General Micro Systems (GMS) today unveiled powerful new features that significantly boost the S2U “King Cobra” rugged server’s capabilities on the battlefield while lowering price. The enhanced S2U server includes dual Intel Xeon E5-2600v4 family CPUs, 48TB of ultra-fast storage, integrated Cisco industrial-strength Embedded Services Router, 20 ports of managed Gigabit Ethernet switch with POE+, up to 1024GB (1TB) of system DDR4 RAM, and an Auxiliary Power Unit(APU) that powers the system and provides backup power for up to 15 minutes for graceful shut-down or suspend-to disk.

All of this is engineered into a dense, modular, 2U short-rack (17-inch deep) configuration that packs more functionality in a field-ready size than anything else on the market, at a fraction of the cost of competing systems. Unlike typical embedded servers, which must be replaced in their entirety in the field, the S2U is the industry’s only rugged server that is 100 percent subsystem line replacement unit (LRU) capable, allowing any function of the system to be replaced in the field within seconds, for ultimate flexibility and minimal downtime.

“When it comes to servers, bigger is definitely not better. Even Dell, with all of its resources and talent, can’t build anything close to what S2U delivers,” GMS CEO Benjamin Sharfi, told MT. “Michael Dell would love to have a server equipped with all the features General Micro Systems has packed into the King Cobra. And we deliver all of these resources at a significantly lower price point for the commercial and military markets.”

On stand #2061, Photonis is demonstrating 4G Night Vision with a Virtual Reality simulator, alongside demonstrating the performance advantages of 4G against Gen3 night vision, according to thebcompany. Furthermore Photonis is showcasing its smart day-to- night digital CMOS technology.

"4G NIGHT VISION is all about best performance and capabilities for end-users," Photonis told MT at AUSA. "4G offers a longer range: See further in low light conditions. 4G provides the highest possible detection range, highest recognition and highest identification
capability. Visitors to the PHOTONIS booth can experience these benefits and superior performance of 4G compared to
Gen3 using a Virtual Reality simulation."

Photonis’ INTENS Image Intensifiers offer extended bandwidth for out of band beacon laser and Friend or Foe beacon detection, ultra-fast Auto-gating, and registers no Halo. These night vision functions are crucial when operating in
dynamic urban light conditions. INTENS Image Intensifiers are ideal for use under the darkest of mission conditions including deep mountain valleys and jungle terrain.

Photonis is also presenting Batcam, a digital low-light sensor for vehicle applications. New to the digital Photonis line-up at AUSA is FusionSight, a hand held sight that provides a recordable thermal, optical output, or a combination of both for improved detection, identification and recognition from day through to night.

Also on display is the award winning (CIGAT Prix Export) CMOS Night Observation Device (CNOD). Providing clear images from day through to night, CNOD can also detect most lasers currently deployed on the battlefield, visible and infrared and 1.064 laser energy used for joint terminal attack controller operations, at a fraction of the cost of competitive alternatives, according to Photonis.

The Esterline Codis SV-126 smart display has been selected by the US Army PEO Missiles and Space, Cruise Missile Defense Systems, working with Boeing, for the turret gunner position on the AN/TWQ-1 AVENGER Air Defence System. The Codis SV-126 display replaces a legacy computing environment that has reached its end of life and allows for greater flexibility in managing technical refresh cycles of commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) products.

The SV-126 unit is a 10in rugged XGA (1024x768) LED-backlight display with COM Express architecture and Intel mobile multi-core CPUs that enable easy updates to the latest processors. It delivers the graphics and processing power of a rugged computer for high-performance visualisation in a compact footprint.

The AVENGER Air Defence System, designated AN/TWQ-1, is a self-propelled short-range surface-to-air missile system used by the US.Army. It protects ground units against fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, and unmanned aerial vehicles.

Elbit Systems of America (ESA) on booth #1139 showcases its advanced technologies and discusses the advantages of these innovative solutions for today’s soldiers. 

“ESA is committed to providing our nation’s Army innovative systems and technologies designed to increase mission effectiveness and provide the necessary lethality, flexibility and protection required for multi-domain operations,” Raanan Horowitz, president and chief executive officer at Elbit Systems of America, commented. ”By working closely with users and combat developers we are supporting the Army’s goal of accelerating introduction of these capabilities into the force.”

Teaming with customers, agency partners, and industry, ESS produces advanced systems designed to outmatch enemies in an Anti-Access/Area Denial (A2/AD) encounter and to ensure the safety of soldiers as they battle in complex environments. Several of these technological solutions, from precision targeting and, networking communications to guided mortar systems, are showcased at this year’s AUSA.

ESA showcases its family of advanced targeting systems, including the Common Laser Range Finder-Integrated Capability (CLRF-IC) and Enhanced Joint Terminal Attack Controller Laser Target Designator (EJTAC LTD). The CLRF-IF and EJTAC LTD are the results of ESA’s focused R&D effort for advancing handheld targeting technologies and tactical laser based systems to improve engagement accuracy and enhance communications between the sensor to shooter.

As one of the US Army’s leading mortar systems providers, ESS highlights its FIRECON mortar system, which is engineered for improved lethality and added force protection for deployed troops. FIRECON, an automated digital application, delivers improvements in indirect fire lethality by employing faster deployment and greater responsiveness. When coupled with Elbit Systems of America’s family of advanced laser and multi-mode seekers, mortar systems can become an even more effective capability, providing deployable range and precision to ground forces.

At AUSA 2016, L-3 WESCAM has launched  its  smallest  and  lightest  electro-optical/infrared  (EO/IR)  airborne imaging  system,  the  MX-8. 

The  MX-8  is  designed  for  small  tactical UAVs, light manned Intelligence,  Surveillance, and  Reconnaissance  (ISR)  aircraft,  and  tactical  aerostats  requiring  highperforming  imaging  solutions. 

The  MX-8  is  on  display  and  available  for  demonstration  at  L-3’s exhibit #1725.

“The  MX-8  is  a  key  addition  to  WESCAM’s  MX-Series  product  line,  as  it  addresses  the  growing demand  for  a  lightweight,  high-fidelity  imaging  system,”   Michael  T.  Strianese,  L-3’s  Chairman and  Chief  Executive  Officer, said.  “Our  emphasis  on  developing  advanced  technologies  that  address smaller  form  factor  requirements  is  reflected  in  the  versatility  and  precision  of  this  product.  We  are working  every  day  to  align  our  research  and  development  initiatives  with  the  continually  evolving needs of a broad array of global customers.”

The  fully  digital  MX-8  has  an  installed  weight  of  15  pounds,  or  6.8  kilograms,  with  a  clearance  level of  less  than  11  inches,  and  is  capable  of  supporting  up  to  four  sensors  simultaneously.  It  contains all  the  geolocation  capabilities  of  L-3’s  larger  MX-Series  systems  and  is  equipped  with  an advanced image processing suite that produces real-time image enhancement across all sensors.

At AUSA 2016, AeroVironment, exhibiting on booth #2339, today announced the US Army Close Combat Weapons Systems Project Office has awarded the company a contract for Block 10C SWITCHBLADE Lethal Miniature Aerial Missile Systems (LMAMS) and support services valued at $22,776,812 through a Joint Urgent Operational Needs Statement.  Delivery is anticipated within 12 months.

First deployed by US forces in 2011, the SWITCHBLADE provides soldiers with force protection and precision strike capabilities up to 10km from its launch location, with minimal to no collateral damage and wave-off capability. Block 10C SWITCHBLADE, introduced by AeroVironment in May 2016, incorporates improvements based on feedback from users, including encrypted digital communications.

“SWITCHBLADE is a mature system, in production, that delivers unmatched force protection and precision strike capabilities to American forces,” Kirk Flittie, AeroVironment vice president and general manager of its Unmanned Aircraft Systems business segment, said.  “Soldier-portable and lightweight, SWITCHBLADE is a uniquely powerful LMAMS solution for complex combat environments.  AeroVironment stands ready, with a proven product, supply chain and production system, to respond rapidly to this and future requirements.”

At AUSA 2016, Saab is showcasing its capabilities and solutions to the US Army and international customers.

Introducing its next generation of signature management solutions, the company is building upon its advanced camouflage systems to bring true stealth capabilities to the US Army’s ground troops and armored vehicles. Saab is conducting significant research and development to build true stealth capabilities into its products that will conceal military assets and help mounted and dismounted warfighters stay safe and hidden in any environment. These capabilities include new ways of detecting incoming laser threats as well as friend-or-foe identification for vehicles.

“Saab already leads the industry in signature management capabilities and production,” Brian Keller, head of Saab Defense and Security USA’s signature management unit, Barracuda, told MT. “Now, we are heavily invested making our already-world-class products even more advanced through added capabilities to meet the U.S. Army’s future needs.”

Saab furthermore has launched its land-based Giraffe 1X radar in the United States market. The new, compact radar system, which offers advanced capabilities against small targets and the capacity to address multiple threat types, will address the emerging requirements of the maneuver force. Saab also plans to transfer Giraffe 1X intellectual property to Saab Defense and Security USA, its US-based subsidiary, with the intention of meeting U.S. market needs efficiently, effectively and securely.

“We have already shown a unique ability to deliver our products into sensitive programmes, such as the AN/SPS-77 on the US Navy’s Littoral Combat Ship Program,” Erik Smith, head of Saab Defense and Security USA, said at AUSA. “But this move goes one step further. Transferring the intellectual property to a U.S. company and creating a U.S based development track for this system, will tremendously benefit the U.S. warfighter and taxpayer respectively by accelerating capability to the field and reducing costs and risk.”

The decision to transfer the technology was made to address US security and information assurance requirements, facilitate U.S. sourcing of components, and, in the long term, create more US jobs. Saab has invested significant private research and development funding into Giraffe 1X, which offers short-range air defence, sense-and-warn capabilities, and counter-UAS (unmanned aerial systems) and counter-RAM (rocket, artillery and mortar) functions. According to Smith, the Giraffe 1X addresses a growing need among U.S. ground troops.

“Opposition capabilities are increasing, which means US ground troops need a reliable, accurate system that can detect, track and classify multiple threat types,” explained Smith. “Giraffe 1X meets that requirement.”

The Giraffe 1X is mountable on vehicles, vessels and fixed installations, such as a building or a mast. Its compact, mobile design leverages commercial components in an open-architecture solution built on Saab’s Giraffe family of radars. This product group includes the Giraffe AMB, which has been used in Iraq to protect US personnel against RAM threats since 2008.

Saab has also been awarded a contract by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to perform research for the latter’s Massive Overmatch Assault Round (MOAR) study. The research, to be conducted by Saab’s business area Dynamics, will focus on the development of a precision-engagement capability for shoulder-fired weapons. Saab will analyse possible concepts and propose solutions, or highlight areas where future investigations are needed.

“This research is crucial to improving the power of small military units,” Görgen Johansson, head of Saab business area Dynamics, informed MT. “Today’s short-range weapons lack active guidance, while long-range weapons are extremely expensive, physically burdensome, and often require teams of operators that smaller units do not have. Saab is investigating a possible solution: a precision-guided munition for shoulder-fired weapons that provides a long-range, high-precision, multi-target capability.”

Saab will conduct studies on its own Carl-Gustaf and AT4 shoulder-fired weapons, both of which are current US Army Programs of Record in service with the US Army.

“Analysing already-established platforms allows the research to remain focused on the munition itself,” said Johansson. “Rather than developing a completely new solution, we are seeking to apply improved capabilities to existing systems – and that would translate to lower costs and faster availability.”

Since the 2014 launch of Saab’s Carl-Gustaf M4 version, the company has already been investing its own R&D money into new “smart” munitions to leverage the new system’s advanced capabilities.

The MOAR study is part of DARPA’s Office-Wide Broad Agency Announcement entitled “Innovative Systems for Military Missions.”

Cubic's subsidiary GATR Technologies (GATR), which operates within the Cubic Mission Solutions (CMS) business division, introduces its inflatable 4m GATR Tropo antenna for the first time to the satellite communications (SATCOM) industry at AUSA. The extremely portable, 4m GATR Tropo can be packed into five cases weighing less than 620lbs total and is 50-80% less in volume and weight than the current rigid troposcatter antennas. Troposcatter antennas transmit and receive microwave signals at beyond-line-of-sight distances, as far as 200mi without SATCOM, by bouncing radio signals off layers of the Earth's atmosphere (troposphere).

“The debut of the four-meter GATR Tropo at AUSA is an exciting time for us as we’re introducing the most portable troposcatter antenna in the SATCOM industry,” said Paul Gierow, president of Cubic | GATR. “These antennas will better enable other types of communications for diverse missions.”

The new inflatable GATR Tropo antenna, which is available in 2.4- and four-meters, can lower operating costs for its customers as it drastically reduces shipping expenses and power requirements compared to portable, rigid tropo terminals. GATR Tropo antennas are also very reliable in extreme environments as they are able to receive tropo signals over diverse terrains when the antennas are elevated to 12 feet. The antennas can be set up and link-ready in less than 60 minutes, without the need of special tools. In addition, the modular design and dual-use parabolic antenna is mission capable for both troposcatter and standard SATCOM operations. The GATR Tropo antennas are available in C-band frequency.

“GATR’s inflatable Tropo antennas will impact satellite communications for not only the US Army, but also other military forces who use troposcatter communications to transmit voice and data without the use of satellites,” said Mike Twyman, president of Cubic Mission Solutions. “The addition of GATR Tropo antennas into CMS’ communication solutions will strengthen our offerings by providing lightweight, man-portable and ruggedized command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C4ISR) systems to our customers worldwide.”

In addition to the 4m GATR Tropo, Cubic GATR is also showing their full range of inflatable satellite communications terminals in booth #8429 during AUSA.

Jenoptik presents the DLEM 20 at booth #1161. The lightweight weighs less than 33 grams and measures distances up to 5km with an accuracy of half a meter. DLEM 20 is the latest, smallest and lightest product of the previously four-strong DLEM family with its broad range of military applications.

The eye-safe DLEM 20 Class 1 laser is barely higher than a one-euro coin. It is distinguished in operation by low energy consumption and has very high accuracy, even at extreme temperatures of -40 to +80 degrees – even with highly reflective targets.

The low beam divergence produces a very small measuring point which greatly improves the accuracy for small targets at large distances. Added to this is a high selectivity when detecting several, overlapping targets. The DLEM 20 measures fixed targets and moving targets at up to 25 Hz. With its compact, robust design and good measuring characteristics, the DLEM 20 is the smallest and lightest unit in its family. These product characteristics enable it to be easily fitted in hand-held surveillance and firing control systems as well as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV).