U(C)AV ontwikkelingen

[Harald]

MQ-9 Reaper Is Capable Of Defending Itself With Air-To-Air Missiles

The MQ-9 Reaper can engage aerial targets with the AIM-9X Sidewinder missile, but the will to field it operationally is another story.



oday's incident between a Russian Su-27 Flanker and a U.S. MQ-9 Reaper that saw the latter crash into the Black Sea after the jet collided with its propeller has people questioning the defenselessness of the Reaper to nearby aerial threats. In particular, people want to know why they can't be armed to protect themselves. The answer to that question may be surprising to some ? they can!

A quick history lesson is needed as well as a reminder about a far more recent revelation.

The Q-9 Reaper's progenitor, the Q-1 Predator, an aircraft that blazed the trail to the unmanned revolution we are still in the depths of today, was less capable than its successor in every way. But, two decades ago, when faced with a menacing aerial threat, the little Predator quickly went from a defenseless lamb to a wolf that could bite back.

The Predator was outfitted to carry AIM-92 Stinger air-to-air missiles under an urgent development initiative led by the USAF's Big Safari office 16 years ago. Air Force Magazine recounts the lightning fast initiative and its wild outcome:

"Some Predators were armed with the AIM-92 Stinger missile, to defend themselves against Iraqi fighters. Getting the Stinger certified on the Predator took only 91 days.

.../...

Today, a self-protection pod for the Reaper that provides electronic and expendable countermeasures, and spherical situational awareness of threats, exists. It was designed to counter ground-based air defenses primarily, but it may be possible to utilize it in conjunction with AIM-9X, at least for awareness purposes. In fact, concept art of the pod shows this exact configuration:



Modern data-links can also provide Reaper crews with additional situational awareness and potentially targeting data, as well, as discussed in the quote from our piece six years ago. This is especially relevant for employing the 'networked' AIM-9X Block II that supports third-party targeting and lock-on after launch capability.

At this time there is no indication of MQ-9s being armed with air-to-air missiles on operational missions, but it clearly would not be hard to do so. This capability would have to be deployed in an operational state and tactics and procedures would have to be built around it, along with training for the crews that operate the Reapers.

So yes, the Reaper can fight back in the air-to-air realm, but there needs to be a will to deploy such a capability and the rules of engagement need to be carefully planned around it.

At the very least, it would provide some deterrence to marauding fighters, but the aforementioned rules of engagement, at least under the current circumstances, would limit its utility as it is unlikely Reapers would be allowed to fire without being fired upon. This would be a different story in an openly hostile environment where kinetic engagements are expected against a fully declared adversary with deadly intent.

Regardless, I hope this answers the question of if one of these drones can be armed to protect itself.

The answer, quite remarkably, is now 20 years old.

https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/yes-the-mq-9-can-defend-itself-with-air-to-air-missiles

[Harald]

USAF Special Ops Buys MQ-9B SkyGuardians To Test Air-Launched Drone Concepts

The Air Force Special Operations Command will acquire three MQ-9B SkyGuardians to help develop the new Adaptive Airborne Enterprise concept.



US. Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) will be procuring MQ-9B SkyGuardian remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) to prove a concept that would see them used as launch platforms for smaller, more expendable drones. The SkyGuardians would employ the smaller drones at a safe distance from enemy air defenses, sending them into riskier, less permissible environments.

The SkyGuardian is an evolution of the earlier MQ-9A Reaper that has been designed with more range, payload capacity, and endurance, along with other improvements. General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI), which makes the Q-9 family of aircraft, announced the new contract with the AFSOC in a Monday press release. Under the deal, the company will provide AFSOC, which has already been flying the Reaper for over 14 years, with three SkyGuardians.

.../...

The GA-ASI press release says that the SkyGuardians will play a key role in fleshing out the AFSOC?s new Adaptive Airborne Enterprise (A2E) concept. In fact, this will be SkyGuardian?s primary objective with the outfit. As Lt. Col. Rebecca Heyse, director of public affairs for the AFSOC told The War Zone, the MQ-9Bs currently slated for AFSOC will not be used operationally.

Heyse explained that the AFSOC?s SkyGuardians will instead ?be used to rapidly pathfind A2E concepts and technologies, planned to include sUAS and autonomy integration, beginning in calendar year 2024.? She also added that AFSOC expects to take possession of its first SkyGuardian by the end of this year.

.../...

https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/usaf-special-ops-buys-mq-9b-skyguardians-to-test-air-launched-drone-concepts

[Harald]

Might @GeneralAtomics be about to land its first DoD customer for Sky/SeaGuardian, as @USNavy issues request for a COCO MQ-9B ISR services within CONUS? Both company and service tight lipped for now, with neither willing to expand on RFI as it appears at https://sam.gov/opp/9c79f6166e51473184b15d5838495be8/view

https://twitter.com/GarethJennings3/status/1489249004420542465

[Jooop]

[Harald]

Camcopter S-100 Relays Sonobuoy Data During NATO Exercise

Thales and Schiebel successfully tested the reinforcement of conventional underwater capabilities with a CAMCOPTER? S-100 Unmanned Air System (UAS) during the NATO REPMUS 2022 exercise in Tr?ia, Portugal.



Thales and Schiebel validate the use of Schiebel?s CAMCOPTER? S-100 Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV) to relay acoustic buoy surveillance during the NATO exercise REPMUS 2022

Thales press release

The underwater environment is becoming increasingly crowded and hostile; hence, navies must acquire more and more resources that are progressively responsive, flexible and interconnected.

Indeed, fighting under the sea requires the deployment of considerable capacities and the coordination of means can sometimes meet limits. To reduce the risk of threat saturation, Thales and Schiebel successfully tested the reinforcement of conventional underwater capabilities with a CAMCOPTER S-100 Unmanned Air System (UAS) during the NATO REPMUS 2022 exercise in Tr?ia, Portugal. 

REPMUS22 was a real opportunity for the industry and the armed Forces to collaborate on the test and development of maritime unmanned systems, with 25 navies, and more than 20 research and development companies, two universities and eight NATO entities related to maritime operations and/or maritime unmanned systems.

The scenario chosen by the NATO was that of surveillance of a strategic access to a port, in order to detect and classify possible enemy submarines, using the best of innovative technologies.
To this end, Thales and Schiebel deployed a CAMCOPTER S-100 UAV equipped with a data relay box, allowing the transmission distance of data from the acoustic buoys deployed in surveillance along the coast to be optimised.

The data was successfully processed on land by the Thales Bluetracker system. The data could have also been processed on board a frigate cruising off the coast, in addition to the airborne means usually used (helicopters, maritime patrol aircraft).

The use of UAS allows navies to face new challenges with increasingly limited human resources. Fast, durable, flexible (multi-mission) and are a useful and efficient complement to an anti-submarine system.

This first participation in REPMUS 2022 for the Thales-Schiebel partnership opens perspectives on the force multiplier effect obtained through interoperable and interchangeable systems. Thanks to innovative technologies, whose basic building blocks already exist (buoys and UAVs) and soon thanks to the use of the new SonoFlash buoy developed by Thales, these unmanned systems will be able to demonstrate their usefulness in many theatres of operation.

https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2022/10/camcopter-s-100-relays-sonobuoy-data-during-nato-exercise/

[Ace1]

Schiebel Teases New Camcopter S-300 UAV At Euronaval

As UAVs competition grows including in the naval domain, Schiebel decided to fill a gap in the heavy-lift-capable unmanned air system (UAS) market with the Camcopter S-300, a larger version of the Camcopter S-100.

https://www.navalnews.com/event-news/euronaval-2022/2022/10/schiebel-teases-new-camcopter-s-300-uav-at-euronaval/#prettyPhoto





Een interessante ontwikkeling met een MTOW van 660 kg een flinke verbetering t.o.v. de S-100. Een directe en mogelijk sterke tegenstander van o.a. de VSR-700.

Je vergeet Leonardo nog die hebben ook iets vergelijksbaars.

https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2022/07/leonardo-wins-contract-to-develop-vtol-uav-for-royal-navy/

https://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/sw-4-solo-rotorcraft-unmanned-air-system-optionally-piloted-helicopter/

[Parera]

Poland Will Lease MQ-9A Reapers To Fill The UAV Capability Gap
https://theaviationist.com/2022/10/20/poland-will-lease-mq-9a-reapers-to-fill-the-uav-capability-gap/

[Parera]

Schiebel Teases New Camcopter S-300 UAV At Euronaval

As UAVs competition grows including in the naval domain, Schiebel decided to fill a gap in the heavy-lift-capable unmanned air system (UAS) market with the Camcopter S-300, a larger version of the Camcopter S-100.

https://www.navalnews.com/event-news/euronaval-2022/2022/10/schiebel-teases-new-camcopter-s-300-uav-at-euronaval/#prettyPhoto





Een interessante ontwikkeling met een MTOW van 660 kg een flinke verbetering t.o.v. de S-100. Een directe en mogelijk sterke tegenstander van o.a. de VSR-700.

[Harald]

Euronaval 2022: Airbus showcases its VSR700 UAS

At Euronaval, started on 18 October 2022, Airbus is showing the many range of ways our teams are pioneering to help protect these critical areas including its VSR700 Unmanned Aircraft System.



70.8% of Earth is covered by water equating to a massive 361 million km2 of seas and oceans to be monitored. Gathering intelligence over maritime areas is a challenge of colossal proportions and Airbus has taken it on with the development of several dedicated systems - which includes an array of unmanned aerial systems ranging from light to long-endurance aircraft.

VSR700, the unmanned aerial system that is currently under development and has been designed to operate alongside other shipborne naval assets, will provide commanders with an improved tactical picture, greater search and rescue power, and bring to bear a highly capable autonomous platform in times of heightened threats.

Its compact size and discreet silhouette enhance stealth, and its payload accommodates a host of long-range, high-performance sensors ? the optimal capability enhancement for modern navies.

With a maximum take-off weight around 700 kg (1,500 lb), it is a larger aircraft than the Austrian Camcopter S-100 which the French Navy has trialled before.

The drone is designed to eventually deploy from Mistral-class amphibious assault ship, as well as from frigates. The prototype VSR700 performed its first flight at a drone test centre near Aix-en-Provence, France, on 8 November 2019.

https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/naval-news/naval-exhibitions/euronaval-2022-news-show-daily/12359-euronaval-2022-airbus-showcases-its-vsr700-uas.html

[Harald]

And one here onboard @HMSQNLZ for #AFF22 in New York last week @FutureAtlantic
Hugely impressive capability.

https://twitter.com/StephenWatson39/status/1577996500424163329?cxt=HHwWgoC8iZzdleYrAAAA

Krijgen Britse vliegdekschepen dit onbemande vliegtuig?

Aan boord van het Britse vliegkampschip HMS Queen Elizabeth is een onbemand vliegtuig gepot tijdens het Atlantic Future Forum in New York. Stephan Watson, voorzitter van het congres over Defensie en diplomatie twitterde een foto van een Protector aircraft aan boord van het schip, zo zag UK Defence Journal. Het leidde tot geruchten dat dergelijke drones in de toekomst vanaf Britse vliegkampschepen operationeel kunnen worden.

..../...

https://marineschepen.nl/nieuws/Krijgen-Britse-vliegdekschepen-onbemande-vliegtuigen-111022.html

[Harald]

US Air Force to start new experiments with Boeing's MQ-28 Ghost Bat drone

Lt. Gen. Clint Hinote told Breaking Defense that the service is "getting ready to take delivery" of a drone prototype, now confirmed as Boeing's Ghost Bat.



The US Air Force is set to begin flight experiments with Boeing's MQ-28 Ghost Bat, a combat drone developed for the Australian air force that may help its American counterpart learn how to operate unmanned aircraft alongside fighter jets.

Lt. Gen. Clint Hinote, who leads Air Force Futures, told Breaking Defense in a September 20 interview that the service is "getting ready to take delivery" of a drone prototype through the Pentagon's research and engineering office, also known as OSD (R&E).

"It might look a lot like an Australian thing," he joked, referring to the Ghost Bat, which first flew in 2021 at Royal Australian Air Force Base Woomera.

Pentagon spokesman Lt. Cdr. Tim Gorman confirmed that the research and engineering office is involved in development and experimentation efforts involving Ghost Bat, saying that "OSD (R&E) continually works with the services to validate technologies that are key to advancing and fielding next generation capabilities."

He declined to give further details except to confirm that Ghost Bat is not being funded through the Rapid Defense Experimentation Reserve (RDER), an OSD (R&E) -led effort wherein the services propose experiments and compete for funding.

Boeing deferred comment on the matter to the Air Force.

In recent weeks Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall has hinted that the Ghost Bat could be a useful tool for the US Air Force as it seeks to understand how semi-autonomous combat drones — what the service calls Collaborative Combat Aircraft — could interface with the service's fifth and sixth-generation fighters. Both CCA and a manned sixth-generation fighter are planned to be part of the service's Next Generation Air Dominance family of systems, and Kendall has said a CCA competition could begin as early as fiscal 2024.

..../....

https://breakingdefense.com/2022/10/us-air-force-to-start-new-experiments-with-boeings-mq-28-ghost-bat-drone/

[Harald]

The U.S. Air Force secretary has confirmed that the service could buy the Australian drone as part of the NGAD tactical air combat program.

The U.S. Air Force could be the next customer for the MQ-28 Ghost Bat drone that Boeing Australia is building for the Royal Australian Air Force, or RAAF. That revelation came about during a recent event in Australia that hosted U.S. Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall, who confirmed that "preliminary discussions" were underway with a view to buying the MQ-28 as a loyal wingman-type adjunct to the forthcoming Next Generation Air Dominance, or NGAD, program, a wide-ranging 'system of systems' intended to ensure U.S. tactical air dominance for years to come.

https://www.realcleardefense.com/2022/08/25/usaf_eyeing_mq-28_ghost_bat_for_ngad_850034.html

[Harald]

Leonardo Wins Contract To Develop VTOL UAV For Royal Navy    ( Ook best interessant voor de NL KM )

The Royal Navy is moving a step closer to operating crewless helicopters. The UK MoD has awarded a £60 million contract to Leonardo to design and develop a cutting-edge uncrewed helicopter.


Leonardo SW-4 SOLO remotely piloted helicopter

Royal Navy press release

The three-tonne demonstrator – less than a third of the weight of a Merlin helicopter – could provide an innovative alternative to existing aircraft for tracking adversary submarines.

Trials will test the capability of the aircraft to drop "sonobuoys" – small tube-shaped buoys that track and communicate submarine activity – enabling the aircraft to alert a crewed helicopter and call for support if a submarine is located.

Cost-effective to run, the platform will also reduce exposure of Royal Navy crews to potential threats.

Project Proteus will support up to 100 highly-skilled engineering jobs at Leonardo's Yeovil site.

Leonardo – the firm behind the Wildcat and Merlins which are the mainstay of Fleet Air Arm operations – will test the demonstrator on lengthy and demanding anti-submarine warfare patrols – currently performed by Merlin Mk2 helicopters – but other potential uses will also be investigated, including evacuating casualties.

Turning to drone helicopters, would mean crews wouldn't need to swap due to fatigue, fuel costs could be reduced, while the crewed aircraft could be used for other critical tasks.

Proteus – named after a mythological Greek god of the sea – is due to take its first flight in 2025 and, once airborne, will generate evidence helping decision-making when it comes to future investment in the Royal Navy and Fleet Air Arm.

The Royal Navy's Director Develop, Rear Admiral James Parkin, said: "Proving the benefits of larger uncrewed aircraft, rotary and fixed wing, will be key to understanding whether such aircraft can effectively contribute to future Royal Navy capabilities, particularly for anti-submarine warfare."

Minister for Defence Procurement, Jeremy Quin, said:

"The global threat is changing, and it is crucial we remain at the forefront of defence innovation. Exploring cutting-edge, new defence capabilities through programmes with key British manufacturers, will help to ensure our Armed Forces are equipped to deal with the latest threats."

If successful, the new aircraft would provide a platform capable of delivering improved surveillance and intelligence, enabling crewed Royal Navy helicopters to re-deploy on alternative missions if required and bolstering UK defence capability.

Capable of carrying a large payload, combined with the ability to operate in harsh environmental conditions, the aircraft could also demonstrate its utility across a range of requirements.

Beyond anti-submarine warfare, the project will address other potential uses including ship to ship resupply and casualty evacuation.

The four-year contract will deliver a demonstrator as part of the existing UK Defence Rotary Strategy, setting out plans to improve and upgrade the readiness of UK Defence's key helicopter capabilities.

https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2022/07/leonardo-wins-contract-to-develop-vtol-uav-for-royal-navy/#prettyPhoto

[Jooop]

[Harald]

Greece to purchase SeaGuardian MQ-9B UAV amid tensions with Turkey   ( vink, weer een nieuwe aankoper van de B-versie )

According to information published by Defence Review on July 6, 2022, the Greek parliament approved new arms programs, one of which is the $400 million acquisition of the SeaGuardian MQ-9B Unmanned aerial vehicle.

MQ-9B SeaGuardian is the maritime-focused sibling of the revolutionary SkyGuardian remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS) that has been missionized using "bolt-on/bolt-off" maritime sensors.

In addition to its Lynx Multi-Mode Radar, advanced electro-optical/infrared sensor, automatic takeoff and landing capability, and the same impressive 79 ft (24m) wingspan as SkyGuardian, SeaGuardian includes a centerline wide-area maritime radar mission kit, and automatic identification system.

SeaGuardian integrates the most advanced maritime intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities and is the first RPAS in its class to enable real-time search and patrol above and below the ocean's surface.

The MQ-9B Seaguardian has a length of 11.7 meters and wingspans of 24 meters with a maximum gross take-off weight of 5,670 kg and a fuel capacity of 2,721 kg.

It can carry 363 kg of payloads in the fuselage and 1,814 kg of payloads externally. It can fly at a maximum speed of 210 knots with a maximum range of 5,000 NMI at a maximum altitude of 40,000 MSL.

The Remotely Piloted Aircraft System is equipped with precision-guided munitions, Paveway IV laser-guided bomb, and Brimstone 2 air-to-surface missiles.

https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/naval-news/naval-news-archive/2022/july/11887-greece-to-purchase-seaguardian-mq-9b-uav-amid-tensions-with-turkey.html