Small is Sturdy
UTAS showcases a wide range of cutting edge technology at Defexpo 2014
A new tactical grade Micro Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) capability can be seen in the TITANTM. It is the result of a three-year development programme in Plymouth, UK. The technology combines performance more typical of today’s fibre-optic gyroscopes (FOG) with the rugged reliability and low cost of the company’s proven MEMS units. TITAN is expected to offer performance up to 10 times better than the current UTC Aerospace Systems inertial sensors at around one third of the mass of a conventional FOG.
It can also reduce the reliance upon GPS-aided systems, supporting effective performance when GPS input is not assured. TITAN challenges the market assumption that MEMS devices, although rugged, reliable and cost effective, offer lower performance compared to FOG and ring laser gyroscope (RLG) devices. A development of the company’s proven, highly successful SiIMU02® MEMS Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), TITAN can offer a complete form and fit replacement for SiIMU02 or, with its modular design, be packaged to meet the specific requirements of an individual platform.
MEMS-based IMU and integrated inertial navigation/GPS systems will be displayed including the company’s TITAN tactical grade IMU capability, launched at last year’s DSEI. These extremely small, rugged and lightweight units deliver proven, consistent, precision guidance with low manufacturing costs and swift production start-up times for a wide variety of weapons and platforms, including smaller munitions.
One can also see the Vireo™ unmanned aerial system (UAS) which is applicable to a wide variety of markets and offers low-cost, effective and flexible surveillance from a variety of sensors types, including electro optical and infra-red. This UAS is designed to deliver actionable data to law enforcement, government agencies, agriculture producers and first responders.
In use with 14 nations worldwide on over 5,000 aircraft is the TERPROM® digital terrain system. The software-based system successfully blends and interprets the inputs of a diverse array of sensors to provide the aircraft pilot and crew with full situational awareness, enabling them to fly far more safely and effectively - even in areas where GPS is not available.
The Intelligence Exploitation System (IES is already in wide use with both NATO and other countries), ingests data from multiple sensors, disseminating the resultant fused intelligence rapidly to relevant personnel.
There is also the Cloud Cap Technology TASE family of lightweight, gyro-stabilised camera systems. Designed to provide exquisite day/night surveillance imaging for manned and unmanned applications, these cameras provide real-time imagery with unsurpassed stability for many surveillance, inspection and monitoring requirements including law enforcement, fire-fighting and environmental monitoring as well as the rapidly growing, small military UAS market.
Another outstanding imaging solution is the DB-110 real-time, day/night digital, tactical reconnaissance solution. It provides long-range, dual-band EO/IR imaging and fixed and mobile intelligence exploitation that is suitable for use on fast-jets, large UAVs and business jets. DB-110 has already been selected by a number of countries.
DefExpo 2014 will also see advanced composite components including transmission shafts, pressure vessels, magnet retention sleeves and fuel pipes created using precise fibre placement methods such as filament winding and stitching. Also demonstrated will be the company’s patented composite to metallic joint technology; the unique press-fit system requires no adhesive and thus, there is no diminution in strength or performance.
The latest deck lock devices, which are a critical part of the system for securing and manoeuvring helicopters during operation from smaller ships such as frigates or Coast Guard cutters, can also be seen. All electric versions are being developed for VTUAV (Vertical Take-off Unmanned Air Vehicle) operations.
UTAS showcases a wide range of cutting edge technology at Defexpo 2014
