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09 Aug 24. Indonesia reveals interest in Bayraktar TB2 UAVs.
The chief of the Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU) has asserted that the service will acquire Turkish-made Bayraktar TB2 medium altitude-long endurance unmanned aerial vehicles (MALE UAVs) to boost the Southeast Asian country’s air defence capabilities.
Air Chief Marshal Mohammad Tonny Harjono told local media that the service will acquire an undisclosed number of TB2 UAVs for beyond line-of-sight surveillance and reconnaissance operations. Marshal Harjono had earlier visited TB2 manufacturer Baykar Technology in Istanbul in June this year.
The proposed TB2 UAVs will operate alongside other MALE UAV systems, the Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) Anka, as well the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Cai-Hong 4 (CH-4).
The Indonesian Ministry of Defense (MoD) earlier revealed in July 2023 that it will be acquiring 12 TAI Anka UAVs worth up to US$300 million, with delivery expected within 32 months after the contract enters into force.
The deal also provisions for equipment and services such as a flight training simulator, integrated logistics support, ground support and test equipment, and hangar infrastructure.
The Anka UAVs will be supported by local subsidiary PT Turkish Aerospace Indonesia (TAI Indonesia) with Indonesian industry and universities benefiting from activities such as final assembly of the Anka UAVs as well as maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) operations.
Jakarta has expressed an overt interest in MALE-class UAVs for several years, with state-owned aerospace company PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) unveiling an indigenously developed MALE UAV development called the Elang Hitam (Black Eagle) in 2019. However, more recent reports have indicated that the project – originally intended to fulfil the requirements of the armed forces – has been shelved in favour of off-the-shelf options from the international market.
TAI will reportedly build the first six Anka UAVs in Türkiye, while the remainder will be locally assembled by PTDI in Indonesia.
The TNI-AU reportedly ordered around six CASC CH-4B UAVs which have been equipped with satellite communications systems to extend their operating range to 1,080 nautical miles (2,000km). The TNI-AU is believed to be the first Southeast Asian air force to possess an armed UAV capability, having received AR-2 precision guided missiles for the CH-4B fleet in April 2021.
An electronic warfare pod, possibly for communications or signals intelligence gathering missions, has also been observed equipped to at least one of the TNI-AU’s CH-4 UAVs. (Source: AMR)
08 Aug 24. Royal Navy MASTT team charts new autonomy milestone for RNMB Apollo. The UK Royal Navy’s (RN’s) unmanned surface vessel (USV) RNMB Apollo has successfully completed degree 3 autonomy trials, marking another milestone for the UK’s Mine Hunting Capability (MHC) programme.
Degree 3 autonomy – also known as conditional autonomy – demonstrates that an autonomous system can perform most operational tasks independently under certain conditions.
During the recent trials, which were carried out by the RN’s Maritime Autonomous Systems Trials Team (MASTT) in Weymouth Bay, Apollo successfully carried out a preprogrammed mission while being remotely controlled by a team from a shore-based station, the RN confirmed on 30 July. While conducting the mission the USV was able to demonstrate reliable path-planning and use the information it received to avoid potential hazards.
Building on this success, MASTT will now focus on further refining the system in preparation for an integration period later this year with the UK’s new minehunting mother ship RFA Stirling Castle.
Apollo is a 12 m-long USV built by L3Harris under subcontract to Thales. It is one of the two pre-production USVs delivered by Thales to the RN and French Navy in December 2021 under the joint UK-French Maritime Mine Counter Measures (MMCM) programme for their respective MHC and Système de Lutte Anti-Mines Futur (SLAMF) mine countermeasure (MCM) recapitalisation programmes.
The USVs form part of a primary ‘system of systems’ developed by Thales for both countries that use remote offboard systems (both autonomous underwater vehicles and USVs) to enable detection, classification, localisation, and neutralisation of mine threats at stand-off ranges. (Source: Janes)
08 Aug 24. VTOL Aircraft with Trillium Gimbals Advance in U.S. Army Program. Trillium Engineering’s HD80 gimbal features on two VTOL aircraft advancing to the final round of the U.S. Army’s FTUAS program, delivering advanced imaging capabilities for military operations.
The U.S. Army has selected two vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) systems to advance to the final round of the Future Tactical Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (FTUAS) Program of Record.
Both systems, from Griffon Aerospace and Textron Systems, are equipped with the HD80 gimbal from Trillium Engineering.
Trillium Engineering, known for its high-quality imaging systems used in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, is reportedly now the sole gimbal manufacturer remaining in the FTUAS program as it enters the Option 1 period.
The HD80 series gimbal is designed for Group 3 platforms, offering advanced imaging capabilities for military and defense operations.
As the FTUAS program continues, Trillium Engineering plans to support all companies involved, applying its understanding of platform requirements and engineering solutions.
The integration of the HD80 series into the FTUAS finalist platforms represents a step forward in enhancing unmanned systems’ capabilities for military applications.
HD80 Series Key Features
The HD80 provides high-definition imagery, enabling operators to gather detailed visual information in real-time.
This capability is critical for mission success, whether it’s for surveillance, reconnaissance, or target acquisition.
With specialized sensors for both day and night operations, the HD80 ensures the highest definition imagery around the clock, making it key for 24/7 missions.
Advanced Stabilization
Trillium Engineering’s imaging systems are equipped with advanced stabilization technology, ensuring steady and reliable footage even in the most challenging environments.
This feature is particularly important for unmanned aerial systems (UAS) that operate in dynamic and often unpredictable conditions.
Versatile Payload Classifications
The HD80 series offers a range of payload classifications, allowing for customization based on specific mission requirements.
This versatility makes the HD80 series an ideal for intelligence gathering, search and rescue operations, and other applications.
Advanced Laser Options
Trillium Engineering offers a range of advanced laser solutions to enhance mission capabilities. These include:
- Laser Pointer: For precise target marking and coordination.
- Laser Range Finder: To accurately determine distances to targets or points of interest.
- Laser Designator: Enabling precise target acquisition and guidance for laser-guided munitions.
Mark Mirelez, CEO at Trillium Engineering, commented; “We are extremely proud to be the only gimbaled imaging system integrated on the FTUAS finalist platforms. This achievement is a testament to our deep understanding of UAS technology and our ability to deliver seamless integration solutions. We are honored to be a trusted partner of each of these industry-leading companies and hope we’ll have the opportunity to support the contract winner.”
(Source: https://www.defenseadvancement.com/)
08 Aug 24. Israeli Company Develops Copy of Russian Lancet. An Israeli company Smart Drone Services has unveiled an exact copy of the Russian Lancet kamikaze drone, responsible for dozens of confirmed hits on Ukrainian equipment. It is one of the most effective weapons against higher-value targets, often located dozens of kilometers behind the zero line. Smart Drones is manufacturing unmanned aerial systems used by the Israeli Air Force and Israeli defense companies as a Red Squadron, depicting UAVs used by the enemy. The latest addition is a precise copy of the Iranian Shahed 136 armed UAV, used in Ukraine and by Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Smart Drones Services is a technology services company, certified by the Israeli Civil Aviation Authority, leading the BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) development process for challenging detection, interception, and missile defense engagement.
According to Dudi Ohayon, COO of the company, they provide unique, tailor-made UAV end-to-end solutions, such as loitering munitions and kamikaze drones.
“The heavy use of the Russian Lancet in Ukraine brought some European countries to ask for our services to prepare their air defense systems for the potential threat,” said Ohayon.
Ohayon also stated that the company has built exact copies of Iranian-made armed drones used in Ukraine and by Hezbollah in Lebanon to attack Israeli targets. One of these is the delta wing RS2, which is a very exact copy of the Iranian Shahed 136, used by the Russians in Ukraine and by Hezbollah in Lebanon.
The COO of the Israeli company said that the dramatic increase in the use of drones around the world has created a very high demand for developing defensive systems and testing them in real combat scenarios.
“We supply the ultimate targets that are crucial for the success of aerial defense systems,” he said. (Source: UAS VISION/Defense Industry Europe)
08 Aug 24. New York National Guard Soldiers Test Army’s Soldier-Borne Sensor Drones. Soldiers from the New York National Guard’s 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team recently traveled to Fort Drum, New York, to get hands-on with new technologies designed to mitigate the risk to Soldiers on the battlefield.
The Soldier borne sensor unmanned aerial vehicle and lightweight laser designator rangefinder systems were recently fielded to various units across the brigade, with Soldiers receiving both classroom and practical instructions on the operation of the two new tools in their arsenal.
The Soldier borne sensor, or SBS, “is portable and lightweight, increasing the effectiveness of our operations,” said Staff Sgt. Andy Huang, a combat engineer with the 152nd Brigade Engineer Battalion, and native of Brooklyn, New York.
“It’s designed to, instead of using us to do surveillance, it can do surveillance and reconnaissance and search for enemy fighting positions or friendly forces.”
The SBS is designed to mitigate the risk to Soldiers by having the miniature drone complete dangerous work Soldiers would typically perform on their own. Its small size, only measuring a few inches, and low-noise capabilities make it nearly undetectable by enemy forces.
“It’s small and lightweight, and with how high it can go, you can’t really hear it,” Huang said. “So, you can recon a lot of stuff, and the bad guys can’t see it.”
Systems specialists and field service representatives from Program Executive Office Soldier led the training on both systems, providing guidance and practical expertise on the new systems. Though only a handful of Soldiers from the 27th IBCT received the training, they will bring their newfound expertise back to their units.
“This is like a train-the-trainers course,” Huang said. “We’re going to train almost everyone [in my unit] on how to use this system. So, it’s not just me who knows how to use it, everyone to the lowest ‘Joes’ would know.” (Source: UAS VISION/U.S. Army)
06 Aug 24. Ocean Aero selects Forcys payloads to enhance underwater domain capabilities. Forcys is excited to announce they have been selected by Ocean Aero as a payload provider for their world-leading autonomous underwater and surface vehicle (AUSV), the Triton.
The Triton is the world’s only environmentally powered AUSV. Completely solar and wind powered, it can travel at speeds of up to 5 knots and can submerge for up to 5 days at 2 knots.
A true multi-domain workhorse, the Triton can be used as a force multiplier for defense operations, offering easy logistics, launch, and recovery while evading detection using autonomous avoidance and deep diving capabilities.
Forcys will be supplying Ocean Aero with SPRINT-Nav Mini, the world’s smallest hybrid acoustic-inertial navigation technology from its technology partner Sonardyne and Solstice, the leading multi-aperture sonar (MAS) for Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) systems, from its technology partner Wavefront Systems.
Forcys’ General Manager and Head of Global Sales, Dan Zatezalo welcomes their selection: “We are thrilled that Ocean Aero has chosen us as their payload provider for defense applications. Their revolutionary technology is a great complement to our offer, and we think their customers are going to love the results. We look forward to working with them in driving the autonomous ocean defense technology sector forward.”
Bob Marthouse, COO from Ocean Aero said; “A key differentiator in our selection process is the performance to power ratio. We need to maximize the value from our payloads while managing the power consumption to sustain our mission goals. This is where the technology from Forcys makes a significant difference. On our last mission, everyone was highly impressed with the Solstice MAS.”
With Forcys’ marine defense market expertise, alongside its access to many technology partners, and Ocean Aero’s many applications for the Triton, the partnership looks set to be a revolutionary and fruitful one.
06 Aug 24. Jam-Proof Fiber Optic Drone Testing In Ukraine.
German developers are demonstrating a new drone in Ukraine called HCX which is immune to radio -frequency jamming and detection because it communicates with its operator via a fiber-optic cable.
Small drones have become ubiquitous in this conflict; Ukraine plans to build more than a m this year. But radio-frequency jamming has also stepped up. In a recent speech, French Army Chief of Staff Gen. Pierre Schill claimed that 75% of drones in Ukraine were taken down by electronic warfare breaking the link between drone and operator, suggesting that the reign of the drone could soon be over.
The HCX made by from HIGHCAT, based in Konstanz, Germany, unspools a fiber-optic cable as it flies. This supplies a high-bandwidth data link immune to radio interference. And because there are no radio emissions, neither the operator nor the drone can be located and targeted.
Flying By Fiber
HIGHCAT co-founder Jan Hartmann explains that the cable only exerts about 8 ounces/ 250 grams of force on the drone, so it does not obstruct flight. It has a flight range of up to 12 miles / 20 kilometers. The drone drops cable behind it like a trail of breadcrumbs, so there is no tangling.
“The fiber is pretty strong – flying over trees and water is no problem,” says Hartmann. “Flying in circles is also fine, and the drone can even fly backwards.”
Previous efforts to develop fiber-optic guidance for drones include DARPA’s Close Combat Lethal Recon (CCLR) of the early 2000’s and a Russian drone captured in Ukraine in March. DARPA eventually dropped the fiber control for a radio and CCLR evolved into the SwitchBlade used by US forces. The Russian drone appears to have been an experimental model and only one example has been seen. Some missiles like TOW use guidance via copper wires but these only carry the control signals and do not transmit video.
((There are also tethered drones with a thick cable transmitting power as well as data, but these are limited to hovering above their base station so are basically static observation towers or platforms for electronic warfare)).
Fiber-control has attracted little interest in the past because radio control works so well and interference was not seen as a problem. But in the intense electronic warfare environment of Ukraine, drone makers have to keep shifting operating frequency because the jamming is so intense. Some combat vehicles now carry multiple roof-mounted drone jammers to create a protective ‘bubble’ hundreds of metres across, while both sides now deploy large number of backpack jammers and anti-drone guns, rifle-like weapons which fire a narrow beam of radio waves.
“The technology was designed with the frontlines in mind, in particular, the current developments in Ukraine,” says Hartmann. “We wanted to create a COTS [Commercial Off The Shelf] system that wasn’t jammable by enemy combatants.”
The Challenge of Unspooling
The resulting HCX drone can fly unhindered in the most intense electronic warfare. But getting it to work has not been simple.
“The fiber must not be too easy to unwind, otherwise it will pull itself out due to the downwash of the propeller,” says Hartmann. “Furthermore, the glass fiber must not twist during unwinding, otherwise it will break. The Fly-By-Fiber technology uses specially wound and coated glass fiber spools, which are installed in a special winding technique.”
Fiber-optic guidance does come with a weight penalty compared to radio. The maximum payload of the HCX is 5 kilos / 11 pounds, but some of this is taken up by the fiber optic cable spool. Six miles of cable weighs about three pounds, so a drone with a full 12-mile reel only has about five pounds of payload. However, Hartmann notes that this is still more than enough for a 10x optical zoom camera with thermal imaging. Or a decent-sized munition.
Other benefits include a standard 1000Base-T connection with a speed of 1,000 Megabits per second, roughly a hundred times as much as a radio link, ensuring a clear high-definition view throughout the flight. And while other FPV drones lose their connection when they drop low below the radio horizon in the final dive on a target, a fiber-optic drone will maintain communication
In principle this type of drone can also explore inside buildings or down tunnels. Radio bandwidth limitations mean that only a few radio-controlled drones can operate in one area, but multiple HCX drones can fly without interference.
HCX could also act as a fiber-optic cable later, establishing high-capacity links to fighting positions which can be used when other means of communication are jammed.
Drones of the Future
The other technology being developed as a counter to jamming is autonomy, with AI-enabled drones completing missions after losing communication with the operator. Fiber optic communications has the advantage of being able to relay back video imagery in real time, whereas an autonomous drone has to wait until it could get back into radio range to download data.
Hartmann says HIGHCAT is talking to a number of potential customers/sponsors but is unable to give details. Later this month a team is going to Ukraine to demonstrate HCX and show how well it works in realistic conditions. The plan is to test it in a controlled environment against a jammer, but the drones may end up much closer to actual Russian jammers.
“Should the units want to test it on the frontline, this is possible,” says Hartmann.
HIGHCAT aim to have HCX ready for production in November, and could then produce 3,000 units a month with their industrial partners ODM GmbH. If HCX is successful then others are likely to follow suit, and drones with fiber-optic capability are likely to proliferate. Which is bad news on anyone relying on jammers to protect them. (Source: UAS VISION/Forbes)
06 Aug 24. Brazilian Army Enhances its Fight Against Illegal Mining with the Deployment of Nauru 500C Drones. On July 27, 2024, the Brazilian Army announced a renewed effort to combat the illegal mining that is devastating indigenous territories by deploying the high-tech drone, Nauru 500C. This unmanned aerial vehicle, transported by an H-36 Caracal helicopter from the Falcon Squadron of the Brazilian Air Force, represents a significant advancement in surveillance and environmental protection efforts.
Developed by XMobots, the Nauru 500C is an advanced platform designed for surveillance and reconnaissance operations, particularly suited to challenging environments and security missions. It is distinguished by its exceptional four-hour flight autonomy, allowing extensive coverage of monitored areas. Thanks to its VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) design, it can operate in confined or hostile areas, which is crucial for missions in hard-to-access regions such as dense forests or high-risk urban zones.
The drone is equipped with high-resolution sensors that enable precise mapping of large areas. With sensors such as the XM3, it can capture high-quality images with planimetric accuracy of less than 5 cm at 120 meters above ground level. This capability is enhanced by integrated RTK (Real-Time Kinematic) technology, ensuring high precision for projects requiring exact measurements. Suitable for BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) operations, the Nauru 500C can be equipped according to the specific needs of the mission, including multispectral cameras for precision agriculture or ISR systems for surveillance and reconnaissance. This allows it to support various types of missions, thereby increasing its flexibility and applicability in different operational contexts.
Under the supervision of the Management and Operations Center of the Amazon Protection System (CENSIPAM), the Nauru 500C has been specifically deployed to map and monitor areas affected by unauthorized mining activities, particularly in the Boa Vista region and the Yanomami territory. These regions, often inaccessible and difficult to monitor, will benefit from the advanced technology of the drone to perform reconnaissance and real-time information collection missions.
Captain Bruno Tunes, one of the leaders of CENSIPAM, explains the importance of this initiative:
“By working jointly with civilian and military entities such as ICMBio, IBAMA, the Federal Police, and the Armed Forces, we can not only monitor but also take proactive measures against environmental violations. The Nauru 500C is a valuable tool in our arsenal, allowing extensive and continuous monitoring of targeted areas.”
Thanks to these capabilities, the Nauru 500C positions itself as a powerful tool for security, surveillance, and reconnaissance applications, providing operators with the ability to conduct complex missions with efficiency and precision. For more information on its technical specifications. (Source: UAS VISION/Army Recognition)
06 Aug 24. Australia still interested in MQ-28A Ghost Bat strike capability, says Conroy. Australia is interested in acquiring strike capability for the MQ-28A Ghost Bat drone, according to new comments from Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy.
The official clarification came in response to recent speculation that the MQ-28A Ghost Bat drone would not carry weapons and instead be shifted to intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance roles.
The aircraft, first unveiled to the world in May 2020, is the first military aircraft designed, engineered, and manufactured in Australia in over 50 years. It uses AI to help both crewed and uncrewed aircraft in mid-air, hence its previous Australian project name, Loyal Wingman.
Minister Conroy, speaking to defence industry representatives at the Defence Connect Defence Industry Development Strategy (DIDS) Summit 2024 on 6 August, said public commentary had “gotten the wrong end of the stick” regarding weaponisation of the uncrewed aircraft.
“We have made it clear we are looking for immediate bang for buck (regarding ISR on the Ghost Bat program),” he said at the conference.
“Certainly, we are very open for Ghost Bat to have strike capability, we just want the intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance first.”
The Ghost Bat is set to cost more than $800m, with the government in February announcing an extra $400m investment into the project.
Defence said at the time that the additional funding would secure more than 350 jobs, with Minister Conroy extolling the program’s merits. (Source: Defence Connect)
05 Aug 24. Indian Army takes delivery of JF-2 UAVs.
Indian firm Johnnette Technologies, based in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, has conducted a training course to support Indian Army operations of the company’s JF-2 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The company started deliveries of the JF-2 in June.
Johnnette Technologies received a government patent for the JF-2 design in October 2023. The army awarded it a contract for an undisclosed number of JF-2 units in December 2023. The company confirmed in a press release that training to support the JF-2 was conducted in July but did not elaborate.
The company has claimed that the JF-2 is India’s first fixed-wing, hand-launched, stealth UAV designed for border intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations. Its payload includes day-and-night thermal imaging cameras. Johnnette Technologies said the UAV has anti-jamming and anti-spoofing capabilities and features a crash-resistant avionics bay.
The JF-2 has a range of 15 km and an endurance of up to 90 minutes. The company said the UAV has been tested at a maximum altitude of 18,000 ft.
In addition to the JF-2, the company said it has recently received a contract from the Indian Army to supply more than 150 JM-1 loitering munitions that can operate at 18,000 ft.
According to Johnnette Technologies, the JM-1 is a stealth loitering munition that features artificial intelligence and anti-jamming technologies. (Source: Janes)
02 Aug 24. Chinese Military Unveils Advanced Bird-Shaped Reconnaissance Drones. The Chinese military introduced bird-shaped reconnaissance drones. Recent images and footage circulated by China Central Television (CCTV) show these drones in use by the Marine Corps of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).
The new ornithopter, dubbed “Little Falcon,” was showcased during a recent test in Xi’an, the capital city of China’s northwestern Shaanxi province. The footage reveals a drone that flaps its wings in a natural manner, making it indistinguishable from living birds at a distance.
Developed by researchers at Northwestern Polytechnical University (NWPU), the ornithopter leverages a new crank mechanism that enables the drone to fold its wings while flapping. This technological advancement ensures nimble flight controls, making the “Little Falcon” the most agile and lifelike bird-like drone currently in existence, according to state media.
China has been involved in the development of ornithopters for several years. In 2018, the government launched the “Pigeon” program, which aimed to create mimetic drones for urban operations. These drones were designed to blend seamlessly into urban environments, avoiding detection.
In 2022, Chinese engineers unveiled a mechanical flying bird with a wingspan of two meters and a weight of 1,600 grams. This drone, powered by a lithium battery, could remain airborne for an hour and a half.
The PLA’s adoption of these drones indicates a shift in surveillance and intelligence-gathering strategies. The ability to operate discreetly and blend into natural environments provides a substantial tactical advantage, reducing the likelihood of detection by adversaries.
The development and deployment of bird-like drones by the Chinese military reflect a broader trend of using advanced technology to gain strategic advantages. This innovation could inspire similar advancements in other countries, potentially altering military doctrines and surveillance strategies worldwide. (Source: https://www.sofx.com/)
02 Aug 24. Primoco UAV Moves Closer to NATO STANAG Certification.
Czech UAV manufacturer Primoco UAV has moved significantly closer to completing certification under the internationally applicable NATO STANAG 4703 standard.
A series of tests at the Institute of Aeronautical Engineering of the Czech Technical University were successfully completed, proving the mechanical parameters of the aircraft and its structural operational safety. This is a world first for an unmanned machine. So far, only manned aircraft have been subjected to full-scale testing.
“Although the airframe of the One 150M has undergone only a few minor modifications compared to the original design, tests have shown that it achieves even greater durability compared to manned aviation designs,”
says Ladislav Semetkovský, CEO of Primoco UAV.
Structural tests are one of the most important areas of aircraft type certification, consisting of hundreds of different tests. Similarly important was the engine performance testing that the One 150M successfully underwent at the end of last year.
“From the very first plans and prototypes we have approached the development of our own Czech UAVs responsibly, professionally and with the vision to be among the best. This philosophy is now reflected favourably in the success of our extensive certification tests. With the majority of the certification process completed we expect to receive our type certificate by the end of 2024,”
adds Semetkovský.
Certification according to STANAG 4703 when completed will be evidenced by the issue of a type certificate. This will allow the aircraft to be exported to any NATO member country without the need to conduct type tests for each market separately. Primoco UAV will thus be the first manufacturer in the world to provide customers in the unmanned segment with the level of certification they have been accustomed to in the purchase of manned aircraft. It will further strengthen its position among the leading global suppliers of medium category UAVs with a take-off weight of up to 150 kilograms. (Source: UAS VISION)
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