The Navy’s first MQ-4C Triton UAS have arrived in Guam for their initial deployment in the Pacific theater.
As part of an early operational capability (EOC), the first Triton UAS squadron, known as Unmanned Patrol Squadron (VUP) 19, will operate and maintain two aircraft, with a goal of further developing the concept of operations and fleet learning associated with operating a high-altitude, long-endurance system in the maritime domain.
Both Tritons arrived at Andersen Air Force base as of Sunday, Jan. 26, and they will fall under Commander, Task Force (CTF) 72, lead for patrol, reconnaissance and surveillance forces in 7th Fleet.
Defense
Defense
AFRL, Kratos Defense & Security Solutions complete fourth flight test of XQ-58A Valkyrie UAS
On Jan. 23, 2020, the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) and its partner Kratos Defense & Security Solutions Inc. successfully completed the fourth flight test of the XQ-58A Valkyrie low-cost UAS demonstrator at Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona.
The Valkyrie demonstrator’s flight not only successfully met all of the test objectives during the flight test, but the envelope was also expanded beyond prior tests before the UAS landed safely in the Arizona desert.
Flying at a higher altitude allowed researchers to collect data in an “operational environment more representative of real-world flight conditions,” according to AFRL XQ-58A Program Manager Michael Wipperman.
Application period for SBIR and STTR seed funding opens
As of Jan. 14, the application period for non-dilutive seed funding from the Department of Defense opens — the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs.
Application Period:
Jan. 14, 2020 – Feb. 12, 2020 (8 p.m.)
SBIR/STTR Application: https://sbir.defensebusiness.org/
Swift Tactical Systems to launch comprehensive UAS program in Bahamas following contract award
Following a multi-agency selection process that saw it beat out 25 other companies, Swift Engineering subsidiary Swift Tactical Systems has been awarded a $17 million contract to launch a comprehensive UAS program for the Bahamas government agencies and ministries.
55 short and medium-range UAS will be purchased for the multi-agency UAS program. Immediate surveillance capabilities will be available, training and support will be provided, and a regional UAS academy will be established as part of the program.
The UAS will be available for use by all law enforcement agencies, immigration and customs, corrections facilities, and the military for a variety of activities.
GA-ASI, U.S. Army partner to enhance the capabilities and survivability of GE-ER UAS
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. (GA-ASI) has partnered with the U.S. Army to enhance the capabilities and survivability of the MQ-1C ER Gray Eagle Extended Range (GE-ER) UAS.
GA-ASI has been awarded several contracts from the Army to upgrade the Gray Eagle ER’s avionics, datalinks and software, to ultimately improve the operational capability of the UAS in contested environments.
According to GA-ASI, the modernization initiative provides an “open architecture concept” on the aircraft that is capable of hosting government-owned software, as well as increased autonomy that is needed to support Scalable Control Interface, and the rapid integration of long-range sensors.
AFRL successfully completes initial flight tests for Ultra Long Endurance Aircraft Platform
The Air Force Research Laboratory’s (AFRL) Center for Rapid Innovation (CRI) recently successfully completed initial flight tests for the Ultra Long Endurance Aircraft Platform (Ultra LEAP). The UAS has a customizable suite of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) tools that supports extended missions.
After a series of flight tests that began in Feb. 2019 at Dugway Proving Ground, Utah, a two and a half-day continuous flight demonstration was performed from Dec. 9 to Dec 11. Future flight tests will demonstrate increased levels of flight endurance, AFRL says.
Air Force Academy showcases UAS during multi-drone light show
To celebrate its rivalry with West Point, the Air Force Academy held a
