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GA-ASI’S Eaglet Takes It’s First Flight

Wednesday, February 1st, 2023

Technical Demonstration With ARL and AvMC Shows Off New Survivable ALE

SAN DIEGO – 31 January 2023 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) flew a new survivable Air-Launched Effect (ALE) for the first time as part of a flight demonstration based out of the Dugway Proving Grounds, Utah, on Dec. 8, 2022. The ALE, known as Eaglet, was launched from a U.S. Army MQ-1C Gray Eagle Extended Range (GE-ER) Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS). The Eaglet flight was jointly funded by GA-ASI and the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development (DEVCOM) Army Research Laboratory (ARL) and Aviation & Missile Center (AvMC).

“The first flight of the Eaglet was an important milestone for the GA-ASI/U.S. Army team,” said GA-ASI President David R. Alexander. “Eaglet is intended to be a low-cost, survivable UAS with the versatility to be launched from a Gray Eagle, rotary-wing aircraft, or ground vehicles. It enables extended reach of sensors and increased lethality while providing survivability for manned aircraft.”

Eaglet fits into the ‘ALE Large’ category, which encompasses larger, more powerful sensors or payloads. Because of its design, Eaglet is capable of carrying a diverse range of payloads in support of multiple Army missions.

Eaglet design extends battlefield options for commanders while reducing their decision cycles. Gray Eagle can carry Eaglet for thousands of kilometers before launching it while being controlled through unmanned-unmanned teaming or as a component of advanced teaming command and control concepts.

Eaglet can work in concert with other long-range payloads carried by Gray Eagles, helicopters, or other platforms to support deep sensing in Multi-Domain Operations.

With this successful flight of the Eaglet, GA-ASI will work with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to feature it in other exercises to further determine its potential. The Eaglet is the newest entry into GA-ASI’s Evolution Series of advanced UAS concepts.

www.ga-asi.com

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SKY-HERO and AARDVARK Announce Release of New Payloads and Accessories

Tuesday, January 17th, 2023

SKY-HERO and AARDVARK have expanded their Tactical Robotics Suite by adding three new accessories and payloads to the current system. A new Tactical Wrist Monitor system, Typhon distraction device payload, and LED/LASER payload have joined the versatile list of equipment in the SKY-HERO Tactical Robotics Suite.

SKY-HERO’s newest accessory, the Tactical Wrist Monitor, allows for the sharing of situational awareness by providing each team member with the ability to view the real-time video streams of up to four different LOKI and SIGYN systems. The monitor features a 2.7-inch, high-res display with individual channel buttons. Team members can switch between the live video feeds of deployed vehicles, even on scrambled channels, without regard for what the pilot is seeing or operating. With a 150-minute run time, wireless scrambled video, and NLOS 150m reception range, the Tactical Wrist Monitor broadens the use of the system’s multiple devices and provides situational awareness for the entire team.

The new Typhon Noise Flash Diversionary Device (NFDD) payload and SKY-HERO LED payloads — designed to provide deceptive diversions to enhance operator safety — have also been added to the Tactical Robotics Suite. These payloads are indispensable tools that facilitate safe entry into hostile environments and distract suspects. Each of these payloads features a plug-and-go design and can operate on both LOKI and SIGYN.

Built in conjunction with Typhon in the UK, the Noise Flash Diversionary Device (NFDD) payload acts as a non-lethal, multi-shot distraction system, capable of producing a 165dB report as either single shots or as a burst. The pilot and other operators can initiate this payload through the SKY-HERO GCS or with SKY-HERO’s new Remote Trigger system.

Built-in conjunction with top SKY-HERO users, the LED payload is a multi-function, selectable payload providing bright white light, colored LEDs, and a designating green laser in a single device. Designed to distract, temporarily disorient, and confuse suspects, the payload’s high-intensity front LEDs can be used as a solid source of bright white or as a disorienting high-intensity strobe. The programmable colored LEDs can be used as a distraction or to indicate the drone is law enforcement. The powerful green laser pointer can designate targets or get suspects’ attention.

The SKY-HERO Tactical Robotics Suite is the world’s most widely used tactical robotics system. It combines the power of the LOKI Mk2 tactical drone, the SIGYN Mk1 ground robot, and integrated payloads to operate from a single GCS. The Tactical Robotics Suite allows teams to scout unknown areas, reduce risk to operators and share situational awareness.

The Tactical Robotics Suite is built by SKY-HERO and sold exclusively in North America by AARDVARK.

Visit aardvarktactical.com/tactical-robotics-suite or contact AARDVARK to learn more about how the complete Tactical Robotics Suite can change the way your team operates.

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

DroneShield Protects Brazil Presidential Inauguration

Monday, January 16th, 2023

DroneShield is pleased to advise its DroneGun Tactical™ counterdrone/C-UAS system has been used in the inauguration ceremony for the president-elect of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, held at the Cathedral of Brasilia.

Lula da Silva, a 77 year-old who already served as Brazil’s president from 2003 to 2010, is taking the Presidential office for the third time.

Presidential security has used DroneGun Tactical™ to take down four suspicious drones that were heading towards the President at the inauguration event.

Tens of thousands of people have attended the ceremony.

A security agent walks with DroneShield’s DroneGun Tactical™ next to the presidential Rolls-Royce that was used by President-elect Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva at his inauguration ceremony in Brasilia, on January 1, 2023 (Photo by CARL DE SOUZA / AFP)

DroneShield has expanded into the Brazil market in mid 2021, when it has received a formal approval from Anatel, the Brazilian National Telecommunications Agency responsible for issuing the concession of new radio frequencies, for deployment of its devices. Following the approval, the Company has now sold a quantity of its DroneGun Tactical™ units to Brazilian Government.

DroneShield CEO, Oleg Vornik, commented: “Brazil is a key South American market for DroneShield, and we are pleased to see deployment of our systems in the country at the highest level, which is expected to flow down to further systems being utilised in Brazil, as counter-UAS requirements continue to rapidly grow.”

Brazil media coverage of the DroneGun Tactical™ at the Presidential inauguration (credit: Globo)

Posted in International, Press Release, UAS | 9 Comments »

Massachusetts Army Guardsman Wins CENTCOM Innovation Contest

Wednesday, January 4th, 2023

WASHINGTON — Before deploying this summer with his Massachusetts Army National Guard unit, Sgt. Mickey Reeve had little idea he’d be on a world tour just a few months later talking about innovation in the military.

However, that’s where he found himself after winning the U.S. Central Command’s Innovation Oasis contest this fall for his counter-unmanned aerial system training software.

The tool simulates U.S. military c-UAS operating systems allowing operators to train with adjustable scenarios and locations. The customizable trainer can be used by teams to sharpen reaction time, refine engagement drills and streamline communications.

“This tool will potentially have the ability to influence operators to become more proficient at their jobs, which could positively impact the mission and save lives,” Reeve said. “I think it is going to be a massive benefit to our organization.”

For CENTCOM, the contest was a way to find a practical idea to help the joint force and inspire change across the command.

“This program is about building a culture of innovation across all of CENTCOM,” said Gen. Michael Kurilla, commander of CENTCOM. “It’s about finding those great ideas hidden from view inside a squad, trapped inside of a ship, locked down in a cubicle in one of our bases, or tucked away in an aircraft hangar. We want to unlock, embrace and then uplift those ideas and then implement them across the entire organization.”

Reeve came up with the winning idea while assigned to the Prince Sultan Air Base counter UAS team. Noticing a training gap within their simulators, he used his programming background to find a solution.

“I’m somebody that’s always had that work-oriented mindset, and I’m always craving that next thing to do,” he said. “This was a great opportunity for me to provide that outlet and to work on a solution that I found for my base.”

After seeing flyers for Innovation Oasis, he decided to enter and spent hours refining a functional prototype for his pitch. Thanks to the help from those around him, the Interim Platform Agnostic Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System Trainer was born.

“My team did a fantastic job of supporting me the entire way,” he said. “None of this would’ve been possible without them.”

CENTCOM awarded Reeve the Defense Meritorious Service Medal for winning Innovation Oasis. He also can attend the military school of his choice during the calendar year.

After the selection, Reeve went on a tour of Washington, D.C. and the Middle East to promote his idea and innovation throughout CENTCOM.

“The ideas are out there and they’re good ideas,” he said. “We have a tremendous talent pool throughout our organization.”

Army Futures Command’s Software Factory will work on bringing Reeve’s idea to the field.

With the success of the first Innovation Oasis, CENTCOM is planning for another contest this spring.

By Christopher Hurd, Army News Service

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DroneShield Successfully Completes Canadian Military Exercise

Friday, December 23rd, 2022

DroneShield Ltd (ASX:DRO) (DroneShield or the Company) is pleased to advise it has successfully completed the Counter Uncrewed Aerial Systems Sandbox 2022 exercise in Alberta, Canada.

The Canadian Joint Operations Command (CJOC) has lead the exercise, coordinating with the Canadian Army, Royal Canadian Navy (RCN), Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), and Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (CANSOFCOM). The exercise represented a blending of requirements and characteristics of interest to one or more of the services, as well as the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).

The US Department of Defense’s Irregular Warfare Technical Support Directorate (IWTSD) has also participated in the CUAS 2022 Sandbox as an official Application Evaluator and Observer, giving international exposure, expertise, and feedback the participants.

Image: DroneShield DroneSentry-X

DroneShield CEO, Oleg Vornik, commented: “North America is the single largest market for DroneShield, and Canada represents a growing segment, where we already have an existing customer base along with a pipeline of further projects. This exercise was a valuable opportunity to connect with key decision-makers at a number of Government agencies, and demonstrate our latest C-UAS capabilities to these existing and prospective customers.”

Image: DroneShield RfPatrol

Posted in International, Press Release, UAS | 2 Comments »

DroneShield Receives a Record $11 million Order

Thursday, December 22nd, 2022

DroneShield Ltd (ASX:DRO) (DroneShield or the Company) is pleased to advise it has received an all-time record purchase order for approximately A$11 million.

The order includes several different types of DroneShield counterdrone/C-UAS equipment. A substantial part of the order is expected to be delivered shortly, with the remainder in late March 2023. A$11 million corresponds to the combined value of both phases of the project. Payment for each batch is expected to be received within a month of each delivery. The proceeds are expected to be received across March and June 2023 quarters.

DroneShield CEO, Oleg Vornik, commented: “With this transformational next step in DroneShield’s growth, and as the counterdrone industry continues to rapidly grow, we look forward to rapidly fulfilling this contract.”

“From the start of the Company 7 years ago, DroneShield has demonstrated a consistent progression, first by building and then refining its product suite along with global distributor network, then moving to customer demos, followed by initial smaller sales, repeat $1m+ sales, and now moving into $10m+ sales territory.”

“Over last 24 months, we have made a significant investment in scaling our operations, to ensure we continue to meet delivery expectations of our customers as we rapidly scale up.”

Image: DroneGun MKIII

This large contract win follows a number of other recent wins for DroneShield in last couple of months. Other significant advancements include recommendation by the Joint Counter-small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Office (JCO) as part of the SAIC Team’s offering for deployment of its Counter-UAS as a Service across US DoD, a SBIR project awarded by US DoD with partner Quantum Research International, the first US airport deployment among other deployments across US, European and other Government customers, and appointment to the Australian Department of Defence Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Electronic Warfare Standing Offer Panel.

Additionally, last month, DroneShield welcomed a A$3.7 million investment from Epirus Inc, a high-growth U.S. defense technology company developing software-defined directed energy systems that enable unprecedented counter-electronics effects and power management solutions to optimize power efficiency in defense and commercial applications. This includes the Leonidas solid-state, software-defined high-power microwave (HPM) technology to enable unmatched counter-electronics effects for a range of use cases. Additional information about Epirus can be found at https://www.epirusinc.com. Epirus was founded in California in 2018 and has raised approximately US$300 million (approximately A$450 million) in funding since inception.

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N.D. ANG’S 178TH ATKS Named RPA Squadron of the Year

Monday, December 19th, 2022

SAN DIEGO – 16 December 2022 – The North Dakota Air National Guard’s 178th Attack Squadron (ATKS) was recognized as the General Atomics Remotely Piloted Aircraft Squadron of the Year at an event hosted by the Mitchell Institute on Dec. 9, 2022, at the Fargo Air Museum in Fargo, N.D. The award is given annually to the Squadron that distinguishes itself through its deployment of Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) in meritorious service. The 178th was selected from a field of more than 30 RPA squadrons and it’s the first time an ANG Squadron has received the award.

In 2021, the 178th Attack Squadron continued to solidify their position as the trail-blazing MQ-9 unit by leading in innovation, capabilities, and modernization. The “Happy Hooligans” have completed their unprecedented 15th straight year of 24/7/365 combat operations while supporting both U.S. Central Command and U.S. Africa Command. They have distinguished themselves in current combat operations while advocating for MQ-9A relevancy in strategic competition.

Additionally, the Hooligans have accelerated change across the Joint Force via innovative Live, Virtual, Constructive (LVC) and live-fly MQ-9 training. Twenty-one supported units from each of the four services, operating in three different Combatant Commands, have partnered with the 178th to advance readiness and improve RPA employment. Furthermore, the Happy Hooligans are the enterprise leader as the producers of the most Live-fly Continuation Training. They have powered MQ-9 training and readiness programs for 10 different Operations Groups in the Air National Guard, Air Combat Command, and Air Force Special Operations Command.

“The 178th ATKS has made a significant impact on multiple areas of responsibility over the last few years, and especially this year,” said GA-ASI President David R. Alexander. “We’re proud of the 178th’s dedication and passion to improving MQ-9 operations and showcasing the MQ-9’s multi-role capabilities.”

The Happy Hooligan’s accomplishments, as they paved the way for future RPA capability, distinctly identify them as the U.S. Air Force’s most outstanding RPA squadron and demonstrate the great power of this nation with cutting-edge combat capabilities. The 178th Attack Squadron is a unit of the North Dakota ANG’s 119th Wing stationed at the Fargo, Hector IAP, N.D.

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Drone Defence: Austrian Armed Forces and Rheinmetall Successfully Test Anti-Small Drone System C-sUAS – Lease Contract Extended

Friday, December 16th, 2022

The Austrian Armed Forces and Rheinmetall have successfully tested the leased Counter-small Unmanned Aerial System (C-sUAS), which had been delivered in May 2022, as part of a realistic exercise. Rheinmetall’s deployable C-sUAS system is currently being evaluated by the Austrian Armed Forces alongside other systems as part of the Countering Emerging Air Threats (C-EAT) project. Following the successful tests, the Austrian Armed Forces have now extended the lease contract by seven months.

After the training on the system had been completed, the operational capability of the Rheinmetall C-sUAS system was now to be tested as intensively as possible under real conditions. For this purpose, a sophisticated test programme was developed, which included both test and realistic attack flights by small drones. The aim was to detect and clearly verify these drones as early as possible using a broadly based sensor mix. A possible fight against these enemy drones was demonstrated by means of jammers. A special highlight was the introduction of the target queuing device by tablet from the higher-level command and control system to the jammer operator.

The large number of drones used – from commercially available drones to models with jet propulsion to self-built drones controlled according to the LTE mobile radio standard – clearly showed that modern drone defence can only be efficiently managed in a network.

“A successful and intensive test week provided a multitude of important insights and experiences,” said Matthias Diem, Vice President Counter Drones and Aviation Markets. “From our point of view, the exercise was an instructive example of how innovation-oriented armed forces, together with industry, can gain the necessary insights to develop and adapt tomorrow’s technologies for possible new threats from the air at an early stage. A big thank you goes to the Air Force and Anti-Aircraft Defence School in Langenlebarn for the great organisation and execution of this forward-looking exercise.”

The Austrian armed forces had selected Rheinmetall’s C-sUAS system and loaned it out for a six-month period of testing and evaluation. In May 2022 Rheinmetall Air Defence AG shipped the latest version of its rapidly deployable counter-small unmanned aerial system (C-sUAS) to the Austrian military. This lease contract has now been extended.

The system comprises two shelter units, enabling rapid deployment on standard trailers and trucks. The sensor unit elevates automatically and can be equipped with various detection technologies, including X-band and S-band radar, passive emitter locator, ADS-B receiver and others if required. An integrated, stabilized 360° electro-optical PTZ sensor provides state-of-the-art verification and tracking capabilities.

Based on the tried-and-tested Oerlikon Skymaster command and control system, the separate C2 shelter is a fully fledged operator workstation. Skymaster delivers an outstanding level of sensor data fusion and multiple operational functions, including scalability to integrated target cueing devices and effectors for different countermeasures as well as links to higher echelons.

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