

Flexible Installation

• Skid design allows for installation on a variety of platforms

• Available with mechanical or pneumatic elevation system

• Cable management system

Integrated Controls

• Fully integrated control system

• PC control capable

• CAN-bus J1939

• RS485 Serial

The Will-Burt Company is the world’s premier manufacturer of mobile telescoping masts, towers, trailer systems, and pan and tilt positioners. We offer virtually every mobile payload elevation solution and full integration services for defense, government, first responders, telecommunications, energy production and other markets. Will-Burt also offers contract manufacturing, metal fabrication, powder-coating, and rapid prototyping services. We are an international company with offices and manufacturing in the USA, United Kingdom, Germany, Turkey, and Singapore. All manufacturing locations are backed by a certified ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System. Incorporated in 1918, Will-Burt is an employee-owned company. Will-Burt products are manufactured to meet the most demanding environmental requirements and are certified to MIL-STD-810 standards.

PPM JOINS FORCES TO DEVELOP REMOTE RADIO HEAD TECHNOLOGY FOR COUNTERING IEDS

The development of improved technology to defeat RF triggered Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) is vital in combating deadly threats from insurgents and state actors.

With this goal, PPM Systems is working in partnership with Allen Vanguard to develop novel Remote Radio Head (RRH) technology in support of the next generation of Counter IED (CIED) capability.

This collaborative work aims to develop an RRH demonstrator to de-risk several key technological areas in the Land based Cyber

Electromagnetic environment following the recently secured MOD funding from a Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) innovation call to develop novel technologies and techniques.

Plextek Services join PPM Systems in partnering with Allen Vanguard, with Plextek using artificial intelligence generative design to minimise the thermal impact of RRHs, whilst PPM Systems uses its leading-edge expertise in RF over Fibre (RFoF) technology to:

• eliminate cable losses between power amplifier and antenna

• produce unparalleled bandwidth and isolation performance

• provide dynamic configurability using Optical Wavelength Division Multiplexing based switching

• ensure alignment with Land CEMA Architecture (LCA) and the associated Radio Head (RHD) module specification in the MORA open standard

• to ensure low latency, equivalent to coaxial connectivity.

Commenting on the project, Neil Seager of PPM Systems said: “We are delighted to be working with Allen Vanguard to advance the development of LCA aligned optical radio heads, showing our commitment to collaborating to deliver the best product to our customer.”

For more information on PPM Systems’ products and capabilities, please visit www.ppmsystems.com.

ROBUST POWERING CAPABILITIES FROM LINCAD ENSURE THE FUTURE OF ELECTRIFICATION OF MILITARY VEHICLES ACROSS LAND, SEA AND AIR

The world is seeing changes in the way that conflict plays out across land, sea and air like never before.

Rapidly advancing innovations in technology are resulting in more powerful, robust and versatile armoured vehicles, weapon systems, sensors and other heavy-duty military applications. As these advances arrive and enter regular use in the field, so demand rises for reliable, sophisticated batteries, chargers and power management systems that will keep them operational in multiple demanding situations.

Hybrid and fully electric military vehicles must be equipped with the right kind of power systems to give their commanders confidence they can deliver exactly what is needed at exactly the right time. Where military vehicles have traditionally relied on the combustion engine, electric vehicle (EV) technology is taking a firm hold in the arena and armed forces are keen to leverage the benefits of this. Alongside the integration of more traditional EV technology within the land domain, batteries are proving hugely beneficial across both sea and air.

The electrification of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and extra-large unmanned underwater vehicles (XLUUVs) allows operations to be commanded from distance. Electrification also ensures quieter powertrains for stealth and protection on the move, and more rapid acceleration. In addition, electric vehicles require less maintenance and reduce a military unit’s reliance on fossil fuels, whose transportation can be vulnerable to attacks.

Rising oil prices and increased restrictions placed on vehicle emissions are having a significant impact on how military vehicles are being designed, procured and operated. The perennial drive towards lower carbon footprints, energy efficiency and more sustainable operations in the military sector makes it clear why we are seeing this current rise in demand for hybrid and fully electric solutions.

Healthy growth

As a consequence of the drive towards electrification, Lincad is currently seeing healthy growth in sales of its military-grade, rechargeable batteries, chargers and power management systems for defence and security applications.

Operating for nearly 40 years, the team at Lincad designs and manufactures lithium-ion batteries and charging systems requiring military-grade performance. Lincad’s engineers work from concept design to final production, aided by facilities such as 3D printing for rapid prototyping, a pick-and-place machine for PCB population, and comprehensive test expertise to ensure compliance with military standards. Following many years of experience working with the UK Ministry of Defence, Lincad also designs and manufactures products for other international armed forces and defence and security organisations around the world.

Lincad’s solutions for the military arena range from a single-cell battery designed to power a small handheld radio to a multi-cell modular battery system to provide propulsion power for remotely operated platforms.

Janet Rowe, Joint Managing Director at Lincad explains: “We have long prided ourselves on our experience and expertise in supporting global military organisations with their power management requirements. Recent developments have seen Lincad developing solutions at ever-increasing scales to support the electrification of a range of platforms across the land, sea and air domains. Whatever the future holds for large-scale military batteries, we’ll be ready and waiting!”

Shielding and Cyber protection on Miniature Cable and Connector Systems

Electromagnetic

Early design and planning for signal integrity and resistance to electromagnetic interference or noise must be a focus as circuit density increases. Electronic circuits are tightly crammed into close quarters and filled with multiple signals, racing about the functional area.

Many applications of digital signal transmission see rates above 3 Gigabit/second employed to move data.

Orbital satellites detect and collect massive amounts of data that is processed and forwarded to modules on earth or adjoining satellites. Remote defense modules operate autonomously to provide surveillance data out of harm’s way. Pilots and dismounted warriors communicate and view displays within their helmets. Remote surgery procedures are saving lives and surgery rooms are filled with arrays of sensors, monitors and robotic devices. The results often include electromagnetic waves coming off the operating equipment as they operate simultaneously. Circuit and cable designers are now including methods to protect from electromagnetic interference and other cross-talk noise problems that can occur in electronically active areas within very tight circuit designs.

Electromagnetic noise and signal interference occurs naturally when signals run down a conduction path. Electromagnetic energy waves, (EM), radiate outwardly and can couple with adjacent magnetic materials, such

as cable, connectors and circuit boards. These energy waves are capable of reaching through the air and/or through solid materials, such as plastic shells and insulators covering connected wiring. EM wave transmission begins to exhibit transmission to other circuits as low as 50MHz. High speed digital signals range from 50 MHz upward to 5GHz and beyond, based on various digital modulation techniques.

Electromagnetic interference, (EMI), begins to cause problems when the EM wave adds noise or causes intended signals to change by modulation or frequency shift. In some cases, EMI adds to signal delay and or square wave degradation, called “rounding”. Digital signals are more sensitive today as we modulate the square waves for more data bits per second. (Remember that digital signal speed is directly correlated to how many square waves can be sent on the wire per/second.) Digital circuits below 3 Gigabits/second, travel on signals going from zero volts up to about 12 volts and then back down to zero, (or ground level). The time it takes for the signal to rise from zero to 12 volts, (called rise-time), limits the number of data bits per/second transmitted. Higher speed digital electronics are often transmitted using two wires, (one for the positive side and one for the negative side of the square wave), called differential pairs. In addition, rise time is shortened by using square waves that only reach up to 3 volts, saving time and allowing more signals per second, pushing digital rates above 5-10 Gigabits per second.

EMC design for EMI protection becomes paramount as lower voltage square waves are stacked tightly next to each other, and adjacent noise penetrates or rides on the digital square wave. Electromagnetic interference can inadvertently delay the signal on one of the two wires. Note that; higher speed digital signal transmission depends on each side of the signal arriving simultaneously. EMI affected propagation delay of one side, prevents receipt of the complete digital signal. Designers pay close attention to three critical elements, (matching signal propagation, ample ground signal return capacity and insuring adequate shielding). Additional high-speed signal management issues can also arise if cable impedance, (used to match the circuit source to the next circuit receiver), is poorly matched. Electromagnetic waves or adjacent signals produce cross-talk and as such, interrupt the high speed signal transmission. Next generation digital modulation methods such as PAM-4 to PAM-16 stack digital signals on one set of differential lines. Cable manufacturers offer matched propagation speeds of the two wires to achieve gigabit signal transmission capability. Lower voltage swings, higher bits per second,

Capability, (EMC) in today’s advanced electronics has become a critical design factor.

impedance, and cable loss add to signal integrity as we move ahead with mass digitization.

Electromagnetic waves are transmitted into the designer’s circuit by natural radiation due to proximity. Adjacent EMI noise is also more easily affected by inductive coupling, (similar to inductive coupling in phone chargers). Components like block capacitors on circuit boards must be placed carefully to avoid receiving noise and injecting it onto the signal. Many designers follow an established analysis method to make a list of potential source areas that EMI can emerge. By plotting possible routes EMI waves will transmit, and reviewing what portion of the circuit would receive or collect noise issues from the EMI source.

Higher speeds, mixed signals and digital bursts in high density circuits make for a noisy electrical environment by themselves. Electric fields and magnetic fields perpendicular to each other are hard to control. Unmatched impedance in interconnect systems can cause an EMI wave that couples from cable to cable, to component, to element, that literally kills the performance of the electronic module.

Attached is a listing of noise management methods to help prevent EMI performance problems. Selecting exterior cable braid to match your circuit type and speed is a great start in protecting from external noise. Wiring and internal shielding may vary with the application and signal types involved. Specific design and ratings of braid effectiveness of EMI shielding is also available within IEEE reports on Electromagnetic Shielding. Additional shielding standards are available from cable manufacturers that offer various metal plating over the basic woven metal braid, as well as variations on wire-diameter and how tight the braid is woven.

Cable and connector EMI protection can be reviewed specifically by considering the following: Remember EMI travels multiple directions, that is, from inside out and from outside in and from line to line within the cable itself. Make a list of what exterior environment the cable will be operating, what signals are operating inside the cable including power, digital signals, analog baselines and coax. Each type of signal involved may require different, or additional EMI solutions. Internal shield and drain wires will need termination to the connector shells and onto the chassis or ground of the system it is serving. Metal back-shells will need 360 degree conductive sealing to reduce higher speed noise from squeezing out of cracks of poorly sealed shells to the cable or connector housing.

Mixed signal connectors employing combinations of power or coax and high-speed digital require additional planning to insure both internal and external shields isolate the circuit totally. Fortunately, cable shielding levels inside are easily adapted by using individual layers of foil wrapping on vulnerable circuits then non-conductive insulation before applying an over-braid, as seen in the photo above. A final step in insuring EMI and Cyber intrusion from wave coupling, is grounding all exterior cable jackets. Most circuits are grounded on one key end to properly drain any noise or harmonic coupling from running up and down on the cable jacket and radiating noise from adjacent circuits.

Cable and Connector EMI protection assistance is available from experienced connector manufacturers and designers. Custom sizes, shapes and styles are readily adapted as needed with today’s solid modeling and rapid prototyping systems.

For more information, visit www.omnetics.com or email sales@omnetics.com

DSEI Booth: H8-353 Omnetics Connector Corporation www.omnetics.com

CABLE WITH SHIELDS AND BACKSHELLS

WATER

Radar Guided Missiles

RF Sensors

Laser Comms

AIR

IO Broadcast Radar EA

IFF Signals

SPACE

Missile Warning

SATCOM

PNT Signals

ISR

COMMAND

GPS Guided Ar琀llery

IR Guided Missiles

High Power Microwaves

One of the key features of the Space Qualified KVPX connectors series is its qualification and screening to EEEINST-002,Level 1, ensuring optimal performance in the challenging environments of space.

Smiths Interconnect proudly announced today the release of its highly anticipated Space Qualified version of the KVPX connector series. This significant advancement reinforces the company's commitment to meeting the rigorous demands of the Defense & Space and Commercial Aerospace industries.

The Space Qualified KVPX connectors series builds upon Smiths Interconnect's existing portfolio of ruggedized standards-compliant connectors, offering an embedded system interconnect that seamlessly integrates into high-reliability backplane architectures. Designed to meet the stringent requirements of VITA 46 and VITA 48 standards, this new series not only delivers high-speed electrical performance but also provides enhanced mechanical reliability and physical ruggedness for unmated connectors and modules.

One of the key features of the Space Qualified KVPX connectors series is its qualification and screening to EEE-INST-002,Level 1, ensuring optimal performance in the challenging environments of space. Level 1 parts are selected and processed to this level for missions requiring the highest reliability and lowest level of risk. The parts have been requalified to the higher environmental levels outlined by Table 3D of EEE-INST-002 and are delivered with a screening data-pack that conforms to Table 2D, Level 1, of EEE-INST-002. All of the materials use in the manufacturing of KVPX meet the low level Outgassing requirements as defined by NASA. The connectors incorporate a front face plate that safeguards the male contacts when unmated and offers excellent electrostatic discharge

(ESD) protection, making it an ideal choice for defense and aerospace systems that require two-level maintenance.

By leveraging the renowned Hypertac® Hyperboloid technology, the Space Qualified KVPX connectors can deliver exceptional performance across a wide range of extreme environmental conditions. Notably, they maintain low insertion and extraction forces, minimal contact resistance, industry-leading mating cycles, and demonstrate remarkable immunity to shock, vibration, and fretting. Importantly, the Space Qualified version of the KVPX connectors series offers the same level of speed and performance as its non-Space counterpart.

"Our commitment to providing customers with comprehensive and reliable connectivity solutions has led to the development of the Space Qualified KVPX connectors series," said Mark Kelleher, Vice President and General Manager of the Connector Business Unit at Smiths Interconnect. "This highly engineered solution is designed to deliver top performance in the demanding environments associated with defense, space, and commercial aviation applications."

With the introduction of the Space Qualified KVPX connectors series, Smiths Interconnect solidifies its position as a leader in interconnect solutions, offering customers a competitive edge in industries where reliability and performance are critical.

New Space Qualified KVPX Connector Series

Rugged High Speed,VITA Backplane Connectors

Ensuring optimal performance in the challenging environments of outer space.

▪ High Speed up to 16 Gbps

▪ Compatible with VITA 46, 47 and 78 (Space) standards

▪ Flexible modular design for standard 3U and 6U as well as custom configurations

▪ Faceplate to protect daughtercard pins; press-fit termination

New 3U VPX Intel® Xeon® W Single Board computer --- IC-INT-VPX3k

Interface Concept, a leading developer and manufacturer of high-performance embedded COTS boards and systems is introducing the IC-INT-VPX3k, a 3U VPX single board computer based on the 11th Gen Intel Core Xeon® W series (codename: Tiger Lake-H) processor.

The IC-INT-VPX3k provides the computing power and the media interfaces of a high-performance workstation on a 3U VPX form factor, while keeping power at a low level. It is aimed at large bandwidth and high-demanding applications located at the edge of networks which may have to meet thermal and environmental constraints and have real-time functionality and operational safety mechanisms.

This 3U board-level product leverages the latest Intel 10nm Intel® Xeon® W series processor enhancements to provide highcomputing performance and a complete set of high speed interfaces to system integrators with power, fast IO needs and latest generation video interfaces. The IC-INTVPX3k takes advantage of the Xeon® W eight cores running at 2,1GHz, 64G

In addition, its supports the well-proven Intel® Advanced Vector Extensions 512 (AVX-512) instruction and the security protect modules of the Slim Bootloader.

“The IC-INT-VPX3k is the ideal solution for integrators who are looking for a new generation of SBC combining performance, high speed interfaces, managed power and featuring the latest Intel developments in video. This board will be well-suited for customers designing mission computers and surveillance systems” said Franck Lefèvre, Interface Concept’s Sales director.

Interface Concept provides Board Support Packages for Linux® (IC SDK, others...) and VxWorks®. Other RTOS can be supported on request. Compliant with OpenVPX™ standard, the IC-INTVPX3k is available in air-cooled and conduction cooled versions (compliant with VITA 47 classes). Interface Concept is now taking orders for the IC-INT-VPX3k which will ship in Q1-2022.

Main features

• Intel Xeon® W (Tiger Lake-H)

• DDR4 with ECC up to 64GB

• 1 Gen4 PCIe x4 (Data Plane)

• 1 Gen4 PCIe x16 (Expansion Plane)

Contact: Ms Brigitte Jousselin

Email: bjousselin@interfaceconcept.com

www.interfaceconcept.com

Unleashing the Future:

Military antennas, especially, often have to face hostile environments and as such need to be built to the highest standards.

Selecting a military antenna has many complex considerations; ensuring that it not only fits the application requirements but also that it performs well within a multitude of environments. Chelton’s specialist antennas are used worldwide for defence and military applications. Our extensive experience in the design and manufacture of antennas means that we are able to supply solutions even to the most complex of RF problems.

To be successful in a future multi-domain battlefield, forces will require robust network connectivity, both when stationary and on-the-go, as well as heavy-duty and low profile antennas designed specifically for use in remote locations on armoured or civilian vehicles. Typically, a dual band or dual polarised antenna for this use is made up of three major parts; 1) the antenna base, 2) the lower element and 3) the upper element. The spring absorbs shocks and vibrations while also protecting the antenna from collision. Both radiating elements are made using composite materials which enable the antenna to retain exceptional strength and ruggedness even in the harshest of environments.

Chelton’s ever expanding portfolio of dual element omnidirectional antennas is available in a wide range of configurations benefiting from:

• Unique compact horizontally polarized antenna technology

• Broadband performance

• Rugged design suitable for military vehicles and marine installations

• Stacked solutions to eliminate co-site interference, preserving azimuth radiation patterns and reducing the number of installs per vehicle.

At this year’s DSEI, Chelton will be premiering a new configuration option which allows the user to remove an antenna from its base using a simple, highly robust mechanism that makes removal possible without the use of any tools and within an NBC environment.

The new detachable interface:

• Has been developed to ensure repeatable RF connection between the base and the antenna (up to 6GHz with a lifetime of at least 500 matings)

• Can support single channel and dual channel antennas

• Has been designed to cope with dust and dirt on the mating surfaces

• Has been designed with an anti-rotation feature to protect the connection and prevent damage during installation and removal

• Is internally protected and waterproof to IP68. Contact us at info@chelton.com to book a meeting with our Sales & Engineering team at DSEI to discuss your tactical vehicle antenna requirements. Alternatively meet with us on the Make UK Pavilion in Hall 2, booth H2-250.

INTRODUCING CHELTON’S NEW DETACHABLE TACTICAL VEHICLE ANTENNA

Antenna can be Antenna can be quickly removed for maintenance, storag maintenance, storage and transport.

Antenna can be quic Antenna can be quickly replaced following damage or swapped or swapped between vehicles.

Upgrades can be can be implemented without a昀ecting the vehicle the vehicle install and cabling.

Antenna mounts can Antenna mounts can easily be repurposed to suit operational re to suit requirements.*

Antennas can be q Antennas can be quickly removed from the vehicle and mo the vehicle and mounted e.g. on a mast (via our range of an (via our range of ancillaries) to improve coverage and range. coverage and range.

*Use of a low gain antenna in more urban environments providing higher angles of coverage

A new con昀guration option to allow users to remove a vehicle antenna from its base using a simple, highly robust mechanism that can be used without tools and within an NBC environment. Click here

*Use of high gain options to provide more range in open environments.

*Use of di昀erent frequency bands to suit operational needs

Hall 2, H2-250

Supacat awarded new contract for 70 hmts and gives a boost to uk suppliers

Devon-based Supacat has successfully secured a contract with the British Army to manufacture a total of 70 High Mobility Transporters (HMTs).

This contract is seen as a significant milestone in their existing partnership, which has been strengthened due to the company’s excellent track record in delivering high-quality vehicles.

The HMTs are expected to be delivered in batches, with the first set of vehicles scheduled to be completed by the end of the fiscal year 2023-2024. However, there is a possibility of

producing additional HMTs if operational demands require it. The additional HMTs will provide substantial support to the British Army's fleet, increasing their operational capabilities and readiness.

Trimite is a highly regarded and trustworthy supplier that has cultivated a robust and collaborative partnership with Supacat, the foremost experts in the design and innovation of highmobility defence vehicles worldwide. This bond was further cemented by providing cutting-edge coatings for the prestigious Supacat Jackal using their DEF STAN 80-225 system. The commitment to excellence and quality that Trimite embodies is reflected in the unparalleled performance of its products, which are meticulously crafted to meet the most demanding and rigorous standards of the defence industry. Trimite's 80-225 coating system has successfully undergone, and surpassed extensive testing and evaluation conducted by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratories (DSTL) situated in Porton Down, ultimately receiving official approval. This achievement

serves as a testament to their defence product range's high level of quality and reliability, further cementing its position as a top contender in the defence sector.

With a track record of success and a reputation for excellence, Trimite is an undisputed leader in its field, constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible and striving to deliver the best possible coating solutions and technical support to its customers.

Louie Moore, National Sales Manager at Trimite Global Coatings, commented, “Supacat has established itself as a prominent name in the realm of engineering and design for the defence industry. The recent news about the British Army awarding a contract of 70 HMTs to Supacat and their decision to rely on UK-based suppliers has sparked immense excitement and optimism among industry insiders and stakeholders. This development is a clear testament to Supacat's unwavering commitment to

excellence and innovation, and it is likely to have a significant impact on the defence industry and manufacturing landscape in the UK and beyond”. Moore added, “Trimite has been a trusted supplier to Supacat for over a decade, and we are thrilled to announce our further collaboration with the UK70 project. The main ramp-up of the build phase will begin in August this year through to spring 2024. This exciting contract represents a new chapter in our longstanding partnership, and we are committed to delivering the ‘Trimite Standard’ unwavering support and the best quality coatings”.

www.trimite.com/defence

30 Years of Innovating for Chess Dynamics

Managing Director of Chess Dynamics, David Tuddenham

Industry-leading technology for a changing landscape

The starting point for Chess was in our development of sensor positioning systems, which allowed platforms to effectively and affordably identify targets with exceptional precision and accuracy. We pioneered the technology to stabilise sensors in challenging environments, enabling them to maintain a firm grip on targets. This paved the way for our approach, which has continued since then, to develop innovative solutions to continually evolving defence and security needs. We have also been at the forefront of introducing groundbreaking methods for mounting sensors onto surveillance systems, deviating from the conventional ‘ball-type’ design. This approach allows for easy replacement of sensors, enabling operators to maintain equipment availability instead of enduring extended period of downtime. While modularity has become integral to modern forces, Chess has been utilising this approach for many years.

For three decades Chess Dynamics has been developing technology for the international defence and security industry. This required constant innovation in order to adapt to a rapidly evolving landscape.

As we celebrate our 30th anniversary this year, we look back at the major technological advancements that have marked our history and enabled us to meet the demands of customers and partners throughout the defence industry as the world has changed.

Shifting our focus to the present, under our Vision4ce brand, Chess has implemented artificial intelligence into tracking algorithms, facilitating the challenging task of tracking fast-moving objects in cluttered environments. Our cutting-edge surveillance solutions represent a significant advancement, as they autonomously acquire, reacquire, and classify threats with minimal user intervention, promptly alerting operators of potential dangers.

Chess’s success has been driven by these innovative technologies that have adapted to the changing landscape of defence.

Collaborating with customers

The R&D process we employ at Chess Dynamics has always revolved around identifying inventive solutions to address specific customer

needs. By collaborating closely with our customers, we can genuinely fulfil their real-world requirements. Over the course of 30 years in the industry, Chess has regarded customers as valuable partners, leading us to embrace challenges that other manufacturers might shy away from.

This spirit of collaboration extends beyond the defence sector and encompasses the commercial space as well. In recent decades, commercial technology has advanced at a much faster pace compared to the defence sector. Chess has consistently explored ways to adopt and enhance this technology to bolster our defence capabilities. Whether it involves integrating new sensors or leveraging lightweight materials, we seek to provide our partners with agile and forward-thinking solutions. Our goal is to bridge the gap between advancements in the commercial and defence domains, ensuring that our partners benefit from the latest development.

Adapting quickly and effectively

The war in Ukraine has been predominantly shaped by technological advancements. Notably, the remarkable success of fast and agile drones has underscored the need for effective counter-drone or counter-unmanned aerial vehicle (C-UAV) technology. The timeframe for addressing these threats continues to shrink, demanding prompt solutions to support forces.

Looking ahead, availability is poised to become a critical concern for armed forces. Merely relying on air dominance is no longer sufficient; forces must explore how they can rapidly deploy capabilities to maximise their impact. Having fewer yet more capable platforms has proven more important than larger capacity fleets, highlighting the value of modularity once again.

Looking ahead

The journey we have undertaken in the past three decades has been significant, yet when we look ahead to the future, there is huge potential for further innovation. Advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are developing fast, and we have already integrated these technologies into our operations. However, true transformation will emerge from how evolving technologies shape our business practices. How can we expedite the availability of technology, and how can we ensure that our innovation enables us to respond swiftly to rapidly evolving threats? These fundamental questions will define the success of the defence technology sector. Personally, I am eagerly anticipating the path Chess will tread over the next 30 years, as we embrace these challenges and continue to evolve.

www.chess-dynamics.com

M

The risk of global radiological, nuclear (R&N) and biological incidents occurring worldwide is escalating.

As a result, it is more significant than ever that response and decision-making authorities, both remote and on the ground, have access to widespread, reliable, up-to-date and coordinated data. This calls for accurate, networkable, real-time detection.

Kromek has the solution.

Rapid response spectrometry

Networked around entire cities, border posts, key infrastructure or regions as sensor fields, ring fences or trigger points are Kromek’s Static Node R detectors. Dangerous radiological activity can be tracked in real-time from anywhere in the world, and the situation managed. Easily installed and rapidly relocatable, these ruggedised detectors can be stationed anywhere, no matter how remote or war-torn.

High performance personal protection

Unattended, the Static Node R collects spectral data autonomously, anywhere.

Kromek’s D3M Personal Radiation Detector (PRD), with its ultralow false alarm rate, provides on-site users with reliable gamma and neutron alerts. An added benefit of using the D3M, rather an any other PRD, is the ability to save low resolution RIID-quality spectra every second for later extraction and analysis by specialist CBRN teams.

PROVIDES MILITARY SYSTEMS & Technology T. +44 (0) 1884 258019 E. sales@militarysystems-tech.com www.militarysystems-tech.com

When real-time isotope identification is necessary, the D3S ID delivers the spectral data needed for more context-specific decisions. It can be worn on a person’s belt or even on a service dog. The isotope or mixture present is communicated via a paired phone or a discreet earpiece.

The ruggedised D5 RIID takes this a step further, with its high sensitivity and medium resolution producing highly defined spectral peaks for masked, mixed and shielded sources. When mounted on any brand of robot model, the D5 RIID identifies all radioisotopes present in a defined area or suspect package, delivering continuous, agnostic data to distanced operators via remote mode operation.

Each of these detectors can also be implemented into existing alert networks or prediction systems, including the SIGMA network, significantly expanding remote situational awareness capabilities.

Countering biological threats

Kromek’s networkable integrated environmental monitoring system is being developed to operate autonomously in any location. With revolutionary sample collection and in-field next generation sequencing, this system will allow for constant surveillance and the agnostic identification of biological agents from a variety of sample types to gauge outbreak dynamics.

The way forward

Kromek’s detectors deliver the autonomous, real-time, actionable intelligence necessary to track the dynamics of any radiation, nuclear or biological event. Incidents can be located, characterised and managed appropriately: reducing harm to civilians and responders, minimising contamination and better protecting key infrastructure.

Let’s discuss solutions to your CBRN detection and warning needs.

Visit Kromek on stand H2-250 at DSEI 2023.

Main image – Discreet and wearable, the D3S ID is unnoticeable to potential suspects and the public whilst it attains isotopic ID in real-time.

Fully militarised, the D5 RIID delivers reliable spectral data to the user from a hand, belt or robot, even in the harshest of environments.

Threaded

Push/Pull

Break Away

Introducing TriMate ®: AirBorn’s Next-Generation Circulars

AirBorn builds on its legacy of rugged miniature interconnects by introducing TriMate circular connectors. TriMate’s performance meets or exceeds legacy MIL-DTL-38999 connectors yet they are manufactured in a smaller, lighter, and easier-to-install connector package.

TriMate connectors are offered in three different forms to support different applications: Threaded, Push/ Pull, & Break Away. To reduce manufacturing complexity, all three styles mate with the same receptacle. AirBorn offers both the connectors and pre-tested cable assemblies designed to your unique speci昀cations.

The SCHROTH Mine Blast Protected

Seat Systems are tubular lightweight systems with a unique resettable

Energy Absorbing (EA) system designed into the seat.

The EA design and technology comes from the years of experience SCHROTH has with energy management in seatbelt systems. The design of the seat gives the occupant not only excellent protection in a mine blast event, but also offers excellent protection in the event of an accident or impact. The All Belts to Seat (ABTS) design allows the vehicle manufacturer to optimize the installation of the seat within the hull. An integrated footrest can also be incorporated into the seating system for additional lower-leg protection. The unique SCHROTH EA technology is tunable to match the size and weight of the vehicle as well as the level of protection required and the available space within the vehicle interior. The EA is also designed to reset itself and offer high levels of protection for the secondary (slam down) event.

Mine Blast & Utility Seat Systems

ed seating

wo versions:

• SU-62 compact forward- or rear-facing seat

• SU-63 side-facing seat with full or side specific headrest for exceptional side impact protection

The SCHROTH seating comes standard with an ECE certified lightweight 4-point harness restraint. Restraint systems with ECE complaint 5-point seatbelts are also available.

SCHROTH offers the ideal system for military personnel & troop transport configurations.

Our lightweight seat systems may be adapted to many ground vehicle applications. We can assist with interface, integration, installation and ergonomic requirements as well as any vehicle specific seat modifications that may be required.

THE EVOLUTION OF MINE CLEARANCE

Mechanical mine clearance, the use of machines to detect and remove landmines, has come a long way since its inception towards the end of WW1 when rollers were first attached to tanks for mine clearance.

WW2 witnessed the next evolution in design with machines based on the concept of a flail, deploying chains to strike the ground causing mines to explode.

The evolution of this technology has always driven by the need to clear landmines in a safe and efficient manner, and importantly in post-conflict environments to reduce the number of casualties caused by the explosive remnants of war (ERW).

Demand from the global mine clearance community has changed over time, in line with the evolving threat from landmines which continue to blight the lives of millions of people worldwide. The focus of being landmine free by 2025 has intensified, yet current conflicts are prolonging this further still.

Aardvark has been designing and manufacturing mechanical clearance vehicles since 1982 which have had a global impact through deployment in over half of all contaminated countries worldwide. The knowledge gained from these deployments along with a relentless focus on continuous improvement allowed Aardvark vehicles to become internationally acknowledged as “The most effective landmine clearance systems in the world”.

Aardvark is justifiably proud of the fact that no crew member of an Aardvark vehicle has ever been killed or injured in mine clearance operations.

In recent years, the focus has been on removing operators from the threat of clearance activity through the development robotic mine clearance systems. These robots detect and remove landmines whilst being operated remotely or autonomously.

The global EOD community has identified the requirement for a cost-effective robotic solution for landmine contamination. GEN2 is Aardvark’s response to that need.

GEN2 was conceived, designed, and configured to be the world’s most versatile and effective vehicle, delivering superior performance for de-mining, remnants of war clearance operations and mobility support in C-EO operations.

Regardless of the operational environment, GEN2 builds upon Aardvark’s manufacturing lineage of building combat engineering vehicles that place operator safety, survivability, and reliability at the heart of the design.

From inception through design, Aardvark has worked closely with UK and global military EOD operators and experts to ensure that GEN2 delivers exceptional capability across all mine clearance, CEO and C-IED tasks. GEN2 is designed to deal with a large spectrum of conventional and asymmetric threats.

Front line operators worldwide demand mine clearance and C-EO vehicles that have the operational capability to undertake tasks whilst the operators remain in a safe, stand-off location with either direct or remote overwatch.

GEN2 delivers outstanding operator safety, efficiency, and clearance rates through the adoption of advanced robotic autonomous systems. GEN2 encompasses a comprehensive range of combat engineer tools including our world renowned and award-winning auto contouring de-mining flail and a high precision robotic manipulator arm. The manipulator is controlled via a boom mounted heavy duty camera to assist in the identification and investigation of suspicious locations including disguised IED’s, command wires and booby traps.

The platform has enhanced detection and situational awareness provision through the addition of the Aardvark auto deployable tethered UAV with an untethered option for extended mission and closed-circuit data transfer capability.

The Aardvark GEN2 is highly capable across a wide range of ground conditions and effectively delivers the ability to disrupt or destroy all anti-personnel and anti-vehicle landmines. Delivering a 3m wide mine clearance path at 1.5 km/h to a depth of 300 mm to IMAS standards makes GEN2 the class-leading mine clearance vehicle on the market today.

Mechanical mine clearance has come a long way since its inception more than 100 years ago, with recent advancements in technology making it possible for the process to become safer and more efficient.

Despite significant progress, it is still an ongoing task that requires constant research and development to improve the safety and efficiency of mine clearance operations. Like many organisations, Aardvark will continue to strive for a landmine-free world. Through perseverance and partnership, we make progress.

AMCS Evolution – MK3, MK4, GEN2

Aardvark early Flail development stage.

MK3 Clearing Mines in Angola, 2013.

PEI-Genesis: Industry Leader for Interconnect Solutions

To support the demanding needs of the international military markets, PEIGenesis assembles a wide range of Mil-Spec military connectors from top manufacturers including Amphenol, ITT Cannon, Cinch, LEMO, Anderson Power Products, Eaton and Positronic.

Whether you're sourcing parts for military aviation, tanks and ground vehicles, UAVs, body-worn equipment, ships, radios, tablets, headsets,

or GPS systems, we have what you need.

As a value-added supplier, we are focused on assembling custom and standard Mil-Spec military connectors for quick turnaround to help you reduce your acquisition cost and lead times, simplify your assembly, and improve the quality and reliability of your military designs.

WHEN THE DESIGN MATTERS, PEI-Genesis DELIVERS.

A GUIDE TO CONNECTORS

A LOOK AT THE MAJOR FEATURES OF AN ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR

A MATING PAIR OF CIRCULAR CONNECTORS NORMALLY CONSISTS OF A PLUG AND RECEPTACLE CONNECTOR:

1.OUTER SHELL

The shell forms the outer cover that adds strength and houses the other components. This is usually made from polycarbonate plastic, stainless steel, aluminium, or a composite material. This will typically have an additional outer plating to improve conductivity and provide additional corrosion resistance.

3.CONTACTS

A pair of connectors will have a pin contact in one half and a socket contact in the mating half. The contacts are used to transmit electrical power, signals, or RF through the connector. The contacts can have various designs, such as crimp or solder to allow connection to an electrical wire or can have a PC tail to allow direct connection to a printed circuit board (PCB).

5.MOUNTING FLANGE

A mounting flange is used in applications that require the connector to be secured to a panel or box, and is typically on the receptacle half.

2.INSERT

As well as structurally holding the contacts, the insert provides insulation that allows electricity to flow from the wire through the contacts without short circuiting. Commonly made from a synthetic polymer/ rubber.

4.COUPLING

Circular connectors normally have a coupling nut fitted to the plug, this is used to secure the plug onto the mating receptacle and uses a thread or bayonet system to give a secure connection.

6.BACKSHELL

A backshell attaches to the rear of the connector. Various designs are available, offering the ability to hold the cable in place, provide environmental sealing, and shielding against electromagnet interference (EMI).

For more information and to view our wide range of connectors, visit peigenesis.com

3.5.

4. 1. 2.

MULTI SENSOR HEAD TO DETECT IEDS

NEDINSCO DEVELOPED AN

EARLY WARNING SYSTEM

FOR THE DETECTION (OF INDIRECT INDICATORS) OF IMPROVISED EXPLOSIVE DEVICES (IEDS)

(EWS)

More mobility is essential for the land operations of the future. A decade ago, a number of projects were launched, with the Netherlands leading the way.

Experiments and close cooperation with various partners in our country have now led to a prototype of a robust and stabilized “Early Warning System”. Nedinsco leads the consortium (Nedinsco, ViNotion, TNO and TuE) that has been assigned to design and develop the system to withstand extreme conditions.

From that moment, a team of highly trained engineers began their mission: To develop a multisensor head and a sensor fusion system for reconnaissance and observation vehicles to recognize a potential threat much earlier.

This Early Warning System consists of various

camera systems and a computer dedicated to detecting indirect indicators of IEDs, such as ground signs and markers. The camera configuration includes LWIR, SWIR and other cameras.

To explain it simply, the system, placed on a vehicle, looks for possible indications of an IED, for example digging tracks.

In this case, we used multiple sensitive cameras, with sufficient pixels for a clear image at long distances, combined in one sensor head. Artificial Intelligence is used to learn the system to recognize EIDs more accurately to improve the false detection rate. Another important aspect is that the system must continue to work under all conditions, since sand, rain, extreme temperatures and vibration and mechanical shocks are usually not beneficial for optical measuring instruments.

The system can detect changes in the terrain very quickly, while driving a shaking military vehicle. Early detection of a possible threat can determine whether a convoy or patrol can proceed in a suspicious area at higher speeds.

And of course, there are more applications for the

sensor head than just driving through terrain. You can think of all places where there is an IED threat, so for example, around your base, near airports and ports.

In any case, this Early Warning System will become the basis for future detection equipment. In the coming years much research will be conducted on (further) development and application of techniques in the detection of IEDs, think also of PBIEDs (Personal Borne IED) and VBIEDs (Vehicle Borne IED). Eventually, we envision a sensor head so small that it can be hung under a UAV and detect all IED indicators and/or components. This will therefore be applicable in camp security, port security and also in urban environments. The intention is to fuse all the collected sensor data and make it visible on one HMI (Human Machine Interface). By also incorporating AI (Artificial Intelligence) within the sensor head, the search for IEDs will become a lot safer and easier in the future.

Contact

COMBAT-PROVEN PRECISION WITH WESCAM MX™-SERIES SOLUTIONS

Control the battlefield and execute quick-strike capability with extreme precision and agility. Operate at ranges outside of the light-weapons threat envelope. L3Harris’ portfolio of WESCAM MX targeting systems provides powerful designating capabilities and combat-proven solutions for day, low-light and night missions.

> Maintain full situational awareness while identifying targets of interest with separate wide angle and spotter cameras

> Achieve precise targeting with an independent, fully-stabilized designator

> Keep cross-hairs on target with accurate and stable geolocation and auto-mode steering

> Nose, pylon, canopy and mast sensor mounting options

Learn more at L3Harris.com/MX-15D

©photo Anthony PECCHI. MD Helicopter.

WESCAM MX SYSTEMS

Snowbird Technologies air-to-water generators (AWGs) are custom-engineered and manufactured to sustain warfighters and the mission in the most intolerable conditions around the world.

Our units are designed to meet the extreme demands of military environments and function as a force multiplier with the ability to generate water onsite in expeditionary and forward operating environments. The mil-spec design and durability make these units adaptable to commercial and humanitarian applications.

Rainwater collection seam

Produce up to 20-Gal/24 Hrs

10-Gal Internal water Storage

120 V AC 60 Hz primary power

2-gal/min dispense

HANDLES FOR 2-OPERATOR LIFTING

MULTI-STAGE FILTRATION

LOOKING FOR A BESPOKE SOLUTION?

FOLLOW US ON

WHY OUR PROTECTIVE CASES ARE THE BEST OPTION FOR TRANSPORTING MILITARY EQUIPMENT?

Military equipment needs to be protected against harsh environments, extreme temperatures and rough handling. After years of research and continuously perfecting our designs, we can confidently say that our cases are designed to protect defence equipment against all kinds of hazards. But what sets our cases apart and why are they the best option for the transportation of military equipment? We go into detail below…

Why are our protective cases the best option for transporting military equipment?

With extensive knowledge and expertise from working with NATO, US and UK Defence standards, our protective cases are designed to transport military equipment safely and efficiently. With practical and thoughtful design choices, these are premium military cases for delivering equipment in critical environments.

Durable

Durability is one of the most important features of any protective case, especially when transporting expensive military equipment in mission-critical situations. At CP Cases, we have created ruggedised Amazon Cases that are produced using the rotomoulding process. This uses high-quality polyethylene polymer which results in an exceptionally tough case. With extra protection at the corners and edges, our cases are strong and resistant to impacts. Our Amazon Cases are tested to tough military specifications MIL-STD-810F, meaning that they can be relied on even in the most hazardous of environments. The foam inserts add further protection and support, absorbing any impacts in the process of transportation.

With durability being of such importance in a military environment, it’s our top priority when designing protective cases.

Lightweight protective cases

Whilst cases need to be strong, they also need to be practical. Often, military equipment needs to be quickly and easily transported, meaning that lightweight material is a must. Polyethylene polymer is ultra-lightweight, which makes transportation on the field in mission-critical scenarios easy and hassle-free. The lightweight material doesn’t sacrifice durability with the rugged design perfect for transit and storage.

Customisable

Every military use case is slightly different, which is why our cases are customisable to suit every transportation need. At CP Cases, we offer custom designs to meet exacting requirements. With made-to-order sizes available, there’s a protective case for all types of military equipment. Using the latest CAD tools, we can work with you from concept through to production to ensure that your custom protective case is fit for purpose. Our custom specialist foam design provides tailored cushioning for military equipment, made from high-quality ‘closed cell’ polyethylene foam. This means equipment can’t move and suffer from damage during transportation. At CP Cases, we also offer custom colours, labelling and branding to ensure that your protective cases are ready to go right away.

Climate controlled cases

In critical military and defence environments, cases can be exposed to various hazards which could damage expensive and critical equipment. This isn’t the case with our range of protective cases. We offer cases with solid slate climate control Thermoelectric Units (TEU) which are ideal for remote locations with extreme weather. Our nitrogen-blown polyethylene foam inserts guard equipment against chemical contamination or corrosion from the climate or surroundings, meaning equipment is kept safe even in the most extreme situations. With IP ratings from IP54 to IP65, every climatic or environmental hazard is met head-on with no damage to vital equipment in the process. This is critical during transportation.

Resistant to extreme temperatures

Keeping critical military equipment cool in extreme temperatures is vital to the success of a mission. CP Cases’ range of COOL Portable Air Conditioning units provides the ideal solution to cooling equipment to prevent damage or failure in the field. Electronic military equipment can be housed and transported in cooling racks to protect components from damaging heat, dust, moisture and corrosion. The exterior of our protective cases is also resistant to extreme temperatures, meaning military equipment can be relied on when needed most.

Military equipment is not only expensive but often vital to the success or failure of a mission. Being able to safely transport and store equipment is a non-negotiable for organisations. At CP Cases, you can rely on our protective cases in extreme environments to withstand all hazards whilst maintaining the quality of your equipment, providing the backbone to your operations.

TACTICAL DIVING UNDERWATER MANOEUVRE The Future Direction of Travel

With a focus on land operations for the last two-decades, maintaining and developing a maritime Special Operations Forces (SOF) capability has not been the priority of most ‘Western’ nations. However, a changing geopolitical landscape has initiated a maritime pivot and numerous nations and military alliances are currently re-structuring their defence forces accordingly. Both ‘blue water’ and littoral maritime activity will therefore increase globally, which will include the expansion of maritime SOF activity.

Modernisation Priorities

Changing Operational Landscape

All areas of the military require to continually evolve in order to meet current and future operational requirements. Defence diving is no exception and geopolitical tensions and increasingly sophisticated threats are currently driving changes to maritime doctrine and operational concepts of operation. At a tactical level, the recovery of a sunken river bridging system or battle damage ship repairs at sea cannot be accomplished by machine alone. As a consequence, the need for a manned intervention underwater engineering capability by both armies and navies will remain. However, in the field of naval Mine Countermeasures (MCM) diving, significant effort is being made to remove the ‘man’ from the minefield by substituting the human with a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) or Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV). As a consequence, the number of specialist MCM divers is predicted to decline and manned MCM ‘clearance diving’ will in the main, likely be restricted in the future to ‘shallow’ waters.

Land based operational activity has dominated for the last twenty-years leaving maritime SOF with a number of maritime capability deficiencies. Modernisation priorities therefore include but are not limited to: (1) improved lethality & stand-off attack capability, (2) increased Underwater Manoeuvre (UWM) with greater range, speed and operational employment flexibility that offers an ‘organic’ unit level capability, (3) signature reduction, (4) increased sub-surface communications, (5) electro optical sensor systems able to detect, recognise, identify, range and track objects of interest, (6) improved sub-surface navigation precision, (7) diver thermal protection, (8) extended duration tactical life support systems with increased depth capability and duration, (9) integration of unmanned surface and sub-surface systems into the SOF maritime battle space, (10) improved situational awareness above and below the waterline. Addressing these capability priorities is requiring significant defence investment and industry innovation. At the User level, whilst these technological challengers are being addressed, there is a transitional drive to re-install a maritime operations culture within ‘Western’ maritime SOF organisations.

Operational Employment

If maritime SOF activity is predicted to expand, what then will operational tasking look like? Direct Action (DA) strategic asset neutralisation or aid to civil authorities such as Maritime Counter Terrorism (MCT) / Maritime Interdiction (MI) operations, will remain. However, an expansion of maritime capability is occurring by nations that have in the main been generally confined to ‘home waters’. This will stimulate an increase in tasking scenarios such as Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) operations in support of multi-nation

coalition forces. Such operations may for example include: (1) electronic intelligence, (2) stills and video imagery capture of critical infrastructure, geographical locations or persons of interest, (3) target acquisition for remotely operated weapon delivery systems, (4) seabed sensor deployment in maritime navigation choke points, (5) stand-off attack, (6) deception and distraction, (7) psychological operations, (8) reconnaissance and attack drone deployment.

An Expanding Water Gap

Increasingly sophisticated land, seabed and airborne sensor / weapon systems are now able to reach further offshore, bolstering coastal defences. As a consequence, when facing peer or near peer adversaries, the viability of inserting a Tactical Diving Team (TDT) by small inflatable craft to within realistically achievable swimming distances of an objective is rapidly declining. In response, surface or sub-surface SOF insertion support platforms will require to remain further offshore to mitigate Anti Access Area Denial (A2/AD) weapon systems. Crossing the increasingly expanding littoral water gap discretely and covertly is therefore presenting a number of challenges to maritime SOF planners.

To extend the sub-surface range of a Tactical Diver, SOF will increasingly look at creating or expanding UWM capability. As a consequence, increasing use will be made of the Tactical Diving Vehicle (TDV). Whilst such means of transportation is not new, miniaturised precision navigation systems and rapidly evolving high power density battery technology is enabling increased TDV duration whilst reducing submersible craft weight and size. In addition, there will be a trend towards larger multi-man TDVs that can travel extended distances on the surface at high speed and when required, fully submerge for a covert infiltration / exfiltration or for threat evasion. Such craft are increasing in sophistication providing the ability to not only transport maritime SOF, but provide an ISTAR capability as well as serving as stand-off attack platforms, all of which will greatly enhance maritime SOF capability.

In addition to the manned TDV, increasing use will be made of automation and autonomy where TDVs in ‘self-drive’ mode can transport a TDT into the objective area and loiter offshore ready for pick-up. Additionally, an autonomous TDV can be deployed to deliver or recover a TDT or to resupply Operators who remain deployed over extended periods near the sea land interface.

Free Swimming Limitations

The physiological limitations of a free-swimming TD are well understood by maritime SOF planners and it is increasingly understood that placing a small diving insertion surface support platform such as an inflatable craft, within realistically achievable swimming distances of an objective, can significantly increase the probability of mission compromise. Due to

this risk, extending the infiltration swim distance can be considered, particularly if the threat level permits a period of surface swimming, however on completion, due to the significant physical effort required to complete such a mission, there is a notable reduction in human cognitive and physical performance and thus combat effectiveness. This is an important planning consideration as any diver pick-up point located close to shore, remains in an area of high threat potential.

Extended periods of submergence require other human physiological limitations to be considered and planned for. For example, when using a 100% oxygen Tactical Diving (TD) Life Support System (LSS), due to oxygen toxicity considerations, as a general guide, the maximum single dive oxygen exposure is frequently restricted to four-hours. Dependent upon the time of year and the latitude, a swim / dive duration of up fourhours might consume all or most of the period of darkness, resulting in infiltration / exfiltration phases having to be conducted at dusk / dawn or worse case, in day-light, which is generally operationally unacceptable. As a consequence, any means of reducing the time spent sub-surface, particularly on or near the objective high threat zone, is highly desirable as this will compress the execution phase of the operation.

A Tiered Approach to Underwater Manoeuvre

To address the challenges of an expanding littoral ‘water gap’, the concept of a tiered capability will increasingly be applied to TD and UWM SOF projection. Such an approach will for example include: (1) Operator worn propulsion, (2) single or two Operator TDVs, (3) multi-Operator freeflooding TDVs (single mode and multi-mode vehicles) and (4), one atmosphere ’dry’ vehicles. As a consequence, driven by mission objectives, threat levels and environmental / geographic conditions, maritime SOF will be required to move seamlessly between capability tiers in order to best exploit the tactical and strategic maritime landscape.

Paul Haynes is the Head of Special Operations Capability for JFD and a former UK Special Forces diving Instructor, Supervisor and Swimmer Delivery Vehicle Operator. Since leaving the military, Paul has worked for JFD, the world’s largest manufacturer of defence diving equipment and as a consequence, remains at the forefront of special operations life support and submersible vehicle development, design, test and training (https://www.jfd-spec-ops.com).

Why high frequency emergency radio communications

network is critical for island nations

Having and maintaining a robust emergency communications system is important, and never more so than if you are an island nation in the Pacific or Caribbean beset by annual storms that return with metronomic frequency.

HF radio offers emergency workers unparalleled access to open communication channels that are unaffected by network outages or bad weather, even in areas without internet access or phone services.

HF radio operators can communicate over hundreds of kilometres using ionospheric frequencies, as such, field work can be carried out efficiently and humanitarians can stay in touch in case of emergencies.

Case study: Tonga

In Tonga, the island group faces extreme weather events every year. From cyclones to tsunamis, storms visit regularly, not discounting the active volcano that might erupt at any moment. Indeed, it suffered from a massive explosion on January 15, 2022 from the submarine Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcano, one that caused a tsunami across the Pacific Ocean and generated associated atmospheric shock waves.

The Pacific region faces a number of challenges:

small clusters of population across thousands of islands, poor mass communications infrastructure, and severe stormy weather on an annual basis. The lack of vital emergency communications systems means that without equipment such as a HF radio network, Pacific nations are not able to coordinate relief efforts and effective humanitarian support in cases of natural disaster.

Communications in the Pacific are severely restricted during and after storm season, with the frequent storms having devastating effects on local infrastructure. Humanitarian workers entering into these areas require communication tools that will function under all circumstances.

It disrupted emergency communications as the country’s only undersea internet cable was damaged in the eruption, shredding an 80km section of the cable into pieces. It took the repair ship 10 days to get to Tonga, and a total of six weeks to fix it.

Tonga decided it needed a robust and comprehensive HF radio communication network to ensure emergency communications across its inhabited islands are not so critically disrupted in the future.

Equipment and training

Barrett Communications has a long history of assisting in the installation, training and ongoing support of emergency communication systems (emcomms) across the world. It has worked with many Caribbean nations to implement HF radio networks for both normal and critical communications.

Earlier this year, Mitchell Clifford, operational support specialist with Barrett, visited Tonga to work with the Tonga National Emergency Management Office (NEMO), which is under the

Department of Communications under the Ministry of MEIDECC (Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications) This was all funded by World Food Organization and organised by the Emergency Telecommunications Cluster (ETC) Pacific cluster. We caught up with Mitchell Clifford to learn more about Barrett’s work in Tonga.

Can you provide an overview of the emcomms infrastructure in Tonga before and after your visit?

MC: When I arrived, I found the HF radio equipment situation challenging and a set of standard frequencies for immediate use were not available, so I immediately implemented the following steps.

As a team - with the students leading - we selected frequencies that would ensure communication across the S/W Pacific and Australia. We standardised the Selcall (selective calling) and Beacon number allocation for the area of operations. The group then collected all the orphaned “donated” HF radio equipment from several locations and integrated them into the new NEMO HF network, which established regular radio nets with Fiji, and the East Coast of Australia

Conducted in the capital city of Nukuʿalofa, the training was organised by the Emergency Telecommunications Cluster (ETC) Pacific cluster in collaboration with Barret Communications along with local support from the Department of Communications, Meidecc, Tonga.

Assisting me in this were Ms. Maria Shumusti (ETC Media rep), Godefroy Asiamuah (ETC liaison) and Mr. Vineet Prasad (WFP ICT EPR Officer) with full support from John Dovale, the ETC & Information Communications Technology (etc/iCT) Coordinator at World Food Programme Suva, Fiji.

The training involved 8 official participants from different Ministries such as, Tonga Fire Emergency Services, Police, Marine Ports Division, MEIDECC - Communication Dept, NEMO and Tonga Meteorology.

This was part of the final phase of ETC support response to the Tongan volcanic eruption and tsunami event the deployment of the emergency communications infrastructure for the High Frequency (HF) emergency radio comms and coordination network.

What was the content of your training framework?

MC: I created a PowerPoint training package called “Passport to Radio Communications Standards for Emergency Responders”. It is

based on the similarly titled “A Guide to Radio Communication Standards for Emergency Workers”, which was written in collaboration between the United Nations Development Programme, the European Commission Humanitarian Office, and the Disaster Preparedness Programme (DIPECHO), published in March 2010.

Apart from the international protocols for all radio message handling from the guide, I included several tiles that guided trainees to ensure strict adherence to the wording of all such communications over the HF network.

It included instructions such as the importance of developing and implementing common technical characteristics and guidelines for radio communication systems for early warning and disaster relief, to promote a common technical basis in planning for and responding effectively to an emergency.

There are tiles on how to perform regular radio checks and signal reports, call signs, how to send and receive messages clearly, corrections, cancelling and read backs, etc. I emphasised the importance of using ‘Prowords’ properly and listed them for future reference. I also provided copies of the Phonetic Alphabet and the Numerical Pronunciation standards.

All in all, I was happy with the level of ability this training provided the students, and I was careful to form a number of them as a nucleus of “train the trainer”, to ensure that the senior members involved in the training sessions understood the basics, knew where to find the training material and how to deliver it in a manner that would be picked up by other members of the community.

What are the Barrett equipment components of the new Tongan emcomms system?

MC: The equipment included six Barrett 4050 HF radios in the base station configuration, with a Barrett 4090 HF backpack radio for mobile contact. We also deployed six Barrett 912 Multi-wire dipoles for the base station installations with 12 10-metre masts for the base station installations.

www.barrettcomms.com

G&H Enhances Coatings Expertise with Acquisition of Artemis Optical

G&H, a leading provider of precision optics and photonics solutions, announced today the acquisition of Artemis Optical, a leader in advanced thin-film coatings.

This acquisition further enhances G&H's product portfolio and creates new opportunities for vertical integration and the cross selling of enhanced combined capabilities.

Under the new company name, G&H | Artemis, this partnership marks a significant milestone in the journey of both companies. With origins dating back almost 200 years to a pioneering optician in Victorian London's Wigmore Street, the Plymouth-based Artemis Optical currently employs 40 talented individuals. G&H plans for the newly acquired site to become a dedicated Centre of Excellence for coatings within the Group.

G&H selected Artemis Optical due to its state-of-the-art facilities and highly skilled team. This investment also complements G&H's recent acquisition of GS Optics, further advancing the Group’s position in the aerospace, defence and life sciences sectors at the same time as fostering greater innovation within the organization.

"The addition of Artemis Optical to G&H is an exciting new chapter of accretive growth for the company and innovation for our combined customers. Artemis’ renowned excellence in thinfilm coatings complements our existing capabilities to enable us to deliver advanced photonics technology and unparalleled value for our customers. Together, we are well-positioned to accelerate our customer focused innovation plans and create a better world with photonics," said Charlie Peppiatt, CEO of G&H. The acquisition is a hugely complimentary fit to the Group’s existing extensive coating capabilities and enables enhanced vertical integration opportunities for G&H to provide comprehensive solutions to customers in defence and other industries that require robust laser protection and advanced optical filtering.

“With Artemis Optical joining forces with G&H, we are entering a new era of possibilities,” said Stratos Kehayas, G&H Chief Commercial Officer. “Artemis’s thin-film coating expertise significantly expands our ability to offer customers diverse

choices that ensure the perfect fit for their unique requirements.”

Through this new partnership between Artemis and G&H, which celebrates its 75th anniversary this year, customers gain the advantage of selecting precise substrate and coating materials of the highest quality that perfectly align with their application or product requirements. Artemis will continue to maintain its dedicated focus on serving markets such as aerospace, military and defence, life sciences, and various other technology applications.

“The acquisition of Artemis by G&H is an exciting milestone for both of our journeys,” said Jamie Pindard, General Manager of Artemis Optical. “I am confident that existing customers of both companies will benefit from the combined expertise, resources and global reach that we can now bring to the market. We look forward to continuing to provide our customers with groundbreaking solutions.”

About G&H

G&H is a world leader in optical designing, testing, and manufacturing. As experts in the technology of light, G&H works with customers to provide optical systems, assemblies, and components for demanding applications. Headquartered in Ilminster Somerset, UK with operations in the USA and Europe, G&H is recognized for the breadth of their acousto-optic, electro-optic, crystal-optic, fiber optic, and precision optic products. G&H is recognized as the preferred source for OEMs in the life sciences, industrial, and aerospace and defence industries, with a history of quality and excellence that dates back seventy-five years.

About Artemis Optical

Artemis Optical is a thin-film coating company renowned for its expertise in a variety of cutting-edge applications. While they are recognized as global leaders in designing optical filters for tailored electro-optical and laser protection, as well as bespoke head-up display combiners, their true specialty lies in developing customized, system-enabling optical filtering, mirror and window alternatives. Spanning from 400nm to the Long wave infrared, Artemis Optical’s offerings cater to the diverse needs and applications of industries such as defence, aerospace, industrial and life sciences.

CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION 2024

BATTLESPACE is delighted to announce in association with Marksman PR a Counter Unmanned Air System (C-UAS) Conference & Exhibition 2024 at a date and location to be advised.

BATTLESPACE will publish a special dedicated C-UAS issue for distribution at the event Topics include:

l C-UAS Radar Systems

l C-UAS EO/IR Optical Systems

l C-UAS Jammers

l C-UAS Kinetic Defeat Systems

l Specialist C-UAS Ammunition

l C-UAS – Non- Kinetic Defeat Systems

l Drone Defeat C-UAS Systems

l Advanced high-definition C-UAS displays

l AI systems to aid C-UAS detection

l Specialist vehicles for C-UAS systems

Please send us product details for inclusion in the Special Issue. There are advertising opportunities in the issue. It will also be published on our web site.

SENSIBLE SYSTEMS LONGEVITY OF DEFENCE PLATFORMS SUPPORTS GREEN AND FINANCIAL THINKING. Good for the Budget and the Environment

service long after it is not fit for purpose. These usually relate to money and hidebound officialdom. We have all heard and seen the results of the: “We simply can’t afford it” and “Well it was good enough in my day/up to now” or “There is no programme money for that. Afterthoughts mean we will go over budget” mentalities.

So much for the arguments on both sides of the equation. The bad side of it frequently only gets altered when life or lives are lost, a nation stares defeat in the face or the economic argument overwhelms entrenched opinion. The FV430 series was simply not fit for purpose in modern conflict. It could not withstand threats in armed conflict short of all-out battle let alone survive on a battlefield.

The Short Lee Enfield Mk 4 rifle nearly caused defeat for the British Army in the Korean War as it was simply unable to provide the sustained rate of fire required to defeat human wave assaults.

We have all experienced being expected and expecting to use very aged defence equipment.

Some examples which spring to mind are the B52 and Canberra aircraft, the Whirlwind Helicopter, the FV 430 series of armoured vehicles, the Lee Enfield Mk 4 Rifle its predecessors and developments, the M2AI steel ammunition case, many training equipments and facilities. There are some good reasons for longevity of training equipment. They frequently offer multipurpose and multiplatform lifesaving or training systems for ships, vehicles, helicopters or aircraft escape & egress, damage control, and fire training. The rights and wrongs, even the morality, of this situation is endlessly debateable but there are a number of reasons for it.

There are good reasons why defence equipment can be lifed beyond its originally expected retirement date. Sheer safety consciousness and built in strength and redundancy by the manufacturer and over specification by the user and manufacturer in an attempt to future proof the equipment are the main reasons. However, design and construction midlife improvements by both user and manufacturer and meticulous routine inspection, maintenance and renewal by the user, are others. There are more and will continue to be so.

There are frequently bad, even immoral, reasons, for extending life in

The good reasons for equipment being able to continue seemingly interminably mean that there are good reasons to rethink how procurement is dealt with. Provided it does the task required, if a platform is capable of continuing and is surplus to another nation’s needs why not buy used equipment if the pedigree and service history justify continued service and operational capability. Part of the whole life cost assessment is planned life extensions for platforms especially major ones. If it’s good enough argument for major platforms it is equally good for components and smaller platforms.

The nature of designing and manufacturing defence equipment is such that provided the purchasing country is not committed to a race to the bottom on price, and many are, most defence manufacturers usually “over build” for a number of reasons. Pride, prestige, may seem obvious ones: we all take pride in our service people showing off and being proud of their equipment. A sense of responsibility for the lives and welfare of the users and maintainers is as important but not so obvious. A wary eye for platform longevity and therefore post sales maintenance contracts and spares requirements also plays a part as does used equipment sales.

There is another aspect to this. When you go to collect a hire car it will rarely be brand new. You rent or lease it for convenience, availability, performance and reduced cost of having a vehicle or vehicles in the place you want to be at and for the time you are going to need it. We expect it to be serviced and operational if not by the manufacturer, then by the lessor. Against this background then some of the procurement models employed by defence ministries and procurement branches simply do not make sense in any economic climate let alone the current (the next 20 years or so) climate. Clauses

included in standard or frequently used defence contracts requiring only new equipment are both short sighted and far from cost effective especially when modification to the contract/specification are not allowed and result in tenders being disqualified in that event.

It should not be forgotten that we routinely ask our armed forces to put to sea, fly or commit to a land operation in old and life extended equipment. It, like the rental car, is rarely brand new. As that same equipment comes to the end of its operational purpose it is frequently sold on to other nations who can find a meaningful role for it. In UK these defence disposals, as they are called, frequently provide a useful adjunct to the defence budget or part of the economic case for the replacement platform. In addition, the savings to the capital budget are considerable. By making the savings more platforms can be purchased, or the platform can be provided with more capability. The problem often centres around the culture of the armed forces themselves. Few procurement branches are even slightly entrepreneurial, many people don’t like using others previously used equipment (and then frequently get into a second-hand car, to drive to their home of which they are the third or even tenth owner or which they are renting).

Even when selling new equipment savvy manufacturers enclose a clause offering them first option on a buy back because they see the value of sales of used equipment. Those same savvy manufacturers frequently offer a fixed price annual maintenance contract which is good for both parties and makes the platform more saleable when a country does decide to get rid of it. The fully written up dealer service record adds to that second hand car you drove home’s value. If for no other reason manufacturer maintenance makes sure genuine parts are used, procedures are those recommended by the designer/manufacturer and the equipment will be continually refreshed and updated.

Survival Systems Limited the Halifax Nova Scotia based manufacturers of helicopter and other over water transport vehicles escape & egress trainers has for reasons of integrity and corporate culture always designed and manufactured its Helicopter Underwater Escape Trainers (HUET) to exceed safety and manufacturing standards. Its Modular Egress Training Systems (METS®) and Integrated Personnel-Rated Lift Systems are internationally acknowledged as part of the HUET training infrastructure with units in service in most military and civilian egress training facilities. Because of original and exceptional design activity, the strength and durability of their materials and manufacturing skills SSL’s METS® represent extremely good value for money with extremely long-life expectancy, often longer than that of the platform, which for instance naval helicopters will fly from. The modularity concept allows simple

upgrades using factory supplied parts and interchangeability between different base platforms.

Due to their extensive market penetration SSL are able to offer a number of supply options ranging from outright purchase of new or used equipments through leases to rentals. If equipment is likely to come out of service SSL will usually buy it back so they can repurpose it and reset the warranty. The repurposing involves a complete manufacturing inspection and integrity examination to check the unit is in as new condition. It is then difficult to tell the difference between a new and a repurposed unit without access to the registered serial numbers and manufacturing records when it leaves the factory. Representing good value for money they are quickly snapped up.

Part of this confidence comes from SSL’s insistence on a rigid regular major service schedule carried out by factory-based staff. Parts come from or are approved by SSL. All go through full operational inspections. SSL thus operates a rolling warranty for equipment as it proceeds through life. This gives SSL confidence in the equipment when it comes back to the factory to be repurposed. Part of that confidence springs from the fact that the local instructors/daily maintainers are regularly certified and recertified by the factory-based staff during initial deployment and scheduled major services.

Sensible warranty backed repurposing is good for the environment as less raw material is consumed and less throwaway waste is generated. The taxpayer gets better value too.

survivalsystemsgroup.com

Unveiling Unrivaled Gear Protection

Introducing NANUK's 991 and 996 Long Cases

In the realm of defense and military operations, equipment protection is non-negotiable. The challenges faced demand uncompromising reliability, whether during rigorous field exercises, deployment of complex technological applications, or critical surveillance missions. With great enthusiasm, we introduce the latest additions to our product range: the NANUK 991 and 996 Long Protective Cases. These cutting-edge hard cases are poised to redefine the way we protect and transport vital equipment, setting new benchmarks for endurance, versatility, and reliability.

NANUK 991: Wide and Long Shield of Security

Imagine a case that not only shields your gear from the harshest conditions but also provides ample space for your elongated and sizable equipment. At over 511 mm, the NANUK 991 is our widest case among long cases, designed to accommodate diverse essentials, from robust tripods and sensitive instruments to precision rifles and telescopic equipment. This isn't just a case; it's an impregnable stronghold for your valuable gear.

Interior dimensions: L1131mm x W435mm x H212mm

Exterior dimensions: L1212mm x W511mm x H241mm

Weight: 24lbs

NANUK 996: Elevate Your Expectations

For those demanding the utmost in gear security, the NANUK 996 takes center stage. With a length of over 1480 mm, it stands out as our longest case. This heavy-duty case is meticulously designed to protect a range of elongated equipment, spanning from tactical firearms to specialized technological parts.

Interior dimensions: L1400mm x W409mm x H226mm

Exterior dimensions: L1482mm x W479mm x H254mm

Weight: 28lbs

Engineered for operational ease, the NANUK 991 and 996 feature stainless steel ball-bearing wheels and three spring-loaded handles, ensuring seamless mobility even in the most demanding environments. The rugged NK-7 resin shell, heavy-duty wheels, ergonomic handles, and iconic PowerClaw latches ensure your gear remains unscathed, no matter where the mission leads. Whether stowed on a pallet, secured in a truck bed, or airlifted for a mission, this case is fortified to withstand the elements, offering unwavering protection against water, dust, and impact.

Introducing Unparalleled Versatility

The hallmark of these innovative long cases is their remarkable adaptability. With three distinct configurations, these cases can be tailored to suit your unique demands, ensuring snug and secure storage for your equipment, whether sensitive tools, precision instruments, or tactical weaponry. The NANUK 991 and 996 embody our unwavering commitment to quality and innovation, reshaping the landscape of gear transportation and security.

Enhance Your Equipment Protection

In a field where equipment safety is paramount, NANUK 991 and 996 long cases are designed to keep weapons and gear secure and safeguard sensitive instruments from repeated blows, drops, and shocks that occur in the field. These cases transcend mere storage solutions; they're the steadfast allies your gear needs in the face of adversity. Prepare yourself and venture into new frontiers, armed with the unrivaled reliability of NANUK's latest long cases. Your equipment deserves nothing less than the best, and with the NANUK 991 and 996, you can rest assured it's always in safe hands.

ENTER THE METAVERSE with HMG Paints at DSEI2023

HMG Paints, the UK’s leading independent paint manufacturer, are inviting visitors to the DSEI exhibition to visit their stand and enter the Metaverse.

The company, who will be located in Hall 4 Stand H4-518 will have an eXtended Reality (XR) Spray Painting Simulator where visitors can put their skills to the test.

The fully immersive Metaverse environment provides users with a clear perception of depth, distance, angles, machine settings, and more to develop their spraying technique. The simulator provided by Skillveri is a next generation approach and complements and enriches traditional industrial painting training with higher efficiency and accuracy in a fun and safe environment.

Coatings Technical Support

Along with practicing their painting technique visitors to the HMG stand at DSEI will be able to chat with the HMG technical support staff in attendance about their exact requirements for defence paints and coatings.

HMG have a large portfolio of paints and coatings which are linked to various Def Stans and NSNs and understand how complex it can be to find the right product. However, the team at DSEI will be able to help individuals and companies identify the correct paint for their project, be that CARC and IRR coatings or something more bespoke.

“We’re looking forward to meeting the attendees at DSEI and welcome them to the stand to discuss how HMG can assist with paint requirements and provide technical support and advice” added Josh Taylor, HMG Defence Technical Sales. “We’ve built up some fantastic partnerships over the last few years

and looking to develop more during DSEI and welcome people onto the HMG stand to test their painting skills.”

JOSCAR Registered – Made in Britain

Earlier in 2023 HMG completed their registration on JOSCAR, meaning it’s now even easier for companies to purchase their Made in Britain accredited products. As a British based manufacturer HMG can provide fast delivery across its entire range, something which the company believes can benefit businesses who use JOSCAR and other OEMs and refinishers.

“As a British SME, we can manufacture and deliver products fast and now with JOSCAR accreditation we can do it even faster by removing pre-qualification and reducing procurement timescales” commented Alan Sharples, HMG Defence Sales Manager. “Being able to supply defence coatings fast and back that up with market leading technical support is something we’re exceptionally proud of.”

JOSCAR is recognised by some of the largest purchasers in the defence community such as BAE Systems, Babcock, Boeing, Leidos, Leonardo QinetiQ, Raytheon, Rolls Royce and the Ministry of Defence (MOD). It is used a single repository for prequalification and compliance information to determine if a supplier is “fit for business”.

Book a Meeting

Both Alan Sharples and Josh Taylor will be available on the DSEI MeetMe App to schedule meetings with throughout the exhibition but if you’d like to book ahead you can do so by emailing defence@hmgpaint.com. Alternatively the team will be on stand H4-518 throughout the exhibition for any visitors who want to visit and speak to the team.

The HMG Defence range offers products which are free from Chrome VI, meet low VOC requirements, IRR and CARC paints and includes military standards such as 80-225. Alongside Defence Standard products, HMG produce a wide range of approved highquality coatings for practically every purpose for the defence industry.

HMG’s product range is suitable for equipment such as containers, trailers, vehicles, bridges and armour. HMG are renowned for their innovative approach to coatings including corrosion resistant primers, functional topcoats approved to UK defence standards

and if you can’t find the perfect product in their existing portfolio the company is also able to offer bespoke formulation development to solve those tricky paints and coatings problems.

You can find out more about HMG’s range of Def Stan products and bespoke coatings development service at www.hmgpaint.com/products/landing/Defence.

If you require further information on the press release, please contact:

Stephen Dyson, HMG Paints Communications  sdyson@hmgpaint.com | 0161 205 7631

HMG Paints Ltd is the UK’s leading independent Paint Manufacturer and a proud, family-owned business situated in Manchester. Working alongside new and long-term customers, HMG are committed to sustainability, innovation and customer satisfaction. With over 90 years’ experience in developing innovative coatings, HMG’s portfolio of wet paint and aerosols cover virtually every type of surface imaginable across a whole host of industries including industrial, commercial vehicle, decorative, automotive, protective coatings, defence, toll manufacturing, wood finish and arts & craft. HMG have a drive to set the standards for the industry not just meet them.

For more information, please visit www.hmgpaint.com or visit www.shop.hmgpaint.com to discover decorative paint and inspiration.

Connect with HMG Paints on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.

www.hmgpaint.com

Oxley Awarded Bronze Award for Forces Friendly Approach

Oxley is delighted to receive a Bronze Award through the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme in acknowledgment of the work the team do to support forces personnel.

The Bronze Award recognises employers who pledge to support the armed forces, including existing or prospective employees who have served. Oxley also commits to promoting the benefits of being an armed forces-friendly organisation.

As an SME operating in the defence industry, Oxley is a proud signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant and maintains close links with the community and with charitable organisations supporting veterans.

Oxley Group CEO, Darren Cavan commented, ‘We are delighted to receive this formal recognition of our commitment to being a forces friendly employer. As a manufacturer working in the defence industry we are in regular contact with those serving in the forces and we very much value the commitment and the skills they have

to offer. We intend to build on the success of the Bronze Award with a target to achieve Silver in 2024.’

The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise by the nation ensuring that those who serve or who have served in the armed forces, and their families, are treated fairly, to find out more about the Covenant, visit About - Armed Forces Covenant

The Company will market Iris as a Plug-InCard (PIC) to other system integrators and use it as the basis for its own system-level products.

Iris acts as the system keystone to provide secure, high bandwidth switch connections between each PIC, critical in ensuring they work together in the most effective way possible. Typical applications include force protection, situational awareness, command and control, and mission computing.

Iris is designed and manufactured by an undisclosed partner company specialising in electromagnetic spectrum solutions primarily targeted to the US Department of Defense. Concurrent Technologies has signed a multiyear reseller agreement with extension options that will enable the Company to sell and support Iris globally through its existing sales channels. Initial orders for development quantities of Iris will be fulfilled this year with deployment volumes starting in 2024.

Miles Adcock, CEO of Concurrent Technologies, commented on the launch of Iris:

“Iris fills the last high-value gap in our systems portfolio and leveraging this functionality from a trusted partner enables us to deliver leading-edge products to market at an increasingly swift cadence. Over the last year, I have personally met our partner a number of times as we have built our mutual respect based on aligned values and the desire to support each other’s business.”

Concurrent Technologies, (AIM: CNC) a worldleading specialist in the design and manufacture of high-end embedded computer solutions for critical applications, announces the launch of Iris, a Dual Enclave Switch Card.

UK’S LEADING

CASING MANUFACTURER & SUPPLIER

Tri昀bre is the UK’s leading case manufacturer and supplier with a vast array of products offered on a global scale. Established in 1981, the company has over 40 years of experience. During this time, we have developed and progressed into a highly respected and innovative casing solution provider that caters to many industry sectors, including: Aerospace, Medical, Broadcast, Scienti昀c, Music, and more...

Based in the heart of England, our 70,000sq ft premises has the facility to produce large order volumes using a wide range of manufacturing techniques and the latest design software packages.Tri昀bre is able to produce the highest quality products consistently with short lead times at very competitive prices.

“ We are proud of all the work we do, be it large corporate supply, or a simple box for personal storage. Our decades of experience means we’re best at what we do. “

CUSTOM ROTATIONAL MOULDING SERVICES

INJECTION MOULDED CASES

VACUUM FORMING

FOAM ENGINEERING

BESPOKE FLIGHT CASES

ADAPTED COMMERCIAL PLATFORMS: A Key Ingredient to Overmatch in the Future Fight

Less than six months after coordinated terrorist attacks on the U.S. on September 11, 2001, defense leaders opined on the

need to develop forces and capabilities that enabled greater adaptability in the face of ‘new challenges and unexpected circumstances.’ More than 20 years later, the same premise holds true.

Many are watching the ongoing conflict in Eastern Europe for leading indicators of change and for assessing the growing threat of China in the Indo-Pacific. As events continue to unfold, defense experts observe that a diverse mix of ground vehicles along with strategies to mitigate contested logistics are key elements to establishing overmatch for either of the operational environments. The right mixture of vehicles, armored and light tactical wheeled, are necessary to achieve capability convergence across all domains.

One of the foundational principles of almost any global military is the ability to adapt while managing uncertainty and change in the face of enemy threat.

Leveraging Commercial-Based Mobility Solutions

Light tactical wheeled vehicles, like the proven and fielded U.S. Army’s Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV), can transport light forces with agility and speed to maneuver towards or away from threats as needed. Based on the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2, the ISV adapts proven commercial parts to meet Army requirements. With off-road capability built into the design, the ISV enables warfighters to move with speed to the target area, engage the enemy and rapidly withdraw. In addition, the ISV is customizable in its configuration, scalable in production, and places less risk on the industrial base by leveraging various commercial components.

Light tactical wheeled vehicles like the ISV also help increase lethality by delivering advanced sensor and shooter capabilities to the tactical edge. Many of these systems, as well as the advancements in Soldier kit, require significant power, which is currently supported by the shipment of batteries or through inefficient and loud generators. Incorporating commercialbased battery electric tactical wheeled vehicles into the ground vehicle fleet is another way to maneuver energy on the battlefield, enhancing the operational capabilities of warfighters and delivering additional power solutions.

Hybrid-electric wheeled vehicles can deliver reserve energy for increased lethality with onboard mission packages and exportable offboard power to charge Soldier kit. These capabilities can help run operations centers while still using the existing fossil fuel infrastructure which delivers JP-8. Hybridelectric vehicles also fundamentally enhance the operational capability and lethality of military forces by reducing thermal and acoustic signatures, improving off-road mobility and lowering demand on fuel, batteries and maintenance parts. From internal combustion engine-powered solutions to hybrid and all-electric, GM Defense can leverage the robust power and propulsion technologies of its parent, General Motors (GM), to develop mobility solutions that meet global customer requirements.

Building Vehicle Families for Greater Optionality

Recognizing the universal advantage of streamlined logistics and support, GM Defense, like its parent company, is developing vehicle ‘families’ that share a common platform, offering added efficiencies in operational sustainment and maintenance. Building on the success of the original nine-passenger ISV for its Army customer, GM Defense developed the ISV Family of Vehicles that can support a wide range of mission use cases for its global customer base.

In only 12 weeks, the business developed the All-Electric Military Concept Vehicle, commonly referred to as the eISV, to illustrate the mobility equivalency and the operational advantages of Silent Drive and Silent Watch, enabling low acoustic and low thermal signatures and mission-power capability of stored on-board battery energy to the fighting force. The eISV replaces the Duramax 2.8L turbo diesel I4 engine, which powers the program of record ISV, with GM’s previous generation battery electric technology.

Shortly thereafter, the business demonstrated the Heavy Gun Carrier (ISV-HCG), which was also developed in 12 weeks and features a 46-inch/117-centimeter ring turret capable of mounting heavy and medium machine guns and a grenade launcher. More recently, the business showcased the ISV MultiMission and Logistics Vehicle, featuring a configurable short and long-bed mission and logistics compartment and options for two, four or five-seat accommodations with ease of ingress and egress. The vehicle’s rear compartment can also be adapted to accommodate fire support, command and control, electronic warfare, counter-unmanned aircraft systems, reconnaissance, logistics support or casualty evacuation. While these concept vehicles continue to be demonstrated, GM Defense can create a multitude of other variants if a customer requests specific configurations.

Using the same design philosophy as the ISV, GM Defense is developing a family of vehicles based on a capable off-road variant of GM’s commercial heavy-duty truck platform to further expand offerings and meet customer requirements for heavier payloads and protection. Similar to the ISV, the highly adaptable,

Concept vehicle based on a GM large truck platform

rugged Next Generation Light Tactical Wheeled Vehicle (NGLTWV) Family will share a common platform, components and parts, enabling rapid scalability, and ease of sustainment and maintenance through GM’s global supply chain. Offered as a traditional internal combustion engine-powered solution or as a hybrid, the vehicle can offer different seating and cab configurations, and can support a wide range of military missions, including reconnaissance, infantry support, fire support, logistics and military police. The NGLTWV Family will enable formation- and platform-based employment of counterunmanned aerial systems, surveillance, automated indirect mortar and electronic warfare, and loitering munition systems, as well as many others.

Enhancing Warfighter Capabilities Through Electrification

Leveraging GM’s advanced battery electric propulsion system, Ultium Platform, the NGLTWV can be developed as a tactical series hybrid solution and can transition to an all-electric solution when tactical fast charging infrastructure is in place. The power of a tactical series hybrid vehicle comes from electric motors at each axle, which receive energy from the onboard batteries, eliminating the need for a traditional transmission, driveline and other components connecting the front and rear axles. The corresponding weight reduction and increased packaging space enables additional onboard battery storage providing substantial improvements in mission duration and available exportable power. In addition, the diesel enginepowered generator operates at peak efficiency, charging the battery to enable Silent Operations when required, while also providing fuel demand reduction.

Developed as a hybrid solution, the NGLTWV can increase the operational capabilities of tactical forces by providing:

• Silent Watch and Silent Drive benefits, offering improved stealth and operational awareness t hrough low thermal and acoustic signature;

• Extended mission duration and reduced fuel logistics with ultra-efficient electric battery power supply extending mission duration by days when compared to idling engines or generators; and

• Easier maintenance from reduced parts and subsystems in the overall propulsion system.

The tactical benefits of electrification enhance the overall operational capability and lethality of dismounted units and will, in the future, be more widely recognized as programs like the U.S. Army’s Electric Light Reconnaissance Program come online. Even more, the tactical advantages electrification offers goes well beyond mobility platforms to include battery electric storage units and fuel cell powered generation systems that help support increasing exportable power needs.

Planning for the Future

Defense and government leaders across the globe will continue to observe current conflicts and consider how the events will impact present and future modernization efforts and defense spending. As the UK Ministry of Defense notes in its Land Industrial Strategy, “the war in Ukraine underscores the importance of delivering this modernisation at best speed.” Delivering solutions at the speed of relevance and increasing readiness can benefit from the use of advanced commercial technologies, as well as from international collaboration to access the capabilities and supply chains necessary to win the future fight. Backed by the power of GM, GM Defense stands ready to collaborate and to engineer modern solutions that provide the adaptability needed to maintain overmatch over current and future threats.

Rick Kewley is Vice President, Product Development & Advanced Engineering for GM Defense LLC., serving on the GM Defense leadership team. He leads all aspects of engineering, manufacturing, supply chain and program execution to meet global defense and government requirements. Kewley is a former U.S. Army officer who joined GM Defense after spend

www.gmdefensellc.com

Ultium battery module

Taking the Guesswork Out of Who, What, When, Where &

Why...

50 parts per Billion At a Time.

Greenray’s T58 Series TCXO has been developed as a high-precision reference source for critical timing applications that require tight frequency stability and low g-Sensitivity under demanding operating conditions. The T58 features:

Temperature Stability to ±50 ppb (-40 to +105°C)

g-Sensitivity to < 3 x 10-10/g

Shock Survivability to 30,000 g Rugged 5.0 x 3.2 mm SMT package

Wide Temp Range: -55 to +125°C (specify T56) 5.0 VDC Supply (specify T52)

Since 1961, Greenray Industries has been a preferred provider of precision quartz crystal oscillators to many of the world’s leading military, defense and industrial manufacturers. Designed with a range of critical innovations that enhance both performance and reliability, our precision oscillators help customers realize their unique frequency control solutions. On the ground, in the air – and beyond.

For more information about the T58 Series TCXO, visit www.greenrayindustries.com or call 1.717.766.0223 and talk to a frequency control expert today.

These systems – and the microchips that power them – rely on quartz oscillators to provide stable, high-precision reference signals that yield optimal system performance in demanding environments.

From their first use in the 1920s, it was determined that operating temperature directly impacts quartz crystal signal stability and precision – a greater change in temperature results in a greater change in signal frequency. Over time, the growing sophistication of electronic equipment and the vital role of crystal oscillators has challenged design engineers to better understand crystal frequency change vs. temperature. In the 1940s. the limitations of quartz crystal processing resulted in frequency drift that was generally unsatisfactory over wide temperature ranges and for extended periods of use.

The development of varactor diodes, used to control the voltage and change the capacitance of the oscillator circuit, together with advances in thermistor network design, led to the design and manufacture of the first Temperature Compensated Crystal Oscillator, or “TCXO.”

By 1961, frequency vs. temperature compensation ratios of greater than 100-to-1 were realized, enabling a crystal with a peak-to-peak deviation of 1 KHz over temperature to be compensated to a level of 10 Hz. With the use of computer analysis and automated systems, thermistor/resistor compensation improved even further, but often resulted in larger oscillator package sizes.

More recently, the functions required for temperature compensation can be realized in a single integrated circuit (IC), and the use of Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASIC) have enabled the design and construction of TCXOs with just two components – the ASIC and the quartz crystal.

Today, the use of smaller ICs in contemporary TCXOs has resulted in high-precision TCXOs as small as 3.2 mm x 5.0 mm.

Greenray Industries has partnered with sister company Statek Corporation to develop miniature crystals that yield temperature stability as tight as ±1 x 10-7 and are capable of shock survival to 100,000 g. Together with temperature stability and package footprint, oscillator performance over time (aging) is another critical factor for military and aerospace systems.

Greenray’s T58 Series TCXO, for example, in addition to providing low g-sensitivity and tight stability vs. temperature, also features aging of less than 1 ppM/year projecting to 3 ppM or less for 10 years.

A leading U.S. manufacturer of precision quartz crystal oscillators for over 60 years, our reference sources are designed for demanding applications from 1 Hz to 1 GHz. All products are designed, assembled and tested at our facility in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania.

Our Quality Management System is certified to the ISO 9001:2015 + AS9100D standard which incorporates ISO 9001:2015 and additional industry specific requirements for aerospace. More stringent than ISO 9001:20015, this standard is necessary for the defense and aerospace industries and affords customers a higher degree of confidence in the quality of the products designed and manufactured by Greenray.

Visit www.greenrayindustries.com for additional resources and information about our frequency control solutions for military, aerospace and communications systems and applications.

Quartz crystal oscillators serve as high reliability reference sources in virtually all military and aerospace electronics systems.

Quartz Crystals: The Quest for Stability in an Unstable World.

TSS INTERNATIONAL

It is with great pleasure and pride that TSS International announces the official road worthiness of its MOV’IT Security Brake Systems (with integrated Electronic Parking Brake) for armoured conversions of the Toyota Land Cruiser 300.

Tested by an independent German institute on a testing track, all of the tests included in the European standard were successfully conducted and withstood on a vehicle with almost 6.3 tonnes of Gross Vehicle Weight/VR9.

The testing procedure includes, but is not limited to:

A fading test (repeated braking cycles (from high speed to standstill) to try and overheat the system and make it fail

A brake booster failure test

A cross link failure test

A hand brake test

The minimum deceleration was achieved and surpassed in all setups, confirming MOV’IT’s and TSS’ philosophy of equipping security vehicles with the best possible braking system, designing upgrades in both front and rear axles. Through this philosophy, a basic safety feature as a braking system becomes part of the security package of

the vehicle, with consistent and reliable braking power.

A spec sheet and the testing report are available on request.

The test was conducted with an actual armoured vehicle, which was also equipped with TSS 18” Heavy Duty Wheels (2250kg payload) with Rodgard BPX Runflats and the Maxxis JRZ Bravo 275/70R18 tyre.

Complete your Armour Mobility® package with the following products, which are also available through TSS International BV:

• JRZ suspension systems

• TSS ProtecTank® self-sealing and flame retardant fuel tanks

• B&G vehicle intercom systems

• Skydex blast mitigation mats

Speak with TSS International at DSEI 2023. For more information, visit www.TSSH.com, email sales@tssh.com

Image: Alpha Armouring GmbH.

Vehicle pictured is not necessarily the tested vehicle.

Image: Alpha Armouring GmbH.

Vehicle pictured is not necessarily the tested vehicle.

Coming soon

QUICKLY & EASILY ADJUSTED EASILY CLEANED PREMIUM COMFORT RETRO-FITTABLE

ENHANCING YOUR PERFORMANCE IN THE MOST DEMANDING ENVIRONMENTS

n CBRN Experts

n Proven Rubber Technology

n Optimised Design

n Quick Donning and Doffing

n Ambidextrous Fitment

n Ruggedised Quick Release Straps (Boots)

n 27 Adjustability Settings (Boots)

n Optimised Tactical Grip (Boots)

n Touchscreen Compatible (Gloves)

A busy time but typical.

No one should complain about being busy, it’s what we set out to be, but it is important to make certain what we are doing is productive and valuable for clients and us. Equally it might be worth pondering why times seems more difficult. In any event it is always worth a company and individuals reflecting on what is going on and whether continuing in the same way sensible. The starting point for this assessment of what is happening was why the company was set up in the first place and how we decided to operate. In other words what is Lutra about? Our vision was a different type of consulting company offering clients a value for money solution to their problems rather than making huge amounts of money and providing reports and solutions which were not necessarily in touch with reality. Pragmatism was the key word. Provided we were interested in what we were doing and were enjoying doing it we were achieving our aim. Covering our costs and making enough money to live on, and that is different for different people depending on their circumstances, we were happy enough.

After a fairly detailed examination of what was happening, we concluded that the busyness was caused by two factors. The first, we have been true to our ideals. We offer honest pragmatic solutions that represent value for money and frequently dig clients out of a hole. No gloss, no spin just fact and our honest opinion. Our reputation has spread. Equally business has resulted from our and their difficulties with a group of customers who do not share the ideals most in industry have of business being a partnership of all the components collectively delivering a pragmatic solution to the end user.

We set out to help companies with getting to market whether it was UK companies to UK customers (UK Primes or the MoD) or overseas customers, or overseas companies coming to UK. From this you would naturally assume our clients may well be Small and Medium Enterprises or Subject Matter Experts, SMEs both. We have frequently had to help companies large, medium and small work out what it was they were offering and to whom and how. Then we had to work out how to fix the problem; sometimes to go after a single programme, at others find a more permanent solution designed around the unrelenting often seemingly unrewarding grind that is Defence Business Development and Marketing.

An aside about this last comment is that time is a commodity and has a value, something governments seem not to understand. The more you delay the greater the end cost will be. Three programmes we are involved with are now delayed by more than 3 years. The cause in the most part being simple inefficiency and bureaucratic delays in government whether the MoD, The Cabinet Office or the Treasury. Shareholders would not put up with it and

In this last period Lutra has been exceptionally busy. Dare it be said things have seemed more difficult than usual.

This has caused us to reflect on events and workload and rationalise why this should seem so.

heads would roll a fairly long way down the organization.

Whilst our avowed aim was to help SMEs frequently clients have been large companies. This has often been often caused by the tyranny of management by spreadsheet rather than common sense. Not carrying capability for when it is needed has stripped many large companies of specialists or areas of expertise. Their HR departments assured them they could whistle and the replacements would come running. This proved not to be the case. A trend we noticed long before the advent of Covid accentuated by a reducing skills base caused by paucity of initial and then on the job continuation training.

This is a national issue which successive governments and companies thought they could gloss over. It takes more than a lick of paint to cure cracks. Hide them you might, cure them you won’t. A colleague described it as “suffocation caused more by spread sheets than viruses”. The solution has found Lutra helping SMEs contract back fill capacity for large companies, not as subcontractors but as partners. They rightly expect proper remuneration for their work and investments. The spread sheetists don’t like it but with rising commodity costs; especially raw materials and energy, they are going to have to accept the reality of reduced profits. Innovative thought has proved to be key. The advantage of being able to look at a problem from a different angle that Lutra brings to help companies.

This leads to Bids and Proposals. This has been a major plank of Lutra’s work, a growing one and a major cause of our increased workload. We would make a number of comments. First and foremost is that too many good proposals fall for bad English rather than bad offering. Lutra being part of the bid team can help avoid this. If the offering is good but not explained adequately it becomes a bad offering. Secondly always get an outside organization or at least a team outside the bid team led by an outsider to review the offering. Lutra has experience of leading and forming these teams. Thirdly be certain that you want to bid and commit to it wholeheartedly.

The outcomes of a go no go, bid no bid, decision meeting are primarily deciding whether you want the business or not and if you do who the bid team is and that it is adequately resourced and supported by the company management. If the answer to the questions these issues raise is equivocal then don’t bid because it will be a waste of time and money. Too frequently these decisions are made on the back of an overly optimistic business case. Lutra specialises in helping with business cases usually not on spreadsheets but more often by asking about the philosophical, psychological and resource issues involved by asking the difficult questions of management. Business is not like a time trial you are not trying to find where you are in the league table. Gold medals are the only ones awarded.

An increasing aspect of our work results from representational activity. Arranging visits to and from Principals has been a major aspect of our increased workload. There is no substitute for faceto-face meetings and as a recently retired 3* general put it “kicking the tyres and seeing the whites of a company’s eyes”. However, it works both ways and face to face meetings: help the

HoC Defence Committee Report into D&ES

The committee report exposed many problems and put forward many solutions to them. Lutra gave evidence into the wider defence procurement problems of which there are many and suggested

House of Commons Defence Committee

It is broke — and it’s time to fix it

The UK’s Ninthprocurementdefencesystem

Report of Session 2022–23 Report, together with formal minutes relating to the report

Ordered by the House of Commons to be printed 11 July 2023

company assess whether they can work with in particular the MoD delivery team, and help to generate a partnership approach to delivering to the users. Despite what the IT advocates may say it is difficult to convey the essence of something in a video conference. What is missed inevitably ends up costing time and money. Video conferences have a role but they are not the answer to everything.

Just gaining acceptance that a meeting should take place, coordinating diaries and gaining access has always been difficult. Extra caution or excuses generated by Covid precautions has made this doubly so. Coupled with government servants’ reluctance to provide contact details because they may be contacted at home creates additional difficulties. Dealing with these recently erected hurdles adds time and workload to Lutra’s schedule so that our clients have as smooth a ride as possible.

As the initiatives spring from government policy changes briefing Clients and Customers requires more time and effort. Staying on top of the changes is important and time consuming. Lutra devotes a good deal of time to this to enable us to provide detailed briefings and on the spot advice if clients err into dangerous assumptions or territories. Briefing government at the policy consultation stage on industrial and reality issues is something that Lutra takes seriously. We do it because our experience and common sense tell us what needs to be said. Frequently, many including the trade associations, do not do so, either they do not say what they mean or they are frightened to say what needs to be

said. Lutra does not shy away and leave things that need saying unsaid. At times it makes us unpopular but the number of times we have led and started thought which has resulted in change is gratifying

Consulting to government(s) is another major strand and increasingly so. Some of this is gratis some paid but all because we believe that straightforward honest no spin consultation does government, both politicians and civil servants, no harm. We never accept a commission when there is a prejudged conclusion, and we never dress the solution up. This issue frequently combines with the previous one. As an example, Lutra was asked to provide some ideas on a particular issue for a client. Thinking about these resulted in us thinking on a much wider basis and believing we had something to offer the debate on the Covid pandemic. That resulted in Lutra providing both evidence to the Inquiry, discussing the situation with others and also to sharing our thinking with other governments. We were gratified to see many of our thoughts emerge in evidence to the Inquiry. In the same vein we provided evidence to the House of Commons Defence Committee Investigation into the Defence Equipment and Supply Organisation and situation in UK. What we said was unpalatable for some but there is no point in dressing things up. To quote the famous proverb “If it swims like a duck, walks like a duck and quacks like a duck it probably is a duck. You should not believe it’s anything else!”

Apart from Bids and Proposals what Lutra’s Chief Executive was most renowned for when he was in big companies was planning campaigns of which bids and proposals are but a part. His military training taught, and experiences in the Army and Industry confirmed, that no plan survives contact with reality and especially the enemy. A campaign is a living organism. It requires food and sustenance. A campaign changes and develops, grows offshoots and goes in unexpected directions. Two things are constants; it is essential to remember the aim and desired outcome and secondly it has to respond to change and new threats and issues.

Lutra’s belief is this second aspect is very important. There needs to be concerted intelligence gathering about what is happening within the space in which the contest is taking place which is far wider than the confines of a product competition. This is particularly true in the defence arena where long, often extremely so, gestation periods for a programme let alone the bidding phase

are the norm. Frequently they last decades. The campaign needs feeding, all the intelligence available needs collating and evaluating. Changes to government and legislation the same. Economic circumstances need examining. The changing picture needs evaluating, and reviews used to change the campaign. These might range from a tweak to a cancellation. This is true for often quite small programmes. Above all else it will be a different animal at the end of the competition to what was conceived at the beginning. Lutra helps with this process and helps a client to bend it’s back to the task and the necessity of finding the resources. As Lutra’s clients have become more successful and grown others have joined and so the work campaigning and planning for them has increased.

Preparing for DSEi is the latest major milestone on Lutra’s journey. Having, along with Lt Col John Esmonde-White MoD and Bob Munton and Lesley Ann Sandbach of Spearhead Exhibitions conceived and implemented DSEi you would not expect our Chief Executive to let DSEi pass by without an honourable mention! This time DSEi is busier for Lutra than normal, part of the increased campaigning. Springing from the VERDI vehicle demonstrator campaign in many respects DSEi both represents a campaign in its own right and is a key element of companies’ campaigns. If a company is just going to “have a stand at DSEi” it is already lost. DSEi, like other exhibitions/events, is key in so many ways; part of a company’s campaign(s), a time to release key messages, new products or capabilities, publicise successes, actual and potential and a major event in its own right allowing contact with clients and suppliers and engagement with MoD, other government departments, allies and potential partners. Not often publicised is the chance to look at the competition but be careful to ensure your own defences against espionage are in place.

Success at DSEi, like any event, depends on what you put into it. Whatever happens you should go expecting to be busier with follow ups at the end of the exhibition than at the beginning. Mainly this increase in work will fall on the business development and marketing teams but also senior management and technical teams have their part to play. As an aside the technical teams should always consider themselves as part of the marketing team knowing programme evolution and messages around products and campaigns. Lutra has been heavily involved in this process for three of its clients, this time and have also advised several others as to what they ought to do. We have been checking invitations to attend, methods of contact, messages to be communicated and products to exhibit. What is important is to expect to spend a good while after DSEi following up internally, including communicating key points company wide, and externally, what you gained from it. In short Lutra is busier. Generally it is good busy. An element of that business is a difficult monolithic customer as the House of Commons Defence Committee Ninth Report - It is broke — and it’s time to fix it: The UK’s defence procurement system made abundantly clear. In the meantime, the people in the DE&S have got to make themselves more available and more user friendly.

www.lutra-associates.com

DSEI General shot

DSEI is a major defence event in its own right for any company and should be part of any campaigns it is running

AEGIS CASES

THE "NEXT GENERATION" OF RUGGEDISED CUSTOM CASES

Leafield Cases (www.leafieldcases.com) have been designing and manufacturing materials handling products for over 40 years, starting with insulated boxes in the early days, and moving into the military market in 2014. Leafield’s innovative in-house engineering design team are able

to customise every aspect of the Aegis protective system, designing cases accredited to military standards and IP67 rating.

The Aegis case range started with simple, small modular cases developed for specific end users and capability to interstack with other models and has since evolved to a patented ‘multipart mould’ approach with moulded-in glove friendly handles, hoist and tie-down points and base rib structure for enhanced structural integrity. All Aegis cases are completed by standard stainless steel black coated rust proof latches and strike plates which are complemented by a pilfer proof lockable latch mechanism.

Aegis cases are:

• More resilient and durable than aluminium or wooden cases

• Truly stackable in two-dimensional axis

• Have a more consistent wall thickness than blow moulded cases

• More economical to ‘tool’ than injection moulded cases

• Complete end of life recyclability

Aegis cases are designed and engineered to meet the most stringent standards, and are tested both internally (handle strength, pressure tests, environmental cycling tests) as well as externally against validated military standards and meet rigorous IP67 requirements.

Tested and approved to:

• MIL-STD-810G

• Def Stan 81-41 Level J

• STANAG 4280

• Def Stan 81-144

• Exceed ATA 300 (Category 1 requirements)

For more information on Leafield Cases call on: +44(0) 1225 816504, email cases@leafieldenv.com or visit www.LeafieldCases.com

MONITORING AND I/Q CAPTURE FOR ENHANCED INTELLIGENCE

How a national force secured its borders with reliable spectrum data

HOSTILE NEIGHBOR & LAND BORDER CROSSING

A national border force monitoring a potentially hostile border rife with people smuggling relied on dated and limited equipment—not good news for national security.

The force needed to modernize its capability to undertake spectrum monitoring. It needed to capture I/Q data for intelligence purposes. And, to add to the intelligence picture, it wanted to carry out TDOA to accurately determine the location of a source, even a mobile one moving quickly–beneficial for signals intelligence (SIGINT) and electronic warfare (EW).

The force had previously used CRFS’ equipment and recognized its excellent capabilities. So, it contacted the RF spectrum monitoring specialists with a unique request–a product that did not exist.

A BESPOKE I/Q RECORDER FOR ENHANCED INTELLIGENCE

The border force needed a bespoke solution. It was impressed with the capabilities of the RFeye SenS Portable and the RFeye Node 100-18 and wanted the best of both.

CRFS co-engineered new equipment to solve a speci fic need. Partnering with the end-user, CRFS’s technical team developed a solution to meticulously fi t the application—

the- shelf solution.

That solution was named the RFeye SenS Remote.

The equipment developed had a frequency range of up to 18 GHz— allowing the border force extensive signal coverage. Able to operate anywhere within this band, the user can detect a vast range of signals— from standard communications signals, up to radar signals and even some satellite communications. The user has the full flexibility to use the RFeye SenS Remote for COMINT or ELINT applications.

But the solution did not end there. Together with its new hardware, its use of the RFeye SenS Remote.

demodulate signals - further increasing their intelligence acquisition. This was only possible because RFeye DeepView uses open nonproprietary formats.

SPECTRUM DATA DERIVED INTELLIGENCE TO BOOST SECURITY & EW OPERATIONS

By building full I/Q capability with the RFeye SenS Remote, the border force now has a more secure border.

is now capturing and identifying signals of interest and carrying out spectrum monitoring, situational awareness and EW support.

The customer can reliably capture communication signals and radar signals, which are analyzed, put into detection systems, and, ultimately, passed on to tactical units.

The delivery and operation of the RFeye SenS Remote have been so TDOA network across its extensive and potentially hostile borders using RFeye Nodes 100-18 in both fi xed and tactical & mobile deployment CRFS options.

EQUIPMENT USED

Forensic signal analysis with 100% probability of intercept

CRFS Inc

Chantilly, VA, USA +1 571 321 5470 enquiries@crfs.com

RFeye® Sens Remote High fidelity RF Recording (I/Q data) for enhanced intelligence

CRFS Ltd Cambridge, UK +44 (0) 1223 859 500 enquiries@crfs.com

CRFS is an RF technology specialist for defense, national security agencies and systems integration partners. We provide advanced capabilities for real-time spectrum monitoring, situational awareness and electronic warfare support to help our customers understand and exploit the electromagnetic environment.

CRFS and RFeye are trademarks or registered trademarks of CRFS Limited. Copyright© 2023 CRFS Limited. All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced or distributed in any manner without the prior written consent of CRFS. The information and statements provided in this document are for informational purposes only and are subject to change without notice.

GAIN ENHANCED RF INTELLIGENCE

Record & analyze wideband I/Q data streams

CRFS’ I/Q data analysis ecosystem ensures militaries have full spectrum awareness. It is designed for operators who need to capture and analyze signals in high fidelity across a wide frequency range.

Discover the who, when, and where of signals.

PELI-HARDIGG TM ENGINEERED CASES

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Nothing protects like Peli-Hardigg. From the outside to the inside.

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