DAVID PUGLIESE, OTTAWA CITIZEN
The CANSEC 2019 defence trade show in Ottawa has wrapped up, and while much of the focus and talk was on new fighter jets, the naval side of procurement didn't escape notice. A number of firms have recent contracts or technology advancements, as outlined in this article in Esprit de Corps magazine.
ATLAS ELEKTRONIK GmbH recently announced successful SeaSpider sea trials that were done in co-operation with the German Bundeswehr Technical Center for ships and naval weapons, maritime technology and research. The SeaSpider is the world's first dedicated Anti-Torpedo Torpedo.
Trials in the Baltic Sea were conducted on a WTD 71 multipurpose vessel, according to the company.
Those involved the full “sensor to shooter” chain with Torpedo Detection, Classification and Localisation, or TDCL sonar, being successfully demonstrated with the third generation SeaSpider prototype with its above water launcher.
At the test range both a Mk37 torpedo derived AUV and torpedoes of the DM2A3 type served as the threats. Those were detected and localized with passive and active TDCL and the data was used to cue the SeaSpider launch. SeaSpider acquired the threats and homed in into closest point of approach, the firm noted. The successful “intercept” was verified by acoustic and optical means.
Saab's Sea Giraffe AMB naval radar will be used for the Royal Canadian Navy's Joint Support Ships. Saab will do the work on the project both in Sweden and Halifax. Deliveries of the radars are to take place between 2020 and 2022.
Seaspan Shipyards has awarded MAN Energy Solutions Canada of Vancouver, BC, a contract valued at $55 million for work on the Royal Canadian Navy's new Joint Support Ships or JSS. MAN is one of several major systems integrators that Seaspan is working with in order to meet its commitments under the National Shipbuilding Strategy, the firm noted. Under this contract MAN will provide propulsion and power generation components for the JSS. This will include two MAN 12V32/44CR (Common Rail) propulsion engines equipped with environmental protection SCR technology, reduction gears, propulsion shafts, propellers, ship service diesel generator sets, and an emergency diesel generator set. Work on these components will take place in Europe at MAN's manufacturing facilities. Work taking place in Canada will include MAN providing the integration for these systems, training, testing, and support during the harbour acceptance trials and the JSS sea acceptance trials, according to Seaspan.
MDA, a Maxar company, announced that it has signed a $4 million contract with Lockheed Martin Canada. That deal is for the initial phase of design work for the Canadian Surface Combatant ship's Electronic Warfare system.
The Águas Azuis Consortium, formed by thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, Embraer Defense & Security and Atech, was selected by the Brazilian Navy for the construction of four defence ships in the Tamandaré Corvettes Class Program as preferred bidder. With thyssenkrupp Marine Systems' leadership and its naval systems expertise, the Águas Azuis Consortium companies will now form a specific purpose company for the implementation phase of the program, the firms noted. Atech, an Embraer Group company, will be the supplier of the Combat Management System and Integrated Platform Management System of the Tamandaré Class corvettes. It will be involved in the transfer of technology in cooperation with ATLAS ELEKTRONIK, a subsidiary of thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, and L3 MAPPS. Embraer Defense & Security will integrate sensors and weaponry into the combat system.
Kognitiv Spark of Fredericton, NB will be providing the Royal Canadian Navy with the opportunity to test a Mixed Reality Remote Assistant Support system as part of a project that aims to improve maintenance and repairs aboard naval vessels.
The system can be used by RCN marine technicians and weapons engineering technicians to ensure that RCN ships remain at a high-level of readiness for both routine training and operational deployments, according to the firm
The project hopes to validate technology adopted from Kognitiv Spark, whose software is designed for use with the Microsoft HoloLens. The software leverages Augmented Reality, Mixed Reality, and the integration of Artificial Intelligence to improve efficiencies with ship operations including repairs, maintenance and knowledge transfer, the firm added.
For remote maintenance, a subject-matter expert using this system can see what the HoloLens wearer sees from anywhere in the world. The expert can provide guidance using real-time voice and video, interactive 3D holograms and content, and live IoT data. Alternatively, the technician can use locally stored data to assist with routine tasks when a remote expert is not available. The holographic support is designed to improve decision making by facilitating decisive action and reducing errors by providing clarity and certainty of comprehension.
Kognitiv Spark says it was awarded the contract due in part to its reputation from ongoing work with the Canadian Army and the Royal Canadian Air Force.
September 6, 2022 | Local, C4ISR
While the digital transformation of the aviation industry has made air travel more efficient, new technologies are a double-edged sword serving as additional entry points for cybercriminals to cause disruptions.
April 16, 2024 | Local, Land
The Netherlands' Command Materiel and IT (COMMIT) has finalised an agreement with Thales to purchase seven GM200 MM/C radars.
May 22, 2020 | Local, Aerospace
Unmanned Systems Canada/Systèmes Télécommandés Canada (USC-STC) recently announced that its 18th annual Unmanned Canada Conference and Exhibition will be presented virtually this year, allowing for an even greater variety of keynotes and content from Canadian and international experts – with none of the concerns associated with COVID-19. USC-STC's online conference, UC20Remote, will take place at the same time planned for its physical conference – early November 2020. “Taking UnmannedCanada.20 online will equal or surpass our established tradition of exceptional conference experience and content,” said conference chair Jordan Cicoria. “The virtual venue allows us to bring experts from around the globe together in a way never before possible.” USC-STC's conference committee made the decision after carefully weighing the benefits of offering a virtual conference experience during the COVID-19 era. Those benefits include: The ability to provide an equivalent, high-quality conference experience with our usual high standard of keynotes and speakers; New option to access conference proceedings and materials post-event; Multiple ticket choices during a year when many companies expect to see budgets for travel and conference slashed; Value for sponsors and exhibitors with the virtual exhibition floor. The UC20Remote conference — as with other annual USC-STC events — will gather key providers, thought leaders, and regulators from the unmanned industry around the globe. “We can assure attendees this will be a memorable and high-quality event at price points suitable for every budget,” said USC-STC chair Michael Cohen. “I look forward to welcoming familiar faces — and new ones — for a spectacular online gathering this November.” https://www.skiesmag.com/press-releases/unmanned-systems-canada-announces-uc20remote-virtual-conference