Sponsored by The British Robotics Seed Fund
Sponsored by BCB INTERNATIONAL
http: https://www.bcbin.com/
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19 Sept 24. Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) successfully demonstrated the MQ-4C Triton navigation system’s ability to operate at high latitudes deep within the Arctic Circle, delivering on its commitment to provide critical intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and targeting capabilities in the High North. The test flight proved the system’s ability to operate in the harsh austere environment over the Arctic Ocean. Triton’s advanced technological design makes it the only autonomous high-altitude, long-endurance aircraft capable of operating at altitudes above 50,000 feet for durations of more than 24 hours.
- The test flight, which began in Deadhorse, Alaska, and flew within 100 miles of the North Pole, utilized Northrop Grumman’s proprietary navigation systems, mission management computer and upgraded operational flight programs to successfully demonstrate Triton’s ability to navigate in the Arctic.
- The test aircraft collected navigation data during the five-hour flight and remained within U.S. and Canadian airspace for the duration.
- The demonstration also validated ground-based GPS alignment and initialization procedures to enable operations from runways above 70 degrees north latitude.
- As a high-altitude, long-endurance platform, Triton is suited for missions in the High North by operating well above Arctic winds and avoiding the range and speed impacts that limit mission performance at medium altitudes.
The MQ-4C Triton is capable of operating at an altitude of over 50,000 feet, enabling it to fly above harsh weather conditions. Credit: Northrop Grumman
Experts:
Jane Bishop, vice president and general manager, global surveillance division, Northrop Grumman: “Flight operations in austere and frigid conditions present unique navigation challenges. Our demonstration highlights Triton’s ability to successfully perform in that challenging environment.”
Capt. Josh Guerre, Triton program manager, U.S. Navy: “Arctic regions are an increasingly important theater of operations with unique threats and environments. We are ready to support those mission sets for domestic and international customers.”
Details:
The flight test follows a similar demonstration conducted over the Gulf of Alaska in June 2023. During the Northern Edge 2023 exercise, Triton’s radar demonstrated its unmatched ability to detect, track and image targets with weapon relevant accuracy and at a survivable range over a high-sea state environment.
As allies consider their options for acquiring uncrewed maritime surveillance aircraft, flight demonstrations prove Triton’s ability to operate in challenging environments. Beyond navigation, surveillance operations in the High North are also challenged by strong winds and high seas. Triton’s higher operating altitude of more than 50,000 feet enables operation above inclement weather that would limit medium altitude platforms limited to 10,000-30,000 feet. Triton’s de-icing and anti-icing capabilities ensure it’s mission-ready and capable of operations in extreme arctic conditions.
Built for the U.S. Navy and the Royal Australian Air Force, the multi-intelligence MQ-4C Triton supports a wide range of missions, including maritime patrol, signals intelligence and search and rescue. These aircraft operate at a higher altitude and have longer endurance than medium-altitude systems. They also incorporate simultaneous multi-intelligence sensor operations that allow them to deliver an exponential increase in mission information.
18 Sept 24. Milkor 380 UAV ushers in a new era for South African aerospace and defence capabilities
South African defence and security solutions provider Milkor is making significant strides with its Milkor 380 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) – the largest such aircraft to be designed and built in Africa.
The company has come a long way since its establishment in 1981, when it made a name for itself as the manufacturer of the world’s first six-shot 40 mm grenade launcher. In 2017, the company underwent significant transformation when private investors acquired it. Today, Milkor operates from multiple global offices, including locations in Centurion, Cape Town, Abu Dhabi and Riyadh, offering a diverse range of products that includes everything from UAVs to naval vessels and cyber security solutions.
One of Milkor’s most recent notable achievements is the development of the Milkor 380, a Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) aircraft. This ambitious project involved building everything in-house, from avionics and software to airframes, with the goal of creating a fully South African-developed UAV.
The Milkor 380 was developed from the earlier MA80, an 80 kg demonstrator which flew in 2017. The Milkor 380 evolved into a more capable platform with enhanced systems architecture and first flew on 19 September 2023.
Since then, the prototypes have logged numerous successful test flights, with the South African Air Force (SAAF) overseeing the operational testing and evaluation of two airframes at an airbase in the Western Cape. The UAV has undergone extensive performance assessments, demonstrating its capabilities across a wide range of operational parameters.
Milkor’s Cape Town facility, Milkor Integrated Systems, serves as the hub for the development and production of the Milkor 380. This facility integrates all subcomponents, from avionics and sensor suites to the airframe itself.
Milkor is particularly proud of its in-house composite manufacturing facility. The first prototypes were produced using the composite lay-up process, but this has changed to more advanced composite manufacturing techniques, such as vacuum infusion resin manufacturing, enabling greater precision and durability.
The Milkor 380 boasts impressive specifications, having a wingspan of 18.6 meters and a maximum take-off weight of 1 300 kilograms. The Milkor 380 boasts a maximum endurance of 35 hours (when flying at 60 knots and an altitude of 10 000 feet above mean sea level) and a range of over 2 000 kilometres, making it ideal for long-range missions such as border surveillance, maritime patrols, and even combat operations. Payload versatility allows it to carry an array of sensors or weaponry, making it a versatile platform for both military and humanitarian missions. The maximum service ceiling is 30 000 feet, though this is often limited by the operational capabilities of its onboard sensor systems.
The UAV is equipped with dual redundant Line of Sight (LOS) communications systems that can maintain contact with its control unit for up to 250 km, with seamless transition between Line of Sight and Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) communications, such as SATCom.
Milkor has partnered with leading companies, such as Germany’s Hensoldt, to integrate sophisticated sensor suites, including the ARGOS II HDT Airborne Observation System with laser designator capabilities. These sensors are designed for precision targeting in combat operations and enhance the UAV’s intelligence-gathering and electronic warfare capabilities. The Milkor 380 can carry up to 220 kg of payload, including munitions, communication pods and electronic warfare systems.
While the Milkor 380 is primarily designed for military use, Milkor envisions dual-purpose applications, particularly in the civilian and commercial sectors. For instance, it can be deployed for maritime surveillance, wildlife conservation and humanitarian missions. The company has partnered with Aerodata AG, a German firm specialising in maritime surveillance, to explore the UAV’s potential in monitoring special economic zones and conducting routine maritime patrols. This version is known as the AeroForce 380. Additionally, the UAV’s ability to carry care packages or medical supplies underscores its versatility in humanitarian and disaster relief efforts.
This flexibility has garnered significant interest from international governments as well as the South African Air Force, which has been overseeing the drone’s operational testing.
Production capacity for the Milkor 380 is currently set at eight systems per year, with the sixth airframe currently in production. Plans are to double this to 16 systems per year by the beginning of 2026. This growth is supported by the company’s extensive engineering workforce, which consists of around 350 employees at the Cape Town branch, 80% of whom are engineers. The company is poised to expand further, with plans to hire an additional 150 employees during the next year.
One of the primary challenges facing the Milkor 380 is the lack of clear regulatory frameworks for large UAVs in South Africa. To address this, Milkor is working closely with the South African Air Force, Armscor and the Department of Defence to achieve military type certification for the UAV. Once military certification is secured, Milkor plans to transition to civilian certification, enabling broader commercial use.
With its surveillance, reconnaissance, intelligence-gathering and combat capabilities, the Milkor 380 is not just a milestone for the company but also for the African continent, being the largest UAV developed, manufactured, tested and flown in Africa. (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)
17 Sept 24. Egyptian Company Unveils MALE Drone and Smart Munitions. Egyptian company Robotics Engineering Systems (RES) showcased its locally manufactured drones and smart munitions at the recent Egypt International Airshow (EIAS 2024), which was held at El Alamein International Airport over three days.
The company’s flagship product, the “6th of October” drone, was a key attraction. It is a multi-mission unmanned aerial vehicle, entirely designed, developed, and manufactured in Egypt. It was first unveiled at the Egypt Defence Expo (EDEX 2023).
The “6th of October” drone, a medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) aircraft, features a sophisticated design with two engines producing 145 horsepower each, an increased main fuel tank capacity compared to previous models, and advanced landing gear with automatic takeoff and landing capabilities.
The drone was displayed armed with guided missiles and smart aerial bombs, enabling it to carry out offensive missions, armed reconnaissance, and border security operations. It boasts a conventional range of 240 kilometres, extendable by deploying multiple ground control stations or satellite control. The drone can remain airborne for over 30 hours and operates at an altitude of up to 18,000 feet. It can fly at a speed of 260 kilometres per hour and land at 120 kilometres per hour. It measures 8.9 metres in length, 5 metres in height, and has a wingspan of 18.5 metres.
The “6th of October” drone is equipped with 13 hardpoints for carrying reconnaissance and surveillance systems, electro-optical and infrared sensors, and synthetic aperture radar (SAR), which can generate 2D or 3D images and maps of terrain. It also features additional fuel tanks.
RES also showcased its range of smart munitions, all manufactured in Egypt for the first time. These included a glide bomb, equipped with aerodynamic control surfaces (wings and tail) and a domestically-made GWD-6 smart munition guidance system that operates in three guidance modes: GPS, inertial navigation system (INS), and electro-optical guidance. It carries a warhead weighing up to 1,000 kilograms and has a range of 50 kilometres.
The company also unveiled long-range standoff munitions. These air-to-ground munitions consist of a 155mm warhead equipped with an aerodynamic control system and the PGK long-range smart munition guidance kit, locally produced by RES. These munitions have a range of up to 80 kilometres. The guidance system weighs 60 kilograms and utilises INS, GPS, and electro-optical guidance.
Finally, RES showcased small-sized smart munitions. These munitions contain 122mm and 155mm artillery shells equipped with an aerodynamic control system and the PGK smart munition guidance kit, manufactured by RES. The munitions have a range of up to 30 kilometres and a guidance system weighing 10 kilograms, utilising INS, GPS, and electro-optical guidance. (Source: UAS VISION/Daily News Egypt)
16 Sept 24. Peregrine Rotary Wing UAS Conducts Initial Royal Navy Flying Trials from HMS Lancaster.
In late August, 700X Naval Air Squadron conducted the first flying trials of the Peregrine RWAUS from HMS Lancaster in the Gulf of Oman.
Secured under the Future Tactical Uncrewed Air System (FTUAS) programme, the RN selected the Schiebel S-100 Camcopter as the basis for Peregrine. The aircraft will be equipped with the Thales I-Master radar, a compact, lightweight airborne surveillance radar that offers ultra-fine Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imagery, Maritime Moving Target Indication (MMTI) and Ground Moving Target Indication (GMTI) modes.
Peregrine will operate in the intelligence-gathering, surveillance and reconnaissance role.
The Austrian-made Schiebel S-100 is a very mature platform that has been in service with civilian and military users since 2005, having successfully performed more than 2,000 deck launches and recoveries from ships including in challenging winds and sea states.
During the testing phase, Thales and Schiebel showcased the Peregrine’s exceptional capabilities to the specified requirements. The results have been outstanding, highlighting the program’s steadfast adherence to schedule and the unwavering commitment of both companies to excellence.
The Peregrine Programme, a joint effort between Thales and Schiebel, in conjunction with the UK MOD’s support, is now set to commence its first deliveries, ahead of schedule signifying an important advancement in strengthening the UK MOD’s operational capabilities.
“We are immensely proud of the successful Factory Acceptance Test and the progress achieved in the Peregrine Programme,” stated Hervé Hamy, Vice President ISR Business Line at Thales.“Our unwavering dedication to precision engineering and collaboration with Schiebel has resulted in a cutting-edge solution that will undoubtedly strengthen the UK MOD’s operational capabilities.”
“We have achieved a significant milestone in the Peregrine Programme,” commented Hans Georg Schiebel, Chairman of the Schiebel Group. “The S-100’s advanced features and proven performance ensure it will be a game-changer in the field of unmanned aerial systems, providing the Royal Navy with an invaluable asset.”
It is extraordinary that it has taken the RN so long to acquire a viable RWUAS. An urgent capability requirement was issued in mid-2022. Thales and Schiebel completed factory acceptance trials of the S-100 and radar integration in August 2023. but it has taken a further year to get this well-proven aircraft to sea. Once fully operational, Peregrine will eventually offer a low-cost alternative or complementary capability to the crewed Wildcat helicopter. It will also greatly add to the situational awareness of the frigate, especially valuable in the complex maritime environment of the Middle East. (Source: UAS VISION/Thales; Navy Lookout)
16 Sept 24. TB2 Automates UAV Payload Delivery and Recovery. A groundbreaking new system is poised to revolutionize and automate UAV operations on the Battlefield and create a Military Multi-Mission Payload system.
TB2 Aerospace has developed the patented DROPS (Drone Recharging Operational Payload System) system which enables fully autonomous UAV capture, delivery and recovery of payloads.
DROPS is a patented multi-mission payload system, designed to fit any UAV, allowing it to autonomously capture, launch and recover payloads without human intervention. The main advantages of DROPS system include:
o the ability to autonomously capture, deliver AND recover/relocate payloads
o transforming any UAV of any size into a Multi-Mission Payload system
o autonomous docking and locking of UAVs and Payloads on UGS and USVs
Imagine a Robo-dog delivered over 60km into the field and when required it can be autonomously recovered by a UAV for recharging, or a UAV-deployed field of smart-mines which can be safely recovered or relocated without the need for handling by a soldier.
With the DROPS system, a UAV can swap mission sets from Tactical Resupply Cargo Pods to Weapons Platform to ISR Sensor to CBRN sampler in seconds, without the involvement of any humans.
TB2 DROPS is unique in that it is platform-agnostic, payload-agnostic and designed to be employed in Groups 1-4 UAVs. Its MOD-Payload Compatible design enables DROPS to seamlessly integrate with almost any VTOL UAV platform, ensuring that it can be utilized across different mission profiles. Now a UAV designed for one role can do multiple roles.
The key to the DROPS system is not just the patented alignment and capture system but the ability to guide the UAV to the Payload in a GPS-denied environment using the payload’s internal Terminal Guidance System (TGS). This system not only guides the UAV over the last 200 ft of the approach but also allows for payload discrimination so that a UAV approaching a cache of payloads can identify which one to capture using the In-Transit Visibility system employed across the DoD.
The team is led by founder, Hank Scott, CEO of TB2 Aerospace, a former Naval Aviator and entrepreneur of several aviation innovations. Explaining the game-changing nature of DROPS, Hank said, “With the DROPS system the military has more flexibility, enabling one UAV for example, to be capable of executing multiple types of mission. It will enable the DoD warfighting to be more expeditionary without putting soldiers in harm’s way. The flexibility in our design also standardizes the interface between the majority of UAV and payload manufacturers.”
DROPS has advantages across the military domains; for example, the Navy will benefit from the DROPS secure docking system which allows autonomous launch, recovery and securing of UAVs and payloads from Manned and Unmanned ships.
The DROPS system also has a patented docking and recharging system. When payloads such as Cargo Pods are docked they are also instantly locked in place with Electro-Permanent Magnets, removing the need for straps or tie-downs, furthering the autonomous nature of operations. When docked, the payloads’ internal batteries are recharged by the patented docking system. Once collected by the UAV this payload battery provides supplemental power to the UAV in flight, reducing UAV downtime and extending UAV range.
One payload designed for the DROPS system is TB2’s patented Cargo Pods, unique in respect of the standardization they bring across the military sector – bringing a set of standard sizes from 5kgs to circa 400kg for CASEVAC Pods (currently under development for a US Army Phase 2 SBIR). The Pods are stackable, lock together like Lego bricks and have their own internal power and avionics.
DROPS is already being recognized by the military, gaining 7 DoD grants over the past two years, totaling over $4m. The team is working closely on research projects with the US Army to develop next-generation capability, from tactical resupply in a Contested Logistics environment to the recovery of critical assets and CASEVAC missions.
Industry is also recognizing the significance of DROPS, with partnership deals announced with manufacturers, such as DASIS in the UK and Quickstep in the US.
Art Boghozian from Amentum, one of TB2’s partners, remarking on the force multiplier effect of DROPS, said, “The integration of the DROPS Cargo Pod and Payloads with our existing support infrastructure is a game changer for military operations. This partnership not only enhances the capabilities of UAVs in the field but also ensures that soldiers can easily access supplies without extensive training, allowing them to focus on the mission at hand.”
TB2 Aerospace will be displaying the DROPS system at the Air, Space and Cyber Conference 16th-18th September, MD, and AUSA 9 -11th Oct in Washington, DC.
13 Sept 24. LIG Nex1 selected for South Korea’s reconnaissance USV programme. LIG Nex1’s reconnaissance unmanned surface vessel. (LIG Nex1)
South Korean defence systems company LIG Nex1 has been selected as the preferred bidder in the country’s programme to develop an unmanned surface vessel (USV) that can be deployed for naval reconnaissance operations. This selection was made by South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) on 11 September, the company announced in a statement released the next day.
LIG Nex1 was selected after obtaining high scores across all criteria that were used in evaluating potential bidders, the company said in its statement.
With the selection, LIG Nex1 will now undertake a research and development programme and produce two 12 m USV prototypes by 2027.
Besides surveillance and reconnaissance operations, these USVs must be able to respond rapidly to incidences along the country’s forward operating bases and major ports, LIG Nex1 added in its statement.
Sea Sword
LIG Nex1 has been developing the Sea Sword series of USVs since 2015. The latest iteration in this series that can meet DAPA’s requirements for a 12 m-class USV is the Sea Sword 3, which was unveiled at the Defense and Security Expo Korea (DX Korea) exhibition in November 2020.
The USV displaces about 11 tonnes, has an overall length of 12 m, and an overall beam of 3.5 m. These dimensions are largely similar to the Sea Sword 2, which was unveiled in 2019, but the newer variant can accommodate up to eight personnel instead of two.
In terms of weapons, the Sea Sword 3 USV can be armed with a remote-controlled weapon station (RCWS), incorporating a 12.7 mm heavy machine gun and a 70 mm guided rocket launcher. This weapon system is mounted in the aft section. (Source: Janes)
12 Sept 24. Aussie startup’s small box turns drones into swarm commanders.
The drone will decide if, say, an abandoned car near a road appears to be a threat or not. If it decides it’s not then it wouldn’t “bother the operator. The operator is doing something important,” co-founder Matthew Buffa said. “I’m (the drone) not going to go on the radio and tell him about this random car I’ve seen, which is what autonomous systems do right now.”
In a room full of large ground vehicles, the small box — roughly the size of a thick deck of cards — showed off by Australian startup Breaker doesn’t stand out.
But, the company says, this little box is chock full of artificial intelligence algorithms that can be easily integrated onto a variety of unmanned platforms for a wide range of mission sets.
“We build robots that act like humans. We want them to make it as easy as possible to control multiple autonomous systems across multiple domains,” co-founder Matthew Buffa told Breaking Defense at their tiny boothlet at the biennial Land Forces conference, echoing the firm’s website which features a video of a medium-sized, four-legged robot.
The company, which has been partially financed and assisted by the University of New South Wales’ Founders Defence 10x accelerator program, made its first appearance at Land Forces this year and has attracted a steady stream of the curious and intrigued. Buffa claims the company already has a defense customer, whom he would only describe as a foreign special forces organization that “bought a number of our systems.”
The box, which Buffa called an “autonomy stack,” incorporates six different AI models that can be put into “any autonomous platform.” He compared the effects of their box as similar to the Star Wars robot R2D2, who helps Luke Skywalker pilot and target and shoot, instead of just providing him with reams of information he must decide on.
That natural two-way communication between an operator and a drone is the key of what the company hopes to get at. As Buffa noted, “When you’re under high cognitive load and high stress response, humans naturally tend to do voice.”
That’s a heavy cognitive load if a soldier on a ridge line is trying to control multiple drones. But Breaker’s system, according to Buffa, is designed to have the operator designate a single drone as the leader, have that drone coordinate with the other sensors, and then have that drone come back for final instructions.
For instance, picture a soldier on one side of a ridge line. That soldier gets on the radio and designates one drone the “commander” of the other 10 drones in a swam.
“Drones will then aggregate all the sensors across all 10 platforms, and if they find something interesting, say it’s a supply truck or a vehicle full of operators with weapons, it will inform the operator, we’ve found a vehicle full of operators with weapons this distance, this bearing from your current location,” Buffa explained. “Would you like me to follow them?”
Before deploying the company tries to train the AIs on as many mission types and threats as possible. When they are deployed, he said they “brief the drones, just like any operators for a mission. They get given the brief of what they’re supposed to be doing, and where they’re going and any information. We literally give the same information as natural language text, if it’s a document or a photo or scan of a document, to the drones. They then use that information to make those smart decisions.”
The drone will decide if, say, an abandoned car near a road appears to be a threat or not. If it decides it’s not then it wouldn’t “bother the operator.
“The operator is doing something important. I’m (the drone) not going to go on the radio and tell him about this random car I’ve seen, which is what autonomous systems do right now.”
Buffa adds that offloading the command structure more to an unmanned system should limit the number of human forces needed in the field, which is important given what has been seen on the battlefields of Ukraine, where the RF signals going off drone operators can be traced for a counter-strike by an enemy.
“The issues we saw was that, for every one autonomous system you wanted to play on the field, there’s almost always at least one person who has to carry a lot of equipment, [and] it has to be very loud on the RF spectrum, so these types of systems are just failing in situations such as Ukraine.
“I mean, if you rely on continuous data and continuous video, and that is the fundamental requirement for your autonomy to exist, the minute it goes out, the systems are not helpful.” (Source: Breaking Defense.com)
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12 Sept 24. US Army picks two companies to get small drones to brigade combat teams. Anduril Industries’ Ghost aircraft, an uncrewed reconnaissance and security aircraft, has been used in Ukraine and other combat areas, and the company recently announced an enhanced version dubbed Ghost-X. (Anduril Industries)
The U.S. Army has picked Anduril Industries and Performance Drone Works to provide Small Uncrewed Aircraft Systems, or SUAS, to Army units as part of an effort to buy capability fast and get it into soldiers’ hands as the service races to modernize its force.
Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George has called the effort “transformation in contact,” where the service buys available commercial-off-the-shelf capability and then battle tests it with soldiers, instead of spending decades developing something before fielding it only to discover it is outdated by the time it gets to units.
“Transforming in contact is the way our Army can adapt its formations and get new technology in the hands of soldiers to experiment, innovate, learn, and change at the pace required,” George said in a statement Thursday. “The Company Level Small UAS Directed Requirement effort is a great example of how we are achieving this.”
The program “is another example of the Army’s ability to rapidly move from an idea to a requirement, to a competition, to testing, to contract awards for production,” the Army’s acquisition chief, Doug Bush, added. “This shows the acquisition system can move at the pace needed to support the Army, especially in rapidly emerging technology areas like small uncrewed aircraft systems.”
Anduril and Performance Drone Works will provide the first tranche of systems that will meet the company-level SUAS requirement in a deal valued at $14.42m. The service approved the requirement in June 2023.
Performance Drone Works’ C-100 UAS and Anduril’s Ghost X will give brigade maneuver companies the ability to conduct reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition missions. The drones will be reconfigurable with modular payloads and attritable.
The Ghost X drone was spotted earlier this year as part of the Army’s human-machine integration evaluation event at Fort Irwin, California, where it served as the preliminary eyes of an infantry company concealed by the surrounding mountains readying to reclaim a village held by the enemy as part of a live-fire exercise.
The Army is prioritizing the acquisition of small, adaptable and expendable drones as it continues to learn from drone use in the Ukraine and other ongoing wars.
The service was able to move quickly in selecting drones for the first tranche because both platforms are already on the Defense Innovation Unit’s Blue UAS list of technology approved for Defense Department use, the statement notes. (Source: Defense News)
13 Sept 24. Malaysia and China Explore UAV Technology Collaboration. Malaysia is advancing in the field of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology through a collaborative effort with China, deputy prime minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said. The partnership, spearheaded by MARA Aerospace & Technologies Sdn Bhd and China’s Honeycomb Aerospace Technologies (Beijing) Co Ltd, is aimed at sharing expertise and developing UAV technology locally.
Zahid also highlighted the significant opportunities it will provide for both the local UAV industry and Malaysia’s technical and vocational education and training (TVET) sector.
A key aspect of the partnership is the transfer of technology from China, which is expected to benefit Malaysian TVET students, especially those studying at the University Kuala Lumpur (UniKL). Zahid noted that the knowledge gained through this collaboration will equip students with the skills to build UAVs, giving them a competitive edge in the growing field of UAV technology.
Describing the collaboration as a milestone, the deputy prime minister emphasised its potential to revolutionise various sectors in Malaysia, including security and agriculture. UAVs, with their advanced capabilities, will play a crucial role in enhancing border security and agricultural efficiency.
“This technology will change the landscape of how we operate, not just in security but also in agriculture,” he said.
The partnership was formalised with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Mara Aerospace & Technologies and Honeycomb Aerospace Technologies. As part of this agreement, the latter will invest RM100 m to establish a UAV manufacturing facility in Malaysia, with operations expected to begin in 2025.
In the initial phase, Honeycomb Aerospace will set up a UAV assembly facility at the UniKL Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology campus in Sepang by October. This facility is projected to produce approximately 3,000 UAVs once it becomes fully operational. Zahid explained that Honeycomb Aerospace chose to invest in Malaysia due to the strong domestic and regional demand for UAVs.
The deputy prime minister adds that UAVs are expected to have a wide range of applications, such as enhancing border security with their ability to monitor areas within a 300 km radius. Additionally, they will benefit the agricultural sector, where they can be used for tasks such as seed planting and fertilisation. (Source: UAS VISION/Lowyat.net)
13 Sept 24. Draganfly Unveils New APEX Drone for Military and Law Enforcement. Draganfly Inc. has announced the launch of its newest product, the APEX Drone, designed specifically to meet the demanding needs of military and law enforcement surveillance operations.
The APEX UAV is a direct response to the increasing global demand for a compact, transportable version of the highly respected Commander 3XL. Incorporating feedback from military and law enforcement agencies, the APEX drone is a versatile and powerful solution that offers unmatched portability and modularity without sacrificing performance. Designed and Manufactured in North America, the APEX drone has been built to the high standards of government and military applications, making it an ideal choice for defence and law enforcement missions.
Engineered with up to 45 minutes of flight time and a payload capacity of 5 pounds, the APEX is equipped to handle a variety of mission-critical applications. Its quick-release, exchangeable payload system allows operators to adapt swiftly to changing operational needs. Optional upgrades to onboard computing and communications make the APEX platform a fit for a variety of current and future UAV operations. Available Nvidia onboard computing delivers cutting-edge AI performance to allow users to execute complex AI algorithms and real-time data processing directly on the drone. Additionally, a variety of communication link options are available that include interference-resistant COFDM and multi-channel capabilities, ensuring continuous control and reliable communication in RF-challenged environments.
The APEX drone will debut globally at the Land Forces Conference in Melbourne, Australia, from September 11-13, 2024, where it will be introduced to the Asia-Pacific defence industry. This premier event attracts military leaders, law enforcement, and industry experts, offering a prime platform for showcasing the APEX’s capabilities and fostering connections among global defence leaders.
“The APEX represents a significant advancement in our drone technology, delivering a compact yet powerful solution that directly addresses the needs of our military and law enforcement partners,” said Cameron Chell, CEO of Draganfly. “We are excited to showcase the APEX at the Land Forces Conference and are confident that it will set new standards for performance and reliability in the field.”
(Source: UAS VISION)
13 Sept 24. FCC Adopts Initial Rules for ‘Drone’ Operations in the 5 GHz Band. The Federal Communications Commission adopted new rules to enable initial drone operations in the 5 GHz spectrum band for wireless communications necessary to safely control the flights of uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS).
The use of UAS in the United States is growing quickly: during this decade, UAS operations are expected to triple in terms of the number of devices and see the market expand into in the tens of bns of dollars. These tools are aiding in search and rescue missions, helping farmers, inspecting infrastructure, delivering medicine, and even gathering news.
“We are already starting to live in the future we’ve long imagined: uncrewed aircraft systems are fighting wildfires, supporting news gathering, delivering packages, and supporting national security,” said FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. “The FCC is working hard to meet the spectrum needs of remote-piloted aircraft activity. We will continue to work with our public and private partners to support the best outcomes for public safety, wireless services, consumers, and our economy.”
This action establishes initial service rules that allow operators to obtain direct frequency assignments in a portion of the 5030-5091 MHz band for non-networked operations. The new rules rely on dynamic frequency management systems to manage and coordinate access to the spectrum and enable its safe and efficient use. These management systems provide requesting operators with temporary frequency assignments to support UAS control link communications with a level of reliability suitable for operations in controlled airspace and other safety-critical circumstances.
To enable operations in the band during the period before the dynamic frequency management systems are in operation, the rules establish an interim access mechanism in which operators seeking to transmit in the band first submit a request to the Federal Aviation Administration for deconfliction and approval, and, upon FAA authorization, complete an online registration form with the Commission. The interim mechanism will be made available to operators after the rules become effective and the Commission has announced by Public Notice that it will begin accepting registrations.
The Report and Order adopted by a vote of the Commission takes the initial step previewed in the National Spectrum Strategy released in November of 2023, in which the FCC will take near-term action to facilitate initial deployment of UAS in the 5 GHz band, in advance of future study of the band in coordination with National Telecommunications and Information Administration and the FAA. Meanwhile, the Commission will continue to work on future actions it can take to effectively meet the needs of evolving UAS operations. (Source: UAS VISION/FCC)
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BCB certainly has a rich history (1854) and an impressive portfolio of products designed to enhance the safety and effectiveness of NATO defence personnel in various environments.
The core competency of protecting lives in hostile environments, includes:
LAND:
BCB`s camouflage creams and camouflage nets have been standard issue to conceal generations of British and NATO forces.
Our newly developed MultiSpectral Cam technology, the MK8 Phantom, camouflages and protects people/vehicles/assets in the visual, IR and thermal (SWIR/MWIR/LWIR) spectrums.
FireDragon, our eco field cooking fuel, burns cleanly so can also be used in the confined space of a foxhole or tent. It is waterproof, easy to light, non-toxic and smokeless.
SEA;
Our patented Floating Body Armour is unique, versatile and sensibly protects both you and your life jacket, under the soft and hard armour. Designed to be low bulk, it`s massive 275 newtons of buoyancy is self-righting. We say it will “save your life twice”.
Our range of Boat Stopping Systems, provided a layered non-lethal stopping capability against all sizes of vessels, including unmanned threats. So you can stop and search, defeat pirates from boarding, prevent terrorists from getting near your vessel or close off quickly a waterway, port or maritime borders.
AIR;
BCB`s sister company UAVE have been manufacturing since 2013, the Dragon MK3, large, long range (1,000km) long endurance (12hours), versatile and mission-ready UAV. It is proven and operational from the polar regions to 45deg C heat in the Middle East and Asia. The larger of the 3 models, carries 25 kilos payload.
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