|
Palo Alto, Calif. -- December 10, 2003 – The collateral damage caused by carpet bombing has compelled the U.S. military to develop more precise air-to-surface missiles. This technology is based on a combination of radar sensors, global positioning systems, and inertial navigation systems.
Improving accuracy of munitions will not only minimize civilian casualties and infrastructure wreckage, but also reduce the number of weapons that need to be fired.
A major British aerospace company has developed a tiny, silicon ring-based inertial measurement unit, using micro-electro mechanical system (MEMS) technology, to help guide projectiles to their targets accurately.
"The main advantage of solid state measurement units over conventional gyroscope-based solutions is that they have a longer life, modest manufacturing costs, and higher reliability," says Frost & Sullivan Analyst Michael Valenti. "The silicon technology that these systems rely on also minimizes the size, weight, and power consumption of the units."
Since some of these MEMS devices are rugged enough to withstand acceleration forces exceeding 20,000 times the force of gravity, they are being incorporated into next-generation, shoulder-launched, anti-armor rockets for use by the British and Swedish forces. The U.S. Army and Marines will incorporate these guidance systems in their helicopter rockets, while the U.S. Navy will use them to improve the accuracy of ground support fire.
Britain's Royal Air Force and Royal Navy have been supplied with laser-guided, precision bomb systems that are not affected by bad weather or smoke. Their anti-jamming and anti-spoofing technologies maintain the intended projectile of the missiles and help minimize unwanted damage.
For small combat units, situational awareness is vital. WSI Corp's InFlight system, for example, was specifically designed as an in-flight decision support aid for pilots along with the company's high-quality weather information systems. Its lightweight receiver can operate at up to 55,000 feet at temperatures ranging from -20º to +70º centigrade.
Small, corporate aircraft have multi-function displays of important flight information including air traffic and terrain features that give pilots time to adjust their flight plan.
"Pilots and battlefield commanders have several satellite communication systems that link them to different military units," notes Valenti. "However, the U.S. government is looking to replace several of these bulky, complex systems."
The U.S. military intends to simplify aeronautical communications by developing digital tactical systems that are compact and simple. For instance, the all-digital receiver directly digitizes incoming radio-frequency signals to provide greater support to signal processing in diverse military applications.
A promising tactical communications system is the light and small heterojunction bipolar transistor, which can transmit information twice as fast as conventional transistors. The adaptability of the digital communications devices and clarity of audio are of immense use in military operations.
The Aerospace and Defense Technology Research Service is part of the Aerospace and Defense Vertical Subscription Service, which includes technological analysis on homeland security technologies and emerging chemical and biological detection systems.
Technical Insights will hold a conference call at 1:00 p.m. (EST)/ 10:00 a.m. (PST) on December 17, 2003 to provide a summary and analysis of the latest developments in aerospace and defense. Those interested in participating in the call should send an email to Julia Paulson at jpaulson@frost.com with the following information for registration:
Full name, Company Name, Title, Contact Tel Number, Contact Fax Number, E-mail. Upon receipt of the above information, a confirmation/pass code for the live briefing will be emailed to you.
Technical Insights is an international technology analysis business that produces a variety of technical news alert, newsletter, and report services.
Frost & Sullivan, an international growth consultancy, has been supporting clients' expansion for more than four decades. Our market expertise covers a broad spectrum of industries, while our portfolio of advisory competencies includes custom strategic consulting, market intelligence and management training. Our mission is to forge partnerships with our clients' management teams to deliver market insights and to create value and drive growth through innovative approaches. Frost & Sullivan's network of consultants, industry experts, corporate trainers and support staff, spans the globe with offices in every major country.
Aerospace and Defense Industry Research Service: Technology Impact Assessment Report: D275
Contact:
USA:
Julia Paulson
P: 210-247-3870
F: 210-348-1003
E: jpaulson@frost.com
Europe:
Kristina Menzefricke
P: 44-0-20-7343-8376
F: 44-0-20-7730-3343
E: kmenzefricke@frost.com
APAC:
Pramila Gurtoo
DID : 603-6204-5811
Gen : 603-6204-5800
Fax : 603-6201-7402
E: pgurtoo@frost.com
http://www.frost.com
http://www.technicalinsights.frost.com