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Liteye and Unmanned Experts Partner to Address Drone Swarms

Thursday, December 2nd, 2021

Unmanned Experts Inc. develops SWARM management systems, Liteye provides hardware

Centennial Colorado — Liteye Systems, based in Denver Colorado, has partnered with Unmanned Experts Inc. to provide the hardware components to ruggedize the new AIR COMMONS™ – SWARM, drone swarm asset planning, management, and control system.

AIR COMMONS™ SWARM technology enables command and control tasking, mission planning, and generation of a “Swarm Air Tasking Order” including resource allocation, asset-target matching, force management, and mission control. These capabilities enable US swarm commanders and tacticians to deploy overwhelming autonomous airpower faster than the enemy’s decision-making cycle. The system is designed to fully integrate Unmanned Traffic Management, Advanced Air Mobility, Air Traffic Management, and UAS utilization and provide Air Domain Awareness within a disaster response or deployed Area of Responsibility.

“Swarming autonomous systems are the next technology to be addressed to secure dominance and air superiority,” said Keven Gambold, CEO of Unmanned Experts, Inc. “AIR COMMONS has demonstrated control of 55 drones and this number continues to increase.”

“Unmanned Experts’ technology is necessary for today’s battle,” said Kenneth Geyer, CEO of Liteye, “Swarms are increasing, and adding these capabilities to friendly UAS capabilities will be vital moving forward.”

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AARDVARK Partner Sky-Hero Wins Innovation Award At Milipol Paris 2021 with LOKI Mk2

Tuesday, November 30th, 2021

Sky-Hero’s LOKI Mk2 tactical sUAS, distributed exclusively in North America by Aardvark Tactical, recently won an Innovation Award at Milipol Paris 2021. This award aims to reward the most innovative companies in terms of products, materials, services, solutions, or business models in the homeland security industry. The jury, composed of international experts in their respective fields, presented the winning title to the NATO-approved Beligan company, Sky-Hero, for its innovation in the category of drone & anti-drone systems and robotics.

The LOKI Mk2 is the second generation of the widely used LOKI Mk1, which was the first sUAS specifically built for tactical indoor use. Already adopted by more than 1,000 teams across six continents, 47 U.S. states, and all ten Canadian provinces, LOKI Mk2 is the world leader in tactical indoor sUAS.

Designed, tested, and produced in Europe and the United States in conjunction with the world’s top counterterrorism teams, LOKI Mk2 is a rugged, purpose-built sUAS that acts as a scout in close-quarter, indoor, and confined spaces. LOKI’s integrated flight stabilization system allows it to autonomously hover without user input in a completely denied environment. Its impact-resistant body can withstand the full-contact nature of indoor flight and allows LOKI to self-right in the event of a crash. Its forward-facing day/night camera and on-board HD microphone provide real-time, lag-free intelligence to the operator in any conditions, while front and bottom selectable and dimmable IR LEDs maximize visibility in changing light conditions and allow LOKI to operate in total darkness. LOKI features a custom-built Stand-Alone Ground Controller that can control up to four devices simultaneously and does not require GPS, WiFi, or cellular service to operate. LOKI is also designed to act as a platform for tactical payloads, including less-lethal diversionary devices, light and laser packages, alternative cameras, and breaching payloads.

The LOKI Mk2 is exclusively distributed in North America by Aardvark Tactical. AARDVARK finds, develops, and manufactures products that are purpose-built to protect tactical operators.

Learn more about the LOKI Mk2 Tactical sUAS at loki.aardvarktactical.com.

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Schiebel Impresses at Search and Rescue Trials in Extreme Environmental Conditions in the Arctic

Monday, November 29th, 2021

Vienna, 25 November 2021 – Schiebel, together with Andøya Space Defence, successfully demonstrated the capabilities of the CAMCOPTER® S-100 on board the coastguard vessel KV Nordkapp in Norwegian waters.

The purpose of the trials was to demonstrate the embarked Search and Rescue (SAR) and maritime surveillance capabilities of the CAMCOPTER® S-100 in the environmental conditions of the Arctic in latitudes above 75 degrees north.

The week-long trial was made possible through “Arctic 2030”, a Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs programme, which aims to sustain Norwegian interests in the far north. The aim was to demonstrate that Unmanned Air Systems (UAS) ideally supplement manned helicopters, greatly enhancing SAR efforts in this remote part of the world. The CAMCOPTER® S-100 proved that it can operate in adverse weather conditions, where manned helicopters can be at higher risk.

The UAS was equipped with a Trakka TC-300 EO/IR sensor, an Overwatch Imaging PT-8N Oceanwatch, a Radionor antenna as additional data link for video feed transmission as well as an Automatic Identification System (AIS) receiver.

Hans Georg Schiebel, Chairman of the Schiebel Group, said: “The CAMCOPTER® S-100 is perfect for maritime operations, including in the Arctic or Antarctic. It has proven several times that it can operate in temperatures down to -40 degrees Celsius and under harsh weather conditions. We’re proud to have been able to successfully demonstrate these remarkable capabilities to the Norwegian Coastguard and Navy.”

www.schiebel.net

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Schübeler Technologies Supports Visionary Project of ETH Zurich

Friday, November 26th, 2021

Students realize bionic inspired morphing concept for the aircraft of tomorrow.Rome, NY- A control concept inspired by nature and combined with morphing technology has now been realized by engineering students of ETH Zurich together with aviation experts. The eight-member student team is testing novel control concepts and construction methods in aviation. The aim is to reduce energy consumption and noise generation through reduced drag and to improve the maneuverability of the aircraft.

Schübeler Technologies actively supported this innovative project and provided both engines and technical expertise in an advisory capacity. “By participating in this project, we would like to contribute to the further development of aviation,” explains Daniel Schübeler, Managing Director of Schübeler Technologies. “The visionary approach of Bionic Flying Wing as well as the enthusiasm and creativity of the team excited us.”

The project aims to prove the feasibility of bionic inspired morphing concepts in the air. To this end, a deformable morphing wing structure with a three-meter wingspan was developed to be used in place of discrete flaps. A top speed of up to 100 km/h can be achieved with it. The wing structures are specifically deformed to replace conventional control surfaces. In this way, new design potential for the aircraft of tomorrow is opened up The main challenge of this approach is that the wing must be stiff – i.e., it must not flap – but still be able to be deflected. To achieve both, a healthy compromise had to be found. Because of its high strength and low weight, the team therefore opted for CFRP (carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer) as the construction material.

The requirements for the drive system used were also high. In the search for an efficient impeller that delivers the greatest possible thrust in combination with low power consumption, the team quickly came across EDF market leader Schübeler. On Schübeler’s recommendation, the team decided on the DS-51-AXI HDS model with an 1125kv motor and 12 lipo cells. This drive offers a thrust of 5.5 kg (about 55N) with a current consumption of 85 amps, which was perfectly suited for an aircraft of this speed, size and weight. Two fans are used and provide a total thrust of approximately 11kg (110N)

The HDS fan is a quality product designed for durability. The lightweight and highly shortened rotor assembly provides efficient operation through high smoothness. The blades are made of high-temperature, fiber-reinforced polymer, operate highly efficiently, broadband, and quietly. Strength is provided by the carbon shroud.

In a successful first test flight in June of this year, the team proved that bionic inspired morphing concepts can be used to safely control a flying wing aircraft. This was the product of countless hours of engineering and manufacturing, paired with the support of strong sponsors such as Schübeler Technologies.

To learn more about Schübeler Technologies, visit www.schuebeler-technologies.de.

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AeroVironment’s New Mantis i45 N Multi-Sensor Imaging Payload Delivers Advanced ISR for Nighttime Operations

Wednesday, November 17th, 2021

• Mantis i45 N provides maximum visibility during low-light or nighttime intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations

• All-environment rated payload maintains similar footprint to battle proven Mantis i45, for fast in-field change-out of payloads between day and night operations

• No software updates required to Puma UAS avionics or ground control stations for legacy system compatibility

AeroVironment’s Mantis i45 N provides maximum visibility during low-light or nighttime intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) operations. (Image: AeroVironment, Inc.)

ARLINGTON, Va., Nov. 16, 2021 –AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV), a global leader in intelligent, multi-domain robotic systems, today introduced the Mantis™ i45 N, a multi-sensor nighttime imaging payload compatible with Puma™ 2 AE, Puma™ 3 AE and Puma™ LE small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). Lightweight (905 g) and compact, the new Mantis i45 N joins AeroVironment’s expansive Mantis product line of micro-gimbals delivering high-quality video and imagery downlink to UAS operators.

Mantis i45 N is a dual-axis, gyro-stabilized, multi-sensor nighttime imaging payload designed for maximum visibility during low-light or nighttime intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) operations. The next-generation imaging system features improved long-wave IR (LWIR) thermal cameras with narrow-angle 32 mm and wide-angle 9.2 mm IR with 7.6x electronic zoom, allowing operators to capture high-resolution video at extended range. Designed for both superior night and low-light performance, the new imaging system also includes an upgraded 5-megapixel monochrome low-light camera sensor and high-powered 860 nm laser illuminator. Through its advanced suite of sensors, the Mantis i45 N payload allows Puma UAS operators to extend aircraft standoff distance for covert operations.

“Today’s battlefield is dynamic and UAS operators increasingly rely on multiple payloads to successfully complete their missions,” said Charles Dean, AeroVironment vice president for global business development and sales of UAS. “The new Mantis i45 N is a game changer during low-light or nighttime ISR operations, delivering increased situational awareness and advanced threat detection in any environment.”

Built on the trusted and battlefield proven Mantis i45, the enhanced night variant Mantis i45 N maintains the same housing form-factor, allowing for a quick and simple change-out of payloads between day and night operations. Plug and play operational, no software updates are required for Puma UAS avionics or ground control stations for legacy system compatibility. Mantis i45 N is also natively compatible with AeroVironment’s Crysalis™ next generation ground control solution. To learn more, visit: www.avinc.com/uas/payloads

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DARPA’s Gremlins Program Demonstrates Airborne Recovery

Friday, November 12th, 2021

Successful Fourth Deployment Results in Airborne Recovery of Gremlins Air Vehicle to C-130

An unmanned air vehicle demonstrated successful airborne recovery during the DARPA Gremlins program’s latest flight test deployment last month. During the deployment, two X-61 Gremlin Air Vehicles (GAV) successfully validated all autonomous formation flying positions and safety features before one GAV ultimately demonstrated airborne recovery to a C-130.

“This recovery was the culmination of years of hard work and demonstrates the feasibility of safe, reliable airborne recovery,” said Lt. Col. Paul Calhoun, program manager for Gremlins in DARPA’s Tactical Technology Office. “Such a capability will likely prove to be critical for future distributed air operations.”

During the final experiment, the team refurbished an X-61 vehicle and conducted a second flight within 24 working-hours. In addition, many hours of data were collected over four flights including air vehicle performance, aerodynamic interactions between the recovery bullet and GAV, and contact dynamics for airborne retrieval. Unfortunately, one GAV was destroyed during the flight tests.

“Airborne recovery is complex,” said Calhoun. “We will take some time to enjoy the success of this deployment, then get back to work further analyzing the data and determining next steps for the Gremlins technology.”

Safe, effective, and reliable air recoveries promise to dramatically expand the range and potential uses of unmanned air vehicles in conflict situations. The GAVs can be equipped with a variety of sensors and other mission-specific payloads. They can also be launched from various types of military aircraft, keeping manned platforms safely beyond the range of adversary defenses. After air retrieval, the GAVs can be refurbished by ground crews to prepare them for another mission within 24 hours.

Dynetics, a wholly owned subsidiary of Leidos, is developing the Gremlin vehicles.

– DARPA

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DroneShield Releases the 6th Edition of its C-UAS Factbook

Friday, November 5th, 2021

DroneShield Ltd (ASX:DRO), the pioneer and global leader in C-UAS/counterdrone sector, is pleased to share the 6th edition of its C-UAS Factbook.

Covered topics include various types of UAS threats, C-UAS technologies, and other key considerations.

The Factbook can be viewed here.

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AeroVironment Awarded $20.3 Million Switchblade 600 Tactical Missile Systems Hardware Contract by US Special Operations Command

Friday, November 5th, 2021

• Switchblade 600 tactical missile system features high-precision optics, more than 40 minutes of loitering endurance and an anti-armor warhead for engaging and prosecuting hardened static and moving light armored vehicles

• Lightweight, self-contained Switchblade 600 launch tube system allows for deployment flexibility from fixed and mobile platforms on land, in air or at sea

Switchblade 600 is an all-in-one, man-portable loitering missile that delivers unprecedented tactical reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition. (Photo: AeroVironment, Inc.)

ARLINGTON, Va., Nov. 4, 2021 – AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV), a global leader in intelligent, multi-domain robotic systems, today announced it was awarded a firm-fixed-price contract on Sept. 28, 2021 by the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) for $20,321,973 for the procurement of Switchblade® 600 tactical missile systems (TMS). Delivery is scheduled to be completed by January 2023.

“Switchblade 600 is an all-in-one, man-portable tactical missile that provides warfighters with the capability to fly, track and engage non-line-of-sight targets and light-armored vehicles with precision lethal effects,” said Brett Hush, vice president and product line general manager for TMS. “The tube-launched, Switchblade 600 can be easily transported for deployment from fixed and mobile platforms in any environment, providing operators with superior force overmatch and minimizing exposure to direct and indirect enemy fires.”

AeroVironment’s Switchblade 600 is an all-in-one, man portable solution equipped with a high-performance EO/IR gimbaled sensor suite, precision flight control and more than 40 minutes of flight time to deliver unprecedented tactical reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition (RSTA). Its anti-armor warhead enables engagement and prosecution of hardened static and moving light armored vehicles from multiple angles without external ISR or fires assets. Switchblade 600’s patented wave-off and recommit capability allows operators to abort the mission at any time and then re-engage either the same or other targets multiple times based on operator command, resulting in minimal to no collateral damage.

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