BAE Systems once again projects a high-profile presence at the Dubai Airshow, with the focus squarely on its wide array of military technology. The UK-based group can be found in the U.S. Pavilion, reflecting the fact that much of this capability originates from BAE’s North American operations.
“This year we are showcasing a range of products and capabilities, including the APKWS laser-guided rocket, the LiteHUD head-up display and Striker II digital helmet-mounted display, and the next-generation digital GPS anti-jam receiver [DIGAR] technology,” Jonathan Bird, UAE director for BAE Systems told AIN. “We’re delighted to have a strong presence at this year’s Dubai Airshow, which will draw many of the world’s leading aviation and defense experts, as well as customers and stakeholders from the UAE and across the region.”
According to the company, the low-cost, combat-proven APKWS guidance kit transforms standard 2.75-inch (70 mm) rockets into accurate precision munitions that reduce collateral damage. The kits can be used with both new and existing rocket motors, warheads, and launchers, requiring minimal training for operators.
The LiteHUD display is a compact, lightweight unit designed for integration into multiple cockpits of aircraft including turboprop trainers and fighters. It can be paired with other digital display technology, waveguide optics, and electronics.
Also at the BAE exhibit (1355), show visitors will be able to see the Striker II unit, which BAE says is the world’s only full-color binocular helmet-mounted display with integrated night vision. The new unit comes equipped with 3D audio and target-tracking technology to give pilots better situational awareness, building on the capability of the original Striker equipment, which is already combat-proven on the Eurofighter Typhoon and Gripen C/D combat jets.
BAE introduced the DIGAR system to provide improved GPS jamming protection, featuring two form factor options for both retrofits to existing aircraft and applications on new platforms. The unit has 16 simultaneously-steered beams to give aircraft better jamming immunity in the most severely GPS-challenged airspace.
The group is also demonstrating its FireNet network-centric, data-processing system. It developed the system to process the growing volumes of accurate and reliable information that military forces need to exchange in real-time to maintain situational awareness. The system features narrow- and wide-band capability, as well as compatibility with the Link-16 communications platform.
Through its Data Link Solutions partnership with Collins Aerospace, BAE now offers the Multifunctional Information Distribution System Joint Tactical Radio System to replace legacy military radios. The new four-channel radio can run the complex Link 16 waveform as well as three more communication protocols, including the Tactical Targeting Network Technology.