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.
Hazon Solutions has surpassed a milestone of having inspected more than 100,000 linear feet of railway bridges using UAS, the company announced on 22 August.
Over the last 18 months, Hazon has conducted 64 bridge inspections across the eastern US. The inspections include complete coverage of the entire bridge using high-definition still frame, video and thermal imaging cameras. Hazon inspection teams fly within 15ft of the rail bridges, as well as under and inside bridge spans collecting imagery from angles previously unavailable.
The company has been performing the UAS-based inspections since early 2016 under contract with Norfolk Southern.
David A Culler, CEO and co-founder, Hazon Solutions, said: ‘This milestone is great for Hazon, but also great for the entire drone industry. Norfolk Southern has proven that UAS technology is a safe and effective tool for critical infrastructure inspections.
‘The experience and expertise that Hazon has gained on the UAS inspection front have been invaluable; it has allowed us to move beyond proof-of-concept and into the transition period of integrating drones into the daily workflow. It's a very exciting time for the entire drone ecosystem and the customers we serve.’
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.