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AeroVironment Earns ISO 14001 Certification for Environmental Management System – Aligns with the Company’s Zero-Emission Unmanned Systems

Thursday, March 25th, 2021

• Certification represents third-party validation of company’s commitment to conducting business in an ethical, environmentally sensitive and proactive manner

• Complements the AS9100 Revision D (2016), Quality Management System the company has held since 2018

• AeroVironment’s battery-powered small unmanned aircraft and tactical missile systems emit no greenhouse gasses during operation

SIMI VALLEY, Calif., March 24, 2021 – AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV), a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), today announced the company has earned International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 14001 certification for its Environmental Management System.

The international ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management standard provides an environmental management system framework for companies to help identify, monitor and control their environmental impact, such as resource consumption and waste production.

“AeroVironment’s purpose is to secure lives and advance sustainability through transformative innovation. Earning ISO 14001 certification demonstrates our commitment to advancing sustainable practices,’’ said Kenneth Karklin, AeroVironment senior vice president and chief operating officer. “By developing a formal Environmental Management System that is ISO 14001 certified, we are able to actively measure and closely manage the overall environmental impact of company decisions, placing a greater focus on AeroVironment’s environmental footprint.”

“With a 50-year history of doing more with much less, AeroVironment offers a portfolio of battery-powered small unmanned aircraft and tactical missile systems designed for rapid deployment and small logistical footprint. Employed directly by frontline troops, AeroVironment’s solutions avoid the greenhouse gas emissions produced by conventional internal combustion aircraft, rocket-powered missiles and ground vehicles while delivering the situational awareness and precision that helps their operators Proceed with Certainty,” Mr. Karklin added.

AeroVironment’s ISO 14001:2015 certificate (CERT-013516) took effect February 9, 2021 after a multi-month audit with SAI Global Assurance, a leading global management systems certification body. The certification addresses all of the company’s operations in Ventura County, California as well as its operations in Huntsville, Alabama, Wilmington, Massachusetts and Lawrence, Kansas. The certification complements the AS9100 Revision D (2016), Quality Management System Certification AeroVironment received in 2018.

In line with its founding principles, AeroVironment has become one of the largest electric UAS manufacturers, delivering a suite of zero-emission, energy efficient, battery-powered UAS and tactical missile systems as well as developing stratospheric, solar powered high-altitude pseudo-satellites (HAPS) for global connectivity. These innovative vehicles are designed to deliver valuable new capabilities to their users while also reducing their logistical footprint and environmental impact.

To learn more about AeroVironment’s Environmental Management System and Corporate Social Responsibility program, visit www.avinc.com/about/corporate-social-responsibility.

Posted in Aviation, Industry, Press Release, UAS | Comments Off on AeroVironment Earns ISO 14001 Certification for Environmental Management System – Aligns with the Company’s Zero-Emission Unmanned Systems

GNARBOX 2.0 Drone Edition and Edge Compute Platform

Thursday, March 25th, 2021

This week GNARBOX announced two new products, GNARBOX 2.0 Drone Edition and Edge Compute Platform. For those of you unfamiliar, GNARBOX hit the imagery storage and exploitation scene a few years ago with a crowdfunded device which allows both storage and digital manipulation of image files outside of a computing environment like a laptop or handheld device. Rather, the heavy lifting is accomplished on the GNARBOX via wireless control from apps on a handheld.

Although intended for photographers, the tech was quickly picked up by others who work with various forms of imagery data sets.

The company claims the GNARBOX features “Mil-Spec” environmental hardness, so take it with a grain of salt until we verify what that actually means. It does however, include a 1TB NVMe SSD with two USB-C ports, an SD card slot, and a Micro HDMI port. The USB-C ports have a transfer rate of 390 MB/s, while the SD card has a transfer rate of 75 MB/s.

DNG images, H.264, H.265, and ProRes formats are supported by the GNARBOX 2.0 Drone Edition and can be backed up to Dropbox.

Additionally, it uses xxHash64 Checksum with byte-for-byte verification checks for corruption in the field automatically with progress displayed on the GNARBOX screen.

Essentially, Drone Edition is just software. It still resides on the GNARBOX. For the drone operator, it offers automated file organization using tagged geo-location and flight data to find specific image data. It also incorporates Pix4D’s cloud software to make workflows simpler and transfer data seamless.

Data sets may utilize a iOS hotspot to deliver from the GNARBOX to your cloud for additional 2D and 3D processing.

“While developing a complete solution for Photo and Video workflow, we built our stack on a containerized architecture with future markets in mind. The capabilities of a computer like ours are driven by software, and expanding offerings to new applications has been the vision since the beginning. It doesn’t matter if the data being collected is off a photographer’s camera, a powerline inspector’s drone, or an autonomous vehicle at an industrial site — it’s all data in need of storage, processing, and upload from the edge. We believe our proven track record in delivering rugged computing ecosystems will help us bring significant value to these markets.”
-Tim Feess
GNARBOX CEO

Interestingly, access to the software is via annual subscription and GNARBOX is offering a very optimistic 10-year plan.

It gets better (or worse, depending upon your point of view) as they also launched their Edge Compute Platform GNARBOX which allows drone operators to deploy software right in the platform, at the edge, rather than at a central server. This will make it more difficult to conduct some forms of countermeasures against threat systems.

Posted in Digitization, UAS | Comments Off on GNARBOX 2.0 Drone Edition and Edge Compute Platform

Milrem Robotics and Marduk Technologies Launch an Autonomous C-UAS System

Monday, March 22nd, 2021

Milrem Robotics, the European leading robotics and autonomous systems developer and Marduk Technologies, the provider of world-class Counter Unmanned Aerial System (C-UAS) solutions jointly launched a unique mobile autonomous C-UAS platform that offers protection against loitering munition and surveillance drones.

The jointly developed system features the electro-optical C-UAS platform Marduk Shark and the THeMIS unmanned ground vehicle (UGV). This mobile solution provides frontline forces with an independent ability to accurately detect, classify and target loitering munition and other flying objects. It uses the most advanced Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning models.

The mobile C-UAS platform can be integrated with kinetic and non-kinetic weapon systems and with different sensors and effectors such as radar, radio frequency detector, jammer, laser, etc.

Currently, most C-UAS solutions are used stationary, however, utilizing mobile platforms with autonomous capabilities gives defences forces the flexibility to relocate them according to the threat assessment. Mobility also provides early warning for the forces in various positions.

“Frontline forces on the move are most exposed to adversary drones. The mobile autonomous C-UAS platform gives our customers an additional layer of protection and extends our product portfolio, which lets us provide more capabilities for our defence customers,” said Martin Simon, the CEO of Marduk Technologies.

“Autonomous UGVs equipped with a C-UAS payload create a new capability on the battlefield that allows forces to focus on their main task of engaging the adversary while UGVs provide better situational awareness and force protection,” said Kuldar Väärsi, CEO of Milrem Robotics.

Posted in International, Press Release, UAS | Comments Off on Milrem Robotics and Marduk Technologies Launch an Autonomous C-UAS System

AARDVARK Named Exclusive North American Distributor of Sky-Hero LOKI MK2

Thursday, March 18th, 2021

La Verne, CA: AARDVARK is excited to announce that it has partnered with Sky-Hero of Belgium to be the exclusive North American distributor for the LOKI Mk2 Tactical sUAS. Designed in conjunction with several of the world’s top counterterror units, LOKI Mk2 is a rugged, purpose-built sUAS intended to act as a scout for close-quarter, confined space, and indoor missions. LOKI Mk2 requires no internet service, no GPS, no phone or tablet connection, and has no forced software updates, making it mission capable in seconds from virtually anywhere. LOKI Mk2 performs in almost any lighting condition, seamlessly transitioning from sunlight to complete darkness. With a highly sensitive Night-Day + IR sensor camera and high-gain microphone, LOKI Mk2 provides real-time video and audio back to the team.

By utilizing an analog-based communications system, the connection between the sUAS and Stand-Alone Ground Controller has no lag or freezing issues, preventing crashes and ensuring real-time intelligence. Moreover, the ability to control multiple sUAS simultaneously from a single controller allows a single pilot to observe several areas at once. The LOKI Mk2’s rugged design and integrated flight stabilization system ensures total flight control in very confined spaces, as well as the ability to withstand the “full contact” nature of indoor flight. If crashed during an operation, the LOKI Mk2 can remotely self-right, allowing the mission to continue.

“We’re very excited about the capability the Loki Mk2 can bring to our operators. Although consumer sUAS systems certainly bring enhanced capability, there is nothing on the market that is purpose-built for tactical operations like LOKI. This system allows a pilot to put a camera anywhere, which prevents having to put an operator in harm’s way. I’m convinced this system will save countless lives.”
– Jon Becker, CEO, AARDVARK

LOKI Mk2 is now exclusively sold in North America by AARDVARK. Developed, tested, and built in Europe by NATO allies, the LOKI Mk2 is the go-anywhere, secure, and easy to use sUAS your operation has been waiting for. Visit Loki.AardvarkTactical.com to learn more.

To download the brochure, click here.

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

DroneShield AI System Detects New Threats

Wednesday, March 17th, 2021

On 8 February 2021, DroneShield has unveiled its new, world leading, C-UAS AI-enabled software, running on all of its devices enrolled into regular updates.

The system utilises proprietary techniques in signal processing and Machine Learning/AI to do near-real time detection and identification of unmanned robotic systems and, more broadly, other potential threats in the Electronic Warfare fields. The result was a dramatic increase in detection responsiveness, lower false positives and a significant increase in the speed at which new threats are detected, classified and tracked by the DroneShield systems.

As an example of the system’s capabilities to detect never-seen-before threats, it has successfully detected, a new UAS protocol OcuSync 3 (O3), released by DJI on its First Person View (FPV) Drone, released this week.

Oleg Vornik, DroneShield’s CEO, commented, “Our AI engine has been designed to both detect never-seen-before threats and learn at a superior rate to adapt to new Signals of Interest. Having the system recognise a new threat platform out of the box, is an endorsement of its capabilities to address new challenges in real time.”

Posted in Press Release, UAS | Comments Off on DroneShield AI System Detects New Threats

AeroVironment Wholly-Owned Subsidiary Arcturus UAV Awarded Approximately $7 Million Task Order for U.S. Special Operations Command Mid-Endurance Unmanned Aircraft Systems Program

Wednesday, March 10th, 2021

• Competitive task order awarded for USSOCOM’s Mid-Endurance Unmanned Aircraft Systems (MEUAS) program

• Vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) JUMP 20 unmanned aircraft system delivers true versatility and multi-mission capabilities without launchers or runways to USSOCOM and other customers

With a best-in-class operational range of 185 km (115 mi) and 14+ hours of endurance, AeroVironment’s JUMP 20 is the ideal solution for multi-mission operations. (Photo: AeroVironment, Inc.)

SIMI VALLEY, Calif., March 9, 2021 – AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV), a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems, today announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary Arcturus UAV, now operating under the AeroVironment brand, was awarded a competitive task order valued at approximately $7 million from the U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). The competitive task order is for a one-year period of performance, which started February 3, 2021.

USSOCOM selected Arcturus UAV as one of six companies qualified for the potential $975 million Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) MEUAS contract in June 2020. The contract enables awardees to compete for site-specific task orders and provide USSOCOM with unmanned aircraft systems services and support for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) operations.

“Part of AeroVironment’s expanded portfolio of medium UAS, the fixed wing JUMP 20 is capable of vertical takeoff and landing, making it completely runway independent,” said Rick Pedigo, AeroVironment vice president of global sales and business development. “Runway independence maximizes the ability of customers to deploy the JUMP 20 in a broad range of locations and environments, while minimizing the logistical footprint required to operate it. JUMP 20 is also capable of hosting multiple different payload options, delivering true versatility and multi-mission capabilities to support a wide array of customer requirements.”

AeroVironment recently successfully demonstrated the JUMP 20 for the U.S. Army Future Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System (FTUAS) “Rodeo”, which took place from February 22 through March 5 at Fort Benning, Georgia.

AeroVironment previously announced the closing of the Arcturus UAV acquisition in a press release on February 22, 2021. To learn more about AeroVironment’s expanded portfolio of unmanned aircraft solutions, visit www.avinc.com/uas.

Posted in Contracts, Press Release, SOF, UAS | Comments Off on AeroVironment Wholly-Owned Subsidiary Arcturus UAV Awarded Approximately $7 Million Task Order for U.S. Special Operations Command Mid-Endurance Unmanned Aircraft Systems Program

TacJobs – Two Openings at ZipLine

Friday, March 5th, 2021

San Francisco-based Zipline uses drones to deliver critical and lifesaving medicine to thousands of hospitals serving millions of people in multiple countries.

First, they are looking for a Client Engagement & Service Integration Manager on their US team to lead some of their largest partnerships. Second, is a DoD Sales Director.

Posted in Medical, TacJobs, UAS | Comments Off on TacJobs – Two Openings at ZipLine

THANOS Has Arrived!

Thursday, March 4th, 2021

Military intelligence Soldiers with the 25th ID train on the One World Terrain #drone and mapping system on Feb. 4, at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.

The OWT’s Tactical Handheld Automated Navigational Mapping and Observation System, or THANOS, provides 3D terrain #mapping with accuracy down to a two centimeter differential, allowing operators to virtually ‘move’ through the battlespace using only a mouse and keyboard.

Story by SSG Thomas Calvert

Posted in Guest Post, ISR, UAS | 2 Comments »