Unmanned Systems Technology 006 | ECA Inspector Mk2 USV | Antenna systems | Northwest UAV NW-44 | Unmanned ground vehicles | Navigation systems | Lunar X challenge

4 W hen I first wrote an article like this it was on a typewriter, producing a piece of paper from which a typesetter literally copied my work as the first of a number of laborious steps to getting it into print. At that time it was unthinkable that one day I would have a small computer on my desk and that everything would be electronic, right through to the printing press. The move to autonomous cars is equally game-changing but the difference is that we can clearly see it coming. A few decades from now, youngsters will be aghast at the concept of people having manually driven cars (other than for pleasure), just as nowadays the concept of using a typewriter seems hopelessly archaic. “You’re not really old enough to have used one of those?” The fact that we know for certain that a change is happening gives a different perspective to the development that is taking us there. It is not a question of ‘if’ but ‘when?’ and ‘how?’ The enabling technology is being pursued in the certainty of the ultimate outcome, which means more intense effort by more developers and a far more competitive race to establish the optimum solutions. In this issue we provide an overview of the state of that competition, and as usual we delve into specific areas that affect it and, equally, other aspects of the relentless march of unmanned systems. Knowledge is the engine of technological development. We are pleased to be able to play our part in helping disseminate it throughout the industry, in the quest for the best ways forward. Ian Bamsey | Editorial Director When, not if February/March 2016 | Unmanned Systems Technology Intro | February/March 2016 Editorial Director Ian Bamsey Assistant Editor Guy Richards Technology Editor Nick Flaherty Staff Writer Stewart Mitchell Contributor Peter Donaldson Technical Consultants Charlie McCartan, Dr Donough Wilson, David Wood Design Andrew Metcalfe andrew@meticulousdesign.com UST Ad Sales Please direct all enquiries to Simon Moss simon@ust-media.com Subscriptions Chris Perry chris@ust-media.com Publishing Director Simon Moss General Manager Chris Perry Office Administrator Frankie Robins Online Publisher Caroline Rees caroline@echobluemedia.com Subscribe today @ www.ust-media.com Editorial opportunity This publication has had such an enthusiastic reception that we are expanding fast. That has opened the door for more experts to contribute to our pages. If you have a strong technical knowledge of any aspect of the field and would like to explore the possibility of writing for us, do let me know: ian@ust-media.com Heading your way Navigation technologies assessed Antenna systems Design options for every task www.unmannedsystemstechnology.com www.ust-media.com Inspector Mk2 Multi-mission USV gives up its secrets UST 06 : FEB/MARCH 2016 UK £15,USA$30,EUROPE e 22 Volume Two | Issue Two February/March 2016 High Power Media Limited Whitfield House, Cheddar Road, Wedmore, Somerset, BS28 4EJ, England Tel: +44 (0)1934 713957 Fax: +44 (0)20 8497 2102 www.highpowermedia.com ISSN 2056-9823 Printed in Great Britain ©High Power Media All rights reserved. Reproduction (in whole or in part) of any article or illustration without the written permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited. While care is taken to ensure the accuracy of information herein, the publisher can accept no liability for errors or omissions. Nor can responsibility be accepted for the content of any advertisement. US COPIES ONLY Unmanned Systems Technology ISSN No: 2056-9823, is published by High Power Media in England and is distributed in the United States by SPP, 17B S Middlesex Ave, Monroe, NJ 08831. Periodicals postage paid at New Brunswick, NJ. Postmaster please send address changes to: Unmanned Systems Technology, 17B S Middlesex Ave, Monroe, NJ 08831. SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscriptions are available from High Power Media at the address above or directly from our website. Overseas copies are sent via air mail. UST SUBSCRIPTION OFFERS 1 year subscription – 15% discount: UK – £75; Europe – e 125 USA – $150; ROW – £97.50 2 year subscription – 25% discount: UK – £135; Europe – e 225 USA – $270; ROW – £175.50 Make cheques payable to High Power Media. Visa, Mastercard, Amex and UK Maestro accepted. Quote card number and expiry date (also issue/start date for Maestro)