UAS | Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

Archive for the ‘UAS’ Category

Quantum Systems Equips the Romanian Ministry of Defence with Vector systems

Tuesday, June 18th, 2024

Munich, 17.06.2024 – Quantum Systems, the Munich-based manufacturer of dual-use reconnaissance drones that use multi-sensor technology to collect data for government agencies and commercial users, is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a significant contract to supply the Romanian Ministry of Defence (MoD) with its advanced Vector unmanned aerial systems (UAS).

The contract, valued at aproximately 18.4 million EUR was finalized on May 14, 2024, and will span over a period of 36 months. This marks a significant step in enhancing the capabilities of the Romanian Armed Forces with state-of-the-art UAS technology. Romtehnica S.A., the purchasing authority, has contracted Quantum Systems to supply these advanced systems to the Romanian Armed Forces, who will utilize them in various operations across the region.

Meeting the Romanian MoD’s requirements

The decision criteria for the contract were heavily weighted towards quality. Quantum Systems’ Vector UAS was selected based on its superior range, flight autonomy, sensor quality, and robust warranty terms, along with a competitive pricing structure.

The vertical take-off and landing capable drone type Vector provides the Romanian MoD with a market-available tactical reconnaissance system meeting requirements in terms of range, flight time and sensor capability. The Vector enables precise reconnaissance and has a flight duration of up to three hours. The integrated ‘Raptor’ combi-sensor is equipped with an optical and an infrared camera, enabling day and night operations in all climates and under challenging environmental conditions.

Posted in Contracts, International, UAS | Comments Off on Quantum Systems Equips the Romanian Ministry of Defence with Vector systems

LETEL Gains the Aerial Advantage with Drone LiDAR Technology from GeoCue

Monday, June 17th, 2024

See How LETEL Stands Out with Industry-Leading Surveying Services in New Episodes of the Drone Surveying Reality Series Down to Earth.

For Release, June 17, 2024

Buchanan, GA- GeoCue, announces the premiere of the latest episodes of its award-winning drone surveying reality series, Down to Earth. The new episodes highlight LETEL, a leader in civil engineering, drone technology, LiDAR, and construction services, and their innovative use of TrueView LiDAR technology and LP360 software to overcome complex surveying challenges in construction services and land development.

Before starting LETEL, John Downing began his journey in the construction industry digging ditches and getting his boots muddy. Determined to rise above, John embraced cutting-edge technology and invested in drones, a decision that transformed his career and led to the creation of LETEL.

Now, with over 20 years of experience, John has grown LETELinto a powerhouse in the construction and development industry. LETEL offers comprehensive services, from civil engineering to advanced drone technology, LiDAR, and construction solutions. The expert team of surveyors, engineers, LiDAR technicians, and pilots at LETEL can handle any project, big or small.

In these latest episodes of Down to Earth, watch as the LETELteam takes on a challenging 400-acre site with thick vegetation, steep elevation changes, and dense Georgia Pines. See how they use TrueView LiDAR technology to efficiently gather crucial data and quickly calculate volumetrics for their top client, Magnum Construction. All while the team skillfully navigates steep cliffs and steers clear of hazardous construction equipment, demonstrating the remarkable efficiency and precision of TrueView drone LiDAR.

See how the LETEL team leverages their Aerial Advantage on Down to Earth. Watch now!

“Down to Earth” is a documentary-style reality series that shows how real surveyors collect data and turn it into real deliverables, despite challenging conditions, hidden dangers, and inclement weather.

In the first episode, John and the LETEL team tackle a daunting 400-acre North Paulding site in Georgia, with significant elevation changes and dense pine forests. Using advanced TrueView LiDAR technology, they demonstrate how drone surveying can be completed in hours which would take traditional surveyors’ days or even months. Watch as they meticulously plan and execute their mission and coordinate their efforts seamlessly to deliver precise, high-quality data.

“The North Paulding Track presents quite a few challenges,” explained Downing. “There’s a 300-foot elevation change across a 400-acre fully wooded area. Georgia’s dense pine forests can interfere with our signal, making this a complicated job. However, I’m confident we’ll complete it within a day.”

In the second episode, the LETEL team heads to Thompson Ridge to perform a critical dirt quantity check for Magnum Contracting. This episode showcases the incredible efficiency and accuracy of drone LiDAR technology in the construction industry. Despite the challenges posed by heavy machinery and active construction sites, the team gathers essential data swiftly and safely, enabling their clients to stay on top of project requirements and make informed decisions.

“As a customer of LETEL, we quickly realized the importance of their Drone LiDAR data,” said Brad Cox Founder and President Magnum Construction. “It has been a natural fit for our contracting and civil work, significantly enhancing our productivity and efficiency. The TrueView equipment is phenomenal, capturing incredible detail, even down to dozertrack ridges in the topos. Their verification processes give us complete confidence in the accuracy of the data.”

In the third and final episode, dive into the data processing phase with Christopher Bagley and the LETEL team as they transform raw LiDAR data into actionable insights using LP360 software. This episode highlights the meticulous steps taken to ensure accuracy and quality in their final deliverables. From classifying ground layers to creating detailed 3D models, see how the team leverages advanced tools to provide clients with unparalleled precision for new developments, even in heavily forested areas.

“We use LP360 because it’s the best tool available for ensuring accurate, reliable, high-quality data,” said Bagley. “It captures extensive details, including trees and elevation changes, and provides a comprehensive 3D view. The TrueView LiDAR performed flawlessly over the challenging terrain of the North Paulding site, giving us all the necessary data to create our deliverables.”

Posted in Press Release, Sensors, UAS | No Comments »

Rheinmetall and MBDA Sign Agreement to Integrate the Small Anti Drone Missile into the Skyranger 30 and Other Military Platforms

Sunday, June 9th, 2024

To close the existing capability gaps in mobile defence against drones at short range, Rheinmetall Electronics and MBDA Deutschland signed a corresponding Letter of Intent (LOI) at ILA 2024. The companies intend to integrate MBDA’s Small Anti Drone Missile (SADM) into the Skyranger 30 and other Rheinmetall military vehicles. Utilising Enforcer technologies, this new guided missile offers an effective solution against small and medium-sized drones providing a high hit probability at long stand-off distances. For its part, the 30mm cannon on the Skyranger 30 offers highly efficient, mobile defence against airborne threats by combining firepower, intelligent sensor technology and high mobility at shorter ranges. This means that the two weapons complement each other perfectly.

The Letter of Intent aims at a long-term cooperation for the integration of the missile into the Skyranger 30 and other military vehicles as well as the development, production and integration of a launcher onto various turret systems and Rheinmetall’s digital system architecture.

On the MBDA stand at ILA, location G3/001, the missile is displayed on the turret of the Skyranger 30 system.

Thomas Gottschild, Managing Director of MBDA Germany: “The current conflicts have clearly shown that drone defence is one of the key challenges for armed forces. In order to provide the best possible solution, we are joining forces and building on our partnership with Rheinmetall and their turret solutions to close capability gaps in drone defence with the help of our Small Anti Drone Missile.”

Timo Haas, Chief Digital Officer von Rheinmetall: “As the prime contractor for the Skyranger 30 system in Germany, the Small Anti-Drone Missile is an ideal and logical addition to the capabilities of Rheinmetall’s systems and vehicles. We are working in advance and are already creating the conditions for the industrial set-up in order to quickly implement the customer’s decisions.”

Posted in Industry, International, Munitions, Press Release, UAS | Comments Off on Rheinmetall and MBDA Sign Agreement to Integrate the Small Anti Drone Missile into the Skyranger 30 and Other Military Platforms

GA-ASI on Contract to Build and Field First Gray Eagle 25M Unit for Army National Guard

Monday, June 3rd, 2024

SAN DIEGO – 31 May 2024 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) announces that the Army National Guard (ARNG) has ordered 12 Gray Eagle 25M (GE 25M) Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) paid for as part of 2023 congressional funding. The funding comes after ARNG leaders, which make up 45 percent of the U.S. Army’s combat divisions, requested GE 25Ms to make ARNG Divisions mirror the active component in being Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) capable, deployable, and better able to team with newly formed Division Artillery Brigades (DIVARTY). They will also be available to support domestic missions, such as homeland defense and disaster response, as needed.

GE 25M is a modernized model of the Gray Eagle designed to meet the U.S. Army’s needs forMDO capability for both active duty and National Guard units. GE 25M is equipped with the new EagleEye multi-mode radar and electro-optical/infrared sensors, and can host a wide range of additional kinetic and non-kinetic payloads. Equipping ARNG Divisions with organic GE 25Ms makes possible the necessary mission planning, targeting, communications, detailed coordination, and realistic training needed to employ the systems successfully in combat. GE 25M will allow ARNG Divisions to have Divisional Reconnaissance, Surveillance, and Target Acquisition (RSTA) for the first time.

“The Gray Eagle platform has a proven record of performance with over a million hours of safe operations, including automatic takeoff and landing capability,” said GA-ASI Vice President of DoD Strategic Development Patrick Shortsleeve. “The aircraft excels as an enabler for Fires, Maneuver, Network, and Intelligence operations. It is also an integral part of the Army Aviation team, working closely with manned rotary-wing systems to achieve overmatch against pacing threats.”

GE 25M flew its maiden flight on Dec. 5, 2023, following the award of an undefinitized contract award announced on Dec. 1, 2023, for the Gray Eagle 25M Production Representative Test Aircraft.

Posted in Army, Press Release, UAS | No Comments »

GA-ASI Completes Durability Test for HFE 2.0 Engine

Friday, May 31st, 2024

200-HP Heavy Fuel Engine Will Be Used for New Gray Eagle 25M

SAN DIEGO – 29 May 2024 – On May 16, 2024, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) completed durability testing for its new 200-horsepower heavy fuel engine at its El Mirage, California, flight facility. The Heavy Fuel Engine (HFE) 2.0, featuring a new GA-ASI-designed gear box and dual brushless generators from General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS), is designed to bring the engine and all ancillary components to 2,500 hours between scheduled overhauls and greatly increase maintenance-free operational periods.

“Our HFE 2.0 engine is now the best heavy fuel engine in aviation,” said GA-ASI President David R. Alexander. “Hats off to our Internal Research and Development team whose ingenuity and technical sophistication inspired the HFE 2.0 program, allowing us to develop a more reliable and durable engine that also addresses diminishing manufacturing sources for aviation heavy fuel engines and components.”

The final durability test simulated a full 2,500-hour engine life operating the highest flight loads that could ever be seen in the field. The test included conditions simulating 1,250 full power take-offs and climbs to high-cruising altitude, and over 200 hours of cruise in a worst-case generator loading conditions.

The HFE 2.0 engine is being considered by the U.S. Army to become the fleet replacement for the current 180-horsepower engine used on GA-ASI’s Gray Eagle Extended Range (GE ER) Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS). HFE 2.0 is also the cornerstone of the modernized Gray Eagle 25M (GE 25M) UAS currently being produced under a U.S. Army-funded program to support future Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) UAS missions.

GA-ASI and its affiliate General Atomics Europe partnered with global leaders in high-performance engines — supported by propulsion technology innovator Cosworth — to develop an engine with increased horsepower, durability, and reliability. GA-ASI also brought in GA-EMS to design and build the engine’s dual brushless generators, which will dramatically reduce field maintenance and with the same Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) of the existing brushed generator, will deliver over 50 percent more electrical power for new payloads and mission capabilities.

Final 150-hour qualification testing is scheduled to be completed in September followed by certification from the U.S. Army.

Posted in Press Release, UAS | No Comments »

MQ-9A Accident Investigation Report Released

Monday, May 27th, 2024

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. —

Today*, Air Force Special Operations Command released an Accident Investigation Board report on an MQ-9A Reaper mishap that occurred Sept. 5, 2023, at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico. The mishap resulted in no injuries, fatalities, or damage to civilian property. The damage to government property was valued at $2.9 million.

The aircraft and crew were assigned to the 27th Special Operations Wing’s 12th Special Operations Squadron at Cannon AFB.

The AIB president found the causes of the mishap were pilot error, poor Crew Resource Management, and environmental conditions. When the aircraft touched down for landing, the
pilot was unable to control the aircraft’s trajectory due to inoperable nosewheel steering and no ability to utilize differential braking due to impact with three runway-shoulder illumination lights during a previous touch-and-go landing. The aircraft ultimately traveled off the prepared runway surface. The nose landing gear collapsed, causing the nose of the aircraft to strike the ground and the sensor unit to detach from the aircraft and be destroyed.

The AIB report can be viewed at www.afjag.af.mil/AIB-Reports

*Originally published May 22, 2024 by HQ, AFSOC

Posted in Air Force, Aviation, Guest Post, SOF, UAS | Comments Off on MQ-9A Accident Investigation Report Released

DroneShield Awarded $5.7 Million U.S. Government Contract

Thursday, May 23rd, 2024

• A repeat U.S. Government order of $5.7 million contract for several of DroneShield’s C-UxS solutions.

• Further material orders are anticipated from this customer.

DroneShield Ltd (ASX:DRO) (DroneShield or the Company) is pleased to announce it has received a repeat order of A$5.7 million from a U.S. Government customer for a number of its C-UxS (Counter-UxS) systems. C-UxS refers to counterdrone systems targeting multi-domain aerial, ground and maritime surface drones.

The delivery, involving multiple DroneShield product lines, is expected to be completed in several stages throughout the remainder of the year.

Matt McCrann, DroneShield’s US CEO, commented: “As the drone threat continues to evolve and proliferate across domains in modern conflicts, we are honored to support the U.S. Government and our allies as they look to meet the growing need for advanced Counter-UxS solutions. We value our partnership and look forward to continuing to support our troops and partners wherever possible.”

Tom Branstetter, DroneShield’s Director of Business Development, added “Our comprehensive product portfolio paired with high-level manufacturing affords us the ability to rapidly outfit U.S. and partner nations with lifesaving technology, while also addressing a wide range of operational requirements. It’s a privilege to assist the U.S. government and our allies in strengthening security both at home and abroad.”

Posted in Contracts, Press Release, UAS | 1 Comment »

Busting Drones, 1st Cavalry Division Trains for the Modern-Day Battlefield in Europe

Thursday, May 23rd, 2024

BOLESLAWIEC, Poland – Picking up the Dronebuster, Spc. Edgar Galvan peers out into the open field waiting for the instructors to fly a practice drone. His eyes are locked onto the horizon and his hand is steady on the trigger. The drone quickly picks up into the sky, and it darts towards Galvan. He points, shoots, and the drone stalls.

The Dronebuster is a handheld, non-kinetic piece of equipment designed to counter small unmanned aerial systems (C-sUAS) used against U.S. military forces. It is the first time the 1st Cavalry Division is operating this equipment in the European Theatre.

Spc. Edgar Galvan, a 20-year-old Houston native with the Main Command Post Operational Detachment, 1st Cavalry Division, Texas Army National Guard, has never used any kind of counter drone equipment like the Dronebuster before. He has been in the Army for two years, serving as a Geospatial Intelligence Imagery Analyst, or 35G.

“This is the first time I’ve heard about UAS, or unmanned aerial systems and the Dronebuster,” said Galvan. “I’ve never had any training for it.”

Together, Mobile Training Specialist for C-sUAS, Brien Conner, and Chief Warrant Officer 4 Benjamin Richards, an Air and Missile Defense Systems Integrator from Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division, developed a comprehensive program for soldiers on how to operate the Dronebuster in real-time. Brien Conner, a U.S. Army retired first sergeant, provides training for nearly all U.S. Forces across region.

“We’re trying to improve the capabilities and readiness of this unit, in terms of being prepared for the drone threat that’s now prevalent on the battlefield,” said Conner. “The drone threat has completely changed. If the units are not preparing for that, we don’t want them to be caught off-guard.”

Chief Warrant Officer 4 Benjamin Richards previously organized similar training in Fort Cavazos, Texas, in the past year. He serves as the interface control officer, and he frequently plans hands-on training for soldiers.

“To get ahead and start training and educating our soldiers on how to operate the Dronebuster or mitigate drone threats, I thought it was a good idea to reach out early-on while we are still getting embedded within this region,” said Richards. “The Army is good at providing lessons and classes, but it’s really important for soldiers to get a piece of equipment in hand and be able to apply it as well as see how it works.”

The counter drone training spanned across two days and it consisted of classroom lessons in the morning, and hands-on Dronebuster training outdoors in the afternoon with the instructors. Spc. Edgar Galvan along with other soldiers practiced with the Dronebuster, seeing its capabilities as well as its limitations. After using the equipment, Galvan began to put his experience into perspective.

“Sitting through the training about the systems that are being used in this environment, it definitely feels like this training is very relevant to us right now because the enemy knows we are close by,” said Galvan. “When I first got hands on the equipment, it felt unreal.”

After the completion of the two-day training, Galvan realized the gravity of the situation and the importance of having the responsibility of knowing how to counter a drone at any given time.

“Just like the [rifle] range, everyone is a safety,” said Galvan. “Everyone here in this environment is a drone fighter. While it may not pertain to my job specifically, it is important to know how to use the Dronebuster, because you never know when you find yourself in that situation.”

By SSgt Jasmine McCarthy

Posted in Army, Guest Post, UAS | 1 Comment »