Brain Sensors Stimulate Image Analysts for Faster Performance

Honeywell (NYSE:HON) is developing a human brain stimulated image analysis system that could dramatically improve the performance of image analysts by tapping the analyst's brain signals. Honeywell based their development on the fact that the human brain is capable of responding to visually salient objects significantly faster than an individual's visual-motor, transformation-based response. Simply put, the analyst's brain can register a visual discovery long before he becomes fully aware of it. Honeywell is developing the system as part of DARPA's Neurotechnology for Intelligence Analysts (NIA) program.

Better Intelligence, Iran Help Reduce IED Attacks in Iraq

Pentagon reports indicate that the initiatives taken in Iraq over the past 11 months dramatically reduced the use and effectiveness of Improvised Explosive Device (IEDs). According to Army Maj. Gen. James E. Simmons, IED “events” (explosions or identifications) dropped from 3,239 IED incidents in March 07 (1,641 explosions, 1,489 identified and cleared) to 1,560 IED events (763 exploded, 767 cleared.) Correspondingly, casualties suffered by coalition forces, Iraqi security forces and Iraqi civilians have also dropped.

Better Intelligence, Iran Help Reduce IED Attacks in Iraq

Pentagon reports indicate that the initiatives taken in Iraq over the past 11 months dramatically reduced the use and effectiveness of Improvised Explosive Device (IEDs). According to Army Maj. Gen. James E. Simmons, IED “events” (explosions or identifications) dropped from 3,239 IED incidents in March 07 (1,641 explosions, 1,489 identified and cleared) to 1,560 IED events (763 exploded, 767 cleared.) Correspondingly, casualties suffered by coalition forces, Iraqi security forces and Iraqi civilians have also dropped.

British MoD announces Defense Technology Plan

Baroness Taylor, Minister for Defence Equipment and Support has announced this week the development of a Defence Technology Plan (DTP) setting out clear technological roadmaps of R&D objectives. The DTP follows the Defence Technology Strategy announced last year. By late 2008, when the plan is expected to be fully implemented, it will help industry and academia to better direct their investments in defense related science and technology. The current defense R&D spending authorities include Science Innovation Technology (SIT) who manage approximately £500m of Research budget. Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) who manage some £2bn of project expenditure associated with Development, the Equipment Capability Customer (ECC) the military 'customer' organization for future equipment and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) will also take part in the program. Baroness Taylor said: "[the plan] will form the basis of our national and international partnerships with academia, industry and allies." He added that DTP will be a clear plan starting with research goals based on capability requirements, showing how the goals will be met by R&D activity.

Raytheon Selected for Army Common Sensor Payload

The U.S. Army has selected Raytheon Company (NYSE:RTN) to provide a common sensor payload for manned and unmanned aircraft in a program that could represent $1.2 billion in potential sales. The Army awarded Raytheon an initial 11 million order for the modification of the Multi-spectral Targeting System (MTS) to meet the Army's requirements. Throughout the program the Army could order as many as 875 units. Raytheon has already produced 10 MTS derivatives called AN/DAS-2 integrated into the Army's Sky Warrior UAV. Seven more are being produced for the remaining of the UAVs currently on order. Raytheon plans to employ modular configuration and customization expertise honed through the development of other EO/IR systems such as the AN/AAS-52 and AN/DAS-1 on Air Force Predator and Reaper unmanned platforms, respectively; the AN/AAS-44(C) on Navy MH-60R/S helicopters; and the AN/ZSQ-2 on special operations aircraft.

British Snipers get a New Rifle

British Snipers operating with the Army, Royal Marines and RAF Regiment are to get a new rifle offering better performance at extended range. MoD is buying 580 new AW series rifles with 0.300winmag barrels and daylight telescopic sights from Accuracy International Ltd, under a £4 million contract. Baroness Taylor, Minister for Defence Equipment and Support indicated that the acquisition is part of a broader Sniper System Improvement (SSI) program designed to improve UK snipers' firepower, precision and stealth. The acquisition program will also address advanced, all-weather day and night sights and spotter scopes. The new weapon is expected to be fully operational by spring 2008.

198 Radiation Detectors Delivered to Equip Navy Robots

ICx Technologies completed delivery to Thermo Fisher of 198 identiFINDER Isotope Identifier Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) kits for deployment by the U.S. Navy. The US Military uses Thermo Fisher's radiation detectors as part of the sensor package installed on the Talon EOD robot. The kits are configured for explosives identification and provide two gamma/neutron detection systems that employ digital gamma spectrometers for radioactive gamma/X-ray isotopes. These sensors can effectively locate, measure and identify sources or contaminations from gamma radiation, providing EOD teams an important capability to detect and assess potential damage created by a 'dirty bomb'. The identiFINDER sensor is based on handheld digital gamma spectrometer and dose rate measurement instruments.

BAE Systems to Develop Underground Object Mapping Technology

The US Air Force awarded BAE Systems Electronics and Integrated Solutions, Inc. a $8 million contract to build and demonstrate an 'active electromagnetic' tomography sensor, designed to characterize complex sub-surface objects such as underground facilities or perimeter breaching tunnels. The new technology called Airborne Tomography using Active Electromagnetics (ATAEM), derived from field proven geophysical exploration.

Raytheon acquires Sarcos' Robotics

Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) has acquired the robotics technologies and capabilities of Sarcos, a robotics and micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) specialist. Sarcos leads the development of DARPA's Exoskeleton, expected to transition soon to the US Army PEO Soldier for further development.

IDF to Upgrade and Expand Hermes 450 UAV Fleet

Elbit Systems Ltd. (NASDAQ: ESLT) will supply the Israel defense Forces (IDF) with additional Hermes class UAVs and will upgrade existing Hermes 450 type UAVs currently in service. The company announced yesterday the receipt of a three year contract worth about $30 million system improvement program, which will enhance and expand the IDF's existing Hermes 450 based platform. Earlier this year the IDF officially acknowledged that the Hermes 450 is operational with its UAV units for several years. During the recent war in Lebanon its UAVs flew many combat sorties providing ISR and combat support for air and ground operations.

Combat System Evaluation for Israel's new Littoral Combat Ship

Lockheed Martin continues preliminary design work on a Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) proposed to the Israeli Navy's (known as LCS-I) as part of the US Foreign Military Sale program. The company was awarded further $2.3 million funding for nine-month combat system configuration phase, producing the technical specification and acquisition cost package for the LCS-I combat system for the US and Israel Navy. This task will include the assessment and evaluation of different combinations of Israeli and US made sensors, weapon systems and combat information systems.

Upgraded Phalanx for Naval, Ground Bound Platforms

Raytheon Company (NYSE:RTN) was awarded two contracts totaling $241.8 million to overhaul and Block 1B upgrade for 34 existing MK 15 Phalanx Close-In Weapon Systems (CIWS) fielded on U.S. Navy vessels (a single pilot upgrade and for the Royal Australian Navy is also included). Raytheon will also build 12 new CIWS to be configured as Land-based Phalanx Weapon Systems (LPWS) designated 'Centurion', to be used by the U.S. Army for point defense against mortar, rocket and missile attacks (C-RAM). In this role, the LPWS is integrated with counter-battery radar systems such as TPQ-36/37 and the future multi-mission radar known as EPQ-36. Raytheon also proposed an enhancement of the system, utilizing parallel solid-state high power laser as an effector. Phalanx is a rapid-fire, computer-controlled radar and 20 mm gun system that automatically acquires, tracks and destroys enemy threats. More than 850 sea-based systems have been built and deployed in the navies of 25 nations. Phalanx CIWS is currently installed on approximately 187 Navy ships and is in use in 20 foreign navies.

Reapers Gather in the Afghan Sky

Since September 2007 Sky Warrior and MQ-9 Reaper weaponized UAVs began flying combat sorties in support of coalition forces operations in Afghanistan. Currently, the USAF 42nd UAV attack squadron and US Army 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade are flying the armed UAVs while RAF No 39 squadron fly unarmed ISR missions in support of coalition forces in theater.

First Army MRAPs Arrive in Iraq

MRAP vehicles are trickling into Iraq, airlifted to the country by C-5 and C-17s from the US Navy's completion center in South Carolina, where they are fitted with 'government furnished equipment' such as CREW type IED jammers, radios and accessories. The first examples from each model are delivered to the MRAP training center at Camp Liberty, western Baghdad where drivers and mechanics are trained through a 40 hour orientation course, before they are delivered to the combat units. The MRAPs are currently being fielded to units who need them the most and operate in areas with the highest threat, officials said. Although the Humvee is not expected to be phased out anytime soon, the MRAPs will begin to take its place as a new standard Army vehicle.

Airmen prepare to load a Buffalo mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicle into a C-5 Galaxy at Charleston Air Force Base, S.C., for shipment to Iraq. (DOD photo/Staff Sgt. Jason Robertson)

Force Protection, Inc. (NASDAQ:FRPT) received a contract worth $22.3 million from the U.S. Army’s Tank Automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM) for the production of 29 Buffalo mine-protected vehicles. More than 140 Buffalo vehicles were delivered to the US Army, operating as Mine Protected Vehicles, used for route clearance missions in Iraq and Afghanistan.

British Army issues UBACS, Under-Armor
Combat Shirt for Hot Climate

The British Ministry of defense (MoD) issued a new Under Body Armour Combat Shirt (UBACS) to soldiers deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan. The long sleeved UBACS is made of special moisture wicking fiber designed to be worn under protective body armor. Designed especially to be worn under the latest issue Body Armour systems (including the Osprey and the assault vest), the shirt is constructed from Coolmax fabrics forming a lightweight, breathable garment. Also displayed were soft leather combat gloves issued to the troops. (more on: Infantry Mobility & Ergonomics)

Photo-Stealth Camouflage Technology Unveiled

Military Wraps Inc. has unveiled today a patent-pending, camouflage technique enabling military units to conceal vehicles, aircraft, UAVs, boats or hardware by blending them in the surrounding scene. The company unveiled the new camouflage at the U.S. Special Operations trade show (SOFEX 2007) and will also display again at the SpecOps East Warfighter Symposium and Expo next week.

SCAR Move into Full Rate Production

FN Herstal is expected to move the Special Combat Assault Rifle (SCAR) weapon into full rate production in preparation for serial orders from the US Special Operations Command under a 10-year contract awarded in 2004. To date the company produced the rifles in low rate production, fulfilling preliminary orders worth a total US$11 million for initial operational test and evaluation of the new rifles.

Metal Storm, iRobot Pursue Scalable Force Response for Robots

Australian based Metal Storm (NASDAQ: MTSX) (ASX: MST) and US based iRobot (NASDAQ: IRBT). have signed Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate in joint pursuit of opportunities within the global defense and security sectors. At the AUSA exhibition last month, the two companies unveiled a model of the Warrior heavy robot from iRobot, carrying a Redback weapon station with four MetalStrom electrically initiated high speed projectile launchers. Peter D. Faulkner, senior vice president and general manager for Metal Storm's U.S. Operations. "Together, we stand to shape a revolution by combining robot platforms with a scalable force response and increased mission capability including the defeat of IEDs."

Carnegie Mellon University team Wins DARPA's Urban Challenge

The Tatran Racing Team from the Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) won the Urban Challenge competition and grabbed the $2 million first prize this weekend. The race was organized by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). Stanford University took second place, followed by Virginia Tech which came third.

The six hour race tested driverless vehicles driving autonomously on terrain representing suburban roads at the former George Air Force Base in Oro Grande, California. The vehicles had to obey traffic laws, avoiding obstacles and collisions with other robots while fulfill their tasks. Six of 11 finalists crossed the finish line including teams from MIT, Cornell and the University of Pennsylvania.