US DoD orders WASP aerostat systems
Drone Aviation has received a contract from the US Department of Defense (DoD) for the supply of its Winch Aerostat Small Platform (WASP) tactical aerostat system, it announced on 7 March.
The company will deliver the upgraded second generation WASP platform under the contract. Improved features on this system include day/night video and wireless communication range extension; expanded helium supply storage that supports extended deployment and operations for up to four weeks; redesigned mooring system for enhanced launch and recovery operations; and an upgraded and modular aerial payload interface unit to support interchangeable payloads including advanced ISR/video/SIGINT and re-trans communication systems.
Jay Nussbaum, chairman, Drone Aviation, said: ‘This DoD contract marks the latest milestone for the WASP which continues to demonstrate its unique capabilities and ability to meet evolving mission requirements. Having proven its capabilities through numerous army exercises, the WASP is building a strong reputation for value, both on the battlefield as well in its potential role in national security.
‘With this generation of the WASP, we are moving this company from its development phase into a commercialisation stage focused on aerial products designed for the military and civilian commercial markets.’
More from Uncrewed Vehicles
-
Reamda upgrades Grasshopper UGV observation mast
Reamda, an Irish engineering company with a focus on UGVs and defence applications, delivered its Riddler platformed to the Irish Defence Forces last year.
-
Roke unveils new CUAS solution
The Roke Agile CUAS has been designed to provide protection for military and civilian situations, as well as to handle swarms of UAS by using a range of sensors.
-
Russia reaches new monthly record for Lancet use in Ukraine
The aggressor’s armed forces have adapted Lancet to Ukrainian conditions via iterative developments accompanied by a significant expansion in production capacity
-
India’s pursuit of UAVs fuels domestic innovation and industrial growth
In response to escalating border tensions and the need for enhanced surveillance capabilities, the Indian Army is ramping up its drone acquisitions, reflecting the growing importance of unmanned systems in modern defence strategies.
-
Australia to adopt new predatory OWL species
The Australian Defence Force will introduce the One-Way Loitering (OWL) platform by Innovaero, the country’s first long-range loitering munition, to enhance strike capabilities and understanding of loitering munitions.
-
Dedrone’s latest uncrewed solutions offers “complete CUAS DTI-M kill chain”
DedroneOnTheMove, which integrates advanced sensor-fusion and mitigation technologies, was showcased at Eurosatory 2024 and has been designed for deployment to enhance airspace security in high-risk environments.