www.DefenceAge.com

Source: www.newsisfree.com

DDC Announces New Graphical Bus Analysis and Simulation Tools for Use with 1553/429 USB 2.0 Device
Bohemia, New York ‐ Data Device Corporation (DDC) introduces a multi-protocol USB 2.0 interface (BU-65590U) with newly enhanced graphical bus analysis tools for MIL-STD-1553 and ARINC 429 data bus applications. The Windows -based integrated software package allows users to effortlessly simulate, monitor, and troubleshoot 1553 and 429 data buses simultaneously or independently without the need for time and cost prohibitive custom software coding. The BU-65590U is a small, lightweight, rugged USB 2.0 interface that provides two dual-redundant 1553 channels, four ARINC 429 receive channels, two ARINC 429 transmit channels, seven user-programmable digital discrete I/Os, an IRIG-B time synchronization input, and a +5V output. Powered directly from the computer’s USB port, the BU-65590U eliminates reliance upon a dedicated power source, providing a truly portable solution suitable for use with virtually any laptop, desktop, or tablet computer. “The addition of the new graphical bus analysis tools further enhances the BU-65590U as an ideal common interface for avionics labs, field service, flight-line test equipment, and flight instrumentation applications utilizing MIL-STD-1553 or ARINC 429 data buses,” said Mike Hegarty, DDC’s MIL-STD-1553 marketing manager. Based on DDC’s field-proven, industry standard enhanced mini-ACE architecture, the new BU-65590U includes high-level C Application Programming Interface (API) library software that supports all advanced architectural features, and driver support for Windows 2000 and Windows XP for MIL-STD-1553 and ARINC 429 functionality. Sophisticated yet user-friendly library functions abstract all register accesses and memory allocation; no specific hardware knowledge is necessary.
Source: www.airforce-technology.com

Chemical, Biological, Radiological And Nuclear (CBRN) Terrorism
A starting point for a broad ranging look into Threat Scenarios, Detection, Super Diseases, BZ Gas, Anthrax, Botulism, Ebola, Glanders, Hantavirus, Pneumonic Plague, Ricin, Small Pox, Tularemia, Typhoid, VX Gas, Tabun-Sarin-Soman.
Source: www.TheWednesdayReport.com

New ‘Transformer-Like’ TALON MAARS Robot Debuts at AUSA
QinetiQ North America announced today that its Foster-Miller, Inc. subsidiary is introducing a totally new, ‘transformer-like’ robotic platform at AUSA, the US Army’s annual meeting and exhibition (October 8-10, Washington DC, booth 3443). The company’s latest innovation in robotics introduces a new modular design to its popular line of TALON and SWORDS robots for military and first responders. The current TALON robot is designed with a manipulator arm and gripper for identification and neutralization of roadside bombs and related tasks. Similarly, the SWORDS robot is fitted with an M249 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW) for use by infantry forces to secure checkpoints and to conduct armed reconnaissance. Now Foster Miller’s newest military robot, named MAARS (Modular Advanced Armed Robotic System), is modular in design, uses the more powerful M240B medium machine gun and has significant improvements in command and control, situational awareness, maneuverability, mobility, lethality, and safety compared to its SWORDS predecessor. The purpose-built MAARS chassis provides a uni-body frame with easier battery and electronics accessibility. Other features include a larger payload bay and higher torque, creating faster ground speeds and improved braking. The new digital control unit significantly improves command and control and situational awareness for the operator, resulting in greater safety margins. The complete system weighs about 350 pounds. The weaponized version of the MAARS robot is on display this week at the AUSA annual meeting. MAARS will also come with a new manipulator arm which has a nominal 100lb lift capability. The arm can quickly replace the turret mounted M240B weapon, transforming it from a remote weapons platform for force protection to an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) identification and neutralization asset. The MAARS robot will not only permit units to employ multiple mission payloads, production of common chassis and digital control units will also lead to economies of scale, resulting in lowered customer costs. “Foster-Miller is proud to introduce the new MAARS robot to the US Military personnel who risk their lives every day defending our freedom” said Dr William Ribich, President of QinetiQ North America’s Technology Solutions Group. “The challenge before us now isn’t technological in nature, but rather the widespread training of our forces to use this greatly enhanced robotic capability.” ABOUT FOSTER-MILLER Foster-Miller, Inc., now part of QinetiQ North America, is a technology and product development company with an international reputation for delivering innovative products and systems that perform under the most demanding conditions. Foster-Miller is certified to Aerospace Quality Management Standard AS9100 and has SW-CMM Level 3 software certification from the Software Engineering Institute at Carnegie Mellon University. ABOUT QINETIQ NORTH AMERICA QinetiQ North America provides world-class technology and responsive solutions to US government customers. More than 5,500 engineers and technologists work in partnership with customers to develop innovative technology solutions to meet the challenges of national defense, homeland security and information access. QinetiQ North America is part of QinetiQ Group plc, a leading international defense and security technology business.
Source: www.army-technology.com

Remembering Yoni Netanyahu
— Remembering IDF’s daring 1976 rescue of Jewish hostages held at Entebbe, Uganda — Washington Denounces Slaying of Korean Man — Washington Responds Firmly to “Torture” Allegations
Source: www.TheWednesdayReport.com

Department of National Defence wrongly foists blame on Hewlett Packard
It started out as Information Technology (IT) support contracts enduring from FY 2000/2001 through FY 2002/2003, issued to what is now Hewlett-Packard Canada Co. (HP Canada) by the Government of Canada on behalf of the Department of National Defence (DND). –|– Canada to Assist Restoration of Mesopotamian Marshes in Iraq — U.S. Brigade Moving from S. Korea to Iraq — DoD Fixes Guantanamo Detainee Rights Criticisms — Nerve Agent Sarin in Iraqi Roadside Munition — Canadian Government To Clean Contaminated Sites — U.S. Full Tilt For June 30 Iraq Hand-Over — Canadian Troops in Afghanistan Get a Few Laughs — ATA Airlines’ Latest 737 Hits the Record Books — Study Shows Passengers Prefer Smaller Aircraft — and much more
Source: www.TheWednesdayReport.com

MSA expands Body Armor Line with Acquisition
North Carolina company provides new opportunities for growth in military and law enforcement markets MSA has purchased Paraclete Armor and Equipment, Inc of St Pauls, NC, a rapidly growing innovator and developer of advanced ballistic body armor used by military personnel. Paraclete Armor, which employs approximately 200 people and had annual revenues of US$16 million in 2005, will continue to operate from its North Carolina base of operations. The acquisition, according to John T Ryan III, MSA chairman and CEO, immediately enhances MSA’s existing line of ballistic body armor products and strategically positions the company to seek out new sales opportunities in both the military and law enforcement markets. Paraclete Armor and Equipment was founded in 1998 by Tim D’Annunzio, a former member of the elite US Army parachute team, the Golden Knights. With first-hand knowledge of soldier needs and preferences in ballistic protection, Mr D’Annunzio’s efforts have focused on developing tactical vests and load bearing equipment that allow users to more efficiently and safely carry weapons, communications, medical and safety equipment. The company currently holds multiple patents on various vest designs, including a unique cut-away vest system that enables the vest to be removed by the wearer in seconds. The company’s most recent product development - the AV2007 tactical body armor system - represents the next generation of advanced body armor. The vest features a modular design that allows 23 vest configurations, enabling users to tailor the degree of protection based on specific mission or task requirements. The vest employs state-of-art materials for enhanced protection against fragmentation and small arms projectiles.
Source: www.army-technology.com

Terrorist Warning From U.S. Attorney General
Comment: A ‘new’ Terrorist Warning repeats what we knew already. — Afghanistan’s new Army and its soldiers are earning kudos. — Boeing 7E7 in second phase of wind tunnel tests — British Colombia’s Avcorp Grows Employment with new Bombardier Deal — Two Big U.S. Events on Saturday (May 29) will get TOP SECURITY: WWII War Memorial Opening — and — the commissioning of the U.S. Navy’s 41st Arleigh-Burke-class Destroyer at Pascagoula, Mississippi. — and much more
Source: www.TheWednesdayReport.com

NATO ponders power rail for infantry weapons

Source: www.newsisfree.com

Fugitive Taliban leader Mullah Mohammad Omar has used the holiest Muslim holiday of the year to warn that his men will intensify their fighting in Afghanistan to “surprising” levels to drive out foreign infidels.
Source: www.defencetalk.com

Force May Be Needed To Guard Lebanese Airspace: UN
U.N. peacekeepers may at some point resort to force to prevent repeated Israeli violations of Lebanese airspace, the commander of the U.N. force in southern Lebanon
Source: www.defencetalk.com

Croatia Gets New Boost For 2008 NATO Entry Bid
Croatia won new backing for its bid to enter NATO in 2008 on Oct. 19 when conservative leaders from around Europe joined Washington in urging an alliance summit next month to begin steps to welcome it in.
Source: www.defencetalk.com

Breakthrough as Sri Lanka rebels agree to peace talks
Sri Lanka’s Tamil Tiger rebels agreed to attend peace talks with the government this month in a breakthrough announcement after a week of bloody attacks left over 250 dead.
Source: www.defencetalk.com

Canada presses NATO to do more in Afghanistan
Canada is pressing other NATO countries to send more troops to Afghanistan and lift restrictions on the soldiers already stationed there
Source: www.defencetalk.com

China Holds Its Biggest Anti-Terrorism Exercises: Report
China on Oct. 19 wrapped up its biggest-ever anti-terrorism exercises, which involved over 2,700 policemen and soldiers, state press said.
Source: www.defencetalk.com

Source: www.newsisfree.com

ADV: LaFraise.com, purveyor of mighty fine t-shirts
Lafraise is a 500 items limited tshirts editor. It offers to graphists, designers a visual permanently contest and, for the winners, offers 1000 to print the tshirt. The purpose is finally to produce, sell the most appreciate visuals according to the visitors vote.
Source: www.lafraise.com

Canada Overhauls Homeland Security
It Is Time To ‘Fish or Cut Bait’ on Global Security: Canada must make a contribution in Iraq. — Canada Dramatically Alters Security Posture — Highlights of New Canadian Security Policy — Corrupt “Oil For Food” Under U.N. Investigation — Anan says ‘Don’t blame U.N. and the Secretariat’ — 1st Challenger 300 Delivered To Corporate User — U.S. Navy Awards Atlantis SAITS Contract — and much more
Source: www.TheWednesdayReport.com

Rice orders increased oversight of security contractors in Iraq

Source: www.newsisfree.com

NATO ponders power rail for infantry weapons

Source: www.newsisfree.com

Swiss election highlights social divides

Source: www.newsisfree.com

Australia’s DSTO unveils weaponised robot

Source: www.newsisfree.com

Sovereignty Handover Within the Month
Terrorists Plot To Foil Iraq’s New Freedom — U.S. President Bush speaks of resolve to hand over sovereignty to Iraqi Citizens, on schedule — Boeing 7E7 gets Collins Avionics — The true horror of Abu Ghraib is nothing to do with naughty American soldiers nor naked hazings
Source: www.TheWednesdayReport.com

High stakes: contestants jostle for BAMS UAV award

Source: www.newsisfree.com

The Psychoanalytic Roots of Islamic Terrorism
What kind of culture produces human bombs, glorifies mass murderers? — Abu Ghraib prison custodians in Iraq commit atrocities. Some recent images from Iraq are gruesome as hell. Others are outrageous. — U.N. Participation in Iraq Taking Form — Canadian Troops to Stay in Haiti — Bremer: Security in Iraq — and much more
Source: www.TheWednesdayReport.com

What kind of culture produces human bombs, glorifies mass murderers? — Abu Ghraib prison custodians in Iraq commit atrocities. Some recent images from Iraq are gruesome as hell. Others are outrageous. — U.N. Participation in Iraq Taking Form — Canadian Troops to Stay in Haiti — Bremer: Security in Iraq — and much more
Source: www.TheWednesdayReport.com

HJT-36 Sitara Intermediate Jet Trainer
The intermediate jet trainer, designated HJT-36, is known in India as the Sitara (’Star’). Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) started design work on the intermediate jet trainer in 1997. The concept was initially developed as a successor to the successful Kiran trainer for the Indian Air Force and Navy. HAL was awarded a contract in 1999 by the government of the Republic of India for the completion of development, testing and certification of two prototype IJT aircraft. “The intermediate jet trainer, designated HJT-36, is known in India as the Sitara (’Star’).” In February 2003, a contract for an initial 16 trainers for the Indian Air Force was placed. An Indian Air Force demand for 200 to 250 aircraft is envisaged with a market potential for higher numbers. Two prototype aircraft have been built. Over 280 flights have been completed by the aircraft. The HJT-36 is scheduled to enter service with the Indian Air Force in 2008. Construction of the first prototype, the S3466, started in 2002 and it completed its first flight in March 2003. The second prototype aircraft, the S3474, completed its first flight in March 2004. The HJT-36 took part in the air display at Farnborough International Air Show in 2006. At the Aero-India air show in February 2007 in Bangalore, whilst taking part in the air display, the first prototype crashed on the runway when taking off. The aircraft provides high-speed training for pilots entering level II training. The maximum operating speed is Mach 0.8 and the g-limits are from +7g to ‐2.5g. The service ceiling for the trainer is 12,000m (39,370ft). HJT-36 DESIGN The aircraft is of light alloy and composite construction, using a conventional low wing design with a sweptback wing of 9.8m span and 18 leading edge sweepback. About a quarter of the aircraft’s line replaceable units are common with the HAL Tejas trainer aircraft. The aircraft is fitted with hydraulically retractable tricycle-type landing gear. The single-wheeled main units retract inward and the twin nose wheel unit retracts forward. TRAINING COCKPIT The cockpit uses a conventional tandem two-seat configuration with the trainee pilot forward and the instructor in the raised seat to the rear. The single-piece canopy gives the pilots good, all-round vision. The seats are lightweight zero-zero ejection seats, model K-36LT manufactured by Zvesda. The pilots have both conventional and manual flight controls. “The HJT-36 is scheduled to enter service with the Indian Air Force in 2008.” The aircraft has a full glass cockpit and digital avionics. The cockpit layout conforms to the style of current-generation combat aircraft. Smiths Aerospace was contracted to supply the integrated avionics system, which includes open systems architecture mission computer, an Attitude and Heading Reference System (AHRS) and air data computers. The cockpits are equipped with active matrix liquid crystal displays supplied by Thales. The instructor’s station in the rear cockpit has a data entry display panel. The avionics suite includes a head-up display and head-up display repeater unit supplied by Elop. The aircraft has cockpit communications and dual VHF and UHF communications. HJT-36 WEAPONS The aircraft has five external hardpoints for the carrying weapon systems. There is one centreline hardpoint under the fuselage and two weapon pylons under each wing for carrying rocket and gun pods and bombs. The maximum external payload is 1,000kg. TURBOFAN ENGINE The ITJ engine is installed in the rear section of the fuselage and fitted with a bifurcated air intake. The aircraft carries 1,150l, 917kg of usable fuel in the fuselage and wing tanks. The prototype aircraft are powered by a Snecma Larzac 04-H-20 turbofan non-afterburning engine developing 14.12kN. “Two prototype HJT-36 Sitara aircraft have been built.” In the summer of 2004, Hindustan Aeronautics announced the selection of the Saturn AL-55 turbofan engine rated at 16.68kN for the production series intermediate jet trainer. The AL-55 engine is being developed by NPO Saturn and produced at the Ufa Engineering Building Association (UMPO) in Russia. An agreement between the governments of India and Russia for the licensed production of the AL-55I engine in India was reached in August 2005. The agreement included assistance in setting up the AL-55I production facilities at HAL’s aeroengineering centre at Koraput. The aircraft is fitted with a 9kW starter generator and two nickel cadmium 43Ah batteries.
Source: www.airforce-technology.com

Land Mines Removal Technology - A White Paper Library
An anti-personnel mine is an explosive device designed to maim or kill the person who triggers it. Mines are indiscriminate in terms of target and time. They go on killing and maiming-soldiers and civilians, men and women, adults and children alike-decades after the fighting has ended.
Source: www.TheWednesdayReport.com

Replacing Marine One
Replacing the Venerable Sea King - Marine One. (MV-22 - VH-60Ns - US101 - S-92A) Either new-build helicopter, the EH Industries EH101 or the Sikorsky S-92 meet the specs. and could do the mission admirably. When its time arrives, this will be a substantial procurement by a truly excellent client which needs a significant number of airframes as well as life-time support for the largest flying unit of the U.S. Marine Corp. Needless to say, even without a selection/decision date competition is already fierce and controversial in many circles.
Source: www.TheWednesdayReport.com

Allen-Vanguard Expert to Speak at NBC Conference
Rob Wenham, CBRN product manager at Allen-Vanguard, has been selected to speak at the 2007 NBC International Conference and Exhibition, entitled CBRNE: Readiness, Response, and Remediation. Experts from across the globe have been invited to talk about a range of significant CBRNE subjects, including threat assessment, emerging decontamination techniques and civilian responses. Rob’s session, From Anthrax 2001 to Remediation, will focus on ‘Amerithrax’ - the wave of high profile anthrax attacks in America, and an examination of what can be learnt from the decontamination of public assets. The event will run from the 30th to the 31st of October at the NBC Training School in Sonthofen, Germany. Running alongside the speakers’ presentations will be an exhibition of associated CBRNE mitigation equipment and an optional workshop. Rob joined Allen-Vanguard, which specialises in internal security, earlier this year. Before that he was a member of the London Metropolitan Police’s Dedicated CBRN Unit (DCU). “Analysis of how key incidents were handled in the past is vital,” commented Rob. “It plays an important role in informing the development of preventative measures and response strategies surrounding similar incidents in the future.”
Source: www.army-technology.com

Sandisk Launches Solid State Drive for Low-Cost PC Market
Sandisk launches solid state drive for low-cost PC market to stimulate education programs in the developing world Joining global efforts to bring affordable personal computers to millions of people in developing nations, SanDisk Corporationtoday announced the uSSD 5000 solid state drive (SSD), which can be used as an economical substitute for hard disk drives in sub-US$250 PCs. Among the first computers using uSSD solid state drives will be the Intel-powered classmate PC, intended for educational markets in emerging nations. The announcement was made at IFA, the world’s largest consumer electronics show, where SanDisk is exhibiting at Booth 130, in Hall 15.1 of Messe Berlin, through Sept. SanDisk’s uSSD 5000 solid state drive is a USB module designed to be embedded directly onto the motherboard of low-cost PCs as a hard disk replacement. The uSSD 5000 solid state drive supports a variety of operating systems, including Microsoft’s Windows XP Professional, Windows XP Embedded, Windows Embedded for Point of Service and Windows CE, as well as Linux. The uSSD 5000 solid state drive is expected to be available in capacities from 2 gigabytes (GB)1 to 8 GB. This is the first SSD product from SanDisk to be offered with SanDisk’s patented multi-level cell (MLC) technology. MLC technology doubles data- storage capacities in the same physical space as single-level cell (SLC) technology, resulting in significant cost savings. “The low-cost educational PC category is an emerging market for flash storage where low cost, ruggedness and low power consumption will be the primary factors for broad-based adoption,” said Greg Rhine, senior vice president and general manager of the Consumer Products Division at SanDisk. “At 2GB, the uSSD 5000 solid state drive delivers the necessary storage capacity for low-cost PCs at significantly less cost than conventional hard drives, while meeting performance and reliability requirements for this market. We are proud to have been chosen for the Intel-powered classmate PC, a product that demonstrates how inexpensive SSDs can contribute to the worthy cause of improving education in the developing world.” Compared to conventional hard disk drives, SanDisk’s uSSD 5000 solid state drives are advantageous in low-cost PCs for a variety of reasons: Cost Effectiveness - uSSD 5000 solid state drives at 2GB are significantly less expensive than even the lowest-capacity conventional hard disk drives. Future generations of flash memory will usher in higher storage capacities at the requisite price points Ruggedness - With no moving parts, SanDisk’s uSSD 5000 solid state drives are a perfect fit for kid’s classroom wear-and-tear. The durability of uSSD 5000 solid state drives surpasses mechanical hard disk drives Reliability - SanDisk’s uSSD 5000 solid state drives deliver high reliability based on advanced flash management technology including powerful error detection and correction algorithms Small - At 27×38mm, uSSD 5000 solid state drives are about one-fourth the size of 1.8-inch hard disk drives Strong Performance - uSSD 5000 solid state drives with MLC technology offer performance more than sufficient for the low cost PC market. SanDisk uSSD 5000 solid state drives are expected to be available for customer sampling in 30 days, with volume availability expected in the fourth quarter, in capacities ranging from one to eight gigabytes. In addition to the uSSD 5000 brand, SanDisk offers other SSD products in 4-, 8-, 16-, 32- and 64-GB capacities. SanDisk is the original inventor of flash storage cards and is the world’s largest supplier of flash data storage card products, using its patented, high-density flash memory and controller technology. SanDisk is headquartered in Milpitas, California, and has operations worldwide, with more than half its sales outside the US. 1.1 gigabyte (GB) = 1 billion bytes 1 megabyte (MB) = 1 million bytes.
Source: www.airforce-technology.com

AEI Systems
AEI Systems (AEIS) were formed in 1961 to provide specialised support for land, sea and air platforms worldwide (platform spares and weapon spares). Our core business is the support of small and medium calibre weapon systems on all types of platform. With a factory measuring 12,000ft and offices measuring 3,000ft in the UK, our facility has full section 5 clearance. AEIS offer the full design, development and manufacture of weapon systems along with trials, support, technical publications, maintenance, repair and spares worldwide. WEAPON AND VEHICLE MOUNTS AEIS design, manufacture and support a full range of products for armoured fighting vehicles, including: Sentinels Sentinel PWSs Odins Metsmans Helio FVC110s Thales Cupolas Thales FVT114s AEIS have a full sole licensing agreement to market and manufacture the ex-Helio / TAVFS range of weapon mounts and miscellaneous electro-mechanical sub-systems. AEIS’ vehicle product range includes: Front bumper assemblies Lightweight towbar assembly Ratclaw combat rescue device Transparent armour Clear gun shields Full gunners protection kits Night vision light bars Spare wheel and tyre carrier GUN AND COMPONENT SERVICING Customers’ complete gun and components are rebuilt and serviced at AEIS’ modern UK plant, utilising the latest techniques and standards. During this process, each component is critically examined and, where necessary, replaced with a new component prior to rebuild, proof and acceptance test firing. AEIS high inventory level of shelf repairs, combined with our computerised information guarantee fast order processing and minimum turnaround times. These factors assist AEIS in the achievement of a recognised reputation on an international level, for the highest standards of customer service. AEIS can also supply customers and end users with complete technical publications, including air publications, operators’ manuals, maintenance manuals, illustrated parts catalogues and animated interactive software / teaching manuals. FIRE MONITORING AND INSTRUMENT TRIALS AEIS offer an extensive range of equipment associated with fire products. Instrumental trials record a wide variety of data collected by various means, for example, Skyscreens monitor projectile velocity and rate of fire. AEIS also has the capacity to monitor weapon dynamics with kinematic equipment, which utilises rotary and linear displacement transducers linked to a kinematic computer. Here, recordings are captured every 4 s. The results are analysed using DaDiSP software. AEIS offer complete spares support, upgrades and supply of the following weapon types: Aden 30mm cannons Miniguns Aden 25mm cannons DEFA 30mm cannons M39A2 / A3 20mm cannons WEAPON SYSTEMS DESIGN AEIS have years of specialist experience in the design of weapons, weapon systems and associated ground support equipment. This ability is further enhanced by use of 2-D and 3-D CAD software packages. At AEIS, we pride ourselves not only on our ability to customise our ‘off-the-shelf’ products, but also to design from new systems scratch to suit customer specific requirements in a timely and effective manner. Care is taken throughout or design phase to ensure that we address important areas such as supportability through the life of a product. This optimises availability and reduces lifecycle costs.
Source: www.army-technology.com