Elbit Systems announced that it has successfully performed a series of joint flight missions of its Hermes® 450 and Hermes® 900 Unmanned Aircraft Systems. The two different UAS were controlled and operated from the same universal ground control station (UGCS), transmitting the gathered imagery, ELINT and COMINT to their station operators, while using different communications systems. To view video, click here.
Pratt & Whitney Powers the X-47B
Pratt & Whitney’s F100-PW-220U engine and exhaust system powered the first flight of the Navy / Northrop Grumman X-47B flight test aircraft for the U.S. Navy’s Unmanned Combat Air System Carrier Demonstration (UCAS-D) programme.
Northrop Grumman Gets $3M UAS Common Architecture Working Group Contract
The U.S. Navy has awarded Northrop Grumman Corporation a $3.3 million contract to participate in the Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Control Segment (UCS) Architecture Working Group (UCSWG). Sponsored by the Unmanned Warfare Office of the Office Secretary of Defense (OSD), the UCSWG will provide increased UAS command and control capability to the war-fighter at lower cost by using an open system architecture approach across the UAS enterprise.
Indian Navy Wants MQ-4C BAMS
MQ-4C
First news from Aero India 2011 is that Northrop Grumman revealed that it has responded to the Request for Information (RFI) from the Ministry of Defence for MQ-4C Broad Area Maritime Surveillance Unmanned Aircraft Systems (BAMS UAS) for the Indian Navy. The MQ-4C is the naval version of RQ-4 Global Hawk.
Ultra Electronics Makes Two US Acquistions
UK’s Ultra Electronics started the year with two US acquisitions: Adaptive Materials (AMI) for $23 million cash plus another $5 million based on future performance, and 3e Technologies International, for $30 million. AMI designs and makes propane fuel cells suitable to power small UAs demanding 50W-300W power, and 3e makes military grade wireless networking and communications equipment.
Imint Partners with L-3 Communication Systems-West for Real-Time Aerial Video Intelligence
The Swedish aerial video exploitation software firm Imint and US-based L-3 Communications Systems-West, a leader in high-speed digital communication systems that connect air, space and ground systems, are partnering to provide enhanced video intelligence exploitation from airborne surveillance. Continue reading
US Homeland Security Orders 3 More Predators
The Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection intends to issue a Firm Fixed Price contract to General Atomics Aeronautical Systems for the procurement of up to three additional Predator B Guardian UAS . The anticipated delivery period will be twelve months from date of contract. The official notice can be consulted here.
US Army Awards 5 Year Contract to Griffon Aerospace
The US Army Aviation and Missile Command awarded Griffon Aerospace a five year contract for the production, maintenance, engineering and flight services for the Remotely Piloted Vehicle Target (RPVT) programme. The contract also provides for aerial target scoring systems and services at Department of Defense (DOD) ranges worldwide.