The government of Queensland, Australia, is looking to increase funding to advance UAS development for a number of civil markets, it was announced on 25 July.
Partnerships will be formed with Boeing, Insitu Pacific, Shell’s QGC project, Telstra and regional small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to develop and test UAS technologies. Technologies to be developed include enhanced data analytics tools and an improved airspace situational awareness prototype system that will enable safe UAS operations over a broad area.
End markets for the technology will include environmental management, search and rescue, telecommunications, energy, mining, agriculture and Liquid Natural Gas.
The AUD$1 million in funding is the first investment to be released under the recently announced AUD$10 million Advance Queensland Platform Technology Program, which in turn is part of the Queensland government’s AUD$405 million Advance Queensland initiative. This iniative aims to transform Queensland into a knowledge-based economy and help create the jobs of the future.
Shane Arnott, director of Phantom Works International, Boeing Defence Space and Security, said: 'Boeing is excited to bring our 100 years of aerospace innovation to this important project. Working with the Queensland government and our partners Insitu Pacific, QGC, Telstra and the SMEs, this really is a best-of-Queensland team dedicated to developing technology that can have a truly global impact.'
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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