As part of an unprecedented multi-sector expansion program, Smith Myers, the U.K. technology innovation company, has selected Farnborough International Air Show, July 18-22, as the global launchpad for major product announcements timed to coincide with the company’s 35th anniversary.

Smith Myers is launching several new products in its Artemis range of equipment at Farnborough this year.

T-A – Fully qualified to RTCA DO160 (G), this new addition to the Artemis family offers users a merging of mobile phone detection, location and communication along with dual band maritime AIS and COSPAS SARSAT in a single 4.2Kg unit.

Nathan Herbert, senior development and integration engineer at Smith Myers for 24 years says “incorporating all these capabilities into a single unit was an obvious evolution of the Artemis product range. The ability to directly detect and locate emergency position indicating radio beacons and personal locator beacons (COSPAS SARSAT) while simultaneously performing the same actions with mobile phones will be invaluable on search-and-rescue or disaster relief missions. Additionally, the fusion of cellular and AIS sensor data in a single user interface/analysis tool opens the path to more effective and efficient maritime patrol operations whilst reducing operator workload.”

Covering all global cellular frequencies and technologies, the T-A matches the impressive ranges achieved by the earlier Artemis system, identifying, locating and communicating with mobile handsets at ranges in excess of 30km.

T-U – Offers exactly the same cellular capability as the T-A in a small SWaP 1.4Kg housing. This new system is perfect for medium to large UAS and is also fully qualified to RTCA DO160 (G) for use on manned aircraft. The single I/O makes integration simple and economical, and the zero-airflow design offers integrators maximum flexibility. Again, the T-U covers all global cellular frequencies and technologies proving effective at ranges greater than 30km.

Artemis turns any mobile phone into a rescue beacon, only requiring two small antennas to generate a latitude/longitude fix at ranges in excess of 30km, offering a radical and effective alternative to traditional airborne sensors and direction-finding systems:

• Texting and calls in no service areas
• Automatic cueing of EO/IR (Electro -Optical/Infra-Red)
• Deployment as a stand-alone with embedded mapping or integrated with leading mission system providers
• Making missions in low light/ IMC (Instrument Meteorological Conditions) safer and increasing the odds for a positive outcome
• Available in several SWaP configurations for manned/unmanned platforms

Artemis simulator

The Smith Myers team is anticipating the Artemis simulator will prove to be of great interest to delegates and visitors to the stand.

The Artemis simulator allows creation of different real-world scenarios through a simple intuitive interface. This includes creating many simulated mobiles in and out of coverage, and simulated 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G mobile networks, all of which behave as they would in the real world. The items created can easily be dragged onto a worldwide map. When combined with the Artemis software the mobiles can be located just as they would in a real mission. This makes the Artemis simulator perfect for training, integration testing and post-facto mission analysis.

Simon Alford, senior software engineer, who has been with Smith Myers for 18 years, explained: “Within Smith Myers we use the simulator extensively to test and refine our own software as it gives the opportunity to repeatedly ‘fly’ missions with very realistic results.”

“Using a real instance of the Artemis software running alongside a software simulator we have created a powerful training tool that will allow operators to practice and repeat the techniques and tactics in a classroom environment prior to flying with the live system. This will ensure that the operator can concentrate on the live operation instead of worrying about the operation of the user interface,” Alford added.

Combine the simulator with the built-in flight path creator and the operator and pilot can coordinate to ensure the missing person is found as quickly and safely as possible.

In conclusion Andrew Munro, director at Smith Myers said: “This past few years has seen an impressive uptake in the Artemis product offering across SAR applications through valued integrator partners and direct end users. This multi-channel approach allows us to be remain flexible and agile in such a dynamic market, where already we have become regarded as the industry standard.”

Artemis has been in active service saving lives around the world. The global customer base includes deployment with the Royal Norwegian Airforce for Search and Rescue duties with the Leonardo AW101 SAR Queen, and has received many international awards, including the coveted Royal Aeronautical Society Silver medal. Current areas of interest include Western and Eastern Europe, North America and Asia Pacific.

This press release was prepared and distributed by Smith Myers.