Seattle was the venue for IMS 2013 providing a platform for the industry to discuss industry trends and launch strategies, products and processes. Strategy Analytics hosted a lunch session to discuss RF technology opportunities from the defense sector as well as leading a panel session looking at the impact of competing technologies on the GaAs industry.

The Strategy Analytics Defense Market Opportunities for RF Technologies session outlined regional trends for defense spending with Strategy Analytics forecasts detailing declining European and North American budgets as well as the growth expected from the Asia-Pacific, MEA and CALA regions. While budgetary declines will impact the rollout of next-generation platforms such as the F-35, technology will be the differentiator and there will be a continued emphasis on improving capabilities in the areas of radar, electronic and communications. As systems evolve, this will drive opportunities for RF technologies serving as the building blocks to implement the architectural changes needed to realize future capabilities.

TriQuint showcased a range of new products at IMS 2013 including 15 new GaN products, and in addition, the company announced two new GaN processes. The TGATQGaN25HV extends the drain operating voltage of TriQuint’s 0.25-micron GaN process to 48V leading to parts such as the T1G4012036-FS/FL 120W packaged transistor for radar and infrastructure. The company also joined the growing group of companies looking to extend GaN capabilities towards higher Ka-band and beyond (see Northrop Grumman Breaks from Pack with GaN Products Targeting Higher Frequency Markets). The company’s new TQGaN15 process underpinned two new products for use as VSAT ground terminal amplifiers at Ka-band.

Northrop Grumman continued to lead the charge at higher frequencies with the APN180FP GaN MMIC. Targeting Ka-band commercial and military applications, the product represents the Northrop Grumman’s first packaged product based on the company’s 0.2 micron process.

Press events included a briefing from Agilent highlighting that the future of test systems for the defense sector will be focused on faster measurements, better performance and cost of ownership. At Freescale’s press briefing the company emphasized some of the trends driving RF technology demand in the commercial sector, but also announced its move back to into the defense sector with both LDMOS and GaN products targeting communications with radar, electronic warfare and other applications to follow.

Other news included:

·       M/A-COM is enjoying a resurgence and was emphasizing the company’s GaN and GaAs offerings in the defense sector, highlighting the vast catalog of products built up over decades emphasizing the importance of longevity and the design expertise the company is able to bring enabling GaN devices in plastic packaging.

·       Skyworks was also emphasizing products for the defense sector targeting low noise performance requirements with a GaAs pHEMT LNA offering noise figures as low as 0.25dB covering a 3GHz bandwidth.

·       Microsemi GaAs-based offerings demonstrated at IMS 2013 included power amplifiers for X-band and Ka-band applications, and the company is also providing solutions in GaN, SiC and other technologies.

·       Emerging UK-based Diamond Microwave highlighted the company’s GaN-based products designed to displace TWTs from satcom, radio, radar and missile seeker applications.

Despite the challenges being faced by the defense sector in terms of budgeting, robust activity at IMS 2013 appear to concur with the Strategy Analytics view that advancing competencies in areas such as radar, communications, electronic warfare etc. will drive continued demand for RF technologies, with GaN representing the center-piece amongst a range of building blocks that will be used to implement the architectural changes needed to realize future capabilities.

See the ADS service for more details of Strategy Analytics defense research.

Don’t miss our regular column in Microwave Journal’s Military Microwaves.

See Defence iQ for more analysis on the defense industry, related news and events.

Asif

Microsemi’s ProASIC and IGLOO range of FPGAs acquired via the Actel acquisition, though limited in terms of logic density, established the company’s FPGA offerings with a strong reputation for low static power coupled with inbuilt security. The IGLOO 2 family (see www.microsemi.com/igloo2-fpga) looks to build on Microsemi’s introduction of the company’s SmartFusion 2 SOC FPGAs in 2012 while maintaining an emphasis on low power and security.

This will allow Microsemi to tap into an estimated $1.2 billion market opportunity for “cost-optimized” FPGAs  targeting the Industrial, Wireless Infrastructure, Wireline Infrastructure and Defense & Security markets with FPGAs suitable for applications that require a blend of performance with low-cost and low power consumption, typically requiring up to 150K LE (logic elements). Microsemi believes this sub-segment of the market is underserved with current competitor offerings from Altera, Lattice Semiconductor and Xilinx typically driving customers to purchase larger count devices because of a limited range of products. To counteract this status quo, Microsemi is introducing seven products with logic elements ranging from 6K to 150K that are designed to incorporate a number of benefits over competing offerings. This includes the highest number of mainstream FPGA features such as general purpose input/outputs (GPIOs), 5G SERDES interfaces, and PCI Express endpoints.

Applications in the defense sector being targeted include communications, smart missiles and UAVs and the company highlighted a number of benefits that IGLOO 2 brings to this sector. In the area of tactical radios, for example, the high speed GPIO connects with the ADCs and DACs, while the in-built DSP and mainstream fabric can be used for baseband processing. Built-in security with DPA (differential power analysis) countermeasures hardened in the devices means that no external machines can get access to otherwise restricted system secrets and capabilities of the device. This potentially enables radio designs that no longer need a separate INFOSEC chip.

Power consumption is another major consideration in the design of defense hardware such as tactical radios. As a starting point, the IGLOO 2 FPGA family requires only two power supplies, versus three for competitive devices. Further reductions in power consumption are achieved by virtue of a Flash*Freeze real-time power management mode which allow the IGLOO 2 devices to draw 10 times lower static power than comparable FPGAs when operating in standby mode. The FPGAs can also be completely shut down and feature an “instant-on” capability.

Reliability is another area in which Microsemi believes the IGLOO 2 product range will offer advantages over competitive solutions. This builds on Microsemi’s SEU immunity due to a flash-based FPGA fabric and also the ability to operate at extended temperatures up to 125C. A built-in high-performance memory subsystem (HPMS) includes monolithic embedded SRAM memory blocks to provide fast, predictable low latency to time critical embedded applications such as video, embedded graphics functions and real time Ethernet. Included in the HPMS is up to 512Kbytes of flash memory which allows users to store pertinent system data such as Ethernet MAC IDs, user keys, system configuration and system personalization data. This feature also enables secure boot functions for industry leading processors by storing secondary boot loaders securely on-chip. In addition, the HPMS integrates two DMA controllers and a two-port memory cache (DDR bridges) to efficiently move data within and in-and-out of IGLOO2 to external DDR3 memories for embedded time critical applications.

Microsemi’s new family of IGLOO 2 FPGAs appear to be positioned well to target a range of small form factor applications in the defense sector including tactical radios, HUDs, thermal imaging, missile systems and more with security, reliability and performance attributes coupled with a “cost optimized” approach to maximise total cost of ownership in a budget constrained environment.

See the ADS service for more details of Strategy Analytics defense research. 

Don’t miss our regular column in Microwave Journal’s Military Microwaves.

See Defence iQ for more analysis on the defense industry, related news and events.

Asif

Ongoing activity in March and April included mergers and acquisitions, product launches and milestones, as well as seemingly healthy contract activity, but financials continue to emphasize the difficulties faced by the defense industry. Strategy Analytics Advanced Defense Systems (ADS) service reports, "Defense Electronics Industry Review: March 2013," and "Defense Electronics Industry Review: April 2013," detail significant defense industry news, including product announcements, milestones, contract activity and defense industry financial performance as the first quarter of 2013 came to a close.

Taking a snapshot of financials from companies including Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon and United Technologies, revenues were by and large flat for most companies for the first quarter of 2013. The defense industry continues to focus on streamlining operations and ensuring profitability as revenue growth slows, stagnates or declines. While revenues stayed on a par with the prior year, most company outlooks point to full-year revenues declines as purchases are offset and uncertainty around future expenditure remains.

However, revenues are not the whole story and activity around contracts, business tie-ups, product launches and milestones remained robust over March and April. March saw several key systems passing tests such as the Northrop Grumman AN/TPS-80 Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar (G/ATOR) and Raytheon testing a dual-band datalink with a Thales Nederland Advanced Phased Array Radar (APAR). The competition to upgrade fourth generation fast-jet platforms with fifth generation capabilities such as active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar is also starting to heat up with offerings from Raytheon and Northrop Grumman targeted at the F-16 platform. While the competition for the US fleet is yet to be initiated, the first skirmish between the solutions has gone the way of Raytheon’s Raytheon Advanced Combat Radar (RACR) AESA radar selected by the Republic of Korea to upgrade the country's KF-16C/D Block 52 Fighting Falcon fleet.

There were a number of new semiconductor products released over March and April targeted for use in defense systems and platforms. TriQuint was announcing products in conjunction with GOMACTech 2013 with the release of broadband integrated packaged solutions that combine a limiter with LNA for use in radar and electronic warfare as well as a 25W Ku-band GaN RF power amplifier for satellite communications. Comtech Xicom Technology also focused on GaN with the introduction of a compact and highly efficient GaN-based amplifier for X-band MILSATCOM service in March and followed this with a GaN 6-to-18 GHz RF amplifier for electronic warfare, radar transmitters, and communications applications in April. API Technologies also expanded its GaN power amplifier line targeting electronic warfare, RCIED countermeasures, and national security jammer applications. GaAs-based products were also in the offing with OMMIC announcing sampling of three new production ready X band power amplifiers as well as GaAs-based products from Custom MMIC and M/A-COM Tech.

Clients of the ADS service can read the full report here

Don’t miss our regular column in Microwave Journal’s Military Microwaves.

See Defence iQ for more analysis on the defense industry, related news and events.

Asif

ORBIT Communications was established in 1950, with an initial focus on radio communications and since then, morphing into a company focused on three primary areas, namely Satellite Communications, Tracking & Telemetry and Communications & Management Systems. The company has been through several shifts in strategy as the company places greater emphasis on improving the reliability and quality of its products as well as targeting emerging opportunities with new products and capabilities. While ORBIT does not purport to develop specific military solutions, the company has regularly provided products into the defense sector.

As we have noted in previous reports the move towards Ka-band is driving a lot of new development (see Strategy Analytics report, Military Satellite Trends and Outlook) in the area of satcoms, and ORBIT Communications is also reacting to this trend. However the company is seeing a number of challenges that, while not necessarily slowing down the adoption of Ka-band, is necessitating additional development work;

• At a customer level, there is a perceived hesitancy in moving wholesale on to a new technology so ORBIT is seeing demand for multi-band solutions that incorporate existing capabilities alongside Ka-band to give customers the assurance of a known technology as back-up.
• ORBIT is developing solutions that incorporate C/Ka, X/Ka and Ku/Ka band solutions in a single package. This in turn presents technical challenges as tracking becomes more complex.
• Higher quality RF solutions are needed to counteract the impact of attenuation due to weather effects.
• Attenuation effects are also impacted by use of Ka-band in conventional geostationary earth orbits (GEO) and ORBIT sees the industry looking more closely at low earth orbits (LEO), driving a move towards smaller ground units, especially as small satellite usage continues to gain ground.

ORBIT is also developing standalone Ka-band solutions, which brings its own challenges in terms of antennas becoming smaller. RF design changes include different packaging requirements for low noise blocks (LNBs) and the need for more expensive waveguides. Other factors impacting the move towards Ka-band include a more than doubling in weight (up to 13kg) for Ka-band block up-converters (BUCs), as compared to Ku-band BUCs (5 to 6kg). Finally there is a need to improve modem performance capabilities in re-acquiring signals during trade-off at Ka-band.

The company has an in-house antenna team that provides parabolic antennas, featuring an offset design. ORBIT has looked at phased arrays, but efficiencies have yet to improve to the point where ORBIT will shift away from conventional designs. For other system components such as receivers and RF components, ORBIT works with external partners but is increasingly exploring the possibility of leveraging those existing relationships to offer complete systems direct to customers. These systems would incorporate receivers, antennas, control boxes, optical cameras, as well as ORBIT’s own capabilities in the area of positioners and feeds.

Outside of satellite communications, ORBIT Communications is seeing earth observation as a growth area for the company’s Tracking & Telemetry business, with customers transitioning from L-band to X-band to enable higher resolutions at wider bandwidths. The company has been involved in a number of large projects, supplying antennas in the 10m range. The Communications & Management Systems business line includes the Orion system, which is designed for inbound, outbound and intercom airborne platform crew communication. Featuring increased computing power in a smaller form factor, the system offers the pilot the ability to receive multi-dimensional sound and other advancements through the Three-Dimension Audio Management System (3D-AMS). This technology allows sound to be heard from different virtual locations, allowing the pilot to discern multiple inputs more clearly as well as gauge the directionality of threats.

For more information on trends in the satellite communications sector see the Strategy Analytics report Military Satellite Trends and Outlook. This will also be the basis for a webinar later this month. You can register for the webinar directly on the Strategy Analytics website.

Don’t miss our regular column in Microwave Journal’s Military Microwaves.

See Defence iQ for more analysis on the defense industry, related news and events.

Asif

The Advanced Defense Technology (ADT) database records defense contracts related to communications, radar, electronic warfare, smart munitions and sensors across platforms in the land, air, naval and space domains.

The value of defense contracts issued in the areas of communications, radar, electronic warfare, smart munitions and sensors has steadily grown since 2008. 2012 saw the value of contracts issued increase by over 6% year-on-year to over $83 billion. However, this is reflective of slowing growth as budgets are tightened on a global basis and theatres such as Iraq and Afghanistan see troop drawdowns.

Communications related contracts accounted for 52% of the total contracts. This compared to 59% in 2011 and is consistent with previous years that show communications contracts driving the bulk of contract activity. Platforms and systems in the air domain account for the majority of contracts in 2012 with 46%, followed by space-related contracts, which represented 28% of the $83 billion contracts related to communications, radar, electronic warfare, smart munitions and sensors.

Clients of the ADS service can access the full insight report as well as the Advanced Defense Technology database for additional defense contract data.

Also, don’t miss our regular column in Microwave Journal’s Military Microwaves.

See Defence iQ for more analysis on the defense industry, related news and events.

Asif

The beginning of 2013 started to see revenue results for companies. Most companies reported results that were essentially stable with minor increases or declines year-on-year. Boeing was the exception with revenues growing 19% year-on-year on the back of the company's commercial business. Company results reflected a slowing defense market, but contract activity was surprisingly good in January with new contracts across all sectors including radar, communications and EW.

There were a number of international shows in February providing the stage for companies to establish strategic relationships, form joint ventures and highlight their capabilities as well as signing major contracts. Saab is partnering with Tawazun to create a new UAE-based radar company. Amongst the UAS related developments, Northrop Grumman successfully flew a RQ-4 Global Hawk unmanned aircraft for the first time using open architecture-based command and control software and hardware developed by the company. Other business activity included Boeing and Elbit Systems signing a MoU to support joint pursuit of opportunities for self-defense solutions and the O'Gara Group, completing its purchase agreement to acquire BAE Systems Commercial Armored Vehicles.

Clients of the ADS service can read the full reports:

Defense Electronics Industry Review: January 2013

Defense Electronics Industry Review: February 2013

Also, don’t miss our regular column in Microwave Journal’s Military Microwaves.

See Defence iQ for more analysis on the defense industry, related news and events.

Asif

Gilat Satellite Networks provides products and services for satellite-based broadband communications, with both ground segment equipment and VSATs. In operation for over 25 years, Gilat has developed an international footprint providing enterprises, service providers and operators with satellite-based connectivity solutions, including cellular backhaul, banking, retail, e-government and rural communication networks as well as developing an increasing focus on the consumer and Ka-band market. Over the past three years, Gilat has started to address the defense sector by expanding existing modem capabilities into this area as well as through the strategic acquisitions of Raysat Antenna Systems and Wavestream, companies that not only bring capabilities but are already entrenched in military programs.

The move into the defense sector has been driven by two trends which the company believes will underpin military technology investment over the next two to three decades. First is a move towards a net-centric environment which promotes the delivery of IT and communications systems down to the tactical level. Examples in this context include the US Win-T and Indian Tactical Communications Systems (TCS) programs. The ability to be able to deliver information and provide communication at the tactical level will need to be underpinned by equipment capable of providing these capabilities within the SWaP requirements for on-the-move communications.

The second related trend is the increasing use of UAS platforms and a growing need to have BLOS capabilities to enhance the mission envelopes for which these platforms are being used. In addition, the inclusion of BLOS capabilities into missile systems, robotic systems and other platforms is also being actively explored.

To this end, Gilat has been developing internal capabilities as well as acquiring companies to help the company establish an early presence in this market. Raysat Antenna Systems provides low-profile, in-motion, two-way array antennas for OTM applications at the tactical level with solutions target a wide range of platforms from UAS platforms to tanks. Meanwhile, US-based Wavestream was acquired in 2010, and specializes in the provision of high power solid-state amplifiers for integration into systems including defense satellite communication systems with a focus on Ka- and Ku-band as well as offerings in C- and X-band. Central to the company’s technology is the Spatial Power Advantage, which uses spatially power combined amplifiers to produce high to very-high power at microwave and millimeter-wave frequencies using solid-state technologies such as GaAs and GaN while maintaining small form factors and high efficiencies.

Gilat’s own internal capabilities in satellite modems are also being leveraged with the company developing  a waveform that can handle small antenna in OTM environments. Key features include the ability to work in low SNR environments, small antenna reacquisition capability, the ability to control antenna and fast reacquisition times of less than 1ms. The modems have been developed in small ruggedized form factor to allow their use in platforms such as tanks.

Ku- and Ka-band is the primary focus for these components as Gilat looks to enable OTM capabilities in small, lightweight terminals that can be targeted at small platforms requiring low profile antennas.  The company has complete terminals in operational use on UAS platforms and ground systems. Both mechanical and phased array antennas are offered and the company is also developing fully phased array antennas. Gilat’s current UAS platform terminal weighs 10.5kg and is capable of transmitting 1Mbps of IP-based data. It comprises a ruggedized spread spectrum Gilat satellite modem, a two-way, on-the-move RaySat flat panel tracking antenna and a compact, up to 40W, Ku-band WaveStream block up-converter (BUC) and power amplifier. Moving forwards, the company is looking to develop a next generation terminal featuring a phased array antenna with the aim of halving the size of the terminal.

Setting up stall early should provide Gilat with an early competitive advantage as demand for SOTM/COTM capabilities continues to increase with target markets including the US as well as emerging markets in Asia and Soutn America.

Don’t miss our regular column in Microwave Journal’s Military Microwaves.

See Defence iQ for more analysis on the defense industry, related news and events.

Asif

Ultra Electronics, 3eTI is a solutions provider supporting the move to net-centricity with the aim of weaving cybersecurity into defense networks. 3eTI builds out wired and wireless networks which provide baseline security and has the flexibility to allow additional sensors to be incorporated. The company has deployed its virtual perimeter monitoring systems (VPMS), based on its VirtualFence solution, and received an approval to operate from the US Navy. By establishing a wireless cloud over a base, 3eTI is also providing solutions such as its EnergyGuard System that can be used to monitor energy usage, allowing even legacy, standalone industrial controls / energy sensors and systems to be layered into the network while maintaining independent operation.

The company is now turning its attention to monitoring the RF spectrum with a new real-time monitoring and intelligent analysis solution that identifies RF interference within broadband wireless spectrum environments and alerts users of in-band and out-of-band emissions that would interfere with customer’s communications within their area of operations. UltraVision Spectrum Manager is designed as an RF monitoring tool that can scan a broad swath of frequencies ranging from 100MHz to 6GHz using a Direction Finding (DF) system with the aim of providing a fixed installation/base with capabilities to monitor potential interference around the site perimeter. Like COMINT, Direction Finding (DF) is an ESM function and simply put, the purpose of DF is to determine from which direction a received signal was transmitted and, when necessary, take tactical offensive or defensive measures to counter the signal. Usually this involves the use of location vans or specialized handheld equipment. Both approaches can be expensive and require a dedicated expert able to operate the equipment and decipher the signals being received to identify sources of interference.

The 3eTI approach builds on the company’s VirtualFence approach and involves the use of fixed units comprising an antenna, coupled with a ruggedized broadband spectrum analyser that interfaces to a Geographic Information System (GIS) type display that alerts the user to interference and provides vector-based angles of arrival on-screen, allowing the source of RF interference to be accurately identified.

The early concept comprised a cylindrical antenna of around 7 to 8 inches in diameter, which was demonstrated to the US Navy in 2012. The final solution comprises a 30-inch dome shaped antenna that provides broader spectrum capability. The passive antenna system connects to a broadband spectrum analyser (the node) comprising a front-end with LNAs and digital receivers offering coverage over 20MHz channel widths. This unit is typically configured to monitor spectrum in the LMR (380MHz), Wi-Fi (2.4GHz) and public safety (4.4GHz, 4.9GHz) frequencies. An Ethernet connection provides the data back to the operator display and there is also an option to connect the nodes wirelessly back to the operator.

A typical UltraVision Spectrum Manager system comprises the DF antenna designed by 3eTI, coupled with three sensor nodes and the C5I interface, which shows a map of the area, node positions and provides the visual alerts when the nodes detect interference. A system cost is envisaged in the range of $150K, compared to the cost of a handheld device which could cost up to $45K plus the services of a dedicated operator. The final solution – in terms of number of systems needed - would be dependent upon the site in question and factors such as the area to be covered, buildings on-site and the specific frequencies that need to be monitored. Availability for the RF monitoring system will be from Q2 2013 onwards.

In contrast to the positive swing observed at the end of the second quarter, revenue growth came to a standstill in the third quarter of 2012, with a snapshot of company results showing revenues largely flat quarter-to-quarter. For most companies, there was a common thread with revenue growth in one or two parts of a company’s business activity being counteracted by declines at other business units.

Despite the challenging quarter, early indicators suggest that the defense industry will show revenue growth in 2012 and profitability will also continue to be maintained. This is despite the uncertainties surrounding sequestration and the “fiscal cliff” in the US as well as budget uncertainties in European and other international markets.

Moving into 2013, maintaining profitability will be the challenge for the industry especially if revenue growth starts to stall. The US elections have not so far resulted in a definitive political solution from the leadership on sequestration or avoiding the “fiscal cliff”. There is however some positive rhetoric coming through and in our opinion it is highly unlikely that sequestration will actually be implemented in January 2013. The more likely scenario will see legislation coming into play that offsets sequestration possibly through to the end of 2013 (calendar-year) while the two political parties continue to engage in tit-for-tat negotiations through the end of the calendar year on the issues surrounding the “fiscal cliff” and sequestration. It does appear that the US defense budget is close to approval and the industry will end up operating within essentially a “continuing resolution” as far as sequestration is concerned.

For 2013, the defense industry will need to look towards developing and offering solutions based on next generation technologies and competencies in areas such as cyber.

RF technologies such as GaN, for example, offer a clear path towards upgrading radar, electronic warfare and communications systems capabilities. The use of these technologies in AESA radar for example underpinned a number of radar milestones in November including Raytheon meeting critical performance requirements to advance ongoing system integration on the Cobra Judy Replacement program.  Northrop Grumman completed its technology demonstration contract for the US Navy's Air and Missile Defense Radar (AMDR).

There is also continued momentum behind Directed Energy Weapons using either laser or RF/microwave technologies continue to be explored. MBDA Germany completed a further major step towards a laser weapon system with a high-energy laser demonstrator that demonstrated a complete deployment sequence in countering rockets, artillery and mortar shells (C-RAM). Using 40 kW of laser power, the laser demonstrator successfully acted on airborne targets at a range of over 2 km. A similar effort from Lockheed Martin Space Systems is the Area Defense Anti-Munitions (ADAM) system which demonstrated a portable, ground-based military laser system in a series of tests against representative airborne targets.

The challenges of maintaining integrity in the network and protecting the users, platforms, systems and devices operating in a net-centric environment will provide a fresh avenue of opportunity for those companies that can offer a comprehensive suite of cyber solutions in 2013. This will provide a driver for companies to acquire capabilities to bolster their cybersecurity offerings.

There were several announcements from RF component suppliers related to GaN technology including RFMD introducing a series of high-power GaN broadband power transistors (BPTs) and highly linear GaN RF unmatched power transistors. Meanwhile, TriQuint's 0.25-micron GaN on SiC TQGaN25 process demonstrated a MTTF of greater than 10 m hours at 200C. As with GaAs, Northrop Grumman has also been at the forefront of developing GaN technologies through DARPA and other military research programs maintaining an emphasis on the defense sector. The company is now starting to showcase its GaN technology for commercial availability (see Northrop Grumman Breaks from Pack with GaN Products Targeting Higher Frequency Markets) with the introduction of a series of GaN MMIC products. Offering higher frequency capabilities through to Q-band, Northrop Grumman is breaking away from a pack of competitors that have largely focused on products at the lower end of the frequency spectrum.  

Clients of the ADS service can read the full report Defense Electronics Industry Review: November 2012 which details significant defense industry news, including product announcements, milestones, contract activity and defense industry financial performance.

For 2013, the defense industry will need to look towards developing and offering solutions based on next generation technologies and competencies in areas such as cyber. Radar, communications and EW systems capabilities will increasingly be underpinned by advanced component technologies and these technologies will also form the basis for weapon systems. The challenges of maintaining integrity in the network and protecting the users, platforms, systems and devices operating in a net-centric environment will continue to provide a fresh avenue of opportunity.

Don’t miss our regular column in Microwave Journal’s Military Microwaves.

Asif

Phased array technology featured heavily in radar contracts and other activities during September. Platforms ranged from large ground-based early warning radar (EWR) systems to scaled-down AESAs for incorporation into unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) technology dominated a host of radar contract announcements during September including news of Northrop Grumman completing tests of its Air and Missile Defense Radar (AMDR) S-band radar system as well as demonstrating technologies for the Three-Dimensional Expeditionary Long-Range Radar (3DELRR) program. Raytheon was also actively involved in the supply of AESA-based systems, receiving a second contract for low-rate initial production (LRIP) of AN/APG-82(V)1 AESA radar systems for the U.S. Air Force F-15E Radar Modernization Program.

In other areas, Harris, L-3 Communications and Selex Elsag were supplying communications systems, Boeing received further contracts for Laser JDAM kits and ITT Exelis announced another successful demonstration of its Advanced Defensive Electronic Warfare System (AIDEWS). The use of laser technology was also being demonstrated. MBDA Germany achieved a power of 40 kW using its high-energy laser demonstrator during a laser firing campaign while ITT Exelis is partnering with Innovative Technical Solutions to develop a laser communications system for the US Navy and Marine Corps.

Business news for the month was dominated by the discussions between Europe's largest defense corporations, BAE Systems and EADS. The deal has been shelved primarily as a result of the respective UK, France and German governments not being able to agree on terms. BAE Systems-EADS Merger Dead in the Water provides some more thoughts on this news.

Clients of the ADS service can read the full report Defense Electronics Industry Review: September 2012 which details significant defense industry news, including product announcements, milestones, contract activity and defense industry financial performance.

Asif