Why bridging the gap between military and COTS systems is key to seamless defence comms (Studio)
Technology that enables armed forces to leverage existing network infrastructure can be a game-changer in many combat scenarios.
General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) will develop and supply advanced, high energy density capacitors for the US military under a contract from the Joint Non-Lethal Weapons Directorate through the Department of Defense Ordnance Technology Consortium, the company announced on 3 January.
The capacitors will be integrated into a non-lethal Pre-Emplaced Vehicle Stopper (PEVS) system for use in force protection and vehicle checkpoint operations.
The PEVS system is a pre-placed, non-intrusive device designed to stop vehicles safely. When a vehicle rolls over a set of contacts, the PEVS system delivers a short, intense electrical pulse to disable the vehicle’s electrical components without harming the passengers inside.
Nick Bucci, vice president for missile defense and space systems at GA-EMS, said: ‘We continue to shape capacitor technologies to address an expanding range of applications, including the advancement of directed energy weapon systems with non-lethal effects. The PEVS system has the potential to support multiple missions and be mobile as operations change, making a compact footprint a critical requirement.
‘We are employing advanced capacitor technologies and manufacturing techniques to develop significantly higher energy density capacitors that will provide reliable, pulsed power output in a small, easy to transport package.’
Technology that enables armed forces to leverage existing network infrastructure can be a game-changer in many combat scenarios.
An effort to develop a new European main battle tank has passed several milestones on the road to a Preliminary Design Review which is expected within two years.
The British Army’s Ajax armoured personnel carrier has a chequered history but hopes were high when Initial Operating Capability was declared last year. More problems saw operations suspended but the MoD reports it has identified the problems and short- and medium-term solutions.
The Ragnarok Mortar Mission Module has demonstrated its ability to quickly switch platforms, presenting scope for it to be employed for multiple requirements.
The British Army’s plans to replace thousands of vehicles have been troubled with resets, delays and change. It is possible, however, that genuine progress is being achieved on two of the three segments in the programme.
The US Army’s organic industrial base still uses World War II production methods and technologies, leading to delays and cost overruns and limiting its ability to produce critical ammunition and maintain its ground fleet in operation.