US Space Force increases efforts to plug training capabilities gaps
The service has been seeking simulation and emulation solutions capable of reproducing multiple in-orbit threats.
BAE Systems has received multiple contracts totaling $38 million to provide thermal imagers for the US Army's Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station (CROWS) II and Stryker programs.
The TIM1500 thermal imagers used on remote weapon stations allow soldiers to detect and identify enemy targets while remaining protected inside their vehicles through remotely controlled, vehicle-mounted platforms for light- and medium-caliber weapons. The TIM1500 provides extended viewing range capability to detect vehicle targets at a significant range for target acquisition, long-rang surveillance, and situational awareness.
"The TIM1500 provides high performance imaging while offering a smaller, lighter, lower power and lower life-cycle cost compared with other competitive options," said Michael Mawn, product line manager for TIM1500. "Our world-class technology demonstrates how we understand the warfighter, and their needs for successful missions," Mawn added.
Under the contract, BAE Systems from its Lexington, Massachusetts operations will provide the TIM1500 to Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace AS. The company recently shipped its 10,000th TIM1500 imager, and increased its production rate in support of Army requirements, including deployment of the units on MRAP combat vehicles.
Source: BAE Systems
The service has been seeking simulation and emulation solutions capable of reproducing multiple in-orbit threats.
The service has been conducting several acquisition and upgrading efforts involving artificial intelligence and machine learning to improve communication, data analysis and ISR systems.
The Syracuse 4B communications satellite, developed by Airbus and Thales Alenia Space, was launched last year, bolstering secure military satellite communications for the French Armed Forces. Thales has now been selected to provide terminals for vehicles.
The growing importance of space in modern warfare, advancements in satellite technology, and increasing threats from rivals like China and Russia were among the topics of a Eurosatory 2024 panel on military space operations.
AN/ARC-232A is a Starfire radio that provides VHF/UHF communications to airborne platforms and the transceiver is software-programmable, allowing for multiple waveform support as well as optional national electronic counter counter-measure (ECCM) capability.
During the 18-month period of the contract, Lockheed Martin will apply Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) techniques to create surrogate models of aircraft, sensors, electronic warfare and weapons within dynamic and operationally representative environments.