Counter-small unmanned aircraft systems technology has emerged as one of the most prominent growth areas in the defense and security markets in recent years, as governments seek to not only defend critical infrastructure from violent extremist organizations and near-peer adversaries, but also from errant hobbyists.
Threats across the contemporary operating environment stretch from the employment of airborne improvised explosive devices (ABIEDs) by the likes of the self-proclaimed Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, to the breaching of national airspace at major airports by commercially available air frames.
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Boeing to build U.S. Navy's first operational carrier-based unmanned aircraft
On Aug. 30, the U.S. Navy awarded Boeing an $805 million contract to build the Navy’s first operational carrier-based unmanned aircraft, the MQ-25 aerial refueler, selecting the company over bids from Lockheed Martin and General Atomics.
Boeing was awarded the engineering and manufacturing development contract to provide an initial four aircraft.
“As a company, we made an investment in both our team and in an unmanned aircraft system that meets the U.S. Navy’s refueling requirements,” says Leanne Caret, president and CEO, Boeing Defense, Space & Security.
Pollen Systems unveils 'drone-aided managed service and self-service portal'
Pollen Systems Corporation has unveiled a “drone-aided managed service and self-service portal” called Pollen Scout, which helps farms and vineyards monitor crop growth, discover irrigation issues, and investigate pests and diseases.
Every week, commercially certified UAS technologists go to subscribing farms and vineyard sites and capture detailed pictures and spectral images using UAS. These pictures and images can help farmers quickly uncover and address common issues, ultimately helping improve crop yield and quality.
Pollen Systems unveiled Pollen Scout during the Woodinville, Washington annual Auction of Washington Wines, which provided a perfect venue to launch the company, and communicate with potential customers.
From Unmanned Systems Magazine: Interoperability efforts are changing the way robots are used in the field
During the more than 17 years of continuous warfare in Iraq and Afghanistan, improvised explosive devices (IEDs) have proven to pose the most serious threat to service members stationed in combat theaters. Mitigating this threat, as such, has emerged as a primary mission for engineering and design teams in both industry and the U.S. Department of Defense.
Additionally, research teams are well aware of the utility UAS can provide in the intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) realm. Perimeters of harbors and land-based installations can be monitored and kept clear of obstacles and potential threats — without placing human lives in harm’s way.
Colorado Springs Police Department prepares to launch UAS fleet
The Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) in Colorado Springs, Colorado is preparing to launch its fleet of UAS.
The department has purchased eight UAS—DJI Mavics, Phantom 4s, and a larger and more expensive Inspire 2—which will be used for everything from documenting accident scenes to finding a fugitive on the run.
One of the Phantom UAS will include an infrared camera for nighttime operations, when officers are most at risk.
Danville Community College launches UAS program
Danville Community College (DCC) in Danville, Virginia recently launched a new UAS class.
On Friday, August 10, DCC Instructor Steven Carrigan conducted a three-hour introductory training session at the college with 12 students. On Saturday, August 11, the students participated in the hands-on portion of the course at a remote site in Pittsylvania County, Virginia.
While instructing the students, Carrigan was joined by several Certified 107 Pilots volunteering their time, who helped teach students the dos and don’ts of operating UAS.
Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service deploys new UAS for first time
The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) in the city of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada recently deployed its new UAS for the first time to assist with the assessment of a fire and later, the detection of hot spots.
“With the drone’s help, the commander of the scene was better able to critically assess the dangers of this fire and direct the crews to target the fire in a more efficient manner,” explains Assistant Chief Jay Shaw.
“This is a great example of how our department is using technology to increase safety for our crews and also create better outcomes for citizens.”
Loudoun County Sheriff's Office sUAS program recognized for Project Lifesaver program
The Virginia Association of Counties has awarded the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) Small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS) program with a 2018 Achievement Award as a model local government program.
The LCSO was the first agency in Virginia, and just the sixth in the U.S., to have a small UAS equipped with a Project Lifesaver antenna. The Project Lifesaver program is an electronic-based locating system for people with medical conditions—such as Alzheimer’s disease and autism—who have a tendency to wander from home and get lost.
Airbus Aerial aids insurance, firefighters battling California's Carr fire
Airbus Aerial, the startup offshoot of commercial and defense giant Airbus, has been using its analytic tools to help insurance companies and first responders come to grips with California’s raging Carr fire, still only 61 percent contained as of Monday.
Airbus Aerial fuses satellite data with its in-house analytical systems to let insurance companies monitor areas they insure, enabling them to settle claims rapidly — in some cases, before the homeowner even knows their house has burned down.
One insurer logged into AA’s system on Friday and by Saturday had settled about a thousand claims, says AA President Jesse Kallman.
“With the satellite, it’s pretty interesting to be able to triage an entire county,” Kallman says.
Wilhelmsen Ships Service to help develop future UAS regulatory framework for Singapore
Wilhelmsen Ships Service has been selected to help develop the future UAS regulatory framework for Singapore. The company will receive dedicated funding for its shore-to-ship delivery project.
Following a Call-For-Proposal (CFP) by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) and the Ministry of Transport, Wilhelmsen Ships Service is one of just four companies to have received the funding.
The CFP seeks to “support the development of systems and technologies to enable innovations within the wide-ranging use of UAS.”