Rockwell Collins flight control and navigation systems exceed 500,000 hours flying unmanned systems
Rockwell Collins' Athena flight control and navigation systems recently exceeded the half-million flight hours mark flying Shadow Tactical Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UASs) in operations primarily in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Athena systems provide guidance and navigation for UASs produced in the United States and Europe, including the United Kingdom and Germany.
"These systems enable UASs to fly reliably and accurately, providing critical surveillance and reconnaissance information to the United States and coalition forces operating in theater," said David Vos, senior director of UAS and Rockwell Collins Control Technologies. "We look forward to teaming with industry and the military to further the role of UAS technology in supporting the warfighter."
Rockwell Collins Athena systems include flight control software, solid-state gyros and accelerometers, magnetometer, GPS receiver and air data sensors, integrated into units ranging from as small as four ounces to nine pounds. These highly reliable, strap-down systems provide attitude and heading measurements with superior accuracy. With low size, weight, power and cost advantages, multiple Athena systems can be used in redundant configuration to increase automation and reliability for operations in theater.
Source: Rockwell Collins
More from Uncrewed Vehicles
-
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
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
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
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
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
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.