Two of UAV Solutions’ small unmanned aircraft systems (SUAS) have taken part in flight demonstrations for the Robotic Aircraft for Public Safety (RAPS) Phase II project, the company announced on 12 April.
The project is being run by the US Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology Directorate (DHS S&T) to assess the application of SUAS to enhance situational awareness in support of border security and law enforcement operations.
UAV Solutions' Phoenix 30 quad rotor VTOL UAS and Talon 120LE fixed-wing UAS were assessed during the event. DHS S&T developed a test plan for participants to follow with scenarios including emergency response, beacon response, injured operator/search and rescue and border surveillance.
Bill Davidson, chief executive officer and chief engineer, UAV Solutions, said: ‘We are developing low cost solutions that meet the needs of border security operators and law enforcement for scenarios where persistent surveillance is required. All our aircraft platforms can be quickly deployed for instant situational awareness.’
Weighing 20lbs, the hand-launched Talon 120LE is a man-portable UAS with a flight endurance of over two hours. The UAS’ payload section can house a UAVS Dragon View combined electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) camera sensor or payloads up to 2.5lbs.
The Phoenix 30 UAS weighs approximately 10lbs and carries a maximum two-pound payload. The UAS requires no assembly and takes only a few minutes to deploy. Endurance is 25 to 30 minutes depending on mission profile.
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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