New UAS payload launcher out

Aero Surveillance has developed a new Multi-purpose Payload Launcher (MPL 30) to allow its VTOL UAS to deploy payloads such as tear gas grenades, the company announced on 17 November.

The MPL 30 will enable users to fire payloads including tear gas grenades, hygroscopic torches, and explosives – among others - from its ASV 100 and ASV 150 UAS at altitudes of several hundred metres. 

The applications being targeted with the new development include law enforcement, crowd and riot situation control, avalanche triggering and meteorological conditions modifications. 

The MPL 30 is comprised of two mechanical structures capable of carrying different types of plates such as tear gas grenades - up to 9 grenades on each side of the aircraft skid for a total of 18; a Secure Airborne Fire Control System that translates ground commands from an independent secure transmission channel into firing command sequences; a gyro-stabilised gimbal that provides high definition video during the day and night real-time imagery and can be remotely controlled from the Ground Control Station; and the ASG T150 dual display Ground Control Station equipped with a short or medium range communication system and a special software module dedicated to the control-command of the MPL sub-system   

Philippe Roy, president and CEO, Aero Surveillance, said: ‘We are very pleased with our collaboration with the Etienne Lacroix Group, international pyrotechnic leader providing a variety of pyrotechnic effects, components, products and systems, and excited with the result of this collaboration. The MPL 30 announced today allows us to propose complete and modular drone based solutions for law enforcement, homeland security as well as a range of civilian applications.’