Doodle Labs expands use of its radios on UAV systems
The Freefly Astro UAS is being validated for US DoD approved list. (Photo: Freefly)
Doodle Labs’ Mesh Rider radios have been integrated into Evolve Dynamics’ Sky Mantis 2 and will be integrated onto Freefly's Astro UAS under plans announced on 18 April with the latter system to be displayed at AUVSI Xponential in San Diego, taking place on April 23–25.
The Astro will be integrated with the Mini-Mesh Rider radio and is in the final stages of validation to join the DoD/DIU Blue UAS Cleared List. It is already in service with US Department of Interior, US Forest Service and other fire management groups, plus commercial and industrial customers.
The platform’s radios currently operate in an unlicensed frequency band to support commercial UAS operations while mitigating radio-frequency interference in both urban and rural environments.
The Helix Mesh Rider Radio for Sky Mantis 2, a small quadcopter platform unveiled earlier this month, is designed for defence applications, having been developed with sponsorship from the US DoD’s Defense Innovation Unit (DoD/DIU). It is on the Blue UAS programme’s cleared list for components.
Helix Mesh Rider radio will be fitted as standard, offering resilient long-range communications with 256-bit AES software data encryption and the ability to transmit reliably two simultaneous video streams (HD daylight and thermal), telemetry and C&C all at once across the same datalink.
Doodle Labs said: “The integration secures resilient connectivity, full data encryption and advanced interference-avoidance for the Sky Mantis 2, which has been field-tested in highly-contested airspace in support of Ukrainian defence forces in the face of active Russian jamming attempts.”
More from Air Warfare
-
Sale of F-16 fighter jets marks Turkey’s next step in mending relations with the US
As the purchase of F-16 Block 70 fighter jets by Turkey moves ever closer, US–Turkish relations have continued to improve, despite tension between NATO allies.
-
How the US decision to divert Patriot and NASAMS deliveries to Ukraine will impact NATO countries
Short-term shipments of US-made missiles will be delayed and a new delivery schedule is yet to be defined.
-
US Air Force divestment plans could create capability gaps in the Air National Guard
The retirement of A-10s would reduce the guard fleet and its squadron structure making it more difficult for the service to accomplish its tasks worldwide.
-
Leonardo’s AW249 to enhance Italian Army capabilities and target export market
Leonardo’s new AW249 attack helicopter has made its international debut at Eurosatory 2024, with the Italian defence manufacturer noting it would provide unprecedented capabilities to the Italian Army.
-
Congress plans to provide the US Air Force with an additional $1 billion for procuring aircraft
Extra funds will go to several programmes including the F-35. The House Appropriations Committee also prohibited the US Air Force from divesting U-2 and F-15 C/D fleet.
-
NH90 helicopter Block 1 upgrade launched
Developed as a multinational programme, the European NH90 was designed to meet NATO requirements for multirole capability from a common helicopter.