Jan 04. Universal Communication Systems, Inc. company Chairman and CEO Michael Zwebner announced today that the company has set up a new corporate division, “Security Products,” and has entered into an agreement to market unique UAV Pilotless Remote-Controlled Planes on a worldwide basis.
In a statement issued today, Michael Zwebner stated: “Our Company has recognized the growing global need for high-tech security-related products. Through our marketing partners E.T.I , Electro Tech International Ltd (www.e-t-i.co.il), we are fortunate to have been introduced to an Israeli company, BlueBird Aero Systems Limited (www.bluebird-uav.com), that has designed and manufactures a unique range of UAV Pilotless Planes that are perfectly suited for use with the US Military, Law Enforcement Agencies, INS, DEA, etc. In addition, these unique UAV products are being sought by Governments and Authorities worldwide.
“We have commenced bringing these products to the attention of many law enforcement authorities in select countries, and continue to receive serious interest. A marketing and product brochure is now available on our company web site. (www.ucsy.com) The Company will shortly be making further announcements in this regard.”
Jan 04. Tsunami disaster: UAVs being used to locate bodies by Indian armed forces. With people in thousands still reported missing following the devastating tidal waves in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Indian armed forces have pressed into service Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in the affected mainland and in outlying island territories to locate bodies.
“We are utilising UAV’s in Kerala also to find bodies deeply buried in jungles and urban areas”, Defence Ministry officials here said.
He said sniffer dog squads had also been flown to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to help in locating the bodies. Authorities estimate that more than 5,000 people were still missing in the islands many of which are yet to be reached even five days after the catastrophy.
The use of UAV’s and sniffer dogs to hunt for missing people was announced as authorities said that evacuation of people from the threatened southern Nicobar Islands and in some coastal belts on the mainland was continuing with so far over 15,000 people having been shifted to safer places.
Officials said that air reconnaissance of the remote islands was continuing as Naval and Air Force aircraft continued airdropping of foods and other relief supplies on the Kamorata group of islands in the Andamam Sea.
04 Jan 05. General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. along with its “Team Warrior” partners AAI Corporation and SPARTA, Inc, today announced that it has been selected as one of two finalists for the U.S. Army’s Extended Range Multi-Purpose (ERMP) UAV Programme.
Team Warrior will now proceed to the next phase of the Systems Development and Demonstration (SDD) contract award process. A Systems Capabilities Demonstration (SCD) will be conducted the first quarter of 2005 at Fort Huachuca, Arizona.
“We are honored that the U.S. Army has recognized the high-value solution that Team Warrior brings to the ERMP Program,” said Thomas J. Cassidy, Jr., president and chief executive officer of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems. “Based on the combat-proven Predator® UAV and One System GCS, the Team Warrior proposal offers the Army the lowest risk solution for persistent ISR and tactical strike operations. We look forward to validating the strengths of the team’s unique yet complementary expertise during the upcoming demonstration period.”
The Systems Capabilities Demonstration will showcase the WarriorTM UAV, which was designed to meet the Army’s requirement for a non-developmental solution, as well as supporting capabilities. The SCD will be held over a three-week period and will consist of system ground and multi-mission flight demonstrations. The results of the Team Warrior demonstration, along with those of a second finali