The US Department of the Interior (DOI) is about to get into the optionally piloted helicopter game, and is planning a demonstration of potential candidates in May.
The DOI’s Office of Aviation Services (OAS) plans to carry out a series of flight tests in Boise, Idaho with heavy lift helicopters able to be operated in both a manned and unmanned configuration, according to a solicitation released on 21 May.
In particular, the OAS is interested in how suitable such aircraft are for missions including fire suppression at night and during low visibility conditions as well as cargo delivery.
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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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