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.
UAV Navigation completes BLOS flight test
UAV Navigation has successfully completed a Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) flight test of a UAS weighing over 25kg, the company announced on 19 February.
The company demonstrated the safe operation of its automatic UAS in a flight in segregated airspace to 20km beyond visual range, while complying with Spanish aviation regulations. The flights took place on 14 and 15 January at the ATLAS centre near Jaen, under direction of Seville air traffic control and in collaboration with ATLAS and VITO, which is the final customer of the UAS.
The autopilot for these flights had over 50,000 flying hours and featured physical as well as logical redundancy. This was the first flight of its kind authorised and executed in Spain, and it marks an important step for integrating UAS in the country's airspace.
A detailed aeronautical safety study of the operation was carried out to obtain a special certificate of airworthiness and the flight authorisation. A description of the experimental flights to be executed, flight profiles, operational characteristics, conditions and limitations were also studied and documented to ensure flight safety. The pilots were also required to meet all current regulations, including a pilot's license, medical examination and completion of type certification on the UAS platform.
The UAS, weighing 45kg, was developed by UAV Navigation. It cruises at 130kmph and has a maximum operating altitude of 3,500m and range of 400km. It features a high performance, stabilised day/night camera and has advanced safety measures, including a transponder and a parachute.
You may also like
More from Uncrewed Vehicles
-
![AUSA 2024: Quantum-Systems targets big 2025 with UAS developments]()
-
![US Army accelerates acquisition and field of company-level sUAS]()
US Army accelerates acquisition and field of company-level sUAS
The service has been using a Directed Requirement (DR) approach to speed up the deployment of a Medium Range Reconnaissance capability.
-
![AeroVironment to display eVTOL P550 at AUSA 2024]()
AeroVironment to display eVTOL P550 at AUSA 2024
AeroVironment’s portfolio will grow thanks to the eVTOL P550 aimed at battalion-level tactical forces.
-
![Australia’s air force aims its UAV fleet northwards]()
Australia’s air force aims its UAV fleet northwards
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.
-
![FTUAS competitor trials were “very successful”, says US Army official]()
FTUAS competitor trials were “very successful”, says US Army official
Prototypes from Griffon Aerospace and Textron Systems recently passed through MOSA conformance trials and flight tests.
-
![Pentagon adds Replicator 2 to budget request with focus on C-sUAS capabilities]()
Pentagon adds Replicator 2 to budget request with focus on C-sUAS capabilities
Funds for the second phase of this effort will be allocated in the US Department of Defense (DoD) FY2026 budget request.
