AUSA 2014: Da-Vinci VTOL UAS targets urban warfare

Flying Production will launch a new vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) small UAS (SUAS) called Da-Vinci at AUSA 2014. The system, which has already been sold to an unnamed Eastern European country, has been developed for urban warfare observation missions, among others.

Da-Vinci is a low-altitude multi-rotor platform capable equipped with a dual sensor EO/IR payload and HD data link for non-line-of-sight communications. It includes the Astronomy portable Ground Control Station (GCS) and control software, and can perform automatic take-off and landing, and autonomous mission flights.

The system has been developed for a range of applications including urban warfare, special operations, and civilian uses.

The 1.2 kg dual sensor EO/IR Galileo payload delivers IR continuous zoom, onboard video encoding, and low-light capabilities. The system includes multiple display and streaming features, real-time HD streaming, and Dual-Axis stabilisation.

The Astronomy GCS integrates power, data, communication, and control in an all-in-one unit; with software that enables advanced control modes, target sharing, multi-drone control, and an advanced warning management system. Astronomy also provides integrated HD and data radio communication.

Tal Shahar, CEO, Flying Production, said: ‘Thanks to its VTOL capability, the Da-Vinci is the perfect solution for the dense environments typical of urban warfare. The solution enables real-time information to reach fighters in the field, providing them with the advantage of knowing what's going on behind the wall and over the hill.

‘Easy to use, lightweight, and cost-effective - it has already been sold to a customer in Eastern Europe and is currently being tested by additional customers. We believe that further sales will be announced in the near future.’