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GeoCue Announces New Partnership with Clogworks Technologies

Tuesday, February 4th, 2025

Setting New Standards in European Aerial Mapping with Enhanced LiDAR Capabilities

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 3, 2025

Huntsville, AL – GeoCue, a global leader in LiDAR acquisition and data processing solutions, is pleased to announce a new strategic partnership with UK-based drone designer and manufacturer, Clogworks Technologies Limited. This partnership brings together GeoCue’s TrueView LiDAR and LP360 software solutions with Clogworks’ best-in-class Dark Matter range of multi-rotor UAVs, delivering a unique and highly efficient mapping and surveying solution to professionals around the world.

Clogworks Technologies, founded in 2014 in Yorkshire, UK, specializes in delivering modular and adaptable carbon fiber drones that excel in challenging and complex environments. The partnership with GeoCue positions Clogworks to offer its customers advanced LiDAR scanning technology along with LP360—an industry-leading data processing software that offers quick turnaround and in-depth analytics. By combining these offerings, clients can benefit from an end-to-end data capture and analysis solution, backed by extensive training and customer support.

“For over a year, we’ve enjoyed great cooperation on UK projects with GeoCue, and we value their transparent approach to pricing and outstanding technical expertise,” said Laurence Opdam, Director of Clogworks Technologies Limited. “By becoming a TrueView hardware integrator, as well as offering LP360 software, we’re confident we can deliver the highest quality solutions for our customers. This new partnership will help us meet the growing demand for non-Chinese drone and LiDAR integrations worldwide.”

“Clogworks has demonstrated outstanding innovation and expertise in designing highly capable UAVs. Integrating our TrueView 535 sensor with their Dark Matter hX Gen 2 drone opens exciting possibilities for customers seeking fully integrated, high-precision LiDAR solutions,” said Vincent Legrand, Vice President of Global Sales at GeoCue. “We have already seen impressive performance in the field, and we look forward to providing surveyors, government agencies, and research institutions with an all-in-one approach that ensures accurate data capture and streamlined workflows.”

With this alliance, Clogworks will offer GeoCue’s TrueView products globally, ensuring seamless integration of LiDAR sensors to its Dark Matter UAV platforms, including the Dark Matter hX Gen 2 and the Dark Matter qD Gen 2. Both companies are committed to ongoing research and development, delivering cutting-edge solutions for professional operators in surveying, engineering, and other geospatial applications.

Posted in Industry, International, Press Release, Sensors, UAS | Comments Off on GeoCue Announces New Partnership with Clogworks Technologies

Red Cat Secures $518K in New Orders for Edge 130 Drones from U.S. Government Agencies

Friday, January 31st, 2025

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, Jan. 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Red Cat Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: RCAT) (“Red Cat” or the “Company”), a drone technology company integrating robotic hardware and software for military, government, and commercial operations, today announced it has secured new orders for its Edge 130 drone from the Army National Guard and another U.S. Government Agency (OGA), totaling $518,000.

FlightWave, a leading provider of VTOL drone, sensor and software solutions was acquired by Red Cat in September 2024. The acquisition brought FlightWave’s flagship drone, the Edge 130 Blue into its family of low-cost, portable unmanned reconnaissance and precision lethal strike systems. FlightWave’s size, weight and vertical take off capabilities makes it ideal for maritime operations and littoral environments.

The combined orders, which amount to 12 Edge 130 drones, reflect Red Cat’s continued momentum in providing advanced drone technology solutions to key defense and security customers. The Edge 130 is known for its robust capabilities, including long-endurance flight times, AI-driven surveillance features, and operational effectiveness in a variety of mission-critical environments.

“These new orders further validate the performance and unique capabilities of the Edge 130 as part of our Family of Systems and reinforce our position as a trusted provider of drone solutions for government and military applications,” said Jeff Thompson, Red Cat CEO. “We are expanding our manufacturing capacity for the Edge 130 to accelerate this momentum and remain committed to supporting U.S. government agencies with the industry’s best technology that enhances their mission capabilities and success.”

The Edge 130 Blue is a UAS-certified military-grade tricopter for long-range mapping, inspection, surveillance, and reconnaissance needs. Designed specifically for government and military applications, the Edge 130 Blue can be assembled and hand-launched in just one minute by a single user to capture high-accuracy aerial imagery with medium-range autonomy. Weighing in at only 1200g, the Edge has a 60+ minute flight time in forward mode, an industry-leading endurance among all other Blue UAS-approved drones available.

Posted in Contracts, Press Release, UAS | Comments Off on Red Cat Secures $518K in New Orders for Edge 130 Drones from U.S. Government Agencies

Schiebel Awarded New RPAS Contract with EMSA

Friday, January 24th, 2025

Vienna, 23 January 2025 – Schiebel has been awarded another multi-year service contract for the CAMCOPTER® S-100 Unmanned Air System (UAS) with the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA). The contract is for service provision with Remotely Piloted Aircraft Services (RPAS) for supporting EU member states in emission monitoring and maritime surveillance operations.

For the third time in a row, Schiebel has been awarded a tender with EMSA. In 2018, Schiebel signed its first contract to support European coast guards and maritime authorities, followed by a second contract in 2021. The now newly awarded contract spans for up to four years – two fixed years with an option for an additional two years.

Since 2018, the S-100 has conducted over 1780 deployment days for EMSA and operated across Europe, in Croatia, France, Finland, Denmark, Spain, Estonia, Romania, Lithuania, Iceland, Germany and Belgium. Stationed either on land or on ships, the S-100 performs general night and day maritime surveillance, search and rescue operations and oil spill detection, as well as monitoring of sulphur content of ships’ emissions to ensure compliance with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) limits.

The CAMCOPTER® S-100 can carry multiple payloads with a combined weight of up to 50 kg. Due to its unique and proven nature, and its ability to fly slowly and hover, it is ideally suited for maritime operations.

“We have been supporting European maritime authorities for almost six years now and are extremely proud to continue our success story with EMSA. It proves once again, that the availability and reliability of the S-100 is unrivalled,” said Neil Hunter, Head of Global Sales for Schiebel.

Posted in Contracts, International, Press Release, UAS | Comments Off on Schiebel Awarded New RPAS Contract with EMSA

Texas Air National Guard’s 111th Attack Squadron Named RPA Squadron of the Year

Thursday, January 16th, 2025

SAN DIEGO – 15 January 2025 – The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies and General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) presented the 2023 Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) Squadron of the Year Award to the 111thAttack Squadron (ATKS) of the Texas Air National Guard, Joint Base Ellington Field, Texas. The award was presented at a ceremony at Ellington Field’s Lone Star Flight Museum on January 11, 2025. The award is given annually to the Squadron that distinguishes itself through its employment of RPA in meritorious service.

The award was presented by GA-ASI CEO Linden Blue and Lt. Gen. (Ret.) David Deptula of the Mitchell Institute.

The 111th ATKS “Aces” distinguished themselves as the first Air Force MQ-9A unit to achieve full operational capability in the newly fielded Satellite Launch and Recovery system. Additionally, during Exercise Air Defender, they executed the first Satellite Launch and Recovery operation at a civilian European airfield.

“I couldn’t be prouder of all the nominated units for their outstanding performance in 2023,” said Blue. “But the 111th Attack Squadron truly set the bar, achieving a flawless 100 percent execution rate. Their hard work supported eight named operations across three continents, nine operating areas, and six launch and recovery sites. That kind of dedication and precision doesn’t just happen—it’s a testament to their incredible leadership, teamwork and commitment.”

The Aces have paved the way for future RPA operations and demonstrated the ability of highly trained airmen equipped with cutting-edge combat capabilities to defend this great nation.

“It was an intense training ambition, but the 111th led the United States Air Force, under the unit’s own initiative, to be the first squadron to achieve full operational capability with the MQ-9A’s new Satellite Launch and Recovery capability, all while maintaining an exemplary 100 percent sortie execution rate,” said Lt. Col. Nathan Rieber, 111thATKS Commander.

These accomplishments distinctly identify the Aces as the Air Force’s most outstanding RPA squadron.

Posted in Air Force, Press Release, UAS | Comments Off on Texas Air National Guard’s 111th Attack Squadron Named RPA Squadron of the Year

Schiebel Camcopter S-300 UAS Selected For Major European Defence Project

Thursday, January 16th, 2025

Vienna, 13 January 2025 – Schiebel, as part of the SEACURE consortium led by Thales, has been awarded a grant agreement under the European Defence Fund’s call for unmanned anti-submarine and seabed warfare solutions.

The SEACURE (Seabed and anti-submarine warfare capability through unmanned feature for Europe) consortium consists of 35 companies from 13 European countries and aims to progress joint Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) and Seabed Warfare (SBW) with unmanned air, surface and underwater systems protecting critical maritime infrastructure. The focus is on detection, classification, identification and tracking of underwater threats in demanding conditions.

Schiebel’s latest product, the CAMCOPTER® S-300, will serve as the dedicated Unmanned Air System (UAS) for this project. With a maximum take-off weight of 700kg, the S-300 offers an impressive endurance in excess of 24 hours with a camera and Inverse Synthetic Aperture Radar (ISAR) or typically 6 hours with a 250 kg payload. It is the first operational VTOL in its class to achieve these capabilities. The SEACURE project is scheduled to culminate in a large-scale sea trial by 2028.

“We have been working successfully with Thales on various ASW solutions for the S-100 since our first participation at the NATO exercise REPMUS in 2022. Due to its longer endurance and higher payload capacity, the S-300 opens up a multitude of new possibilities for ASW and SBW. The SEACURE project aligns perfectly with our S-300 development roadmap and we’re proud to be part of such a significant project,” said Hans Georg Schiebel, Chairman of the Schiebel Group.

Posted in Contracts, International, Maritime, Press Release, UAS | Comments Off on Schiebel Camcopter S-300 UAS Selected For Major European Defence Project

Freedom Atlantic Becomes an Official Reseller and DOD Development Partner for USAS

Monday, January 13th, 2025

Freedom Atlantic is thrilled to announce its partnership as an official reseller and Department of Defense (DoD) development partner for USAS, a leader in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in our mission to provide cutting-edge solutions for modern operational challenges.

Why This Partnership Matters

USAS is at the forefront of UAV innovation, offering advanced systems designed to meet the complex demands of surveillance, reconnaissance, and tactical operations. As an authorized reseller and development partner, Freedom Atlantic is uniquely positioned to deliver these state-of-the-art UAV products to clients while contributing to the evolution of next-generation systems tailored for military use.

Advancing DoD Integration Through Strategic Development
A pivotal aspect of this partnership is our role as a DoD development partner. Freedom Atlantic and USAS are working closely to design and refine UAV systems specifically tailored for seamless integration into Department of Defense operations.

This collaborative effort focuses on:

Enhanced System Compatibility: Ensuring UAV technology aligns with existing DoD frameworks and communication protocols.

Custom Payload Solutions: Developing adaptable payload options to address mission-specific needs across diverse operational environments.

Future-Proof Innovations: Anticipating emerging challenges to provide advanced capabilities that support the evolving landscape of military operations.

By combining USAS’s technological expertise with Freedom Atlantic’s operational insights, we aim to deliver solutions that empower warfighters with unmatched efficiency, reliability, and tactical advantage.

What This Means for Our Clients
With this partnership, Freedom Atlantic becomes your go-to source for USAS UAV products and a key contributor to their ongoing development for DoD applications. From high-performance drones capable of operating in the harshest environments to modular payload designs, we offer solutions that redefine what’s possible in unmanned operations.

These systems are designed to enhance situational awareness, streamline operations, and provide critical support where it matters most. Clients can trust that the products we deliver not only meet the highest standards but are also built with direct input from military experts.

Our Mission Continues
At Freedom Atlantic, we are dedicated to empowering our clients with innovative technology that drives success. By incorporating USAS UAV products into our offerings and contributing to DoD-focused development, we are advancing our mission to provide superior tools for real-world challenges. This partnership highlights our commitment to delivering excellence and supporting the evolving needs of our clients.

What’s Next
We’re excited to bring USAS’s UAV solutions to a wider audience. Stay tuned for announcements about product demonstrations, training opportunities, and exclusive promotions. Our team is ready to help you explore how these advanced UAV systems can elevate your operations.

For inquiries or to learn more about the USAS UAV products now available through Freedom Atlantic, contact us at Info@Freedom-Atlantic.com. Together, we are redefining the future of unmanned technology.

Posted in Industry, Press Release, UAS | Comments Off on Freedom Atlantic Becomes an Official Reseller and DOD Development Partner for USAS

Exercise Reaper Castillo Pathfinds MQ-9 Capabilities in Austere Environments

Monday, January 13th, 2025

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. —

An MQ-9 Reaper circles above the Melrose Air Force Range in New Mexico, surveying the area below as it prepares to land on a dirt strip. On the ground the 1st Special Operations Mission Sustainment Team (SOMST) secures the landing zone, ready to refuel and rearm the aircraft.

More than 1,100 miles away, at Hurlburt Field, Florida, an MQ-9 pilot and sensor operator control the remotely piloted aircraft from a ground control station.

The 65th Special Operations Squadron hosted Exercise Reaper Castillo Nov. 4 to Dec. 18, 2024 to sharpen mission-essential tasks and develop MQ-9 Agile Combat Employment (ACE) capabilities. The goal: create a lighter, leaner and more agile force.

The exercise validated the MQ-9’s ability to conduct key operations in austere environments, including dirt-strip landings, refueling, rearming and rapid relaunch.

“In the future fight, we assess we will no longer be able to rely exclusively on the main operating bases that have persisted,” said the 1st SOMST flight commander. “Operating in austere environments anytime, anyplace and anywhere is critical. It enables commanders to have options – something critically needed in special operations forces.”

Typically, the MQ-9 requires a paved runway with a group of maintainers and extensive support functions. However, during the exercise a light SOMST footprint on an austere dirt airfield provided all necessary functions to support mission execution.

“If special operations MSTs can enable mission generation at the forward edge of the battlefield, it can increase the lethality, range, and overall capability of the aircraft for strategic and tactical national interests,” the flight commander said.

The MQ-9 Reaper is a versatile and precise intelligence, surveillance and strike platform and its adaptability and range of capabilities make it an asset for modern military operations.

These capabilities align with ACE, a strategy focused on enhancing flexibility and resilience by dispersing forces across multiple, often austere, locations. With its ability to operate in remote environments and adapt to rapidly changing mission requirements, the MQ-9 plays a role in supporting ACE’s emphasis on decentralized operations and rapid deployment.

“The MQ-9 is extremely relevant in today’s fight and will be in the future as well,” said a 65th SOS MQ-9 evaluator pilot and exercise mission commander. “It allows us to go places and do things that we cannot risk sending manned aircraft – such as high-threat environments.”

The exercise builds on the hard work of the 65th SOS’s sister squadrons over the past few years and will provide important data and lessons learned for the next squadron to push the concepts even further, said Lt. Col. Kurtis Paul, 65th SOS commander.

“On its surface, Reaper Castillo 24 is an exercise created and executed by the 65th SOS. But in reality, it’s another step in Air Force Special Operations Command’s efforts to push MQ-9 operations beyond conventional means,” Paul added. “It brought together many members from multiple AFSOC wings and it’s humbling to have the Lucky Dicers’ stamp on this iteration – this was truly a win for all of AFSOC remotely piloted aircraft and where we’re headed in the future.”

As the future of Air Force operations adapt to emerging technologies and evolving threats, the forward-thinking approach of these teams is crucial to unlocking the full potential of the MQ-9.

“We have to break out of the mindset that we need a huge, paved runway with co-located launch and recovery aircrews,” the mission commander added. “If we can free ourselves from the traditional mindset, it makes MQ-9 combat reach nearly limitless.”

By Senior Airman Deanna Muir, 1st Special Operations Wing

Posted in Air Force, Aviation, Guest Post, SOF, UAS | Comments Off on Exercise Reaper Castillo Pathfinds MQ-9 Capabilities in Austere Environments

U.S. Army Takes Delivery of Textron Systems’ MK 4.8 HQ Aerosonde System for Future Tactical Uncrewed Aircraft Systems Program

Tuesday, December 24th, 2024

Redstone Arsenal, AL – The U.S. Army’s Future Tactical Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (FTUAS) Product Office has officially taken receipt of the Textron Systems’ MK 4.8 HQ Aerosonde system, marking a significant milestone in the program’s rapid prototyping effort. This achievement follows a comprehensive two-year development and testing process, which included extensive technical testing, ground and flight acceptance testing, and a joint effort between the vendor and the United States Government (USG).

The delivery of the system, formalized through the DD-250 process, transfers ownership to the USG. The FTUAS team will now proceed with New Equipment Training (NET) to qualify instructors and operators at the Redstone Test Center on the MK 4.8 HQ Aerosonde system. This training is expected to be completed by late January 2025.

Upon completion of NET, the FTUAS team will embark on a USG-led developmental testing cycle, which will culminate in the program’s capstone event. This testing effort will occur in parallel with the ongoing efforts to evaluate production proposals for award, anticipated in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2025.

The FTUAS program will provide Brigade Combat Teams (BCTs) with an organic capability for reconnaissance and surveillance operations, enabling them to collect, develop, and report actionable intelligence. This will allow BCT commanders to maintain dominance during Multi-Domain Operations. The FTUAS system boasts transformational capabilities, including vertical take-off and landing, on-the-move command and control, and Soldier-led, field-level maintenance. Its Modular Open Systems Approach enables rapid capability insertions, ensuring the system keeps pace with evolving technology.

The Program Executive Office (PEO) for Aviation, located at Redstone Arsenal, AL, is responsible for modernizing the Army Aviation fleet of crewed and uncrewed aircraft. PEO Aviation’s Uncrewed Aircraft Systems Project Office is dedicated to rapidly fielding innovative UAS capabilities to Army formations, maintaining the Army’s asymmetric advantage over peer adversaries in large-scale combat operations.

Courtesy Story from Program Executive Office, Aviation

Photos by David Hylton

Posted in Army, Guest Post, UAS | Comments Off on U.S. Army Takes Delivery of Textron Systems’ MK 4.8 HQ Aerosonde System for Future Tactical Uncrewed Aircraft Systems Program