A year since Phantom Ray makes first flight

Phantom Ray, Boeing's new Unmanned Airborne System (UAS) made its first flight exactly 1 year ago on April 27th 2011 at Edwards Air Force Base. It is the result of rapid prototyping techniques which meant it only took 2 years for full development.

We haven't heard much about its deployment - or is that being kept confidential ?

Run the link below for a full video report

Phantom Ray makes first flight

Extracts from the Defence Review about UAVs

Some really positive statements in last weeks Strategic Defence Review about UAVS (see below) but we are lacking an overall exploitation strategy for UAVs and the funding to create a consistent industrial strategy for this exiting new technology (and maybe some seedcorn funding !!)

Extracts from the The Strategic Defence and Security Review

The fast jet fleet will be complimented by a growing fleet of Unmanned Air Vehicles in both combat and reconnaissance roles. Our fast jets will be backed up the most modern air-to-air refuelling aircraft, (page 8)

Our new Rivet Joint aircraft will gather vital intelligence (page 9)

This environment will place a premium on particular military capabilities, including intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR) (page 17)

Maritime intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR) capabilities based on network enabled warships, submarines and aircraft; (page 23)

Precision Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) rockets that can strike targets up to 70 km away, and Loitering Munitions able to circle over a battlefield for many hours ready for fleeting or opportunity targets (page 25)

A range of ISTAR capabilities including: Watchkeeper unmanned aerial vehicles (page 25)

Strategic surveillance and intelligence platforms capable of providing wide-area coverage as part of our broader combat ISTAR capability. These include the E3D Sentry AWACS to provide airborne command, control and surveillance; Rivet Joint signals intelligence aircraft to provide global independent strategic intelligence gathering; and a range of unmanned air systems to complement our strategic ISTAR assets and reduce the risk to our forces of operating over hostile territory; (page 27)

Not bring into service the Nimrod MRA4 maritime patrol aircraft programme. We will depend on other maritime assets to contribute to the tasks previously planned for them (page 28)

Withdraw the Sentinel airborne ground surveillance aircraft once it is no longer required to support operations in Afghanistan (page 28)

We will continue the most essential investment in Science and Technology. It is a key element of our overall capability. Advanced military technology can give us an advantage over potential adversaries, for example developing UAV and surveillance technology to inhibit an enemy’s ability to move in secrecy.(page 29)

We will aim to support the small and medium-sized enterprises that are a vital source of innovation and flexibility (page 31)

A tool for flight testing UAV concepts

I was asked to speak at the "Autonomous Vehicle Showcase" event on Friday which was organised by the Aviation and Defence KTN. My talk was on "Active & Passive RFID, RTLS and WSN opportunities" and it was an excellent event.

One of the exhibitors was Matthew Bennett of "Skycircuits" m.bennett@skycircuits.com who was demonstrating a really simple UAV designed for "in-flight" testing of innovative UAV technologies. The concept was brilliant and I left the event thinking that this could be a really good way of proving some of my ideas in the UAV space

NATO adopts UID Guidance

The Nato Allied Committee responsible for Lifecycle Management (AC327) has developed and recently published guidance for the Unique Identification of Items (UID). The concept is to apply a unique 2D Data Matrix barcode to all critical military components.

The unique License Plate Identifier is based on the ISO License Plate standard but is highly configured to meet specific defence requirements. The UID can additionally be implemented using RFID for improved processes and more challenging requirements.

Long supply chains into theatres like Afghanistan and interoperability between NATO partners is driving the process. More interestingly however new aircraft programmes like the F35 Lightning II (Joint Strike Fighter) has incorporated UID which will facilitate a completely new generation of aircraft maintenance (or sustainment) applications.

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner has supposedly adopted a similair civilian aviation identification program.


The new document can be located at
http://www.acq.osd.mil/dpap/pdi/uid/docs/AUIDP-1-e1(2).pdf

Some of the material is a bit "dense" If you need help understanding the commercial opportunities let me know.

Watchkeeper UAV preparing for Afghanistan

Thales cuurently provides the British Army in Afghanistan with "ISTAR by the hour" (intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance) with a fleet of Elbit Hermes 450s based at Camp Bastion (pictured above)

This fleet will be replaced by the Watchkeeper WK450 later this year. The WK450 which first flew in April will provide some interesting new capabilities - strengthened wing, rugged undercarraige and deicing. The WK450 which is fully net-enabled has a 16-18 hour endurance and is fully autonomous. Payload options will be significantly improved.

In-theatre UAVs are proving to be very important but the capabilities of strategic and tactical UAVs are beginning to merge. Should all UAV assets and capablities be combined into a single joint force managed from a single base in the UK ?

MQ-9 Reaper

The Royal Air Force's 39 Squadron MQ-9 Reaper UAV's are operated in Afghanistan from the USAF's main UAV base at Creech AFB Nevada.

As part of the UK Governments upcoming Defence Review could there be a logic in basing all the UK's UAV assets at a single operations/intelligence base like Wyton where they could benefit from UK advanced research activities in sensor equipment, communications and materials.

Global Hawk active in Haiti disaster

Northrop Grumman's Global Hawk was used to provide immediate assistance for the Haiti earthquake disaster by being on station within 37 hours of the event. Total support for Haiti was six flights, 122 flight hours and 3,600 images rapidly distributed.

The USAF reportedly has 77 Global Hawks and there is interest from other governments and agencies. Being able to fly above 60,000 ft with a 3000 lb payload provides a sizable capability.