AeroVironment to display eVTOL P550 at AUSA 2024
AeroVironment’s portfolio will grow thanks to the eVTOL P550 aimed at battalion-level tactical forces.
Kongsberg Maritime has partnered with Robert Allan to develop a new remotely-operated fireboat called the RALamander to allow first responders to attack dangerous port fires more aggressively.
The unmanned boat will allow close-in firefighting against fires involving containers, petrochemicals, shore-side structures or vessels where toxic smoke or explosion risk may delay or even prevent manned assets from responding effectively.
Kongsberg’s maritime control and communications system will feature a robust high-bandwidth, low latency wireless link to a semi-portable RALamander operator console that can be located on a manned fireboat, or other vessel of opportunity such as a tug or pilot boat. A range of autonomy levels will be configurable or future-upgradable to suit the operator or port's evolving needs.
The RALamander fireboat can serve as a force multiplier with conventional firefighting assets, or be deployed on its own.
The 20m RALamander 2000, the first in the series, will be equipped with FiFi 1 capability with a total pumping capacity of 2400 m3/hr with optional foam. A retractable mast can bring one of the three monitors to a high point of attack for shipboard or dock fires.
The boat’s autonomous functions planned for firefighting include dynamic positioning, water spray target holding, and line protection where RALamander automatically moves back and forth along a line while directing protective spray cover on shore structures or vessels threatened by a fire. A low-profile design also makes it possible to attack under-wharf and marina fires remotely.
RALamander can also be used to tow a burning vessel away from threatened surroundings by means of its Grapnel Emergency Towing system.
AeroVironment’s portfolio will grow thanks to the eVTOL P550 aimed at battalion-level tactical forces.
The Royal Australian Air Force is advancing its unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capabilities across three key programmes as it works with the likes of Boeing and Northrop Grumman to reshape Australia’s defence strategy.
Prototypes from Griffon Aerospace and Textron Systems recently passed through MOSA conformance trials and flight tests.
Funds for the second phase of this effort will be allocated in the US Department of Defense (DoD) FY2026 budget request.
The Caméléon LG UGV includes remote operational capabilities and real-time hazard detection.
The UAS, which detects and tracks drone swarms, will be demonstrated to the US Air Force Global Strike team in January 2025.