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AATC Tests Enhanced Intelligence Gathering Capabilities with MQ-9 Reaper Upgrade

Monday, June 5th, 2023

EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska (AFNS) —

The Air National Guard-Air Force Reserve Command Test Center partnered with the 174th Attack Wing and 556th Test and Evaluation Squadron to test an upgraded satellite communications capability of the MQ-9 Reaper during exercise Northern Edge 2023 at Eielson Air Force Base.

Northern Edge 23 is a U.S. Indo-Pacific Command-sponsored, Headquarters Pacific Air Forces-led, multilateral, joint field training exercise at main operating bases Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson and Eielson AFB.

The MQ-9 is a remotely piloted aircraft primarily used for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions. Air National Guard pilots, using the SATCOM upgrade, can now fly ISR missions in real-time almost anywhere around the world from remote bases in the United States.

The MQ-9’s upgraded SATCOM system uses advanced satellite technology to transmit data and communications over long distances. It is capable of flying at high altitudes for extended periods and its sensors can provide real-time intelligence on adversary positions, movements and activities. The ANG plans to deploy the upgraded MQ-9 to support ongoing operations around the world, as well as for training exercises and other missions in support of U.S. national security objectives.

“The speed at which this modernization effort and test program has been accomplished highlights the Accelerate, Change, or Lose vision from General Brown,” said Maj. Ryan Nastase, Test Program manager.

“This SATCOM upgrade will allow pole-to-pole operations while increasing the amount of data or bandwidth the MQ-9 can transmit and receive by more than double and reducing the latency or time of transmission by a factor of 10.”

Maj Ryan Nastase, Test Program Manager

With the upgraded SATCOM capability, the MQ-9 can continue to modernize by integrating more advanced sensors that require increased bandwidth. The upgrade enhances the aircraft’s ability to provide real-time situational awareness to combatant commanders around the world.

“This upgrade is a game-changer for the MQ-9 and the Air National Guard,” said Lt. Col. Matthew Harris, Hancock Field ANG Base test pilot at Syracuse, New York. “We can better support our combatant commanders and provide critical intelligence in real-time.”

The SATCOM upgrade is one of many advancements being fielded on the MQ-9. The ANG and its partners are continually working to enhance the capabilities of these critical assets and provide combatant commanders with the best possible support.

by SSgt Van Whatcott, 162nd Wing Public Affairs

Posted in Air Force, Guest Post, ISR, UAS | Comments Off on AATC Tests Enhanced Intelligence Gathering Capabilities with MQ-9 Reaper Upgrade

Ministry of Defense (MoD) of Ukraine Orders Additional 300 Vector Drones from Quantum Systems

Friday, June 2nd, 2023

Germany, Munich, May 31st, 2023 – Quantum-Systems GmbH, the dual-use aerial intelligence company that provides multi-sensor data collection drones to government agencies and commercial customers, today announced an order of 300 additional mid-range reconnaissance drones type Vector™ in military support of Ukraine’s armed forces, funded by the German Government.

Founded in 2015, Quantum Systems is at the forefront of unmanned aerial system (UAS) development. Its electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) systems boast industry-leading endurance, ease of operation, and reliability, exceeding the performance of conventional UAS platforms. Quantum Systems’ drones bring together the most robust and field-proven systems and commercial speed in development and innovation.

Aerial intelligence when it matters

The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine has placed a third order of 300 Vector™ systems, following two earlier orders of 105 Vector systems in January 2023, and 33 Vector systems in August 2022.

Since August 2022, Vector demonstrated its unprecedented performance under the most challenging conditions. Vector has been extensively used and intensively tested on the Ukrainian battlefield, where it has proven to be an asset for military intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations. The Vector offers unparalleled agility and rapid deployment capabilities. Ready to use in two minutes, it ensures continuous enemy target detection regardless of weather conditions, it achieves speeds of up to 72 km/h and sustains long flight times. Leveraging advanced artificial intelligence capabilities, the Vector empowers Ukrainian forces to swiftly gather critical intelligence and gain a strategic advantage.

The Ukrainian MoD’s third Vector order is a testament to Quantum Systems’ commitment to support the Ukrainian MoD in the defense of their country and signifies a crucial milestone in advancing defense capabilities and fostering innovation in UAS technology. The Vector system’s integration into the Ukrainian Armed Forces equips military personnel with advanced aerial intelligence and situational awareness, enabling enhanced decision-making and heightened operational effectiveness.

Quantum Systems proudly stands in solidarity with Ukraine, as highlighted by representatives of the Chief Intelligence Department of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense in a recent statement. Quantum Systems is pleased to reaffirm its strong partnership and unwavering support for Ukraine by delivering cutting-edge Vector drones, as per Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense contract.

Advancing Vector through battle-tested insights

The direct and immediate feedback received from the operators in the Ukrainian battlefield, as well as Quantum Systems’ commitment to enhance security capabilities through technological advancements accelerated the system’s development processes.

With on-board Artificial Intelligence, Vector provides live aerial intelligence in an efficient and user-friendly manner. The system eases the operator from constant video monitoring. Built-in algorithms allow it to automatically identify objects and immediately transmit key intelligence information to the ground. The AI Board – an NVIDIA Jetson Orin – supports and enables GNSS-denied navigation, a feature that was developed with direct feedback from the battlefield.

The self-heating Smart Battery Pack manages the power supply during operation and will extend Vector’s endurance from 120 to 180 minutes. The Battery Management System transmits the battery status and warning messages to the operator, to prevent downtime and support uninterrupted detection of enemy targets.

Vector’s unique open systems architecture encompassing both the autopilot’s hardware and software modules, allows for seamless integration of new capabilities on an ongoing basis.

Supporting Ukraine “whatever it takes”

To further support the Ukrainian forces in their defense, Quantum Systems recently opened a Service-Training-Support and Logistics (SSTLC) Facility in Ukraine. This facility provides training for operators on the use and maintenance of the Vector™ system and is the local hub for procuring spare parts and repair services.

“Quantum Systems stands firmly in support of Ukraine and their democracy, and we are dedicated to assisting them in defending their country, whatever it takes. The trust of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense in our systems holds immense significance for us. We consider it a privilege to contribute to Ukraine’s defense, and we remain committed to delivering superior systems to their armed forces. Our unwavering belief in democratic values, coupled with the daily challenges faced by Ukrainian soldiers, fuels our motivation, and accelerates our development processes.”

Florian Seibel, CEO Quantum Systems

For more information about Quantum-Systems, visit www.quantum-systems.com.

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

SeaGuardian Used by USN in Support of Integrated Battle Problem

Sunday, May 21st, 2023

AN DIEGO – 18 May 2023 – In support of the U.S. Navy’s (USN) Integrated Battle Problem 2023 (IBP-23) exercise in May, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) conducted a series of Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) exercises cooperatively with the USN Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadrons (HSM) 38, 49, 71, and 75. GA-ASI flew a company-owned MQ-9B SeaGuardian® Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) under a USN Flight Clearance. The HSM squadrons flew the MH-60R Seahawk helicopter flown out of Naval Air Station North Island off the coast of San Diego, Calif., on April 24-25, 2023.

The exercise was focused on Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) to conduct Cooperative ASW in the Southern California Offshore ASW range. During the two-day event, MH-60s dropped sonobuoys to detect a mobile training target. Using the combined SeaGuardian and MH-60R teaming concept, correlation and location of the target was expeditiously achieved and tactical reports – known as TACREPs – were then transmitted to Commander, Task Force (CTF) 34 Theater ASW Center at Naval Station Pearl Harbor via the MQ-9B crew. The CTF then directed a coordinated constructive “kill” of the simulated submarine with notional torpedoes dropped from the MH-60s. The ASW payload on the SeaGuardian uses the latest version of General Dynamics Mission Systems’ Sonobuoy Processor.

“These advanced tactics, techniques, and procedures utilizing MUM-T further reinforce the advantages to unmanned aircraft in combat with less risk to force,” said GA-ASI Vice President of DoD Strategic Development Patrick Shortsleeve.

The IBP-23 exercise is the third time GA-ASI’s MQ-9B SeaGuardian has supported this annual event. These exercises generate warfighting advantages for the Fleet by providing the operational environment to work through tactics, techniques, procedures, and command and control to refine and enhance warfighting. The Fleet IBP series is led by Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet and executed by Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet and will continue throughout May 2023.

Posted in Maritime, Navy, UAS | Comments Off on SeaGuardian Used by USN in Support of Integrated Battle Problem

GA-ASI Delivers First New-Build MQ-9A to USMC

Thursday, May 18th, 2023

SAN DIEGO – 16 May 2023 – Following delivery of the first two MQ-9A Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) that were procured upon the successful completion of a Company-Owned Company-Operated (COCO) Deployment Contract, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) and the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) are celebrating the delivery of the first new-build MQ-9A Extended Range (ER) UAS to Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) on April 19, 2023. The delivery of the first new-build MQ-9A ER is part of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) Unmanned Expeditionary (MUX) Program.

“It’s exciting to make this initial delivery to NAVAIR, which strengthens the relationship between GA-ASI, the USMC, and NAVAIR, while launching the MUX MALE (Medium-Altitude, Long-Endurance) Program of Record from concept into reality,” said GA-ASI Senior Vice President for MQ-9 Systems, Fred Darlington.

GA-ASI was selected by the USMC in 2022 to deliver eight MQ-9A ER UAS as part of the ARES Indefinite-Delivery/Indefinite-Quantity (ID/IQ) contract.

The MQ-9A ER is designed with field-retrofittable capabilities such as wing-borne fuel pods and reinforced landing gear that extend the aircraft’s endurance to more than 30 hours while further increasing its operational flexibility. The aircraft provides long-endurance, persistent surveillance capabilities with Full-Motion Video and Synthetic Aperture Radar/Moving Target Indicator/Maritime Mode Radar. An extremely reliable aircraft, MQ-9A ER is equipped with a fault-tolerant flight control system and a triple-redundant avionics system architecture. It is engineered to meet and exceed manned aircraft reliability standards.

Posted in Press Release, UAS, USMC | Comments Off on GA-ASI Delivers First New-Build MQ-9A to USMC

Release of 2Q23 DroneSentry-C2 Platform Update

Friday, May 12th, 2023

DroneShield is pleased to announce it has today begun the rollout of a major update to the DroneSentry-C2 platform.

These enhancements are available for all DroneSentry-C2 systems deployed with DroneSentry customers globally, who are enrolled with an active firmware subscription, via secure cloud or on-prem updates.

Following the release of the ground-breaking DroneSentry-C2 SFAI (Sensor Fusion Artificial Intelligence) Engine last quarter, the DroneShield team has worked closely with its customers to refine the user experience and performance of its industry leading capability.

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Image: DroneShield DroneSentry-C2 Command-and-Control system

Major enhancements include:

• New ‘Actions’ Panel – All operator actions required for drone detection and mitigation have been centralised in single quick to use, easy to understand, ‘Actions’ panel. This panel provides real time feedback to the operator as the state of the system changes to deter the threat.

• Consolidated Notifications Panel – The previous ‘Notifications’ and ‘Alerts’ panels have been removed and consolidated into a unified ‘Notifications’ panel. The result is a cleaner user experience.

• Mode Selector from Top Bar – With SFAI, the DroneSentry-C2 can be set to run in different modes, Calibration, Monitor and Operational. These modes can now be quickly toggled between any page of the GUI.

• Improved Detection Event Detail from Analytics – Analytics now displays all relevant detection information from the ‘Replay Event’ tool just as it was for the live flight.

• Improved Radar Settings – Radar systems will automatically apply masks and filters based on the installation settings selected by the operator. This significantly reduces the amount of manual masking and filtering required.

• Enhanced WebSocket’s API – DroneSentry-C2 now supports a robust WebSocket’s based API where integrators and third-party systems can connect and received Sensor Fused objects, streamed to them in real time.

Angus Bean, DroneShield Chief Technology Officer, commented, “A key challenge for drone security is reaction time. The speed at which drones can move and their ability to be deployed in close proximity to the target often results in a window of less than 10 seconds. During this time, the system must detect the drone, the operator must assess the situation and countermeasures or otherwise appropriate responses deployed. This update ensures that the DroneShield SFAI engine for detection matches with a high-quality user interface to ensure reaction time.”

Oleg Vornik, DroneShield CEO, added, “DroneShield is unique globally, in being both a sensor developer/manufacturer, as well as designer of own Command-and-Control/C2 system. This enables streamlined end user experience with the DroneShield ecosystem, as well as flexibility to supply customers with sensors, the C2 (utilising a mix of DroneShield and third-party sensors, or both.”

Posted in Press Release, UAS | Comments Off on Release of 2Q23 DroneSentry-C2 Platform Update

Smaller, Safer, and Easy To Use: EasyOne Drone LiDAR

Friday, May 12th, 2023

Company that Launched The World’s First Quadcopter Drone Announces The New Standard For Drone LiDAR

May 9, 2023

Denver, CO- From the floor of Xponential, drone surveying pioneer Microdrones announced an entirely new drone platform built around the demands of geospatial professionals. Vivien Heriard-Dubreuil, CEO of Microdrones explains “We’re excited to announce this new drone platform that prioritizes three key areas: transportability, a simple control interface and ease of use.”

Xponential participants crowded the Microdrones booth for a closer look. “This is EasyOne,” said Frank Darmayan, company CTO, as he pointed to the display. “It fits in a case that’s about two and a half feet long and a foot and a half wide and deep. The mdCockpit mission planning screen is fully integrated into the RC. All sensitive onboard electronics are designed, manufactured and assembled in Germany. It’s just as powerful and capable as our legacy systems but it’s even easier to use.”

EasyOne is an optimized and fully integrated drone system that will provide the lifting power to carry Microdrones LiDAR and photogrammetry surveying equipment. It improves upon the company’s legacy drones in three key areas:

EasyOne is Easier to Transport.

EasyOne features a significantly smaller operational form factor with the same payload capacity of the md4-1000 platform. In addition to a smaller operational form factor, the EasyOne packs down even smaller, fitting the drone, remote, charger, two batteries and the payload into a protective storage case that’s small and light enough to bring anywhere.

EasyOne has an Improved RC Controller and mdCockpit Interface.

EasyOne will feature an entirely new controller design that provides an enhanced user interface and safety features.

• Combined device and integrated remote control- the RC and tablet are one integrated control unit.

• FPV available directly on the remote

EasyOne is easy to use.

Heriard-Dubreuil explains, “We want to make it even easier for geospatial professionals to adopt this technology and make it a part of their daily work. We offer complete systems to plan flights, fly data collection in the field, process data and then visualize it for better decision making. You are getting a fully integrated package from one company; it includes the drone, RC, mdCockpit flight planning software, survey LiDAR+ imagery payload, LP360 data processing software, workflow, training, and support. EasyOne is the complete package.”

Vincent Legrand, Vice President of Global Sales adds, “Plus, as part of the EasyOne lineup customers can take advantage of the all-new Easy Replacement Program. Should you have an accident or problem in the field, this program gets you up and running with an EasyOne replacement in a timely manner.”

True to its promise, Microdrones offers fully integrated systems and it launches the new aircraft platform in North America with three fully integrated LiDAR sensor options to meet your needs.

• EasyOneLiDARUHR+

• EasyOneLiDARUHR or UHR Lite

Designed and assembled in the USA and Germany, Microdrones technology, firmware, software and workflow developed and refined since 2006 is used with the new airframe to provide:

• new autopilot integrated into a single board- this means less cabling, less weight, more compactness and less risk of connection-related failures and better electromagnetic compatibility.

• Additional sensors to improve safety and awareness

• mdCockpit software ecosystem for mission planning and control directly integrated into the RC

• EasyOne is certified as a “Remote Identification Unmanned Aircraft” following FAA 14 CFR Part 89.

• payload connection/communication quick-connect

• real time terrain follow

According to Legrand, “Responsible sourcing is becoming increasingly important for many of our government customers. For these institutions, we will soon offer NDAA-compliant EasyOne systems that take our responsible sourcing to an even higher level, with RC and sensor sourcing options that are exclusively NDAA compliant. We are in process for Green UAS Certification.”

To learn more about these new EasyOne systems and their capabilities, visit the links above or schedule time to talk with your Microdrones sales team by completing this form.

Posted in Press Release, Sensors, UAS | Comments Off on Smaller, Safer, and Easy To Use: EasyOne Drone LiDAR

Spirit UAV Now Available Through GSA

Friday, May 5th, 2023

Wilmington, MA – Ascent AeroSystems, a leading unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) solutions provider, is pleased to announce that the Blue UAS-approved Spirit UAV is now available for purchase through the General Services Administration (GSA) Advantage website.

The Spirit UAV is a high-performance, multi-role aircraft designed and manufactured in the United States for a wide range of applications, including intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), search and rescue, border patrol, disaster relief and more. The industry-leading Spirit provides operators with an all-weather platform equipped with best-in-class integrated EO/thermal sensor payloads so personnel can reliably dispatch the surveillance asset they need whenever and wherever they need it.

The Spirit UAV is available in a range of configurations to meet specific mission requirements and is designed for easy transport and deployment, with a rugged, lightweight airframe that is backpack portable and can be quickly assembled and disassembled for storage and transport.

“Government operations require drones for a variety of reasons, including ISR, target acquisition, monitoring and inspection, rogue gas detection, etc.,” said Paul Fermo, VP of Business Development at Ascent AeroSystems. “Most drones are designed for single mission type, or worse, are restricted by a closed ecosystem, which limits their usefulness and subjects the government to obsolescence. Not Spirit. Spirit has a modular open architecture that allows government operators to customize the platform to meet any operational requirement, all from one common airframe.”

The Blue UAS-approved Spirit UAV is a trusted, versatile, secure platform for mission-critical operations. As the world’s most rugged and versatile coaxial drone, the Spirit is uniquely suited to serve the needs of mission-critical operators anytime, anywhere.

For more information on the Spirit please visit www.ascentaerosystems.com.

Posted in Press Release, UAS | 1 Comment »

DEFEA: RT and CopterPIX Launch the Sky-High DI System, a Combined Tactical Aerostat and Mini Quad Rotor Drone

Thursday, May 4th, 2023

The combined investigating system provides a comprehensive detection solution

DEFEA, May 9-11, Metropolitan Expo, Athens, Greece, Hall 2, Stand A2

May 3rd, 2023. RT LTA Systems Ltd. – a world-class designer, developer, and manufacturer of the SkyStar™ family of aerostats for use in intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and communications applications – will launch, together with CopterPIX, the Sky-High DI system, a combined tactical aerostat and mini quad rotor drone. Providing a comprehensive detection solution, the investigating system combines the SkyStar™ 180/330 aerostat and the ERE-95 mini quadcopter.

SkyStarTM is an aerostat family of combat-proven, compact and mobile, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) systems based on lighter-than-air platforms. Designed for extended surveillance and reconnaissance missions for force protection and intelligence gathering, they operate day and night, with a minimal crew at an altitude of up to 1,500 ft, and carry high-performance payloads.

The ERE-95 Mini quad-rotor drone, designed for long-range inspection missions, has a dual day/thermal camera and an 80-100 minute flight time – providing at least 30% longer endurance time than any other commercial platform. These drones consistently outperform the competition in both military and non-military testing, performing complex missions in fully operational and challenging conditions, and are used worldwide by leading government, defense and commercial organizations.

Rami Shmueli, CEO of RT, says, “The integrated system can respond to an extensive range of scenarios. Until today, our system has enabled 24/7 observation and the collection of intelligence information through the wide range of payloads the system can carry. Now, thanks to the integration with the ERE-95 Mini, it also enables target tracking, and provides an active response to every scenario.”

Posted in International, Tradeshow, UAS | Comments Off on DEFEA: RT and CopterPIX Launch the Sky-High DI System, a Combined Tactical Aerostat and Mini Quad Rotor Drone