RUAG Defence, the strategic partner of international land forces, is continuing to invest in and develop its robotics technology. Already the company’s retrofitable VERO system contains all the electronic components and sophisticated sensory equipment needed to convert any existing vehicle to perform with supervised autonomy .To further enhance the capabilities of the system it took part in field tests in early May relating to obstacle recognition using lasers.
RUAG VERO System (Photo: RUAG)
Robustness is the cornerstone of RUAG’s approach to robotics. For UGVs to finally take their rightful place in operations they must be able to function with no exceptions. This relies on the security and effectiveness of the communications link. Thanks to RUAG’s experience in secure communications, through the company’s wider applications, it is able to guarantee that the link to the vehicle will be maintained.
Cameras and sensors, used in conjunction with RUAG software, allow any vehicle fitted with the VERO system to learn a route to drive or alternatively the route can be programmed using a simple interface. The vehicle will then drive the route at the request of its operator, constantly scanning the area around it for obstacles and threats and relaying that information to a central control station and the operator. Alternatively the vehicle can be operated simply using remote control. The dual operation modes have been developed to provide maximum flexibility during deployment.
Vehicles fitted with the VERO system operate with supervised autonomy, the highest level of autonomy currently available on the market and that most desired by forces. This autonomy state keeps a human “in the loop” always knowing what the vehicle is doing and able to intervene if necessary. This operator is constantly fed with information and can sit either within sight of the vehicle or kilometres away.
UGVs are set to play an ever increasing role as part of forces deployed into a combat theatre, with studies suggesting investment will break the one billion US$ mark by 2021. RUAG remains committed to further invest in, develop and test unmanned vehicle technology.
RUAG is an international technology group for aerospace and defence. The head office is in Bern (Switzerland). RUAG has its production sites in Germany, Austria, Hungary, Sweden, and the USA. RUAG employees 7,700 staff worldwide, of which 5,000 are in Switzerland, including 10% trainees.
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The international technology group Schott offers a wide range of effective passive viewing solutions for observing and tracking targets over close and medium-ranges as part of its broad portfolio of Fibre Optic Sighting Systems (FOSS). These products are designed for use in military and security environments. FOSS modules are based on optical fibres, in combination with lenses and eyepieces, which allow for a flexible structure. Schott displays examples of these products for use in combat vehicles at the German Pavilion, booth HG 633.
“The products that SCHOTT will be presenting at Eurosatory will include, among others, an Auxiliary Sight Demonstrator, a flexible, optical back-up sight for use in turrets of armored vehicles,” explained Stefan Weiser, Senior Manager of International Sales & Business Development Defense of SCHOTT Lighting and Imaging, before the show.
This is just one example of a module from the SCHOTT FOSS portfolio that places strong emphasis on passive optical applications. “The word ‘passive’ has two different meanings in this respect: no emissions are released and these products depend on neither electrical power nor electronic components,” Weiser explains.
Thanks to the optical fibres used here, the various sighting systems allow for multiple layouts that can be easily adapted to meet the end user’s requirements. They can be modified to suit various tasks inside combat vehicles. Furthermore, they can be retrofitted in existing vehicles inexpensively due to their small size and light weight. The installation process is very similar to laying cable for a network. Due to its modular design the FOSS portfolio can be used in a completely passive mode or enhanced to include active elements such as monitors and combat vehicle’s internal vetronics network.
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GKN Aerospace showcases developments for the military market from its transparencies, emergency flotation and fuel systems businesses on stand J522 in hall 5A.
The company’s military activity is worth approaching U$1 billion annually and includes metallic and composite airframe and aero-engine structures, transparencies, fuel and flotation systems and niche capabilities such as ice protection. The company is a major supplier on many platforms including the A400M and C130J transport aircraft, the V-22 OSPREY tiltrotor aircraft, the BLACK HAWK and KING STALLION helicopters and the F-35 LIGHTNING II multirole fighter.
On display is the company’s instantly dimmable bullet resistant window technology. This combines proven bullet resistant glazing with ‘suspended particle device’ (SPD-SmartGlass) technology to offer vehicle occupants instant ‘on-demand’ light control and attenuation giving privacy and protection from heat, glare, and ultraviolet (UV) light. Also on display will be a special composition glass that is in production for a lightweight BR7 level vehicle. This provides a significantly lighter, thinner transparency with full ballistic protection against the 7.62 armour piercing threat. Excellent light transmission and optical quality is combined with a 15% weight saving over conventional ‘float glass’ kits. This represents a 10kg per door saving on typical door armour for a 4x4 sports utility vehicle.
GKN Aerospace’s self-sealing fuel tanks will be at the heart of the display. These tanks and fuel systems enhance a platform’s survivability in today’s intense theatres of operation, providing extended protection for the crew against weapons such as heavy machine guns, vehicle and aircraft armaments. This fuel tank technology includes the market’s most rapid self-sealing response to ballistic damage, protection that can be integrated at the design phase of a vehicle, retro-fitted or externally fitted at a later stage, helping ensure fuel supply is maintained during frontline operations
Advanced emergency flotation systems will also be featured. GKN Aerospace is an authority on the specification, design, manufacture and qualification of complete emergency flotation systems and continues to develop new materials and fabrication techniques to meet vital requirements for lighter weight equipment with extended performance and reliability - offering improved crew safety.
Kevin Cummings, CEO, GKN Aerospace comments: “Our strong presence on the right military platforms ensures our activity in the defence sector remains stable and robust even in the challenging market circumstances we face today. From the Osprey to the F-35, the C-130J to the King Stallion, our engineering and technology are key elements in the successful performance of each airframe.”
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Thuraya showcases their latest mobile satellite innovations for the government sector, including the Thuraya SatSleeve, Thuraya IP+, Thuraya NettedComms solution, IP Voyager and Orion IP broadband terminals.
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A new real-time spherical vision system for defence and homeland security that produces and records spherical movies over an area covering 360° is launched by Scopustech, a pioneer in 360° technology, in Hall 6 Stand D 652.
“360in1 is the name of our line of spherical vision systems. Our aim was to create the next generation of 360-degree vision systems that would be highly versatile, reliable and cost-efficient while offering top performance such as low latency rendering, simultaneous recording, 24/7 operation, highest image quality,” said Ahim Kandler, Head of Business Development. “What is absolutely unique about the system is its capability to work with either a visual or an infrared imager or even a combination of both day and thermal imaging at very high panoramic frame rates and resolution.”
The 360in1 Spherical Vision System has a flexible architecture and is built on three core modules - image generation, image processing and image rendering - to deliver an output that can be individually controlled (e.g., view angle, size, zoom, recording, pause, resume) by different users. Spherical vision can be displayed using individual monitors, multiple monitors, video walls, virtual reality headsets, or through easy integration with command and control (C2) systems.
“It is the ideal system for situational awareness on moving platforms like tanks or armored vehicles, but is also a valuable pair of eyes to secure a perimeter around vehicles, vessels and assets, or for complete close to medium range surveillance,” Kandler said. “We have fine-tuned the mechanics, optics, hardware and algorithms to create undistorted, precise spherical high-definition movies in real time – there is virtually no delay.”
Spherical vision is created using our Rotating Image Generation method. The camera system rotates at high speed and captures numerous images from different angles per rotation. Smart algorithms are used to combine a huge database of still images into an undistorted spherical movie - with a horizontal FOV of 360° and a vertical FOV of up to 70°.
360in1 systems are affordable, compact, lightweight, and energy efficient, with a small footprint. It has potential applications in defense, homeland security, law enforcement and airport security. With the ability to operate continuously, 24/7, on moving and stationary platforms, it can be installed on armored vehicles, offshore patrol vessels, towers, offshore platforms, airships, helicopters, and unmanned vehicles.
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The MIRA Autonomous Control Equipment (MACE) route proving and clearing system known as Project ‘Panama’ is to be retained by the British Army until 2030.
As part of the agreement, MIRA - the internationally recognised automotive engineering consultancy with specialist Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) and defence expertise - will continue on-going development of its MACE technology platform, which allows intelligent UGV’s to be operated in both tele-op and autonomous modes up to 20km away in the detection of IEDs.
MACE technology is currently being used by the British Army in the advanced UGV, Panama, which carries on board an integration of IED sensors and detection systems, and was first deployed in theatre in 2011. The system uses the Snatch Land Rover as its donor platform.
MIRA’s UGV and defence engineering capabilities cover whole vehicle design, integration, test and validation and certification. The ability to act as a validation partner or as a prime contractor means that MIRA is able to respond to urgent operational requirements of varying size and complexity. This flexibility, a customer-focused approach and unrivalled test facilities have proven invaluable for the UK MOD. Other customers benefitting from MIRA’s deep content expertise and innovative approach include Lockheed Martin, whom MIRA is supporting on the Warrior Capability Sustainment Programme; the £1 billion key strategic programme to upgrade the British Army’s major Infantry Fighting Vehicle, WARRIOR.
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Duke Airborne Systems launches, according to the company, the first-of-its-kind fully-robotic Remote Weapon Station (RWS) for helicopters at Hall 6, Stand 663. This small-footprint, fully-robotic RWS is, again, according to the company, the only system of its kind to successfully implement land-proven technology on an airborne platform.
The ultra-compact and exceptionally cost-effective system requires no dedicated operator - and enables utility helicopters to accomplish their missions independently - thus saving on resources. The system has a 360° firing capability, and a sophisticated built-in vision system. It occupies only a third of the cargo space near the door while providing a multitude of effective and critical features.
According to Sagiv Aharon, Founder and CEO, "The development of the system was based on thorough and in-depth research as well as extensive know-how and experience in the area of weapon systems and their integration on aircraft. Now that we have accomplished a major milestone in the development of the technology, the next step will be to create partnerships with leading companies in order to achieve complete market readiness. The RWS will be on display at the exhibition, and we invite everyone to visit and learn more about it."
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AmSafe Bridport Limited is displaying its TARIAN RPG Armour System at Eurosatory. This lightweight and durable armour is being displayed on three different vehicles, demonstrating its ability to be integrated onto a wide variety of vehicle types, ranging from lightweight 4 x 4s through to main battle tanks:
Nexter – LECLERC (stand A 600, parking P3b Sud)
FFG WISENT 2 (stand number K690, Hall 6)
Renault Trucks Defense - SHERPA Light Scout (stand F122, Hall 5)
TARIAN is a highly effective solution for protection against RPGs and also one of the world’s lightest. Developed in close collaboration with the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD), the TARIAN system has been extensively tested – including over 750 live shots – in the UK, France and the USA. This testing has verified TARIAN’s high level of performance and multi-hit capability. TARIAN was launched in 2009 and is currently in service fitted to a wide range of vehicles deployed by the British Army in Afghanistan.
The core element of the TARIAN RPG defeat mechanism is an extremely strong textile net manufactured from high-tenacity fibres. TARIAN nets are attached to vehicles using a robust flexible mounting system to withstand harsh vehicle operating conditions with low TARIAN to damage. According to the company, compared
with traditional bar armour RPG protection, TARIAN provides significantly improved protection performance and, being significantly lighter, enables vehicles to operate more efficiently.
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The United States Marine Corps (USMC) Systems Command (MARCORSYSCOM) has awarded B.E. Meyers & Co. Inc. a contract for the GLARE RECOIL (http://bemeyers.com/product/glare-recoil) in support of the Ocular Interruption (OI) Programme. The GLARE RECOIL joins the established GLARE product line of non-lethal green lasers that have helped evolve escalation of force protocols over the last 10 years. With over 36,000 hail and warning lasers fielded since 2004, the GLARE(r) product line is one of the most widely deployed systems in service across the DoD.
"B.E. Meyers' reputation as a technology innovator and industry leader in non-lethal laser capabilities now benefits the Corps, and we are proud to be able to provide to them with the appropriate equipment to meet the challenges of the modern battlefield,", said Mike Alvis, CEO of B.E. Meyers & Co. Inc. "The GLARE series of products have a proven track record of helping determine threats on the battlefield as well as saving lives. The GLARE(r) RECOIL will provide U.S. Marines in convoys, checkpoints, and during port security operations with the best technology available to ensure the safety of the Marine on watch as well as the host-nation populace."
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D3O's prototype Shock Absorbing Helmet System for soldiers, presented at Eurosatory, is being tested at 14ft/s according to the conditions of the latest ACH Performance Specification for blunt impact requirements AR/PD 10-02 Rev A Change 4 from 8 May 2012: A step change in personal protection capability. D3O, the British smart materials specialist, has redeployed its world-class impact protection technologies to set new standards in personal protection for soldiers with its prototype TRUST (Trauma Reduction and Unrivalled Shock Technology) Shock Absorbing Helmet System, which is being presented at Eurosatory 2014.
The Shock Absorbing Helmet System is being developed thanks to an award of funding from the UK's innovation agency, the Technology Strategy Board, which has enabled D3O to research and develop the system. Offering the highest level of performance of any helmet systems in the market, it features the company's unique patented technology, to deliver superior personal protection and comfort for soldiers in combat.
Dr Floria Antolini, D3O's Chief Knowledge Officer said: "The time was right to develop this lighter, flexible protection and shock absorption in response to intense demand from the global defence sector. No product commercially available combines the level of protection, comfort and shock absorption that the Shock Absorbing Helmet System offers. D3O has brought to this product the R&D expertise it has honed in creating industry-leading protective helmets for the sports market, particularly American football. D3O is committed to creating equipment which is helping to ensure the UK's continued pre-eminence in materials and manufacturing innovation which will reduce thousands of preventable injuries and deaths each year."
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The rugged, capable and mission-ready military rotorcraft lineup from Airbus Helicopters is being displayed on stand #D480, along with a focus on the latest innovation for its product family.
“The rapid evolution of operational requirements, for missions that are carried out by armed forces worldwide, requires an answer on our part to their ever-changing needs. Our fleet of helicopters addresses this by proposing adaptable, flexible, and efficient solutions,” said Dominique Maudet, Airbus Helicopters’ Executive Vice President Global Business and Services. “Once the helicopters are in service, we are committed to assisting and supporting all customers in the operational deployment of our rotorcraft weapon systems.”
Included in the company’s exhibit is one of its newest military helicopters: The twin-engine EC645 T2, which has been ordered by Germany for the country’s Kommando Spezialkräfte (Special Forces Command), with deliveries to begin in 2015. As the most powerful model in Airbus Helicopters’ proven EC145 series, the EC645 T2 is equipped with a modern digital cockpit with the Helionix avionics suite, full night vision capabilities, as well as a 4-axis autopilot. It is powered by two Turbomeca Arriel 2E engines with dual-channel full authority digital engine control (FADEC).
Also shown at Eurosatory 2014 is Airbus Helicopters’ single-engine high-performance AS550 C3e FENNEC, tailoured for scout, armed reconnaissance and light utility missions.
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Aero Surveillance announces a new technical and marketing partnership with Robot Aviation to jointly develop and market an advanced unmanned Long Endurance Tactical fixed wing surveillance system. The first system coming from the collaboration is Aero Surveillance AS 450 based on the Sky Robot 450 aircraft. It has impressive performance and can carry up to 40kg of useful payload for up to 30 hours.
The AS 450 Unmanned Aircraft System is fitted with an advanced multi-sensor suite. The AS 450 provides extremely high configuration flexibility with three payload bays and two anchor points under the wings capable of carrying 15kg each of extra fuel or additional payload. The standard sensor suite will include a high performance gyro-stabilised electro-optical (EO) turret, a high performance multi-processor system with on board image and signal processing, large data storage and a combination of satellite and Line Of Sight transmission capabilities. The ARDENT system and software suite from Aero Surveillance is based on Open Standards and can be customized very easily with new or additional sensors. Radar and SIGINT options will be made available in the near future.
The AS 450 standard configuration includes two aircraft with satellite communication capabilities and a Ground Control Station (GCS) that can be easily adapted into a fixed Command Control facility or mobile command centers. The GCS is common to all AS and ASV Series in order to reduce training requirements for customers that need different types of UAS.
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