Successful sensor installation is important, as it directly affects how the sensor will perform. If conducted incorrectly, it could seriously degrade the data received and collective system performance. This is especially pertinent for three-component (3C) seismic sensors that have the additional parameters of orientation and leveling in addition to the need to be well-coupled to the surrounding media.

Understanding RF, especially microwave switching, can be a challenge. In many cases, test systems have been compromised because a test engineer did not consider all the components of their test system: instruments, switching, cabling, Mass Interconnect (test fixture interface), fixture design, and so on. Each component has its own set of characteristics. With RF and microwave components, effects including insertion loss, VSWR, bandwidth, and so on all need to be considered as well.

In the Heinrich Hertz satellite mission, which will be launched in 2020, the DLR Space Administration (German Aerospace Center) plans to develop and operate a German communications satellite. The chief objective of the mission is the scientific validation and testing of payload technologies in space.

A jet engine is the very definition of “mission-critical.” A critical failure could cause a serious accident that endangers hundreds of lives. To prevent this from happening, manufacturers perform extensive testing on jet engine components, systems, and manufacturing processes.

Active imaging systems offer the promise of significantly improved tactical performance compared to passive military systems operating in adverse ground, air, and underwater/ maritime environments. These improvements would include, but are not limited to:

Leonardo DRS, Inc.
Arlington, VA
703-416-8000
www.drs.com

Leonardo DRS, Inc. and partner Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. of Israel have successfully completed a lengthy live-fire qualification process for key elements of the lighter weight – but equally performing - TROPHY Vehicle Protection System (VPS).

Delta Digital Video
Horsham, PA
215-657-5270
www.deltadigitalvideo.com

Delta Digital Video, a division of Delta Information Systems Inc., was selected by L3 Technologies to deliver multiple Model 6880R Multi-Channel HD / SD Video Encoders in support of the mission and communication-navigation systems upgrade for the Royal New Zealand Air Force's fleet of P-3 Orion patrol aircraft.

Ruggedized Software Defined Radio Solutions

Pixus Technologies (Waterloo, Ontario) has developed ruggedized versions of commercial software defined radios. The RX310, the first in the series of small form factor ruggedized devices, utilizes the USRP software defined radios from Ettus Research, a National Instruments brand. The weatherproof enclosure features IP67 sealing for water and dust ingress. It is also designed for MIL-STD-810 for shock/vibration and MIL-STD-461 for EMI. The RX310 contains two extended bandwidth daughterboard slots covering 10 MHz – 6 GHz with up to 160 MHz of baseband bandwidth, dual 1/10 GigE high-speed interfaces, and a large user-programmable Kintex-7 FPGA. The unit is 302mm wide × 400mm long × 98mm tall with conduction-cooled fins for heat dissipation.

3M
St. Paul, MN
888-364-3577
www.3M.com/Defense

Military and police forces across the world require cutting-edge protection to match an ever-evolving range of operational environments. Ceradyne, Inc., a 3M company, designed the new 3M Ballistic Helmet F70 that combines a high level of protection with low weight for maximum flexibility in military combat missions, special forces operations and law enforcement tactical operations.

Meggitt Training Systems
Suwanee, GA
678-288-1090
www.meggitttrainingsystems.com

Meggitt Training Systems, a provider of integrated live-fire and virtual weapons training products and services for armed forces and law enforcement, recently introduced the FATS 300MIL immersive weapons training system.