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/

DefenceTalkThe British military fired nearly seven times as many missiles from unmanned drones in Afghanistan last year as it did five years earlier, according to official data released on Friday. In 2012 British drones flew 892 missions over Afghanistan — firing missiles on 92 occasions — more than 10 percent of all sorties, junior defence […]https://www.defencetalk.com/sharp-rise-in-british-drone-use-in-afghanistan-48980/

DefenceTalkRussian designers are proceeding with development of an unmanned “sixth-generation” fighter jet, former Air Force chief Pyotr Deinekin said Monday. “The sixth generation of aircraft will most likely be pilotless. Naturally, we are actively working on this,” Deinekin said in an interview with RIA Novosti. Russia will probably not be able to skip a generation […]https://www.defencetalk.com/russia-developing-unmanned-next-generation-fighter-48880/

DefenceTalkAeroVironment has announced that a recent outdoor test flight of a solar-powered prototype version of the company’s proven Puma AE small unmanned aircraft system (UAS), operating with the company’s newest long-endurance battery, lasted 9 hours, 11 minutes – significantly longer than the flight endurance of small UAS being used in the field today. AeroVironment is […]https://www.defencetalk.com/puma-ae-small-unmanned-aircraft-achieves-continuous-flight-for-more-than-nine-hours-48833/

DefenceTalkThe US Air Force is unable to keep up with a growing demand for pilots capable of operating drones, partly due to a shortage of volunteers, according to a new study. Despite the importance placed on the burgeoning robotic fleet, drone operators face a lack of opportunities for promotion to higher ranks and the military […]https://www.defencetalk.com/us-air-force-lacks-volunteers-to-operate-drones-48831/

DefenceTalkBAE Systems has introduced one of the smallest multispectral sensors available for unmanned systems — an innovation that will help improve soldier situational awareness by reducing the time required to identify targets. On today’s battlefield, soldiers need the ability to process, understand, and engage with their environment at any time, under any condition or circumstance. […]https://www.defencetalk.com/new-uav-sensor-for-better-situational-awareness-48777/

DefenceTalkScientists recently launched unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) from a research vessel in a significant experiment that could help boost the Navy’s radar and communications performance at sea. Sailing off Virginia Beach, Va., from July 13 to 18, the Office of Naval Research’s (ONR) Research Vessel (R/V) Knorr explored ocean and atmospheric weather variations that can […]https://www.defencetalk.com/navy-turns-to-uavs-for-help-with-radar-communications-48668/

DefenceTalkAn odd underwater ballet has been unfolding in the Mediterranean port of Toulon these past few days. Under the scrutiny of their masters, whose eyes are glued to computer screens, the world’s first fleet of “marine drones” is being put through its paces. Five European countries — France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Portugal — have […]https://www.defencetalk.com/time-to-train-for-worlds-first-fleet-of-marine-drones-48630/

DefenceTalkA German government auditor has criticized the Defense Ministry’s level of financial oversight surrounding a failed drone program. The Euro Hawk project was described as having “many weaknesses.” According to auditors, the government spent 668 million euros ($822 million) in developing the Euro Hawk drone program, but it was canceled this year after it was […]https://www.defencetalk.com/german-auditor-criticizes-euro-hawk-drone-project-failings-48607/