B5 Systems

Archive for the ‘UAS’ Category

GA-ASI Demonstrates Release of A2LE from MQ-20 Avenger UAS

Sunday, February 4th, 2024

SAN DIEGO – 01 February 2024 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) successfully demonstrated an inflight release of its Advanced Air-Launched Effects (A2LE) platform, releasing an A2LE from the internal weapons bay of a GA-ASI MQ-20 Avenger® Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS). The demonstration took place on Nov. 28, 2023, over Dugway Proving Ground, Utah, capping a manufacturing, structural test, and flight demonstration.

GA-ASI’s design and engineering team partnered with Divergent Technologies, Inc. for the A2LE vehicle design and build, matching GA-ASI’s aircraft design expertise with the Divergent Adaptive Production System (DAPS™) to support rapid, low-cost manufacturing of the demonstration vehicle.

“This demonstration was a crucial first step in demonstrating GA-ASI’s ability to rapidly develop, manufacture, and test a Small Unmanned Aircraft System (SUAS) in a controlled, low-risk approach,” said Mike Atwood, vice president of Advanced Programs at GA-ASI. “A2LE demonstrates the coupling of GA-ASI’s pedigreed aircraft design capabilities with Divergent’s DAPS, paving the way for continued maturation of affordable, modular SUAS platforms that can be tailored to meet warfighter needs at a fraction of the cost and lead time of currently fielded systems.”

The demonstration vehicle airframe was 100 percent additively manufactured and was designed to meet the captive carriage and ejection loads of the jet-powered aircraft with internal weapons bays. The topology-optimized AM structure was validated via proof and pit ejection testing prior to the flight demonstration. The demonstration highlighted the design efficiencies that can be realized when AM is incorporated early in the design process and throughout the vehicle. It was also a key step in validating the AM process and material properties for incorporation in future systems to be employed by both manned and unmanned platforms.

GA-ASI’s A2LE platform builds on its extensive experience in developing SUAS. It provides a low-risk, low-cost, tailorable solution that bring affordable mass to the warfighter, with modular payload provisions to meet the requirements of current and future mission objectives. A network of A2LEs could create a persistent, expansive grid for surveillance, attack, enemy air defense suppression, or communication pathways, supporting and elevating capabilities of current and future manned or unmanned platforms.

Oak Grove Technologies – FOV Drone Operator Course

Saturday, February 3rd, 2024

Mark your calendars! We’re excited to share our upcoming two-week digital FPV drone course, scheduled for 11-22 March 2024, at our Test and Training Center in Hoffman, NC (Adjacent to Camp Mackall).

Training Includes:

Expert Instruction: With a wealth of commercial and hobbyist experience, our instructors bring a unique blend of skill, passion, and real-world insights to elevate your FPV drone proficiency, including our lead instructor ranked 10th globally by MultiGP.

Optimal Training Environment: Navigate our tactical flying area plus student-build stations equipped with 3D printing capabilities for crafting custom parts. A protective net guards the pilot pit to ensure safety, offering a secure space for uninterrupted training.

Advanced Learning: Begin with computer simulations, mastering radio flight controls, and understanding FPV drone responses. Transition to hands-on experience, starting with basic flight skills on a Tiny Whoop, and progress to the 5” FPV drone you assemble.

Culminating Mission Experience: Reach the summit of your training with an immersive tactical mission scenario, where you apply and refine your skills in a real-world setting, solidifying your expertise through practical experience.

Materials: Upon completion, leave with your fully assembled digital drone, TX16S radio, HDZero goggles, spares, and a Pelican Air deployment/travel case.

This course is for military, government or law enforcement only.

Please Scan the QR code to begin the registration process, or reach out for more detailed information, including pricing and registration details: uas@oakgrovetech.com

DroneShield Releases the Expeditionary Fixed Site (EFS) Kit for DroneSentry-X Mk2

Wednesday, January 31st, 2024

DroneShield Ltd (ASX:DRO) (“DroneShield” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce the launch of its Expeditionary Fixed-Site (EFS) Kit for the DroneSentry-X Mk2. DroneSentry-X Mk2 is a multi-mission Counter-UxS solution providing AI driven detection, identification and next generation electronic defeat capabilities engineered for mobile and expeditionary use cases. DroneShield’s EFS Kit enables rapid deployment of the DroneSentry-X Mk2 across a wide range of operations, setting a new standard for ease of use among tactical end users.

Key Features of the DroneSentry-X Mk2 Expeditionary Fixed-Site (EFS) Kit:

1 AI-Powered Threat Detection: Leveraging advanced artificial intelligence, DroneSentry-X Mk2 excels in detecting and identifying multi-domain UxS threats with unparalleled accuracy, providing operators with crucial intelligence in real-time.

2 Expeditionary Fixed Site (EFS) Kit: The EFS Kit ensures the adaptability of the DroneSentry-X Mk2 for fixed-site or semi-permanent wide area operations. The EFS Kit was designed with operator feedback for an intuitive deployment, making it easy to set-up and versatile, streamlining a variety of scenarios including mobile or on-the-move, at the halt, reconnaissance, force protection and base defense operations.

3 Tool-Less Mount and Installation: The EFS Kit features a tool-less mount and installation, allowing for swift deployment as well as quick disassembly without the need for intricate tools or specialized training. Tactical operators can set up and disassemble the system efficiently in less than 10 minutes, enhancing response times to emerging threats as well as allowing for expedited disassembly if and when the mission changes.

4 Portable Battery Solution: The EFS Kit includes a portable battery solution ensuring uninterrupted operation in remote or temporary settings. This feature enhances the system’s mobility, increases deployment options and reduces dependency on fixed power sources.

Benefits for Operators:

• Real-Time Threat Intelligence: The integration of AI ensures that operators receive real-time intelligence, enabling rapid decision-making and response to UxS threats.

• Adaptability for Wide Area Operations: The EFS Kit transforms the DroneSentry-X into a best in class integrated sensor and effector solution for wide area operations, allowing it to be easily deployed in various environments.

• Efficient and Flexible Deployment: The tool-less mount and installation system streamline the deployment process, minimizing downtime and maximizing the system’s availability for mission-critical tasks.

Matt McCrann, DroneShield U.S. CEO, commented, “The DroneSentry-X EFS Kit addresses a huge gap for operators – combining an adaptable Counter-UxS capability with user-friendly features. Our commitment to ease of use is evident in every aspect of the DroneSentry-X EFS Kit, from advanced AI detection to the truly easy to deploy configuration.”

Angus Bean, DroneShield Chief Technology Officer added, “We are focused on rapid product development this includes both new technologies and solution refinement based on end user mission sets. We want to execute on the complete solution, considering sequence of operation, deployment life cycle and ongoing support.”

The DroneSentry-X Mk2 made its debut in October at the Association of the United States Army Annual Meeting and Exposition (AUSA 2023) in Washington, DC. After several months of customer feedback, the EFS Kit now expands the deployment options of DroneSentry-X to allow users to deploy the leading integrated C-UAS solution effectively anywhere.

More information on the DroneSentry-X Mk2 EFS is available at: www.droneshield.com/products/dronesentry-x-mk2.

SOFWERX – Handheld Kinetic Defeat of UAS

Wednesday, January 24th, 2024

The USSOCOM Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program will soon be accepting submissions Handheld Kinetic Defeat of UAS. Submissions Open 31 January 2024.

The objective of this topic is to develop a handheld defeat capability to defeat Unmanned/Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS). Low size, weight, power, and cost (SWaP-C) solutions that can kinetically defeat Group 1-3 UAS (DoD defined) are desired. Defeat range is important, but reliability and a high probability of kill (Pk) are higher priority.

Visit events.sofwerx.org/sbir24-4r3 for details.

GA-ASI Demos Autonomy For UCAV Using MQ-20 and Waveform X

Friday, January 19th, 2024

GA-ASI Combines Waveform X Capabilities With Diverse DoD Autonomy Skills Providers to Advance Its UCAV Ecosystem

SAN DIEGO – 16 January 2024 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) demonstrated its hardware-agnostic, open standards-based autonomy ecosystem for Unmanned Combat Air Vehicles (UCAVs) on a GA-ASI MQ-20 Avenger® as part of a live flight test on Nov. 13, 2023. The flight included three software-defined radios (SDRs) from L3Harris Technologies to support Line-of-Sight (LOS), command and control, and data movement capabilities via Waveform X.

One SDR, an L3Harris’ Pantera, was integrated into the MQ-20 unmanned aircraft, and a second was on the ground working in concert with a third L3Harris SDR, BANSHEE 2, which was on the ground as part of the Mission Control Element, forming an IP-based Mesh Network. The demonstration showcased Waveform X, a non-proprietary U.S. government-owned communications capability, and the ability to fly, flip, fly flight hardware as part of the Open Mission Systems (OMS) and skills based unmanned autonomy ecosystem.

The flight demonstrated the ability to rapidly plug and play both U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force (USAF) autonomous unmanned technologies together. It further leveraged autonomy from three separate sources: government-provided human-machine interface (HMI) hardware, GA-ASI’s autonomy core, and orchestration of these components using Waveform X.

Autonomy skills were used to meet multiple objectives for collaborative combat missions and close the Find, Fix, Track, Target, Engage, and Assess (F2T2EA) engagement chain using a mix of Live, Virtual, and Constructive (LVC) entities. The flight, which took place at GA-ASI’s Desert Horizon Flight Operations Facility in El Mirage, Calif., illustrates the company’s commitment to maturing future Autonomous Collaborative Platform (ACP) technologies using the MQ-20 as a flying test bed.

“This flight underscores GA-ASI’s commitment to proving combat operational readiness for defense contractor products such as L3Harris’ Pantera and BANSHEE 2 radios, as well as open, vendor-agnostic autonomy architecture for UCAV platforms,” said GA-ASI Vice President of Advanced Programs Michael Atwood. “This most recent test shows multi-service compatibility of the autonomy core through the integration of USAF and Navy software skills, bringing us one step closer to government-owned, skills based interservice ecosystem for ACPs.”

Another important goal of GA-ASI’s flights is to demonstrate the company’s commitment to developing an open government standards-based autonomy ecosystem that enables rapid integration and validation of third-party tactical software applications. GA-ASI is focused on supporting the emerging government-managed App Store-based model that allows organizations to rapidly develop and deploy software while maintaining safety of flight and ensuring warfighters have up-to-date access to the industry’s best capabilities.

Elistair and Rheinmetall Canada Partner on Unmanned ISR Solution for Military Users

Wednesday, January 17th, 2024

Partnership follows successful demonstration of KHRONOS tethered drone and Mission Master SP unmanned ground vehicle for military officials at Rheinmetall Canada’s facility

PARIS—January 16, 2024—Elistair, a leader in long-endurance, tethered unmanned aircraft systems, announced that it has partnered with Rheinmetall Canada Inc. to provide military customers with an on-the-move ISR solution that combines Elistair’s fully automated KHRONOS tethered drone with the Mission Master family of unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs).

The new partnership follows closely on the heels of a successful demonstration of the KHRONOS and the Mission Master SP, an electric-powered UGV designed for resupply missions, overwatch, and payload carriage, before undisclosed European military officials at Rheinmetall Canada’s test track in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Québec.

“We are very excited to be collaborating with a major defense contractor like Rheinmetall Canada,” said Guilhem de Marliave, CEO of Elistair. “By combining their Mission Master family of UGVs with our push-button, long-endurance, automated KHRONOS drone, Rheinmetall Canada can provide customers with an advanced solution for unmanned reconnaissance and convoy escort.”

Elistair first unveiled KHRONOS last November. The tethered drone deploys from a transportable dronebox in under two minutes and can stay aloft, even when operating from a moving platform, for up to 24 hours at a stretch, providing continuous day/night coverage of an area 10 kilometers in radius.

The 66-pound KHRONOS can also fly in poor weather and in GPS/GNSS-Denied and RF-denied environments.

“And thanks to its advanced automated features, it is easy to control, saving customers the heavy investment in training drone operators,” de Marliave said.

“The Mission Master family of UGVs can carry a variety of ISR payloads,” said Alain Tremblay, VP of Business Development and Innovation at Rheinmetall Canada. “But KHRONOS definitely has its advantages, and we see international interest given its innovative capacity to adapt to current and future complex theatres of operation.”

First deliveries of the KHRONOS dronebox are set for March.

Understanding AFSOC’s Adaptive Airborne Enterprise

Thursday, January 11th, 2024

CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. —  

The 27th Special Operation Wing’s Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) community and industry partners completed several capability demonstrations throughout December 2023 as part of Air Force Special Operations Command’s Adaptive Airborne Enterprise (A2E) development.

As directed in the 2022 U.S. National Defense Strategy, AFSOC has shifted its priority from Counter-Violent Extremist Organization operations to also being capable of countering near-peer and peer adversaries in contested or denied environments. A2E is a result of that shift, marking an evolution beyond using the MQ-9 exclusively for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) and strike operations.

“Adaptive Airborne Enterprise is vital to thickening the Joint Force kill web throughout the spectrum of conflict and continues to be AFSOC’s #1 acquisition priority,” said Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind, AFSOC commander. “Our Air Commandos are incredibly innovative, capable, and driven…they are bringing A2E to life. We will continuously develop the concept to full capability through multiple demonstrations over the next few years.”

A2E is broken into five phases, with the first three phases currently underway.

In phase one, AFSOC aims to transition to a government-owned Uncrewed Aircraft System (UAS) command and control interface, replacing the stationary RPA control system. The new A2E interface will shrink a traditional RPA crew’s deployed footprint and provide operators with the flexibility and mobility to fly various aircraft from austere locations – whether operating from the back of an AC-130, home station, or even urban environments.

“In the future, we’d like to take this from where we’ve fought in the past, a more permissive environment, to contested and denied spaces,” said U.S. Air Force Maj. Lindsay Scott, AFSOC Headquarters Rapid Capabilities Development Chief of Autonomous Capabilities. “Our goal is to ensure we are always bringing effects to the battle space.”

In phase two, AFSOC’s objective is creating the capability for a single crew to fly multiple MQ-9s. According to the director of the 27th Special Operations Group’s RPA Operations Center, U.S. Air Force Maj. Joshua Radford, AFSOC plans to evolve past the historical standard of one crew operating one aircraft, the status quo for MQ-9 operations.

“We’re moving towards a crew or a single operator controlling multiple aircraft,” Radford said. “And it doesn’t necessarily need to be the same platform.”

Phase three entails a single crew controlling multiple types of UASs, ranging from Group 1 small uncrewed aerial systems (sUAS) like the RQ-11B Raven, to larger Group 5 UASs like the MQ-9A Reaper.

In phase four, a single crew will control formations of UASs from mobile and austere locations, leading into the final phase: creating new effects-based ISR units. These units could be comprised of UASs, forward deployed ground forces, cyber operators and space operators that can collaboratively employ UAS capabilities in permissive, contested or denied environments.


The A2E demonstrations conducted in 2023 at Cannon AFB successfully validated many of the capabilities described in phases one through three. In June, the 27th SOW hosted Exercise Talon Spear, AFSOC’s first A2E sUAS collaboration exercise.

“The goal of Talon Spear was to build a continuous improvement exercise,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. Mitch, the exercise coordinator assigned to the 27th SOG. “Throughout the exercise, several industry and DOD partners integrated various systems, to include weapon systems, specific cameras, onboard computer systems and tactical situational awareness tools.”

During December’s demonstrations, a single 27th SOW RPA crew successfully exhibited two novel capabilities: controlling three MQ-9s utilizing a single common control interface and attaching and air-launching a Group 2 sUAS from an MQ-9A. The next A2E demonstration is planned for Summer 2024.

As the MQ-9 and its crews acquire the capability to direct sUASs carrying standoff sensor payloads, crews will be able to control swarms of air vehicles from anywhere. Additionally, AFSOC aims to continue developing and procuring A2E-compatible platforms, allowing the MQ-9 to act as a “mothership” for sUAS and loitering munition command and control, as well as a data transport node for mesh networks.

These mesh networks, in concert with Artificial Intelligence technologies and an advanced Human Machine Interface, will allow AFSOC crews to operate multiple large and small UASs simultaneously, covering more terrain and prosecuting more targets in environments that are not currently accessible.

“We depend on our innovative Air Commandos and industry experts to develop, experiment and grow this concept,” said Bauernfeind. “AFSOC is committed to advancing this capability and we appreciate the support of our defense partners and decision makers in prioritizing this acquisition.”

By collaboratively pathfinding alongside defense industry partners and innovative Air Commandos, A2E will transform the current AFSOC MQ-9 enterprise into the robust UAS architecture required to deliver specialized airpower to current and future fights: any place, anytime, anywhere.

By Senior Airman Alexcia Givens

27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs

GA-ASI Completes First Lifetime for Full-Scale Fatigues Test on MQ-9B

Friday, January 5th, 2024

SAN DIEGO – 03 January 2024 – On Dec. 5, 2023, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) completed a major milestone with the full-scale fatigue testing of an MQ-9B Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA). The team completed the “first lifetime” of fatigue testing – which is equivalent to 40,000 operating hours – and represents an important step in validating the design of the airframe system. The testing is part of the aircraft certification to the NATO standard STANAG 4671, where the aircraft will be ultimately be tested through three lifetimes, thereby proving the 40,000 hour lifetime of the airframe.

The full-scale fatigue test simulates the aircraft’s design service through the application of repeated structural loading on the assembled airframe. The testing identifies any potential structural deficiencies ahead of fleet usage and assists in developing inspection and maintenance schedules for the airframe. The results of the test will be used as a part of the documentation for certification, as well as form the basis for in-service inspections of structural components.

MQ-9B is GA-ASI’s most advanced RPA and includes the SkyGuardian® and SeaGuardian® models, as well as the new Protector RG Mk 1 that is currently being delivered to the U.K. Royal Air Force.

“Full-scale fatigue testing is an integral part of validating the airframe design and a key input to the certification of the airframe prior to going into service,” said Chris Dusseault, Vice President of MQ-9B in Europe. “The completion of the fatigue test builds confidence for our MQ-9B customers that the SkyGuardian/SeaGuardian airframe meets the stringent design rigor and is a mature system at Entry into Service.”

The testing is the validation of years of design and analysis efforts. This is the first of three lifetimes of testing for the airframe. Two of the lifetimes simulate the operation of an aircraft under normal conditions, and the third lifetime has intentional damage inflicted on the airframe’s critical components to demonstrate its resistance to operational damage that may occur in the lifetime of the air vehicle.

Testing was conducted Dec. 13, 2022-Dec. 5, 2023, at Wichita State University’s National Institute for Aviation Research in Wichita, Kan. The airframe tested is a production airframe purpose-built to support the test campaign.