More new UAVs, new tech, drones for good, and a world record!
BLOS Update Week 38: 16 Sep - 21 Sep
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Good day!
Let’s jump right into it. We have a lot to go through — even more new UAVs launched, new technologies, contracts, and a world record!
New UAVs
The Russia – Ukraine conflict:
This conflict is a playground for military drone innovation and adoption. Ukraine repurposed a quadcopter drone to fire Soviet-era RPG-18 anti-tank missiles. After successful tests, it plans to target Russian tanks and vehicles.
Meanwhile, Russia has introduced the Garpiya-A1, a kamikaze drone built with Chinese engines and parts. Over 2,500 units have been produced in the last year, targeting both military and civilian infrastructure in Ukraine, raising concerns over China’s support for Russia's defense industry.
USAF’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA):
Earlier this year, the USAF had selected General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) and Anduril for the next phase of the CCA programme. Last week, at the AFA Air, Space & Cyber Conference 2024, GA-ASI showed off a full-scale model of their CCA, which GA-ASI have likened to a disposable ‘Bic lighter’, designed to be highly useful but inexpensive enough to discard after its mission. Alongside this model GA-ASI also had a static display of the XQ-67A Off-Board Sensing Station (OBSS) prototype CCA aircraft, which first few in Feb 2024.
Meanwhile, Lockheed Martin (who had lost out to GA-ASI and Anduril for the CCA programme) announced plans to develop a low-cost, expendable drone for the second phase of the CCA program. This shift comes after Lockheed's initial proposal included more expensive stealth features, which the Air Force found unnecessary.
Boeing has revealed a new land-based version of its uncrewed MQ-25 tanker, designed for the U.S. Air Force to refuel Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) in contested zones. This variant features a longer wingspan (from Navy Stingray’s 75 ft to 92 ft) for greater fuel capacity and additional mission capabilities like intelligence, surveillance, and electronic warfare.
Military UAV developments elsewhere from earlier this month:
Last month, Brazil conducted tests of the XMobots’ Nauru 1000C VTOL drone and integrated it in the army’s operations. With a 7.7-meter wingspan and 10-hour flight capability at 10,000 feet, it's designed for surveillance and defence, enhancing intelligence and reconnaissance across diverse terrains.
Earlier this month at the Egypt International Airshow 2024, Robotics Engineering Systems (RES) unveiled the "6th of October" drone. This medium-altitude, long-endurance UAV, first shown at EDEX 2023, can carry sensors, guided missiles, and smart bombs for offensive and surveillance missions.
A couple of new UAVs unveiled for dual-use:
Shadowfax UAS introduced the SF30, a hybrid VTOL drone with a 10-hour range over 800 km, designed for surveillance in tough environments.
T-DRONES launched the VA17, a tiltrotor VTOL drone with 120-minute flight time and a 900-gram payload capacity, built for durability and tight launches.
New Technology Development
Anduril Industries secured a $9M U.S. DoD contract to develop unmanned systems under the ALTIUS program, with a focus on advanced autonomous technologies for tactical operations, set for completion by 2029.
DARPA awarded BAE Systems $4M for its tactical autonomy program, aiming to enhance AI for air combat missions through machine learning, with testing on F-16 jets.
Thales is building a hybrid testing platform for robotics and autonomous systems under a UK contract, integrating virtual and physical environments to support multi-domain military operations.
Kratos Defense achieved a milestone with the GEK800, a cost-optimized turbofan engine for expendable cruise missiles and uncrewed systems, improving range, thrust, and fuel efficiency, in collaboration with GE Aerospace.
Airbus and Quantum Systems advanced swarm drone technology through AI-driven control, enabling autonomous operations without GPS, supporting future defense projects.
Acecore and Drone Rescue Systems partnered to develop a parachute recovery solution to improve drone safety for commercial and industrial applications, meeting safety regulations.
UAVOS has developed a durable composite rotor blade for UAVs, featuring a stainless steel leading edge for protection against sand and saltwater. This innovation extends UAV lifecycles and reduces operational costs, improving performance in harsh environments.
NSK introduced a gas turbine generator bearing that enhances the flight range of eVTOL aircraft by reducing lubricant use by 80% and enabling higher speeds. The bearing supports carbon-neutral propulsion with biofuels or hydrogen, advancing eco-friendly air travel.
Honeywell unveiled the Stationary and Mobile UAS Reveal and Intercept system to counter drone swarms. Using advanced sensors and BVLOS comms, it detects and neutralizes drones. The U.S. Air Force will test the system in January 2025.
An interesting sidebar:
The U.S. Army has patented a new system that could keep drones in the air indefinitely by enabling in-flight recharging. The system uses a "power bank" drone to charge other UAVs, like how refuelling planes extend fighter jet missions.
While it could extend mission endurance and range, it’s worth remembering that recharging batteries takes a lot longer than refuelling.
Trials and Military Exercises
NATO conducted an anti-drone exercise in the Netherlands with over 20 countries and 50 companies, including Ukraine for the first time. The drills focused on detecting and countering drones to enhance NATO's drone warfare capabilities.
Alpha Unmanned Systems will participate in the REPMUS 2024 maritime exercise in Portugal, providing rotary-wing UAVs for mine detection and surveillance to aid the Portuguese Navy.
At RIMPAC 2024, PteroDynamics showcased its autonomous Transwing VTOL aircraft in maritime logistics, completing 12 autonomous flights from the USS Curtis Wilbur, highlighting its payload capacity and flight efficiency for resupply missions.
More Contracts
The US:
The U.S. Army selected two new small UAS, the Ghost X from Anduril Industries and the C-100 from Performance Drone Works, to support reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition for Brigade Combat Teams. The $14.4 million contract was completed quickly to meet the Army's evolving UAS needs.
Orbital Composites received an AFWERX TACFI contract to scale production of its Starfighter X, a modular UAS built using autonomous manufacturing. The system is designed for counter-UAS and cargo resupply missions, supporting the Pentagon's goal of deploying thousands of autonomous systems in 12-18 months.
Reliable Robotics secured a multi-year U.S. Air Force contract to advance automation for dual-use aircraft, aiming to improve safety and efficiency while reducing human intervention, in line with broader DoD goals for autonomous systems.
APAC:
The Singapore Army introduced the Vesper UAV for tactical surveillance. It operates in all weather, provides high-quality video, and was showcased during Exercise 'Panther Strike' for its rapid deployment and real-time intelligence.
India is negotiating a $3 billion deal with the U.S. to purchase 31 MQ-9B drones for its Navy, Army, and Air Force. The deal, aimed at boosting defense capabilities along the China and Pakistan borders, must be finalized by Halloween (31 Oct 2024), to avoid price increases.
Europe:
Windracers secured a contract to supply ULTRA drones to the Norwegian Research Centre (NORCE) for Antarctic missions. These long-range drones will support research and logistics in extreme conditions.
Certification
Matternet received Switzerland’s first Light UAS Operator Certificate (LUC), allowing BVLOS drone operations over populated areas. This enables self-authorized drone deliveries in Switzerland and Berlin, accelerating medical supply services.
News like this is one of the biggest signs of how fast the industry is maturing.
Drones for Good
UNICEF is transforming aid delivery with drones, reaching remote areas with essential supplies like vaccines and medicines. Since 2016, they have pioneered humanitarian drone use, including Africa’s first drone corridor, improving healthcare access in hard-to-reach regions.
Aermatica3D has partnered with the government of Southwest Somalia to use drones for reforestation and climate change management. The initiative includes training locals to use seed-dispersing drones, highlighting sustainable solutions to environmental challenges.
Bee Cave, Texas, is launching the U.S.’s first fully autonomous Drone First Responder (DFR) programwith local startup eve Vehicles. The drones will respond to 9-1-1 calls, providing real-time aerial views of emergencies to enhance police response and address manpower shortages, while ensuring privacy protection.
The UK’s NHS will trial drone transport for blood samples between two central London hospitals. Partnered with Wing and Apian, the drones will bypass traffic at 100 km/h, speeding up logistics for high-risk surgeries. Operations are set to begin this fall, regulated by the UK Civil Aviation Authority.
In other news
Denis Postovoy, a Russian citizen in Florida, was arrested for illegally exporting U.S. military drone technology to Russia by concealing its destination and laundering funds.
Skydio faces criticism for using lobbying to dominate the market, allegedly harming competition and innovation, though it argues its focus is on reducing reliance on foreign adversaries.
A drone light show in Shenzhen set a new Guinness World Record with 8,100 drones flying simultaneously, creating intricate light formations. Organized by Shenzhen HighGreat Innovation Technology, the event showcased the company’s expertise and market dominance in drone performances.
For your Info
The Center for a New American Security (CNAS) has released an open-source dataset on global military drone proliferation from 1995 to 1 Sep 2023. The dataset tracks drone sales and transfers, revealing that countries like China, Turkey, and Iran have become major suppliers, overtaking the U.S. and Israel. The project highlights how drone technology has spread rapidly, and the dataset aims to aid further research on drone diplomacy and military strategies.
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