Northrop Grumman demonstrates deep-sensing platform at EDGE 23
Northrop Grumman's DSaT is installed on a CRJ-700. (Photo: Northrop Grumman)
The company said in a statement that during a simulated, real-world tactical scenario earlier this year, the system successfully gathered and fused multi-domain data for rapid dissemination to the Tactical Operations Center, collected and analysed data from commercial satellites using systems on board the aircraft and met all of the criteria for the experimentation.
DSaT is a multi-domain deep-sensing architecture integrated into a civilian aircraft, in this case a CRJ-700, providing intelligence collection that reaches beyond the visual LoS of local sensors.
While leveraging elements of the Tactical Intelligence Targeting Access Node pre-prototype system, its capability fills a gap in data collection by combining space-based geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) imagery with aerial and terrestrial intelligence from commercial and military space systems.
Phase 1 successfully demonstrated the GEOINT capabilities with future phases planned incorporating multiple intelligence platforms.
EDGE 23 was designed to test and evaluate new technologies and more than 80 were considered at this year’s event.
As part of the event UVision USA demonstrated the successful launch of its Hero 120 loitering munition from an airborne helicopter. The trial established the system's ability to complete a sensor-to-shooter cycle by launching the Hero 120 from a Bell 412EP helicopter and strike a ground target.
The event also saw Logos Technologies, a subsidiary of Elbit Systems of America, fly its BlackKite IR wide-area motion imagery pod on a US Army UAS for the first time.
More from Air Warfare
-
NATO’s Next Generation Rotorcraft Capability moves ahead with development contracts
The Next Generation Rotorcraft Capability (NGRC) programme is a transnational effort across NATO to replace a range of helicopters which are expected to begin retiring from the mid-2030s.
-
Raytheon strikes deal with new rocket motor maker to secure supply chain
Raytheon has seen increased demand for its missiles in the face of the Russia-Ukraine war where Kyiv has been using air-to-air missiles for ground-based air-defence.
-
European Common Radar System Mk2 begins ground-testing in UK
BAE Systems hopes to work out any issues before the radar is sent for flight testing.
-
Boeing to upgrade software for KC-46A tanker
The KC-46A upgrades will improve the platform’s mission readiness, performance in challenged airspace and rapid deployment capabilities.
-
Dutch and Austrian governments collaborate on Embraer C-390 acquisition at Farnborough
The two nations will split the acquisition of the C-390s to boost their airlift capacities.