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MILITARY TECHNOLOGY (MILTECH) is the world's leading international tri-service defence monthly magazine in the English language. MILITARY TECHNOLOGY is "Required Reading for Defence Professionals". Follow us on Twitter: MILTECH1

18 June 2014

Eurosatory 2014: Innovation Update

Controp Precision Technologies announced the final stage of development of its MicroSTAMP micro dual-sensor day/night gyro-stabilisied miniature payload. The new payload becomes the latest member of the company’s family of STAMP payloads that can be adapted to unmanned aircraft. This three gimbaled system features a dual field-of-view uncooled IR camera, a daylight camera, and an inertial navigation system (INS). Its weight is quoted at 270 grammes. Optional is a video tracker.

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KTK Kommunikationstechnik showcased a prototype of its Light Conditioning System (LCS) to illuminate the interior of an APC. It is a microcontroller-based ambient light solution that provides the dismounted soldier with a combat advantage in the face of current battlefield threats. Besides a basic lighting capability (main and blackout lighting), the LCS comprises a pre-adapting light functionality, with the interior light conditions adapted to the exterior light conditions. For that purpose, the vehicle needs to be equipped with an external light sensor mounted on the vehicle’s hull which measures exterior light intensity.

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SELEX ES spoke about its KRONOS Land multifunctional mobile radar that simultaneously performs surveillance, target tracking, and ECCM. The latter capability includes automatic frequency selection and side lobe blanking. With a surveillance range quoted at up to 250km and a maximum of 300 targets that can be tracked simultaneously, the radar can be integrated into a defence surveillance network. Combining that range of capabilities in a single system, KRONOS Land is able to detect and track any type of airborne threat, including high-speed missiles, low-flying UAV/UAS, hovering rotary-wing aircraft, and small and highly manoeuvrable surface targets. The radar also has a C-RAM (Counter-Rocket, Artillery and Mortar) capability, detecting and locating enemy artillery, as well as estimating and recording shell impact points. The AESA antenna technology found in KRONOS Land utilises gallium nitride (GaN) substrates.

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The RR-2100 ranging radar developed by Weibel Doppler Radars is an X-band (10GHz) multiple frequency continuous wave radar designed to be mounted on optical platforms in a location where there is no interference with the optics. The purpose of the 200km range radar is to acquire and track moving targets with very high precision and deliver real-time range and guidance data at high rate to the optical platform. The antenna‘s weight is 35kg. Its range, angles, and velocity measurements are based entirely on spectrum analysis and digital signal processing. This enables the system to measure all types of airborne targets, including manned/unmanned aircraft, missiles, rockets, artillery projectiles of all types and calibres, base bleed and rocket-assisted projectiles, as well as APFSDS (Armour-Piercing Fin-Stabilised Discarding Sabot) and tracer rounds. The radar detects a 1m2 airborne target at a range of 55km. The overall system consists of an MFDR-2100 multi-frequency Doppler radar antenna, an RP-2100 range processor, and a DC power supply (110 or 220VAC 50/60 Hz). Power consumption is quoted at 500W. The RP-2100 incorporates two RS-422/RS-232 high-speed interfaces for real-time data to the optical platform and/or commands from the control panel or Weibel supplied instrumentation controller. The system, best functioning in an operating between -20° C and +55°C, is designed to withstand shock, dust, sand, humidity, rain, and salty air. The entire system is controlled from the instrumentation controller or a customised control panel.

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Microflown AVISA spoke about its Acoustic Multi-Mission Sensor (AMMS) that exploits the benefits of novel Acoustic Vector Sensor technology. It allows the detection, localisation, and tracking of the full spectrum of acoustic battlefield signatures, covering small arms fire, rockets, artillery and mortars (RAM), as well as low-flying rotary-wing aircraft. A single AMMS is capable of detecting and localising hostile small arms fire up to a distance of 7,000m. Threat information can be subsequently relayed via radio communications to a C2 post. Within milliseconds, the location of the threat and calculated trajectory is displayed to the operators. Also, AMMS is able to detect and localise small low-flying drones, providing ground forces with a counter-UAV capability. The Acoustic Vector Sensor technology found in the system is unique as it directly measures the actual direction of sound sources acoustically. As this technology is low SWaP (Size, Weight and Power), it can be deployed on all sorts of platforms, ranging from unattended ground sensors, vehicles (V-AMMS), and helicopters to miniature and micro-UAV. AMMS units can be operated from -20°C up to 70°C. The Dutch Ministry of Defence awarded Microflown AVISA a contract in January 2013 to adapt the Acoustic Vector Sensor technology for installation on reconnaissance vehicles (FENNEK), APCs, and tracked vehicles. The technology allows the system to operate with a reduced power consumption compared to sound pressure microphone-based solutions. A derivative, P-AMMS (Personal AMMS), provides a sniper localisation capability. It captures the shockwave of incoming rounds up to an extended Closest Point of Approach (CPA) range of 400m, providing an unprecedented accuracy, both angular (+- 2%) and range (+- 5%). A solution used for RAM training purposes is named RAM-SCORE. It provides fast and accurate location reports of points of impact (POI) and points of origin (POO) on the training range. RAM-SCORE delivers reports oft he detonation type and a complete overview of the weapons being fired on the range. The system has been developed in cooperation with the Royal Netherlands Army. 

STN

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