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. Babcock & PteroDynamics to Explore New Capabilities for Autonomous UAS
Babcock Australasia and US-based autonomous aircraft developers PteroDynamics have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore new opportunities for unmanned aerial systems (UAS). The two companies will come together to pursue greater autonomous capability within Babcock’s current and future defence and civil contracts across Australia and New Zealand.
PteroDynamics is a designer and manufacturer of autonomous vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft systems, including its patented Transwing UAS. The Transwing marries the speed, range, and endurance of a fixed-wing aircraft with superior VTOL performance, with foldable wings that allow it to transition seamlessly between vertical and winged horizontal flight. The system requires no launch and recovery infrastructure, and its ground footprint is up to a third less than other VTOL aircraft of comparable wingspan.
2. Cellular Detection Systems Manufacturer Expands Global Reach
CENTUM, a developer of mobile phone detection systems and other mission-critical airborne solutions, has confirmed that it has entered into a partnership with Helisul Engineering, part of leading Latin American helicopter operator Helisul Group. This collaboration represents a solid step in CENTUM’s international growth strategy, expanding its reach to over 20 countries and building on shared goals for innovation and service excellence.
CENTUM’s Lifeseeker family of cellular detector devices allows emergency personnel, first responders and SAR (search and rescue) teams to easily locate victims and missing persons, vastly improving the odds of success during time-critical operations. The cellphone-agnostic devices can perform high-accuracy phone geolocation down to less than five meters, working under all possible network conditions – including 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G (NSA) – and even when there is no network coverage at all.
3. D-Fend Solutions Secures Major Backing to Advance C-UAS Technology
D-Fend Solutions, a provider of field-proven RF cyber-based counter-drone technology, has secured $31M in the initial closing of a new investment round. The backing will enable D-Fend to solidify its technological capabilities, expand its reach into new territories and sectors, and advance its ability to tackle new and evolving drone risks.
This investment will further support efforts to address constantly changing threats, penetrate additional market segments, integrate with more partners and technologies, and establish a stronger global presence for the company.
4. New XMC Video Capture Card Released for UAVs & C5ISR Applications
EIZO Rugged Solutions Inc., has unveiled the Condor VC300xX, an XMC form factor ultra high-definition (UHD) video capture card suited to unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
The Condor VC300xX is designed for military C5ISR (command, control, communications, computers, combat systems, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance) applications. With a low power consumption of under 20W, it is ideal for SWaP-sensitive (size, weight, and power) applications such as drones and other ISR platforms.
The Condor VC300xX card can accommodate up to eight SDI video inputs, supporting a mix of 12G, 3G, and HD-SDI resolutions. It includes two CVBS capture channels with independent audio support.
5. Online Ground School Courses for Aspiring Pilots and sUAS Operators
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) Worldwide Office of Professional Education is excited to announce online learning opportunities for aspiring pilots and aviation professionals. Through a series of instructor-facilitated ground school courses, participants can gain essential knowledge in three specialized areas:
- Commercial Pilot Ground School (Fixed Wing)
- Private Pilot Ground School (Fixed Wing)
- sUAS Ground School
These flexible, web-based courses allow students to develop the skills needed for future certification exams and professional aviation roles.
