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14 Oct 16. The new-generation TALIOS (TArgeting Long-range Identification Optronic System) laser targeting pod has successfully completed its 1st flight on a Rafale. Operated by Dassault Aviation at the Istres base as part of the F3R program, the prototype took off on July 27, mounted on a single-seater aircraft, for a flight lasting over 2 hours. This test flight collected high-quality images taken using the “day” channel, and offered remarkable performances in pointing and telemetry. Designed by Thales, TALIOS is the first optronic targeting pod to cover the entire decision chain, from intelligence gathering through to neutralization. With the latest-generation high-resolution infrared and electro-optical sensors, line-of-sight stabilization, and high performance image processing its capabilities range from deep strike with precision-guided munition, to air-to-air target identification and close air support, both during the day and at night. The integration of the TALIOS pod, which will included on the French Air Force and Navy Rafales, is a major part of the F3R standard development on the Rafale combat aircraft. The success of the first TALIOS flight on a Rafale is the second key event in its development program for 2016, following on from the first flight on the Mirage2000 test bench aircraft. The TALIOS pod development and Rafale integration programs run in parallel. The adjustment and performance measurement tests will continue throughout 2017. They will lead both to the qualification of the equipment and to the qualification of the F3R standard for the Rafale by mid-2018. The Military Programming Law 2014-2019 anticipates an order of 45 pods for the Air Force and the Navy, 20 of which have already been ordered from Thales by the French Defense Procurement Agency (DGA). Delivery of the mass-produced equipment will start in 2018.
14 Oct 16. Drone Aviation Gets DoD Contract for WATT Tethered Drones. Drone Aviation Holding Corp, a manufacturer of tethered drones and lighter-than-air aerostats, has announced that it has been awarded a contract to supply its WATT electric tethered drones to a U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) customer.
The contract, valued at approximately $400,000, includes WATT electric tethered drones and complete in-field support packages and operator flight training. The WATT is designed for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (“ISR”) applications supporting dual sensor Electro-Optical/Infrared (“EO/IR”) military-grade, highly stabilized turret-style gimbaled payloads providing day and nighttime video for use in all-weather environments.
“This new award from the DoD is a significant milestone for our Company as we officially begin to train and support our nation’s early adopters of tethered drones,” said Jay Nussbaum, Chairman and CEO of Drone Aviation. “We expect this initial award to generate valuable data and deployment experience, something we intend to leverage to convert our prospect pipeline into tethered drone sales to customers in the government and commercial markets. We look forward to working closely and supporting our new customer which we believe will continue to strengthen our long-standing relationship with the DoD,” added Mr. Nussbaum.
The patented WATT Electric Tethered Aerial Platform (ETAP) is the Company’s turn-key electric tethered drone designed to provide secure and reliable aerial communications and monitoring for extended durations. WATT utilizes a high strength, Kevlar®-armored tether connected to the ground providing uninterruptible power, unjammable command and control, and secure collection and distribution of sensor data, to deliver highly effective coverage from altitudes up to 400 feet for up to 8 hours or more. Supporting advanced mil-spec communications packages and sensors, including highly stabilized zoom E