CACI Launches UAS Detection and Tracking System
CACI International [CACI] has launched SkyTracker, the company’s system to detect and track unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and their ground operators for use in monitoring protected airspace and high-value assets. SkyTracker can be used to protect airports, critical infrastructure or events, CACI says. In October, the Federal Aviation Administration announced a Pathfinder agreement with CACI to evaluate the company’s technology for detecting UAS near airports. SkyTracker uses UAS radio links to passively and precisely locate and identify whether the drone is flying in banned or protected airspace. CACI says the system doesn’t interfere with nearby legitimate electronics or communications systems, or with UAS systems that are being operated responsibly. It also says the system can operate around-the-clock in all weather conditions. SkyTracker is modular and scalable and can protect assets in compact locations such as government buildings or in wide area defense of airports and military bases, CACI says.
Finmeccanica’s Selex ES Develops Anti-UAV System
Finmeccanica says that its subsidiary Selex ES has developed an anti-unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) system that can seize control of a drone and safely direct it to the ground with a portable radar and electro-optical/infrared camera-based system. Finmeccanica says that the Falcon Shield system has been successfully tested and gives operators a higher level of control over a threat by taking control of a rogue drone from various distances. The modular system can be customized to a customer’s requirements. The system uses Selex’ Nerio family of cameras and radar systems. The capture system can be complemented by a integrating optional kinetic hit systems. Finmeccanica says the system can be used in a number of applications including by law enforcement and the military.
IntelliNet Sensors Launches System to Detect Persons Inside Cargo Containers
IntelliNet Sensors, Inc. has launched the Lynx3-A Mountable Breathing Detector for the detection of live persons inside cargo containers. The tripod mounted multi-sensor system is designed to detect a live person hiding inside a container or a vessel while an integrated video camera system and other sensors capture the information of the vehicle. The ultra-wideband radio frequency Lynx3-A can detect multiple individuals hiding inside a compartment. IntelliNet says its system can be rapidly deployed for use at borders, loading docks, and vessels. “By remotely using the sensors in multiple points spatially, hiding individuals are detected in real-tome at the fraction of capital expenditure and operating cost,” says Fred Mohamadi, president of California-based IntelliNet.
U.K. Firm Digital Barriers Agrees to Acquire Brimtek
The United Kingdom’s Digital Barriers plc on Friday said it has agreed to acquire Virginia-based intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance firm Brimtek for $25 million in cash in a deal that strengthens its presence in the United States defense and security market. The deal also includes a $20 million earn out provision payable in cash or a combination of cash and new shares issues by Digital Barriers, which is publicly traded in the U.K. Brimtek provides tactical surveillance capabilities ranging from audio surveillance devices such as transmitters and receivers, and communications intercept, to micro and long-range video surveillance cameras and satellite intercept devices. The company also provides customs solutions for user needs, training and ISR consulting services. Digital Barriers said it has been successful in selling its surveillance technologies to “flagship” customers in the U.S. government “but requires a more substantial U.S. presence in order to consolidate its current position and drive more material future revenue growth.” The company says that Brimtek is attractive “given its breadth of offerings to the U.S. defence, national security and law enforcement communities which present significant sales synergies with Digital Barriers in the U.S. market.” Digital Barriers points out that the U.S. is “the single largest market for defense and homeland security technologies, with a significant concentration of flagship customers driving innovation in surveillance and security technology.” Moreover, Digital Barriers says that the U.S. Federal Communications Commission’s auction this year of cellular spectrum “is expected to drive material investment in surveillance technology and infrastructure over the coming three to four years.” In the first nine months of 2015, Brimtek posted $19.6 million in sales and $1.9 million of EBITDA, and sales for all of this year are projected to be around $40 million with EBITDA around $3.5 million.