AUSA 2024: Quantum-Systems targets big 2025 with UAS developments
Quantum-Systems has been upgrading its UAS family, with new versions of the Vector, Reliant and Twister drones set for release throughout 2025.
General Dynamics Mission Systems has used the Oceans 2016 event in Monterey, California, to highlight the capabilities of the Bluefin Robotics Hovering-Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (H-AUV).
The H-AUV is designed to map, identify and locate structural issues on a ship's hull without the need to dry-dock the ship. It has application for large ocean going petroleum and chemical tankers, cargo ships, cruise ships and military surface and sub-surface vessels.
The system operates autonomously and navigates along piers, bridges and hulls. It streams, records and stores high-resolution images for use by for shipboard or shore-based operators. It can also carry out undersea observation for academic and archaeological research, underwater law enforcement investigations and port and harbour security.
Matt Graziano, director of autonomous undersea systems for General Dynamics Mission Systems, said: ‘Inspecting ship hulls and other underwater surfaces can be a manpower- and cost-intensive part of a ship's observation and maintenance. This H-AUV also reduces the risk to divers when inspecting potential threats attached to a ship's hull or other structure.’
Quantum-Systems has been upgrading its UAS family, with new versions of the Vector, Reliant and Twister drones set for release throughout 2025.
The service has been using a Directed Requirement (DR) approach to speed up the deployment of a Medium Range Reconnaissance capability.
AeroVironment’s portfolio will grow thanks to the eVTOL P550 aimed at battalion-level tactical forces.
The Royal Australian Air Force is advancing its unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capabilities across three key programmes as it works with the likes of Boeing and Northrop Grumman to reshape Australia’s defence strategy.
Prototypes from Griffon Aerospace and Textron Systems recently passed through MOSA conformance trials and flight tests.
Funds for the second phase of this effort will be allocated in the US Department of Defense (DoD) FY2026 budget request.