Uncrewed unveiled - One Size Does Not Fit All

A bird’s eye view of up and coming drones at the International Paris Airshow 2023 - Day 1

Promoted as the next big thing: drones of all sizes are making their presence felt from battle zones and wildlife protection to infrastructure surveying and medical supplies (and most applications in between).

So, it is little wonder that Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) or Remotely Piloted Aerial Vehicles (RPAS), commonly known as drones have touched down at Paris boasting an array of showstopping innovations. 

This needs to be considered in the context of a highly agile and disruptive technology sector, spawning start-ups and re-purposed mature aerospace players, experiencing exponential growth. The dynamic global UAV industry was valued at US$ 14.3 billion in 2020 and is expected to hit around US$ 53 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth) of 14% over the forecast period 2021 to 2030, according to a report by Precedence Research. 

These technological developments have brought about substantial changes in various sectors, including both civilian and defense applications. Here we focus on a sample of the main trends and future innovations in the UAS sector, including some significant and game changing debuts in Paris. 

The added impetus and proven value has been witnessed by recent events in Ukraine, highlighting the growing significance of military drones, regardless of their size.

Non-stop hover

AtlasTETHER is a simple-to-use system that guarantees extended power to the drone and allows for mission duration. Produced in partnership with French company Elistair, a tether that connects the drone and ground controller provides the 220Vac power to 400Vdc required by the onboard power for the drone to realise ultra-long time hovering. Reliable UAV and data operating makes it impossible to lose the signal with the UAV and eliminates the battery replacement. Deployment in Ukraine of Atlas drone solutions has catapulted the Latvian company onto the radar of world militaries.

Drone busters

US defence giant Raytheon and counter drone specialists Black Sage are now partnering through a formal teaming arrangement to provide an integrated drone detection and mitigation system for civil authorities, critical infrastructure and military organisations around the world. To defend urban environments, like airports and cities, against drones, Black Sage's sensors, AI, and radio-frequency jammers have been integrated into Raytheon's Windshear command and control system. This combined system allows a single operator to control a network of sensors and effectors that safely and quickly track, take over or land drones flying where they shouldn't.

Meanwhile, Israel’s Elbit Systems is promoting the Nano Spear at the Le Bourget event. The Nano Spear has been designed as a countermeasure against radar-guided air-to-air and surface-to-air missiles that threaten aircrews and their platforms. The expendable RF decoy, weighing less than 800 grams, uses the aircraft's existing dispensing system, and once launched, acts independently to lure away hostile radar-guided missiles.

Featuring an advanced digital receiver (DRFM) the Nano Spear and a sophisticated EW technique generator. This cutting-edge technology allows it to handle the most advanced radar threats. The Nano Spear is part of the Self Protection Electronic Attack and Reconnaissance (SPEAR) product family, which includes the Micro Spear for very small installations; Light Spear for installation on medium-large sized helicopters and UAVs; and the Advanced Spear ECM Pod currently on contract for providing active self-protection for the C-390 transport aircraft.

Going large

Turgis & Gaillard has chosen Paris to unveil a prototype of the largest strike and reconnaissance drone in French history, capable of carrying up to 3 tonnes of payload. Interestingly, according to reports, the project is still open on sensors, without a firm partnership at this stage. The AAROK is a 5.5-ton aircraft, designed to fit between the SDT Patroller tactical drone and the Eurodrone twin-engine drone , explains the equipment manufacturer, pitching "below the price of the Reaper, and not much more than the Bayraktar", according to Patrick Gaillard, general manager. Operational areas will include a focus on the Indo-Pacific.

Future proofing

The unmanned aerial systems sector continues to advance rapidly, driven by trends such as miniaturisation, autonomy, and automation. Innovations in C4ISR, SAR, sensors, and propulsion technologies have expanded the applications of drones in both civilian and defense sectors, revolutionizing various industries and military operations alike. Recent events in Ukraine further underline the critical role of drones in modern warfare, emphasising the need for continued advancements in unmanned aerial systems. This show overview continues daily throughout this week.

To be continued