India's MiG-29s set for an Upgrade by 2008

The Indian Air Force's (IAF) is scheduling a major upgrade for its Russian made MiG-29 air superiority fighters. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will begin working on the first aircraft by 2008. According to HAL's managing Director KP Puri, quoted by the Times of India journal, some 70 aircraft will be included in the planned modernization.

Raytheon Introduces an Advanced Multi-UAS Cockpit

A new "cockpit" designed specifically for UAV pilots unveiled yesterday by Raytheon promises to improve operational efficiency and flight safety of unmanned aerial systems. The new cockpit, called Universal Control System (UCS) is designed to simplify control of multiple unmanned aerial systems, by improving situational awareness and ability to control multiple unmanned platforms. The system uses open architecture to control multiple platforms and sensors utilizing STANAG 4586 compliant systems, configured as a ground based "glass cockpit". Raytheon is confident that the new cockpit can improve the flight safety of unmanned systems, particularly of piloted UAVs such as the USAF Predator.

A new Digital Video Surveillance System (DVSS) will spot and alert the ship's crew about potential threats and emergencies on board US Navy ships. Under development in response to US Navy requirements addressing communications and damage control problems discovered following the terrorist attack of the U.S.S. Cole in Yemen, 2000. DVSS is developed at Applied Marine Technology Inc. (AMTI). The system uses intelligent, wireless-networked high-definition video surveillance cameras provided by CoVi Technologies, embedded with ObjectVideo analytics system to provide proactive, real time monitoring of critical infrastructure on board. Continuously monitored by security and safety personnel DVSS issues alerts in real time whenever a potential crisis occurs in any of the ship's critical locations. First DVSS will be installed on the US Navy DDG 51 Arleigh Burke Class destroyers.

Sentinel is set to Control Pacbot Combat Teams

iRobot is launching the Sentinel program, introducing new capabilities to control multiple robots by a single operator. Sentinel will coordinate multiple semi-autonomous robots utilizing intelligent navigation algorithms enabling each of the robots to reach their designated destination independently, overcoming obstacles without intervention from an operator. The program is funded by the U.S. Army’s Small Business Innovation and Research (SBIR) program. rThe system will enable operators to send PacBots teams on surveillance and mapping missions, rapidly covering a wide area.

Grippen Sets the Stage for Competition in Denmark

Danish Aerotech A/S and Saab AB have concluded a cooperation agreement that ensures orders for Danish Aerotech worth up to 200 million Danish kroner (US$34 million), provided Denmark decides to purchase the Gripen fighter as a replacement for its current F-16 fighters. Such a decision is expected by 2008. The agreement with Danish Aerotech is part of a major industry and development package being offered by Saab if Denmark chooses to purchase Gripen aircraft. Danish Aerotech is expecting to supply Saab with mechanical, electrical and electronic components as part of the new cooperation agreement. Danish Aerotech produces components for F-16 fighters and EH-101 helicopters and maintains aircraft, helicopters and weapons systems for NATO and the Danish Air Force.

eMagin Launches the Smallest Pixel-Pitch MicroDisplay

eMagin Corporation is launching SVGA-3DS, the world’s smallest pixel-pitch display. Employing the company's OLED-XL technology, the new microdisplay will enable eyepiece manufacturers to integrate both analog and digital signals in a compact display (0.44 inch) providing virtual imaging systems more compact, and better quality imaging at lower cost. Specific improvements include smaller size, enabled by the integration of built-in circuitry, high contrast, improved color and luminance compensation over the entire mil-spec range. The SVGA-3DS will be available in limited quantities with a custom interface design & reference kit (IDRK) in December.