Textron Systems Unmanned Systems is showing off its range of UAVs at the Paris Air Show as the company awaits decisions on two major contracts expected later this year. In November, the French DGA is expected to down-select a contractor to meet its tactical unmanned air system (TUAS) requirement, although the decision process may be accelerated. Before then, Textron expects to find out if its bid for a U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) service provision contract is successful.
First Order for LH Optionally Piloted Aircraft
LH Aviation is showing off the proof-of-concept vehicle of its LHD optionally piloted aircraft at Le Bourget, having recently commenced flight trials. Although the Villaroche-based company has not released any details, the LHD already has its first order and a pre-series batch is under construction. LH Aviation (Static B4) has also signed a memorandum of understanding with OISAerospace covering potential licensed production in India.
Test Flights to Detect Mock Pipeline Hazards
Unmanned aircraft researchers associated with the Mid-Atlantic Aviation Partnership at Virginia Tech tested new sensor technology designed to detect potentially disruptive activities along energy pipeline routes.
Shark Squadron Mustang IV
No. 112 Squadron was a squadron of the Royal Air Force. It served in both the First World War and Second World War and was active for three periods during the Cold War. It is nicknamed “The Shark Squadron”, an allusion to the fact that it was the first unit from any Allied air force to use the famous “shark mouth” logo on Curtiss P-40s.
Four US RQ-4 Global Hawks in Japan
Since 2014, two Global Hawk unmanned surveillance aircraft have been temporarily deployed at Misawa air base. Within approximately six months, starting in July two more will be moved to Japan.
Tekever Launches Net Ray UAV at Paris Airshow
Tekever has introduced the AR3 Net Ray unmanned air vehicle, which is currently undergoing testing with a number of Portuguese government agencies.
Sagem and DCI Offer Manned/Unmanned Surveillance
French companies Sagem and Défense Conseil International (DCI) have agreed to team to offer manned and unmanned surveillance aircraft to domestic and international markets.
Canadian Coast Guard to Trial UAVs
The National Research Council of Canada (NRC) is partnering with the Canadian Coast Guard to trial the use of commercial unmanned aerial vehicles in its coastal patrol operations.