Explore UST’s round-up of our five most read articles in the industry this week, including new technologies, collaborations, white papers, and industry successes.
1. HD80 UAV Gimbal Supports Aircraft in Military Initiative
The U.S. Army has advanced two vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) systems to the final round of the Future Tactical Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (FTUAS) Program of Record, both of which feature the HD80 gimbal from Trillium Engineering.
The HD80 series gimbal, tailored for Group 3 UAS platforms, provides cutting-edge imaging capabilities essential for military and defense operations. The HD80 enables operators to gather detailed visual information in real-time, critical for mission success in surveillance, reconnaissance, or target acquisition.
With specialized sensors for both day and night missions, the HD80 delivers high definition imagery 24/7.
2. New Windows for Deep-Sea Surveillance UUVs Released
Meller Optics, Inc. has introduced custom made sapphire windows for autonomous and unmanned underwater surveillance vehicles (AUVs and UUVs), built to withstand high speed particulates and high pressure.
Meller Sapphire Windows feature Mohs 9 hardness (second only to diamond) and can withstand fast moving particles, sand, and deep water pressure to 10,000 psi, depending upon application. The sapphire windows are custom manufactured to precise OEM specifications. They can include stepped edges, elliptical edge shaping, holes, slots, and wedges for mounting, and feature a smooth flat surface that resists algae growth.
3. Partnership to Advance Tactical Maritime UAS Operations
Areté has partnered with Parallel Flight Technologies (PFT) under a Navy Office of Naval Research (ONR) contract to enhance maritime surveillance capabilities.
The collaboration focuses on integrating PFT’s Unmanned Aerial System (UAS), the Firefly, with Areté’s cutting-edge Pushbroom Imaging LiDAR for Littoral Surveillance (PILLS) system, and seeks to address the logistical challenges posed by larger, more costly UAS platforms.
Recognised as a ‘heavy-lift workhorse’ Parallel Flight’s USA-built flagship hybrid aircraft, the 270 lb (122 kg) MTOW Firefly, is well suited to numerous defense and industrial applications.
4. Mini Drone Successfully Completes 20-Hour Trials
The British Armed Forces has received portable mini drones, aiming to provide cutting-edge capability, which have been put through rigorous trials at RNAS Predannack in Cornwall.
Under Project TIQUILA, the Lockheed Martin Stalker VXE30 was subjected to almost 20 hours of trials in challenging weather conditions that pushed the platform to its limits.
Weighing a little over 20kgs and with a 4.88 metre wingspan, the STALKER VXE30 Air Vehicle (Av) is an operationally proven, vertical-launched, near-silent drone providing up to eight hours of imaging capability and able to range out to 60km.
5. New Ground Control Station to Support Hybrid VTOL Delivery UAS
Honeywell and hybrid VTOL UAS (unmanned aerial systems) developer Odys Aviation have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to collaborate on the design of new ground control stations that will support the rollout of Odys Aviation’s aircraft in the Middle East and Pacific.
Under the terms of the MOU, Honeywell will provide a ground control station for UAS operations, supporting operations of Odys Aviation’s Laila platform. Pilot programs using Laila and the new ground control station are expected to kick off in 2025.
Laila is designed to deliver cargo, with multiple configurations and a 230-mile range. It is ideal for supporting pipeline inspections, leak detection, geological surveys, maritime operations and logistics services, including the delivery of time-critical goods.
