The Army's path to an electric vehicle

On the same subject

• 

  December 11, 2020 | International, C4ISR

  AeroVironment Introduces Extended Range Antenna, Expanding UAS Command and Control up to 40 Kilometers in a Lightweight, Portable Form Factor

  • Cost-effective optional antenna array kit designed to integrate seamlessly with AeroVironment's standard RF head antenna • Provides operators 100 percent greater controllable range over standard RF head antenna with minimal logistical footprint • Add-on kit narrows antenna beam width, extending command and control range up to 40 km SIMI VALLEY, Calif., Dec. 10, 2020 – AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV), a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), today announced the introduction of its Extended Range Antenna (ERA), the latest addition to AeroVironment's growing line of network connectivity solutions. The ERA is a lightweight, portable antenna array kit designed to integrate seamlessly with AeroVironment's standard RF head antenna to support a diverse range of missions. The ERA add-on kit narrows the antenna beam width, extending the command and control range up to 40 kilometers (24.9 miles) with minimal impact to its size, weight and power (SWAP) footprint. Similar to the standard RF head antenna, the ERA is manually positioned. The included RF Unit switch allows users to toggle between omnidirectional mode, for short-range operations, and extended range mode, for longer-range operations. The ERA supports both M1/2/5 and M3/4/6 Digital Data Link (DDL) operating bands. By adding the ERA kit to their existing AeroVironment RF antenna, UAS flight operators can immediately expand their operational capabilities, gaining actionable battlefield intelligence at greater stand-off range to maximize their stealth and safety. When used in combination with other AeroVironment network connectivity options, the ERA provides an enhanced level of operational flexibility. This enables teams to coordinate command and control transfer of UAS, such as Puma LE, easily over greater distances, maximizing the aircraft's multi-mission capabilities, in day or night operations, across dynamically changing environments. “AeroVironment continues to incorporate direct customer and user feedback into our product development investments to address increasingly complex and dynamic mission requirements,” said Rick Pedigo, AeroVironment vice president of sales and business development. “Not only do operators benefit from available options in terms of UAS capabilities, but they can also benefit from a selection of antenna options that are portable, easy to operate and provide extended range and multi-mission capabilities.” Further expanding its connectivity solutions, AeroVironment recently announced updates to its Long Range Tracking Antenna (LRTA), which it now offers in two versions to support M1/2/5 and M3/4/6 DDL frequency bands. AeroVironment's network connectivity product line includes the pocketable, short-range pDDL (5 km), standard RF antenna (20 km), ERA (40 km) and LRTA (60 km) capabilities in both M1/2/5 and M3/4/6 bands. For more information on AeroVironment's network connectivity solutions, visit www.avinc.com/tuas/network-connectivity. https://soldiersystems.net/2020/12/10/aerovironment-introduces-extended-range-antenna-expanding-uas-command-and-control-up-to-40-kilometers-in-a-lightweight-portable-form-factor/

• 

  September 22, 2020 | International, Naval

  BOLLINGER AWARDED CONTRACT FOR FLOATING DRY DOCK FOR COLUMBIA SSBN

  Seapower Staff LOCKPORT, La.–Bollinger Shipyards LLC (“Bollinger”) will construct a state-of-the-art, floating dry dock for General Dynamics Electric Boat to support the construction and maintenance of the United States' new Columbia-class ballistic-missile submarines, the company said in a Sept. 16 release. “Bollinger Shipyards is pleased to expand our current relationship with Electric Boat and to play a critical role in increasing the number of U.S. built dry docks to meet the expanding need to modernize and refurbish our nation's aging fleet,” said Ben Bordelon, Bollinger president and chief executive officer. “We're honored to have been selected to build this dry dock, which will be a national asset, to meet the complex needs of our Navy's fleet modernization plans. To build 21st century American vessels, it requires 21st century American tools and equipment manufactured here in the United States. Bollinger is committed to continuing to be a leader in pushing our industry forward and ensuring that the U.S. industrial base is fully self-sufficient.” The detail design engineering will be performed at the Bollinger facility in Lockport, Louisiana. The concept and contract design for the 618-foot-by-140-foot dry dock was performed by the Bristol Harbor Group in Rhode Island. The dry dock is scheduled to be delivered to Electric Boat's Groton Connecticut shipyard in 2024. Electric Boat is the prime contractor on the design and build of the of the Columbia Class submarine, which will replace the aging Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarines. This is Bollinger Shipyards' second contract awarded with General Dynamics Electric Boat. In late 2019, Bollinger Shipyards was selected to construct the 395ft x 100ft Ocean Transport Barge for Electric Boat, scheduled to be delivered in 2021. https://seapowermagazine.org/bollinger-awarded-contract-for-floating-dry-dock-for-columbia-ssbn/

• 

  May 17, 2021 | International, Aerospace

  British Royal Air Force invests in space capabilities

  The head of the Royal Air Force discusses the Ministry of Defence's goals in space.