SPX incorporates other makers' systems onto its BlackTALON CUAS architecture
BlackTALON Ecosystem can be used on mobile or deployable operations.. (Photo: SPX Communication Technologies)
SPX Communication Technologies has introduced an open architecture version of its BlackTALON CUAS system which will allow the integration of a range of different sensors beyond those from Chess Dynamics and Blighter which are used already.
BlackTALON Ecosystem integrates SPX Communication Technologies’ technology into a vendor-agnostic framework in an effort to meet specific customer requirements and provide a tailored solution for particular concepts of operations.
Solutions highlighted by the company include autonomous optical tracking from OpenWorks, 3D radar from US provider Echodyne and RF subsystems from SPX mounted on a range of dispersed or centrally located mobile or transportable masts integrated by BlackTALON Ecosystem.
Graeme Forsyth, CUAS product manager at SPX Communication Technologies, said open architecture and the ability to integrate a wide range of systems was an operational requirement.
“The complexity and speed that modern conflict develops means it's impossible for a single CUAS provider to own all the necessary technologies to provide a best-in-class solution suitable for all forms of threats today and in the future,” Forsyth said.
The BlackTALON CUAS system was shown for the first time at the Association of Old Crows International Symposium in Washington DC in December 2021.
At the time the company said more than 100 systems were deployed in Europe and more systems were expected to be delivered to as many as nine European customers in 2022.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
UK artillery factory opens as defence review inches forward
The new artillery and howitzer factory pre-dates the emphasis on this capability from this month’s Strategic Defence Review (SDR). The first joint industry-government meeting outlined in the review took place this week.
-
Refresh of Romanian army vehicles speeds up
Romania received its first Cobra MkII 4×4 light tactical armoured vehicles, ordered Abrams main battle tanks (MBTs) and VAMTAC light vehicles, and is set to invest billions-of-dollars in infantry fighting vehicles.
-
Italy begins hunt for Puma replacement
The Italian Army operates Pumas in 6×6 and 4×4 configurations but the platforms are ageing and numbers have fallen with obsolescence also being an issue. Any replacement is likely to have a focus on the involvement of local industry.
-
Orders roll in for VAMTAC tactical vehicles as first is delivered to New Zealand
The VAMTAC (Vehículo de Alta Movilidad Táctico or High Mobility Tactical Vehicle) 4×4 by Urovesa is in service with or has been ordered by eight countries, the most recent being Spain this month and Romania last month.
-
Precision Strike Missile engine successfully tested from M270A2 launcher
Lockheed Martin’s Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) is a next-generation surface-to-surface missile with the solid rocket motor (SRM) provided by Northrop Grumman. The company is working to boost its SRM production capability.
-
CV90 user group signs agreement to improve procurement and commonality
The CV90 is in service with or ordered by ten countries. The agreement between six of these countries is designed to create commonality to provide economies of scale and a reduced training burden.