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Dronesheild – Release of 3Q24 Firmware Update

Friday, August 2nd, 2024

DroneShield Limited (ASX:DRO) (“DroneShield” or “the Company”) is pleased to announce it has released the latest update to their full range of Radio Frequency (RF) sensors including the RfPatrol Mk2, RfOne Mk2 and all DroneSentry-X models.

This update significantly expands the pool of drones that RFAI can identify, including several additions requested by customers who collaborated with DroneShield to provide real-world recordings of previously unseen models.

New features include:

• Advanced Scanning: Users can customise each device’s scanning pattern to include any combination of AI-powered RF scanning, Wi-Fi scanning, and other emission detection.

• Directional Hardware Upgrade: Existing Directional Antenna Units for the RfPatrol Mk2 now have greater sensitivity and performance in showing a user drone location.

• Directional Filtering: RF Filters have been enhanced on the DroneSentry-X Mk2 to adapt system capabilities to nuances in operational environments.

• Expanded API: The extensive API has been expanded for all DroneShield systems. All major features are controllable remotely, including signal filters and detection band activation.

• Code Downloads: Client developers can now download protocol buffer code packages from the Access Portal to streamline the integration of DroneShield hardware into third-party systems.

Angus Bean, DroneShield Chief Technology Officer, commented, “Our focus on delivering world-class counterdrone technology is highlighted by collaboration with our valued customers. We provide the latest integration tools they need, and work closely with them to gain insights to the cutting-edge threats they experience.”

For more information on product capabilities, see www.droneshield.com.

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Joint Counter-Small UAS Office Conducts Successful Counter Drone-Swarm Demonstration

Wednesday, July 31st, 2024

WASHINGTON — The Army held its most challenging counter-small unmanned aircraft systems test to date, paving the way for Soldiers to field capabilities against small-UAS attacks in the future.

During the Joint Counter-Small Unmanned Systems Office’s (JCO) fifth C-sUAS demonstration, held at Yuma Proving Ground June 3-28, 2024, testers launched more than 40 UAS targets that converged on a defended area in each session. The tests helped the JCO evaluate the command-and-control capabilities of nine C-sUAS systems, observing how each sensed and identified different types of UAS threats.

“It was a very successful demonstration in informing U.S. [forces] and our allies what capabilities exist out there for this very challenging profile,” said Col. Michael Parent, JCO Acquisition Division chief.

“You don’t want to obviously engage the target multiple times,” Parent added. “You’ve got so many [UAS] coming at you, you have to be able to differentiate and have the most promising threat first.”

The demonstration presented a wide array of threats that swarmed the C-sUAS systems in mass and in waves, showcasing both kinetic and non-kinetic defeat solutions. Experiments tested capabilities that included guided rockets, kinetic interceptor drones, electro-optical/infrared cameras, radio frequency scanners and radio frequency jammers.

Demonstration threat profiles used rotary wing, fixed wing and slow-moving, and propeller-powered UAS threats. The JCO chose the nine systems from eight vendors pulled out of a pool of 58 vendor proposals.

Small unmanned aircraft systems pose a significant threat to Army and U.S. military operations and are also a particularly dangerous threat in Ukraine and parts of Israel. Drones provide low-cost capability to transport ammunition for targeted attacks and can collect reconnaissance for enemy forces and coordinate attacks.

To combat that threat, former Defense Secretary Mark Esper designated the Army as the executive agent for C-sUAS defense in 2019.

Parent said that the JCO will look to begin prototyping specific C-sUAS proposals in 2025 based on specific capabilities and the needs of combatant commanders. The JCO scheduled its next C-sUAS demonstration between the second and third quarters of fiscal year 2025.

According to Parent, compared to the previous four demonstrations held from 2021 to 2023, the vendors’ systems showed greater speed and recognition of threats.

The test marked the first demonstration the service has held in nearly 12 months.

“The challenge of the profile really meant that no one characteristic, no one capability, whether kinetic or non-kinetic, in itself could really defeat this kind of a profile,” stated Parent. “So what we saw was that you really do need a full system-of-systems approach, a layered approach, because we’re talking about a very large profile, 50 or more [threats] … coming out from different angles, different speeds and different sizes.”

As the JCO is currently evaluating the test results, Parent refrained from commenting on the effectiveness of each vendor’s systems or specific performance data. Of the eight vendors, the JCO chose two proposals from Maryland-based ELTA North America; a vehicle-mounted solution and a platoon transport solution.

The results of the testing will be collected and sent to U.S. combatant commands and the vendors at the end of July, Parent said.

Additionally, the JCO will coordinate with joint partners to identify the priority focus areas of UAS systems.

By Joe Lacdan

Posted in Army, Guest Post, UAS | Comments Off on Joint Counter-Small UAS Office Conducts Successful Counter Drone-Swarm Demonstration

GA-ASI SeaGuardian Featured Again at RIMPAC

Friday, July 26th, 2024

U.S. Navy Rim of Pacific Exercise Is World’s Largest Maritime ExerciseSAN DIEGO – 23 July 2024 – An MQ-9B SeaGuardian® Unmanned Aircraft System from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) is once again supporting the U.S. Navy during its Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise, this time for RIMPAC 2024. RIMPAC 2024, the world’s largest international maritime exercise, started on July 8, 2024, and continues operations through the month in areas throughout Hawaii.

GA-ASI’s SeaGuardian is a maritime derivative of the MQ-9B SkyGuardian® and remains the first UAS that offers multi-domain Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Targeting (ISR&T) as an internal payload that can search the ocean’s surface and depths in support of Fleet Operations. SeaGuardian is also providing real-time ISR data feeds to the U.S. Pacific Fleet Command Center using advanced long-range targeting capabilities, Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) parametrics, Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) acoustic and tracking data, and full-motion video to the watch floor and intelligence centers as well as to surface, air, and subsurface exercise participants for real-time dynamic tasking and targeting in support of cooperative kill-chain execution.

SeaGuardian arrived at RIMPAC 2024 with more than 8,000 hours flown showcasing all operational payloads, which includes the SeaVue Multi-role radar from Raytheon, an RTX business, SNC’s Electronic Support Measures (EMS) solution, as well as an Automatic Identification System (AIS), and a self-contained ASW. This year, GA-ASI is introducing its Sonobuoy Dispensing System, demonstrating the deployment of A-size sonobuoys from a UAS for monitor and control. Additional SeaGuardian capabilities include a GA-ASI-developed Lynx® Multi-mode Maritime Radar, a high-definition Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) imaging system, and Link 16.

SeaGuardian’s multi-domain capabilities allows it to flex from mission to mission and pass real-time sensor data directly to the Fleet through Link 16 and satellite feeds to the shore-based command and intelligence centers. During RIMPAC, the MQ-9B is effectively passing ISR&T information to various surface and air units, such as the Nimitz-class carrier USS CARL VINSON,Guided Missile Destroyers (DDG), Littoral Combat Ships (LCS), frigates, patrol boats, P-8s, P-3s, and numerous other U.S. and foreign units taking part in the exercise.

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Second RAF Protector Now Operating in Waddington

Wednesday, July 24th, 2024

With Two Protector RPAs in the UK, GA-ASI Has Delivered a Total of 10 Protectors to RAF;
First Four Cadres of RAF Aircrew Complete Training at FTTC

SAN DIEGO – 22 July 2024 – The United Kingdom’s Royal Air Force (RAF) now has two Protector RG Mk1 Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) operating at RAF Waddington. The secondProtector has started its ground trial at RAF Station Waddington with first flight expected in August.Protector is based on the MQ-9B SkyGuardian®RPA developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), and is specially configured for the RAF. The RAF has taken delivery of 10 of their total order of 16 Protectors from GA-ASI, with eight aircraft currently undergoing RAF crew training, test, and evaluation in the United States.

“We’re thrilled to see a second Protector operating at Waddington,” said Chris Dusseault, GA-ASI’s vice president of MQ-9B in Europe. “The Royal Air Force is a great partner for GA-ASI, and we look forward to additional MQ-9B aircraft operating in the U.K. and more broadly across Europe.”

Simon Holford, Uncrewed Air Systems Delivery Team Leader at Defence Equipment & Support, said: “Seeing delivery and assembly of the second Protector aircraft in the UK is yet another measure of the significant progress on this project and testament to the hard work of everyone involved. Together with the three aircraft we have already taken delivery of in the US (which remain in the US for use in trials and/or training), we have now taken delivery of five of the sixteen aircraft we have ordered.”

Officer Commanding 31 Sqn, Wing Commander Maccoll said, “I’m delighted to see another RAF Protector assembled at RAF Waddington, thanks to the hard work of our Programme team, Defence partners, contractors, and the skill of 31 Squadron personnel. This Summer, Protector will undertake further test and evaluation and we expect more aircraft arrivals before the end of the year. “

In another program milestone, the first of four cadres of RAF aircrew completed training on April 29, 2024, at GA-ASI’s Flight Test and Training Center (FTTC) in Grand Forks, North Dakota. TheGA-ASI training involved RAF Operational Conversion Units (OCUs), which are comprised of eight crews, including pilots, sensor operators (SOs), and mission intelligence coordinators (MICs) from 31, 54, or 56 Squadrons.

The scope of the training is focused on foundational skills required to operate the Protector air vehicle and its equipment, including the Multi-Spectral Targeting System (MTS), Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), Mission Intelligence Station (MIS), and System for Tasking and Real-Time Exploitation (STARE). Training involves building solid foundations for both normal and emergency operations in Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) systems, instrument flying, and Automatic Takeoff and Landing Capability (ATLC).

With the completion of the Protector Technicians course at GA-ASI facilities in Southern California on May 16, 2024, Number 31 Squadron now has another 21 qualified maintainers. As part of their training course, the RAF maintainers were able to directly support the training flights for their aircrew counterparts who were completing the live flying element of their Operational Conversion course from North Dakota.

MQ-9B is GA-ASI’s next-generation RPA System (RPAS), delivering exceptionally long endurance and range, with auto takeoff and landing under SATCOM-only control, and will be able to operate in unsegregated airspace using the GA-ASI-developed Detect and Avoid system. In addition to the RAF, contracts have been signed with Belgium, Canada, Taiwan and the U.S. Air Force in support of the Special Operations Command. The Japan Coast Guard is currently operating the MQ-9B for maritime operations, which the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) also selected for its Medium-Altitude, Long-Endurance (MALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft System Trial Operation Project. MQ-9B has additionally supported various U.S. Navy exercises, including Northern Edge, Integrated Battle Problem, and Group Sail.

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AFSOC Seeks sUAS Group 3 Swarm Carrier Drone Capability

Wednesday, July 24th, 2024

The U.S. Air Force Offensive small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS) System Program Office (SPO) has issued a Request for Information to Industry to conduct market research to determine Industry’s ability to provide capabilities supporting the Air Force Special Operations Command’s (AFSOC) Adaptive Airborne Enterprise (A2E) concept within 24 – 36 months.

What they are after is a Group 3 sUAS capable of internally carrying and deploying Group 2 sUAS equipped with an Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) payload. Essentially, a drone capable of being launched from a C-130 which carries and deploys a swarm of even smaller drones.

This is one of three distinct RFIs to be issued that will cover the sUAS platform needs for fielding Adaptive Airborne Enterprise (A2E) capabilities within 24 – 36 months of this RFI.

The SPO intends to release three distinct RFIs, each covering a specific A2E sUAS capability, detailed below. The SPO is seeking Industry responses to help inform how it can provide AFSOC with air-launched sUAS capabilities that integrate Group 2 Air-Launched ISR systems, Group 3 Air-Launched Swarm Carrier systems, and Group 3 Air-Launched Signature Managed systems within the A2E architecture (see Appendix A, Figure 1) while complying with a Modular Open System Approach (MOSA). Specifically, the SPO will be seeking responses for each of the three capabilities below via three separate and distinct RFIs:

• Group 2 ISR – To be internally carried and air-launched via Common Launch Tube (CLT) from a Group 3 Swarm Carrier.

• Group 3 Swarm Carrier – To be deployed from a C-130 as an air-dropped, palletized effect, internally carrying and able to launch Group 2 ISR sUAS from CLTs.

• Group 3 Signature Managed – To be air-launched from a Group 5 system, act as a C2 node in a network/swarm of sUAS and send data from the contested/denied environment to the Joint Force.

Solutions must align with MOSA design principles and be cost-effective for the government. They must also be compatible with an Autonomous Government Referenced Architecture and the software chosen to support that architecture. Finally, solutions must demonstrate a maturity level and production capacity that confidently conveys the ability to deliver scalable quantity within 36 months.

RFI responses are due no later than (NLT) 1700 EST (sic) on August 09, 2024.

Read the details at sam.gov.

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GA-ASI to Host First Blue Magic Event in the Netherlands

Tuesday, July 23rd, 2024

Dual-Use Innovation and Funding Conference Gives Dutch Businesses
An Opportunity to Partner With World-Leading UAS Supplier

SAN DIEGO – 22 July 2024 – Following the success of Blue Magic events held in Belgium, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has scheduled its first Blue Magic event in the Netherlands on November 19, 2024. The Blue Magic Netherlands (BMN) event 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.

Joining GA-ASI for the event will be partners Lockheed Martin Ventures, Brabant Development Agency (BOM), and the Netherlands Industries for Defence & Security (NIDV), as well as Brainport Development, an organization that develops regional economic strategy and projects, and promotes Brainport Eindhoven at home and abroad.

“We want to build on our successful Blue Magic concept, which fosters a collaborative partnering environment for technology ideation, and bring it to the Netherlands,” said Brad Lunn, Managing Director-Strategic Finance at GA-ASI. “We look forward to hosting thought leaders in the Dutch innovation ecosystem for a full day of technology interchange. Our goal is to provide a single forum for sharing ideas and implementation strategies that can shape the course of technology and defense systems and ultimately make the world safer.”

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.

GA-ASI held its first European Blue Magic event in 2019, with subsequent events held in 2020, 2021, and 2023. Since the inception of Blue Magic, GA-ASI has commenced work with a broad range of European and international businesses. For the Blue Magic Netherlands event, GA-ASI and other participants will hear technology pitches followed by a lively panel discussion and host a networking event where participants can meet with other high-tech businesses and leaders to see if their capabilities can be leveraged in new and useful ways.

Areas of focus for BMN 2024 will be artificial intelligence/machine learning, autonomy, advanced materials, sensors, advanced manufacturing, and space.

Businesses interested in participating in the BMN 2024 event should visit the event website for additional information.

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GA-ASI Flies MQ-9B With Pratt & Whitney Canada’s PT6 E-Series Engine

Sunday, July 21st, 2024

SAN DIEGO – 19 July 2024 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) flew a company-owned MQ-9B SkyGuardian® Remotely Piloted Aircraft on July 15, 2024, with a PT6 E-Series model turboprop engine supplied by Pratt & Whitney Canada. Representatives from GA-ASI and Pratt & Whitney witnessed the first flight of the PT6 engine on MQ-9B, which lasted 44 minutes and demonstrated exemplary handling and acceleration.

PT6E-66XT Engine (Photo courtesy of Pratt & Whitney Canada)

“We’re excited to see the PT6 engine on our MQ-9B aircraft,” said GA-ASI President David R. Alexander. “We’ve worked with Pratt & Whitney for years, specifically on our jet-powered Avenger®, and we’ve enjoyed a very productive partnership. The first flight marks an important milestone for MQ-9B SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian® customers and missions that require additional power. In addition, customers who choose the Pratt & Whitney engine will benefit from low sustainment costs from best-in-class Time Between Overhauls, as well as 50+ maintenance and overhaul facilities around the globe.”

The PT6 E-Series is a reliable and versatile turboprop engine family that delivers key performance enhancements applicable to future MQ-9B missions. PT6 delivers a 33 percent increase in power over MQ-9B’s current engine, with a highly mature dual-channel Full Authority Digital Engine Controller.

MQ-9B is GA-ASI’s next generation RPA, delivering exceptionally long endurance and range, with auto takeoff and landing under SATCOM-only control, and will be able to operate in unsegregated airspace using the GA-ASI-developed Detect and Avoid system.

Deliveries of MQ-9B have begun for the United Kingdom, with contracts in place with Belgium, Canada, Taiwan, and the U.S. Air Force in support of the Special Operations Command. The Japan Coast Guard is currently operating MQ-9B for maritime operations, and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) selected MQ-9B for its Medium-Altitude, Long-Endurance (MALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft System Trial Operation Project. MQ-9B has also supported various U.S. Navy exercises, including Northern Edge, Integrated Battle Problem, and Group Sail.

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Silvus StreamCaster MANET Radios Added to Blue UAS Framework and Green UAS Cleared Components List

Saturday, July 20th, 2024

Providing Advanced & Secure MANET Radio Capabilities to UAS Developers for use in DoD Applications

· StreamCaster SC4200EP and StreamCaster LITE SL4200 designated by DIU as NDAA compliant and approved for use in conjunction with Blue UAS platforms

· StreamCaster LITE SL4200 is the first MANET radio included in the Green UAS Cleared Components List

· StreamCaster LITE SL4200 added to the Blue UAS Framework as part of AUVSI Green UAS Certification data sharing agreement with DIU

Los Angeles, California (July 18, 2024) – Silvus Technologies, Inc. (“Silvus”), a global leader in advanced wireless networking communication systems, today announced that the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) has officially added Silvus’ StreamCaster SC4200EP and StreamCaster LITE SL4200 MANET radios to the Blue UAS Framework. After undergoing the Blue UAS program’s rigorous evaluation, this certification validates their compliance with DoD standards for cybersecurity, supply chain integrity and operational reliability. Inclusion on the Blue UAS Framework further demonstrates the SC4200EP and SL4200 interoperability and NDAA compliancy, designating them as approved for use in conjunction with Blue UAS platforms. This achievement exemplifies Silvus’ commitment to delivering cutting-edge, secure, and reliable C2 and mesh networked communications solutions for unmanned systems.

Additionally, the StreamCaster LITE SL4200 achieved a groundbreaking milestone by becoming the first Mobile Ad Hoc Network (MANET) radio to be included in the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) Green UAS Cleared Components list. This inclusion not only highlights the advanced performance capabilities of the SL4200 but also reinforces its status as a trusted and secure component for unmanned systems operations.

The addition of the SL4200 to the Blue UAS Framework was facilitated through the AUVSI Green UAS Certification data sharing MOU agreement with DIU. Through partnering with AUVSI, Silvus supports the Green UAS program’s goal of advancing the integration of UAS into defense applications and building a strong and secure drone industrial base.

“The first successful integration of Green UAS certified components onto the Blue UAS Framework through our MOU with DIU is a significant milestone that underscores our commitment to bolstering the commercial drone industry’s alignment with secure drone standards, enhancing both security and innovation,” said Casie Ocaña, Director, Trusted Programs at AUVSI.

StreamCaster SC4200EP is a 2×2 MIMO software-defined radio, delivering best-in-class MANET performance and connectivity at the tactical edge. With up to 10 Watts of output power (20 Watts effective performance, thanks to TX Eigen Beamforming), up to 100 Mbps data throughput and single/dual band frequency options, the SC4200EP delivers high-fidelity video, voice and IP data communications with class-leading range and performance. With multiple form-factor options including handheld, Drop-In Module and OEM module, combined with a low SWaP profile, the SC4200EP is ideal for portable or embedded unmanned applications.

StreamCaster LITE SL4200 is a 2×2 MIMO software-defined radio that provides up to 1 Watt of output power (2 Watts effective performance, thanks to TX Eigen Beamforming), up to 20 Mbps data throughput across a variety of single band frequency options. Available in a ruggedized handheld or OEM module form-factors, its ultra-low profile and flexible interface options make it ideal for integration into unmanned platforms where size, weight and power are key.

At the heart of every StreamCaster MANET radio is Silvus’ proprietary MN-MIMO waveform, that creates a self-forming and adaptive mesh network – capable of linking hundreds of nodes with unmatched range, throughput, EW resiliency and scalability.

“We are thrilled to have our StreamCaster SC4200EP and StreamCaster LITE SL4200 MANET radios join the Blue UAS Framework, and for the SL4200 to be the first MANET radio added to the Green UAS Cleared Components List,” said Jimi Henderson, Vice President of Sales, Silvus Technologies. “Silvus continues to push the boundaries of mesh networking technology for mission critical applications. This achievement is a testament to our dedication in working across the industry to advance the capabilities of unmanned systems through robust, secure, and powerfully connected tactical communications solutions.”

The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) Blue UAS Framework program provides advanced capabilities to UAS developers and reduces risk for government customers, ensuring that only secure and trusted technologies are used in critical defense operations. For more information visit: www.diu.mil/blue-uas.

AUVSI’s Green UAS certification assesses and verifies that commercial drones and components meet the highest levels of cybersecurity and NDAA supply chain requirements through a security controls assessment and vulnerability and penetration testing. Through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) Green UAS certification data is shared directly with DIU, facilitating the inclusion of certified drone component to be added to the Blue UAS Framework. For more information visit: www.auvsi.org/green-uas.

Learn more about the StreamCaster family of MANET radios on our website and follow us on LinkedIn.

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