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
-
New uses for proven weapons: adapting the Chain Gun for CUAS
Northrop Grumman’s M230LF Chain Gun is finding a growing role in countering uncrewed aerial systems, with the 30mm weapon already deployed to Ukraine and adopted by US forces.
-
KNDS points RCH 155 towards longer-range artillery future
KNDS Deutschland has fitted a tracked RCH 155 with a new KNDS France 155mm/58cal ordnance, opening a potential path towards significantly longer-range artillery and a future beyond the current NATO standard.
-
Companies downselected for British Army vehicle programme
It is believed that three companies did not make the downselect but a dark horse in Spain’s Iturri is believed to have got through.
-
BAE Systems looks beyond the M113 replacement as it tests 30mm AMPV
The development demonstrates how the platform could provide additional firepower and growth potential while the US Army progresses its long-term replacement for the Bradley.