Featured News

Trending News

27 December 2024
President-Elect Donald Trump's choice to lead the Department of Government Efficiency is no military expert&mdash;and he evaded South Africa's mandatory service in that country's armed forces&mdash;but Elon Musk nonetheless sees the future of airborne combat.
It's not about fighter pilots and manned jets.
Yesterday, Musk posted on X:&nbsp;"America needs a large quantity of long-range drones (air, surface water &amp; submarine) and hypersonic missiles. Anything manned will die very fast in a drone war."&nbsp;
The recent post follows similar thoughts he shared on the site last month:&nbsp;"Future wars are all about drones &amp; hypersonic missiles. Fighter jets piloted by humans will be destroyed very quickly."
Musk is also no fan of the F-35 fighter, which he calls a "sh*t design."
"The F-35 design was broken at the requirements level, because it was required to be too many things to too many people," Musk stated in a November post. "This made it an expensive &amp; complex jack of all trades, master of none. Success was never in the set of possible outcomes. And manned fighter jets are obsolete in the age of drones anyway. Will just get pilots killed."&nbsp;
<h5>How Bad IS the F-35 Fighter?</h5>
<iframe style="width: 674px; height: 379px;" title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bSS0JbWczAQ?si=FTMVtK5DCIWi6TtS" width="674" height="379" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
<iframe style="width: 670px; height: 377px;" title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fX3HG4mw32o?si=aj2-nOPrq7pZimFB" width="670" height="377" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
Whatever one's opinion on the F-35 and other manned combat jets, Musk&mdash;along with likely tons of The Droning Company community&mdash;sees that drones offer mission-critical advantages without significant risk to pilots, and that the future of warfare will most probably be written by drones. We already have incrediblle data from actual war zones and military think tanks regarding the success rates of combat drones.&nbsp;
So, while we can probably thank Musk for stating the obvious, warfare is a tricky business and combat advancements typically take years&mdash;and staggering expense&mdash;before they are proven and battlefield ready.&nbsp;
What are your views on drone combat? Feel free to share them with us at <a href="mailto:mmolenda@thedroningcompany.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">mmolenda@thedroningcompany.com</a>.

Elon Musk Bullish on Combat Drones

Product News

19 December 2024
<a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.silynxcom.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Silynxcom Ltd.</a>, a manufacturer and developer of ruggedized tactical communication headset devices, announced today its latest innovative product aimed at boosting situational awareness and safety for armored personnel carrier (&ldquo;APC&rdquo;) crews and other heavy military vehicles. This technology addresses a critical challenge on the modern battlefield: detecting the distinct and potentially life-threatening drone humming while simultaneously maintaining hearing protection in high-noise environments.
Military crews operating within armored vehicles rely on specialized headsets to communicate effectively amidst the overwhelming noise generated by vehicle engines and live weaponry. These headsets facilitate internal and external communication.
Current technology utilizes ANR (&ldquo;Active Noise Reduction&rdquo;). This technology employed in headsets, customarily used in civilian environments, such as commercial airliners or trains, can reduce repetitive noises, such as the APC vehicle engine.
As the battlefield evolves, this characteristic of ANR headsets may lead to the blocking of certain sounds that ought to be detected, such as the faint buzz of an approaching drone, a sound that could signal an imminent threat.
Silynxcom&rsquo;s new APC headset integrates advanced auditory technology to allow for hearing protection from continuous and sudden sounds, while facilitating the selective amplification of certain environmental sounds, such as drone noise.
The new headset is compatible with the most popular APC intercom and radio systems, such as plug and play, allowing for seamless upgrade of existing systems.
The product was developed in collaboration with a leading global player in the industry and has undergone successful field tests with one of the world&rsquo;s most advanced military forces.
&ldquo;Silynxcom continues to innovate and adjust to modern threats to hearing protection by innovating new solutions for military and tactical applications,&rdquo; said Nir Klein, Chief Executive Officer of Silynxcom. &ldquo;This latest advancement demonstrates our dedication to addressing evolving battlefield challenges and enhancing the capabilities of modern military forces.&rdquo;
<h5>About&nbsp;Silynxcom&nbsp;Ltd.</h5>
Silynxcom Ltd. develops, manufactures, markets, and sells ruggedized tactical communication headset devices as well as other communication accessories, all of which have been field-tested and combat-proven. The Company&rsquo;s in-ear headset devices, or In-Ear Headsets, are used in combat, the battlefield, riot control, demonstrations, weapons training courses, and on the factory floor. The In-Ear Headsets seamlessly integrate with third party manufacturers of professional-grade ruggedized radios that are used by soldiers in combat or by police officers in leading military and law enforcements units. The Company&rsquo;s In-Ear Headsets also fit tightly into the protective gear to enable users to speak and hear clearly and precisely while they are protected from the hazardous sounds of combat, riots or dangerous situations. The sleek, lightweight, In-Ear Headsets include active sound protection to eliminate unsafe sounds, while maintaining ambient environmental awareness, giving their customers 360&deg; situational awareness. The Company works closely with its customers and seek to improve the functionality and quality of the Company&rsquo;s products based on actual feedback from soldiers and police officers &ldquo;in the field.&rdquo; The Company sells its In-Ear Headsets and communication accessories directly to military forces, police and other law enforcement units. The Company also deals with specialized networks of local distributors in each locale in which it operates and has developed key strategic partnerships with radio equipment manufacturers.

Silynxcom Enhancing Drone Sound for Armored Vehicle Crews

04 November 2024
Israeli forces now deploying significant FPV drone strikes on Hezbollah positions in Lebanon.
This strategy demonstrates the relatively low-cost, real-time video feeds, versatility, and increased accuracy of FPV drones in targeting combatants operating in difficult environments. Currently, FPV drones have been focused more on Hezbollah, rather than in Gaza or more broadly in Lebanon.
The enhanced tactical benefits of FPV technology may drive increased integration into Israeli military operations as tensions in the Middle East continue.
<h5 style="text-align: center;">CLICK LINK to Watch Video</h5>
<h5 style="text-align: center;"> <a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://x.com/Defence_blog/status/1853090556739498401" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://x.com/Defence_blog/status/1853090556739498401</a></h5>
&nbsp;

Israel Adding FPV Drones to Hezbollah Strike Force

01 November 2024
At the Future Investment Initiative in Saudi Arabia on October 30, former Google CEO Eric Schmidt urged the United States military to replace its fleets of "useless" tanks with AI-powered drones.
&ldquo;Give them away," said Schmidt, who founded a startup manufacturing autonomous kamikaze drones for Ukraine. "Buy a drone instead. The Ukraine-Russia war has demonstrated how a $5,000 drone can destroy a $5 million tank.&rdquo;
Schmidt resigned his board position at Alphabet Inc.&mdash;Google's parent company&mdash;in 2019, and, from 2016-2020, advised U.S. defense leaders on emerging technologies. In 2021, when in the top spot at the National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence, he passed recommendations to Congress on how to best use AI for national security.
&ldquo;The cost of autonomy is falling so quickly that the drone war&mdash;which is the future of conflict&mdash;will get rid of tanks, artillery, and mortars,&rdquo; added Schmidt.
However, Schmidt believes the West will be slow to adapt to rapid and radical changes on the battlefield.
"Organizational and political structures are not changing [in America]," he maintained, "so the system is precisely wrong for a drone-warfare scenario."

Ex-Google CEO Tells Army to Dumb Tanks for AI Drones

17 October 2024
After almost a year, the Pentagon has owned up to the fact that <a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.jble.af.mil/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Langley Air Force Base </a>in Hampton Virginia, was buzzed by a drone swarm for more than two weeks in December 2023.&nbsp;
At the time, it was determined the drones posed no threat, but the operator&mdash;or operators&mdash;remain unknown. So, why didn't base defenses shoot them out of the sky?
Interestingly, a federal law prohibits U.S. forces from blasting drones near America's military bases unless the UAVs are confirmed as hostile. Apparently, allowing surveillance by unidentified actors is just fine and dandy&mdash;which seems kind of like inviting Dracula into your home.
At present, Langley&mdash;which houses tactical jets such as F-22 Raptor stealth fighters&mdash;is seeking bids for anti-drone nets to prevent "eyes in the sky" from observing approximately 42 aircraft hangars.
&ldquo;This is something we have kept our eyes on,&rdquo; said Defense Department spokesman Sabrina Singh about last year's fly-bys. &ldquo;Given they were on U.S. soil, there was another level of interagency coordination that needed to take place, and it's something the department is continuing to analyze.&rdquo;
<div class="piano-newsletter-inline-in-article">
<h5>Learn More</h5>
<iframe style="width: 674px; height: 379px;" title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DF6CMYnZd5A?si=ZLR5vZYu3mam6wsA" width="674" height="379" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
</div>

Langley Air Force Base Still Unprepared for Drone Incursions?

15 October 2024&nbsp;
<div><a id="OWA7bcb2c2b-9329-9a77-9a9e-c4ea4c98cd4b" class="x_OWAAutoLink" style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://aressecuritycorp.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">ARES Security</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a id="OWA5a54d8dd-53ba-ecd3-4d3e-da866f31472b" class="x_OWAAutoLink" style="color: #ba372a;" href="http://www.matrixspace.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="1">MatrixSpace</a> announce a technology partnership that combines the AI collaborative sensing capability of MatrixSpace Radar with ARES Security&rsquo;s AVERT Mission Planning and Operations (MPO) software for autonomous systems.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>The AVERT MPO software enables mission planning and control for squads of ground and aerial robotic systems from a single interface in a remote tactical operations center (TOC). The expendable low SWAP-C MatrixSpace Radar, which can be deployed on ground and aerial autonomous platforms, brings unparalleled adversary, vehicle, and sUAS detection capability into the AVERT MPO common operational picture.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>Through this collaboration, customers, in particular branches of the Department of Defense, are now equipped with a decisive tactical advantage across a range of security and defense applications.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>The new capabilities will be featured at the Department of Defense&rsquo;s&nbsp;<a id="OWA50dd37e7-f034-e38b-32c3-85eebb8bc078" class="x_OWAAutoLink" style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://govtribe.com/opportunity/federal-contract-opportunity/thunderstorm-24-4-expeditionary-operations-im20240627wthunderstorm244" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="2">Thunderstorm 24.4</a>&nbsp;in early November, an invitation-only field technology showcase focused on innovative solutions for expeditionary military operations.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>&ldquo;Battlespaces and secure sites have a myriad of objects they must detect accurately, moving at rapid speeds in all weather conditions, day and night. Building MatrixSpace Radar into the ARES solution takes it to the next level in terms of managing and monitoring these secure locations. Enabling rapid counter UAS initiatives by bringing advanced technological solutions to the DoD is the key focus of our partnership,&rdquo; stated Lori DeMatteis, CRO, MatrixSpace.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div><a id="OWAc08130e4-f07c-a9a1-79d6-15524fb60faf" class="x_OWAAutoLink" style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://matrixspace.com/matrixspace-radar/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="3">MatrixSpace Radar</a>&nbsp;offers robust situational awareness of both airborne and ground-based objects, regardless of lighting and weather conditions. This facilitates highly accurate detection and Counter Uncrewed Aircraft System (CUAS) capabilities, Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) flight for uncrewed, autonomous and tethered aircraft, and overall general awareness and security.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div class="x_elementToProof"><a id="OWA427f444f-a30b-09b9-2ecb-d878ac53fa3f" class="x_OWAAutoLink" style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://aressecuritycorp.com/software/avert-mpo/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="4">AVERT MPO</a>&nbsp;integrates robotic platforms, sensors, and personnel using the tactical assault kit (TAK) into a common operational picture providing critical data for informed decisions and rapid response. AVERT MPO is unique in its ability to automate robotic sentries using trusted AI, intelligent pathing, and 3D modeling / simulation, and is capable of integrating with over 450 sensors through an advanced C2 platform, providing a decisive advantage during tactical operations.</div>
<div class="x_elementToProof">&nbsp;</div>
<div>Ben Eazzetta, CEO of ARES Security commented: &ldquo;We are impressed by MatrixSpace&rsquo;s powerful radar that delivers new levels of 4D outdoor surveillance, enhancing detection range, accuracy, and adaptability to adverse conditions. Paired with AVERT MPO's AI-driven control and intelligent pathing, the solution enables precise mission planning, faster threat responses, and optimized patrols, creating a more robust security ecosystem for any security force protecting personnel and assets.&rdquo;</div>
<h5>About MatrixSpace</h5>
<div>MatrixSpace is re-imagining radar, addressing the next generation of AI-enabled sensing so that objects can be identified and data collected at the edge in real-time. We have built the smallest, expendable radar system to provide new levels of integrated outdoor surveillance in 5D (the size, location, range and movement of objects in time) that makes it accessible to a broad range of public and private enterprises. Today we are already working with several branches across the Department of Defense.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<h5>About ARES Security</h5>
<div>ARES Security Corporation is a leading security software company and developer of the Enterprise Security Platform&trade; that is proven to reduce costs and increase effectiveness in numerous industries. The AVERT&reg; software was first developed in 1999 in coordination with the Defense and Threat Reduction Agency to protect U.S. special weapons stockpiles. The solution has been protecting the country's most critical assets since then. The Enterprise Security Platform consists of multiple AVERT solutions that cover the entire physical security lifecycle including software for security design, assessment, command and control, situation management, building information management, robotic operations, virtual training, and real-time decision support. AVERT solutions have received accreditations from the Department of Defense and the Department of Energy and are also DHS SAFETY Act certified. Government agencies, critical infrastructure and utilities, Fortune 500 corporate enterprises, and commercial clients around the world trust AVERT solutions to secure their people and assets. </div>

ARES Security and MatrixSpace announce technology partnership

10 October 2024
Perhaps the first military operation deploying UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) occurred in 1849, with Austria launching 200 incendiary balloons toward Venice.
It wasn't exactly a success.
Dependent on the whims of the wind, only one balloon reached its target. The rest were blown off course. (We're not sure where those 199 balloons ended up&mdash; although it was reported some returned to the Austrian lines. Not optimum.)
Almost 100 years later, the United States Navy and Army Air Force sought to develop more "reliable" unmanned crafts&mdash;at least in the sense that the UAVs would actually reach their targets. (The Austrian debacle was not lost on 20th Century technologists.)
LIFE magazine ran a story in its October 15, 1945 issue that the U.S. military had been experimenting with "robot planes" for 20 years. As per the publication's format, the article was mostly based on photo journalism, but the text offered this background: "The robot plane is flown by a man on the ground or by a pilot on another plane which accompanies it in flight. The remote-control operator holds a radio control box, moves the pencil-like stick to transmit signals over a frequency-modulated wave to a radio receiver in the plane. These signals activate a servo unit, nicknamed 'the muscle,' which transforms electrical impressions into mechanical action and moves the airplane&rsquo;s controls."
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/IabOHWkCFolNu1lAzSUhJwbrYkf2UkfglyWOGZWc.png" alt="" width="690" height="191" />
At the time, the operator needed to be within four miles of the robot plane. Today's drones can be operated from a control center that's hundreds of miles away.
But those first initial experiments did bear fruit. Drones are now essential components of modern warfare, and the U.S. Department of Defense reports its current combat drone fleet numbers more than 11,000.&nbsp;
It's amusing, ironic, and sad the LIFE article concluded that "the future" could hold an "awesome peacetime" application for unmanned, radio-controlled aircraft.
That became true, of course. Drones are used to make movies, clean windows, survey caves and other structures, aid realtors selling homes, provide children and adult enthusiasts with hours of fun and discovery, and much more.
On the other hand, the devastation wrought by military drones in Ukraine, Russia, and the Middle East are constant reminders of their destructive power when used in battle.

Military Drone Experiments Began in the 1920s

09 October 2024
<a href="https://steadicopter.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Steadicopter</a>, a leading innovator in the Rotary Unmanned Aerial Systems (RUAS) industry, announces the unveiling of the <a href="https://steadicopter.com/golden-eagle-hs/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Golden Eagle HS Rotary Unmanned Aerial System</a> for heavy strike capabilities in collaboration with <a href="https://www.rafael.co.il/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd</a>.
This collaboration expands the Golden Eagle family capabilities, adding a new attack capability dimension, expanding the system&rsquo;s operational versatility and reinforcing its proven performance. The Golden Eagle HS integrates Rafael's powerful Spike missiles for precision heavy strike missions in tactical operations and close air support missions including border protection, perimeter security, urban warfare, in open area battlefields, ensuring battlespace dominance and maintaining significant deterrence.
The Golden Eagle HS provides rapid and pinpoint accuracy strike capabilities at stand-off range against evolving high-value threats even in dynamic and congested environments. By leveraging maneuverability and mission efficiency, ground forces can operate from safe, stand-off positions day and night, against both stationary and moving targets. When mounted on a tactical RUAV, the powerful spike missile allows for more versatile, longer range, ground attack angles, maximizing firepower output while reducing the risk to infantry, marine corps, special forces, and other tactical ground units.
Equipped with advanced Spike missiles, known for their precision guidance and/or fire-and-forget capabilities and high-explosive warheads, the Golden Eagle HS offers enhanced lethality in a small, low signatures platform while covering vast operational areas of interest, expanding the power, versatility and strategic utilization of assault units. The Golden Eagle HS platforms can be operated in tandem formations, with each RUAV carrying its own missile, ensuring mission continuity even if some units are compromised. This approach enhances operational effectiveness by distributing targets and maintaining strike capability against multiple objectives. With a total takeoff weight of 50 kilograms the Golden Eagle HS can be equipped with Rafael Spike missiles, SR missile for a range of 2.5 kilometers and the LR2 for a range of 5.5 kilometers, enabling real-time mission versatility and immediate sensor-to-shooter capability at significantly large operational radiuses.
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/YcYNFYNiLJHUpJ0gPgL7KVMaHxqluikQBXQC8B1R.jpg" alt="" width="677" height="381" />
The system's advanced sensor suite, featuring a high-definition day/night EO/IR payload and target tracker, optionally integrated with SightX&rsquo;s AI advanced technology, ensures seamless target acquisition, tracking, and classification, even in adverse weather conditions and complex terrain. Thus, the system enables an individualized ID per object, ensuring continuous tracking with temporary obstructions or loss of sight within the field of view, and autonomously distinguishing between various targets, whether moving or stationary, human or vehicle-based. This real-time situational awareness empowers ground forces with actionable intelligence, enabling informed decision-making and rapid response capabilities.
&ldquo;It is a privilege to lead Steadicopter&rsquo;s exceptional team in the achievement of another significant milestone. The introduction of the Golden Eagle HS, in collaboration with Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. -a global leader in missile technology -represents a modern, tactical solution that meets today&rsquo;s critical operational demands with unmatched precision and standoff strike capability, without causing collateral damage, while keeping the troops out of harm&rsquo;s way. This partnership blends Steadicopter&rsquo;s cutting-edge RUAV technologies with Rafael&rsquo;s decades of defense expertise, resulting in a solution that is greater than the sum of its parts,&rdquo; said Itai Toren, CEO of Steadicopter.
"We are pleased to collaborate with Steadicopter in advancing the future of combat, where modern warfare demands innovative and advanced solutions," A senior Rafael official noted: "This collaboration provides a cutting-edge, standoff warfighting RUAV that may very much reshape modern battlefield and will enable existing and new Spike missile users to utilize them in a new tactical, versatile, and lethal way.
<h5>About Steadicopter Ltd.</h5>
Steadicopter Ltd. is a revolutionary player in the Rotary Unmanned Aerial Systems (RUAS) industry, specializing in the design, development, and production of rotary tactical UAS. The company&rsquo;s unmanned helicopters provide superior-high-quality real-time intelligence and/or precise light or heavy pinpoint strike capabilities, with high mission versatility and nearly zero logistic footprints to meet the challenges of the defense, homeland security, and civilian markets over land or in the maritime environment for a wide variety of open areas and urban scenarios. Steadicopter is a supplier of systems and services to the IDF, Israeli Airforce and the Israeli Navy as well as to international customers and end users.
<h5>About Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. </h5>
Established in 1948, RAFAEL Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. develops, manufactures, and sustains combat-proven technologies, products, and systems-of-systems for air, land, naval, space and digital applications. Leveraging its technological ingenuity, operational experience, and unparalleled understanding of evolving combat requirements, RAFAEL provides global warfighters with today&rsquo;s most advanced technologies and life-saving defense solutions that ensure operational superiority. RAFAEL's strategy includes strategic international partnerships and localization, to ensure customer sovereignty.&nbsp;
<h5>Learn More</h5>
<iframe style="width: 676px; height: 380px;" title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bSM8J27RTDg?si=_I6TmXOtNELI7brt" width="676" height="380" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
&nbsp;

Steadicopter Unveils Golden Eagle with Rafael Spike Missiles

03 October 2024
<a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.uavnavigation.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">UAV Navigation-Grupo Oes&iacute;a</a> has announced that SATNUS (a company formed by GMV, Sener Aeroespacial and Tecnobit-Grupo Oes&iacute;a) has counted on its collaboration in the ambitious European program Future Combat Air System (FCAS). This program aims to develop a future-generation weapon system (NGWS), which will integrate a new generation of manned fighters (NGF) and multiple remotely piloted air systems (Remote Carriers or RC), all interconnected through a Combat Cloud (CC).
Within the FCAS program, UAV Navigation-Grupo Oes&iacute;a participates in Pillar number 3 of Remote Operators through a subcontract with SATNUS Technologies SL, which is in charge of maturing technologies and minimizing risks in the development of remotely manned elements of the future generation weapon system. Airbus GmbH is leading this pillar at the European level, with the participation of MBDA as the lead company from France and SATNUS as the lead company from Spain.
In the framework of this project, UAV Navigation-Grupo Oes&iacute;a provides its autopilot for the Manned-Unmanned Teaming &amp; Common Systems Demonstrator (MCSD). This demonstrator, led by SATNUS, will allow the rapid development and testing of concepts and technologies, with a special focus on Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUT) functions and architecture during phase 1B of the program's technology demonstration.
With its participation, UAV Navigation-Grupo Oes&iacute;a will provide innovative technological solutions and offer comprehensive support in the autopilot technical development, integration and operation phase. This support will be fundamental for the evolution and maturation of the technological capabilities of the program, contributing to the remotely piloted manned systems meeting the demanding requirements of this future combat air system.
<h5>About UAV Navigation - Grupo Oes&iacute;a</h5>
UAV Navigation-Grupo Oes&iacute;a is a company specializing in the design of guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) solutions for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) since 2004. UAV Navigation-Grupo Oes&iacute;a's flight solutions are used by a wide range of leading aerospace manufacturers for a variety of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), also known as remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) or "drones."
UAV Navigation is part of the Grupo Oes&iacute;a, a 100-percent Spanish-owned, private, and independent group of companies dedicated to technological and digital engineering. It develops and implements projects in 40 countries and has approximately 3,400 professionals in 19 corporate offices spread across Europe, Latin America, and Asia. Over its 46 years of history, it has innovated in products and services that benefit over 2 billion people worldwide, with the purpose of creating a better, more efficient, secure, and sustainable world.
The industrial companies within the Grupo Oes&iacute;a ecosystem are responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining cutting-edge technology for the Security, Defense, and Aerospace sectors, with a long track record of work in avionics for significant projects such as the Eurofighter EF-2000, A-400M, F-18, C-295, P3-B Orion, or MH-60R. The group is now involved in the most important UAV projects, including FCAS/NGWS, Eurodrone, and SIRTAP, among others.&nbsp;&nbsp;

UAV Navigation-Grupo Oesía contributes to Future Combat Air System 

23 September 2024
<a href="https://tb2aerospace.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TB2 Aerospace</a> has developed the patented DROPS (Drone Recharging Operational Payload System) system which enables fully autonomous UAV capture, delivery and recovery of payloads.
DROPS is a patented multi-mission payload system,&nbsp;designed to fit any UAV,&nbsp;allowing&nbsp;it to&nbsp;autonomously&nbsp;capture, launch&nbsp;and recover payloads&nbsp;without&nbsp;human intervention. The main advantages of DROPS system include:
<ul>
<li>The ability to autonomously capture, deliver AND recover/relocate payloads,</li>
<li>Transforming any UAV of any size into a Multi-Mission Payload system, and</li>
<li>Autonomous docking and locking of UAVs and Payloads on UGS and USVs.</li>
</ul>
Imagine a Robo-dog delivered over 60km into the field and when required it can be autonomously recovered by a UAV for recharging, or a UAV-deployed field of smart-mines which can be safely recovered or relocated without the need for Soldier&rsquo;s handling. &nbsp;
With the DROPS system a UAV can swap missions sets from Tactical Resupply Cargo Pods to Weapons Platform to ISR Sensor to CBRN sampler in seconds, without involvement of any humans.
TB2 DROPS is unique in that it is platform-agnostic, payload agnostic and designed to be employed in Groups 1-4 UAVs. Its MOD-Payload Compatible design enables DROPS to seamlessly integrate with almost any VTOL UAV platforms, ensuring that it can be utilized across different mission profiles.&nbsp;Now a UAV designed for one role can do multiple roles.
The key to the DROPS system is not just the patented alignment and capture system but the ability to guide the UAV to the Payload in a GPS-denied environment using the Payloads internal Terminal Guidance System (TGS). This system not only guides the UAV over the last 200 ft of the approach but also allows for payload discrimination so that a UAV approaching a cache of payloads can identify which one to capture using the In-Transit Visibility system employed across the DoD.
The team is led by founder, Hank Scott, CEO TB2 Aerospace, a former Naval Aviator and entrepreneur of several aviation innovations. Explaining the game changing nature of DROPS, Hank said, &ldquo;With the DROPS system the military has more flexibility, enabling one UAV for example, to be capable of executing multiple types of mission. It will enable the DoD warfighting to be more expeditionary without putting soldiers in harms-way. The flexibility in our design also standardizes the interface between the majority of UAV and payload manufacturers.&rdquo;&nbsp;
DROPS has advantages across the military domains, for example the Navy will benefit from the DROPS secure docking system which allows&nbsp;autonomous launch, recovery and securing of UAV&rsquo;s and payloads from Manned and Unmanned ships.
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/zWncZFOastlEFnFu68ld2XiHxgng28OdNQK90Kzs.png" alt="" width="705" height="390" />
The DROPS system also has a patented docking and recharging system. When payloads such as Cargo Pods are docked they are also instantly locked in place with Electro-Permanent Magnets, removing the need for straps or tie-downs, furthering the autonomous nature of operations. When docked the payloads internal battery is recharged by the patented docking system. Once collected by the UAV this payload battery provides supplemental power to the UAV in flight, reducing UAV down-time and extending UAV range.
One payload designed for the DROPS system are TB2&rsquo;s patented Cargo Pods, unique in the respect of the standardization they bring across the military sector &ndash; bringing a set of standard sizes from 5kgs to circa 400kg for CASEVAC Pods (current under development for a US Army Phase 2 SBIR). The Pods are stackable, lock together like lego bricks and have their own internal power and avionics.
DROPS is already being recognized by the military, gaining 7 DoD grants over the past two years totalling over $4m. The team are working closely on research projects with the US Army to develop next-generation capability, from tactical resupply in a Contested Logistics environment, to the recovery of critical assets and CASEVAC missions.
Industry is also recognising the significance of DROPS, with partnership deals announced with manufacturers, such as DASIS in the UK and Quickstep in the U.S.
Art Boghozian from Amentum, one of TB2&rsquo;s partners, remarking on the force multiplier effect of DROPS, said, &ldquo;The integration of the DROPS Cargo Pod and Payloads with our existing support infrastructure is a game changer for military operations. This partnership not only enhances the capabilities of UAVs in the field but also ensures that soldiers can easily access supplies without extensive training, allowing them to focus on the mission at hand.&rdquo;

Featured News Trending NewsElon Musk Bullish on Combat Drones

Featured News Product NewsSilynxcom Enhancing Drone Sound for Armored Vehicle Crews

Featured News Trending NewsIsrael Adding FPV Drones to Hezbollah Strike Force

Featured News Trending NewsEx-Google CEO Tells Army to Dumb Tanks for AI Drones

Featured News Trending NewsLangley Air Force Base Still Unprepared for Drone Incursions?

Featured News Product NewsARES Security and MatrixSpace announce technology partnership

Featured News Trending NewsMilitary Drone Experiments Began in the 1920s

Featured News Product NewsSteadicopter Unveils Golden Eagle with Rafael Spike Missiles

Featured News Product NewsUAV Navigation-Grupo Oesía contributes to Future Combat Air System

Featured News Product NewsTB2 Automates UAV Payload Delivery and Recovery