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Latest Miniature Unmanned Aerial Systems on Display

To improve mission range, persistence and raid response, some UAS are designed to be air-insertable. Since such missions could be 'one way' only, these UAVs are designed to be low-cost, optionally expendable systems. Among these are the the Finder from SAIC and the future SECC from Boeing. Two smaller, electrically powered UAVs also designed as optionally expendable systems, are the Coyote from ACR and Voyeur from Lite Machines as well as Aerovironment's Switchblade. At the lower tier, unmanned systems are rapidly maturing, with some systems already fielded with US forces, particularly special forces and light infantry and airborne units. (more...)





Some of the latest developments shown here include the BatMav (Wasp III) micro UAV from Aerovironment, recently selected for the Pentagon's SUAV program. Its competitor, the Nighthawk (previously known as BatCam), is undergoing continuous development and was now introduced in a redesigned, lightweight 3rd generation model. Nighthawk and the new Maverick from Prioria, both represent a new concept of an 'always ready' UAV carried in a tube, with wings wrapped around the fuselage. When needed, the UAV is pulled out of tube, the wings automatically snapping into position making the UAV is ready to launch.

Other micro-designs at AUVSI included vertical take-off and landing designs, including the new electrically powered Micro-Air Vehicle from CRG, and new turbine-based propulsion developed for the Class I Micro UAV from Honeywell.

New Unmanned Aerial Systems Unveiled

In recent years, as weaponized robots evolved from controversial science fiction into grim reality, particularly in the Middle East skies, new systems are being developed and deployed. The Sky Warrior and Reaper are representative systems pursued by the US Army and Air Force, based on the Predator platform. But some argue that payload capacity may not be the most important factor, as smaller aircraft such as the Sky Raider, designed for field operation could offer superior persistence, resulting in more opportunities to pursue time-critical targets of opportunity. (more...)

A nother program dominating the show was the US Navy Broad Area Maritime Search (BAMS), which is expected to select an unmanned platform to augment and replace part of the Navy's maritime surveillance aircraft in the next decade. The Navy considers three alternatives representing totally different solutions, based on the Global Hawk HALE from Northrop Grumman, the Mariner MALE UAV proposed by Lockheed Martin and General Atomics or an optionally piloted G550 platform from Boeing.

Obtaining High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) capability is becoming a new trend, with systems becoming more dominant in coming years with the maturation of unmanned platforms, introducing long persistence and 'near space' capabilities, replacing satellites being vulnerable to enemy attacks. HALE platforms could also augment existing space and aerial assets, supporting heightened operational needs in certain theaters. Our coverage includes an update on the various developments and missions proposed for Northrop Grumman's Global Hawk, the ISIS and FALCON systems from Lockheed martin, the HALL, from Aurora and Boeing, and the Global Observer from Aerovironment.

Between the large HALE systems and the smaller mini and Micro-UAVs, a new range of unmanned aerial systems are evolving, and are expected to define the future tactical systems for years to come. Several classes of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) are considered by the US armed services, among them, two relatively new groups, currently defined as Tier II and Tier III by the US Navy/Marine Corps, the latter considered to be the more mature. However, just prior to the event, Tier II changed direction, somewhat reshuffling the cards for many participants. AUVSI provided the stage for several companies to display relevant technologies related to the tactical Tier II program. These included the New Integrator, developed by InSitu, as well as the new versions and payloads for the Scan Eagle developed by InSitu and Boeing. Among the new versions unveiled by Boeing were a redesigned Scan Eagle Compressed Carriage (SECC) configuration to be adapted for air insertion.

Other Tier II candidates at the show were the GoldenEye 80 from Aurora, teaming with Northrop Grumman to pursue this program. SpyHawk displayed by MTC and the original designer Arcturus, the KillerBee, presented Swift Engineering teamed with Raytheon to pursue this opportunity while IAI's I-View 50, the Israeli was newcomer to this program. Elbit Systems' Skylark II was also on display and could become an attractive option for the US Marines. Smaller systems, such as the the new Stalker and Desert Hawk III from Lockheed Martin, the Skylark from Elbit Systems, and Skylite from RAFAEL, brought to the show by Advanced Ceramics Research (ACR), which also displayed its own Sky Fox UAV.

Representative Tier III also included future weaponized UAVs; these platforms, considerably larger than Tier II are designed for closely supporting tactical units providing persistent operations over the battlezone.

They will be used for fire support, armed scout and ISR missions directly supporting maneuver forces. They are designed augmenting or replacing manned helicopter gunships or manned close air support. These Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) Combat UAVs are expected to follow fielding of FireScout later in the next decade. Such futuristic designs are already under development, including the Excalibur from Aurora, AD-150, proposed by American Dynamics, and the VARIOUS UCAV, a concept for a future lightweight Unmanned Combat Aerial System developed by Lockheed Martin. Northrop Grumman also highlighted its newly selected X-47B UCAS-D vehicle, selected by the US Navy for evaluation for future carrier borne operations.


A unique sensor system for aerial refueling, designed by Cobham was introduced at AUVSI. This sensor is part of an aerial refueling system can be adapted to refuel unmanned aerial systems. The system utilizes the VisNav series 100 Dci sensor system can be applied to any buddy refueling pod and drogue, to accurately tracks measure the drogue position in azimuth and elevation. The system performs over 100 measurements every second and relay the data to the UAV for effective station keeping. The sensor performs under all lighting conditions and can be integrated with existing drogues and buddy store tanks.


Payloads and Control Systems
Advanced mission control systems were also introduced, including the Virtual Cockpit from Procerus Technologies. Among the new payloads, novel systems included the latest version of the miniature, stabilized U-STAMP payload from Controp.

Pyramid Vision introduced at AUVSI the Video Quest product, supporting processing, storage and management of video streams. Two lightweight 5" turrets included new versions of the TASE displayed by CloudCap and the new TigerEye from AeroMech. Rockwell. Collins and Sandia labs unveiled the new TacVu Mini SAR payload and control system, introducing all weather imaging technology available for tactical UAVs. Applied Signal Technology also introduced a cellphone spotter payload enabling a uAV to covertly spot, identify and localize cellphone users from a distance.

Other new airborne payloads for unmanned systems included two new communications systems, the Mini-Common Data Link which recently passed a major demonstration phase and a new add-on unveiled by Enerdyne, enabling transmission of digital communications protocols and high capacity digital data over existing analog links.

Israel Aerospace Industries' Malat division introduced a new systems designed to improve command and control of Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) which were introduced at AUVSI. Finally, the naval application of unmanned systems was represented by a range of surface vehicles (USV) and sub-surface (UUVs) systems.

AUVSI Review

The "Unmanned Systems North America" exhibition and conference was held in August 2007 by the Association of Unmanned Vehicles Systems International (AUVSI) at the Washington Convention Center was the Unmanned Systems industry's largest gathering. The event was associated with the live demonstration of unmanned systems, where some 30 vehicles participated in the largest unmanned systems demonstration in history held on August 6, 2007 at the Webster Field Annex of Naval Air Station, Patuxent River, Md. The demonstration was hosted by the US Navy and Marine Corps Unmanned Systems unit PMA-263 which organized the event at Webster Field. AUVSI began with an impressive flight demonstration of 18 unmanned vehicles. First was the Shadow small UAV, followed by the first public demonstration of the Cobra, a small experimental UAV introduced by Raytheon. The Cobra was flown from Raytheon's Multi-Vehicle Control System (MVCS). (more...)

Israel Aerospace Industries' MALAT group actually demonstrated the simultaneous launch, flight and recovery of two I-View 50 Small UAVs. One of the I-Views was deployed from the truck mounted mobile launcher, also accommodating the control system, while the other bird took off from the runway. IAI also demonstrated two landing methods – the first aircraft used a parafoil recovery on a short strip, while the other was retrieved using the system's automatic landing capability. Impressive demonstrations were provided by the Australian made Aerosonde, flown by AAI and the ScanEagle displayed by Insitu. Northrop Grumman demonstrated the latest model of the FireScout MQ-8B VTUAV, currently being tested by the US Navy at nearby Patuxent River.

The RQ-4N Global Hawk was also flown from the nearby Naval facility. Spectators could not see the UAV in flight, nor watch real-time imagery from the scene, but toward the end of the day, after some of the images were declassified by the Navy, Northrop Grumman showed examples of the images taken during the day. These included the flight line, display booths, and even some of the UAVs in flight, taken during the demonstrations by the aircraft circling an area over the ocean, about 60 nautical miles off the coast. Another UAV that provided continuous cover of the event throughout the day, was Aeronautics Aerostar, flown by PMA-263.



Different unmanned systems participated in a mock battle scenario, involving a team of marines, engaging insurgents in a simulated urban area. First in line was the MDARS from General Dynamics. As the robot patrolled the road, it was covered from the air by an Aerovironment Raven-B mini-UAV. Then, supported by two robots, a team of marines moved in. Suddenly, the team was engaged by enemy snipers! Taking cover behind a wall, they reacted, assessing the situation, using support from air and ground robots. One of these were the Foster Miller SWORDS, joining the team used as an unmanned scout, while an iRobot Pacbot, equipped with Red Owl sniper detection kit spotted the hostile shooters.

A miniature Nighthawk hand-launched UAV was tossed to patrol the area, while Adaptive Flight's autonomous Hornet Micro UAS (derivative of the commercial T-Rex 450 radio-controlled helicopter) perched over the area, watching suspected enemy locations, providing the team with a real-time bird's eye-view of the area. As IEDs were spotted, unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) were sent in, including the robotic Caterpilar 247B designed by ARA and remotely controlled HMMWV, equipped with tele-operated grappler to remove the threat. Once the enemy location was spotted by the Pacbot and UAVs, an armed SRWS moved in, aligned in position blocking the enemy's escape route. Last but not least, a Remotec EOD robot moved in to deal with remaining unexploded IEDs and munitions left in the area.


Back at the convention center, the exhibition provided professionals with a vision of where the industry is heading, highlighting exotic futuristic designs, advanced materials and new sensors.

In recent years, as weaponized robots evolved from controversial science fiction into grim reality, particularly in the Middle East skies, new systems are being developed and deployed. The Sky Warrior and Reaper are representative systems pursued by the US Army and Air Force, based on the Predator platform. But some argue that payload capacity may not be the most important factor, as smaller aircraft such as the Sky Raider, designed for field operation could offer superior persistence, resulting in more opportunities to pursue time-critical targets of opportunity.

Another program dominating the show was the US Navy Broad Area Maritime Search (BAMS), which is expected to select an unmanned platform to augment and replace part of the Navy's maritime surveillance aircraft in the next decade. The Navy considers three alternatives representing totally different solutions, based on the Global Hawk HALE from Northrop Grumman, the Mariner MALE UAV proposed by Lockheed Martin and General Atomics or an optionally piloted G550 platform from Boeing.

Defense Update's AUVSI 07 coverage is focusing on the following topics

UAV Payloads at AUVSI 2007

Several companies introduced new and advanced payload systems at AUVSI 07. Among these were AST, presenting the lightweight Cell Spotter system to covertly monitor cellular communications traffic over a limited area. Enerdyne introduced a new hardware add-on which can be easily installed on any UAV, enabling users to send high capacity digital feed over existing analog datalinks. Controp, AeroMech and CloudCap unveiled new versions of stabilized payloads weighing under two pounds each, designed specifically for emerging mini-UAVs while Rockwell Collins unveiled the new TacVue Mini-SAR designed for small UAVs, developed in cooperation Sandia Labs. (more...)

CellPhone Spotter
Applied Signal Technology (AST) is offering several types of electronic payloads enhancing target acquisition and identification from unmanned aerial systems. These include the Model 580 STYX small-size wireless interrogator, designed for interrogation of wireless communications using CDMA protocol. The system weighs only 7 pounds and consumes 7-12 watts that actively interacts with the cell station to obtain a mobile identification of dialed numbers from cellphones operating at any direction, over a distance of about 100 meters. Targets at longer distances can be obtained using directional antennae. STYX can operate in stealth mode, without any interruption of calls in progress. Alternatively, the STYX can operate passively to collect cal activity messages from a base station and nearby cell phones, including SMS messages, paging messages and responses and calls.

Another COMINT system developed by AST for UAVs is the Hydra. This system integrates adaptive beam forming and direction finding systems configured into small-size package. The system uses a software defined radio architecture to host a variety of signal-specific applications. The prototype Hydra has eight RF channels covering the 20-3000MHz range with 25 MHz IF bandwidth. The system weighs 30 pounds and consumes 180 watts. Further enhancements of the Hydra will include GSM identification and monitoring of GSM emitters, including the ability to geolocate each emitter.

Advanced Datalinks

Cubic Corp. and Rockwell Collins performed the first successful flight test of the Mini Common Data Link (CDL) system linking a King Air aircraft and a KillerBee unmanned system with ground stations. The prototype M-CDL weighs 1.5 pounds and demonstrated communications over a distance of 20 miles transmitting signals at data rates up to 10.7 Mbps. The tests support the US military's goal of developing CDL terminals that meet the payload restrictions of small unmanned aerial systems (SUAS) platforms and enable data link communications with current ground systems. Existing CDL systems are too heavy and too large to fit within SUAS platforms. The Mini TCDL is designed to operate at rates up to 45 Mbps and achieves interoperability with other vendor units through compliance with current DoD CDL waveform specifications.

A new datalink innovator at AUVSI was Enerdyne Technologies, a subsidiary of ViaSat. The company that specialized in video compression is now introducing a conversion system enabling analog datalinks to transfer digital signals at high data rates. Analog links are s widely used with current UAVs, including most of the MALE, SUAVs, mini and micro UAVs. The system uses a signal modulator that 'superimposes' a digital protocol over a standard analog link. After the conversion the link can carry digital data rates of 4-5 Mbps data. The signals are demodulated at the ground station using a special receiver provided by Enerdyne. The airborne segment weighs only four ounces (100 gr.) and its power consumption is very low. It can be installed in a UAV within few hours.

Miniature Stabilized EO Payloads

AeroMech Engineering introduced the TigerEye miniature EO payload designed for small UAS (SUAS). The five inch diameter turret weighs 1.7 pounds in the EO configuration (0.1 lb heavier for the IR version)is designed for unmanned aerial and ground vehicles, with interface to the Cloud cap plug and play operating system complying with CAN or serial bus interface. TigerEye uses on board video processor providing electronic image stabilization and hardware embedded target tracking. The design uses a quick change of sensors in the field, without special tools. Optional sensors include a Sony EX980S camera with x26 zoom, a Flir Photon with 50 mm lense, a laser illuminator or low light CCD imager.

Cloud Cap Technologies offers several versions of its lightweight payload known as TASE weighing about 1 kg. The payload can accommodate a number of sensors, including daylight cameras such as the Sony EX980S with x26 zoom or EX480C with 18x zoom. A range of FLIRs is also available for this payload, including the FLIR Photon Block II core (324x256) with a single or dual lense, Thermoteknix Miricle modules (384x288 or 640x480) or a Short Wave InfraRed (SWIR) 320x240 sensor from Goodrich. Cloud Cap also offers a unique mechanism retracting the TASE gimbal into the aircraft to support belly landing or other operations. The entire mechanism adds only 280 grams to the payload weight while eliminating the need for much heavier parachute, airbag or landing carriage.



Controp Precision Technologies from Israel, a pioneer in the field of miniature EO turrets for UAVs, unveiled enhanced versions of its STAMP miniature stabilized payload at AUVSI 07, introducing an operational Uncooled IR sensor packed version (U-STAMP) for the first time. This payload weighing only one kilogram is designed for nighttime missions, and, according to Controp, has already been delivered to several customers worldwide. According to Controp, the 3 axis gyro stabilization of the STAMP platform's line of sight provides unique attributes to this turret, including highly stable video imaging including high quality pictures in full zoom, without vibrations or jittering, It also provides continuous target tracking regardless of aircraft attitude and motion. Wide field of regard and the ability to 'point to coordinates' makes this small payload simple to use and highly efficient when operated by ordinary soldiers.

TacVue MiniSAR

Enabling effective tactical battlefield reconnaissance/surveillance from UAS or manned platform applications, today’s unmanned/manned vehicle platforms need superior all weather, obscurant, day/night operational radar systems for all environments. Towards this requirement, Rockwell Collins and Sandia National Laboratories have joined together to develop a high performance Synthetic Aperature Radar (SAR) system. With Sandia’s radar experience and Rockwell Collins’ ability to manufacture field-grade reliable products for use in harsh environments, we ensure unmanned/manned vehicle platforms superior radar performance. The radar operates at the Ku band (16.8 GHz) providing 4-inch resolution imagery from a distance of 10 kilometers or 1 meter resolution from 23 km. Images can be used for identification and accurate geo-location of small targets at a geolocation error level of 25 meters. The current system weighs about 27 lbs, with future version downsized to about 18 lbs.

Warrior Aero-Marine Unveils Gull 36 Unmanned Flying Boat



Warrior (Aero-Marine) Ltd began flying of the first 4.0 meter span Gull 36 UAV in the English Channel. The Gull's design utilizes Warrior's unique 'stepless' seaplane hull, enabling the flying boat to handle twice as large waves as equivalent seaplanes.



“Both the hull and configuration contribute to the Gull working effectively in common sea conditions." said James Labouchere, CEO of Warrior Aero-Marine. "Its wave-piercing ability enables useful taxi speeds for surface operations and the Gull uses wave profiles to its advantage for take-off.” he added that the Gull is the first UAV seaplane that has been conceived and developed for both the coastal and offshore environment. No other published concept that we have seen can even approach the Gull’s combination of performance and seamanship.

New opportunities arise from the Gull combining boat functions and aircraft cruise performance, and switching spontaneously between aerial and surface functions. This combination enables surface work to be achieved at higher speeds than any vessel, and greater effect is won by the use of aerial detection and reconnaissance during transit.

These attributes offer exceptional capabilities for sampling, persistent tracking and observation of surface and subsurface targets. They will also enable fast remote insertion/extraction of small secondary unmanned surface and underwater vessels.
Combined with its use from lake, river and shore, and dirt strips with amphibious gear, the Gull is expected to achieve tasks that currently need multiple vehicle types and complex communications. In doing so, the GullL will enable a robust multi-role solution with a minimum of communications and one-stage data processing, to then transmit usable information and instruction.

To simplify deployment from ships at sea, the Gull could use the sled interface also developed by Warrior. Developed with the support of UK Defence Technology Centre R&D funds, Warrior developed and tested a towed-sled Launch and Recovery System. The SledLARS system can automatically launch and recover a fast-taxiing seaplane UAV (or a USV) from either the beam or stern of a parent vessel. This can be done while under high speed tow and on any point of wind. This removes the need for deck-mounted equipment for either launch or recovery, enables the GULL to be operated from both small and large vessels and allows ships’ other aerial activities to continue simultaneously with little or no interference.

Maveric 150 Hand Launched, Foldable Micro UAV



At AUVSI 2008 Prioria Robotics, Inc. launched a new version of the MAVERIC. A small system, carried and launched by a single-person, Maveric operates as an autonomous UAS, controlled by Peoria's Merlin operating system which has unique collision avoidance capabilitiesdesigned into its embedded-vision navigation. Another unique feature of the Maveric is its bendable, carbon fiber wings, allowing storage in a six-inch tube and deployment in less than two minutes with no assembly. The airframe is manufactured from lightweight composite materials.




These algorithms improve the vehicle's performance in obstacle-saturated airspace, as in urban area, or in dense woodland. Other skills available in the maverick include target tracking, target identification and precision collision (guided strike). The Maveric weighs only two pounds fifty and is designed to carry a payload weight of 200 grams; standard payload includes a forward looking color video camera and another, side looking sensor accommodating either video or IR camera.At AUVSI 08 the company unveiled two redesigend versions of the Maveric, the Maveric 100 equipped with fixed camera and the '150, carrying a retractable gimbaled payload and forward looking fixed camera. The bird shaped Maveric weighs about 2.5 pounds and is powered by an electrical motor which is inaudible beyond 100 meters. It can fly missions of up to 50 minutes at a speed of 35 mph, or maximum airspeed of 60 mph, at altitudes of 50 – 25,000 ft. Maximum range is 27 km. At the end of its mission, Maveric will return to a predetermined point for skid landing.

V-STAR UAV - dubbed the "HMMWV of the Air"



Frontline Aerospace, Inc., unveiled at AUVSI 2008 a new vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft configuration called V-STAR. The company is implementing this design concept in a new unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) system, associated with the MicroFire gas turbine fuel-efficiency technology also developed by the company.


Frontline's founder and Chief Executive Officer Ryan S. Wood, calls the company's new VTOL-Swift Tactical Aerial Resource (V-STAR) the 'HUMVEE of the air', as it could provides breakthrough solutions for forward deployed military units, pushing logistics and weapons where other assets cannot move. “With payload at the center-of-gravity, V-STAR provides real mission flexibility, enabling to reach targets often three times faster than helicopters" said Wood. The same capabilities enable the platform to assume area surveillance, observation and target acquisition roles, carrying ISTAR payloads said Wood.

The V-STAR uses a vertical positioned ducted lift fan with counter-rotating blades for vertical flight and hovering. After takeoff the vehicle transitions to forward flight with its “diamond-box-wing” and propelled by the ducted rear pusher fan. Dual Rolls-Royce Model 250 gas turbines will propel the aircraft at a cruise speed of 288 knots with a 400-pound payload for 650 miles. Endurance variations of V-STAR can carry a 110-pound ITARS package for over 19 hours. The long endurance is derived partly form the implementation of Frontline's patent-pending MicroFire technology, contributing to the high fuel-efficiency and reduced carbon emissions for the Rolls-Royce Model 250 engine family.

The system is extracting heat from the engine through counter-flow heat recuperator, transferring heat from the exhaust air back to the compressed engine air before combustion. Such implementations could double the overall thermal efficiency of the engine. The 50 pound MicroFire system is designed for improved durability and reliability of such system at a low specific weight, improving fuel consumption as much as 40% with low pressure drop and low power loss.