Arralis signs significant radar contracts in China
The official signing of the contracts took place on 14th September 2015 at the Ireland China Conference in Beijing organised by Enterprise Ireland and witnessed by the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton TD.
Arralis designs and manufactures high frequency semiconductor chips, modules and antennas up to and beyond 110GHz. Under the Beijing Bluesky Aviation Technology contract Arralis will supply high definition radar sub-systems operating at 94GHz.
Beijing Bluesky Aviation Technology will use Arralis high definition radar technology to develop a system, which will enable commercial helicopters to land blind in degraded visual environment conditions, such as dust clouds (brownout). The system can also be used to detect obstacles which become difficult to identify in bad weather, for example overhead power lines. Conventional radar does not have a high enough resolution for this application, while alternative technologies, for example infra-red and laser cannot be used in extreme weather conditions or poor visibility.
This initial contract will enable Bluesky to carry out prototype development with a view to a future production contract for thousands of the international patent pending Arralis sub-systems.
Sino TekCo will use Arralis high definition radar technology to develop a system of radars which will be used for debris detection and bird tracking at the country’s airports. Sino TekCo CEO, Mr. Ma Jian Zhong said, ‘With the growth in airports and surface vehicles in China, runway debris has become a serious hazard. Currently, we use teams of people to visually search for debris at regular intervals. Arralis’ short wavelength high definition radar modules will allow us to build systems that do this automatically, moreover we can use the same system to track bird movements and take action when they approach airfields’.
Speaking from Beijing Minister Bruton said: “Arralis is a great example of an innovative, export-focused Irish company with a world-class product offering. Their success in securing these contracts demonstrates the quality of their technology and innovation. Supporting innovative young Irish companies is a key part of the Government’s Action Plan for Jobs and today’s announcement is another example of what is possible for ambitious Irish companies willing to invest the time and effort in growing sales to China”.
Speaking on the contract announcement, Arralis CEO, Barry Lunn said “Arralis are delighted to work with Bluesky Aviation Technology and Sino TekCo, both companies have been known to the founders for a number of years and it is clear their ambitions match our own. The fact that both these contracts are in one of the most dynamic and high growth aerospace markets internationally means this is another significant milestone for Arralis. It is further endorsement that our unique technology has worldwide and varying applications”.
Julie Sinnamon, CEO, Enterprise Ireland, who is accompanying Minister Bruton on the trade mission to China, commented: “Enterprise Ireland has been working with Arralis to assist them break into global export markets. I am particularly delighted to welcome their announcement today of two new contracts in China. Arralis is a great example of the type of innovative Irish company we are working with in Enterprise Ireland. We will continue to work with Arralis to support their international growth, drive export sales and ultimately create and sustain jobs in Ireland”.
The background Arralis 94GHz technology has been developed by the company with the support of the European Space Agency (ESA) and the backing of Enterprise Ireland. The company have also in recent times announced contracts with the UK Ministry of Defence and ESA.
