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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. Skyeton UAS Achieves High-Altitude Milestone in Ukraine Test Flights
Skyeton recently marked a significant milestone when its modified Raybird UAS soared to an altitude of over 9,000 meters during test flights in Ukraine.
This achievement, on February 13th 2025, is particularly remarkable for a sub-30kg UAV, as such altitudes have traditionally been reserved for much larger systems weighing over 150kg. Skyeton’s innovative approach to enhancing small tactical UAVs has now set a new benchmark for the industry.
The Raybird, designed for extended surveillance and reconnaissance missions, was specially modified to reach this high altitude. The upgraded version features a wider 4.7-meter wingspan and an electric engine, improving its overall performance compared to the standard model.
2. New Payload Command and Control Introduced by GA-ASI
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has released its latest evolution of the company’s payload command and control (C2), and tactical situational awareness software called TacSit-C2®.
The new version builds on GA-ASI’s more than 25 years of experience in developing and deploying C2 for various payloads that are integrated onto GA-ASI’s world-leading Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). TacSit-C2 is part of General Atomics’ Quadratix software enterprise.
TacSit-C2 provides tactical situational awareness so that UAS operators can plan and execute missions. Operators will use TacSit-C2 to view all sensor data concurrently, allowing them to cross-cue payload capabilities. GA-ASI’s development team of experienced payload C2 veterans used intuitive user experience (UX) to simplify payload operations. The new version of TacSit-C2 is expected to be fielded before the end of the year.
3. LITEF Provides MEMS IMU for Autonomous Robot Development
LITEF, a developer of navigation and positioning systems for unmanned platforms, is supporting ARTUS (Autonomous Robotics Team University of Stuttgart) in the development and construction of its autonomous robot.Â
LITEF is making its MEMS-based μIMU (inertial measurement unit) IC available to ARTUS for one year. This precise sensor will allow the team to control its autonomous robot precisely and navigate it safely through its environment.
Attached to a freely moving object, the MEMS-based μIMU IC measures orientation, direction and speed in real time. This enables precise monitoring of the object and precise motion control.
4. Be Part of the World’s Largest Business Accelerator for Uncrewed Systems: Applications Now Open
GENIUS NY, the world’s largest business accelerator for uncrewed systems, is now accepting applications. Operated by CenterState CEO and funded by Empire State Development, the program is looking for five industry-disrupting startups to be a part of its ninth cohort.
GENIUS NY awards $3 million across the five selected teams, including a $1 million grand prize for the winner of its annual pitch competition. To date, the GENIUS NY program has invested $24 million in 42 startups.
This year’s finalists will be the first to operate out of Central New York’s newly renovated state-of-the-art innovation hub in downtown Syracuse. The upgraded facility will include a brand-new maker space, an expanded hardware center and a roof terrace for uncrewed aerial systems companies to launch and test drones. When construction is completed, CenterState CEO’s innovation hub will be the biggest entrepreneurship hub in New York state and among the top 10 largest in the country.
5. Ukrainian Drones to Receive Free Cyber Security
Drones have transformed the battlefield in Ukraine. Periphery, a specialist in military-grade threat management for IoT devices, is donating its expertise and software to support the country.
Unmanned systems like drones, as relatively cheap and effective tools, have driven a shift from kinetic to cyber warfare. In October 2024, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the country was now capable of manufacturing up to four million drones annually.
In January 2025, it was estimated that 100 types of drones are in use in Ukraine, ranging from toy-sized systems to larger models with wingspans of almost 20 meters. Consequently, the country has become an innovation centre for drone technology.
