Elbit Systems Introduces Counter UAS System
Israel’s Elbit Systems [ESLT] has introduces ReDrone, which is designed to detect, identify, track and neutralize different types of drones that are flown within a range of radio frequency communication protocols. Elbit says ReDrone is a unique solution for closed airspaces, critical infrastructures, and other critical areas against hostile drones penetrating the protected perimeter. Elbit also offers SupervisIR, an infrared wide-area persistent surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance system that can be integrated and operating with the ReDrone system to enable full-scale signal intelligence and thermal imaging detection of hostile drones. Elbit says ReDrone is based on open architecture to allow multiple hardware configurations, including an array of controllers and sensors for target detection, tracking and engagement. After detecting a target, ReDrone disrupts the drone’s communications with its operator, blocks its radio and video signals and GPS positioning data, and sends it off track, preventing it from carrying out an attack.
DHS Approves Deploy and Support Phase of Coast Guard C-27 Program
The Coast Guard says the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has approved the service’s request to proceed to the produce, deploy and support phase of the C-27J acquisition and to move forward with mission systems integration of the aircraft. The DHS approval verifies that the C-27 program has provided the logistics support and operational unit resources, including staffing, equipment, and supplies and funding, to support the medium-range surveillance aircraft. The Coast Guard is receiving 14 C-27Js from the Air Force to fill a gap in its medium-range surveillance aircraft requirements. Typically the Coast Guard would have three to five years to develop the documentation before DHS would approve the acquisition milestone but in this case the aircraft “came first” so the “program team had to play catch-up” and complete the documentation in less than 18-months, says Rick Seitz, the Medium Range Surveillance Aircraft Program Manager, said in a statement. The approval means that the Coast Guard can continue working with the Naval Air Systems Command to develop systems to enhance and expand the C-27J’s capabilities. The C-27s that the Coast Guard is receiving from the Air Force are regenerated from a preserved status and are outfitted with weather radar and communications equipment capable of supporting transport and other Coast Guard missions. The missionization package is based on the Navy’s Minotaur mission suite that the Coast Guard is deploying across the rest of its fixed-wing fleet. The Minotaur system software integrates the C4ISR equipment onboard the aircraft. The C-27 is produced by the Alenia division of Italy’s Finmeccanica. L-3 Communications [LLL] is integrating the Minotaur system on the Coast Guard’s C-130J long-range surveillance aircraft.
Laser Detect Systems Introduces UAS-Based Explosive Detection System
Laser Detect Systems has introduced SpectroDrone, a sensor system fitted on an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) that can detect explosives, improvised explosive devices, and other chemical compounds from a standoff distance. Israel-based LDS says that SpectroDrone detects explosives and other hazardous materials in gas, liquid or bulk form at a distance of several meters from the threat. The system can perform missions over an operational radius of three kilometers. LDS says the system can also remotely analyze different materials in real time.