14 Sep 11. General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., completed initial testing of a new UAS open payload architecture in its Poway, Calif., System Integration Lab (SIL). The testing demonstrated the ability to host third party-developed payload control software on existing airborne and Ground Control Station (GCS) processors and was conducted in partnership with SELEX Galileo in support of the integration of SELEX Galileo’s SeaSpray 7500E radar into GA-ASI’s Predator B UAS. The new open payload architecture supports sovereign payload integration capability by enabling integrators to perform the mission management, sensor integration, sensor control, and sensor fusion tasks. Due to the aircraft’s segmented avionics and open payload architectures, payloads can be integrated without the need to modify UAS or GCS software, yet integrators can access aircraft data links and communication buses, control certain aircraft power switching, and receive vehicle and sensor data feeds. The architecture also provides the framework to support networked-sensor control. GA-ASI will continue to offer payload integration services as requested by the customer. The integration and open payload architecture demonstration are part of a joint Independent Research and Development (IRAD) effort between GA-ASI and SELEX Galileo. GA-ASI is performing the software and hardware modifications to the Predator B system to implement the open payload architecture, while SELEX Galileo is developing the airborne payload control software and delivering the radar for integration. Known as the Sovereign Payload Capability (SPC) Demonstration, the project’s conclusion will feature a live flight demonstration from GA-ASI’s Gray Butte Flight Operations Center in Palmdale, Calif., over the Pacific Ocean in early December.

13 Sep 11. ATLAS ELEKTRONIK has recently teamed with ECS Special Projects Ltd. to exclusively provide the EOD tool COBRA for the ATLAS SeaFox System. The COBRA (Clip-On BX-90 Re-loadable Assembly) can be fitted to the re-usable SeaFox vehicle offering Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) capability from surface to 300m. Combined with the Rigid-hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB) based SeaFox VSW version COBRA provides a hard-kill disposal capability which can be delivered by remote means by MCM Expeditionary Forces. With COBRA ATLAS is also able to satisfy the market demand for a cost effective historical ordnance disposal capability and offer multiple target prosecution / multiple target initiation by remote means which makes the whole SeaFox System unique. During Operation Open Spirit 2011, a multi-national ordnance disposal exercise in the Baltic Sea, COBRA and SeaFox-I successfully disposed of several items of historic ordnance.

15 Sep 11. SELEX Galileo announces skyISTAR, platform agnostic ISTAR architecture for UAS SELEX Galileo, a Finmeccanica company, is proud to announce skyISTAR, an ISTAR architecture for Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). skyISTAR will be open, flexible and platform/payload agnostic, making it adaptable to an unlimited number of potential user requirements. A key aspect of the system is its mission management system, which will integrate on-board sensors such as radar, defensive aids and other systems and then fuse the data together with proprietary algorhithms to provide the operator with a single, seamless picture of the UAS environment. skyISTAR builds on SELEX Galileo’s wealth of experience in all aspects of UAS andintegrated system design. The company’s work on its Falco tactical UAS has resulted in anin-depth understanding of UAS mission systems, sensor integration and ground controltechnologies. (ATOS) system and work on the Eurofighter Typhoon’s Praetorian defensive aid suite hasprovided SELEX Galileo with the learning needed to field integrated ISTAR solutions andprovide critical sensor information to crews in an easy-to-understand way.

15 Sep 11. SELEX Galileo, a Finmeccanica company, announced the launch of A