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.
Zala Aero has launched the latest version of its Zala 421-16 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) with a focus on civil sector aerial photography customers. The newest version of the system includes a dual frequency GPS/Glonass receiver TRE-G3T with frequencies L1 and L2 supporting RTK increasing the accuracy of the aerial photography coordinates to centimetres.
The company is aiming the upgraded 421-16, originally launched in 2009, at the energy and land management sector as a ‘cost-effective solution’ for large scale aerial photography, with coverage of over 1000 km in a single flight.
The system has also been equipped with two high-resolution professional cameras that make it possible to obtain 3D images with accurate coordinates embedded, to increase the data output available.
The 421-16 interchangeable power plants have not been modified, the company said, as the two-stroke and four-stroke engines offer a selection to customers depending on different mission characteristics.
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.