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.
The US Navy has contracted Northrop Grumman for the provision of five additional MQ-8C Fire Scout VTOL UAVs, which will be the first delivered with new fuel cells to improve platform endurance.
Announcing the $55 million contract on 30 January, the US DoD detailed the procurement of five Fire Scout MQ-8C unmanned air systems and two lightweight fuel cells.
Melissa Packwood, Fire Scout programme director told Shephard on 11 February that the platform ‘brings increased speed and payload capacity to maritime operations’ and supports operations ‘by acting as a critical node in distributed lethality conops'.
The current delivery schedule
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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.