How the Hormuz mine threat exposes potential Baltic MCM shortfalls
Ageing Baltic vessels and an absence of active minehunting vessel programmes in the region have been put under the spotlight in the recent conflict.
Rockwell Collins introduces DF-500
Rockwell Collins has introduced its new DF-500 direction finder system, designed to efficiently pinpoint distress signals and enable search and rescue (SAR) aircraft to receive and locate Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) signals.
The DF-500 succeeds the older-generation DF-430 direction finder, which is used by government and military SAR operators. The DF-500 is backwards compatible with the DF-430 and has a solid-state antenna that can be added to the mounting provisions of the DF-301E direction finding antenna system.
The system features software-defined radio technology for higher sensitivity, stability of bearing indications and immunity to interferences. It has new features, such as multi-channel scanning and real-time monitoring, fast scanning and interoperability with automatic identification system and maritime digital selective calling distress protocols. Its multi-channel architecture allows it to simultaneously monitor key frequencies and detect V/UHF radio distress/safety calls or emergency beacons.
Troy Brunk, vice president and general manager, airborne solutions, Rockwell Collins, said: ‘When it comes to airborne SAR missions, saving time is often the difference between a rescue and a recovery. That’s why civilian, government and military SAR organisations are upgrading their aircraft’s direction-finder capabilities with Rockwell Collins’ DF-500 direction finder.’
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