XTEND develops second-generation ISR quadcopter
Israeli company XTEND has developed a second-generation Xtender indoor tactical small UAS (sUAS) quadcopter.
Xtender is designed to provide ISR for close-quarter combat. Instead of a conventional ground control station, the operator uses a single-handed controller and an AR headset to directly see what the camera payload from the UAV is capturing in real-time.
The first generation of the sUAS is already in service with the IDF in Israel, and it was also ordered by the US DoD in early 2021.
XTEND has also sealed two strategic partnerships with Easy Aerial and SightX. The latter brings its Edge AI-based technology for enhanced situational awareness, autonomous multi-object classification and tracking. Edge AI technology runs on the XTEND operating system, enabling various AI-driven capabilities to be quickly integrated.
The partnership with Easy Aerial has resulted in the integration of the EGV 90 ground station with the XTEND Wolverine Multi-Mission UAS.
XTEND noted in a 4 May statement: ‘The integrated solution enhances XTEND’s capabilities to provide a complete perimeter security solution for long-endurance ISTAR missions and enable the operation of XTEND’s drone platforms from Robotic Combat Vehicles.’
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.