OpenVPX enables tightly coupled FPGA and CPU processing for unmanned EW platforms - Military Embedded Systems
Putting together payload sensors on an unmanned platform with reasonable cost and flexibility requires standardized interfaces. OpenVPX provides capabilities better than Ethernet.
Sunday, September 29, 2013
Articles: Obamacare -- the View from California
Articles: Obamacare -- the View from California
There is much uncertainty particularly for low income or part time youth with pre-existing conditions who can't get health coverage coming off their parents plan at age 26 for whom this is really their only choice. When I look at the plans on the web site, they are not very good financial deals, particularly for healthy young people. They will be very tempted to go without coverage, pay the fine or direct provider bills until they have a major problem, and then sign up (no pre-existing condition limits). They are all (even the gold/platinum plans) HMO's with substantial copays. The subsidy appears to be less than what I was getting from my employer contribution.
Covered California Website
There is much uncertainty particularly for low income or part time youth with pre-existing conditions who can't get health coverage coming off their parents plan at age 26 for whom this is really their only choice. When I look at the plans on the web site, they are not very good financial deals, particularly for healthy young people. They will be very tempted to go without coverage, pay the fine or direct provider bills until they have a major problem, and then sign up (no pre-existing condition limits). They are all (even the gold/platinum plans) HMO's with substantial copays. The subsidy appears to be less than what I was getting from my employer contribution.
Covered California Website
Job Market Embraces Massive Online Courses - WSJ.com
Job Market Embraces Massive Online Courses - WSJ.com
I think the systems engineering education system is already evolving to MOOC mode. UCSD extension systems engineering certificate is already totally online.
MIT provides free open online EoS. MIT Classes in engineering systems are the best collection I know of. See
http://ocw.mit.edu/courses/engineering-systems-division/
GWU provides mostly online enrolled paid program for Systems Engineering through PhD. See: http://www.emse.seas.gwu.edu/current/graduate/index.html
INCOSE provides a list of short course and academic programs (mostly brick and mortar) at http://www.incose.org/educationcareers/shortcourses.aspx
I think the systems engineering education system is already evolving to MOOC mode. UCSD extension systems engineering certificate is already totally online.
MIT provides free open online EoS. MIT Classes in engineering systems are the best collection I know of. See
http://ocw.mit.edu/courses/engineering-systems-division/
GWU provides mostly online enrolled paid program for Systems Engineering through PhD. See: http://www.emse.seas.gwu.edu/current/graduate/index.html
INCOSE provides a list of short course and academic programs (mostly brick and mortar) at http://www.incose.org/educationcareers/shortcourses.aspx
Why Self-Driving Cars are Years Away
As with airborne autonomous vehicles, the problems of law and liability may be tougher to solve than the technology problems. Perhaps it will take prolonged demonstration of its reliability as a driver/pilot aid before unmanned autonomous vehicle technology will be accepted into the civilian sphere.
Iran unveiled Shahed 129 UCAV
The Islamic Republic of Iran has launched the mass-production of the indigenously developed Shahed 129 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), which was unveiled in September 2012, the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) announced. The drone was displayed recently in an armed configuration, carrying four guided missiles (Sadid) loaded on two twin-launchers, carried underwing.
Friday, September 27, 2013
UAS Airspace Operations Challenge
UAS Airspace Operations Challenge
Several vendors, including Sierra Nevada and General Atomics have been working on UAV sense and avoid for some time. I wonder if they will compete. Early registration opens 11/14/2013. The test scenario looks like something from RTCA 203. I assume FAA and RTCA will participate.
Phase 1 of the Challenge is scheduled to be held April 28 - May 2, 2014 and Phase 2 of the Challenge will follow approximately one year after a team has successfully met the requirements of the Phase 1 event. Phase 1 of the Challenge focuses on important aspects of safe ground and airspace operations, robustness to system failures, and seeks to encourage competitors to get an early start on developing some of the skills critical to Phase 2.
Several vendors, including Sierra Nevada and General Atomics have been working on UAV sense and avoid for some time. I wonder if they will compete. Early registration opens 11/14/2013. The test scenario looks like something from RTCA 203. I assume FAA and RTCA will participate.
Phase 1 of the Challenge is scheduled to be held April 28 - May 2, 2014 and Phase 2 of the Challenge will follow approximately one year after a team has successfully met the requirements of the Phase 1 event. Phase 1 of the Challenge focuses on important aspects of safe ground and airspace operations, robustness to system failures, and seeks to encourage competitors to get an early start on developing some of the skills critical to Phase 2.
US relocates drones airfield after Djibouti crashes
US relocates drones airfield after Djibouti crashes
Will spend $13M at new base, but continue to spend $880M at old base.
After complaints that the Predators and Reapers were crashing too often and could interfere with civil air traffic or block runways, the US military will move its drone fleet from Camp Lemonnier to Chabelley airfield, about 10 kilometers southwest of the capital, according to a document from Congress authorizing defense spending for 2014.
Lawmakers are "aware that the government of Djibouti mandated that operations of remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) cease from Camp Lemonnier, while allowing such operations to relocate to Chabelley Airfield, Djibouti," it said. The decision to shift flights to Chabelley raised questions about Pentagon plans to spend $880 million to improve the infrastructure at Camp Lemonnier. The US government plans to invest $13 million for infrastructure at Chabelley airfield to support the drone flights, according to the document. But lawmakers wrote that they remained concerned about how operations at the new location would be sustained over the long-term and at what cost.
Here's a better article from the Washington Post cited by Pat Filbert that talks about the airspace aspect:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/drone-safety-concerns-force-us-to-move-large-fleet-from-camp-lemonnier-in-djibouti/2013/09/24/955518c4-213c-11e3-a03d-abbedc3a047c_story.html
Washington Post National Security Djibouti Move
Will spend $13M at new base, but continue to spend $880M at old base.
After complaints that the Predators and Reapers were crashing too often and could interfere with civil air traffic or block runways, the US military will move its drone fleet from Camp Lemonnier to Chabelley airfield, about 10 kilometers southwest of the capital, according to a document from Congress authorizing defense spending for 2014.
Lawmakers are "aware that the government of Djibouti mandated that operations of remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) cease from Camp Lemonnier, while allowing such operations to relocate to Chabelley Airfield, Djibouti," it said. The decision to shift flights to Chabelley raised questions about Pentagon plans to spend $880 million to improve the infrastructure at Camp Lemonnier. The US government plans to invest $13 million for infrastructure at Chabelley airfield to support the drone flights, according to the document. But lawmakers wrote that they remained concerned about how operations at the new location would be sustained over the long-term and at what cost.
Here's a better article from the Washington Post cited by Pat Filbert that talks about the airspace aspect:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/drone-safety-concerns-force-us-to-move-large-fleet-from-camp-lemonnier-in-djibouti/2013/09/24/955518c4-213c-11e3-a03d-abbedc3a047c_story.html
Washington Post National Security Djibouti Move
NGC's SABR to Help Extend Viability of USAF F-16s Beyond 2025
NGC's SABR to Help Extend Viability of USAF F-16s Beyond 2025
And the other day we were told F-16's were on their last legs and only good for being converted to QF-16's. If you put SABR on a QF-16, and added a good data link, maybe you could make it a uav instead of just a drone.
http://www.asdnews.com/news-51168/NGC_s_SABR_to_Help_Extend_Viability_of_USAF_F-16s_Beyond_2025.htm
And the other day we were told F-16's were on their last legs and only good for being converted to QF-16's. If you put SABR on a QF-16, and added a good data link, maybe you could make it a uav instead of just a drone.
http://www.asdnews.com/news-51168/NGC_s_SABR_to_Help_Extend_Viability_of_USAF_F-16s_Beyond_2025.htm
Engineer, Balloonist Lindstrand: Google Loon a "Waste of Time" | DSLReports, ISP Information
Engineer, Balloonist Lindstrand: Google Loon a "Waste of Time" | DSLReports, ISP Information
http://www.dslreports.com/shownews/Engineer-Balloonist-Lindstrand-Google-Loon-a-Waste-of-Time-125936
It would be an interesting project for probing the atmosphere, but balloons and solar powered UAV's don't appear to be up to practically challenging satellites.
http://www.dslreports.com/shownews/Engineer-Balloonist-Lindstrand-Google-Loon-a-Waste-of-Time-125936
It would be an interesting project for probing the atmosphere, but balloons and solar powered UAV's don't appear to be up to practically challenging satellites.
Thursday, September 26, 2013
Patent WO2010016029A1 - Locating system based on noisy type waveforms - Google Patents
Questionable Gelati Patent: Appears to patent multistatic radar using noise/pn waveforms.
Patent WO2010016029A1 - Locating system based on noisy type waveforms - Google Patents
Patent WO2010016029A1 - Locating system based on noisy type waveforms - Google Patents
Locating system based on noisy type waveforms
WO 2010016029 A1
WO 2010016029 A1
Abstract
The present invention relates to a system for locating non-cooperating objects by means of a random or pseudo-random noisy type waveform generator, an amplifier, of said waveforms and an antenna which radiates them towards the object, which object generates an electromagnetic echo which is detected by a passive subsystem of antennas and receivers. The time delay and Doppler shift values are determined in the latter subsystem and in turn forwarded from encoding and modulating blocks to a central processor which estimates the position and the speed of the object. The passive subsystem receives, through a transmission channel or storage element, the reference signal which represents the transmitted noisy type waveform and uses it for calculating the bi-dimensional cross correlation (ambiguity function), which permits to estimate the time delay and the Doppler shift.
5 Retirement Distribution Pitfalls (and How to Work Around Them) from Morningstar
5 Retirement Distribution Pitfalls (and How to Work Around Them)
Distribution Pitfall 1: Not allowing for some variability in your withdrawals, based on need. Workaround: anticipate unanticipated expenditures.
Distribution Pitfall 2: Not adjusting distributions to account for market fluctuations. Workaround: Maintain a well-diversified asset mix, make adjustments during times of market duress.
Distribution Pitfall 3: Not reinvesting RMDs you don't need. RMD rules require that people initially withdraw less than 4% of assets at age 70 1/2, but distributions quickly step up into the 5%, 6%, and 7% range. Workaround: reinvest in a taxable account or reinvest RMDs in a Roth IRA, provided you or your spouse have enough earned income to cover your contribution amount.
Distribution Pitfall 4: Relying strictly on income-producing securities to meet income needs. Workaround: the bucket approach to retirement income own bonds and dividend-paying stocks also own other stock types, including those that don't pay dividends.
Distribution Pitfall 5: Neglecting to consider tax consequences of some distributions. Workaround: pay quarterly estimated taxes to avoid a penalty from the Internal Revenue Service. use tax-preparation software such as Turbotax.
Distribution Pitfall 1: Not allowing for some variability in your withdrawals, based on need. Workaround: anticipate unanticipated expenditures.
Distribution Pitfall 2: Not adjusting distributions to account for market fluctuations. Workaround: Maintain a well-diversified asset mix, make adjustments during times of market duress.
Distribution Pitfall 3: Not reinvesting RMDs you don't need. RMD rules require that people initially withdraw less than 4% of assets at age 70 1/2, but distributions quickly step up into the 5%, 6%, and 7% range. Workaround: reinvest in a taxable account or reinvest RMDs in a Roth IRA, provided you or your spouse have enough earned income to cover your contribution amount.
Distribution Pitfall 4: Relying strictly on income-producing securities to meet income needs. Workaround: the bucket approach to retirement income own bonds and dividend-paying stocks also own other stock types, including those that don't pay dividends.
Distribution Pitfall 5: Neglecting to consider tax consequences of some distributions. Workaround: pay quarterly estimated taxes to avoid a penalty from the Internal Revenue Service. use tax-preparation software such as Turbotax.
Justice Department spent nearly $5M on drones | Air Force Times | airforcetimes.com
Justice Department spent nearly $5M on drones | Air Force Times | airforcetimes.com
Says they have to get approval of FAA for each use against stationary targets only. The time lag must be substantial, and if I were a bad guy, I'd watch out for TFR notices in my vicinity.
Says they have to get approval of FAA for each use against stationary targets only. The time lag must be substantial, and if I were a bad guy, I'd watch out for TFR notices in my vicinity.
Auto routing and acoustic detection capabilities coming
AGI - InView Magazine
Interesting new feature of STK for mission planning supporting threat avoidance and acoustic detection.
Interesting new feature of STK for mission planning supporting threat avoidance and acoustic detection.
NASA and Homeland Security Test Radar for Locating Disaster Victims
NASA and Homeland Security Test Radar for Locating Disaster Victims
First responders can use FINDER radar uses microwave micro-doppler to locate individuals through heartbeat and breathing behind 10 meters of debris, 6 meters of solid concrete, or 30 meters free space.
First responders can use FINDER radar uses microwave micro-doppler to locate individuals through heartbeat and breathing behind 10 meters of debris, 6 meters of solid concrete, or 30 meters free space.
Kevlar for the Mind: Defining the keys to resilience | Air Force Times | airforcetimes.com
Kevlar for the Mind: Defining the keys to resilience | Air Force Times | airforcetimes.com
I like the characteristics of Resilient people identified in this article:
- Positive vs. negative. choose gratefulness over cynicism.
- Task-oriented. identify issues that can be changed and then change them. And when something can’t be changed, they learn to accept it.
- Flexible thinking. think on your feet and generate alternative solutions, thoughts and ideas
- Fitness and health. is maintaining adequate physical health and avoiding risks.
Caution Ahead: A Look at the Performance of the U.S. Transportation System
Seems to me the problems relate to lack of systems thinking and faulty allocation of costs. Privatizing if not done properly could exacerbate these problems. Transportation intermodal interfacing is a significant problem not addressed.
Face of Defense: Wounded Warrior Praises Family's Support
http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=120850
Army Col. Gregory D. Gadson a true warrior discusses the importance of the support of his family. He continues to serve.
Army Col. Gregory D. Gadson a true warrior discusses the importance of the support of his family. He continues to serve.
Astrium Zephyr solar powered UAS
Satnews Publishers: Daily Satellite News
operating at 70kft for weeks provides near satellite capability ISR.
operating at 70kft for weeks provides near satellite capability ISR.
School official tells students Trayvon Martin case proved it is 'legal to hunt' children | Fox News
School official tells students Trayvon Martin case proved it is 'legal to hunt' children | Fox News
As an alumnus of the University of Maryland, and a graduate with high honors, I think this email shows a lack of judgement on Professor Dorland's part, particularly when sent out as part of an official greeting from the dean to the honors students. Free speech would allow him to send it as a personal message, but this represents the school and state. He should be removed from his role as dean and sent back to study particles in the Physics lab.
As an alumnus of the University of Maryland, and a graduate with high honors, I think this email shows a lack of judgement on Professor Dorland's part, particularly when sent out as part of an official greeting from the dean to the honors students. Free speech would allow him to send it as a personal message, but this represents the school and state. He should be removed from his role as dean and sent back to study particles in the Physics lab.
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
ANALYSIS: Industry concerned about US Navy UCLASS requirements
ANALYSIS: Industry concerned about US Navy UCLASS requirements
Looks like I'm not the only one who saw this as a setup for GA-ASI UCLASS.
Looks like I'm not the only one who saw this as a setup for GA-ASI UCLASS.
Lockheed Martin and SAIC seek to share RF spectrum among radar and communications - Military & Aerospace Electronics
Lockheed Martin and SAIC seek to share RF spectrum among radar and communications - Military & Aerospace Electronics
This may be more political than technological. I remember proposing joint use of the Lynx radar on the Predator UAV for communications with soldiers on the battlefield and being told "that was not our job". It would have saved SWAP, bandwidth and increased local connectivity.
This may be more political than technological. I remember proposing joint use of the Lynx radar on the Predator UAV for communications with soldiers on the battlefield and being told "that was not our job". It would have saved SWAP, bandwidth and increased local connectivity.
Agilent Technologies to Separate into Two Industry-Leading Public Companies | 2013-09-20 | Microwave Journal
Agilent Technologies to Separate into Two Industry-Leading Public Companies | 2013-09-20 | Microwave Journal
I was just getting used to calling HP Agilent, and now the new Electronic Measurement Co. will be called "to be named later". I can understand the business split between medical and electronics, but wish the latter kept the Agilent name.
I was just getting used to calling HP Agilent, and now the new Electronic Measurement Co. will be called "to be named later". I can understand the business split between medical and electronics, but wish the latter kept the Agilent name.
Revolutionary EW technology to detect and counter emerging radar threats | 2013-09-20 | Microwave Journal
Revolutionary EW technology to detect and counter emerging radar threats | 2013-09-20 | Microwave Journal
Sounds like AI and clustering techniques for parameter estimation and ECM development. The next step is for radar ECCM to develop adaptive waveforms.
Sounds like AI and clustering techniques for parameter estimation and ECM development. The next step is for radar ECCM to develop adaptive waveforms.
Connected cars: Managing and securing data exchange and processing | EDN
Connected cars: Managing and securing data exchange and processing | EDN
Indeed, security is one of the first things I thought of with remotely controlled autos.
Indeed, security is one of the first things I thought of with remotely controlled autos.
iPhone map app directs Fairbanks drivers onto airport taxiway | Alaska Dispatch
iPhone map app directs Fairbanks drivers onto airport taxiway | Alaska Dispatch
a task for the FAA Runway Incursion Reduction Program.
BBC has a followup story showing Google maps providing correct directions.
Apple Maps flaw causes runway alerts http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-24246646
a task for the FAA Runway Incursion Reduction Program.
BBC has a followup story showing Google maps providing correct directions.
Apple Maps flaw causes runway alerts http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-24246646
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
The Aviationist » Crazy video from inside an unmanned F-16 during a supersonic test flight
The Aviationist » Crazy video from inside an unmanned F-16 during a supersonic test flight
Spooky video of first unmanned flight of QF-16 reclaimed from Davis Monthan AFB boneyard.
Boeing Video -- First QF-16 Drone
http://video.boeing.com/services/player/bcpid1173939806001?bckey=AQ~~,AAAAukPAlqE~,oAVq1qtdRjwBrIkHYj2MSytJiEK9s5fy&bclid=0&bctid=2684464741001
Spooky video of first unmanned flight of QF-16 reclaimed from Davis Monthan AFB boneyard.
Boeing Video -- First QF-16 Drone
http://video.boeing.com/services/player/bcpid1173939806001?bckey=AQ~~,AAAAukPAlqE~,oAVq1qtdRjwBrIkHYj2MSytJiEK9s5fy&bclid=0&bctid=2684464741001
Hackers Are Helping China Build Cheap Clones of America's Drones | Motherboard
Hackers Are Helping China Build Cheap Clones of America's Drones | Motherboard
Some UAV manufacturers worry more about proprietary protection than international espionage. China seems to be making a concerted effort to capture American IP.
Some UAV manufacturers worry more about proprietary protection than international espionage. China seems to be making a concerted effort to capture American IP.
Satmodo Customer Saves a Life with Satellite Phone Rental - Press Release - Digital Journal
Satmodo Customer Saves a Life with Satellite Phone Rental - Press Release - Digital Journal
Iridium saves the day again. I can remember having been in the high Sierras with a group member coming down with altitude sickness and really being helpless in the days before satphones.
Iridium saves the day again. I can remember having been in the high Sierras with a group member coming down with altitude sickness and really being helpless in the days before satphones.
Naval Open Source INTelligence: Tyndall Air Force Base Reports First Unmanned QF-1...
Naval Open Source INTelligence: Tyndall Air Force Base Reports First Unmanned QF-1...: The 82nd Aerial Targets Squadron and Boeing conducted the flight, which is the first step in a two year process to phase out the QF-4 Full S...
F-16 will probably make a good target.
F-16 will probably make a good target.
Monday, September 23, 2013
Iridium Satellite Phone Tips
Top 10 Iridium Satellite Phone Tips
Satellite phones are similar to cell phones, but there are many distinct differences and pitfalls; the following tips help you get the most out of your Iridium satellite phone dollar.
- Use the free incoming SMS - Iridium satellite phones offer free incoming text messages, using these can decrease your bill dramatically
- Send SMS to multiple phones at the same time.
- Use your Iridium phone to send email: You can send an email of up to 160 characters from your Iridium phone: Press Envelope key; Scroll down to 'Message Editor' and press 'OK'; Enter email address (to get '@' sign press the '1' key 7 times); Enter blank space by pressing '#' key twice; Enter your message; Select 'Send message' by pressing 'OK'; When asked for destination number enter '+*2' and press OK
- Get a mag mount antenna for car phone service if you didn't get one with the phone in a kit. Many satellite phone users get frustrated when they realize they cannot use their sat phones inside a vehicle. Solve that problem by getting a magnetic mount antenna for your Iridium phone. These antennas come in 1.5 or 5 meter lengths, custom lengths made to order.
- Use Iridium's 2-stage dialing system. Direct dialed incoming calls to Iridium phones are free for the Iridium user, but the person dialing your Iridium satellite phone may pay a hefty price. Because Iridium has its own country code (8816), every call to an Iridium phone is an international long distance call, and the rates go as high as $12 a minute! The Iridium 2-stage dialing system provides you with an Arizona phone number ( 480-768-2500 ). When you dial that number you will then be prompted for the Iridium number you want to call. Just enter that and you will be connected to the Iridium phone. The Iridium user will be deducted minute for minute (base rate $1.99 per minute) and you will pay the price of a regular US long distance call (about 5 cents a minute typically). Combined, this price is just $2.04 per minute instead of $12.
- Register faster. Sometimes you need to register fast. If the phone is slow to register, just hit the up-arrow (located bottom right of the keypad) then press '8'. This will force registration.
- Is your antenna loose? Because the regular antenna is removable it can cause problems. If the antenna gets loose then the phone will either not work or it will constantly drop calls. Remove the antenna and replace it as follows: Press and hold down the button above the antenna and the antenna is easily removed. Keep holding the button down and replace the antenna (you should never have to force it). Once the antenna is snugly in place, release the button. NOTE: Always perform this task with the antenna fully retracted and pointing straight down the back of the phone only.
- Dial 001 first - This sounds obvious, I know, but you should see the problems people with this one. When you want to call a US number from an Iridium phone start the call with 001 + area code + the number. Remember, Iridium has its own country code, so even if you are in California and you want to call a San Diego phone number, it is still an International Call.
- Toll Free Numbers won't work - Don't expect to be able to call a US Toll Free Number from your Iridium phone, it won't work. Just like it wouldn't work if you tried to call the same number from a Dublin payphone. Get the direct dial number before you leave town.
- Do not forward your cell or landline to your sat phone -Hardly any cell phones allow you to forward to such a long number anyway (think 011-8816-4144-XXXX and you see my point). But even if you can forward calls to a number that long, you will be paying international long distance on your cell phone bill to Iridium, does $12 a minute sound familiar? Just give your friends your sat phone number, or if you really like'em give'em the 2-stage dialing number.
Electricity storage how-to guide available
Electricity Storage How to Guide Available
Energy Storage Systems - Business
The book was created in collaboration with the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) and was funded by the Department of Energy’s Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability. A 10-member advisory panel representing all segments of the storage community guided the book’s development, including people from electric utilities, regulators, system vendors and industry associations.
Sandia news media contact: Stephanie Holinka, slholin@sandia.gov, (505) 284-9227
Energy Storage Systems - Business
Electricity storage how-to guide available
Sandia National Laboratories has released an updated handbook on energy storage, an internationally known resource for utilities, regulators and others interested in electricity storage and power generation.The book was created in collaboration with the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) and was funded by the Department of Energy’s Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability. A 10-member advisory panel representing all segments of the storage community guided the book’s development, including people from electric utilities, regulators, system vendors and industry associations.
Sandia news media contact: Stephanie Holinka, slholin@sandia.gov, (505) 284-9227
Radar challenges: T/R module testing comes up to speed | EDN
Radar challenges: T/R module testing comes up to speed | EDN
Increasing complexity is driving testing standards.
Increasing complexity is driving testing standards.
Sunday, September 22, 2013
UAVs Unleashed | 2013-08-15 | Microwave Journal
UAVs Unleashed | 2013-08-15 | Microwave Journal
Interesting overview of UAV technology. The Predator C payload may include the Lynx radar or an AESA radar, but I doubt you could fit both in the nose radome without using a pod and compromising RCS. The UCLASS variant of Predator C (Sea Avenger) may be larger. GA has reported work on an X band AESA for "due regard" or "sense and avoid" which would need to be cover the forward hemisphere to support the UCLASS mission.
The Lynx Ku band radar was actually originally designed by Sandia in the mid 90's, which has done several other SAR/GMTI radars since. It is not low RCS at all, with a large reflector dish, and its characteristic chirp emission is easily detected. Processing will need to be upgraded to handle the higher speed of a jet platform compared to the prop driven Predator A & B. GMTI, particularly at broadside squint, may have high MDV when operating at jet speed.
Interesting overview of UAV technology. The Predator C payload may include the Lynx radar or an AESA radar, but I doubt you could fit both in the nose radome without using a pod and compromising RCS. The UCLASS variant of Predator C (Sea Avenger) may be larger. GA has reported work on an X band AESA for "due regard" or "sense and avoid" which would need to be cover the forward hemisphere to support the UCLASS mission.
The Lynx Ku band radar was actually originally designed by Sandia in the mid 90's, which has done several other SAR/GMTI radars since. It is not low RCS at all, with a large reflector dish, and its characteristic chirp emission is easily detected. Processing will need to be upgraded to handle the higher speed of a jet platform compared to the prop driven Predator A & B. GMTI, particularly at broadside squint, may have high MDV when operating at jet speed.
Saturday, September 21, 2013
How Long Does Data Last On A Hard Drive?
magnetic domain fields, not charges are used to store data. It should be made clear that all writeable media have a retention problem. Hard drives and optical media both degrade over time. NASA had a problem a few years ago when they pulled out magnetic tapes on which the space program data had been stored, to find that most of them were unreadable. Hard drives have the additional problem of mechanical bearings, electronics, and interfaces which need to work. I think the only solution for data retention long term is continual refresh, rewrite, and media replacement. A better discussion of this problem can be found at:
http://serverfault.com/questions/51851/does-an-unplugged-hard-drive-used-for-data-archival-deteriorate
http://serverfault.com/questions/51851/does-an-unplugged-hard-drive-used-for-data-archival-deteriorate
DJI Phantom - Niagara Falls (+playlist)
phantastic video taken from a DJI Phantom of Niagara Falls. Certainly gives a fresh view of a well known wonder, and shows a good use of a small UAV
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Cessna Unveils Scorpion Military Jet
Cessna Unveils Military Jet
AVwebFlash
September 18, 2013
Cessna unveiled a twin-engine military interceptor/utility jet that CEO Scott Ernest told his local Rotary Club will diversify the company's product line and provide a relatively inexpensive alternative to traditional fighter aircraft in some roles.
The Scorpion was built in secret over the last 18 months by Cessna engineers at a facility in Wichita. It has a composite airframe and the engines were run for the first time last weekend.
"It's basically built..and we are hopefully going to fly it here in the next two to three weeks," Ernest is quoted by the Wichita Journal as telling the Rotarians. "It'll be good. It's just another opportunity for us to invest in the future."
Ernest told the gathering the aircraft will cost about $3,000 an hour to fly, about 10 percent of the cost of an F-35, and it will carry a big payload of military hardware. He did not specify what armament it might carry and instead stressed its potential role carrying sensors for data collection.
Besides the Air Force, Ernest said the aircraft might appeal to the National Guard. "It can be very effective within their stable of planes if they allow it to be and very reliable....It's a cheap alternative to flying some of the other product, so we'll see," Ernest was quoted as saying. A purchase price wasn't mentioned.
==========================
Comments from an AVweb Insider
The moment I saw the conceptual art on Cessna's new proposed twin-engine jet tactical aircraft, the Scorpion, three questions came immediately to mind.
- Is that thing stealthy? not likely, when combined with inexpensive and COTS
- Can it be pilot-optional? would likely make a reasonable UAS if you fit a satellite dish in the cockpit and up the endurance.
- And last, huh?
This is the sort of project you don't see much anymore, given the cost escalation and vast profit margins in modern weapons systems and the R&D dollars it takes to create them. The Pentagon has not asked for such an airplane, so if Cessna wants U.S. sales, it will be cold calling. Sales in the emerging world may be a different matter, however. The defense export business has proven profitable for many U.S. manufacturers. Still, things are a little different now. The countries with money -- Brazil, Russia, India, and China -- have their own emerging domestic aircraft industries and if light, cheap, and unsophisticated is the selling point, couldn't those countries roll their own and export the results? Cessna may be aiming to find out.
What the Scorpion is supposed to be is a cheap-to-operate, built-from-the-parts-bin reconnaissance and surveillance platform with some strike capability. But doesn't that describe the $4-million-a-pop Predator UAV, not to mention the next generation of drones we don't even know about? Is there really a need for a five-hour endurance jet to fly missions that UAVs are already doing?
With budget cuts looming, perhaps Cessna and AirLand are counting on the Pentagon getting religion on less expensive -- that's not the same as cheap -- weapons systems. Then again, when has it ever, at least recently? I suspect Cessna will need lots of friends in Congress to overcome the legions of supporters that Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman have cultivated over the years. Although it's sometimes forgotten, Cessna is no stranger to military aircraft. But its experience with the venerable A-37 Dragonfly, a Vietnam workhorse, is decades old. Textron (partnered with Boeing) does have military contracts in the V-22 Osprey and various subsystems. But Cessna was never in the league of a Lockheed, Grumman, or McDonnell Douglas in the military realm. Perhaps that's a market advantage. Plying the competitive civil market for so many years, Cessna has had to be efficient and fast-moving, bringing products to market on time and on budget, something not normally associated with military contractors. The F-35 comes to mind. In stepping out of the civil jet realm, Cessna is stretching. I hope it doesn't distract it further from interest in the lowly piston airplane, something that's fallen to a record low ebb.
But there's one good reason to cheer for the success of this project. If it puts more of Wichita back to work, that's a good thing.
Remember the Northrop Grumman F5 and F20. This would seem to be another such.
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