German Heron 1 UAS flies in Mali
Germany's Heron 1 UAS has completed its first operational flight in support of the German Army’s mission in Mali on 1 November, Airbus Defence and Space announced on 3 November.
Airbus DS Airborne Solutions (ADAS) is responsible for the operation, provision, maintenance and overhaul of Germany’s Heron UAS in Mali under a contract signed in July 2016. The contract, which will run until February 2018, follows the company’s operation of the Heron 1 system for German forces in Afghanistan.
The first operational flight saw the UAS depart from Gao airport and undertake a five hour 40 minute mission. This flight is part of work to obtain full operational capability (FOC) for the UAS. To achieve FOC, three aircraft will be stationed in Gao and deployed in reconnaissance missions over the north-east of the country.
The reconnaissance results are made available to the joint evaluation centre of the MINUSMA Mission, contributing to increased security for all employees involved in this UN deployment.
More from Uncrewed Vehicles
-
Ready for the race: Air separation drone swarms vs. air defence systems
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.
-
Israel’s MALE UAVs ‘must adapt’ to Iranian-made air defences
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.
-
Hundreds more UAS sent to Ukraine forces with thousands more on the way
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.
-
AI and software companies selected for US Army Robotic Combat Vehicle subsystems
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.
-
DroneShield to improve software of DroneSentry-X C-UAS system under new contract
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.
-
Ukraine takes delivery of new indigenous C-UAS systems
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.