WinterGreen Research announces that it has a new study on homeland security unmanned aircraft systems . Markets valued at $84 million in 2010 are forecast to reach $2.3 billion dollars, worldwide by 2017. The 2011 study has 672 pages and 216 tables and figures. Homeland_UAS_Abstract.pdf
US Army Awards $335M Contract to General Atomics
The US Army has awarded General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., a $335,504,000 fixed-price-incentive-fee contract on February 28th. The award provides for the purchase of system hardware applicable to the Extended Range Multi-Purpose Unmanned Aircraft System.
Finland UAS Bid Shortlist Update
A new contender has emerged for Finland’s Ministry of Defence requirement for up to 45 UAS that we reported in January. Avartek, a Finnish aerial target manufacturer, has teamed up with Innocon (Israel) to offer the Micro Falcon under the name AT-11.
Annual Worldwide UAS Market Will Double to $11.3 Billion in Ten Years
UAS has been the most dynamic growth sector of the world aerospace industry this decade, according to a report just issued by the Teal Group. The 2011 market study estimates that UAS spending will almost double over the next decade from current worldwide UAS expenditures of $5.9 billion annually to $11.3 billion, totalling just over $94 billion in the next ten years.
UK Wants Nano UAS for Afghanistan – Urgent!
The UK Ministry of Defence issued a contract notification last month, with an estimated value of between £10 million ($16.4 million) and £20 million, for a Nano UAS to be deployed urgently in Afghanistan.
US Army RFI on Small Digital Data Link (SDDL) for Small Unmanned Aerial Systems
The U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command Aviation and Missile Research, Development, and Engineering Center have issued an RFI on behalf of the U.S. Army to obtain information to serve as a market survey to aid in research associated with the development of a SDDL designed to provide a secure data link for control and sensor data for small unmanned aerial systems and munitions over the operating temperatures ranges from -40 degrees Fahrenheit to +140 degrees Fahrenheit and withstand storage from -40 degrees Fahrenheit to +140 degrees Fahrenheit. High humidity shall not degrade operations. Interested parties should submit white papers not to exceed 20 pages. To view the full RFI from FedBizOpps click here.
India Issues RFI for VTOL-UAS
The Indian Air Force has issued a request for information for a small-sized vertical take-off and landing UAS. The requirement is for a battery- or fuel-operated UAS that weighs less than 10kg (22lb) and has an endurance of over 60min.
Australian CASA Offers UAS Operator’s Certificate
The Australian Government Civil Aviation Safety Authority make clear their definition of a UAS Operator, and simplfy the process for obtaining a licence.