During flight operations at Yuma Proving Grounds, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. (GA-ASI) showcased a suite of long range sensors on its Gray Eagle Extended Range (GE-ER) UAS during the second demonstration in a series of Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) demonstrations.
GA-ASI worked with industry for the Jan. 30 demo to equip the GE-ER UAS with best-of-breed long-range ISR payloads and Air Launch Effects (ALEs). The UAS showed a persistent stand-off capability with up to 40 hours of endurance, which can be used by commanders to orchestrate forces in the MDO environment.
Software
Software
Outrider emerges from stealth, deploys autonomous technology to distribution yards
After operating in stealth-mode for two years, Outrider, a developer of autonomous yard operations for logistics hubs, has emerged from stealth with the announcement that it has raised $53 million in funding, after seed and series A funding rounds led by NEA and 8VC, respectively.
Based in Golden, Colorado, Outrider has also deployed what it describes as the “first-to-market solution” that focuses on autonomous yard operations for logistics hubs, the Outrider System.
According to Outrider, the goal of distribution yards is to keep semi-trailers full of freight moving quickly in the space between the warehouse doors and public roads, but a lot of these processes that make up yard operations are manual, inefficient, and hazardous, the company says.
Peraton wins spot on contract to support U.S. Navy's Unmanned Surface Vehicle Family of Systems
Unmanned maritime systems contractor Peraton has announced that it has won a spot on an up to 10-year, $982.1 million indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, multiple award contract (IDIQ-MAC) to support the U.S. Navy's Unmanned Surface Vehicle Family of Systems.
Just last month, Peraton announced that it recently received four U.S. Navy Unmanned Maritime Systems Support (UMSS) task orders valued at $27.45M.
Peraton's work with the U.S. Navy on unmanned maritime systems dates back to 2001 when it first supported the Navy's program management office responsible for explosive ordinance disposal.
uAvionix introduces new ADS-B transponder to its General Aviation and UAM lineup
uAvionix has introduced a new ADS-B transponder, tailBeaconX, to its General Aviation (GA) and Urban Air Mobility (UAM) lineup.
The new Mode S Extended Squitter (ES) ADS-B OUT transponder is designed to address global air traffic surveillance system requirements for current and future ADS-B mandates. uAvionix notes that integration with the uAvionix AV-20-E and AV-30-E Electronic Flight Instrument Systems (EFIS) “introduces transponder control into the popular multi-function displays.”
Matternet, Robotic Skies partner to provide field service and repair support for Matternet M2 UAS operators
Matternet has partnered with Robotic Skies to provide field service and repair support for operators who fly the Matternet M2 drone logistics system.
Currently, Matternet’s systems operate at WakeMed Health & Hospitals and UC San Diego Health. Since 2017, the systems have also served hospitals in Switzerland.
“Our technology has the power to transform healthcare and the world of logistics at large. As we expand Matternet’s U.S. and global operations, maintenance by certified technicians in the geographies where we operate is an important component to scaling our operations,” says Matternet CEO and founder Andreas Raptopoulos.
Black Swift Technologies unveils American-made UAS for automated industrial and structural inspections
Black Swift Technologies (BST) has introduced its American-made, advanced UAS called the Black Swift E2, which is designed for automated industrial and structural inspections.
Equipped with advanced navigation, the Black Swift E2 UAS can conduct highly accurate, up-close inspections of infrastructures even in extreme environmental conditions. Considered an intelligent drone because of its leveraging of advances in computer vision and machine learning, the UAS can complete autonomous flights when combined with an inspection payload.
The UAS can safely and reliably navigate around complex structures thanks to this optional laser navigation technology, all while providing real-time actionable data to its operator.
Collins Aerospace, NASA entering final stage of project to integrate UAS safely into NAS
Collins Aerospace Systems is entering the final stages of a nine-year project with NASA to facilitate the safe operations of UAS in the National Airspace System (NAS). The project is expected to be completed in September of this year.
Co-funded by Collins Aerospace, the project has led to the development of a Command Non-Payload Control (CNPC) data link waveform that informed the initial certification standards for UAS Command and Control in the NAS.
UAVOS completes testing of new version of main rotor blades for unmanned helicopters
UAVOS has finished testing the new version of the main rotor blades that will be installed on unmanned helicopters that have a take-off mass of 50 kilograms and a rotor diameter of 2600 millimeters.
By gluing into the leading edge an all-metal edging, composite blades are improved, which has led to the improvement of the aerodynamic stability of the blade. Additionally, wear resistance has been increased during flights in severe weather conditions such as rain, snow and dust, which doubles the operating life of the product in the process.
Persistent Systems to develop Protected Communications for Manned-Unmanned Teams for U.S. Army
The U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command C5ISR Center has awarded Persistent Systems LLC a $5.4M contract to develop Protected Communications for Manned-Unmanned Teams (MUM-T).
The Army has a vision for a next-generation Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV) that can be networked with up to four unmanned Remote Combat Vehicles (RCVs) and their assorted sensor/weapons payloads. The vehicle would also be networked with the broader force and command structure.
In order to make these manned-unmanned teams a reality, they will need a robust, secure, and high-throughput communications network, which is where Persistent Systems comes in.
Auterion, Quantum-Systems bring Vector and Scorpion small UAS to U.S. Government Defense and Security markets
Auterion Government Solutions Inc (AGS Inc) and Quantum-Systems GmbH have partnered to bring the Vector and Scorpion small UAS (sUAS) to the U.S. Government Defense and Security markets.
The companies have combined what they describe as “best-in-class sUAS hardware” with Auterion OS, which is a secure, scalable, open source, operating system that is currently being used on a variety of small UAS including multi-rotors and hybrid VTOL Group 2 air vehicles.
“We are excited to be working with Quantum-Systems to bring forth a new, integrated, rucksack portable sUAS that we feel will transform the way our customers collect, process and disseminate ISR and Situation Awareness information, in all environments,” says David Sharpin, CEO of AGS Inc.
