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.
Christie Digital Systems has unveiled a solution to upgrade its high-definition C2 visual displays with touchscreen technology.
Speaking to Shephard at the LandWarNet conference in Tampa, national government sales manager Dan Smith said the technology had already been demonstrated in June but conceded that the company was not yet in a position to sell it.
The integration kit or 'i-kit' comprises a series of sensors which can be placed on Christie's LCD or MicroTile technology.
Once linked up to a computer, the screen is effectively turned into a smartphone. Individual MicroTile boxes utilise rear-projection, weigh 20lb and measure approximately 20inches diagonally across. They can be stacked together to produce a giant C2 display of any size.
However, Smith remained unsure as to the i-kit's potential for larger C2 installations and described how it could potentially be more suitable at lower, tactical levels: 'It could be used in the operational environment or in conference rooms,' he said. The company already supplies a number of systems to undisclosed US Army and Air Force bases.
Only yesterday, US Special Operations Command commander, Adm William McRaven described the importance of video teleconferencing in his day-to-day job and Smith such 'higher definition' technology could benefit such a use.
Meanwhile, the company revealed it is due to perform a 'visual system technology upgrade' at the Royal Navy's (RN's) Sea King helicopter Full Flight Simulation system at RN Air Station Culdrose.
The contract, worth an undisclosed sum, will 'ensure that the Commando Helicopter Force (CHF) and Airborne Surveillance and Control (ASaC) crews tasked with supporting operations in Afghanistan, have access to state-of-the-art and realistic vistas from the pilot’s cockpit'.
Upgrades include the use of Christie's Matrix StIM solution which comprises an LED-based projection system to support normal visual operations and the use of night vision goggles simultaneously.
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.