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.
Sea Machines Robotics has partnered with Hike Metal to integrate Sea Machines’ SM300 autonomous vessel control system onto commercial vessels tasked with SAR missions, the company announced on 14 May.
The collaboration will help develop and demonstrate the capabilities of autonomous marine technology for the purposes of increasing the productivity and safety of SAR operations.
Once installed, the SM300 will give Hike Metal vessels new capabilities including autonomous SAR capability, data-driven waypoint following and mission planning, collaborative vessel operations, remote vessel and payload control, minimally manned and unmanned configurations, and obstacle avoidance.
Sea Machines technologies also enable minimally manned and unmanned autonomous operations. Such configurations allow operators to respond to rescue events anytime of the day or night, even when crews are unavailable or restricted.
Phase I demonstrations will begin in summer of 2019 aboard a new-build, 27ft rigid hull inflatable boat. The vessel will be equipped with twin 200-HP engines, a remote-control Flir camera system, a heated survivor seating area, remote-control rescue cradles and extended-range fuel reserves.
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.