Sensor solution provider HENSOLDT has been commissioned by the German procurement authority BAAINBw to investigate the modernization and performance enhancement of the Eurofighter self-protection system in a multi-year study. The BAAINBw's study mandate aims to ensure the Eurofighter's assertiveness and survivability even against the most modern threats, such as long-range integrated air defense systems and highly agile radars. At the same time, new cybersecurity requirements, the use of commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) components, and the new Eurofighter design and development standards will be taken into account. The results of the investigations will be worked out in close cooperation with the German Air Force and regularly presented to the customer using hardware and software demonstrations. Redesigned Self-protection system While the existing Eurofighter self-protection system is being continuously improved with various individual measures, preparations for a comprehensive weapon system update have begun with the Eurofighter Long Term Evolution (LTE) programme to ensure operational capability well into the 21st century and for future adaptations. EuroDASS consortium has developed a redesign of the self-protection system under the name Praetorian eVolution To this end, the EuroDASS consortium (Leonardo UK, Elettronica, Indra, HENSOLDT) has developed a redesign of the self-protection system under the name Praetorian eVolution (eVo for short). "We are pleased to be able to support and accelerate the four-nation LTE programme and the maturity of the targeted new Praetorian eVo self-protection system with this investigative contract," said Celia Pelaz, HENSOLDT's chief strategy officer and head of the Spectrum Dominance/Airborne Solutions division. Situational awareness The existing Praetorian self-protection system protects the Eurofighter from radar- and infrared-guided missiles. The integrated sensor and jamming equipment also provides a precise situation picture and enables state-of-the-art electronic deception techniques. HENSOLDT has been a member of the EuroDASS consortium for decades and is involved in the development of Praetorian eVo. As a specialist in EloKa applications, HENSOLDT has supplied self-protection suites for helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft to customers all over the world, among others. With 'Kalaetron', HENSOLDT has a fully digitalized product family of sensors and jammers for electromagnetic signals.

Fire Crest Fire Protection, a Kentec Installation Partner (KIP), has installed a sophisticated Taktis fire panel at its headquarters in Cornwall to train and support its engineers using the technology on future projects. Installing the panel enables engineers to test configurations in the office, before configuring a panel on the client premises, reducing the time needed on site and increasing the likelihood of a right-first-time installation. Training and upskilling people The move is part of Fire Crest’s commitment to upskilling its own people and further improving professionalism within the industry by working with Kentec Electronics, a manufacturer of life-critical control systems, as one of its select partners. It also reflects the need for its engineers to keep pace with the greater networking and configuration potential that panels such as Taktis can deliver. As a registered KIP, Fire Crest has access to a full suite of Taktis training modules and resources. Only KIPs can install Taktis panels. Helps mitigate false alarms Training, experience, and planning are essential to ensure fire panels are used to their full potential Anthony Kent, Fire and Security Manager at Fire Crest, says training, experience, and planning are essential to ensure fire panels are used to their full potential. “The sites we install are typically large and complex, such as schools, hospitals, and manufacturing depots and so it vital that systems are configured expertly.” “Configuring the Taktis panels before installation enables us to test out cause and effect scenarios and mitigate the potential risk of false alarms on site. The installation adds to our training capabilities and is a considerable benefit to our installer and customers.” KIP program training Kevin McCarthy, Business Development Manager of Kentec Electronics, says Fire Crest’s approach is commendable. “It is vital that our industry is committed to furthering professionalism and raising standards. We recognize that it is our responsibility to provide detailed and thorough training through our KIP program – and it is excellent that Fire Crest has gone another step further with this in-office installation.” Networking possibility Taktis is available in up to 16 loops, providing up to 144 zone indications, and supporting more than 2,000 detection devices. It can network up to 127 panels, making it ideal for the largest sites such as schools, hospitals, multi-site retail/supermarkets, critical infrastructure, and major commercial and industrial facilities. Multiple protocols can be supported on each panel to give installers and end-users maximum choice in their systems’ design and the scalable nature of the product provides the highest level of future-proofing and networking possibilities.

Saab has signed a contract with the German Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw), and has received an order to deliver and integrate new naval radars and fire control directors for and in the German Navy’s Frigates of the Brandenburg-Class (F123). The contract includes a new combat management system in order to completely overhaul the system currently in use on the F123, allowing a low risk integration of the new naval radars and fire control capabilities. Combat system provider The order value is approximately 4.6 billion SEK. Deliveries and other services will take place between 2021 and 2030. Saab will be the prime contractor and will contract the German shipyard Abeking & Rasmussen Saab will be the prime contractor and will contract the German shipyard Abeking & Rasmussen for the shipbuilding work while the German company ESG will carry out logistical support. "We are proud that Germany has selected Saab as the combat system provider and integrator for the frigates to be overhauled.” Fire control director “We look forward to contributing to strengthening Germany’s domestic combat systems integration capability, creating a high proportion of value and service provision in Germany. This contract will further strengthen our relationship with Germany for many years to come," says Micael Johansson, Saab’s President and CEO. The contract includes delivery and integration of Saab's 9LV Combat Management System, Sea Giraffe 4A and Sea Giraffe 1X radars, Ceros 200 fire control director as well as third party systems, including IFF capability. It also includes a comprehensive, performance-based logistics package supporting the frigates’ operational capabilities. Saab will carry out the work in Germany, Sweden and Australia.

Pioneering fire protection solutions from global fire systems manufacturer, Advanced have been chosen to protect the prestigious waterfront mall, hotel and serviced apartments development in the Kingdom of Bahrain. A network of 19 UL-864-approved Axis AX fire panels from Advanced has been installed at the 178,000m2 Marassi Galleria shopping mall. A further network of 14 Axis AX fire panels were also installed at the mall’s adjoining waterfront boutique hotel and high-end serviced apartments – the Vida Hotel and Residences. A combined total of 47 panels comprising 31 4-loop Axis AX panels, two 4-loop Axis AX panels with integrated telephone and voice evacuation systems, 2 mimic panels, two repeater panels and two graphical command centres will form the core of the active fire protection for the $374m resort, once completed at the end of 2021. Axis AX panels The graphical command centres for each network will provide user-friendly system visibility and control In total, the Axis AX panels from Advanced will be linked to almost 11,000 devices including 6,400 smoke/heat detectors and a further 2,823 control/monitoring modules. The graphical command centres for each network will provide user-friendly system visibility and control, with each fire system being networked with a host of third-party equipment, including lifts, escalators, air handling units, gas suppression systems, CO systems and fan and damper solutions.   Overseeing the installation, testing and commissioning of the entire fire system are Dubai-based, Cignetix Systems, who were awarded the project by the Shapoorji Pallonji Group. Being one of the construction conglomerates, Shapoorji Group ascertains that the right product goes into their projects. Having said that, their MEP Division Vice President, Mr. E.J. Joseph along with their DGM, Mr. Dileep Zalpuri opted to propose Advanced fire systems which they have utilized in their multiple projects to execute this prestigious project. With many technical meetings and discussions with Mr. Harish Sharma, the Projects Director of Shapoorji Group who is handling the project has proposed Advanced Fire Systems to the client M/s DIYAR- Eagle Hills. The Client representative who is in charge of the Project, Dr. Mohammed Al Abed- Director has accepted the product after review by PACE consultant engineer, Mr. Guru Murthy. Civil Defence approval process Sunil Gopalkrishnan, Managing Director at Cignetix, said: “Once complete, Marassi Al Bahrain Mall, Hotel and Residences will be home to tens of thousands of occupants enjoying all the development has to offer on the southern island shores of Diyar Al Muharraq. For this reason, it was crucial that the fire protection chosen should be capable of delivering the highest levels of performance, quality and ease of use. Alpha Fire, Bahrain has offered their local support in the project execution and Civil Defence approval process." “Having installed Advanced solutions in a wide variety of sites, Cignetix was confident that their reliability, networking and false alarm management and reduction capabilities, combined with intuitive operation, would make them the ideal solution for a development of this scale.” The false alarm management capabilities of our products are particularly helpful on this mixed use site" In developing the mall, hotel and residential apartments’ false alarm management and reduction strategy, a two-stage positive alarm sequence has been programmed and integrated with third-party life safety interfaces, enabling the immediate activation of these systems without delay in fire situations. Advanced’s Axis AX system Advanced’s Axis AX system delivers power and performance in a user-friendly format with a vast range of configuration, control and interface options as well as simple set-up and operation. The Axis AX system includes easily networked panels, audio panels and command centres, redundant controllers and a huge range of peripherals, devices and interfaces that make it ideal for almost any installation. Gary Craig, Sales and Marketing Director at Advanced, said: “As one of the largest development projects in Bahrain, we’re thrilled to be supporting Cignetix with the equipment required to ensure the safety of thousands of employees, residents and tourists who will live, work, rest and play at the Marassi Al Bahrain Mall, Hotel and Residences." “The false alarm management capabilities of our products are particularly helpful on this mixed use site. They allow you to refine and configure protection very specifically according to the requirements of separate areas within a building – helping to keep unwanted alarms to a minimum and reducing disruption and risk to staff, guests and residents.”

Two seven-story residential apartment buildings in the cultural and social hot-spot of Cardiff Bay are now protected by evacuation alert systems from UK manufacturer, Advanced. The EvacGo panels have been installed to meet the criteria set out in the BS 8629 Code of Practice for the design, installation, commissioning, and maintenance of evacuation alert systems for use by fire and rescue services in England and Wales. Audible warning in emergencies Situated in Cardiff Bay’s Tiger Quay development, Roath House and Queen Alexandra House are a mix of 73 social and market-rented one and two-bedroom apartments managed by Trivallis, one of Wales’ largest housing associations. Trivallis appointed Cardiff-based, Tremorfa Ltd, to complete the installation, requesting that Advanced’s EvacGo solutions be installed to ensure both residential buildings met the BS 8629 recommendations. With all Advanced evacuation alert systems custom-manufactured to reflect each building’s evacuation zones, Advanced supplied two EvacGo systems to Tremorfa complete with a 1-loop card, expandable from four to eight evacuation zones. The two systems were installed alongside a combined total of 63 sounders to provide an audible warning to building occupants in the event of an emergency. BS 8629 requirements Graham Smart, Fire & Security Installation Manager, at Tremorfa Ltd, said, “Having installed Advanced solutions for several years, we knew we could depend on its evacuation alert system to meet the requirements of the BS 8629 code of practice.” “The systems in both apartment buildings are now performing as required and we will be completing the installation of further EvacGo systems at Trivallis’ properties.” EACIE for fire and rescue   EACIE must operate independently of fire detection systems and be designed to support any evacuation strategy Evacuation alert control and indicating equipment (EACIE) is now strongly recommended in England and Wales for all new tall residential buildings – and is mandatory in Scotland. The EACIE must operate completely independently of fire detection systems and be designed to support any evacuation strategy chosen by the fire and rescue service. Evacuation alert systems Ken Bullock, Business Development Manager – Evacuation Alert Systems, said, “We are seeing a rapid growth in interest in evacuation alert systems from local housing authorities and private landlords eager to ensure that the safety measures installed in their tall residential buildings meet the latest regulations.”  “EvacGo has been built using our industry-leading MxPro 5 fire panel technology and, in developing our solution to meet the BS 8629 Code of Practice, we have consulted with fire industry experts involved in developing the standard.” “Both Trivallis and the residents of Tiger Quay can now rest easy knowing that they have the latest and most sophisticated fire evacuation equipment installed in their homes.” New Code of Practice BS 8629:2019 is the new Code of Practice for use by fire and rescue services in England BS 8629:2019 is the new Code of Practice for the design, installation, commissioning, and maintenance of evacuation alert systems for use by fire and rescue services in England. In place since November 2019, this code of practice recommends the installation of a dedicated evacuation alert system intended for the sole use of the fire and rescue services and separate from the building’s fire alarm system. New high-rise residential developments are among the buildings being prioritized for evacuation alert systems installed. Although not yet a legal requirement in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, EACIE installation is already mandatory in new buildings containing flats over 18 meters in Scotland and is considered best practice by several fire and rescue services.