2023 has been a year of significant development and innovation for the unmanned industry. We have covered nearly 1,500 articles, including announcements for product releases and milestone achievements for drones, robotic systems and autonomous vehicles and vessels.
Here’s a round-up of the ten most read articles of the year on UnmannedSystemsTechnology.com, focusing not only on the platforms themselves, but also the technology used on those systems, and applications within defense, commercial and industrial sectors.
1. LiPo vs Lithium Ion Batteries for Unmanned & Robotics Applications
MaxAmps discussed the pros and cons of using Lithium Polymer Pouch Cells (LiPo) and Lithium-Ion Cylindrical Cells (Li-ion) for unmanned aerial systems and robotics applications.
When deciding on a battery for your UAV, UAS, RC, or robotics application, choosing between LiPo and Li-ion can be difficult.
2. New Variable-Pitch Propeller System for Multirotor Drones
T-MOTOR, a partner of T- DRONES, developed a new variable-pitch propeller (VPP) system for multirotor unmanned aerial vehicles.
The design is intended to increase the maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of the aircraft and improve power efficiency during hovering, with multirotor UAVs relying on changes in propeller speed to adjust force and torque, controlling the motion of flight.
3. New Hybrid Wankel Engine Introduced for UAVs
Barcelona-based internal combustion and hybrid engine manufacturer UAVHE has released the RW1-300C, a unique wankel hybrid model for UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles).
Designed from the ground up using aeronautical technologies and approaches, the RW1-300C hybrid engine is a wankel rotary engine with integrated transmission and variable pitch propeller hub. Manufacturer’s suggested retail price starts at €11,900.
4. 7 Hour Endurance Hybrid VTOL UAV Released
The FDG50F by FlyDragon Drone Tech is a high-performance vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) fixed-wing unmanned aircraft system (UAS), designed specifically for aerial surveying and surveillance applications with a payload capacity of 10kgs and a flight endurance of up to 7 hours.
5. Next Generation Heavy Lift Drone Displayed at DSEI
The British Army displayed the Hydra 400 drone, alongside an Aether mothership, at DSEI London.
The Hydra 400 is a new generation of heavy lift drone using hybrid propulsion technology, powered by single spool jet turbines and proposed to carry the Brimstone missile developed by MBDA.
6. New Water Take-Off & Landing Capability Added to Beluga Mini Drone
EuroLink Systems extended the capability of its Beluga mini-drone to provide a unique water take-off and landing capability, a feature the company believes will open-up a range of applications not previously met.
An essential capability for many maritime and aquatic-related applications, EuroLink believes Beluga’s new water take-off and landing capability is a statement of how flexible and configurable the platform is.
7. Drone Detection & Tracking AESA Radar Introduced
Retinar AESA, the new member of the Retinar Ground Surveillance Radars Product Family developed by Meteksan Defence, was exhibited for the first time at the IDEF 2023 Exhibition.
Retinar AESA will be able to detect and track not only mini/micro UAVs, but also Kamikaze UAVs and Tactical UAVs. The radar system can be used for the stationary protection of critical facilities and borders, as well as integrated into moving vehicles.
8. Counter-UAS & Drone Detection Systems for Military & Civilian Security
IXI Electronic Warfare is a leading developer of counter-UAS solutions for military and civilian security applications.
The company produces scalable drone detectors and signal jammers, which are designed to defeat the most modern of threats, and are ideal for first responders, perimeter and critical infrastructure protection, forward operating bases, and more.
9. New Precise Landing Technology Tested for Autonomous Delivery Drones
Spleenlab, the AI-based VISIONAIRY® Perception onboard software company, and DroneUp, a leading autonomous drone delivery provider, tested new precise landing technology.
Initial testing consisted of the Safe Precise Landing Software, an important building block for safe and autonomous delivery and landing by drone. This collaboration started approximately one year prior to the announcement, and included onsite testing and integration into the DroneUp fleet.
10. Control System & Autopilot Technology Developments for USVs
Kieran Breheny, Strategic Development Manager at Dynautics, discussed the technology development of control systems for USVs, highlighting projects that the Dynautics team has been involved in.
As maritime stakeholders increasingly look to uncrewed vessel technology to complete a wider range of offshore survey, surveillance and inspection tasks, the systems used to control these flexible platforms are developing apace.
