The October 2017 issue of Unmanned Systems looks at the market for UAS sensors and the factors driving new growth; the U.S. Navy’s plan to get a new maritime ‘truck’ for its mine countermeasure work; and a new U.K. testing range for unmanned systems. That and much more including our popular Viewfinder aerial photo gallery and a breakdown of the types of waivers to Part 107 being granted by the Federal Aviation Administration.
Defense
Defense
DJI launches new Local Data Mode to stem privacy concerns
Drone maker DJI, the leader in the consumer UAS field, today launched a new Local Data Mode that allows users to fly without internet data transfer.
The move comes after the U.S. Army ordered its members to stop using off-the-shelf systems from China-based DJI, saying its drones could retain and transmit sensitive data, including the time and location of drone flights.
The new privacy mode stops internet traffic to and from the DJI Pilot app, using instead Local Data Mode, which doesn’t send or receive any data over the internet.
Navy establishes first UUV squadron, UUVRON 1
The U.S. Navy officially set up its first unmanned undersea squadron, Unmanned Undersea Vehicle Squadron 1, or UUVRON, at an event on Sept. 26 in Washington state.
Cmdr. Scott Smith, of Hartford, South Dakota, is its first command officer.
"Today we are transitioning our UUV detachment into the first UUV squadron,” said Capt. Robert Gaucher, who turned over his command of Submarine Development Squadron 5 (DEVRON 5) at the same event. “Why is this historical? It's because in standing up UUVRON 1, it shows our Navy's commitment to the future of unmanned systems and undersea combat."
Northrop Grumman to provide in-service support for CUTLASS EOD remotely controlled vehicle
After being awarded a 24-month contract from the Ministry of Defence’s (MOD) Special Projects Search and Counter Measures team, Northrop Grumman will provide “in-service support” of the CUTLASS Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) remotely controlled vehicle.
The work will be an extension of the existing in-service support contract for CUTLASS, and will be conducted at Northrop Grumman’s Coventry facility, which is where Northrop Grumman provides life cycle support for all of its EOD unmanned ground systems.
Northrop Grumman's Remotec Inc. unveils Nomad UGV
Northrop Grumman Corporation’s subsidiary Remotec Inc. is unveiling a new UGV called Nomad, which is the newest member of Northrop Grumman’s Andros line of UGVs, and is Interoperability Profile (IOP)-compliant.
Designed using a “proven concurrent engineering process,” Nomad is similar to other systems in the Northrop Grumman Andros fleet, as it incorporates decades’ worth of feedback collected while working with first responder and military customers, in an effort to offer advanced technology, ease of use and reliability.
Polaris, ARA and Neya Systems collaborate to provide Team Polaris MRZR X platform to U.S. Army
The U.S. Army will utilize an “elite platform” for its Squad Multipurpose Equipment Transport (SMET) program. The platform is the result of a collaboration between Polaris Industries Inc., Applied Research Associates Inc. (ARA) and Neya Systems LLC.
Known as the Team Polaris MRZR X, the platform will “evolve squad mobility with advanced unmanned systems technology from ARA and the pioneering and unsurpassed autonomous systems behavior of Neya Systems.”
AeroVironment delivers UAS to DoD customers, unveils new Pocket Digital Data Link AE
AeroVironment, Inc. has delivered M1/M2/M5-compatible Raven and Puma All Environment (AE) UAS to two DoD customers.
The company has also announced that in December, it will begin taking orders for M1/M2/M5-configured Wasp AE micro air vehicles (MAV), for delivery next spring.
“Integrating the new M1/M2/M5 radio frequencies into our family of small UAS gives our customers the ability to seamlessly and securely conform to the Department of Defense‘s new frequency spectrum allocation and proceed with certainty,” says David Sharpin, vice president of AeroVironment’s Tactical UAS Business Unit.
Milrem Robotics developing new robotic systems for defense applications
In an effort to give soldiers new robotic systems for defense applications, Milrem Robotics, which is a provider of defense technologies, will expand the capabilities of its THeMIS UGV.
One of Milrem Robotics’ goals is to enhance the situational awareness of warfighters, so several systems are being developed, including the TITAN SENTRY concept, which was developed in collaboration with QinetiQ.
BAE Systems' new UGV seeks to take soldiers out of harm's way
BAE Systems’ new UGV, called Ironclad, is designed to ultimately take soldiers out of certain dangerous situations by taking on dangerous jobs that they have traditionally been tasked with.
It will do this, in large part, thanks to its versatility, as the UGV can be fitted to conduct reconnaissance, combat and casualty evacuation missions.
Small enough to operate within tight urban environments, Ironclad still maintains the mobility necessary to handle extreme cross-country terrain.
Endeavor Robotics to provide improved UGV capabilities for the US Government
Endeavor Robotics is responding to an order worth more than $15 million for the US Government for upgrades and accessories to support fielded robot systems.
The company says that it is prepared to “rapidly deliver all items and remains dedicated to providing solutions to the US Government and global customers” as quickly as possible due to the “lifesaving nature of the company’s products.”
“We are a highly responsive, customer-focused, agile company that stands positioned to rapidly provide upgrades, accessories, and new platforms whenever called upon by our customers,” says CEO Sean Bielat.
