Sponsored by The British Robotics Seed Fund
http: www.britbots.com/fund
————————————————————————
12 Sep 23. Qinetiq Launches Jackdaw UAS Concept to Provide Significant and Affordable Combat Mass and Battlespace Capabilities. QinetiQ today announces the launch of Jackdaw, a low-cost, high-performance ‘disposable’ uncrewed aerial system (UAS).
Designed for swarming and collaborative autonomous operations including crewed-uncrewed teaming, Jackdaw will fulfil multiple missions including reconnaissance, electronic warfare, airborne decoy and threat representation.
Jackdaw will enable our armed forces to reduce operational risk and increase combat mass by rapidly deploying large numbers of UAS in scenarios currently dependent upon small numbers of expensive crewed aerial platforms. By teaming large numbers of Jackdaw with other UAS and crewed platforms, mission effectiveness will be enhanced, the threat to human lives mitigated and the cost of conducting operations significantly reduced.
Market forecasts by Region, Technology, Propulsion, Endurance, MTOW, Range, Launching system, Application, and End User. Market and Technologies Overview, Market Dynamics, Events Forecast, and Leading Companies
Mick Andrae, Global Campaign Director, Robotics & Autonomous Systems, QinetiQ commented: “The Jackdaw concept leverages QinetiQ’s expertise in very low-cost high-performance aerial targets – such as the Banshee family – and is enhanced with autonomous mission management and human-machine teaming capabilities. Critically, Jackdaw’s autonomous goal-based mission management system is intended to integrate with NATO and allied open architectures, ensuring interoperability with existing and future crewed and uncrewed systems. This, combined with the very low-cost aerial target design philosophy, makes Jackdaw highly suitable for use as a disposable UAS in air, maritime and land domain applications.”
Whilst Jackdaw is designed to be reusable, its low-cost disposable characteristics enhance operational flexibility by providing commanders with the option to sacrifice assets when needed.
In collaboration with other organisations, including BAE Systems and Inzpire, Jackdaw forms part of a family of UAS which will operate together seamlessly and coherently, aiding a more agile deployment and easier management from a central operations centre. (Source: ASD Network)
12 Sep 23. Anduril Unveils ‘Ghost-X’ Autonomous Drone for Greater Mission Flexibility in Challenging Environments. Anduril Industries is excited to unveil Ghost-X, the newest and most capable variant of its Ghost autonomous uncrewed aircraft system. It incorporates operational feedback from over 1,000 Ghost flight hours with a wide range of customers, including the UK Ministry of Defence, and across diverse environments, including multiple combat theaters.
A highly modular, flexible, and expeditionary UAS, Ghost-X is purpose-built for reconnaissance, security, and force protection. The system leverages Anduril’s Lattice software platform to automate mission planning, airspace management, and flight operations to reduce the cognitive load and training burden for operators. The Ghost platform was designed to adapt to user needs with a flexible and rail-centric design and Ghost-X embodies this vision with the integration of new propulsion, payloads, and software to meet the needs of operators in challenging environments around the world.
Ghost-X expanded capabilities include:
Market forecasts by Region, Technology, Propulsion, Endurance, MTOW, Range, Launching system, Application, and End User. Market and Technologies Overview, Market Dynamics, Events Forecast, and Leading Companies
Enhanced Flight Performance
Ghost-X’s upgraded propulsion system enables a dual battery configuration to extend flight time to 75 minutes and doubles Ghost’s total payload capacity to 9 kg (20 lbs). Ghost-X extends operational range up to 25 kilometers with an optional long-range communications kit.
Modular, Multi-Payload Carriage
Ghost-X builds on the Ghost platform’s modular architecture to provide additional payload configurations. This includes new electro-optic and infrared gimbals, encoded laser options from leading industry suppliers and a vision-based navigation module for flight capability without reference to Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS).
Ghost-X can host multi-payload configurations, with enhanced flight efficiency and endurance at higher take-off weights. Its ability to incorporate new sensors, communications, navigation, and other modular mission payloads make it a powerful baseline asset for integrating rapidly-evolving technologies.
Resilience in challenging operational environments
Ghost-X incorporates a range of new technologies including vision-based navigation and automated frequency switching. These new capabilities contribute to a layered system of hardened navigation and communications to maximize resiliency in low-connectivity and denied environments.
Anduril Industries rapidly iterates based on the capabilities operators require in the most challenging environments. The Ghost platform was built to adapt capabilities from a flexible baseline airframe to address changing requirements. Ghost-X is the next step in the platform’s evolution to deliver autonomy for every mission. (Source: ASD Network)
12 Sep 23. BAE Systems and QinetiQ Collaborate on Autonomous Uncrewed Air Systems. BAE Systems and QinetiQ have signed a framework agreement which will see both parties collaborate in the area of autonomous uncrewed air systems (UAS) and mission management systems. The framework agreement will explore the potential to collaborate and develop a family of UAS, and associated mission management systems, to support interoperability with existing and future crewed and uncrewed systems; generating operational effects and providing a concentration of combat air power.
The autonomous mission management system enables operators to use a mix of crewed and uncrewed assets collaboratively on the battlefield, all managed by a human decision maker.
In the first stage of the collaboration, the joint team will explore the use of BAE Systems’ autonomous mission management system on uncrewed platforms developed by both companies to work alongside each other – and with existing and future crewed and uncrewed combat aircraft.
The UK and other nations want to field high performance uncrewed air systems capable of delivering military effects across a range of operational scenarios. Our agreement with QinetiQ will see us work together to deliver this capability to our customers.
Dave Holmes, Managing Director of FalconWorks, the advanced research and technology division for BAE Systems’ Air business
Our customers have a growing need to increase combat mass, protect lives and reduce costs. Our collaboration with BAE Systems enables future mission-critical operations to be conducted without the traditional costs associated. All of this will provide our customers with better intelligence, protection and capability to defend against adversaries and protect our national interests.
Mick Andrae, Global Campaign Director, Robotics & Autonomous Systems, QinetiQ. Under the framework agreement signed at DSEI in London, each company will continue to develop their own UAS aligned to a common product strategy that will enable effective collaboration on existing and future crewed and uncrewed platform concept development. (Source: ASD Network)
12 Sep 23. Teledyne FLIR Defense Demonstrates Groundbreaking UAV Vehicle Reconnaissance Technology at DSEI in London ‘Black Recon’ tech concept will enable crews in fighting vehicles to autonomously launch and recover small drones for immediate, covert situational awareness without leaving the vehicle LONDON, September 12, 2023 ― Teledyne FLIR Defense, part of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated (NYSE:TDY), is showcasing a new technology concept at this week’s DSEI conference in London that will allow crews to autonomously launch small drones operated from inside a military vehicle; perform reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition (RSTA); and then recover the aircraft without ever having to leave the safety of the vehicle. The Black Recon™ Vehicle Reconnaissance System (VRS) is a development program that features an entirely new micro-unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) designed to withstand the rigors of traveling on infantry and other fighting vehicles. The system is built to provide continuous untethered reconnaissance at flight speeds that allow the UAV to work ahead of advancing vehicles, supplying valuable situational awareness even beyond line of sight. With its thermal and visual payload, Black Recon sends live imagery and targeting information back to vehicle crews. Operators can use the system for a wide range of missions, such as assessing if terrain is passable, sweeping for mines and improvised explosive devices, or performing close-up inspection under bridges using onboard illumination. The system delivers high precision RSTA and can perform GPS-denied operations. Fitted inside a hardened launch box mounted to a vehicle, Black Recon’s deployment system can launch up to three UAVs during a mission. When one returns, a unique cradle-arm autonomously recovers the drone using patented technology to precisely track, capture, and dock the UAV – day or night, even in poor weather. Drones are then automatically recharged for the next mission. “Black Recon represents a groundbreaking new capability and a force multiplier for warfighters to take on near-peer adversaries,” said Dr. JihFen Lei, executive vice president and general manager of Teledyne FLIR Defense.
“The ability to launch and recover UAVs in seconds from a vehicle, without exposing the crew, will enable fighting units to maintain operational tempo and leverage the system when it’s needed most – in dynamic, uncertain and complex environments. “We continue to refine Black Recon’s technology and are excited about future applications, not only for the 1/2 military but also other areas like law enforcement, border security, and critical infrastructure protection. We look forward to sharing the concept with industry partners during DSEI,” Lei added. Visit Teledyne FLIR at Stand # H1-361 to see the Black Recon at DSEI from Sept. 12-14, or learn more online.
12 Sep 23. BAE Systems is collaborating with Cellula Robotics on the forthcoming launch of its Extra Large Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (XLAUV) named Herne. Scheduled for a technology demonstration next year, the vehicle will take to the waters in the latter half of 2024, with trials set on the south coast of England.
Recent incidents highlighting the strategic importance of sub-sea security underscore the potential value of autonomous platforms like Herne. Such vehicles could offer the military the ability to monitor vast underwater areas without human crew constraints, delivering surveillance in a more cost-effective manner.
BAE Systems envisions the Herne as a flexible platform, adaptable for various operations, including anti-submarine warfare, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and electronic warfare.
Commenting on the development, Scott Jamieson, Managing Director of Maritime Services at BAE Systems, stated, “This will be the first time any UK company will have tested its advanced autonomous capabilities in this area and I am excited to be working with Cellula Robotics.” He further emphasised the goal of providing a system that is “faster, more capable, more flexible, [and] cheaper for customers”.
Eric Jackson, President at Cellula Robotics Ltd, highlighted the vital role autonomous platforms have in ensuring the security of underwater domains. Reflecting on recent sub-sea disturbances, Jackson reiterated the significance of protecting underwater infrastructure. “We are thrilled to collaborate with BAE Systems and look forward to the demonstration, setting the course for a future of enhanced underwater security and intelligence,” he said. (Source: UKDJ)
12 Sep 23. Thales and Schiebel expand Strategic Partnership to promote the CAMCOPTER® Unmanned Aerial System globally with cutting-edge technologies.
- Thales, a leading global technology company, and Schiebel, a renowned Rotary Wing Uncrewed Air System (RWUAS) manufacturer, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to build on their joint success in the UK with a global marketing approach.
- Where appropriate, and on a case by case basis, the Schiebel CAMCOPTER® S-100 and S-300 systems will be combined with Thales’ innovative products, to bring an unrivalled solution to the Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) global market.
- This partnership marks a significant step towards further enhancing the capabilities and market presence of both companies in the rapidly expanding RWUAS industry.
By combining Thales’ expertise in advanced technology solutions, sensors and system integration with Schiebel’s extensive experience in designing, developing and delivering high-performance RWUAS, this collaboration focuses on unlocking new frontiers around the world in uncrewed aerial operations. Through cooperation, both companies aim to leverage their respective complementary strengths to drive innovation, expand market reach, and meet the evolving needs of customers worldwide.
The CAMCOPTER® S-100 and S-300 systems represent the pinnacle of unmanned/uncrewed aerial reconnaissance and surveillance systems, embodying state-of-the-art technologies and unmatched reliability. With Thales and Schiebel working in tandem, customers can expect a seamless integration of these exceptional systems, enabling enhanced capabilities for defence, security, and civilian/commercial applications.
“We are thrilled to embark on this strategic partnership with Schiebel,” stated Herve Hamy, Vice President ISR Business Line at Thales “Together, on a case by case basis, we will harness our collective expertise to deliver cutting-edge solutions that will undoubtedly redefine the RWUAS landscape.”
“Schiebel is excited about the opportunities this collaboration brings,” commented Hans Georg Schiebel, Chairman of the Schiebel Group. “Combining forces where appropriate with Thales will further strengthen our offerings and provide our customers with even more advanced, robust and reliable solutions.”
Both companies remain committed to driving innovation, ensuring compliance with the highest industry standards, and adhering to ethical practices. This collaboration reflects their shared dedication to advancing the UAS industry’s growth and fostering increased safety and efficiency in airborne operations.
Thales and Schiebel were awarded a contract by the UK Ministry of Defence this year to deliver a game changing rotary wing Uncrewed Air System to provide a protective ‘eye in the sky’ capability for Royal Navy warships on deployed operations.
12 Sep 23. On display at DSEI 2023: Rheinmetall’s LUNA NG multipurpose UAS with new capabilities. The LUNA NG (next generation) is Rheinmetall’s latest tactical multipurpose unmanned aerial system, or UAS. It will be on show in the UK for the first time, specifically in the Rheinmetall Combat Drone configuration, a future target engagement system. Its future vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capability will also feature at DSEI. The war in Ukraine shows how important providing real-time reconnaissance data is for forces at operational level. LUNA NG is designed primarily to serve as a long range tactical reconnaissance unmanned air vehicle. It provides realtime data for target acquisition and relevant information for battle damage assessments, combining battlefield experience with state-of-the-art technologies.
Loaded on a Rheinmetall HX truck, LUNA NG is a highly mobile UAS. This tactical drone can remain aloft for 12 hours and has a digital datalink range of up to 150 km, with a SatCom option enabling an unlimited datalink. Furthermore, plans exist for using the platform as a ComRelay station for tactical communication networks. A multipurpose drone, it can carry various payloads weighing over 30kg, making it one of the most flexible systems in its class and able to conduct a wide array of different missions.
Furthermore, thanks to a VTOL kit on display at the Rheinmetall booth, the LUNA NG features a unique potential capability that will reduce its future footprint still further. LUNA NG is also the basic platform for the Rheinmetall Combat Drone. Besides target acquisition and battle damage assessment, the system’s capabilities include target engagement, giving operators a choice of several different types of ammunition.
In August 2023 Rheinmetall’s LUNA NG reconnaissance drone reached another important milestone: it will soon be in action in Ukraine. The system should be ready for delivery in 2023. The LUNA NG system ordered for Ukraine is part of an extensive military aid package initiated by the German government in July 2023. Now firm, this order is a landmark achievement for Rheinmetall’s UAV programme and the Group’s digitalization strategy. The LUNA NG is an advanced sensor component for networked operations, which significantly increases the effectiveness of the sensor-to-shooter chain. Germany is currently procuring the LUNA NG as its future tactical reconnaissance UAS.
08 Sep 23. ISS Aerospace announces NEW tactical UAV for time critical tasking ISS Aerospace (www.issaerospace.com), a leading UK innovator of cutting-edge Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS), is pleased to announce the unveiling of the tube-launched WASP M4-TL tactical UAS. WASP represents next generation technology for semi-autonomous aerial systems. Inherently flexible, it delivers game-changing, cost-effective capability enhancement to a wide range of users. Defence and security applications include time critical detector and effector missions.
“Ryan Kempley, CEO and Founder of ISS Aerospace said “WASP has benefitted from substantial in-house R&D and is now a viable prototype, ready for rapid”
WASP and the range of ISS Aerospace SENSUS UAS will be on display at DSEI, Excel London, on 12 – 15 September 2023 (DSEI stand H2-894).
WASP is man portable and deployed in less than 3 seconds. The launcher can be operated physically by a person, or remotely if mounted on a vehicle, infrastructure, or ship. The platform transitions to conventional multi-rotor flight after an initial rocket launch. Mission dependent, the whole system is re-usable. It can be stored for many years and remain ready for rapid use.
————————————————————————-
The British Robotics Seed Fund is the first SEIS-qualifying investment fund specialising in UK-based robotics businesses. The focus of the fund is to deliver superior returns to investors by making targeted investments in a mixed basket of the most innovative and disruptive businesses that are exploiting the new generation of robotics technologies in defence and other sector applications.
Automation and robotisation are beginning to drive significant productivity improvements in the global economy heralding a new industrial revolution. The fund allows investors to benefit from this exciting opportunity, whilst also delivering the extremely attractive tax reliefs offered by the Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS). For many private investors, the amount of specialist knowledge required to assess investments in robotics is not practical and hence investing through a fund structure makes good sense.
The fund appoints expert mentors to work with each investee company to further maximise the chance of success for investors. Further details are available on request.
www.britbots.com/fund
————————————————————————