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.
Sonardyne’s SPRINT-Nav inertial navigation system (INS) has been selected by the UK’s National Oceanography Centre (NOC) for its under-ice Autosub2KUI (A2KUI) AUV, the company announced on 10 April.
A2KUI is a 2,000m depth-rated AUV specifically designed for carrying high-performance sensors on challenging research missions under polar ice.
The SPRINT-Nav 700, selected by the NOC, is equipped with high performing sensors, including Honeywell ring laser gyros and accelerometers. It combines Sonardyne’s SPRINT INS sensor, Syrinx 600 kHz Doppler Velocity Log and a high accuracy intelligent pressure sensor into a single housing. SPRINT-Nav’s tight integration of all the raw sensor data at a low level provides better navigational performance and precision for subsea vehicles.
A2KUI will also be equipped for acoustic tracking using Sonardyne’s Ranger 2 Ultra-Short BaseLine system, which is fitted to the UK research vessels RRS James Cook, RRS Discovery and the new polar research vessel RRS Sir David Attenborough.
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.