Selex ES UAVs ready for Italian Army deliveries
Two Selex ES mini and micro unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), ASIO-B and SPYBALL-B, are poised for delivery to the Italian Army following the completion of factory acceptance tests. The company made the announcement from the Farnborough International Airshow.
ASIO-B and SPYBALL-B are being delivered to the Italian Army for its Forza NEC modernisation programme. By gathering, processing and transmitting images and geo-referenced data in a reliable and precise fashion, they will give commanders better awareness of their surroundings, and help protect troops and vehicles on convoy, in dangerous urban areas, and in forward operating bases.
ASIO-B is a fully automatic electrical vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) mini UAV for surveillance, monitoring and intelligence (ISR) roles. It is a fan-ducted system so that it can be flown in closed spaces and in people’s presence.
With a maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of slightly over 8kg, the system has 30 minute endurance, radio link of over 10km in the line of sight (LOS) and an operative range of 7km. It can carry colour or infrared cameras which are software and mechanically pan and tilt stabilised. It is completely back packable and can be deployed and operated from a moving truck.
SPYBALL-B is a fun-ducted mini electrical VTOL system that can be packed and man-carried with a hovering capability specifically designed for close or over the hill surveillance and army protection, particularly in urban areas. The system has a MTOW of 2kg, an endurance of 25 minutes, 5km LOS radio Link and operative range. The system can also carry stabilised colour or infrared cameras.
According to the company, Selex ES’s CREX-B fixed wing micro electrical UAV will also begin deliveries to the Italian Army shortly.
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.