|  To
improve mission range, persistence and raid response, some UAS
are designed to be air-insertable. Since such missions could
be 'one way' only, these UAVs are designed to be low-cost, optionally
expendable systems. Among these are the the Finder
from SAIC and the future SECC
from Boeing. Two smaller, electrically powered UAVs also
designed as optionally expendable systems, are the Coyote
from ACR and Voyeur from
Lite Machines as well as Aerovironment's Switchblade. At
the lower tier, unmanned systems are rapidly maturing, with
some systems already fielded with US forces, particularly special
forces and light infantry and airborne units. (more...)
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 Some
of the latest developments shown here include the BatMav
(Wasp III) micro UAV from Aerovironment, recently selected
for the Pentagon's SUAV program. Its competitor, the Nighthawk
(previously known as BatCam), is undergoing continuous development
and was now introduced in a redesigned, lightweight 3rd generation
model. Nighthawk and
the new Maverick from Prioria,
both represent a new concept of an 'always ready' UAV carried
in a tube, with wings wrapped around the fuselage. When needed,
the UAV is pulled out of tube, the wings automatically snapping
into position making the UAV is ready to launch.
Other micro-designs at AUVSI included vertical take-off and
landing designs, including the new
electrically powered Micro-Air Vehicle from CRG, and new
turbine-based propulsion
developed for the Class I Micro UAV from Honeywell.
Topics covered in this review:
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