14 June 2023
by Kate Tringham
RNMB Apollo being passed by a Hunt-class MCM vessel during trials in December 2022 that took place as part of the Anglo-French Maritime Mine Counter Measures (MMCM) programme, which is delivering autonomous capability for both the Royal Navy and the Marine Nationale. (Thales)
The UK Royal Navy's (RN's) unmanned surface vessel (USV) RNMB Apollo has completed a series of navy and industry open water assurance trials claimed by Thales to be the first UK military clearance of its kind.
The safety trials, which were delivered under the joint UK-French Maritime Mine Counter Measures (MMCM) programme, proved that remotely controlled USVs can be operated by a team from a shore-based station and represent a critical stepping stone towards certification of autonomous maritime systems for operational use, Thales said.
The trials were conducted by the RN's maritime Autonomous System Trials Team (MAST), with support from Thales, off Weymouth Bay in December 2022. They were observed and approved by representatives from the UK Naval Authority and Technology Group (NATG) and the UK Ministry of Defence's Mine Hunting Capability (MHC) team.
RNMB Apollo
19 June 2023
by Gareth Jennings
A mock-up of the Eurofighter EK, featuring a generic escort jammer pod, was showcased at the ILA Berlin Air Show in 2022. (Janes/Gareth Jennings)
The Luftwaffe has selected the Saab Arexis electronic warfare (EW) suite for its Eurofighter Elektronischer Kampf (EK) requirement, the Swedish company confirmed on 16 June.
Saab and its German partner for the project, Helsing, confirmed a Der Spiegel report from 13 June that said the selection will see the two companies provide the suite for the Luftwaffe's Eurofighter EK electronic attack (EA) escort jammer aircraft by 2030. Integration will be done by Airbus as the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) for the Eurofighter in Germany.
News of the selection came six-and-a-half months after the Luftwaffe told Janes it had delayed its decision that was due by the end of 2022, saying in early January that an announcement would not be made until July “at the earliest”.
Saab first told Janes
19 June 2023
by Carlo Munoz
The DAGR-SA system on trial with the British Army in a drop-down hands-free harness configuration. BAE Systems is proposing its new NavGuide platform as a replacement to the legacy DAGR. (Rockwell Collins)
Programme officials at BAE Systems have unveiled their newest Assured-Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (A-PNT) end-user device featuring full integration of M-Code-enabled Global Positioning System (GPS) technology.
The NavGuide system is a portable, handheld A-PNT device designed to replace legacy Defense Advanced GPS Receiver (DAGR) systems, company officials said in a 13 June statement announcing the new system. The platform's end-user interface features a three-inch, full-colour screen for use during dismounted operations.
When fielded aboard tactical vehicles, the NavGuide's form factor matches that of the DAGR system, allowing vehicle crews to mount the new system using DAGR mounting points already in the vehicle, company officials said.
The M-Code GPS capability integrated into the NavGuide system provides increased signal strength and improved defence against signal jamming and spoofing, compared with legacy Selective Availability Anti-Spoofing Module (SAASM)-enabled GPS A-PNT systems, according to company officials.
19 June 2023
by Gareth Jennings
The Swift is a hydrogen-powered propeller-driven aircraft whose design has been supported by the MoD's Project Monet. (Swift Aircraft)
Swift Aircraft and GKN Aerospace have showcased their conceptual design for a new light training aircraft that is geared to help the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) achieve its goal of net zero emissions.
Revealed at the Paris Air Show at Le Bourget on 19 June, the Swift is a hydrogen-powered propeller-driven aircraft whose design has been supported by the MoD's Project Monet, a joint initiative between the Rapid Capabilities Office (RCO) and industry, for the development of two experimental flying test aircraft to showcase the capabilities and potential of a range of sustainable technologies.
“Focus on large-scale aircraft has been significant in the race to a sustainable aviation future; now the collaboration of Swift Aircraft and GKN Aerospace under Project Monet puts the light aircraft industry into the spotlight,” the partnership announced.
As noted in the announcement, GKN Aerospace, which is leading the way in the development of a liquid hydrogen propulsion system, is teaming with Swift Aircraft to develop design concepts for the integration of this technology for light aircraft.
The UK Royal Navy's (RN's) unmanned surface vessel (USV) RNMB Apollo has completed a series of navy ...
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