World Security Report April 2014

Industry News Bites
autonomous balloon that is said to offer the
advantages of satellite without the expensive business
of launching a satellite into space.
It’s a new concept for an autonomous airship,
operating at an altitude of about 20 kilometers in
a fixed position. This is in the lower reaches of the
stratosphere, but well above air traffic and jet streams.
The StratoBus platform will require continuous
significant energy input to offset the wind, so will have
two electric motors that will automatically adjust their
output power depending on wind speed (up to 90
km/h).
StratoBus will be able to carry payloads up to 200
kg. The airship itself will measure 70 to 100 meters
long and 20 to 30 meters in diameter. It will feature a
number of technological innovations, in particular to
make sure it captures the sun’s rays in all seasons: a
power generation system (coupling the solar panels
to a solar power amplification system patented by
Thales), an ultra-light reversible fuel cell for energy
storage, etc.
As well as border and maritime surveillance, StratoBus
has the potential for disaster relief operations,
emergency communications as well as a whole host of
civil and commercial applications.
The StratoBus project is led by Thales Alenia Space,
along with partners, Zodiac Marine and CEA-Liten.
The first prototype should be rolled out within the next
five years.
Armed Forces of Malta acquire a second AW139
Helicopter to conduct mainly maritime border
control missions
AgustaWestland announced that the Armed Forces of
Malta has taken up the option for a second
AW139 intermediate twin engine helicopter. The
helicopter will mainly be used to conduct maritime
border control missions. The delivery of the
second AW139 is scheduled for June 2015, while
the first helicopter will be delivered in June 2014.
The order is part of the ongoing plan to
strengthen the capabilities of the Armed Forces
of Malta, who benefit from the European Borders
Fund and Internal Security Fund Programmes.
The AW139 is equipped with a state-of-the-art
equipment package for maritime patrol and
SAR missions and includes a high-definition FLIR
system, search/weather radar, cabin mission
console, naval transponder, search light, satellite
communication system, a 4-axis autopilot with
SAR modes, external rescue hoist and a four bag
floatation system.
Two powerful PT6-67A turboshaft engines with
FADEC deliver high power margins for maximum
safety.
For more about this company visit
AgustaWestland
Kelvin Hughes has partnered with Cambridge
Pixel to speed their CxEye Security Display
Solution to market
Kelvin Hughes a navigation and surveillance
solutions manufacturer and the developer of
the SharpEye solid state X-band radar, has
partnered with Cambridge Pixel to speed to
market of its CxEye integrated multi-sensor
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