Defence Online

X marks the spot for bomb disposal tech

Land April 19, 2024

X-ray backscatter imaging is increasingly used in combat zones to identify the presence of explosives and weapons. However, advanced systems enabled by artificial intelligence and robotics are now opening the door to more sophisticated applications. Chris Froud In the past, UAVs or drones with sensors and detectors on board have been used ...

Coatings to improve naval performance

Maritime April 28, 2022

Writing for Defence Online, Mark Sugden, senior associate, and David Stanier, associate, in the Advanced Engineering group at European intellectual property firm, Withers & Rogers examine how innovative coatings can enhance the performance of naval vessels.  Materials science is focused on helping shipbuilders to find new ways to improve naval performance ...

Future warfare: Blockchain-enabled swarm robotics

Air May 25, 2021

Writing for Defence Online, Richard Worthington, partner and patent attorney at European intellectual property firm Withers & Rogers, examines how blockchain can enhance swarm robotic technology. The Ministry of Defence’s latest review: ‘Defence in a Competitive Age’ indicates a clear shift in focus from boots-on-the-ground to technological advantage – but where ...

Declassified Patent of the Month: ‘Tandem warhead’ innovation is worth revisiting

March 2, 2018

The new Russian T-14 Armata has got Western anti-tank specialists scratching their heads over how to defeat its varied defensive systems. However, the problem of overcoming ‘active armour’ on earlier Russian tank variants is one that was addressed as far back as 1989, by German weapons manufacturer, Rheinmetall W&M GmbH. Specifically, ...