CONNECTIVITY & COMMUNICATION
The main focus of the Link Microtek stand was the company’s Azdec optical mobile local communications system, said to offer a totally secure, non-RF, cable-free voice comms solution for a wide variety of defence-related applications. Originally developed using infrared technology to provide secure bridge communications on board naval vessels, the system has now been adopted in other scenarios where RF transmissions might jeopardise security.
Senop showcased its latest innovations for increased mobility, performance and situational awareness. Traditionally OEMs have manufactured standalone sensors with limited information sharing capability. However, Senop provides a network of different kinds of sensors. The devices and systems that are part of the network can share information with each other via wireless/wired networks.
Advanced video encoding and streaming solutions provider VITEC showcased its intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) product range. Its products aim to tackle video ingest, streaming, dissemination, and archiving in the field and inside military and government facilities, including the MGW TOUGH series of portable, power-efficient HEVC and H.264 streaming encoders.
DRONES, ROVS & OTHER TECHNOLOGY
In partnership with DroneShield, a new counter-drone solution from BT Enterprise aims to give companies the capability to detect, track and identify drones that breach site limits and airspace. Powered by multi-sensor detection technology, an enterprise-grade network and a real-time alert system, BT’s counter drone solution helps to determine if a drone poses any risk, with an operating range of up to 5km and 360° detection coverage.
Also making an appearance at DSEI was Canadian company Deep Trekker – a manufacturer of underwater remotely operated vehicles (ROVs). Visitors were able to learn more about its next-generation underwater vehicles and integrated third-party technologies. Most recently, the company launched the DTG3 and the Revolution ROVs, designed to detect and locate objects hidden beneath the water, assist divers and safely conduct inspections in harsh underwater environments.
New patented rotary UAV protection technology called SafeFlight has been launched by Drone Evolution. The technology aims to protect delivery drones from being jammed and features a titanium shell to protect it from a variety of external forces. SafeFlight can switch between a range of navigation systems if it comes under attack, meaning that it can always stay on course for its destination.
Addressing the increasing demand for protection of vehicles and convoys against hostile drones, Elbit Systems has introduced the ReDrone Vehicular Tactical System. The system is said to detect, identify and neutralise all types of drones (at any radio frequency) within a radius of several kilometres, providing any vehicle with a 360° protection shield against hostile drones.
UK start-up FlareBright has launched its latest autonomous drone product – ADDER (Autonomous Delivery Drone Emergency Resupply). ADDER permits accurate and autonomous last-mile resupply to a pinpoint location. It is delivered by air and glides in the last few hundred metres to its target location on the ground. This product uses artificial intelligence and complex software to create pinpoint delivery of small packages in all-weather and atmospheric conditions.
At this year’s DSEI, SteelRock Technologies introduced the expanded NightFighter family of Counter-UAV effector systems, said to mitigate all modes of intrusion by rotary and fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles. Extensively tested for safe deployment in complex radio frequency environments, the portable system combines highly directional RF communications inhibition technology with advanced proprietary software and hardware to bring drone threats to ground rapidly and safely. NightFighter is now offered in a choice of modular, readily customised configurations to suit a wide range of military, civilian and commercial security applications.
PEOPLE PRODUCTS
UK-based manufacturer BCB International has unveiled a 7g fuel capsule and accompanying folding stove. The FireDragon fuel capsule and flat packed stoves are said to be ideal space and time saving items for a soldier’s combat survival packs and ration kits. The fuel capsules will heat 300ml of water from 10°C to 55°C in under five minutes, a spokesperson said.
Attendees at this year’s DSEI were also able to experience MiPlayer technology from BFBS – a platform used by the UK military to provide access to television, radio, news and other media in remote locations, even with poor or no internet. The MiPlayer platform can be used to provide both training resources and welfare media to deployed personnel in remote locations.
UK-based portable and reusable water purification systems maker LifeSaver gave visitors live demonstrations of its products at DSEI, which range from individual-sized drinking bottles to Jerrycan water purifiers. It also displayed the new LifeSaver C1 large scale, in-line purifier, which is capable of producing up to 500,000 litres of safe drinking water at the turn of a tap.
VEHICLES & ACCESSORIES
A Lithium Ion 6T battery ELI-52526 from Epsilor has completed an all-terrain field test of over 3,000km on board IDF armored vehicles, the company has announced. Epsilor presented its 6T batteries, alongside its other military vehicle and tactical batteries and chargers, at DSEI. According to the company, since its release in 2017, the 6T ELI-52526 has accumulated 10 customers worldwide. The 6T ELI-52526 4.2 kWh battery offers 1,000 deep discharge/charge cycles and cold crank start of 1,100A at ambient temperature of -19°C.
Telematics and transport technology solutions provider Microlise has launched Focus – a telematics solution specifically designed for smaller fleets (pictured, top right). Focus provides users with the tools needed to improve operational efficiency, maximise vehicle utilisation, reduce costs and environmental emissions, support drivers and improve safety and compliance outcomes. Add-ons include a multi-camera solution, incident analysis and a remote digital tachograph download.
UK-headquartered special forces vehicle developer Supacat showcased the most advanced version of its special forces vehicle, the High Mobility Transporter (HMT) Extenda Mk2, for the first time at DSEI. This latest variant is said to offer a step change in capability and payload capacity, with an enhanced suspension system enabling gross vehicle weight to increase to 12,000kg from 10,500kg, and increase crew seating to six from four. The chassis is now STANAG compliant for recovery purposes and a 6.7 litre Cummins diesel engine comes as standard. A blast and ballistic protection option can now be integrated at the factory build stage. HMT Extenda also has the unique capability of being operated as a 4x4 or 6x6 wheel drive vehicle thanks to a removable third axle.
Three ‘highly-diverse’ connector solutions for harsh environment applications have been introduced by engineered electronics provider TT Electronics. Pola Power, OcTrain and SteadiShield have been developed to meet the power and connectivity demands of today’s military vehicle requirements. Pola Power has been designed for applications within power distribution, offering a single pole power connector with bayonet coupling, while SteadiShield is a reverse bayonet connector fitting for designs requiring one connector with multiple ethernet screens. OcTrain, meanwhile, meets ultra-high speed connection requirements to aid heavy data consumption in harsh environments.