DSEi 2011: UAV training offered for civilian applications
Sky-Futures is taking a new approach to UAV training by using military operators and equipment to provide training to pilots for civil applications.
Speaking to Shephard at DSEi in London on 14 September, directors of the company, James Harrison and Chris Blackford, explained how they see a market for civilian system training and are bridging the gap between this and military use.
Pilots with military experience in operating unmanned systems are contracted to train individuals who have purchased a UAV for applications such as agriculture and construction, and this training can be done in between 2-3 days and two weeks.
Alongside training, the company also purchases and sells UAVs - primarily focusing on micro and mini rotary systems at present because of the ease of use in terms of landing the platform.
'We look for very good products with solid futures that can be used properly,' Harrison explained.
'Lots of micro and mini UAVs are being developed, but not for civil applications.'
The company is working alongside the CAA to develop an offering that is complaint with civil aviation standards, yet would move towards other areas of the unmanned market, such as UGVs, if the opportunity came about.
Sky-Futures purchases the UAVs from two undisclosed manufacturers at present, one in Europe and the other in the US, and has received 'huge interest' internationally.
More from Uncrewed Vehicles
-
![Ready for the race: Air separation drone swarms vs. air defence systems]()
Ready for the race: Air separation drone swarms vs. air defence systems
As the dynamics of aerial combat rapidly evolve, Chinese scientists have engineered a sophisticated air separation drone model that can fragment into up to six drones, each capable of executing distinct battlefield roles and challenging the efficacy of current anti-drone defences such as the UK’s Dragonfire laser system.
-
![Israel’s MALE UAVs ‘must adapt’ to Iranian-made air defences]()
Israel’s MALE UAVs ‘must adapt’ to Iranian-made air defences
Advancements in air defence technologies have begun to reshape aerial combat dynamics in the Middle East, as illustrated by recent events involving the Israeli Air Force and Hezbollah.
-
![Hundreds more UAS sent to Ukraine forces with thousands more on the way]()
Hundreds more UAS sent to Ukraine forces with thousands more on the way
Both sides of the Russia-Ukraine war have been using UAS for effective low-cost attacks, as well as impactful web and social media footage. Thousands more have now been committed to Ukrainian forces.
-
![AI and software companies selected for US Army Robotic Combat Vehicle subsystems]()
AI and software companies selected for US Army Robotic Combat Vehicle subsystems
The US Army has intentions to develop light, medium and heavy variants of the Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV) as part of the branche’s Next Generation Combat Vehicle family.
-
![DroneShield to improve software of DroneSentry-X C-UAS system under new contract]()
DroneShield to improve software of DroneSentry-X C-UAS system under new contract
DroneSentry-X, a cross-vehicle compatible, automated 360° C-UAS detect and defeat device, can offer 360° awareness and protection using integrated sensors. According to its manufacturer, it is suitable for mobile operations, on-site surveillance and on-the-move missions.
-
![Ukraine takes delivery of new indigenous C-UAS systems]()
Ukraine takes delivery of new indigenous C-UAS systems
Funded by the country’s former president, the new C-UAS systems will be sent to the frontline where they have already been tested against Russian invading forces.
