DefenceTalkAn unmanned drone said to be the most technologically advanced aircraft ever built in Britain has made its first successful test flights, military chiefs announced on Wednesday. The 185 million ($302 million, 223 million euros) top-secret Taranis craft, named after the Celtic god of thunder, conducted the tests at an unnamed location, believed to be […]https://www.defencetalk.com/uks-most-advanced-aircraft-makes-succesful-test-flights-50262/

DefenceTalkSilently circling high above the ground, the unmanned aerial vehicle RQ-11 Raven’s camera focused in on its target. The operator, Sgt. Jason Lundquist, controlled the Raven’s actions from a ground station. He zoomed in on his target, taking multiple pictures as his aircraft made another pass. He was on a reconnaissance mission and these photos […]https://www.defencetalk.com/military-police-take-to-sky-with-units-ravens-50230/

DefenceTalk2013 was an especially successful year for Elbit Systems’ unmanned aircraft systems operations, where the Hermes family, particularly the most advanced of the UAS family – the Hermes 900, reported noteworthy achievements. Production: Hermes UAS production rate was one per week. Sales: Dozens of platforms sold to customers in Israel, Europe and Latin America. Hermes […]https://www.defencetalk.com/elbit-systems-calls-2013-the-year-of-the-hermes-uas-50206/

DefenceTalkNorthrop Grumman and the U.S. Navy have completed nine initial flight tests of the Triton unmanned aircraft system (UAS), marking the half-way point in a process called envelope expansion. During envelope expansion, the test team validates the aircraft’s ability to operate at a range of altitudes, speeds and weights. The flights are taking place at […]https://www.defencetalk.com/northrop-navy-complete-nine-flights-of-triton-unmanned-aircraft-system-50065/

DefenceTalkThe Army recently purchased 36 Maveric unmanned aerial systems as a result of an urgent request from Soldiers in theater. The request was made to the Rapid Equipping Force at Fort Belvoir, Va., in March and Soldiers will receive them by December. The 36 Maverics, which are not in the Army’s current UAS inventory, cost […]https://www.defencetalk.com/army-purchases-bird-like-micro-unmanned-aerial-system-49734/

DefenceTalkThe Navy concluded another round of carrier testing Nov. 19 to further demonstrate and evaluate the X-47B unmanned air system integration within the aircraft carrier environment. Tests aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) included deck handling, carrier approaches and landings in off-nominal wind conditions, digitized ship systems interfaces, and concept of operations development. “The X-47 […]https://www.defencetalk.com/navy-x-47b-unmanned-combat-air-system-completes-carrier-tests-49705/

DefenceTalkDefence and security company Saab’s Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Skeldar is now operationally deployed on-board the offshore patrol vessel BAM Meteoro. Skeldar is supporting the Spanish Navy with surveillance capabilities while taking part in the EU Atalanta operation in the Gulf of Aden. Earlier this year Saab announced a contract to deploy the Skeldar Unmanned […]https://www.defencetalk.com/skeldar-uas-operationally-deployed-by-the-spanish-navy-49655/

DefenceTalkGetting a clearer picture of the enemy helps Soldiers more effectively accomplish their mission, and Army National Guard Soldiers deploying through the Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center here, have a new intelligence tool to help get that picture. Dubbed the Company Intelligence Support Team, or COIST, workstation, Soldiers have access to a One Station […]https://www.defencetalk.com/first-army-guard-add-uas-capability-to-pre-deployment-training-49341/

DefenceTalkNorthrop Grumman Corporation (NOC) has completed more than 25 flight tests of the U.S. Navy Triton unmanned aircraft system’s (UAS) primary maritime surveillance sensor in preparation for its installation on the aircraft. The company is conducting risk-reduction tests of the Multi-Function Active Sensor (MFAS) using a Gulfstream II surrogate aircraft off the California coast. The […]https://www.defencetalk.com/northrop-grumman-maturing-key-triton-unmanned-aircraft-sensor-49129/

DefenceTalkReconnaissance gadgets and robotic warfare devices are getting smaller by the year, with James Bond like technology being offered to a wide range of buyers, from police forces to special military units. The market place for such technology has become Defence Security and Equipment International (DSEi) exhibition held at ExCel London. The international exhibition has […]https://www.defencetalk.com/future-war-arms-industry-shows-off-next-gen-drones-in-london-49061/