Category Archives: All News

Reliable Robotics Advances Autonomy Solution for U.S. Air Force

Reliable Robotics is advancing an aircraft automation system for the U.S. Air Force, aiming for continuous autopilot across all operational phases with remote pilot supervision, building upon recent collaborations with NASA and FAA endorsements. (Photo: Business Wire)

Reliable Robotics, a frontrunner in aircraft automation systems, is making headway towards a revolutionary autonomy solution tailored for the U.S. Air Force. With this advancement, the prospect of enabling autopilot throughout all aircraft operational phases—including taxiing, takeoff, and landing—is now within reach. Notably, this autonomy solution emphasizes remote pilot supervision.

This initiative echoes the recent collaboration between Reliable Robotics and NASA, where the two parties conducted flight tests to enhance airspace safety utilizing the FAA’s primary surveillance radar (PSR) data. The same technology was displayed during the Golden Phoenix readiness exercise at Travis Air Force Base, underscoring the company’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of avionic capabilities.

Reliable Robotics’ report under an Air Force-backed contract has identified three pivotal findings:

1. Adaptability of the System: The studied airframes can integrate the necessary system upgrades for remote operation. The modifications, particularly for navigation and communication, align with anticipated military operational settings.
2. Operational and Economic Efficiency: There’s potential for the Air Force to achieve commercial-like efficiency improvements without incurring the costs of manufacturing new aircraft.
3. System Reliability: The Remotely Operated Aircraft System (ROAS) is designed to meet FAA’s stringent certification requirements, even when integrated with larger airframes in the U.S. National Airspace System.

Last year, Reliable Robotics earned the FAA’s approval for its autonomous aircraft navigation system. This recognition, alongside the recently demonstrated automation capabilities on the Cessna 208 Caravan, underscores the firm’s innovation. According to Robert Rose, Reliable Robotics’ CEO, the focus remains on creating a high-integrity navigation system for full automation, extending from taxiing to landing.

As aircraft inch closer to full automation, the concept of remote pilots in ground control centers grows plausible. However, challenges in communication and situational adaptability require redressal before such a transition can be realized.

David O’Brien, Major General (Ret.), and Senior Vice President of Government Solutions at Reliable Robotics, commented that the company is “obsessed with enabling previously unimaginable capabilities for the U.S. Air Force through autonomy.”

He added, “Automating existing inventory at fractional costs will provide commanders unprecedented flexibility and safety in meeting acute operational demands with the smallest deployed human footprint.”

—————
Boost Internet Speed–
Free Business Hosting–
Free Email Account–
Dropcatch–
Free Secure Email–
Secure Email–
Cheap VOIP Calls–
Free Hosting–
Boost Inflight Wifi–
Premium Domains–
Free Domains

Teledyne FLIR Introduces Advanced Image Processing with Prism ISP

Teledyne FLIR announced the launch of Prism ISP, an advanced image signal processing software optimized for embedded systems, enhancing imaging quality in thermal and multispectral applications. (Photo: Teledyne FLIR)

This week, Teledyne FLIR, a subsidiary of Teledyne Technologies, unveiled the inaugural version of its cutting-edge Prism ISP—a sophisticated Image Signal Processing software development kit (SDK) tailored for embedded systems. This SDK is designed to optimize performance in both thermal and multispectral realms.

Prism ISP is uniquely optimized to operate on low-power GPUs produced by tech giants Qualcomm and NVIDIA. The software provides an array of image enhancement functionalities, including noise reduction, super-resolution, electronic image stabilization, and more. It offers an integration of infrared (IR) and electro-optical (EO) video fusion, turbulence mitigation, and locally adaptive tone mapping.

The Prism ISP libraries play a pivotal role for integrators across defense, commercial, and industrial sectors. By integrating Prism ISP, developers can significantly elevate imaging quality when capturing AI data at the edge. This not only refines performance but also reduces developmental expenditures and fast-tracks product launch timelines.

For developers and perception engineers, Prism ISP seamlessly interfaces with Teledyne FLIR’s prominent thermal cores, such as Boson, Tau 2, Hadron, and Neutrino, enhancing image processing capabilities. The software’s application on low-power processors also paves the way for improved target recognition and object tracking, catering to multiple applications like ground ISR, air-to-ground operations, and counter-drone interventions.

Teledyne FLIR has also upgraded its Prism AI software. The revamped perception software facilitates more accurate object detection, classification, and tracking in both thermal and visible light spectrums. With an expanded library now inclusive of models trained on the world’s most extensive application-specific thermal image datasets, Prism AI is especially valuable in areas like ground intelligence, air-to-ground operations, and counter-drone initiatives.

Dan Walker, vice president of product management at Teledyne FLIR, commented, “Prism ISP is critical to thermal-based AI system development, offering an unprecedented performance while reducing development costs. Within our end-to-end, computational imaging ecosystem featuring Prism AI, Teledyne FLIR can now support a wider array of projects and custom development that utilize low-power, embedded processors at the edge.”

—————
Boost Internet Speed–
Free Business Hosting–
Free Email Account–
Dropcatch–
Free Secure Email–
Secure Email–
Cheap VOIP Calls–
Free Hosting–
Boost Inflight Wifi–
Premium Domains–
Free Domains

L3Harris, Leidos, and MAG Aerospace Collaborate on HADES Program

L3Harris Technologies, Leidos, and MAG Aerospace are collaborating on the U.S. Army’s HADES program to provide advanced aerial intelligence aircraft for rapid data collection against sophisticated adversaries. (Photo: L3Harris)

L3Harris Technologies, Leidos, and MAG Aerospace are joining forces to lead the advancement of the U.S. Army’s High Accuracy Detection and Exploitation System (HADES) program. The collaboration aims to develop a fleet of aerial intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft, enhancing the ability to gather reliable intelligence against sophisticated adversaries rapidly.

Jason Lambert, President of ISR at L3Harris, commented on the announcement: “We have decades of missionization experience on business jet platforms and our L3Harris, Leidos and MAG Aerospace team brings several years of investment in building, operating and proving the Army’s concept of operations for modern multi-domain missions. No team is more experienced in producing and delivering Army aerial ISR solutions.”

Tim Freeman, SVP at Leidos, emphasized the synergy in this partnership, saying: “Our proven experience designing and operating the Leidos Special Mission Aircraft for ARTEMIS, together with this team’s capabilities, will help ensure HADES is a success.”

MAG Aerospace’s recent accolade, the ATHENA-R contract, signifies their investment in next-gen multi-domain ISR platforms. Matt Bartlett, President at MAG Aerospace, remarked, “MAG Aerospace has made substantial investments in the U.S. Army’s next generation, multi-domain ISR platforms as evident by our recent award of the ATHENA-R contract, and we look forward to using our knowledge and experience to help deliver the HADES Program of Record. HADES will provide deep sensing solutions as a key enabler to the Army’s Long-Range Precision Fires priority, and we offer the Army the most experienced team to integrate, test, validate, operate and deliver the next generation surveillance platforms.”

The experience of the L3Harris-led HADES team in the ISR business jet arena is extensive. Notably, L3Harris and Leidos have played significant roles in the Army’s Airborne Reconnaissance and Electronic Warfare System and the Airborne Reconnaissance Targeting and Exploitation Multi-Mission Intelligence System programs, respectively. Additionally, MAG Aerospace, in partnership with L3Harris, is at the forefront of the ATHENA-R program, delivering enhanced ISR aircraft.

L3Harris’ current involvement in the Army’s Multi-Domain Sensing System program’s Phase 2 is particularly noteworthy. They’re pioneering the development and integration of electronic and communication intelligence sensors for the HADES platform. This system, to be integrated on the Bombardier Global 6500 aircraft, promises enhanced capability, survivability, and coverage, pivotal for U.S. combat commands.

In 2021, the Army announced its selection of L3Harris and Raytheon Technologies for a prototype program within the service’s HADES intelligence-gathering aircraft program.

—————
Boost Internet Speed–
Free Business Hosting–
Free Email Account–
Dropcatch–
Free Secure Email–
Secure Email–
Cheap VOIP Calls–
Free Hosting–
Boost Inflight Wifi–
Premium Domains–
Free Domains

Curtiss-Wright Awarded $34M Contract for Advanced Airborne Data Recorder Technology

Curtiss-Wright was awarded a five-year, $34 million firm-fixed-price IDIQ contract by the Naval Surface Warfare Center to provide Modular Open Systems Approach-based airborne data recorder technology. (Photo: Curtiss-Wright)

Curtiss-Wright has secured a five-year, $34 million firm-fixed-price indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract with the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC). The contract encompasses providing Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) based airborne data recorder technology. This technology is earmarked for deployment on both U.S. and Australian manned and unmanned maritime aircraft.

A highlight of this agreement is the provision of Keyed Broad Area Maritime Surveillance Airborne Recorder (K-BAR) Network Attached Storage (NAS) solutions. This will include a comprehensive range of equipment such as chassis, docking stations, removable storage modules, and lab cable sets. Drawing from its stature as a premier supplier of MOSA-based encrypted, solid-state network-attached storage subsystems, Curtiss-Wright’s commitment is clear: to deliver top-tier, commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) open architecture K-BAR NAS equipment. Such equipment will bolster the capabilities of the MQ-4C Triton aircraft and the forthcoming PMA-290 aircraft models.

This sole source contract signifies a deeper collaborative thrust. It promises to extend training and dedicated engineering services in support of the K-BAR equipment. This endeavor will be undertaken by the Defense Solutions division of Curtiss-Wright, which operates under its Defense Electronics segment.

Lynn M. Bamford, Chair and CEO of Curtiss-Wright Corporation, remarked, “We are pleased to have been selected by the Naval Surface Warfare Center to provide our rugged airborne network attached storage technology and support services for Naval manned and unmanned aircraft programs. This award reflects our commitment to provide the most advanced and reliable open architecture data storage systems in support of our warfighters.”

Rooted in a lineage tracing back to aviation pioneers Glenn Curtiss and the Wright brothers, Curtiss-Wright is a center of innovation in the aerospace and defense sector. Today, with a workforce of approximately 8,400 highly skilled professionals, the corporation continues to offer engineered solutions that address the needs of not only the aviation industry but also commercial power, process, and industrial sectors.

—————
Boost Internet Speed–
Free Business Hosting–
Free Email Account–
Dropcatch–
Free Secure Email–
Secure Email–
Cheap VOIP Calls–
Free Hosting–
Boost Inflight Wifi–
Premium Domains–
Free Domains

U.S. Navy Awards Cockpit Modernization Contract to Northrop Grumman

Modernization of the cockpit and critical mission systems is included with the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye with DSSC 6. (Photo: Northrop Grumman)

Northrop Grumman will evolve the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye cockpit and computing architecture with Delta System Software Configuration 6 (DSSC 6) as part of a new contract awarded by the U.S. Navy, the company announced this week. 

Variants of the E-2 are utilized by air forces around the globe. The platform is used for navigational assistance, communications, and guidance with search and rescue operations. The E-2D in particular provides surveillance for fleet protection in addition to dominant and continuous interoperable command and control.

“Northrop Grumman has a long partnership with the U.S. Navy on the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye program to ensure with this fleet modernization that we continue to outpace evolving threats into the 2040s and beyond, with this proven airborne battle management command and control aircraft,” commented Janice Zilch, vice president, multi-domain command and control programs.

Modernization of DSSC 6 will incorporate both Hawkeye Cockpit Technology Refresh and Theater Combat ID, according to Northrop Grumman. Its new open mission systems architecture will allow new capabilities to be integrated rapidly.

The “entire Navy fleet will be retrofitted with updated cockpit, navigation technologies and mission systems, beginning in 2029 and throughout the 2030s,” the company stated.

—————
Boost Internet Speed–
Free Business Hosting–
Free Email Account–
Dropcatch–
Free Secure Email–
Secure Email–
Cheap VOIP Calls–
Free Hosting–
Boost Inflight Wifi–
Premium Domains–
Free Domains

United Expands Fleet with Orders for 110 More Aircraft

United Airlines has ordered 50 aircraft from Boeing and 60 aircraft from Airbus. (Photos: Boeing, Airbus, United)

Boeing and United Airlines announced on Tuesday that the airline is exercising options to order fifty 787-9 Dreamliners. Also on Tuesday, Airbus shared that United placed an order for 60 more A321neo aircraft.

In addition to ordering 50 more airplanes from Boeing, United also secured an additional 50 options. CEO Scott Kirby remarked, “This order takes our already successful United Next plan into the next decade and beyond.”

“I’m convinced our strategy is the right one as we continue to add new, larger aircraft to take full advantage of our growing flying opportunities both internationally and domestically,” he added.

The airline now has the largest order book for Dreamliners—150 firm orders—and could become the world’s largest operator of 787s.

United received its first 787-9 Dreamliner in 2014 as the aircraft’s launch customer in North America. The airline was also the launch customer for the 787-8 variant.

According to Boeing, “The enhanced efficiency and performance of the 787 reduces fuel use and emissions by up to 25% compared with the airplanes it replaces, depending on the configuration. The 787-9 has a globe-spanning range that allows carriers to fly up to 7,565 nautical miles while seating up to 296 passengers.”

This week’s order of 60 Airbus A321neo aircraft also supports United’s “United Next” program to bring new planes into its fleet. The airline has previously placed orders for 50 A321XLR and 70 A321neo aircraft.

Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of International, commented, “Upon introduction of the A321neo into its fleet in the coming weeks, United will take full benefit of Airbus’ Airspace cabin, providing an exceptional customer and cabin crew experience completely in phase with the United Next initiative. With regard to operations, the A321neo’s fuel efficiency, lower carbon footprint and lower maintenance and operating costs will be a game changer.”

According to Airbus, “The A321neo provides superior environmental performance featuring the lowest CO₂ emissions per seat in its class. By incorporating new generation engines and Sharklets, the A321neo brings a 50% noise reduction and more than 20% fuel savings and CO₂ reduction compared to previous generation single-aisle aircraft.”

—————
Boost Internet Speed–
Free Business Hosting–
Free Email Account–
Dropcatch–
Free Secure Email–
Secure Email–
Cheap VOIP Calls–
Free Hosting–
Boost Inflight Wifi–
Premium Domains–
Free Domains

BETA Chooses G3000 Integrated Flight Deck for its eVTOL

Garmin announced that it will be providing the Garmin G3000 integrated flight deck to BETA Technologies. (Photos: BETA)

This week, Garmin announced that it will be providing the Garmin G3000 integrated flight deck to BETA Technologies. BETA will be incorporating the G3000 into its electric fixed-wing aircraft, the CX300, as well as its A250 eVTOL aircraft. 

The eVTOL’s entry into service is planned for 2026, and the fixed-wing CX300 may enter into service in 2025. In March, BETA announced plans to certify its fixed-wing electric aircraft alongside its eVTOL.

Phil Straub, Garmin Executive Vice President & Managing Director of Aviation, remarked, “We’ve been strategically working with BETA for several years in their effort towards bringing a sustainable aviation solution to the market. It’s an honor to have our integrated flight deck chosen for the revolutionary A250 and CX300 aircraft, and we are thrilled to be part of BETA’s mission to grow the electric aviation market.” 

According to the announcement from Garmin, the flexible architecture of the G3000 flight deck “enables BETA to leverage the latest in flight deck technologies while seamlessly integrating BETA’s innovative fly-by-wire system and human-machine interface designs for electric propulsion and novel operations in an eVTOL aircraft.”

On Monday, BETA opened its production facility at the Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport. It’s an 188,500-square-foot facility that is dedicated to the manufacturing and assembly of BETA’s electric aircraft.

—————
Boost Internet Speed–
Free Business Hosting–
Free Email Account–
Dropcatch–
Free Secure Email–
Secure Email–
Cheap VOIP Calls–
Free Hosting–
Boost Inflight Wifi–
Premium Domains–
Free Domains

Boeing Taps RTX for X-66A NASA Collaboration

Boeing announced this week that it selected RTX to collaborate on the X-66A flight demonstrator. (Photo: Boeing)

NASA’s Sustainable Flight National Partnership focuses on technological developments to reduce commercial aviation’s CO2 emissions. The partnership includes the X-66A Sustainable Flight Demonstrator project.

“Boeing’s X-66A program is focused on developing the Transonic Truss-Braced Wing (TTBW) concept, which could enable significant improvements in fuel efficiency and reduced emissions for next-generation single-aisle aircraft,” according to the release from RTX.

Boeing announced this week that it selected RTX to collaborate on the X-66A flight demonstrator. Pratt & Whitney and Collins Aerospace—two of RTX’s business units—will provide engines, nacelles, and engine accessories, and will support ground and flight testing. The testing is expected to kick off in 2028.

Geoff Hunt, SVP of Engineering & Technology at Pratt & Whitney, commented, “We’ll work with Boeing to apply GTF engines to the X-66A and help demonstrate the potential of its pioneering truss-braced wing design.”

The GTF engine, which entered into service in 2016, can improve fuel efficiency by as much as 20%. The engines also reduce noise emissions significantly.

(Photo: Pratt & Whitney)

The nacelles that Collins will provide to support the X-66A program aid in controlling airflow, reducing noise, safeguarding the engine, and facilitating thrust reversal. Additionally, Collins provides the air turbine starters, electronic controls, heat exchangers, and other control system components for Pratt & Whitney’s GTF engines.

Other sustainable aviation technologies that RTX is working on include “engine readiness for unblended 100% SAF, hybrid-electric propulsion, and hydrogen fuel,” according to the company.

—————
Boost Internet Speed–
Free Business Hosting–
Free Email Account–
Dropcatch–
Free Secure Email–
Secure Email–
Cheap VOIP Calls–
Free Hosting–
Boost Inflight Wifi–
Premium Domains–
Free Domains

Army Selects Textron, Griffon Aerospace To Continue On Future Tactical UAS Competition

Textron Systems’ Aerosonde Mk. 4.8 Hybrid Quad UAS. Photo: Army’s PEO Aviation

The Army has chosen Textron Systems [TXT] and Griffon Aerospace to move forward in the Future Tactical UAS (FTUAS) Inc. 2 program to find a Shadow drone replacement, the service announced on Tuesday.

Northrop Grumman [NOC] and Sierra Nevada Corporation, who were also participating in the FTUAS Inc. 2 effort, were not selected for the second option period of the prototyping program.

The Army in February announced the five firms were selected for the prototyping effort to inform FTUAS, with each working under agreements potentially ranging from $1 million to $25 million based on how far each vendor “progresses through the base and option periods” (Defense Daily, Feb. 28).

The first agreement option period for FTUAS Inc. 2 culminated in a preliminary design review and involved evaluating the firms’ designs against requirements of performance, Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA), cost, schedule, risk, and key Program Executive Office, Aviation and Army priorities,” the service said.

Griffon Aerospace and Textron’s work on the second period of FTUAS Inc. 2 will lead up to a critical design review (CDR), according to the Army, “which will establish the final system design and initial product baseline.”

“Following the CDR, the remaining [vendors] will participate in flight demonstrations and MOSA third-party verification in the third agreement option period before delivering production representative weapon systems and support equipment for developmental testing and operational demonstrations with soldier touch points in a subsequent agreement option period,” the Army said. These systems will undergo numerous evaluation activities such as environmental testing, electromagnetic environmental effects testing, transportability testing, MOSA verification, flight testing, and Technical Manual verification conducted at [industry] and government facilities.”

Textron is offering its Aerosonde Mk. 4.8 Hybrid Quad UAS and Griffon Aerospace is offering its Valiant drone platform for the FTUAS program.

The Army has said FTUAS aims to replace the legacy Shadow drone, also built by Textron, with a “vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL), runway-independent, reduced acoustic signature aircraft that can be transported organically while providing commanders with ‘on the move’ reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition capabilities.

This article was originally published by Defense Daily, a sister publication of Avionics International. It has been edited. Read the original version here >>

—————
Boost Internet Speed–
Free Business Hosting–
Free Email Account–
Dropcatch–
Free Secure Email–
Secure Email–
Cheap VOIP Calls–
Free Hosting–
Boost Inflight Wifi–
Premium Domains–
Free Domains

Joby Aviation Delivers First eVTOL Aircraft for U.S. Air Force’s 412th Test Wing

U.S. Air Force Maj. Mike Corson (left), 418th Flight Test Squadron pilot, and Capt. Terrence McKenna, AFWERX Agility Prime test and experimentation lead, perform a pre-flight check on a Joby S4 aircraft this spring. The Joby S4 is a five-seat electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. (Courtesy Photo on Edwards AFB Web Page)

California-based Joby Aviation, Inc. [JOBY] said on Sept. 25 that it has delivered its first electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for the U.S. Air Force to Edwards AFB, Calif.’s 412th Test Wing “approximately six months ahead of the expected 2024 delivery date.”

“On-base operations with Joby aircraft will be used to demonstrate a range of logistics missions, including cargo and passenger transportation, and will be operated by both Joby and U.S. Air Force personnel,” the company said. “In partnership with the U.S. Air Force, NASA will also use the aircraft for research focused on how these aircraft could fit into the national airspace, benefiting the entire [commercial] air taxi industry.”

The eVTOL is to have a range of up to 100 miles, “plus energy reserves,” a top speed of 200 miles per hour, and an ability to carry a pilot and four passengers, according to Joby.

Joby founder and CEO JoeBen Bevirt “was in my office at the beginning of this year talking about the prospects of looking for a manufacturing facility, and I asked him about the prospects [for Dayton],” Turner said on Sept. 18  “And I must tell you, in that meeting, he was not optimistic. We were not competitive. We were not top of the list. What changed? The difference? The difference is Gov. DeWine and JobsOhio.”

Joby will look to leverage its proximity in Dayton to Air Force Materiel Command and the Air Force Research Laboratory at Wright-Patterson AFB.

Joby has said that it expects the formal launch of its eVTOL next year after it receives type certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (Defense Daily, Aug. 15, 2022).

Joby’s first eVTOL “has already begun flying at Edwards,” and the delivery came under the company’s $131 million contract with the U.S. Air Force’s AFWERX innovation arm, the company said on Sept. 25.

Under the $131 million AFWERX Agility Prime contract, Joby may deliver nine eVTOL aircraft to the Air Force and other federal government agencies.

“Joby’s current and previously completed work with the Department of Defense represents a total potential contract value of $163 million, the largest in the industry,” the company said. “A second aircraft is planned to be delivered to Edwards in early 2024.”

The Air Force and Joby are to conduct “joint flight testing and operations to demonstrate the aircraft’s capabilities in realistic mission settings,” Joby said. “On-base operations will also include the training of Air Force pilots and aircraft maintenance crews, which will provide the DoD with valuable insight into the performance of eVTOL aircraft and will give Joby on-the-ground operational and training experience as the company prepares for the launch of commercial passenger service in 2025.”

Joby’s work with DoD dates back to 2016 when the Defense Innovation Unit gave the company early funding and access to test ranges.

“Over the past year, the U.S. Air Force and Marines have made multiple visits to Joby’s manufacturing and flight test facilities in Marina, Calif.,” Joby said on Sept. 25. “Four U.S. Air Force pilots completed full remotely-piloted transition flights of the Joby aircraft in April, and two groups of Marines visited in May to conduct mission analysis regarding potential logistics and medical applications of the aircraft.”

This article was originally published by Defense Daily, a sister publication of Avionics International. It has been edited. Read the original version here >>

—————
Boost Internet Speed–
Free Business Hosting–
Free Email Account–
Dropcatch–
Free Secure Email–
Secure Email–
Cheap VOIP Calls–
Free Hosting–
Boost Inflight Wifi–
Premium Domains–
Free Domains