Sponsored by The British Robotics Seed Fund
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24 Oct 23. Turkey unveils drone carrier: Bayraktar TB3 passes naval tests. The Turkish Navy is set to redefine maritime warfare by successfully testing the Bayraktar TB3, a naval variant of the Bayraktar TB2 drone, paving the way for uncrewed carrier operations.
Turkey’s drone manufacturer, Baykar, has achieved a milestone with the Bayraktar TB3.
With enhanced capabilities and dimensions, the TB3 is poised to transform naval operations and bolster Turkey’s presence in unmanned aerial systems. The drone has completed takeoff and landing tests for the naval variant of the famous Bayraktar TB2 drone.
This marks a step forward in the readiness and capabilities of the newly introduced Bayraktar TB3, a short-runway-capable drone designed for deployment on aircraft carriers and amphibious assault ships.
The Bayraktar TB3 is a drone carrier, alongside the Kızılelma jet-powered drone, with roles such as reconnaissance, enemy engagement, and air defence. Integrating these drones into the Turkish Navy represents a step in naval aviation, endowing the vessels with the capabilities for uncrewed reconnaissance and offensive and defensive operations. (Source: naval-technology.com)
24 Oct 23. Manchester Researchers Design and Fly World’s Largest Quadcopter Drone. Engineers at The University of Manchester have built and flown the world’s largest quadcopter drone. The drone, made from a cardboard-like material called foamboard, measures 6.4m (21 ft) corner to corner and weighs 24.5kg – 0.5kg less than the weight limit set by the Civil Aviation Authority.
The innovative design of the drone, dubbed the Giant Foamboard Quadcopter (GFQ), means it is unlike any other in existence. The four arms are formed of a series of hollow box structures and can be easily removed for transportation. There is no record of a purpose-built uncrewed quadcopter (four rotors) of any weight class which is larger than the Manchester vehicle as of the time of writing.
The project started as a curiosity-driven venture to inspire students’ creativity in design by utilising a suitable alternative low-cost material for lightweight aerospace structures that is more environmentally friendly than the usual carbon fibre.
Unlike carbon fibre, low-density sheet materials can be highly recyclable, or even compostable. The researchers hope this demonstration will inspire the next generation of designers to think about sustainability from a completely new perspective.
Dan Koning, a research engineer at The University of Manchester, who led the design and build of the vehicle, said:
“Foamboard is an interesting material to work with, used in the right way we can create complex aerospace structures where every component is designed to be only as strong as it needs to be – there is no room for over-engineering here.
Thanks to this design discipline and after extensive background research, we can say with confidence that we have built the largest quadcopter drone in the world.”
Whilst this drone was developed purely as a proof-of-concept exercise, future iterations of this vehicle type could be designed to carry large payloads over short distances or used as a drone ‘mothership’ in air-to-air docking experiments.
The quadcopter was built from sheets of 5mm thick foamboard, which has a foam core and paper skin. The sheets were laser cut to size and assembled into the 3D structure by hand using only hot melt glue.
“Thanks to this design discipline and after extensive background research, we can say with confidence that we have built the largest quadcopter drone in the world.”
Dan Koning, Research Engineer, The University of Manchester
Josh Bixler, world renowned YouTuber and innovator in remote-controlled aviation is the President of Flite Test, the company that makes the foamboard used in the GFQ.
Commenting on the work, Josh said: “So many times aircraft with advanced features are made of costly materials and we truly believe they don’t have to be. Seeing engineers push the limits in such an approachable, yet extravagant way was inspirational and showed that they were truly thinking outside of the box.”
GFQ is powered by four electric motors running off a 50-volt battery pack. It also has an on-board flight control system and can fly autonomously.
The first flight took place on 5 July 2023 inside the main hangar at the Snowdonia Aerospace Centre during the CASCADE Collaboration Workshop Week where teams from various universities around the UK come together to demonstrate their latest research tech and brainstorm innovation.
Kieran Wood, a Lecturer of Aerospace Systems at The University of Manchester, who piloted the vehicle, said:
“The first moments of flight are the make-or-break point for these types of multi-copter drones. There are many hundreds of things that you must get right. If everything has been designed and built well, we expect success, but any problems will become very apparent in a rapid unscheduled disassembly on the first take-off.”
The project builds on the previous success of an equally large fixed-wing foamboard aircraft in 2022. Following this, a student society was created at the University specifically to focus on developing lightweight, large scale foamboard Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).
Over the last year, a team of undergraduates helped build and test various critical sub-components of the structure.
Bill Crowther, a Professor of Aerospace Engineering at The University of Manchester, said:
“Working with foamboard provides a unique learning opportunity for students to experiment with innovative structural designs. Although the material is strong for its weight, it requires significant engineering skill to exploit its structural potential. Ultimately, with this design you are holding up 25kg of aircraft with just a few strategically placed pieces of paper – that’s the art of the possible.”
The team are now looking to optimise the design of the Giant Foamboard Quadcopter further.
Dan Koning added: “The lessons we’ve learned from this pathfinder vehicle should help us add a few more metres to the next one. But to go 50% bigger, you’ve got to get 100% smarter.” (Source: UAS VISION)
23 Oct 23. FVR-90 Airframe Spurs Prototype for U.S. Navy Unmanned Aircraft System. As the US Navy seeks to develop and field advanced unmanned systems, the Naval Air Systems Command’s Small Tactical Unmanned Aircraft Systems Program will look to the FVR-90 to continue VTOL experimentation and maturation efforts due to its tactical mobility and agility. When deployed at sea, today’s unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) have a tall order to fill; they must be capable of operating in harsh maritime environments, capable of hosting a wide variety of payloads and sensors, and deployable from maritime platforms without the need for launch or recovery equipment—all while delivering exceptional endurance and range.
The Navy recently entered into an Other Transaction Authority with L3Harris to partner in developing a new UAS engine based on the FVR-90 airframe. In the coming months, teams from the Navy, L3Harris’ Agile Development Group, and Cobra AERO will collaborate to develop a heavy fuel variant of the FVR-90 UAS using the A99 HFE (heavy fuel engine system) that is more capable and agile than those the service currently uses.
The prototype project is a step in the Navy’s longer-term strategy to develop Vertical Take Off and Landing (VTOL) systems that offer greater tactical mobility and do not require launch and recovery equipment. The FVR-90 uses the L3Harris VideoScout as its control station, a multiband digital data and video communication system, which is already integrated and operational throughout the fleet on numerous U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps Afloat assets, allowing it to integrate onto various vessels.
In addition, L3Harris will be able to demonstrate other company technologies including the CMDL tactical radio and WESCAM MX-8 EO/IR payload.
“Unmanned systems play an increasingly important role in military tactical and strategic operations, and this project is a big step forward in positioning ourselves for successful mission support against evolving Navy and Marine Corps UAS threats and mission requirements,” said Ed Zoiss President Space and Airborne Systems, L3Harris. “Our system provides a plethora of different capabilities that can be applied to a wide range of operations; from humanitarian assistance, to search and rescue, to surveillance and reconnaissance. The ultimate goal is to provide our warfighters with cutting-edge technologies that enhance their capabilities and keep them safe.”
Designed for long endurance, 12-18 hours with a robust payload capacity, the FVR-90’s innovative modular design includes interchangeable nose payloads, boom mounts for detachable payloads and integrated radio bays for maximum flexibility in dynamic environments. The FVR-90 is efficient and effective. It only takes a two-person operation team roughly one hour to get it up and running.
No additional equipment is needed.
“When it comes to launching a UAS at sea, every second counts,” Zoiss said. “Conditions are changing quickly and the faster you can deploy, the faster you can begin gathering critical intelligence and increase the chances of mission success. The FVR-90 is tailor-made for the challenges of a maritime environment, and we’re looking forward to bringing its capabilities to bear on developing a next-generation UAS prototype for the Navy.”
L3Harris established the ADG in 2022 as an innovation accelerator, bringing approximately 1,000 engineers, program managers, technicians, and operations professionals together to focus on front-end development for urgent national security solutions. Using an agile development approach, the team works to deliver innovative solutions within a fraction of the time and cost of industry norms. Initial focus areas include advanced sensors, weapons systems, and unmanned/multi-mission systems. (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/ L3Harris;)
23 Oct 23. Protector: RAF’s new drone begins trials in the UK. A new uncrewed aircraft, capable of carrying out global surveillance and strike operations, is set to begin trials in the UK this week.
The Protector drone comes with a suite of surveillance equipment and will allow the RAF to carry out global surveillance – all while the aircraft is remotely piloted from RAF Waddington.
The first of 16 has now arrived at the Lincolnshire base ahead of a series of rigorous trials and tests before they can enter the fleet.
Starting this week, the first set of tests will begin this week and involve ground testing of satellite links and taxi procedures, as well as taking off and landing.
Defence Procurement Minister James Cartlidge said the trials will “demonstrate how we are spearheading military defence technology”.
“The UK’s world-class Protector aircraft will emphasise our ultra-modern surveillance, intelligence, and precision strike capabilities,” he said, “ensuring we are ready to monitor and protect against potential adversaries around the globe.”
The drone will be used to take on a number of tasks, including land and maritime surveillance in order to track threats, counter-terrorism and support UK civil authorities.
With a wingspan of 79ft, the uncrewed aircraft is capable of operating at heights of 40,000ft and can fly for more than 30 hours.
It has been assembled by a newly reformed 31 squadron which is preparing for the final stages of testing before it is expected to enter service later next year
With a history of operating multiple aircraft, 31 Squadron will be exclusively a Protector squadron and have been reformed as the aircraft enters service.
As well as taking on the Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) roles currently carried out by Reaper, Protector will adhere to strict Nato standards – allowing it to operate in the UK and European civilian airspace.
Air Commodore Alex Hicks, Senior Responsible Owner, Protector Programme, said the arrival of Protector to the RAF is “the culmination of years of work by many personnel across the whole of the MOD”.
“The ISR Capability Team will be working with 56 Sqn, our test and evaluation experts, will put the aircraft through its paces to ensure it is ready for operational service next year, whilst the newly reformed 31 Sqn will focus on preparing to operate the aircraft in service.
“This is an important milestone for the programme, Air Force and wider defence, and I am delighted to see Protector at RAF Waddington.”
A further 15 aircraft from the US will arrive in the UK as part of a phased delivery over the coming years with all the Protectors expected to be in service by 2025. (Source: forces.net)
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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
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