BMT Defence Services has developed a new UAS designed to perform perched landings using machine learning algorithms. The UAS has been developed in partnership with the University of Bristol.
The university and BMT have demonstrated how the combination of a morphing wing UAS and machine learning algorithms can be used to generate a trajectory to perform a perched landing on the ground. The UAS has been tested at altitude to validate the approach and work is now progressing on the development of a system that can perform repeatable ground landings.
The prime focus of the project has been to overcome the restrictive flight of current UAS due to their fixed and rigid wings - which reduces the flexibility in how they can fly - to extend their operation by introducing morphing wing structures inspired by those found in birds.
The 18-month research project was delivered as part of the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory’s Autonomous Systems Underpinning Research programme.
Simon Luck, head of information services and information assurance at BMT Defence Services, said: ‘Innovation is at the heart of everything we do at BMT and research and development projects provide us with the opportunity to work with our partners to develop cutting edge capabilities that have the potential to revolutionise the way we gather information.’
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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