DefenceTalkSpectroDrone is the world’s first sensor system capable of detecting explosives, Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and other chemical compounds from a safe, standoff distance. Following extensive testing in the laboratory and in the field, Laser Detect System (LDS) Ltd. is unveiling SpectroDrone – the world’s first drone-based explosive detection sensor. Utilizing LDS’ laser-based explosive detection […]https://www.defencetalk.com/lds-unveils-spectrodrone-to-find-explosives-68599/

DefenceTalkGeneral Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA‑ASI) today announced the successful first flight of its new Avenger Extended Range (ER) aircraft, an extended range version of its multi-mission jet-powered Predator C Avenger which has accumulated over 13,000 flight hours to date. The flight occurred on October 27th at the company’s Gray Butte Flight Operations Facility in […]https://www.defencetalk.com/general-atomics-conducts-first-flight-of-avenger-extended-range-68584/

DefenceTalkLuckily, the skies above the island of Benbecula, a remote Scottish outpost in the Outer Hebrides, have been clear and calm so far this October. While the systems they are here to test may be unmanned or autonomous, the various projects have brought together in Scotland several dozens of the world’s foremost experts in unmanned […]https://www.defencetalk.com/unmanned-autonomous-technologies-tested-during-first-unmanned-warrior-exercise-68443/

DefenceTalkResearchers and engineers showcased a Joint Tactical Aerial Resupply Vehicle, or JTARV, during a recent visit by commanding general of the Army Research, Development and Engineering Command. The JTARV, a rectangular-shaped quadcopter also known as the hoverbike, could someday make it possible for Soldiers on the battlefield to order resupply and then, minutes later, receive […]https://www.defencetalk.com/us-army-lab-showcases-futuristic-unmanned-resupply-vehicle-68154/

DefenceTalkThe German Defence Procurement Agency (BAAInBw) and Airbus Defence and Space have signed a contract to provide Heron 1 surveillance drones to support the Bundeswehr mission in Mali. Similar to the mission in Afghanistan active since 2010, the unmanned aerial systems will be leased from Israeli manufacturer IAI and operated by Airbus. Military missions will […]https://www.defencetalk.com/airbus-to-operate-heron-1-drones-for-germany-in-mali-67876/

DefenceTalkEurope’s nEUROn unmanned combat air vehicle demonstrator was presented in flight today at an air meet at Istres organized by the French Air Force. It is the first time in world aeronautical history that a stealth aircraft controlled from the ground has flown in public. The event – which was prepared by teams from Dassault […]https://www.defencetalk.com/another-world-first-for-the-neuron-uav-67610/

DefenceTalkGeneral Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA‑ASI) today announced the longest endurance flight of the Predator B/MQ-9 Reaper Big Wing aircraft, a next-generation derivative of the combat-proven Predator B RPA. “This long-endurance flight demonstrates Predator B Big Wing’s game-changing potential for providing life-saving persistent ISR [Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance] in support of U.S. and coalition warfighters,” […]https://www.defencetalk.com/predator-b-big-wing-flies-over-37-hours-non-stop-67584/

DefenceTalkIt’s the latest in high-tech anti-drone technology, and both the Pentagon and US Homeland Security are on board. As recreational drones become increasingly common, multiple government agencies are struggling to ascertain the best way to deal with security threats posed by the aircraft. High profile incidents like the series of mysterious UAV-sightings across Paris last […]https://www.defencetalk.com/pentagon-buys-safe-solution-for-zapping-drones-out-of-the-sky-67519/

DefenceTalkAeroVironment has unveiled its new Mantis i45 electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) gimbal payload designed for AeroVironment Puma AE (All Environment) small unmanned aircraft systems – for both commercial and military applications. The company made the announcement at the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) XPONENTIAL 2016 conference and trade show taking place May 2-5 at the […]https://www.defencetalk.com/aerovironment-unveils-mantis-i45-eo-ir-gimbal-payload-for-puma-ae-67390/

DefenceTalkChina has exported military drones to more than 10 countries in deals worth hundreds of millions of dollars, and plans to sell unmanned craft capable of launching laser-guided bombs, state-run media said Thursday. Chinese drones “have bigger payloads, which means they can carry more weapons” than their competitors, Shi Wen, chief drone designer at the […]https://www.defencetalk.com/china-exported-military-drones-to-10-nations-report-67301/