Exail’s Post

#DisruptiveTech 🔴 Dubbed Gambit 5 by General Atomics, the new carrier-capable variant of its Gambit autonomous collaborative platform (ACP) leverages from an existing common technology ‘core’ but introduces a strengthened airframe and landing gear to cope with the stresses of assisted launch/arrested recovery, plus integration of a precision landing system. The concept was displayed at last month’s Farnborough international airshow (#FIA2024) event. Revealed by GA-ASI back in March 2022, Gambit is a suite of high-performance autonomous combat aircraft based on a common ‘chassis’ known as the ‘Gambit Core’. Tailored variants – differentiated by their airframe, wing type, powerplant, signature characteristics, sensor fit and/or weapon payload – leverage from this core to address specific mission sets. This approach implements the ‘genus/species’ concept first developed by the company with the US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) as part of the Low-Cost Attritable Aircraft Platform Sharing program, and subsequently implemented in US programmes including the XQ-67A Off-Board Sensing Station and the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA). Gambit 5 also folds in experience from GA-ASI’s earlier pursuits of the US Navy’s abortive Unmanned Carrier-Launched Airborne Surveillance and Strike (#UCLASS) programme and the follow-on MQ-25 Stingray carrier-capable airborne refueller. The company’s participation in the UCLASS and MQ-25 competitions has given it deep insight into carrier-based, jet-powered #UCAV operations. #navy #usn #drone #aircraftcarrier Campaign Catapult, Pravo Consulting

Numerous FPV videos illustrate a consistent challenge: drone links failing in the terminal phase due to electronic jamming. The video demonstrates a target acquisition algorithm on an FPV drone (source linked in comments) that enhances reliability in this critical stage by increasing the drone's autonomy. It is important to note that this technology is still very embryonic. NATO militaries face a dilemma regarding adoption of the technology: while there's a desire to invest early to capitalize on compounding benefits, there's also the risk of rapid technological innovation rendering the technology obsolete quickly. The future of military power undoubtedly lies in weapons with greater autonomy. The uncertainties and dehumanization associated with weapons and algorithms are concerns I deeply share. That's why I find it enlightening to read about how previous generations contended with the horrors of industrial warfare at the turn of the 20th century. Regarding regulation, I strongly advocate for increased diplomatic efforts to establish international controls over more autonomous weapons. The main challenge with current regulatory approaches is their tendency to propose broad bans rather than adopting smaller, more incremental steps. Such measured regulations are not only more pragmatic but are also more likely to gain acceptance in today's strained international climate marked by intense great power competition. #MilitaryTechnology #AutonomousWeapons #NATO

HFCL, an Indian technology company renowned for its telecommunications equipment and fiber optic cables, has taken a significant step forward by signing a contract with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. This agreement will see HFCL supplying critical sub-systems for advanced drone technologies, marking a substantial expansion into the aerospace sector. This collaboration positions HFCL at the forefront of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) development, with its sub-systems playing a vital role in enhancing drone performance. According to the Press Trust of India, this deal represents a major milestone for HFCL, particularly in bolstering its aerospace capabilities beyond telecommunications. #military #defense #defence #aerospace #aviation #aircraft #aircrafts #airplane #airplanes #aviationlovers #militaryaviation #militaryaircraft #fighterjet #engineering #technology #militarytechnology #defensetechnology #defenseinnovation #defenseindustry #airforce #pilots #india #USA #Drone #drones

🚀 Exciting News from counter drone warfare technology industry! 🚀 I am thrilled to share that Anduril's innovative Roadrunner counter-drone interceptor drone has just received a significant endorsement from the Pentagon, backed by a multi-million dollar order to deliver additional units. This represents a remarkable milestone for Anduril, a company that is redefining norms in the defense industry as a newcomer. Their rapidly expanding product line, aimed at disrupting traditional market dynamics, is gaining recognition. While skepticism exists around their ambitious goals, the continued support from the Department of Defense indicates that their strategic approach is yielding fruitful results. As part of this nearly quarter-billion dollar deal, Anduril will provide over 500 Roadrunner-Ms alongside the advanced Pulsar electronic warfare systems, slated for delivery starting in 2024. The Pulsar systems, which are modular, AI-integrated, and networked, can enhance operational effectiveness when mounted on various platforms. This is a powerful affirmation of innovation and investment in the future of defense technology. 🔍 For a deeper dive into the Roadrunner, be sure to check out our previous feature linked here https://lnkd.in/gGVpzt-K Defense and Aerospace #DefenseIndustry #Aerospace #Innovation #Anduril #CounterDrone #Pulsar #Technology #DoD #AI #FutureOfDefense Aerospace & Defense

This article discusses the XQ-67A, a new #unmannedaerialvehicle (#UAV) developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems for the United States Air Force Air Force Research Laboratory. Here are the key points: 1. The XQ-67A made its maiden flight on February 28, 2024, at General Atomics' facility near #Palmdale, California. 2. The first air-to-air video footage of the XQ-67A was released on June 26, 2024. 3. It's part of the Air Force's Off-Board Sensing Station (#OBSS) program, designed to act as an attritable forward #radar node. 4. The XQ-67A features side-looking radars on both sides of the fuselage. 5. It's remotely piloted but capable of #autonomous flight. 6. The aircraft was designed, built, ground-tested, and flown in just over two years. 7. It's based on a "genus" approach, sharing design principles with the XQ-58A Valkyrie, which allows for modular additions like sensing or weapon stations. 8. The XQ-67A is part of a broader shift towards a distributed combination of manned and unmanned aircraft in the USAF. 9. Future variants may focus on other roles such as weapons delivery and electronic warfare. 10. The program aims to augment, not replace, manned aircraft. The article emphasizes the rapid development of this technology and its potential to change air combat operations in the future.

The three EX2 lead news stories today (www.ex2.com.au) are: the first tranche of uncrewed systems ordered last year under the Pentagon’s Replicator initiative, including the Switchblade 600 armed UAS, are already in service; Littoral Operations are thje focus of the Australian Army’s Innovation Day 2024; and Defence has named the contractors who will design its Nuclear-Powered Submarine Construction Yard (NPSCY) in Adelaide. EX2 HEADLINES - www.ex2.com.au  ·      First tranche of Replicator initiative drones already in US service ·      Littoral operations the focus for Army Innovation Day 2024 ·      Defence names contractors for design of Adelaide submarine construction yard In Other News: ·      ADSTAR 2024 call for submissions now open ·      DARPA down-selects six for Ph.1b of ancillary program ·      UK DE&S to award contracts on £1 billion hypersonic missile framework ·      Eurodrone achieves PDR milestone ·      DroneShield wins $5.7 million follow-on US government contract ·      UK boosts naval shipbuilding program to 28 ships and submarines ·      $60 million for new SA defence academy ·      AeroVironment’s Switchblade 600 selected for Pentagon’s Replicator initiative ·      Anduril announces Pulsar family of AI-enabled EW systems ·      Airbus finalises acquisition of Aerovel and its Flexrotor UAS ·      Bell reveals Aircraft Laboratory for Future Autonomy and FBW operations ·      HyImpulse launches from Southern Launch’s Koonibba range ·      NG’s Manta Ray UUV prototype completes in-water testing ·      KBR wins CLCM contract for RAN amphibs ·      USAF selects Anduril and General Atomics for next CCA phase  ·      Austal completes first PBAT trial for RAN ·      Babcock and Franmarine win $10m RAN biofouling contract Read these stories and more at EX. Innovation is all about new technologies and techniques that solve wicked problems; it’s about the R&D and innovation processes that develop these new technologies and techniques; it’s about the linkages, collaborations and inspiration that make them possible. It’s called thinking outside the square That’s what EX2 is all about.

XRQ-73: The Hybrid Future of Defense Takes Flight  The XRQ-73, a larger successor to the XRQ-72, marks a significant advancement in hybrid-electric aircraft technology. This Group 3 Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS) leverages technology from the Great Horned Owl (GHO) project, aiming for quiet, long-endurance missions. With its official designation, the XRQ-73 is poised to begin experimental testing, validating hybrid-electric propulsion for potential defense applications. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) emphasizes a rapid development timeline, aiming for the first flight by the end of 2024. #DARPA #UAS #Hybridelectric #DefenseTech #XRQ73 

The Navy's commitment to small unmanned vehicles (UUVs and USVs) is clear, but how they'll be acquired remains a mystery. Here's the breakdown: Navy's Need: They want commercially-based, affordable UUVs and USVs for various missions. L3Harris' Approach: Developing "disruptive" systems now, figuring out the business model later. Challenges: Procurement Process: Unclear how the Navy will buy these systems and with what budget. Low Cost, Low Attention: The affordability makes it difficult to secure funding. Looking Ahead: Replicator Program: May help fast-track acquisition, but L3Harris wants a faster pace. Navy's Strategy: They may buy in small quantities and iterate quickly to stay ahead of the curve. Funding Details Unknown: The Navy hasn't revealed specific spending plans for FY25. Despite the unknowns, companies like L3Harris are moving forward, confident the Navy's commitment will translate into concrete buying decisions. #navydrones #commercialsuavs #usvtechnology #replicatorprogram #unclearfunding

The long Endurance/High Altitude Maritime & Land UAS Assessment event is now live! Please Submit NLT 13 June 2024 11:59 PM ET here: https://lnkd.in/ekJGMx9Y. This event is U.S. Citizens Only, and ITAR Restricted. There will be a Q&A Telecon on 22 May 2024. Please RSVP NLT  21 May 2024 11:59 PM ET here: https://lnkd.in/e-T_yyaT Background PEO-TIS is seeking information on a specific technology area to gain knowledge of, explore, and identify available capabilities for potential inclusion in the Long Endurance Maritime/Land UAS AE. Technology desired by USSOCOM is intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) UAS that operate in confined space #maritime and dense urban environments. The proposed solutions should currently support mission autonomy, autonomous multi-vehicle cooperation, and automated transit to/from the target and over-the-horizon capabilities, or the solutions provider should be able to rapidly develop these capabilities. UAS air vehicles should be capable of 8-hours of endurance with a 20 lb. total payload (weight includes baseline FMV payload) spread across multiple locations on the air vehicle and be able to launch/recover with sustained relative winds up to 20 knots. #UAS should possess the ability to control multiple air vehicles, shifting the human’s role from operator toward mission manager, and navigation capabilities that can operate in environments where #GPS signals are spoofed, jammed, or otherwise unavailable. The system must include electro-optical/infra-red (EO/IR) full motion video (FMV) capabilities for day and night operations and be able to support future integration of USSOCOM Modular #Payload interface for additional payloads. The imagery sensor may be a single or multi-imager (e.g., day only, night only, or day/night combined). The air vehicle should operate on a variety of energy sources that can be produced or recharged in an austere environment and are approved for use on Naval surface ships. DoD/NATO standard Heavy Fuel JP5, JP8, other energy sources such as batteries and fuel cells are promising and may be used if approved for naval surface ships. 

Do you think the use of Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) such as General Atomics’ Gambit or Anduril’s Fury to support F-35 is a good way to improve program costs and safety?