Unmanned Systems Technology 013 | AutonomouStuff Lincoln MKZ | AI systems | Unmanned Underwater Vehicles | Cosworth AG2 UAV twin | AceCore Neo | Maintenance | IDEX 2017 Show report

81 IDEX 2017 | Show report fast response time in the 0.9-1.7 µm wavelength range, and is used in Xenics’ new XSW series of SWIR cores, which incorporate 2D focal plane arrays. The camera cores measure between 45 x 45 x 51 and 45 x 45 x 65 mm, weigh between 120 and 165 g, and consume 2.5-4 W depending on preferred interface. “UAV systems with SWIR-enabled hyperspectral imaging can also be beneficial for non-military roles, such as revealing water content in grapes, fungi in wheat, or desertification,” Dr Francky Demeester explained. Teledyne Gavia has recently enhanced the survey capability of the Gavia AUV with the release of an MB2250 high-frequency multi-beam sonar from Teledyne BlueView. The sonar’s 2250 kHz frequency allows it to be used both for target identification and for gap fill of sidescan sonar nadir gap. “That means you can extend the survey line spacing, with no need for overlap, and cover an area of seafloor much quicker,” Arnar Steingrimsson explained. Leonardo’s PicoSAR active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar is being installed on Safran’s Patroller UAV to detect moving land- based targets and collect synthetic aperture radar (SAR) ground imagery for the French armed forces. Andy Nejman commented, “The hardware interfaces with electrical power, GPS antenna feed, data link via Ethernet and a safety interlock to prevent hazardous emissions. From a software perspective, a huge benefit of installing the radar on so many different platforms using different types of data link is that its software has evolved to make data link integration straightforward.” The AESA contains 20 transmit/receive modules. Each one measures 90 x 15 mm, weighs 12 g and uses silicon as well as GaAS monolithic microwave integrated circuits. Total PicoSAR power consumption when undertaking SAR imaging is about 300 W. Domo Tactical Communications (DTC), formerly Cobham TCS, displayed its latest IP connectivity solution, the high- bandwidth Phase 5 (P5) mesh. The key modification from its Phase 4 (P4) mesh is that all P5 platforms have been made MIMO-capable to increase the data throughput per channel (26 Mbit/s, from 8.8 Mbit/s in the P4). The MIMO mesh uses two polarised transmissions, each of which is received by two antennas. Tailored software optimises each channel against fading and then enhances them through diversity maximum ratio combining. This amplifies branches with strong signals, and reduces weak signals. “We use COFDM to enable enhanced non-line of sight range performance and to securely modulate the data,” commented Nigel Lee. “The smallest devices we manufacture are the P5 SOLO8 SDR (software-defined radio) and the SOLO7 nano-transmitter, which offers sub-40 ms latency. Both devices are small form-factor radios, less than 100 g in weight.” Both the SOLO8 and SOLO7 use H.264 (MPEG-4 AVC) HD video encoding, with MPEG-4 ASP additionally available for backwards compatibility with older video transmission systems. Atlas Elektronik UK had on show a new mission system for unmanned anti- submarine warfare (ASW) deployed from the ARCIMS USV. The system is a compact variable-depth sonar, designed for small and unmanned vessels operating in littoral environments. Littoral environments are noise-congested, as well as warm and shallow in places like the Arabian Gulf, meaning traditional ASW payloads for deep, uncongested environments cannot be deployed. “A higher frequency compact system is more suitable for that environment,” said Tina Haggett. “The ARCIMS-ASW module comprises an active tow body and a triplet line array for directional resolution. A triplet line array will determine the direction the signal is coming from, whereas a single array could detect the signal but not distinguish the direction of the source.” The ASW sonar operates from the back of the ARCIMS 11 m unmanned surface vessel, which is capable of 15 knot transit and 5-8 knots when operating coastal ASW surveillance. Al Marakeb launched a kit enabling unmanned operations (including waypoint navigation, route planning and variable speed control) on manned boats, adapted from its B7 and B10 USVs. The MAP Pro control box contains an INS, a solid-state compass and a GNSS module to estimate heading and position accurate to 2.5 m, housed within an IP66- rated enclosure. It connects via a serial interface to a 6-16 V dc power supply, an autopilot steering pump, rudder position sensor and engine-specific control box to control the USV’s movement. Data, control and comms are processed by a 1.2 GHz quad-core ARM Cortex A5. “Our system connects via a secure router to an encrypted IP mesh radio for LOS comms and control,” said Bud Peppe. “The system includes multiple fixed cameras and a gyrostabilised gimbal for EO/IR imagery, as a base package, that can be displayed and controlled from the containerised ground control station. “If BVLOS is needed, users can generate a mesh network by positioning one boat at the limit of LOS to act as a repeater while others navigate beyond.” Unmanned Systems Technology | April/May 2017 Xenics’ XSW series of SWIR cores feature 2D focal plane arrays and consume 2.5-4 W