US Navy foresees an uncrewed future for its surface and underwater fleet
The service has been conducting various procurement and development efforts to integrate unmanned surface and underwater vehicles into its inventory.
DJI has launched a new consumer quadcopter called Phantom 4 designed for professional aerial photography, the company announced on 2 March.
The camera-equipped UAS has features including TapFly, ActiveTrack and an obstacle sensing system.
The obstacle sensing system features two front-facing optical sensors that scan for obstacles and automatically direct the aircraft around them. If the system determines the aircraft cannot go around the obstacle, it will stop and hover until the user redirects it. The user triggering the aircraft’s ‘return to home’ function also activates the obstacle avoidance system.
The ActiveTrack function allows users with the DJI Go app on Android and iOS devices to follow and keep the camera centred on the subject by tapping the subject on their tablet or smartphone. By activating the ActiveTrack mode in the app, the users can take pictures of moving objects. The UAS uses machine learning and three-dimensional understanding to keep the subject within frame even when the subject moves or turns.
The TapFly function in the DJI Go app allows the users to double-tap a destination on the screen and the UAS calculates the optimal flight route to reach the destination. The UAS also has a ‘pause’ button, which allows the user to halt autonomous flight at any time, causing the craft to hover.
The Phantom 4 features a Lightbridge video transmission system to display the real-time camera feed on a user's smart device, with a range of 5km.
The UAS' frame incorporates a lightweight composite core that features a redesigned gimbal to dampen vibration, stabilise the UAS and reduce the risk of propellers appearing in the shot. The system's battery provides a flight time of 28 minutes.
The service has been conducting various procurement and development efforts to integrate unmanned surface and underwater vehicles into its inventory.
Tekever has manufactured the AR3, AR4 and AR5 UAS with all systems sharing common electronics and software architecture, which has enabled the reuse of ground segment elements within the new ARX UAS.
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.