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Archive for the ‘UAS’ Category

GA-ASI’s Gray Eagle Extended Range UAS Supports Army Vanguard Demos

Wednesday, October 16th, 2024

SAN DIEGO – 15 October 2024 – As part of the U.S. Army’s Vanguard demonstrations that took place in Fort Huachuca, Arizona, on Sept. 17–18, 2024, a Gray Eagle Extended Range (GE-ER) Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) provided by the U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command (INSCOM) showcased several new capabilities, including the integration of an Expeditionary Cyber Chassis (ECC) for Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C5ISR) and Modular Open Suite of Standards (CMOSS) with Communications Intelligence (COMINT) and Mobile Ad Hoc Networking (MANET) radios from Silvus Technologies.

Sponsored by Col. Danielle Medaglia, Product Manager for Uncrewed Aircraft Systems, and operated by U.S. Army Soldiers, the GE-ER successfully demonstrated data relay and voice communication over significant distances, extending the range, quality, and speed of data exchanges for ground units. The demonstration also verified the capability of relaying video and chat messages between ground users equipped with Silvus 4200 MANET radios, highlighting the progress being made in enhancing tactical communications and situational awareness.

While utilizing the COMINT system, Gray Eagle was able to detect stationary and moving targets at significant ranges and provide data for analysis to expeditionary intelligence cells. This expansion of Gray Eagle capabilities is due to its open architecture, which exemplifies the Army’s Transformation in Contact (TIC) concept. The Army benefits by using an existing system to reduce risk and impacts while gaining new capabilities without the prolonged timelines of an acquisition new start.

“We’re excited to work with our Army customer to increase the relevance and capabilities of the GE-ER platform,” said Chris MacFarland, sector vice president of Strategic Development for Army Programs. “These efforts of Vanguard to demonstrate new capabilities hosted on CMOSS hardware will improve the Army’s premier UAS platform in supporting advanced UAS operations.”

Built by GA-ASI and operated by the U.S. Army, the GE-ER participating in the exercise represents the future capabilities of the Gray Eagle 25M’s open architecture design, allowing for rapid integration of vendor-agnostic sensors, radios, and payloads needed for Multi-Domain Operations. The ability to fully integrate internally mounted long-range sensors and launched effects, while controlling them with modernized laptop ground control systems, significantly enhances its survivability and lethality. Along with advanced data links, resilient GPS navigation systems, and an upgraded propulsion system, the GE 25M is resilient to electronic threats when deployed in expeditionary and austere locations.

New from SPARTANAT: “Defense Against Drones: Protection Against Threats from the Air”

Monday, October 14th, 2024

Aerial drones – especially small commercially available drones – have become a unique and ubiquitous challenge on the modern battlefield and pose a major threat to traditional military assets. Such small drones can be used to provide real-time reconnaissance, and/or be rigged with explosives and used as loitering munitions for remote kamikaze attacks.

Such weaponized micro-drones are a relatively new type of weapon, and every military and law enforcement unit needs to learn how to defend against them. “Defense Against Drones” provides the first open-source overview of how to survive and win in the fight against drones.

This book answers the question of what tactical drone defense means, analyzes drone defense tactics and lessons learned from the Russian war against Ukraine, and provides a good foundation for further discussion and analysis.

Topics covered in this volume include the current spectrum of tactical drone defense measures – including protection against micro-drones, the increasing ubiquity of cheap drones as the “Kalashnikovs of the Skies”, experiences from Ukraine, the 10 Commandments of Drone Defense, and an appendix of recommended further reading.

DEFENSE AGAINST DRONES: Protection Against Threats From The Air” is available now on Amazon.com for $19.99, plus taxes and shipping.

Other books from SPARTANAT:

ABOUT THE AUTHORS OF ‘DEFENSE AGAINST DRONES’:

Kristóf Nagy – a former infantryman in the German Bundeswehr who is now a freelance specialist author covering military topics, including unmanned aerial systems and their defense.

Markus Reisner – a Colonel in the Austrian Bundesheer and head of the Institute for Officer Training at the Theresian Military Academy, particularly focused on the use of unmanned systems.

Christian Väth – a former infantry officer and founder of “Light Infantry International“. Author of Black Book 2, “The Tactical Drone”.

Gustav Freimann – a former Sergeant in the German Bundeswehr who is now serving with the International Legion in Ukraine share his practical experience with drone defense in Ukraine.

ENGLISH TRANSLATION

Lawrence Holsworth – a former infantry Sergeant in the US Army’s 82nd Airborne Division, and an internationally-recognized defense industry marketing professional and tactical gear Blogger.

ABOUT SPARTANAT:

SPARTANAT.com is the leading German-language online magazine covering the tactical market. For over ten years, SPARTANAT has published daily news about militaryforces, conflict zones, weapons, and equipment manufacturers, and more. SPARTANAT also publishes gear reviews several times per week. In Germany, Austria and Switzerland, it is almost obligatory for the tactical community to visit SPARTANAT daily.

SPARTANAT also now has a growing international readership andthe creation of the English editions of their popular book series consolidates this position. For further information contact lawrence@strikeholdconsulting.com.

EDGE of Innovation: EDGE 24 Concludes at U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground

Thursday, October 3rd, 2024

The Army Futures Command’s (AFC) Future Vertical Lift (FVL) Cross-Functional Team (CFT)’s 2024 iteration of the Experimental Demonstration Gateway Event (EDGE) concluded earlier this week after three weeks of experimentation.

EDGE 24 was deliberately smaller in scale than previous iterations of the event and focused on autonomous collaborative behaviors of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), launched effects (LE), and unmanned ground vehicles.

“Our specific experimental objective was learning how launched effect surrogates behave on a network and off a network,” said Brig. Gen. Cain Baker, FVL CFT Director. “Based off a simulated enemy threat array, we allowed the launched effect surrogates to operate on a network and pass information back at extended ranges, then deliberately removed the network to see if the autonomy could continue. We experimented with that very specifically and had a lot of success in the information we captured and the behaviors we saw from platforms from multiple vendors that were out here.”

The behaviors within launched effects provide a decisive advantage to ground commanders, giving them the capability to extend the range of sensing and use machines instead of Soldiers to make first contact with an adversary. The Army is rapidly integrating layered UAS and LE across formations in a combined arms fight that is synchronized with fires and maneuver across phases to penetrate, exploit, and defeat near-peer adversaries in a complex environment.

“We know looking into the future that we are going to be operating in congested airspace: there will be a number of friendly and adversary platforms that will exist in that space,” said Brig. Gen. William Parker, Director of the Air and Missile Defense CFT. “Reducing the cognitive burden on the operator and helping us deconflict what is in the air with respect to friendly and adversary capabilities will go a long way in how we fight that small UAS threat while protecting friendly UAS in that same airspace.”

The FVL CFT sees EDGE providing the Army Futures Command an experimentation and demonstration platform to help deliver the Army of 2030 and design of Army of 2040, and has chosen U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground (YPG) as its venue for the last two years. The proving ground’s clear, stable air and extremely dry climate combined with an ability to control a large swath of the radio frequency spectrum makes it a desired location for the type of testing EDGE was interested in: counter-unmanned aircraft solutions, extending network access, and flying autonomous and semi-autonomous aircraft. YPG’s wealth of other infrastructure meant for other sectors of the post’s test mission were utilized to support the demonstration, including technical and tactical targets.

“YPG was essential for us to have the simulated threat array to conduct the experiment in at echelon that would replicate an enemy capability that we would potentially face in the future,” said Baker. “YPG has the air space that allows us to operate at the distances we need and the instrumentation to collect the data to inform our requirements from an analytical standpoint.”

YPG’s deep institutional knowledge allowed the participating industry partners to run complex test scenarios each day across three weeks of demonstrations, and the event paid dividends that could inform the Army for years to come. One industry partner exercised autonomous collaboration between an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) and an Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) through real-time aerial mapping of an urban environment to deliver a recommended route for the UGV to follow. Another successfully executed an automated target hand off between a UAS with a radio frequency sensor and a UAS with an electro optical infrared sensor. The demonstration also saw a long-range data communications relay of over 250 miles to execute a strike from a surrogate lethal long range launched effect.

“We’re seeing autonomy advance year after year when we do events like EDGE and Project Convergence,” said Baker. “If we operate these effects en masse, how do we offload the requirements for operators to control from one controller to one vehicle versus one controller for multiple vehicles? How do we share information about the battlefield rapidly and accurately, and how do we do that at extended ranges so crews can maximize the mission set they’re faced with?”

By Mark Schauer

AUSA: SMARTSHOOTER Combat-Proven SMASH Fire Control Systems Turn Dismounted Soldiers into Effective Drone Eliminator

Wednesday, October 2nd, 2024

The company will present its SMASH Hopper LRCWS mounted on Polaris’ MRZR, a tactical mobile solution that can effectively take down drone swarms

AUSA 2024, Washington DC, Halls DE, Booth #7947

SMARTSHOOTER, a leading designer, developer, and manufacturer of innovative fire control systems that significantly increase the accuracy and lethality of individual and crew-served weapons, is excited to announce its participation in the AUSA Annual Meeting and Exposition 2024. SMARTSHOOTER will showcase its combat-proven SMASH family of fire control systems, including the SMASH Hopper LRCWS mounted on Polaris’ MRZR Military vehicle.

The SMASH system is already deployed and combat-proven by various military forces worldwide, including the U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). It was chosen by the U.S. Joint Counter-UAS (JCO) as the only kinetic solution for counter-sUAS missions at the squad level.

Equipped with an onboard computer that delivers advanced targeting solutions, the SMASH Fire Control System (FCS) transforms any standard weapon into a precise, smart-shooting platform. Once the operator identifies a target manually or via integration with external detection systems, SMASH seamlessly locks onto it, tracks its movement in real-time, and automatically coordinates the shot release for rapid, highly accurate engagements. This capability ensures maximum hit probability, even against fast-moving targets and drones, and dramatically enhances operational effectiveness on the battlefield.

The SMASH technology represents a significant advancement in modern warfare, making it a vital asset for military operations worldwide. With its combat-proven capabilities, the SMASH family enhances hit probability against various threats, including drones and drone swarms, while reducing collateral damage and ensuring the safety of friendly forces.

“SMARTSHOOTER is revolutionizing modern combat by ensuring that every dismounted soldier becomes a highly effective drone eliminator,” said Michal Mor, SMARTSHOOTER CEO. “Our SMASH technology empowers individual soldiers to not only defend themselves and their squads from threats like armed drones and drone swarms but also to safeguard other critical air defense assets. The SMASH systems continue to redefine counter-UAS capabilities, proving that precise kinetic elimination of drones and small UASs at the squad level is essential.”

At AUSA 2024, attendees will have the opportunity to see the SMASH Hopper Light Remotely Controlled Weapon Station (LRCWS) mounted on Polaris’ MRZR Military vehicle. This ultra-light turbo diesel combat vehicle, combined with the Hopper LRCWS, allows maneuvering forces to engage threats from a safe distance, providing a mobile and effective hard-kill solution against drones, drone swarms, and ground threats.

SMARTSHOOTER will also present the SMASH 2000L, the lightest handheld-operated fire control system currently in use against ground and aerial targets, including in the ongoing conflict with Hamas. Leveraging AI, computer vision, and advanced algorithms, the SMASH 2000L maximizes force lethality and situational awareness, ensuring precise target elimination day or night.

SMARTSHOOTER’s US Operations is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia.  For further information, please contact Scott Thompson at scott@smart-shooter.com or visit www.SMART-SHOOTER.com

GA-ASI Adds NIDV and NATO DIANA to Blue Magic Netherlands Agenda

Monday, September 30th, 2024

Dutch Industry Encouraged to Register Online to Propose Technology Pitches for Nov. 19 Innovation and Funding Conference

SAN DIEGO – 26 September 2024 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has added Raymond Knops, Chairman of the Dutch Industry Foundation for Defence and Security (NIDV), and Thomas McSorley, General Counsel for NATO DIANA (Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic), to a growing list of speakers and panelists on the agenda for the first-ever Blue Magic Netherlands (BMN) event being held on November 19, 2024. Other companies participating in GA-ASI’s BMN event include Brainport Development, Brabant Development Agency (BOM), SPACENED, and Lockheed Martin Ventures.

“We’re excited to launch this event in the Netherlands, which will bring together the best of Dutch industry and innovation,” said Brad Lunn, Managing Director of Strategic Finance at GA-ASI. “We are already engaged with companies who have contacted us to pitch their capabilities for possible inclusion in Blue Magic and open up funding opportunities.”

Dutch businesses that would like to pitch their technology and capabilities at BMN 2024 are encouraged to register on the event website by no later than Oct. 28, 2024.

Blue Magic Netherlands will be held in Eindhoven, a city known as a global technology hub. BMN will bring together Dutch startups, universities, government officials, aerospace leaders, and representatives from other high-tech industries, who will see technology advancements within the Dutch technology ecosystem and connect qualified partners with funding opportunities to support next-generation dual-use solutions.

GA-ASI has organized several successful Blue Magic events in the past and is bringing that same concept to the Netherlands. Areas of focus for BMN 2024 will be artificial intelligence/machine learning, autonomy, advanced materials, sensors, advanced manufacturing, and space. GA-ASI delivered its MQ-9A Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) to the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) in 2021 and recently announced an increase in the total order of MQ-9As in its service to eight.

Draganfly Receives Military Purchase Order for Its Commander 3XL to be Used for Logistics Within Various Branches of the U.S. Department of Defense

Saturday, September 28th, 2024

Commander 3XL to be used as a primary transport vehicle for the TB2 Aerospace DROPS UAV Cargo POD for autonomous tactical resupply

Saskatoon Sask, September 24, 2024– Draganfly Inc. (NASDAQ: DPRO) (CSE: DPRO) (FSE: 3U8A) (“Draganfly” or the “Company”), an award-winning, industry-leading drone solutions and systems developer, is pleased to announce that it has received a purchase order from TB2 Aerospace (TB2)  for Commander 3XL Drones to be deployed with TB2 Drone Recharging Operational Payload System Pods (DROPS) within the DoD for various mission types. This order represents the beginning of the deployment and scaling of the DROPs system in conjunction with the Draganfly line of drones.

The Commander 3XL will be utilized to carry out various logistics missions. The Commander 3XL is well suited as a transport vehicle, as is the entire Draganfly drone product line for TB2 Aerospace’s smart logistics PODs, as Draganfly Drones are interoperable, providing operators a variety of aircraft size, payload capacity and weight configurations that utilize common communication, counter electronic warfare options, mission planning software, accessories, payloads and more. TB2 Aerospace and Draganfly have collaborated to integrate TB2’s DROPS Pods on Draganfly’s drones, positioning Draganfly as a primary transport vehicle for TB2 Aerospace deployments within the DoD.

“We are honored to be doing this exciting work with TB2 and to have been selected for this important work in the military logistics sector,” said Cameron Chell, CEO of Draganfly. “Draganfly thrives at working to provide exceptional capabilities by integrating our line of drones, experience, and technology stack into mission profiles and use cases with our commercial and military partners—and doing it within time frames and at costs that few others can.”

“We chose Draganfly to be our launch and developmental partner as they have a fantastic series of UAVs,” said Hank Scott, CEO of TB2. “Their aircraft are very stable, easy to fly and set up, and we were impressed by the commonality between their three UAVs. Common controllers, batteries, motors, and parts mean that the DoD can train a Warfighter to operate three different-sized UAVs with a simple, standardized training package. The commonality and interchangeable components will reduce DoD operational and training costs, and standardize the supply chain. Adding the DROPS system will make each of their UAVs a Multi-Mission Payload capable system too. It’s a win-win.”

TB2 Automates UAV Payload Delivery and Recovery

Wednesday, September 18th, 2024

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:

– the ability to autonomously capture, deliver AND recover/relocate payloads

– transforming any UAV of any size into a Multi-Mission Payload system

– 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-18thSeptember, MD, and AUSA 9 -11th Oct in Washington, DC.

Beez Combat Systems FGM (FPV Google Mount)

Wednesday, September 18th, 2024

The FGM (FPV Goggle Mount) is one of our products developed for our Unmanned Systems collection. Designed to mount the DJI Google 2 and SKY04 FPV goggles to a tactical helmet.

The mount has helmet bungee attachment points to help stabilize the mount to the helmet. The drone operator can maintain helmet protection, secure the goggles and support the battery system to the helmet.

The FGM interfaces with the Wilcox G24 mount/helmet shroud system using a Wilcox dove tail. This ensures a perfect fit, retention, and longevity.

The hands-free mounts enhance the drone operator’s abilities in a fast-paced tactical environment by increasing situational awareness and operational readiness.

For additional information and availability – Beez Combat Systems

***all Wilcox trademarks, brands, etc are the sole property of the respective company.  Wilcox does not endorse these products***