60 · MT 2/2022 Industrial Focus drive, with one controller, one software and one radio – a single interface for maximising the operational range in the most difficult environments and complex terrains,” added Matan Shirvi, Roboteam’s COO. STM Showcased Maritime and UAS Projects at DIMDEX STM Savunma Teknolojileri Mühendislik ve Ticaret AS, a leading player in the Turkish defence industry, and presented its naval platforms, tactical mini-UAS and cyber security capabilities at DIMDEX 2022 in Qatar in March. Under the leadership of the Presidency of Defence Industries (SSB), STM continues to export the experience it has accumulated in meeting domestic needs to friendly and allied nations, through cooperation and technology transfer agreements. The company will highlight its Istif (I)-class frigate, a replenishment tanker produced for Pakistan, the STM-MPAC multi-purpose fast patrol boat and its tactical mini-UAS – Alpagu, Kargu and Togan – as well as its integrated cyber security solutions with participants at the event. Playing a critical role in fulfilling the requirements of the Turkish Navy, STM is engaged in collaboration, technology transfer and business development activities in over 20 countries, from South America to the Far East. As part of its design, construction and modernisation activities, STM produces flexible indigenous engineering solutions for Turkey’s surface vessels and submarines, and for the navies of friendly and allied nations, addressing specific needs and ensuring more effective mission performance. Such systems are exported as quality, affordable and modern engineering solutions. STM, with its long-term service support and indigenously-developed weapon systems, makes a difference, offering its products and capabilities to foreign navies, even while under embargoes. STM was the principal subcontractor for the four Turkish MiLGEM Ada-class corvettes, and has designed – and is the main contractor for = the TCG Istanbul, Turkey’s first national frigate, which will be delivered in 2023 with at least 75% indigenous content. Other projects in which STM has played a leading role include: TCG Ufuk, a test and training vessel, delivered in January; TCG Güngör Durmus, the first vessel built under the Logistic Support Ship project, commissioned last December; UTGM Arif Ekmekçi, the second logistic support vessel, is due to be delivered in 2024; and the Fast Patrol Boat project, for which STM is the principal design contractor. In the submarine domain, STM was main contractor for the successful modernisation of two Ay-class boats; is lead contractor for modernisation of four Preveze-class submarines; and is playing a crucial role in the New Type Submarine project (Type-214), having recently achieved a major milestone in bringing Turkey into the small ‘club’ of nations capable of manufacturing the complex ‘head sections’ of submarines, including torpedo launch tubes. The company’s STM 500 small submarine is generating widespread interest. IAI Delivers First Conformal AESA Satcom Fighter Antennas Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) says it has delivered “dozens” of conformal satcom antennas for fighter aircraft to an unidentified customer. The antennas use AESA technology to eliminate the bulbous fairings necessary to accommodate a mechanically-scanned array antenna, thus reducing drag and improving aircraft handling, particularly at low level and high speed. The antennas are “installed on advanced 4.5 generation Western fighter jets,” according to the company. Though fighter ‘generation’ terminology is largely a marketing construct, the designation “4.5 generation” is usually applied to fighters that outperform or technologically overmatch those generally considered 4th-generation (such as the F-16) but lack the all-aspect stealth technology associated with a 5th-generation tag. Western fighters that fit into this bracket include the Boeing F/A-18, Eurofighter Typhoon, the Dassault Rafale and the Saab Gripen. “Conformal terminals are the future of airborne satcom, and are enabled through IAI’s leadership in AESA technologies,” commented Adi Dulberg, GM of IAI-ELTA’s intelligence, communications and EW division. “By utilizing our AESA expertise to provide a breakthrough in airborne beyond line-of-sight communications, IAI is highlighting its innovative spirit and cutting-edge capabilities.” Heven Drones and Roboteam Launch Flying Robot at ISDEF The collaboration has resulted in what the companies claim to be the world’s first flying robot with land/air integration. Heven Drones and Roboteam launched a full turnkey robotic solution with land and air integration at ISDEF on 22 March. With its origins in the security market, Heven develops the hardware and software that enables the next generation of autonomous, actionable drone platforms, from complete heavy-lift drones to flight controllers and operating systems. The company initially started in homeland security but is rapidly moving into other fields, including logistics, construction, and more. Heven’s H100 Robo, coupled with the Roboteam Micro Tactical Ground Robot (MTGR), has resulted in the first-ever flying robot, which maximises the time-to-lift capabilities of both ground and flying robots, offering the best of both worlds. The companies initially collaborated for a mutual customer in the defence and homeland security industry, but are now actively exploring additional use cases. “At Heven Drones we set out to develop and bring to market unique drones which aren’t just flying cameras, but flying robots that can complete a variety of tasks. Our collaboration with Roboteam brings our vision one step closer, with land and aerial robots working together to create a fully operational product that can complete tasks from the ground and the air,” stated CEO, Bentzion Levinson. “This collaboration allows for one unmanned aerial and ground complete system for delivering a significant payload to the battlefield with EOD capabilities. You can fly when you want to fly, drive when you want to (Photo: Heven Drones) A selection of mini-UAS formed an integral part of the company’s considerable presence at DIMDEX. (Photo: STM) ¸ . .
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