CTS launching lightweight electronic warfare manpack at DSEI 2013
Weighing just 10 kilograms (22 pounds), The RESOLVE lightweight manpack system fits into a standard daysack, delivering dismounted soldiers more flexible EW capabilities to exploit multiple communications systems.
Despite a significant reduction in size and weight, RESOLVE's domain leading EW capabilities have not been compromised, as it delivers immediate threat warning, electronic overwatch and single sensor location for up to eight hours from a single battery. The simple interface provides instant access to key functions to deliver immediate support in a variety of operational environments, including close-quarter, long-range patrol or stand-off missions. The lightweight system can still be networked to other static or mobile systems.
Gavin O'Connell, business sector manager at CTS, said: "Our original development of RESOLVE was a real step change, as no other EW system provides such a high level of direction-finding capability for dismounted missions. The RESOLVE lightweight manpack system builds on this by meeting our customers' increasing demand for smaller, portable solutions that reduce soldier burden and provide more effective support for on-the-march EW operations."
Above: The RESOLVE Multi-mission (left) and Lightweight (right) Manpacks.
Optimised for 'on the march' capabilities, the RESOLVE lightweight manpack system offers an exciting alternative EW system to the standard RESOLVE manpack, which provides advanced signals analysis and enables multiple mission profiles.
CTC has also just launched PED Mk2, the successor to its world leading PED100 timer-based programmable explosives initiator.
PED Mk2, which has a countdown range from 1 minute to 30 days, is a third of the weight of the PED100 system it replaces and now includes an integrated programmer. The integrated programmer allows the timer to be set in the field to allow greater operational flexibility. Its capability is also enhanced as it can now survive immersion to a depth of 30 meters. The PED Mk2 can be used to support operations that include general combat demolitions, ammunition disposal and underwater mine clearance.
Despite its reduced size and weight, PED Mk2 has greater firing energy (1.5 joules) and a higher countdown resolution of one second which allows for accurate synchronisation of multiple detonations. The small size and near silent emissions profile of PED Mk2 also reduces the probability that the timer will be discovered. If discovered, removal of the tear-off keypad makes it impossible to re-programme or repurpose the device.
Mike Luedicke, general manager of Chemring Technology Solutions in Poole, said: "PED Mk2 has been developed to improve mission efficiency by minimising training needs and delivering a more flexible and precise timing system. As it does not require a separate programming device, it allows the user, such as military engineers, to rapidly set custom time delays at the point of deployment."
Chemring Technology Solutions, based in Hampshire and Dorset, is the principal electronics research and development centre of Chemring Group. Formed from Roke Manor Research Ltd and Chemring EOD Ltd, CTS has the heritage of being one of the UK's leading suppliers of innovative solutions and contract R&D, pioneering developments in counter IED, electronic sensors, networks and communications technology. It employs more than 450 staff and has over 430 patents to its name.
