Sarah Eggleton

Jackson White, Business Development Director of Tactical Data Links and VP Marketing, SPX Communication Technologies looks at the use of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UASs).

Global security has been on high alert in the last few years with heightened geopolitical and social tensions and evolving electronic warfare efforts all impacting the threat landscape at a rapid rate. Security and policing are seeing more incursions across borders and threats to critical national infrastructure, where billions of dollars of services are at risk.

In line with these trends, our teams at SPX Communication Technologies are having more and more conversations about the use of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UASs). These usually center around two areas: combatting hostile use of UAS, and their ability to assist communications and intelligence gathering. In this context, successfully defeating any danger posed by errant, illegal or malicious UASs is becoming ever more critical for global security.

UAS for intelligence gathering
Recent years have emphasized how critical real-time Communications Intelligence (COMINT) is for defense, CNI and national security.

Teams increasingly must rely on instant, precise information from multiple sources to effectively address threats and make the smartest tactical and response decisions. The ability to record, receive, and stream real-time high-quality video and data is therefore critical for all defence, security, and policing organisations charged with securing their nation’s population and Critical National Infrastructure (CNI).

Due to a shift toward Unmanned Aerial Systems, Tactical Data Link technology has increasingly been deployed to enable the transfer of critical data. As well as fixed and rotary-wing aircraft, drones are now able to conduct reconnaissance missions to support teams on the ground. Air-to-air transmission enables rapid, long-range data exchange with decision-makers, which has a direct impact on improving the tempo of tactical response.

In line with this trend, SPX Communication Technologies recently launched its enhanced data link encoder / decoder. The capability delivers improved low-latency, long-range, high-definition video and audio transfer for faster and more accurate intelligence-gathering across defence, security and policing organisations worldwide. The lightweight, low-power unit can be installed on manned and unmanned air platforms, providing real-time intelligence-gathering, incident response, and civilian safety.

The next generation Evenlode Video and Audio Encoder / Decoder’s high-efficiency video coding (HEVC) H.265 low-latency encoding delivers superior multi-video compression for efficient video recording and real-time, secure distribution. Latency below 120 milliseconds end-to-end means images are transferred and received in real-time, enabling greater situational awareness, and more accurate, faster response. 4K Ultra High Definition video ensures crisp image quality, making it easier to identify details and potential threats.

It significantly reduces the required bandwidth to transfer the same – or better – quality video and audio data than existing models in the market. Considering the limited Radio Frequency (RF) bandwidths available to defence, security and policing organisations, access to freed-up IP allows greater flexibility for sharing critical data through encrypted file shares. It also allows greater use of applications such as electro-optical/infrared sensors, and tracking and location data being shown on a moving map – all improving incident response.

The decoder mirrors the encoding capabilities, allowing the real-time re-streaming – or transcoding – to multiple destination points such as a command centre or at the tactical edge using mobile devices. This adds flexibility to users’ video distribution aims in one single solution.

Combatting hostile use of UAS
Malicious actors are increasingly using UAS because of their flexibility, low cost, and capacity to be updated. Today, unmanned systems such as drones are considered one of the biggest threats to national safety, and their use is only intensifying. Radio Controlled Improvised Explosive Devices (RCIEDs) account for most military and civilian casualties in asymmetric warfare environments.

To help address this growing threat, we also launched an upgraded 953 Communications Intelligence (COMINT) Radio Frequency (RF) Receiver. The capability is designed for superior identification, direction-finding, and tracking of hostile RF signals to support COMINT and Counter-UAS tactical operations.

The new 953 COMINT RF Receiver builds on the success of its predecessor and now boasts reduced size and weight, but with greater power. This makes the device portable for dismounted operations and easily mounted on a vehicle to support mobility operations. For example, it can be carried to an elevated position in a dismounted role, such as a tactical position only accessible on foot or on top of a high-rise building, to ensure the antenna is situated at height for optimum signal detection and increased range.

The 953 COMINT RF Receiver performs continuous, unmanned, remote, and real-time signal collection up to 80MHz bandwidth across a frequency of up to 40GHz for signal monitoring, collection, and direction-finding. This bandwidth delivers a sweet spot between monitoring sufficient signal breadth and amplitude to ensure quality and accuracy in identifying threats.

As specialists in RF spectrum technologies that enhance COMINT and video and IP data transfer, we work very closely with defense teams to keep up with their needs and develop new solutions alongside them where they will make the greatest impact.

In 2024 SPX Communication Technologies – made up of TCI and ECS – will continue to build on its decades of experience to deliver sustainable and exceptional results to defense teams across the globe, while ensuring a smarter, more secure future for all.

The line between security and susceptibility is becoming ever so thin with the ever-expanding Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and drone-filled sky. Particularly, as these aerial systems get smaller, stealthier, and more sophisticated, the imperative is shifting from deploying countermeasures to becoming proactive in tactical electronic warfare. 

Jackson White, Business Development Director of Tactical Data Links and VP of Marketing at SPX CommTech, paints a vivid picture. “Consider drones zipping through the air at 125 mph. That’s nearly twice as fast as they used to. We need to detect them when they’re five to six kilometres away, if not further, to act in time.” 

SPX CommTech—an SPX Technologies [NYSE:SPXC] platform—is leading the charge in this strategic shift. 

With its deep expertise in specialized radio frequency (RF) technologies, the platform is equipping civilian, law enforcement, emergency and defense sectors in their quest to proactively detect, pursue, and neutralize malicious UAS and drones. 

This mission has been strengthened by SPX Communication Technologies’ acquisition of Enterprise Control Systems (ECS) and TCI, resulting in a formidable force in radio frequency (RF) technology solutions. By combining ECS’s specialization in RF jamming and tactical data links with TCI’s background in Communications Intelligence, Electronic Warfare, and spectrum regulation, the unified entity—SPX CommTech—offers an unparalleled array of services. This includes Communications Intelligence (COMINT), Counter-UAS technologies, tactical data links and RF spectrum management. 

White sheds light on what sets his company apart in the market. “We’re bringing together the best of both worlds. The same brilliant minds behind our top-notch, military-grade data links are also skilled at spotting and disarming the communication networks. It’s not something you see every day in our field, and that’s what makes our company rare.” 

For military strategists and defense industry professionals, the implications of this broad expertise are profound. It signals a new era in RF technology, where integrated systems and collaborative expertise pave the way for enhanced situational awareness, rapid response capabilities, and a robust shield against the evolving landscape of unmanned threats. More resilient and adaptable defense mechanisms are not a distant dream but made a reality with SPX CommTech’s combined capabilities. 

That said, SPX CommTech’s operational philosophy is deeply rooted in embracing diversity. Two key aspects of this consideration are the complex matrix of communication links intrinsic to UAS technologies, and the different contexts in which these might be used—frontline combat, air defense, or facility protection. Each scenario demands a bespoke approach. 

Even the concept of a ‘successful defeat’ of a drone varies with changing scenarios. For some, it may mean completely disabling a drone, while for others, it could involve compelling the UAS to withdraw. SPX CommTech conducts thorough assessments of these scenarios and collaborates with industry-leading partners to develop solutions perfectly aligned to customer needs. 

SPX CommTech’s flagship offering, BLACKTALON 2, epitomizes this versatility. This scalable Counter-UAS system is designed to integrate additional passive and active sensors, optics, and an array of third-party sensors, all coordinated through a central command and control hub. This lets SPX CommTech seamlessly deliver a tailored solution for detecting, classifying, and neutralizing unmanned threats, offering a customized security posture for various operational environments. 

Many Eastern European customers recently turned to SPX CommTech for specialised solutions amidst growing national security concerns. While the objective remains consistent—to detect and neutralise unmanned aerial threats—the specifics of what constitutes a ‘successful defeat’ differ. SPX CommTech took a consultative stance to align technology choices with each client’s unique requirements. 

As the modern battlespace evolves, SPX CommTech aims to push the boundaries of its sensing and inhibition technologies even further by effectively countering drone threats from greater distances. Nurturing this growth is the company’s collaborative management style that values humility and inclusivity to give all team members a voice and access to leadership. This approach keeps SPX CommTech, an innovative powerhouse it is, moving like clockwork.

(Article published on p24 of Aerospace & Defense Review, Dec ’23 Edition).

David Beckett, Business Development Director of Spectrum Battlespace at SPX CommTech, shares with Soldier Modernisation, an insight into the trends that will shape Communications Intelligence (COMINT) and the technologies that will allow teams to strengthen their capabilities in the new year.

Q: What’s been the main development in COMINT during the past 12 months?

A: Throughout the year we’ve witnessed significant developments in the crossover of Communications Intelligence (COMINT) domain into the Counter Unmanned Air Systems (Counter-UAS) space in an effort to keep up with the proliferation of Unmanned Air Systems (UAS).

Technology, beyond its benefits, has also increased complexity across the battlefield due to its extended use on both sides of the conflict. Now, effective Counter-UAS solutions are needed to address the mass deployment of intelligence-gathering drones and their weaponization by malicious agents; traditional COMINT capability is now supporting this effort.

From detecting the mere presence of malicious third parties to identifying the exact location of artillery operations, UAS COMINT has proven crucial in supporting Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations and target acquisition. What’s more, we’ve seen commercial drones being deployed for the initial identification of targets before higher-value UAS provide precise targeting information allowing the right weapons system to counter the target. More specifically, the mass deployment of both these commercial and military drones has been a catalyst for the development of Counter-UAS solutions. As the year comes to a close, threats will continue to extend beyond land to air and sea, with teams needing to spend more resources monitoring broader unmanned activity.

Q: What’s a key trend that you believe will impact intelligence gathering in 2024?

A: One of the most significant outcomes in COMINT has been the speed at which commercial and military communication systems, drones and UAS are being deployed by troops at every level – in multiple roles from platoon to brigade level to ground-base air defenders. In this context, 2024 will see trends aimed at strengthening defense teams as well as making things harder for malicious actors.

One of the main trends, however, is the progression of multi-domain operations, which will allow modern defense teams to be more agile, flexible and coordinated in responding to threats across all land, sea and air. It involves bringing together the land, sea, air, electronic warfare and cyber domains into one coordinated activity. Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C5ISR) is at the core of this as well as COMINT and UAS detection which provide critical access to real-time battlefield intelligence.

Q: Any other technology trends you expect to see?

A: Artificial Intelligence (AI) will continue trending towards being omnipresent in all defense capabilities from communications, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR), COMINT to weapon systems. For example, recording the Radio Frequency (RF) profile of communication devices on the man, platforms and hostile UAS will allow defense teams to build a useful ‘threat library’ of data that feeds machine learning and AI to automate future search and identification of unidentified systems. This analysis is crucial in determining the different level of threat specific devices or platforms will pose in the future, and the best response options to counter it. As these libraries build up, the information they gather can be merged from various sensors to make more informed decisions, aided by AI. As an example, going forward we expect it will be much easier to approve the use of an AI application in a soft kill Counter-UAS, than it would be to include AI and remove the human element from a hard kill weapon system.

Q: In this context, what role will satellite-based communications play?

A: We expect to see a move away from the heavy reliance upon satellite navigation systems which provide position, navigation and timing information. Should the satellites not be available for this intelligence, for instance due a malicious interception, platform-based solutions such as atomic clocks and oscillators will become increasingly crucial on the battlefield to unlock the key information of UAS solutions.

In 2024 satellite communications will also continue to become more accessible through standards such as MUOS (Multiple User Objective System), a beyond-the-line-of-sight system that is much harder to detect, and much more resistant to interference. Most importantly, this system has a much greater capacity and availability to users on the ground than traditional satellite communications. We’re also seeing mesh radios increase robustness of information delivery as they’re less prone to interruption in communications.

Q: How are SPX CommTech’s products positioned to strengthen teams?

A: This year we launched our next generation 953 COMINT RF Receiver for superior identification, direction-finding and tracking of hostile RF signals to support COMINT and Counter-UAS tactical operations. It performs continuous, unmanned, remote and real-time signal collection up to 80MHz bandwidth across a frequency of up to 40GHz for signal monitoring, collection and direction-finding. This bandwidth delivers a sweet spot between monitoring sufficient signal breadth and amplitude to ensure quality and accuracy in identifying threats.

Additionally, the receiver is powered with removable hot-swappable batteries for round-the-clock use and has a new compact chassis with an IP-67 rating that’s able to withstand temperatures up to 50°C, delivering full operational capability in extreme hostile climatic environments. It also boasts increased removable storage of up to 2 TB for enhanced data capture.

From a software perspective, the 953 COMINT RF Receiver is powered by SPX CommTech’s Blackbird application, which detects, identifies, direction-finds and tracks signals of interest to support, find, fix and strike operations and mitigate electronic warfare threats. It also tracks the RF emission of UAVs and their controllers or Data Links to support counter-responses. Blackbird can record the signal environment for look-back analysis without interrupting the current mission. It simplifies the collection task and can trigger automated actions and support unattended operations.

Q: What is SPX CommTech’s approach for the new year?

A: In 2024, we’ll continue to actively support defense teams and innovate technologies that ensure a smarter, more secure future for all. Key to this will be the evolution of our current BLACKTALON Counter-UAS solution. We will be looking to broaden the sensor ecosystem to provide greater flexibility to meet more of the current and evolving Concept of Operations (CONOPS). We will also continue our monitoring of the evolving battlefield dynamics to better understand where enhanced capabilities are needed the most and work very closely with defense teams to keep up with their needs and develop new solutions alongside them where they will make the greatest impact. At SPX CommTech our fundamental goal is to introduce more software-defined functionality and performance which will allow users across the globe to upgrade their capability for a specific use, when needed, with the flexibility and agility to rapidly reroll or optimize equipment for future missions.

For more information please visit:
www.tcibr.com | www.enterprisecontrol.co.uk

TCI are currently attending the World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC) ’23 in Dubai, where we are launching our two new products in the 753 and 759 Compact Spectrum Monitoring Systems (SMS) to enhance our current portfolio.

We have had lots of interest in our two new SMS capabilities, and look forward to catching up with you on stand D5 to discuss any Spectrum Monitoring requirements you may have.

PRESS RELEASE

• With the arrival of 5G, 6G and the increase in network density, the new TCI 753 and 759 Compact Spectrum Monitoring Systems provide real-time, efficient spectrum monitoring, management and optimization for telecommunications regulators  

Fremont, CA – 20th November 2023: Radio Frequency (RF) solutions manufacturer TCI, part of SPX CommTech, today announces its new 753 and 759 Compact Spectrum Monitoring Systems, allowing regulators to monitor the spectrum in real-time, simplify spectrum management, and reduce cost in an increasingly complex environment. 

Part of TCI’s Future of Spectrum Monitoring offering, the 753 and 759 are compact, single-box solutions providing high-speed processing and game-changing capabilities. They allow regulators to increase their spectrum monitoring efficiency with fewer resources while aiding their transition from a reactive to a Proactive Spectrum Monitoring (PSM) strategy. PSM is an integrated approach that leverages real-time RF monitoring, lookback recording, centralized big data collection, analytics and machine learning to increase spectrum utilization, address bandwidth scarcity, and mitigate interference. 

When used with TCI’s Scorpio graphical interface management software and Spectrum Surveyor® tools, TCI 753 and 759 enable operators to automate routine monitoring tasks and simplify sophisticated signal surveying and interference analysis. They are purpose-built to harness TCI’s latest Signal Identification and Classification and Spectrum Surveyor® software for big data integration, analysis and reporting.  

Together with Scorpio the spectrum monitoring systems deliver the most powerful automation available and enable the fine-grained analysis of the radio spectrum at the block, local, regional and national levels. This allows regulators to solve today’s spectrum management and scarcity challenges, drive higher spectrum utilization, and win with data.  

With abundant on-board storage, multi-channel recording and processing, both the 753 and 759 enable regulators to proactively undertake detailed, long-term observation of spectrum occupancy patterns to identify and drive new regulatory policies, review past spectrum issues and predict future ones. This is achieved even within remote locations with poor network coverage where frequent data collection, analysis, and transmission are challenging. Their IP67 housing offers all-weather flexible deployment options ranging from transportable, mobile, and fixed outdoor installations. 

Furthermore, the 759 incorporates two-channel Direction Finding (DF) technology that increases accuracy and scan speed.  With the second reference channel continually monitoring, operators can listen-in on the signal during DF operations as well as accomplishing other monitoring tasks.

Each system integrates Digital Down Converters (DDC) that isolate and capture the precise signal of interest. The use of DDCs optimize both on-board memory and data transfer requirements, enabling high speed IQ data signal analysis, modulation classification, and demodulation analysis functions.  

“This is one more building block in our roadmap to providing customers with scalable, future-proof tools to efficiently monitor the increasingly challenging RF environment,” says Ann Bustamante, VP of SMS and ASMS Sales at TCI. “By automating functions and enabling big data collection and analysis, we’re making it possible for regulators to simplify tasks and become much more cost-effective in their approach.” 

TCI 753 and 759 Compact Spectrum Monitoring Systems are now available to purchase. For more information visit: www.tcibr.com/future-of-spectrum-monitoring 

About SPX CommTech – TCI 

TCI, as part of the SPX Technologies’ CommTech Platform, innovates specialized technologies within the Radio Frequency (RF) spectrum to ensure a smarter, more secure future for all.  

SPX CommTech’s Spectrum Monitoring Solutions (SMS) portfolio enables government-mandated regulators to digitize and monetize the Radio Spectrum by licensing, managing and protecting spectrum bands for telecommunications services – including 5G.  

Combining decades of technology innovation and expertise with agile and collaborative teams, SPX CommTech delivers sustainable and exceptional results to customers across the globe. 

For more information on SPX CommTech Spectrum Monitoring Solutions visit www.tcibr.com 

All around the world, heightened political, military and societal tension, and the growing use of electronic warfare, demonstrates the unparalleled importance of managing and understanding the Radio Frequency (RF) spectrum today. Furthermore, the ability to record, receive, and stream real-time high-quality video and data is critical for all defense, security, and policing organizations charged with securing their nation’s population and Critical National Infrastructure. At SPX CommTech we’re committed to providing solutions that allow faster, more detailed communication between teams and across longer distances to ensure a smarter, more secure future for all.

Since its inception in 2021 SPX CommTech, made up of ECS and TCI, has created, developed, and launched scalable RF solutions and support services that deliver mission success. We’re continually innovating with leading edge technologies to address the needs of present and future defense and security teams.

In this context, we’ve recently introduced two new RF solutions for faster Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) detection and defeat, and for improved Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions for defense and security users – both exhibited for the very first time at DSEI 2023 in September 2023.

Enhanced UAS detection and defeat – threat analysis and response is critical to global security. SPX CommTech’s next generation Transportable Tactical Communications Intelligence (COMINT) 953 RF Receiver provides superior identification, direction-finding, and tracking of hostile RF signals to support COMINT and Counter-UAS tactical operations.

Developed by TCI, the new 953 COMINT RF Receiver builds on the success of its predecessors. It now boasts reduced size and weight, but with greater power. This makes the device portable for dismounted operations and easily mounted on a vehicle to support mobility operations. For example, it can be carried to an elevated position in a dismounted role, such as a tactical position only accessible on foot or on top of a high-rise building, to ensure the antenna is situated at height for optimum signal detection and increased range.

The 953 COMINT RF Receiver performs continuous, unmanned, remote, and real-time signal collection up to 80MHz bandwidth across a frequency of up to 40GHz for signal monitoring, collection, and direction-finding. This bandwidth delivers a sweet spot between monitoring sufficient signal breadth and amplitude to ensure quality and accuracy in identifying threats. It’s powered with removable hot-swappable batteries for round-the-clock use. The new compact chassis is IP-67 rated to withstand temperatures up to 50°C to deliver full operational capability in extreme hostile climatic environments. It also boasts increased removable storage of up to 2TB for enhanced data capture. The 953 COMINT RF Receiver is powered by SPX CommTech’s well-renowned Blackbird software application. Blackbird detects, identifies, direction-finds and tracks signals of interest to support, find, fix and strike operations, and mitigate electronic warfare threats. It also tracks the RF emission of UAVs and their controllers or Data Links to support counter-responses. Blackbird can record the signal environment for look-back analysis without interrupting the current mission. It simplifies the collection task and can trigger automated actions and support unattended operations.

Utilizing part of the 953 COMINT RF Receiver, Blackbird also uses geolocation to enable defense teams to visualize the location of the frequencies for improved intelligence-gathering and threat management. Blackbird’s intuitive point-and-click user experience suits all skill levels and is an evolution of the proven intuitive interface in previous models. This ensures minimal training requirements for existing customers while enabling new users to master the system quickly.

The new 953 COMINT RF Receiver is also backwards compatible with previous COMINT versions and other technologies from SPX CommTech, for cost avoidance, uninterrupted service and seamless scalability for our users. It can also be integrated with open-source or customer-supplied mapping and other integrations.

Improved Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions – strategic and tactical information is critical in making timely decisions in environments where every second counts. However, decision-making responsibility is increasingly delegated to tactical commanders operating in environments that are notoriously fast-paced and unpredictable, and where available RF bandwidth is reduced. Therefore, it’s essential to find ways to deliver accurate data and communications intelligence in compressed formats so it can be delivered quickly and efficiently.

The new Evenlode Video and Audio Encoder / Decoder developed by Enterprise Control Systems (ECS) supplies high-efficiency video coding (HEVC) H.265 low-latency encoding to deliver superior multi-video compression for efficient video recording and real-time, secure distribution. Latency below 120 milliseconds end-to-end means images are transferred and received in real-time, enabling greater situational awareness, and more accurate, faster response.

It significantly reduces the required bandwidth to transfer the same – or better – quality video and audio data than existing models in the market. Considering the limited RF bandwidths available to defense, security and policing organizations, access to freed-up IP allows greater flexibility for sharing critical data through encrypted file shares. It also allows greater use of applications such as electro-optical/ infrared sensors, and tracking and location data being shown on a moving map – all improving incident response.

The decoder mirrors the encoding capabilities, allowing the real-time restreaming – or transcoding – to multiple destination points such as a command center or at the tactical edge using mobile devices. This adds flexibility to users’ video distribution aims in one single solution.

The upgraded video and audio Data Link solution, which is the latest in the ECS Evenlode series, delivers highly sought-after 4K Ultra High Definition video image quality. This delivers a maximum system resolution of 1080p60 and enhances the image after compression, making it easier to identify details and potential threats.

The device is certified to RTCA DO160G standard, which assures the performance characteristics of the equipment required for kit fitted to airborne manned, fixed and rotary-wing aircraft. It’s backwards compatible with ECS’ operationally-proven legacy equipment, meaning users can keep up to date with the latest decoding technology without upgrading their entire systems.

Tactical Data Links provide the ability for aircraft to become network-enabled across land, sea and air and, therefore, able to carry out ISR missions across all of them. Data is transmitted using sophisticated, in-house designed encryption software. The new Encoder / Decoder has six separate video inputs – four HD and two SD – capable of encoding four videos simultaneously. This allows users to select the latest mission-critical information required without disrupting the operation and simultaneously process multiple video inputs for improved situational awareness.

The launch of the new Evenlode Video and Audio Encoder / Decoder is part of a continued strategic development of technologies that deliver fast and accurate ISR data so timely and effective decisions can be made on the tactical edge.