18 février 2019 | International, C4ISR

There’s a Big Obstacle to the Pentagon’s New Strategy to Speed AI to Troops

BY PATRICK TUCKER

Defense officials want to accelerate the delivery of artificial-intelligence tools from the lab to the field. But it's hard to obtain the massive data streams that make AI work.

The Pentagon's new artificial-intelligence strategy, released on Tuesday, aims to get AI out of research labs and into the hands of troops and employees across the Defense Department. But truly transforming the Defense Department into an “AI First” institution will require help from tech companies — and the military to rethink its approach to the massive data streams that AI needs to work.

In a conversation with reporters on Tuesday, Dana Deasy, chief information officer of the Defense Department, and Lt. Gen. Jack Shanahan, who runs its new Joint Artificial Intelligence Center, said the JAIC will develop AI tools and programs to assist with everything the Pentagon does. That will eventually include combat operations, although both said the military won't deviate from its core doctrine that dictates how humans are to have authority over autonomous systems.

They said near-term projects include efforts to predict forest fires, better spot network anomalies that can indicate cyber attacks, and, most prominently, predictive maintenance.

It's an area where some smaller tech firms are already working with the Pentagon.

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One such firm is Uptake, run by GE alum Ganesh Bell, which has a contract with the Defense Innovation Unit to better predict and accelerate repairs for Bradley Fighting Vehicles. The company is building a virtual Bradley, using data streams from sensors on real Bradleys in the field — what Bell has called a learning, digital twin. “We are able to collect what the best-performing Bradley would look like because we are able to go into many of the subsystems and pull the data,” he said. “Just from a single vehicle, we were able to pull terabytes of data.”

Bell aims to also incorporate data from external sensors, and use it to digitally recreate the vehicles' operating environments.

It's a process that could be relevant to larger military endeavors, such as the Army's effort to design a new combat vehicle, Bell said. “If we prove the value here, imagine what we can do in that environment as we build that system out? We do the same thing in wind turbines. There's so much to learn from all the unused data in these industries; less than one percent of the data is ever actually used.”

Bell says that he's had promising conversations with Army officials about helping out. “It's better to get in all the data right now while you're designing the next generation of vehicles,” he said.

Or take California-based C3, whose nine Pentagon contracts include predictive-maintenance work on the Boeing E-3 Sentry for the Air Force's AFWERX office.

Here, too, massive amounts of diagnostic data plays the essential role. But finding that data wasn't easy. “You go through the wild goose chase with DOD to get the data that you need,” Lt. Col. Dave Harden, AFWERX chief operating officer, said in December. “I had another project where I literally had people with 10-terabyte hard drives going around the country to get the data. I talk to people who are in charge of the data. The data in the database isn't what we needed. I wonder, ‘Who put these people in charge of the data?'”

The main thing that the Defense Department brings to the process isn't the algorithms or machine-learning methodologies. Those are increasingly coming from the private sector and companies like Uptake and C3. It's the unique data sets. Thus, if getting that data is a problem, then the Department has a major obstacle in terms of realizing its ambitions.

In their briefing on Tuesday, Deasy and Shanahan said they are willing to work with companies on intellectual property issues, which have deterred some companies from taking government contracts. But Shanahan made one condition clear: “The government owns the government's data.” That begs a few questions: How will contractors get the data that they need if the Department is so bad at collecting and keeping it internally? Who owns a datastream that combines private and government data?

AFWERX's Harden said getting the Defense Department to change how it collects and makes data available on systems like the E-3 aircraft is less than totally straightforward. Another challenge is getting the department to actually accept AI-generated recommendations.

“All of the processes and procedures need to change,” he said. “When I get a prediction now that says, ‘Hey, this aircraft battery, the data shows you were parked in Alaska and it's cold in Alaska and you were there for years. You don't have to swap out this battery on a regular cycle like you're doing,' how are the policy and guidance and procedures changing to allow that to occur? That is our billion-dollar question for DoD. We haven't solved that. How do we get the technology win that we get and turn that into true ROI?”

https://www.defenseone.com/technology/2019/02/department-has-rolled-out-its-ai-strategy-now-hard-part-begins/154864/

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14 août 2020 | International, Terrestre

Army buys $189M counter drone system but already has plans to replace it
Nathan Strout The U.S. Army has invested another $190 million into a counter-small unmanned aircraft system (C-sUAS), but it's determined that the system will need to be replaced by a U.S. Marine Corps alternative. On July 20, the Army announced it was awarding DRS Sustainment Systems $190 million to develop, produce and deploy the Mobile-Low, Slow, Small Unmanned Aircraft System Integrated Defeat System (M-LIDS). While the system will be deployed, it doesn't have a long-term future with the military. Despite the Army investing in the program for years, M-LIDS is a casualty of redundancy. As the Department of Defense has become more concerned by the threat posed by small drones in recent years, the services have each developed their own C-sUAS responses — mobile, stationary and dismounted. Recognizing the redundancy in that approach, the defense secretary delegated the Army to lead the effort to narrow the number of C-sUAS solutions for use by the joint forces. On June 25, the Army's Joint C-sUAS announced it had selected eight C-sUAS for future investment and deployment by the joint forces. M-LIDS didn't make the cut. But then, about a month later, the $190 million M-LIDS contract was announced, “Mobile-LIDS (M-LIDS) was not selected and will be replaced by the next generation mobile system,” said Jason Waggoner, an Army spokesman. In the meantime, “M-LIDS will be deployed with Army units to the CENTCOM area of operations.” M-LIDS would likely be replaced by the Light-Mobile Air Defense Integrated System (L-MADIS), a C-sUAS developed by the U.S. Marine Corps and the only mobile solution approved by the Joint C-sUAS Office. L-MADIS has already been deployed for testing and was reportedly used to down a drone off the coast of Iran last year. The Joint C-sUAS office told reporters in June that the services were conducting an analysis of how many systems would need to be replaced under the new arrangement. However, leaders were not able to provide a timeline for how quickly they expected to replace those systems. The series of announcements in this market came quickly this summer. Two days after the M-LIDS award, the Army announced a contract for one of the C-sUAS solutions that was included on the list for future investment: the Expeditionary-Low, Slow, Small Unmanned Aircraft System Integrated Defeat System (now known as FS-LIDS). The $426 million contract with SRC Inc. provides for the development, production, deployment and support of FS-LIDS, the only fixed-site solution approved for the joint forces by the Joint C-sUAS Office. “Development of FS-LIDS is complete and systems are being deployed to U.S. forces globally, with a focus in the CENTCOM area of operations,” Waggoner said. “FS-LIDS will remain in use until replaced with newer technologies.” C-sUAS spending hasn't been limited to the Army in recent weeks. On Aug. 10, the U.S. Air Force issued Black River Systems Co. an $89 million contract for an operational C-sUAS open systems architecture https://www.c4isrnet.com/unmanned/2020/08/13/army-buys-189m-counter-drone-system-but-already-has-plans-to-replace-it
25 octobre 2018 | International, Aérospatial

AIR2030: A la rencontre de Boeing et du F/A 18 Super Hornet (4/5)
Alexis Pfefferlé Mardi 23 octobre 2018, 0800, Lausanne, entrée en lice des avionneurs américains. Pour rappel, deux avions américains sont en compétition dans le cadre du programme AIR2030, le F/A 18 Super Hornet de Boeing et le F35 de Lockheed Martin. Au menu de cette matinée, le F/A 18 Super Hornet de Boeing. L'avion proposé n'est pas inconnu puisqu'il avait été naturellement envisagé lors de la précédente campagne de renouvellement de la flotte avant que Boeing ne renonce à faire une offre à la Suisse. Boeing avait expliqué à l'époque que « le nouveau Super Hornet est peut-être un avion trop poussé par rapport aux besoins de la Suisse. ». Huit ans plus tard, les besoins exprimés par la Suisse pour son nouvel avion de combat ont évolué et le Super Hornet fait à nouveau office de candidat sérieux. En effet, les F/A 18 Hornet dans leur version C et D sont en service dans les forces aériennes suisses depuis maintenant vingt ans et l'avion est bien connu de nos pilotes et militaires. Quelles différences par rapport au modèle actuel ? Le F/A 18 Super Hornet n'est pas un nouvel avion mais bien une évolution du Hornet que nous connaissons. Il s'agit cependant d'une évolution en profondeur avec une refonte du design, de la signature radar, une mise à jour des systèmes d'armes et de l'électronique embarquée ou encore une augmentation importante de l'autonomie. Aujourd'hui, le F/A 18 Super Hornet E/F est un biréacteur de 4ème génération + disponible en monoplace et biplace comme les variantes C et D de son prédécesseur. Boeing va droit au but La présentation du jour de Boeing est, comme disent les américains, « straight to the point ». Communication à l'américaine oblige, on débute avec un clip vidéo figurant un compte à rebours égrené par une voix féminine à l'issue duquel divers types d'engins fabriqués par Boeing s'élancent dans le ciel dans un panache de fumée incandescent. Sans autre intermède, le représentant de Boeing, Monsieur CRUTCHFIELD, développe directement sur la facilité de transition entre le modèle actuel de l'armée suisse et le Super Hornet, un mois d'entraînement au maximum étant selon lui nécessaire aux pilotes aguerris sur F/A 18 Hornet pour se familiariser avec cette nouvelle version. Quant au matériel d'entretien et à l'armement, il est en partie compatible entre les deux versions. Compte tenu de l'avenir bien incertain des F/A 18 suisses actuels dans le contexte politique tendu des exportations d'armes, le recyclage partiel est un point pour le moins pertinent. Pour Boeing, le Super Hornet est la transition la plus simple et la moins onéreuse pour la Suisse. C'est au tour de Madame Nell BRECKENRIDGE, première femme à s'exprimer pour un constructeur, de prendre le relais. Elle partage premièrement quelques chiffres : Boeing est un géant de l'industrie, qui a l'habitude de l'offset et de travailler avec des partenaires dans le monde entier. Historiquement, l'offset Boeing c'est près de 50 milliards USD dans environ 40 pays depuis 35 ans. Actuellement, c'est 65 collaborations pour un montant de 20 milliards USD dans 20 pays. Efficacité et engagement Viennent ensuite les arguments phares de Boeing pour la Suisse. Premièrement, le géant américain, en tant que constructeur du F/A 18 Hornet, le dernier avion acquis par l'armée suisse, peut s'appuyer sur sa propre expérience dans le cadre du programme offset d'USD 1,3 milliards réalisé en Suisse dans le cadre de l'achat de cet avion en 1997. Détail piquant au pays de la ponctualité, le programme d'offset de l'époque a été complété 3 ans avant le délai prévu. Dans la même veine, un nouveau programme d'offset a été signé par Boeing avec la Suisse en 2009 pour la mise à jour des F/A 18 Hornet, lequel a également été complété, selon Boeing, en avance du calendrier prévu. Au total, toujours selon Boeing, ce sont plus de 600 sociétés suisses qui font ou ont fait affaire avec l'avionneur au cours des vingt dernières années. Sur leur dernier slide de présentation, Boeing déclare : Promises made, promises kept. (Promesses faites, promesses tenues) Tout un programme. https://blogs.letemps.ch/alexis-pfefferle/2018/10/25/air2030-a-la-rencontre-de-boeing-et-du-f-a-18-super-hornet-4-5/
6 mars 2020 | International, Naval

Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, Embraer and Atech sign a contract to build Brazilian
March 5, 2020 - On March 5th, in Rio de Janeiro, Emgepron, an independent state company, linked to the Ministry of Defense through the Brazilian Navy Command, and Águas Azuis, a company created by thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, Embraer Defense & Security and Atech, signed the contract for building four state-of-the-art Tamandaré Class Ships, with deliveries scheduled between 2025 and 2028. The construction will take place 100% in Brazil, in Itajaí, Santa Catarina State, and is expected to have local content rates above 30% for the first vessel and 40% for the others. Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems will supply the naval technology of its proven MEKO® Class shipbuilding platform of defence vessels that is already in operation in 15 countries. Embraer will integrate sensors and weaponry into the combat system, bringing also to the program its 50 years' experience in systems technology solutions and in-service support. Atech, an Embraer Group company, will be the supplier of the CMS (Combat Management System) and IPMS (Integrated Platform Management System, from L3 MAPPS), and the recipient of technology transfer in cooperation with ATLAS ELEKTRONIK, a thyssenkrupp Marine Systems subsidiary that produces the CMS and sonar systems. "We are grateful to participate again in such important milestone in the history of Brazil's naval defence with the most advanced ships in their class. Looking back the great achievements we had since the construction of Tupi Class submarines in 1980s, it is a recognition of the technological excellence, reliability and longevity solutions we have offered for almost two centuries. The Tamandaré Class Programme will strengthen our ties by transferring technology and generating highly qualified jobs for the country", said Dr. Rolf Wirtz, CEO of thyssenkrupp Marine Systems. "The partnership validates our efforts to expand our defence and security portfolio beyond the aeronautical segment. Over the past few years, we have acquired expertise in developing and integrating complex systems, among others, in order to qualify Embraer to meet the needs of the Brazilian Navy, further strengthening our position as a strategic partner of the Brazilian State", said Embraer Defense & Security President and CEO Jackson Schneider. In addition to construction, the contract includes a sustained transfer of technology in naval engineering for building military ships and combat and platform management systems, as well as integrated logistical support and lifecycle management. The Tamandaré Class Programme has the potential to generate direct and indirect job opportunities of high level of qualification. It provides for a solid national partnership model with proven ability to transfer technology and qualify local labour, which guarantees the development of future strategic defence projects in Brazil. The naval alliance between thyssenkrupp Marine Systems and Embraer Defense & Security can also enable creating a base for exporting naval defence products from Brazil. MEKO®: the authentic ship for blue waters The new multi-mission vessels will be based on the proven MEKO® Class shipbuilding solutions from thyssenkrupp Marine Systems that are already deployed in 82 vessels operating in the Navies of 15 countries, including Portugal, Greece, Australia, Argentina and Algeria. The MEKO® modular design concept facilitates local integration and technology transfer, helping to reduce maintenance and modernisation costs. Combining cutting-edge technology, innovation and robust combat capabilities, the MEKO® Class is an authentic escort vessel for operating in blue waters, featuring exceptional autonomy and robustness qualities. About Águas Azuis Águas Azuis is a special purpose legal entity established between thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, Embraer Defense & Security and Atech, a subsidiary from Embraer, to build four new Tamandaré Class ships in order to amplify and modernize the Brazilian Navy fleet. It will have a strong presence in the country and count on parent companies solid experience on diverse areas. The member companies have a solid and long-standing relationship, in addition to a strong presence in several countries. thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, a thyssenkrupp Group company, is the leader of the Águas Azuis naval partnership and one of the world's leading suppliers of systems for submarines and naval surface vessels, as well as maritime safety technologies, with a centuries-old history of shipbuilding. Embraer Defense & Security, Embraer's business unit, is present in more than 60 countries and is a leader in the aerospace and defence industry in Latin America. Atech, an Embraer subsidiary, develops innovative solutions for the air traffic control, command and control systems, cyber security, instrumentation and control systems, embedded systems, simulators and logistics areas. Atech also operates in other strategical projects of Brazilian Navy as the LABGENE (Nuclear Power Generation Laboratory), for which develops Control and Protection systems, and the tactical mission combat system for the H225M/H-XBR SUPER COUGAR for the Brazilian Navy, as well. Press contact: thyssenkrupp Marine Systems Stefan Ettwig Head of Communications T: +49 172 2490090 stefan.ettwig@thyssenkrupp.com Embraer S.A. Valtécio Alencar Head of Corporate Communications M: +55 11 98106 7295 valtecio.alencar@embraer.com.br View source version on thyssenkrupp Marine Systems: https://www.thyssenkrupp-marinesystems.com/en/press-releases/d/uid-2539b617-e129-4190-fd25-bd62b3e655e7.html

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