CRFS Wins 2024 Army Tech Innovation Award
Cambridge, UK — CRFS has been honoured at the Army Technology Excellence Awards 2024 for its groundbreaking advancements in the defence sector. The awards celebrate companies that have set new standards in technological innovation, and CRFS was recognized for its RFeye Node 100-18 LW sensor, a significant leap in UAV sensing technology.
This innovative sensor was specifically requested by a NATO member to enhance signal management and intelligence operations in conflict zones. While the original TRL-9 RFeye Node 100-18 delivered outstanding RF performance, it was not designed for integration with smaller unmanned systems. In response to an urgent request, CRFS quickly adapted the technology into a compact form without sacrificing performance.
“Our engineering team worked diligently to develop a sensor that meets the rigorous demands of our military customers while excelling in harsh environments,” said Matt Hunt, VP of Global Sales. “The rapid delivery of this valuable tool for modern military forces showcases our commitment to innovation.”
The RFeye Node 100-18 LW features a low Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) design that enhances UAV mission endurance, making it ideal for extended electronic warfare and ISR operations. It includes an upgraded GNSS chipset for improved performance in GNSS-disrupted conditions and can monitor a wide range of signals, including low-power and low-probability of intercept signals.
A standout feature of the sensor is its in-built edge processing, which alleviates the need for extensive data backhauling, allowing for efficient and accurate RF data collection for spectrum intelligence. “Weighing less than 2kg, the RFeye Node 100-18 LW boasts superior specifications that make it suitable for a variety of unmanned platforms, including UGVs and USVs,” added Tina Ross, Global Awards Manager.
Winning the Innovation Award at the 2024 Army Technology Excellence Awards underscores CRFS’s dedication to advancing RF technology and delivering cutting-edge solutions that meet the evolving needs of NATO allies.
£435m Boost Secures Jobs at Leonardo
Yeovil, UK — Leonardo Helicopters has announced a major boost to its UK operations with a £435 million investment from its Italian parent company, safeguarding thousands of jobs across the country. The funding was unveiled by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer during his recent visit to Italy.
A key component of this investment includes a newly opened £30 million warehouse in Yeovil, which will enhance the company’s operational capabilities. Clive Higgins, CEO of Leonardo UK, praised the funding as a significant “vote of confidence for Yeovil” and emphasized its positive impact on the local community. The Yeovil site currently employs 3,000 people directly and supports an additional 12,500 jobs in its supply chain.
“We’re thrilled that our team in Yeovil has successfully secured this funding,” said Mr. Higgins. He highlighted that the investment would foster growth and prosperity while creating highly skilled jobs in the region, including the addition of over 180 apprentices and graduates through various training programs.
The funding will not only help maintain highly skilled engineering jobs in Yeovil but will also support investments in manufacturing equipment, technology, and sustainable practices. Mr. Higgins noted that the investment positions the company favourably for new export orders, as well as a major Ministry of Defence contract worth up to £1 billion, for which Leonardo is the sole bidder.
This significant investment marks a promising future for Leonardo Helicopters and its workforce, reinforcing the company’s commitment to innovation and excellence in the aerospace sector.
Saab UK Delivers TAIPAN Systems to British Army
Saab UK has successfully delivered five advanced Arthur systems, now designated as TAIPAN, to the British Army. These cutting-edge systems will enhance the Army’s Deep Find Weapon Locating Radar capability, marking a significant upgrade from the previous MAMBA radar system.
The TAIPAN systems, accepted by the 5th Regiment Royal Artillery, offer rapid deployment and re-deployment capabilities, high operational mobility, and improved counter-battery operations. Leveraging Saab’s innovative Digital Antenna technology, TAIPAN is designed to detect a greater number of targets at extended ranges while minimizing electronic warfare signatures, ensuring enhanced survivability and reliability.
Andy Fraser, Group Managing Director of Saab UK, expressed pride in supporting the British Army with the state-of-the-art TAIPAN systems. “Our long-standing partnership with the Army reflects years of experience gained through operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. We look forward to continuing our support as the UK becomes the first user of these next-generation Arthur systems,” he stated.
Lt Gen Sir Andrew Gregory KBE CB, Master Gunner St James’s Park, praised Saab’s contributions, stating, “Saab has proven to be a key partner for both the MAMBA and TAIPAN systems. The capabilities delivered by Saab are truly impressive, and TAIPAN represents a significant advancement in our operational effectiveness.”
Future maintenance and support for the TAIPAN systems will be conducted at Saab’s Centre of Radar Excellence in Fareham, part of the company’s strategy to broaden its industrial base beyond Sweden. The Arthur system is also in service with 12 other countries, including six NATO members and South Korea, further underscoring its global significance.
Spaceflux Wins Dstl Contract
Spaceflux, a leader in Space Situational Awareness (SSA) solutions, has been awarded a contract by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) to develop an Infra-Red Sensor Technology Demonstrator System for Space Domain Awareness. This contract marks a significant advancement in SSA capabilities, as Spaceflux will design and build an infrared telescope testbed aimed at enhancing ground-based surveillance and characterization of satellites.
The project will be spearheaded by Spaceflux’s newly launched innovation hub, Spaceflux Labs, which focuses on advancing SSA technology. The innovative solution features a large optical telescope equipped with two cameras that integrate both Short-Wave Infrared (SWIR) and visible sensors, enabling daylight tracking and superior characterization of satellites and space debris across all orbital regimes. This capability allows for continuous monitoring, helping to mitigate potential collisions and reduce risks associated with in-space hazards.
In addition to the telescope, Spaceflux will enhance its data analytics platform, Cortex, to improve the characterization of space objects. These upgrades will be incorporated into the Spaceflux Miru Stations, a fully integrated Space Surveillance and Tracking system, as well as the Track & Guard service, expanding the company’s product offerings.
The new infrared sensor system will be installed at Spaceflux’s observatory in Spain, chosen for its optimal weather conditions for infrared observations. Following installation, Spaceflux will conduct several months of experiments, with results to be delivered to Dstl for assessment. Eventually, the advanced sensor will become a permanent part of Spaceflux’s global network, bolstering its capability to provide high-quality, timely SSA data.
Marco Rocchetto, CEO of Spaceflux, remarked, “Winning this Dstl contract is a testament to our commitment to pushing the boundaries of space technology. By integrating innovative sensor technologies with our AI-driven analytics platform, Cortex, we aim to significantly advance the UK’s capabilities in Space Domain Awareness.”
That’s it for this week folks, hope you have a great week.