Autonomous Flight Termination Unit and Digital C-band Radar Transponder Series

Two new solutions for telemetry and range safety were launched in October 2022, the Autonomous Flight Termination Unit (AFTU) and Digital C-band Radar Transponder series. These advanced solutions are designed to improve the safety and overall performance of telemetry systems.

Autonomous Flight Termination Unit
The new AFTU is a fully configurable termination unit implementing the latest hardware and software technologies to provide a high-performing, reliable, long-life product. It is extremely low SWAP and capable of handling the harshest operational environments.
The AFTU autonomously makes flight termination decisions easier by utilizing configurable, software-based rules. If the platform goes off course or exhibits anomalous behavior potentially endangering public safety, the AFTU detects the problem and autonomously issues a command to terminate the flight. The AFTU meets all operational and environmental specifications of space launch vehicles, Uncrewed Air Systems (UAS), missiles, and any other platforms requiring range or flight safety measures.

Digital C-band Radar Transponder Series
The new Digital Radar Transponder is a miniature device that enhances the capabilities of tracking radars and enables precision tracking of aircraft, rockets, missiles, UAS and targets. Delivering higher performance at a lower cost, this innovative solution provides a solid-state design in a smaller footprint with an extremely long operating life.
The Digital Radar Transponder offers fully programmable features such as receive and transmit frequencies, delay, and code spacing in a form factor suitable for all platforms, and is available in a range of transmit power outputs, including 50W, 100W, 200W, and 400W increments. All variants are packaged in the RCC-262 20 Watt form factor.

CAES Expands RF Product Line
In March, Herley (the Specialist RF portion of Ultra) became a part of CAES, further expanding the company’s footprint in the RF market and bringing on new capabilities and product offerings, including the AFTU and Digital C-band Radar Transponder series.

Herley delivers high-integrity, small Size, Weight and Power (SWaP) and application specific missile flight instrumentation solutions, tactical RF products, and RF and electronic warfare assemblies. With facilities in Lancaster, Pennsylvania; Woburn, Massachusetts; and Whippany, New Jersey, the company brings an experienced team, strong customer relationships and new strategic programs to CAES.
The combination positions CAES to deliver even greater capabilities and specialized knowledge across RF, and develop the best solutions for tomorrow’s missions.

About CAES
CAES is a pioneer of advanced electronics for the most challenging defense and aerospace trusted systems. As a leading provider of advanced RF technology to the United States aerospace and defense industry, CAES delivers high-reliability RF and digital solutions that enable our customers to ensure a safer, more secure planet. On land, at sea and in the air, CAES’ extensive experience in the RF market and enhanced manufacturing capabilities are at the forefront of mission-critical military and aerospace innovation. www.caes.com.