To help bring to all within the milsatcom and associated fields the ability to control their communication grids and to protect their assets, MilsatMagazine presents sage words of advice from subject matter experts within the security arenas as well as current information from companies within this critical market segment.
One company deeply invested in providing for warfighter network security is BBN Technologies. The Company has been hard at work on counters to improve the defensive capabilities of military networks. The company received a US$4.4 million contract from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to develop scalable attack detection algorithms as well as a highly flexible architecture. Wherein the architecture is used to implement and deploy those algorithms and the ability to inspect traffic and then execute the appropriate algorithm upon intrusion detection. They also garnered a US$8.9 million for the third phase of their Disruption Tolerant Networking (DTN) program, after successfully completing Phase One and Phase Two that resulted in a working prototype system.
DARPAs Scalable Network Monitoring program requirements include:
- Malicious traffic detection probability greater than 99 percent per launched attack
- No more than one false alarm each day while monitoring traffic
- In Phase 1 of the contract, support capabilities must be delivered at conventional gateway line speeds of 1 Gbps Phase 2 must demo scalability at gateway line speeds of 100 Gbps
Traditional signature based and anomaly detection-based defensive measures are proving inadequate in their speed and sensitivity. This comes as cyber attacks increase in number and avail themselves of enhanced technologies to intrude into networks via new attack routes. Algorithms to detect network invasions must operate extremely quickly and be highly efficient as well as effective, especially within content-rich environs. DARPA has indicated that traffic volume is increasing at a faster rate than the number of network hosts. This means the computing power necessary to provide gateway network monitoring and defense of autonomous systems will continually grow as a fraction of the monitored networks power. With increased intrusions, soon the network will have to apply the majority of its resources simply to defend itself.
With the DTN program, field and network services are to be developed that will deliver critical information reliably, even when no end-to-end network path exists. The traditional TCP/IP network relies upon stable, end-to-end connectivity. However, jamming, movement, terrain, and weather can interrupt the flow of message traffic. The uniqueness of the DTN system will be the ability to send and receive data, regardless of whether a stable end-to-end route exists. DTN will be integrated into fielded military networks that may combine various node types, including satellite, wireless, as well as vehicle-mounted.
At iDirect Government Technologies (iGT), Karl Fuchs is the Director of Engineering. Knowing how companies plan to address these crucial networking security needs is important for all to remain aware of, as the application of new technologies, new thinking, and new enterprise can assist others in their endeavors to help our warfighters and first responders protect the flow of data. I asked Karl how iGT is making networking security a leading priority.
Security has been and continues to be an extremely important element of our business. Because satellite communications are broadcast through the air, it is necessary to provide very high levels of security, surpassing even the security requirements of terrestrial systems. Right now, there are very few government specifications in place to dictate standards for satellite technology providers. At the same time, government agencies are understandably very demanding in this regard. As a result, iDirect has taken it upon itself to continually raise the bar on security for these mission critical networks, being the first in the satellite industry to receive Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) compliance and the first to offer Transmission Security (TRANSEC) in a mobile environment. The iGT engineering team includes leading security experts who continue to work with our partners to improve the security of our systems in terms of encryption and in total network security.
Obviously, addressing a growing list of new security needs impacts the technology used by a company. As Karl indicated, Many of our implementations have been migrating customers from a Single Channel Per Carrier (SCPC) environment to a Time Divisional Multiple Access (TDMA) environment. TDMA improves network efficiency by allocating bandwidth across a shared network, making connectivity more cost effective and getting more mileage out of bandwidth. This is especially important for government networks operating in areas of the world where capacity is limited, such as Southeast Asia and the Middle East. IGT has been able to win the trust of these customers due to our ability to provide TRANSEC in a TDMA environment, which is significantly more challenging than with an SCPC system.
For example, in a non-TRANSEC TDMA system, it is possible for an adversary to determine how much traffic is being communicated from each remote and to understand what type of traffic is being transmitted, whether video or data or VoIP. When combined with other intelligence, this information can jeopardize operations. The risks of IP TDMA have been clearly identified by the National Security Agency (NSA). With TRANSEC, our system addresses each of these concerns and eliminates them. This has allowed us to work with major government agencies that require TRANSEC, such as the U.S. Navy and the Special Forces community.
Today, mobility is a huge factor in product planning Karl addressed the role of security in a mobile network. Providing TRANSEC in a mobile environment is crucial. Almost by definition, the information that is being communicated across a mobile network is extremely sensitive. At the same time, mobile networks present a distinct security challenge. Traditionally, satellite networks are constructed with remote terminals that are up and operational at all times. But in a COTM network, remotes are constantly entering and leaving the network. This is the case because remotes are often shut off when a vehicle is not in use.
The location of a remote may also cause it to leave the network, for instance, if it is temporarily under a bridge. With remotes entering and leaving the network, it becomes easier for a rogue remote to infiltrate the system. We pioneered TRANSEC for COTM to eliminate these concerns and we continue to improve these systems with the input of our partners.
Moving forward, security will always be a major priority for government networks. iGT recently implemented TRANSEC on a MESH network to secure in theatre VoIP and data communications. Currently, in development, is a stronger encryption technology to better manage and transmit encryption keys across a secure network. The development of more stringent capabilities across the network is a main priority, ensuring our hubs, remotes and software exceed the security expectations of the users on the ground.
MSMs InfoNet
Taking a tour with the companies involved in the milsatcom arena, their products continue to espouse innovation and offer crafted solutions for this golbal business segment. Now presented is their new product and company information by business name, in alphabetical order, in MilsatMagazines (MSM) InfoNet. If viewing these items in the .pdf or web version of the magazine, select the graphic accompanying the news item — if there's no graphic, select the the link at the end of the story, and you'll be launched to the appropriate URL. If reading the print version of MilsatMagazine, simply copy and paste the article URL into your browser...
Agilent released their 2008 Aerospace/Defense Symposium papers on CD. The 15 technical papers contained on this CD provide Aerospace/Defense engineers with technically-rich content presented in two tracks: Test System Development and Military Communications Test. Also included is information on wideband vector analyzer calibration issues and time interval analysis measurements for radar. The CD is available now and is entitled Agilents Aerospace & Defense Symposium 2008. The CD can be ordered at this link...
Aruba Networks, Inc. deployed their wireless networks by Babylon Telecommunications Inc. at Joint Base Balad in Iraq to provide Internet access to over 20,000 soldiers. Prior to this deployment there was no authorized Internet access at the base for the individual soldiers, making it difficult for troops to stay in touch with loved ones and affecting morale. Babylon Telecommunications was awarded a contract by the Army & Air Force Exchange Services (AAFES) to handle the integration services and provide Internet service at Joint Base Balad, the largest U.S. military base in the region.
LINK http://www.satnews.com/cgi-bin/story.cgi?number=1518463738
ASC Signal Corporations (formerly Andrew Corporation Satellite Communications Group) 3.9 Meter F-1 Trifold Transportable antenna is now completely compatible with Ka-band and available to customers around the world. This antenna offers Ka-band capability and a patent pending, dual Azimuth drive high accuracy tracking capability.
Crawford Communications, Inc. will provide content aggregation, media relations, Internet and satellite services for the U.S. militarys Digital Video and Imagery Distribution System (DVIDS). Under the agreement of the long-term contract the mission is to provide a reliable connection between the global media and the military. DVIDS is a network of 106 portable Ku-band transmitters located with deployed military units and a central distribution hub located at Crawfords teleport. In addition to the core media and distribution services, the Company provides training classes; staffing; analysis; web support; and video and print editing services. Also, Crawford offers an asset management solution for the projects extensive content library.
DataPath, Inc. has introduced DataPath MobiLink, an easy-to-deploy communications on-the-move (COTM) solution that delivers cost-effective, mobile network-centric warfare and first responder capabilities. MobiLink incorporates standard communications electronics and delivers them in a newly designed, compact package that enables integrated UHF/VHF land mobile radio (LMR) and satellite COTM. MobiLink transforms almost any U.S. military vehicle into a command post on wheels. MobiLink features an innovative system that mounts on a standard SINCGARS MT-6352 tray in military vehicles. A hub vehicle equipped with MobiLink supports high-bandwidth capability to send and receive video, data, and voice communications between many vehicles and users. MobiLink offers an everything-over-IP (EoIP) network link and establishes a robust local wireless network anywhere it is needed to go. MobiLink operates with the push-to-talk simplicity of LMR systems, combining ease of use with beyond-line-of-sight capability.
DataPath, Inc. has also been awarded US$1.9 million to continue providing field services for DataPath Deployable Ku Band Earth Terminals (DKETs) at a key communications hub in Iraq. The DKET systems were built and installed by DataPath and are used by the U.S. military as critical satellite communications (SATCOM) hubs that deliver high-bandwidth capabilities on the battlefield. DataPath technical experts have been based onsite to ensure optimum performance of the systems since they were installed in March 2005.
Additionally, DataPath, Inc. has received a $3.7 million order to provide on-site personnel to operate and maintain SATCOM systems managed by the U.S. Army Network Enterprise Technology Command (NETCOM) in the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) area of operations. The agreement, which exercises options on an existing delivery order, will fund more than 30 DataPath technical personnel in Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, and Afghanistan over the next 12 months to support U.S. military battlefield communications systems.
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Directed Perception, Inc., a manufacturer of products for the control and positioning of sensors, has now made availability their PTU-D48 family of computer controlled pan-tilt units. These units are designed for high speed, accurate positioning of cameras, thermal images, lasers, antennas, and other payloads up to 15 lbs. in weight. The rugged and compact design has flexible mounting options for single or multiple payloads and is suitable for fixed and mobile applications (air, ground, sea) in industrial and military markets. The PTU-D48 delivers this solution for applications such as: tower mounted surveillance cameras, UAV camera systems, police and military ground vehicles, antenna tracking systems, border and perimeter surveillance, military force protection systems, night-vision applications, and more.
Echo Satellite Communications, Inc. has shipped its initial order to Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) for a HeliSAT3 customized Iridium repeater system. HeliSAT3 is a satellite communications repeater, specifically designed to create wireless satellite telephone hotspots aboard Naval aircraft. HeliSAT3 enables airborne Iridium users to quickly and easily make fully wireless, satellite voice, and data communications available from a helicopter passenger compartment. Historically limited by the requirement for satellite phones to have line-of-sight access to orbiting satellites, with HeliSAT3, passengers can now access dependable and uninterrupted in-flight wireless satellite communications.
The General Dynamics C4 Systems Handheld, Manpack and Small Form Fit (HMS) radios have demonstrated their critical networked-communications capabilities in recent government-run Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) field tests. The tests have proven the radios interoperability, range, video transmission and networking abilities.
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Harris Corporation has introduced the first tactical satellite terminals with the capability of transmission/reception of TOP SECRET global wideband data communications. These new terminals are designed to military standards for operations in harsh environments. The new Harris RF-7800B Broadband Global Area Network (BGAN) terminals offer a high-performance satellite solution for voice and data connectivity in beyond line-of-sight, SATCOM-on-the-move and SATCOM-at-the-quick-halt applications. When linked to Harris Falcon III manpack radios or SecNet 54 encryption modules, the RF-7800B terminals provide end-to-end Type-1 HAIPE-certified security for data transmissions over long-range commercial networks. The first two products in the Harris Tactical BGAN line are the RF-7800B-DU024, a Class 2 Land Portable BGAN terminal for dismounted applications, and the RF-7800B-VU104, a Class 10 Land Mobile BGAN terminal for vehicles on the move.
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Pumping up data throughput on the network by as much as 500 percent for critical military and government needs without increasing recurring monthly bandwidth costs is big news. iDirect Government Technologies (iGT) revealed that 3Di Technologies, a provider of VSAT systems and Enterprise Internet Telephony services, has implemented more than 20 iDirect SkyCelerator Network Accelerators on a secure U.S. Government Type 1 communications system in Southwest Asia.
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iDirect, Inc. has launched its Series 12200 Universal 4-Slot Industrialized Hub, which allows network operators to implement and manage a mobile satellite network in the field. The new 4-slot hub will operate using iDirects enhanced iDS 8.3 software, engineered for use in mobile applications. The software also supports iDirects new SkyMonitor Spectrum Analyzer, a core network management tool that allows satellite operators to troubleshoot and monitor network performance. The new Universal 4-Slot Industrialized hub enables military and relief organizations to deploy complete satellite networks at a moments notice, meeting a critical need for unfailing mobile connectivity in the field. iDirects new 4-slot hub is capable of delivering broadband connectivity, including videoconferencing and voice over IP, to thousands of remotes.
Iridium Satellite LLC reports that its mobile satellite communications service has been providing peak levels of reliable, critical lifelines to first responders in the Gulf Coast Region. Outreach by Iridium and its partner base has resulted in a significant increase in usage in the Gulf Coast. In areas affected by the recent storms, hundreds of subscribers made calls on the Iridium network to test their equipment or to conduct mission-critical operations. The company shipped 5,000 phones to service providers for new subscribers over a period of two weeks, with the majority going to partners serving the Gulf Coast.
KVH Industries, Inc. has received a new contract from a southeast Asian customer for the purchase of KVHs TACNAV® military vehicle navigation systems and displays. The contract has a total value of approximately US$1.3 million, with shipments starting in late 2008 and extending into early 2009. KVHs TACNAV military vehicle navigation systems provide unjammable, precision navigation, heading, and pointing data for vehicle drivers, crews, and commanders.
Loctronix Corporation successfully demonstrated tracking signals from all operational Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) last July. A single software defined radio (SDR) platform was used to receive and process the coarse and military precision ranging channels of GPS (U.S.) and GLONASS (Russia) for all satellites in view. Made possible with Loctronix Spectral Compression Positioning (SCP) technology, this achievement marks a significant advancement in position sensing. The company demonstrated that a single, relatively simple sensor, composed primarily of software and hosted on a generic RF core, can readily track any positioning signal, be it GPS, GLONASS, localized beacons or, in the future, Galileo (Europe), Compass (China), and QZSS (Japan).
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Mobile Satellite Ventures (MSV) has joined with the State of Washingtons Military Department Emergency Management Division to launch the NorthWest Satellite Mutual Aid Radio Talkgroup serving public safety interests throughout seven states in the northwestern United States. The states including Alaska, California, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming. NWSMART is the fifth in a planned network of nine, regionally-focused, locally managed talkgroups across the nation enabling critical and interoperable communications at all levels of public safety agencies and facilities. In coordination with MSV, the Washington State Emergency Management Division, including its state Emergency Operations Center, will manage, provide 24x7 monitoring, and approve participation in NWSMART by federal, tribal, state, and local public safety agencies and appropriate private sector users with a public safety mission.
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Northrop Grumman Corporation has completed integrating all electronic units of the payload module for the third Advanced Extremely High Frequency (EHF) military communications satellite. The company is under contract to provide three communications payloads to Advanced EHF prime contractor Lockheed Martin. The Advanced EHF system will provide global, highly secure, protected, survivable communications for warfighters operating on ground, sea and air platforms.
Northrop Grumman Corporation has also successfully fielded Guardrail Ground Baseline (GGB) 2.0 hardware and software to U.S. Army military intelligence battalions, standardizing Guardrail ground components across the service. GGB 2.0 provides common hardware and software and eliminates obsolete equipment, thus improving operations, supportability, deployability and maintenance of the Armys RC-12 Guardrail Common Sensor aircraft ground component. GGBs network-based architecture supports forward garrison operators and rear operators via satellite link, as well as cooperative operations with other signals intelligence sensors.
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A critical link for rural military deployment as well as civilian use is that all-important line of communication to the rest of the world. Helping connect these areas is the STM Group with their break-through SuperPico GSM base stations. This patented technology is an integrated satellite-cellular system that provides low cost subscriber services using single hop connectivity and local routing. The product is targeted for rural deployments where all-solar installations are now preferred. Marine, military, suburban infilling, and emergency services are also expected to drive demand for this rugged GSM equipment.
SWE-DISH Satellite Systems AB, a DataPath company, has added a 1.2-meter antenna module to the CommuniCase® Technology product line, creating the new SWE-DISH Suitcase® CCT120. SWE-DISH Suitcase terminals are light, compact, and easy to use, and have assisted the manner in which journalists, military personnel, and emergency first responders communicate from remote locations.
Coming to NASAs Wallops Flight Facility, Wallops Island, Virginia is a first the Tactical Satellite-3 (TacSat-3) spacecraft mission, which is scheduled to demonstrate rapid data collection and transmission to the combatant commander in the theater of interest. During this upcoming flight a new capability will be demonstrated and tested; that of employing a hyperspectral imager with a space-based, onboard processor to obtain and send images within minutes to the warfighter on the ground. Raytheon constructed the Advanced Responsive Tactically Effective Military Imaging Spectrometer, or ARTEMIS, hyperspectral imager. Designated as the satellites main demonstration, the ARTEMIS hyperspectral imager payload will provide target detection and identification information, as well as battlefield preparation and combat assessment data, within 10 minutes of its collection. A second payload representing the Office of Naval Researchs satellite communications package, will employ sea-based buoys as data sites. The satellites third payload Air Force Research Laboratorys space avionics experiment will involve plug-and-play avionics, which features reprogrammable parts to link the payload and the satellite structure.
The U.S. Air Force still plans to award Boeing or Lockheed Martin Corp. a contract worth billions of dollars this fall to build a group of advanced military communications satellites, the general in charge of Air Force Space Command said recently. General Robert Kehler told reporters that the future of the Transformational Satellite program for which both companies are bidding was entwined with that of another program, the Advanced Extremely High Frequency satellite program, run by Lockheed. The Air Force told Congress earlier this month that the AEHF program had exceeded congressional caps on cost growth, which could lead to cancellation of the program unless it is certified as essential for national security reasons. The cost of the AEHF program was now projected to be US$9.2 billion, including US$2 billion for a fourth satellite added to the Pentagons budget by Congress, accounting for about 80 percent of the overall cost increase.
Vandenberg Air Force Base (Vandenberg AFB) has celebrated its 50th anniversary. On October 4, 1958, Cooke AFB was renamed Vandenberg AFB in honor of the late General Hoyt S. Vandenberg, the Air Forces second Chief of Staff. Presently operated by Air Force Space Commands 30th Space Wing, Vandenberg AFB supports a variety of aerospace missions and customers. It is the only military base in the United States from which unmanned government and commercial satellites are launched into polar orbit.
ViaSat Inc. has been awarded contracts totaling US$25 million for LinkWayS2 satellite modems to support the U.S. Army, USMC, and other DoD customers. The LinkWayS2 systems support various military communication programs such as WIN-T, SNAP, FHRN, SWAN, and C-MNF. LinkWayS2 modems provide single-hop, full mesh, high speed bandwidth-on-demand flexibility and efficiency that a hub-based satellite network system is unable to provide for the named applications. The modems delivered under these orders will also introduce DoD-approved transmission security (TRANSEC) to the LinkWay system as well as new LinkWayS2 system that improve throughput and efficiency.
Military communications remain an essential part of security operations. The technology extends from equipping military personnel with devices so they can communicate on operations, to providing centralized systems for organizing battle and security operations on land, sea, and in the air. Today, all military forces rely heavily on sophisticated electronic communications systems, with technology transfer to and from civilian communications systems, both those in use and those in development. This reliance on advanced communications will increase year on year. You and your organization must be fully informed of these developments. For units out in the field, digital radio such as the U.S. Militarys ambitious joint tactical radio system (JTRS) promises improved, programmable communications links. That system extends beyond voice-only communications to include the exchange of data and video messaging during battle and security operations. For linking all these systems in reliable, high-performing and secure networks, satellite and high-bandwidth terrestrial communications will exert an increasingly sophisticated and important role in military operations from 2008 onwards. This new visiongain report, Military Communications and COTS 2008, describes both the technologies and the relevant markets in detail, along with cost-effectiveness, with relevant data and informed opinion. This information is valuable to defense procurement operations and to relevant technology providers.
UAV Advisory
With the interest in unmaned aerial vehicles intensifying, SatNews covers this critical environment in our daily and weekly news. Adding such into MilsatMagazine makes a great deal of sense, as such units are responsible for data relay for everything from intelligence gathering and surveillance to actionable activities for warfighters, government organizations, and first responders.
AAI Corporation, an operating unit of Textron Systems, has entered into a teaming agreement with Aeronautics Defense Systems Ltd. of Israel to market the Orbiter Mini-UAV (unmanned air vehicle) system jointly to U.S. and select international customers. Under the terms of this teaming agreement, AAI will lead marketing activities for the Orbiter Mini-UAV (MUAV) system in the U.S., including foreign military sales to Israel, and in other countries to be mutually agreed in the future. AAI also will manufacture the Orbiter system at its Hunt Valley, Maryland, HQ for select programs. The Orbiter MUAV is less than 40 inches in length and designed for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. With an operational endurance of up to three hours, the Orbiter MUAV can fly as high as 18,000 feet. With light composite construction and battery-powered operation, the Orbiter offers easy portability to ensure a team of two fielded warfighters can quickly deploy, launch, and operate the aircraft.
TACMET II has been fielded on more than 50 UAV ground control systems for the U.S. military. Climatronics Corporation now offers an improved, tactical weather station, the EMI-hardened TACMET II (P/N 102304), to provide real-time surface weather input for UAV ground control stations. This rapidly deployable, compact, self-contained weather station typically mounts on a mast on the ground control shelter and includes an internal flux gate compass to automatically align the wind direction data to North. The system requires extremely low power and can be operated from a wide variety of AC or DC power sources.
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA ASI) and the Companys Team Sky Warrior partners AAI Corporation and L-3 Communication Systems-West have successfully first-attempted automatic takeoffs and landings of a Sky Warrior UAS controlled from the AAI-developed Extended Range/Multi-Purpose (ER/MP) One System Ground Control Station (OSGCS). Three automatic landings were successfully executed at GA-ASIs El Mirage Flight Operations Center in Adelanto, California, on August 29th, followed by three successful automatic takeoffs on September 26th. GA-ASIs Sky Warrior aircraft was under full line-of-sight command and control through the L-3 Communication Systems-West Tactical Common Data Link (TCDL).
Lockheed Martins (NYSE: LMT) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Airspace Management System (UAMS) solved one of the more difficult challenges facing military services and their industry partners the Company has successfully demonstrated the ability to deconflict groups of in-flight UAVs during a test near Pittsburgh, Pennyslvania. Sponsored by the U.S. Armys Aviation Applied Technology Directorate, a team lead by Lockheed Martin Advanced Technology Laboratories (ATL) developed UAMS as a battalion echelon system that deconflicts flight paths of multiple, small UAVs with limited on-board sensors, communications, and processing resources. UAMS also uses its own on-board sensors to see-and-avoid obstacles and other aircraft.
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Parvus Corporation has received a sub-contracting agreement with Aurora Flight Sciences to supply common Mission Computers for Auroras Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) under several prime contracts. No financial terms were disclosed. Parvus has delivered Aurora Common Mission Computer (ACMC) units for use with the GoldenEye 80 Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS), an advanced Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) aircraft designed to carry advanced sensor payloads for homeland security and battlefield operations. The ACMC computer is a small-form factor rugged computing system based on Parvus COTS DuraCOR 820 subsystem, designed to accommodate the environmental and physical requirements of Auroras airborne vehicles.
Zephyrs reputation as the worlds leading solar powered high-altitude long-endurance (HALE) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) has been reinforced with a world-record of a three and a half day flight at the U.S. Armys Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona. The solar powered plane built by QinetiQ flew for 82 hours 37 minutes, exceeding the current official world record for unmanned flight, which stands at 30 hours 24 minutes set by Global Hawk in 2001 and Zephyrs previous longest flight of 54 hours achieved last year. The U.K. Ministry of Defence (MoD) has funded the development of Zephyr to date and has partnered with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) under their Joint Capability Technology Demonstration (JCTD) Program, which is designed to move urgently needed technologies rapidly into the hands of U.S. forces in the field.
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