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.
Lockheed Martin demos UAS collaboration
Lockheed Martin has demonstrated the ability to integrate UAS operations into the National Airspace System (NAS) using its prototype UAS Traffic Management (UTM) system, the company announced on 2 December.
During the November demonstration, the Stalker XE UAS provided a geolocation data to the unmanned K-MAX cargo helicopter in a firefighting scenario. K-MAX then conducted water drops to extinguish the fire, while the UTM tracked the UAS operations and communicated with Air Traffic Control in real time.
Paul Engola, vice president, transportation and financial solutions, Lockheed Martin, said: ‘This demonstration represents the path forward for flying UAS in the NAS using Flight Service-based UTM capabilities to extend the technology and systems that air traffic controllers know and understand.
'We were able to successfully modify the existing K-MAX and Stalker XE ground control software to connect to the UTM services and conduct the firefighting mission.’
The Stalker XE UAS’ stable, high definition imaging capabilities enables day and night operations. During this demonstration it worked in tandem with K-MAX to identify hot spots and fire intensity with its electro-optical, infrared camera.
Unlike manned aerial firefighting assets, K-MAX has the ability to operate day and night in all weather conditions, offering the potential to increase the aerial support available to ground firefighting operations.
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