International Market

TMD Expands Power Supply and ECM Transmitter Portfolio

UK contractor Thorn Microwave Devices Ltd. (TMD) has expanded its power supply and electronic countermeasures (ECM) transmitter portfolio to include the models PTM6363, PTM6600, PTX7458 and PTX7459. The PTM6363 high voltage supply is intended for airborne applications and is configured to drive a single-depressed collector traveling-wave tube (TWT) with a cathode voltage of –33 kV at a duty cycle of up to one percent. The device weighs less than 19 kg, features an elastomer potted high voltage section and operates in the temperature range and altitudes of –54° to +55°C and up to 9144 m, respectively. The model PTM6600 device is a derivative of the company’s 1 kW pulse-switched-mode power supply that incorporates special logic definition of its external interface and has the ability to drive medium power ring loop or helix TWTs that are operable at a duty cycle of up to 10 percent. The PTX7458 and PTX7459 ECM transmitters are TWT-based devices designed for use as form-fit-function upgrades for existing devices in both airborne and naval applications. Each unit comprises a helix TWT and the company’s high voltage power supply (both are mounted on a liquid-cooled coldplate assembly). The PTX7458 pulse transmitter offers a 1 kW output over the 8 to 18 GHz frequency band at a duty cycle of up to four percent (in burst mode, a value of up to 50 percent is obtainable); the PTX7459 transmitter covers the same frequency range and provides a 200 W continuous-wave output. Both devices feature incorrect use or component failure protection for their respective TWTs together with radio frequency reverse power detection and protection, and incorporate interface circuitry for remote operation and monitoring.

AECMS System Developed for Australia and Canada

Australian contractor Air Affairs has developed a private venture 850 MHz to 18 GHz band Airborne Electronic Countermeasures Simulator (AECMS) system that may be a solution for electronic aggressor requirements in Australia and Canada. Installed in a modified Learjet 30 series business jet, the AECMS elements include a rack-mounted variant of UK contractor EW Simulation Technology’s Chameleon ECM simulator, a wing-mounted front-end pod (designated the Airpod 101 unit) and a belly-mounted array of reception antennas. The Chameleon ECM simulator is a digital, radio frequency, memory-based, real-time device that produces jamming techniques and real target echo stimuli for target radars. The modular unit features an industry-standard versa module Euro chassis, digital synthesisers and an embedded microprocessor techniques generator. Control of the simulator is via a PC running a Windows“ graphical user interface; parameters that are required to describe a selected jamming technique are entered via dialogue boxes. In addition, a daisy chain facility assists in the creation of repeating sequences of selected jamming modes. The Airpod 101 unit is derived from the MTR 101 target-towing pod and houses the system’s transmission antennas and associated RF components. As of press time, the AECMS system was undergoing test trials that would pit it against a New Zealand Kahu A-4K strike fighter and one of the country’s ANZAC class frigates.

Project Welcome Launched to Serve UK Forces

In an effort to make overseas troop deployments more palatable, the UK’s Ministry of Defence has launched Project Welcome. As part of the programme, UK forces serving overseas will be able to maintain regular contact with family and friends in the UK. Paradigm Secure Communications (PSC), a subsidiary of Franco-British contractor Matra Marconi Space, has been awarded a contract for the provision of satellite communications services for Project Welcome. The programme, which is expected to serve approximately 13,000 individuals stationed in Bosnia, East Timor, Kosovo and the Persian Gulf, will deploy PSC-supplied Welfare Communications Cabins (WCC) throughout various theatres of operations. Each WCC will incorporate privacy booths, commercial cordless and standard handsets, and a communications package that includes e-mail, voice mail and video conferencing facilities. Functionally, the system employs 2.4-m (diameter) vehicle-mounted terminals that act as a link for communications satellites in geosynchronous orbit. All of the traffic generated by the WCCs will be collected in a central management facility in the UK where it will be switched into the public telephone network. The architecture also incorporates the ability to make use of a range of terminal dish sizes and interoperability (where possible) with local telephone services. Where such a facility exists, Project Welcome users can dial a system-specific number to connect directly to the UK management facility.

SAMPSON Radar Selected for UK Type 45 Destroyer

British Aerospace Defence (BAE) Systems has been awarded a contract valued at more than £100 M from the UK Air Missile System (UKAMS), a subsidiary of Anglo-French contractor Matra British Aerospace Dynamics, for the final development, prototyping and initial production of E- and F-band (2 to 4 GHz) SAMPSON multifunction radar for use aboard UK Type 45 anti-air warfare destroyers. SAMPSON is part of the ship’s Principle Anti-air Missile System (PAAMS), which is currently under development for use aboard next-generation Italian and French vessels as well as UK Type 45 destroyers. The equipment itself incorporates a twin-faced, 4.6-tonne masthead antenna assembly that rotates at 30 rpm. Each of its array faces will be populated by approximately 2500 radiating elements, with each gallium arsenide transceiver module used providing four 10 W channels. Functionally, SAMPSON will offer long- and medium-range search, surface picture compilation, horizon search, high angle search-and-track, multiple target tracking and PAAMS fire control capabilities. Overall, approximately 11 SAMPSON radars are expected to be produced for use on the Type 45.

In addition to SAMPSON, the UK PAAMS variant also comprises the Aster 15 and 30 active homing surface-to-air missiles, a 48-cell SYLVER vertical launcher system, a command and control package, and the D-band (1 to 2 GHz) S1850M multibeam long-range surveillance radar. The Aster missiles used in the PAAMS system are capable of speeds and maneuvers in excess of Mach 4 and 50G, respectively. Aster 15 differs from the medium-range Aster 30 in that it is optimised for close-in, short-range engagements. When fitted to the Type 45, PAAMS is expected to counter a range of specified threats, including subsonic and supersonic sea-skimming missiles and high diving weapons. A similarly valued phase 2 contract for series production of the radar for the Type 45 fleet is expected to be awarded in the near future.

Siemens Expands Telecommunications Networks in Morocco and Spain

German electronics contractor Siemens AG has entered into an agreement with Moroccan mobile telephone operator Medi Telecom to supply a GSM 900 mobile communications network throughout northern, eastern and southern Morocco. Under the terms of the five-year contract, Siemens is expected to supply and install base stations and radio relay links during the programme’s first phase. Medi Telecom, Morocco’s second-largest mobile telecommunications provider, is jointly owned by the Banque Moracaine du Commerce Exterieur SA, Portugal’s Telecom International and Spain’s Telefonica Intercontinental. The contract is valued at approximately DM200 M.

In a second announcement, Siemens has also entered into an agreement with Spanish private carrier RSL COM to expand the company’s telephone network throughout Spain. In the first step, Siemens is expected to install digital electronic switching systems in seven Spanish cities. The network is scheduled to be completed by January 2000. Siemens intends to add intelligent network services and additional switches as the RSL COM network expands.