Aerospace and Defense Technology Impact Service

Frost & Sullivan, November 2003

Better Tactical Systems to Simplify Communication

The U.S. military is looking to replace several multiple-radio systems dedicated to distinct wavelengths as they are bulky, complex, and require separate operators. Aerospace and defense divisions intend to simplify aeronautical communications by financing the development of digital tactical systems, which are compact, lightweight, and have modest power requirements. For instance, the all digital receiver (ADR) directly digitizes incoming radio frequency signals to provide greater support to signal processing in diverse military applications, while reducing the number of devices.

This research assesses the impact of new technology on the aerospace and defense industry. It explores leading tactical communications technologies ranging from those still being developed, through prototypes being field tested, to systems now deployed in field applications. The five broad technologies covered in this research service are - materials, communications, unmanned aerial vehicles, advanced displays, and missiles and munitions.

Heterojunction Bipolar Transistors Well Fitted for Military Operations

A promising tactical communications system is the light and compact heterojunction bipolar transistor (HBT), which can transmit information twice as fast as conventional transistors. A favored material in HBT design is indium phosphide (InP) wafer, a semiconductor that provides the required bandwidth to directly synthesize high-frequency signals digitally. Since InP HBTs can integrate different functions, electronic warfare nodes that require fewer discrete parts are being developed. These wafers are cost effective and can be deployed more easily.

Aluminium interconnects can be used instead of gold to make economical wafers in HBTs. Silicon-germanium (SiGe) also provides performance comparable to expensive gallium arsenide circuits, at much lower costs. SiGe films improve electron injection for better communication at the same level of base doping by having a base bandgap that is smaller than silicon. SiGe wireless communications is a classic dual-use technology that can be deployed in military tactical theater communications as well as commercial global grid applications, states the analyst.

Military Divisions Invest Heavily in Digital Communications for their Battlefield-friendly Features

The U.S. aerospace and defense industry has been involved in several digital communications product development programs because the adaptability of the devices and clarity of audio is of immense use in military operations. SanminaSCIs Defense and Aerospace Division has developed a modular tactical operations center inter-communication system that can enable both voice and data transmission. Meanwhile, the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency has commissioned Vitesse to upgrade its VIP-2TM InP HBT technology for communications circuitry.

The HBT technologys ability to integrate functions of several discrete components in one chip can enhance system design, notes the analyst. InP HBT technology can provide more secure communication links by using a faster circuit than the enemy, which will distort the latters audio if they tune in to the same frequency. By performing some special processing steps, the radiation hardness of the chips can also be enhanced, allowing them to be used in satellite systems.

1   Introduction and Description
      1. Introduction
      2. Description
  Scope and Methodology
      1. Scope
      2. Methodology
  2 DEVELOPMENTS IN ADVANCED MATERIALS
  Materials Processing
      1. High-speed Metal Working
      2. Continuous Dressing Process
      3. Laser Additive Manufacturing
      4. Composites Manufacturing
  Developments in Asia
      1. Cutting Machining Cycle Times
      2. Optimizing Tool Selection
      3. Predicting Tool Path Changes
      4. Infinite Spindle Rotation
      5. Preventing Chip Buildup
  Developments in North America
      1. Building Parts by Laser
      2. Melting Powder into Shape
      3. Fabricating Wing Spars in Weeks
      4. Rhenium for Rockets
  Global Advances in Composites
      1. Lattice Structures Bolster Parts
      2. A Pyramidal Lattice Composite
      3. Tougher UAVs
      4. Civil Infrastructure Application
      5. Moving Troops and Equipment
      6. Carbon Fibers in Resin
      7. From Zero Composites to Parity
  3 DEVELOPMENTS IN COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGIES
  Overview
      1. Heterojunction Bipolar Transistors
      2. Digital Tactical Communications
  Heterojunction Bi-Polar Transistors
      1. Doubling Transmission Speed
      2. Dielectric and Metal Deposition
      3. One Chip
Many Functions
      4. Too Fast for Hostile Ears
      5. Silicon Germanium HBTs
  Digital Technologies
      1. Digitizing Tactical Communications
      2. Light and Robust
      3. Self-healing System
      4. Standard DSPs
      5. Cutting Communications Clutter
      6. Josephson Junctions
      7. Digital Channeling
  4 DEVELOPMENTS IN UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES
  Overview
      1. Surveillance Machines
      2. The Worms Eye View of War
      3. UAVs in Israel and Europe
  Developments in North America
      1. High Strength and Temperature Resistance
      2. Airborne Electronic Nose
      3. UAV in a Backpack
      4. Zinc-Air Batteries
      5. Light and Safe Electric Fuel Power Packs
  Developments in the Middle East
      1. Electronic Artillery Spotter
      2. New UAV on the Block
  Developments in Europe
      1. Sophisticated UAVs
      2. High Altitude Flying
      3. Building UAV Alliances
  5 DEVELOPMENTS IN ADVANCED DISPLAYS
  Overview
      1. Helmet-mounted Displays
      2. Cockpit Displays
  Helmet Mounted Displays
      1. Speeding Pilot Reactions
North America/Middle East/Europe
      2. Keen Sighted Fighters
Europe/Africa
  Cockpit Displays
      1. Integrating Avionics
      2. A Certified Success
North America
      3. Monitoring Traffic
North America/Europe/Asia
      4. Whats the Weather
North America
  6 DEVELOPMENTS IN MISSILES AND MUNITIONS
  Overview
      1. Missile Defense Technology
      2. Missile Navigation
  Rocket Motors
      1. A Platform for Future Generation Missiles
      2. Kinetic Interceptor
      3. Supplying Overseas Missile Defense
      4. Controlling Thrust
      5. Rocket Testing
      6. Electrical Propulsion Raises Efficiency
  European Munitions Developements
      1. Solid-State Gyroscope
      2. Better Bomb Guidance
  7 DECISION SUPPORT DATABASE FOR THE AEROSPACE AND DEFENSE SECTOR
  Military Aircraft per Country from 1996 to 2004
      1. Numbers for Different Types of Aircraft in Operation
  Military Expenditure
Key Aerospace and Defense Companies
      1. Expenditure from 1996 through 2004
Global Aerospace and Defense Companies and Financial Ranking
  8 KEY CONTACTS AND PATENTS
  Contacts
      1. Contacts
      2. Abstracts for Key United States Patents
  9 TECHNICAL INSIGHTS 2003 SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AWARDS
  Excellence in Technology
      1. Excellence in Technology
      2. Award Recipient
  Technology Leadership
      1. Technology Leadership
      2.  Award Recipient

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