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.
Rolls-Royce and Finland’s VTT Technical Research Centre have announced a collaboration for the development of remotely piloted and autonomous ships, Rolls-Royce announced on 14 November.
The strategic partnership will design, test and validate the first generation of autonomous vessels with the aim of entering the commercial market by 2020.
Working with VTT will allow Rolls-Royce to assess the performance of remote and autonomous designs through the use of both traditional model tank tests and digital simulation, allowing the company to develop functional, safe and reliable prototypes.
VTT brings expertise to the collaboration including the development and management of safety-critical and complex systems in demanding environments such as nuclear safety, physical tests such as model and tank testing, and digital technologies such as data analytics and computer visualisation. The company will also use field research to incorporate human factors into safe ship design.
Karno Tenovuo, Rolls-Royce, vice president ship intelligence, said: ‘Remotely operated ships are a key development project for Rolls-Royce Marine, and VTT is a reliable and innovative partner for the development of a smart ship concept. This collaboration is a natural continuation of the earlier User Experience for Complex systems project, where we developed totally new bridge and remote control systems for shipping.’
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.