Unmanned Vehicles - supported by its dedicated on-line intelligence service www.uvonline.com - is the world’s leading independent bi-monthly publication for the unmanned systems industry.

With a circulation of more than 6,000, and a senior-level readership of more than 25,000 in 120 countries, UV together with the annual Unmanned Vehicles Handbook deliver essential, in-depth and up-to-date coverage of technology developments, news, procurement data and civil/commercial market opportunities.

The aim of UV is to be the business to business source of information for both the industry professional and the user community.

Its portfolio of market-leading events in Asia, Europe and the US complement this dedicated information service with cutting-edge programmes and top-level speakers.

3 Editorial comment
Autonomous operation is the industry’s Holy Grail. Editor Andrew White ponders whether the technology is ready yet.

4 News
Lawsuit filed against Boeing for patent infringement
A review of some of the latest developments from around the unmanned systems industry.

8 Filling the gaps
Rather than purchasing unmanned platforms to fulfil short-term requirements, many militaries are now contracting in services, often to supplement incomplete long-term programmes, Beth Stevenson reports.

12 Efficiency drive
When it comes to powering unmanned platforms, finding an alternative to fossil fuel is not only a matter of being environmentally conscious, but can also result in improved performance and efficiency. Peter Donaldson explores some of the alternatives.

16 Crossing over
The parapublic sector is learning lessons from combat deployments of unmanned aircraft. From border protection to natural disasters, Scott R Gourley investigates how UAS are finding their place outside military applications.

22 University challenge
With militaries concerned with ongoing operations and industry rushing to deliver the next UOR item, universities worldwide are leading the charge to develop the next big thing in the sphere of small unmanned systems, finds Andrew White.

28 On the crest of a wave
Initially a tool for research and data collection, UUVs have become indispensable for mine countermeasure and inspection operations. Tim Fish looks at how the vehicles are continuing to evolve.

33 Fly first, learn later
The lack of military requirements for effective UAS simulation and training programmes has meant that many systems have been fielded to operators who are unable to fully utilise their capabilities, discovers Claire Apthorp.

40 Interview
Beth Stevenson talks to Dubi Lavi, UAV programme executive office director at the Directorate of Defense Research & Development in the Israeli MoD, about current R&D processes and why the country is a leader in unmanned capabilities.

Feb/Mar 2012
(AUSA Winter, Singapore Airshow, AUVSI Israel, Dimdex, FIDAE, Quad A)

• Asian Overview
• HALE UAVs
• Weaponisation
• VTOL UAVs

Apr/May 2012
(DSA, SOFEX, SOFIC, Eurosatory, UDT)

• Small Unmanned Systems
• UUVs
• Parapublic
• UAS Service Porvision

Jun/Jul 2012
(Farnborough Airshow)

• Israeli Industry
• UAS Engines
• EO/IR Payloads
• Radar

Aug/Sep 2012
(AUVSI, Africa Aerospace and Defence, ILA Berlin Airshow, Modern Day Marine)

• Data Links
• Launch Systems
• Ground Robotics
• Aerostats

Oct/Nov 2012
(AUSA Annual, Euronaval)

• USVs
• Radar
• UAS Training
• Propellers

Dec/Jan 2012/13
(AUSA Aviation)

• Hyperspectral Sensors
• Tactical UAS
• Advanced Materials
• Power Supply

Unmanned Vehicles is part of the C4ISR division in Shephard's internationally renowned publishing portfolio and gained its first BPA Audit in 2011.

UV has circulation of over 6,400 and each printed copy has a 4 times pass on readership. (Adestra Readership Survey 2010).

Circulation has been further enhanced with the launch of our new free digital editions service.

- Qualified Circulation: 80.3% print, 19.7% digital

- Geographic breakdown: USA 44.2%, Europe 35.7%, Rest of World 20.1%

- Military 27%

- Government/Procurement/CEOs/Directors/Senior Management - 41.59%

Shephard's publications are also distributed at all major shows throughout the year.

Advertising in UV will ensure your message really is seen by the right people in the industry. Do not miss this unique opportunity.

For advertising enquiries contact:

Mike Wild, Head of Publishing Sales on: +44 (0)1753 727007, email mike.w@shephardmedia.com