13 March 2024
by Oishee Majumdar
A computer-generated image (CGI) showing how, under the ASCEND2LEO programme, Fleet Space's Centauri satellites are being leveraged to develop a low Earth orbit satcom system that can connect defence assets and personnel. (Fleet Space Technologies)
South Australia-based Fleet Space Technologies has demonstrated push-to-talk (PTT) capabilities using a low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite as part of an Australian military project on satellite communications (satcom).
Fleet Space implemented a “software update” to its Centauri 4 satellite, currently in LEO, that enabled the satellite to deliver tactical PTT communication capabilities for the Australian Defence Force's (ADF's) Joint Capabilities Group (JCG), the company said in a media release on 12 March.
“Built with the world's first 3D-printed all-metal patch antennas and advanced field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), this demonstration showed that Centauri satellites can be reprogrammed to deliver high-quality, fit-for-purpose voice capabilities while in orbit,” Fleet Space added. According to a company document, Fleet Space has a fleet of eight Centauri satellites.
06 May 2024
by Zach Rosenberg
The BT-67 is no stranger to Antarctica's harsh climate. This picture displays a Basler BT-67 (re-engined DC-3) in polar configuration equipped with snow skids. (Basler)
The US Department of State has approved Argentina's request to purchase Basler BT-67s, support equipment, and training for up to USD143 million, the department announced on 18 April.
“The proposed sale will … [provide] additional capacity for airdrop and airlift operations to service Antarctica during the winter season,” the announcement read. “This will reduce the burden on other airlift assets in Argentina.”
Up to five aircraft are to be purchased in the deal, according to the Department of State, which includes spare engines, ground handling equipment, transport, and personnel training. Basler and the Argentine Ministry of Defense had not responded to Janes questions at the time of publication.
Argentina maintains nearly a dozen research bases on Antarctica, according to the country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Worship. Argentina's air force operates several aircraft types capable of operating in Antarctica, including four Lockheed Martin C-130Hs and seven de Havilland DHC-6s.
06 May 2024
by Jeremiah Cushman
Leonardo has teamed with Textron Aviation Defense to offer the M-346 jet trainer for a US Navy requirement. (Aermacchi Spa)
Leonardo has teamed with Textron Aviation Defense to offer its M-346 jet trainer for the US Navy's (USN's) Undergraduate Jet Training System (UJTS) programme. The service's current jet trainer, the T-45 Goshawk, entered service in 1991 and has experienced numerous technical issues in recent years. In September 2023 the USN released a request for information for the UJTS.
Textron Aviation Defense will serve as the prime contractor for the project, Tommaso Pani, senior vice-president for marketing and strategic campaigns – Leonardo Aircraft Division, told Janes during the Navy League Sea-Air-Space 2024 global maritime exposition in National Harbor, Maryland, in April.
03 May 2024
by Gareth Jennings
The Ukrainian Ukrspecsystems PD-1 is likely the UAV that the UK is now looking to launch from the back of a civilian-type trailer or flatbed pickup truck. (Ukrspecsystems)
The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) is seeking to acquire a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) portable solution for the launching of tactical unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) of varying configurations.
A request for information (RFI) issued on 2 May calls for a system that can launch a UAV with a maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of 40 kg from a civilian-type trailer or flatbed pickup truck.
As noted in the RFI, the solution should launch the UAV at a velocity of 25 m/s and an MTOW of 75 kg at 35 m/s; have a launch g
South Australia-based Fleet Space Technologies has demonstrated push-to-talk (PTT) capabilities usin...
Ritu Gill, Intelligence Analyst, joins Harry and Sean to discuss the practical use of OSINT to support law enforcement. Ritu discusses it’s use in supporting risk assessments and classified or closed sources of intelligence. She also discusses t...
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