The Spy Arrow micro UAV from Thales. Photo: Bernard Rousseau , Thales

Thales is introducing three new unmanned systems at Eurosatory 2010 – the Spy Arrow mini-UAV, an autonomous, affordable and backpackable surveillance system comprising a delta-winded miniature aircraft, carrying an EO payload and associated avionics to perform a short, autonomous mission over a pre-planned or user guided path. The Spy Arrow transmits real-time video with geo-location points to provide the warfighter with ad-hoc surveillance and recce of an area of operation. Additional payloads considered for the robot are Chemical Biological, Radiological, Nuclear (CBRN) detectors.  

The company is also displaying the μTrooper Unmanned Ground Vehicle - a multi-role six-wheeled platform that can operate independently or as part of a pack. The μTrooper is equipped with radio transmitters capable of sending real time video in an urban environment. It employs an open architecture to easily integrate new payloads or systems. The μTrooper uses articulated chassis a six-wheel drive moving it on rough terrain, and even climb steps of 18 cm high.

Thales is also developing a larger UGV caller R-Trooper, equipped with a full UGV sensor suite, including cameras, radar, 2D and 3D laser scanners etc.). The R-Trooper runs on an electric motor and is virtually noiseless. It can also carry smaller sub-robots for reconnaissance on emplacement of communication relays in an indoor setting. R-Trooper can be used for missions such as observation and reconnaissance, area control and perimeter surveillance, forward logistics, countermine and general force protection including counter IED operations.

The R-Trooper, electrically powered Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV).
Photos: Bernard Rousseau, Thales