General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) has begun demonstration flights of the Guardian UAS on Iki Island in Japan, the company announced on 9 May.
Intended to promote the civil and scientific applications of the UAS, the demonstration flights will consist of approximately ten five-hour sorties over a three week period, out of Iki Airport.
During the flights, the UAS will collect data for scientific research that will be shared across multiple government agencies. The sensor data will also be provided to scientific research institutions and flight data will be given to airspace management organisations to help establish procedures for using unmanned systems in national and international civil airspace.
The Guardian’s sensors include a long-range maritime surface-search radar, stabilised optical and infrared video cameras and an active collision-avoidance system, which includes a short range air-to-air radar. The configuration is similar to the one operated by the US Department of Homeland Security over the maritime approaches to the US.
The Guardian system will demonstrate various missions, including meteorological, disaster-relief and oceanic observations; marine accidents and rescue support, and air space management and support of communications.
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.
Connect with us on socials
