Jammer resistant drone designs spark search for countermeasures
The Russia-Ukraine conflict has driven another stage of evolution for drones and the counter measures to defend against them.
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
-
![Jammer resistant drone designs spark search for countermeasures]()
-
![L3Harris launches Amorphous software for control of uncrewed platforms]()
L3Harris launches Amorphous software for control of uncrewed platforms
The new Amorphous software is a universal controller that would allow a single operator to control a swarm of “thousands” of uncrewed systems, from drones to underwater platforms.
-
![ideaForge unveils new UAVs at Aero India 2025]()
ideaForge unveils new UAVs at Aero India 2025
India UAV supplier ideaForge has launched the Netra 5 and Switch V2 drones at Aero India 2025, boasting of enhanced endurance, AI-driven autonomy and improved operational capabilities.
-
![Shaping the future of defence: What 2025 holds for the global drone market]()
Shaping the future of defence: What 2025 holds for the global drone market
The UAV market is experiencing unprecedented growth, with innovations in technology and battlefield applications driving demand across military sectors. From the battlefields of Ukraine to NATO exercises and beyond, drones are transforming how wars are fought and supported.
-
![Maris-Tech confirms customers signing up for Jupiter Drones codec and AI-powered system]()
Maris-Tech confirms customers signing up for Jupiter Drones codec and AI-powered system
Launched at AUSA in October, the company’s multi-stream video codec is attempting to bring a new lease of life to drone technology through its AI accelerator.
-
![AUSA 2024: Quantum-Systems targets big 2025 with UAS developments]()
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.
