Aitech Launches Lightweight Remote-Control Unit

Aitech Defense Systems has introduced the Nighthawk remote-control unit (RCU), a compact Intel Atom-based, self-contained control unit that weighs 4.5lb (2kg). The Nighthawk will be showcased at CMSE 2010 in Los Angeles, California, on 8 February. The low weight, combined with a slim profile and natural convection/radiation cooling that dissipates up to 22W at +55C in stagnant (non-flowing) air or at up to +71C with an optional low pressure fan or base plate, makes the control unit suitable for a variety of military, aerospace and commercial environments.

These include data concentrator and remote interface applications such as manned/unmanned and ground/airborne vehicles as well as low size, weight and power data concentrator unit (DCU) and remote interface unit (RIU) applications. For military tracked and wheeled vehicle applications, the Nighthawk RCU can provide a condition-based maintenance (CBM) functionality to reduce the overhead costs of preventative vehicle maintenance. Based on the low-power Intel Atom processor operating at 1.6GHz, the Nighthawk provides up to 2Gb DDR2 SDRAM as well as between 4Gb and 8Gb of SSD memory, with an optional expansion up to 250Gb for extended and remote data collection and storage applications.

The new Nighthawk RCU offers a high number of off-the-shelf and standard PC input/output (I/O) interfaces available in a low-power, environmentally sealed controller. With a complete set of standard PC I/O interfaces, the Nighthawk also provides two Gigabit Ethernet ports, six USB 2.0 ports and four multi-function RS232 serial ports, dual graphics/video ports, a keyboard, a mouse and stereo audio-in/output ports as well as an I/O set specifically tailored for embedded military and severe industrial applications.

Optional I/O includes MIL-STD-1553B, Arinc-429 and Arinc-708, Can Bus, Wi-Fi and WAN ports as well as video capture and processing, discrete and analogue I/O and an eight-port Gigabit Ethernet switch. All I/O is available via a flexible, user-defined configuration of MIL-DTL-38999-style connectors mounted on the unit's front access panel. The unit uses conductive silicon rubber O-rings and flat EMI gaskets to keep sand, dust, humidity and contaminant splash out. Its EMI/RFI filter protection meets MIL-STD-461 emission and susceptibility limits. External surfaces are finished with black hard anodise for corrosion resistance, with other colours and chemical-agent-resistant coating paint available upon request.

Internal surfaces are chemical conversion coated for corrosion resistance as well as to ensure high electrical conductivity. Operating temperature is -55C to +71C in extreme environments up to 40G peak single half-sine shock and 10G RMS sine vibration at 5Hz to 500Hz. The Nighthawk RCU is compliant with MIL-STD-1275, MIL-STD-704, MIL-STD-461 and MIL-STD-462 and features an input-voltage range from 18VDC to 36VDC with reverse-polarity protection. The total power supply output is 50W to power optional, user-defined I/O.

New Citroen C3 Features Lightweight Seat Structure

A lightweight seat structure from JSP offering a 2.2kg reduction in weight and increased levels of 'perceived quality' has been launched in Citroen's new C3. Engineers replaced the heavy and costly steel structure with JSP's Arpro, a strong, light and recyclable material. Material properties such as deformation resilience and moulding accuracy enabled Citroen to achieve improved alignment with visual design features such as leather stitching.

Paul Compton, JSP's president and chief executive officer in Europe, said: 'The objective was to create a lighter seat that could achieve excellent crash-test results. 'In prototype form, Arpro reacts in the same way as mass-produced components. 'This allowed us to create applicable parts quickly and without tooling. 'For a very small investment and within a short timeframe, we were able to validate and prove the concept in a real crash test.

'This gave the programme engineers the confidence to back the project for mass production,' he added. Arpro is strong and resilient enough to replace the metal anti-submarining ramp, which is there to help retain rear-seat passengers in their seats in the event of a vehicle collision, contributing to a simpler and lighter vehicle structure. Compared to the previous-generation C3 rear seat, switching to Arpro provided Citroen with a metal weight reduction of 1.79kg.

The balance of the saving is achieved through lower polyurethane content and a simpler fastening system; the latter serves to lower the assembly cost. Perceived quality has also been improved with the new seat design. This latest project follows on from other seating projects with Volvo and Daimler and applications for other global original equipment manufacturers such as interior trim, sun visors and impact protection products.

JSP recently completed a study to highlight the environmental benefits of using lightweight seating cores. The results of calculating a comparative CO2 (global-warming potential) figure for the production of an Arpro seat core show that Arpro delivers an environmental benefit 12 times that of its impact. Assuming a vehicle lifetime of 100,000km, Arpro can enable a reduction in CO2 of 2.65g/km.

Lightweight Hose Is Ideal For Air Tools

The UltraFlex hose is highly resistant to corrosion and offers outstanding working and burst pressures. PCL has launched a lightweight ultraflexible hose it reckons is the ideal companion for its range of handheld air tools Ideal for applications and environments where space is at a premium, yet complete freedom of movement is required, the UltraFlex air hose is a superb alternative to the traditional inflexible and heavy hose.

Manufactured in a quality three-ply construction, using highly flexible PVC and polyester yarn reinforcement, the UltraFlex hose is highly resistant to corrosion and offers outstanding working and burst pressures. UltraFlex also has a very good "memory", which enables bends and kinks to straighten out so that the hose can return to normal after use. Available with a blue cover and black inner tube in 30m coils, UltraFlex is a convenient and cost-effective piece of equipment designed to make life easier for the user.

The UltraFlex Air Hose complements PCL's extensive range of air tools, which includes everything from impact wrenches and ratchets, to sanders and grinding tools, all designed to meet the rigorous needs of a modern workshop. The portfolio has recently been extended with the addition of the Prestige range of high quality products, featuring low vibration, low noise, ergonomic grip and higher performance.