Winston Dodson’s Post

Exciting autonomy advancement for Ptetodynamics securing SBIR+TACFI funding: “Securing TACFI funding allows PteroDynamics Inc. to focus on advancing the technology that makes the Transwing an even more effective and flexible autonomous VTOL platform,” PteroDynamics CEO Matthew GRACZYK …funds will finance new capabilities and expand development on important elements of the company’s U.S. Air Force SBIR Phase II contract for an airborne communications relay platform. Improvements include: •Enhancing command and control of Transwing aircraft through the integration of robust and resilient communication technology •Integration of advanced technologies to facilitate VTOL operations in austere environments without the need for a ground control station (GCS) •Further developing situational awareness and command and control (C2) interfaces for forward-deployed aircraft operators. •Further developing multi-aircraft control by a single GCS, enabling a flexible and cost-effective range extension of tactical communication networks.

eSTOL wind tunnel tests for US Army 🌬️ Electra.aero has received a contract that funds powered wind tunnel testing of the company’s hybrid eSTOL aircraft. The $1.9 million Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract enables the US Army to explore Electra’s unique blown wing aircraft technology potential to broaden U.S. military capabilities. Read more > > https://hubs.la/Q02tKLTx0 Ben Marchionna, Electra’s Director of Technology and Innovation, said; “There is a substantial benefit to employing the right-sized aircraft for a given payload-range mission. It’s a very effective method to substantially reduce fuel use – or operational energy – in theater, which really matters for enabling distributed operations in contested locations. “Many of the most commonly deployed military logistics solutions in use today are flown well below their intended payload capacity. Our eSTOL aircraft can fulfill these missions while using dramatically less fuel, providing much more range, operating at significantly reduced noise levels, and utilizing the same constrained operational ground footprints. It’s an extremely compelling capability and we’re thrilled to be working with the Army team to advance this key national security technology.” More details on the Advanced Air Mobility International website. #aircraft #test #aerospace #aviation #mobility #tech #usarmy #military

Some great stuff here in the Axios Future of Defense newsletter. It's interesting to see the cutting-edge trends that are reshaping modern warfare and defense strategies. Here are some highlights that caught my eye: 🔍 Emerging Trends: - Unmanned Technologies: Drones and robotics are becoming indispensable on the battlefield. Those who control robotic, unmanned technology will have a decisive edge. - Artificial Intelligence: AI is revolutionizing military operations, from strategy to execution. In war, as Von Clausewitz said, the first principle is "act with concentration", the second is "act with speed". AI helps the military with both objectives. Digital-Physical Convergence: The lines between cyber and physical warfare are blurring. Just as we moved seamlessly from "steampunk" gauges and needles to screens, everything is melding. Space Race: Global surveillance and communication needs are driving new space initiatives. Armies throughout history have known that the heights matter. Space is the ultimate "high frontier". Supply Chain Challenges: Ensuring munitions and supplies are readily available is more critical than ever. Given the rise of autonomous weapons and AI, every supply line will be contested. 💡 Technological Advancements: - Low-Cost Drones: Proving their worth in various conflicts. Just as machine guns changed the face of warfighting, cheap drones are a force-multiplier. Directed-Energy Weapons: This used to be considered as science fiction but lasers and microwaves are now operational. Enhanced Surveillance: Constant aerial imagery is a game-changer. He who can surprise can win. Data Analysis: Critical for modern military applications. 🔮 Strategic Implications: Nations that adapt to these emerging challenges will gain a strategic edge in future conflicts and more importantly be able to *prevent* conflicts via deterrence. America has a huge inbuilt advantage here with our nimble and agile startup community as well as our large innovation centers (both geographical and corporate). It's increasingly important for us to use this advantage for the defense of the nation. https://lnkd.in/gKtN-58S #DefenseTech #MilitaryInnovation #AI #Drones #CyberWarfare #FutureOfDefense #TechTrends #StrategicAdvantage 

Hermeus will use Starlink connectivity for beyond-line-of-sight command and control functions for supersonic flight testing as it develops hypersonic aircraft.

Solus Power pulls together solutions for an electrified battlefield. Their partnership with QinetiQ aims to make nightly deployable high powered charging available for military applications. The individual units are modular, stackable and appear hand transportable. Why do I think this is cool? Well there is a well recognised path to technology improvements through trying to apply them in a military (highly demanding) environment. Improvements in weight and reliability are likely the immediate outcomes with a huge range of possible applications as a consequence. Hoping to see some good results from this one! #evcharging #electrification https://lnkd.in/exmDw3bv

VERDEGO AWARDED US MILITARY CONTRACT FOR HYBRID-ELECTRIC POWER PLANT Who said that the #future_of_aviation should be #pure_electric. The Verdego demonstrates that a #hybrid solution turbine electrical gen of #high_energy density could be as good and #potentially better than a classic #powerteain. The #scalability will be #key in this case. Looking #forward to see the #developments on application.

Digital Concepts Engineering (DCE) has unveiled its latest innovation, the X3 Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV), as an evolution from its previous model, the X2. The X3 features a reconfigurable top deck, catering to the needs of industries like defence, nuclear, and agriculture. The X3 presents a cost-effective and highly mobile platform capable of supporting a diverse range of mission systems. Its capabilities span from Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) payloads to decoying operations and tactical Public Address (PA) systems. Moreover, the vehicle’s adaptability is enhanced by its compatibility with self-mounting and dismounting systems, such as a bulldozer blade, expanding its utility in different environments. #military #defense #defence #militaryleak https://lnkd.in/gijey57P

#DisruptiveTech 🔴 The U.S. has a lead over China and Russia in military propulsion, but there’s a real peril of losing that edge soon if research is not sustained and new engine technologies are not actually fielded, experts said at Air & Space Forces Association (AFA’s) Air, Space and Cyber conference last week. They also said that an engine “ecosystem” for Collaborative Combat Aircraft is still in its infancy, but chances are there will be no one-size-fits-all powerplant solution for CCA engines. The Adaptive Engine Transition Program was “the last, big, major research and development activity” in the field of propulsion, said Michael R. Gregg, head of the Air Force Research Laboratory’s aerospace systems directorate, during a panel discussion, but that program dates back two decades. The Pentagon also opted not to use either of the AETP engines in the F-35 Block 4 upgrade. Meanwhile, military propulsion efforts are being stretched with more and more different demands in the fields of hypersonics, fighter engine technology, small engines for drones, and missiles, without a corresponding increase in funding. Another major challenge facing military propulsion is how to power the Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft—autonomous “wingmen” drones that need to be inexpensive but still reliable, yielding a capability that can keep up with fighters Gregg said AFRL has not yet “cracked the code” on developing powerplants for CCA—and the process is made even harder by the fact that different CCA drones may have different missions. #propulsiontechnology Campaign Catapult, Pravo Consulting

'Move fast and break things' has long been the ethos for innovation in the tech industry.   But ensuring public safety and national security are not compromised while keeping up with rapidly advancing innovation is a considerable challenge for the aviation, space and defense sector.   The complex and niche engineering, manufacturing and regulatory workflows of the sector many times leads to gaps between corporate leadership vision and technology organizations on execution. Collinear Group aims to bridge this gap by offering a specialized and proven combination of innovation, technology, and regulatory compliance capabilities, so that our Prime, NewSpace, Advanced Air Mobility and Aftermarket clients can take advantage of the significant ROI and strategic go to market efficiencies available to be gained.   Want to learn more? Let’s connect.   #aerospace #aviation #space #defense #innovation #technology #productdevelopment 

In Quantum Computing Report, read about our Tactical Funding Increase (TACFI) from the United States Air Force to advance our #AQNav technology. This funding will support additional configurations and broader aircraft deployment. Check out the article: https://bit.ly/4dqgQBB #AirForce #navigation #aircraft