 U.S. allies order Raven unmanned aerial vehicles Washington (UPI) Oct 14, 2015 - AeroVironment Inc., a manufacturer of unmanned aerial vehicles, is supplying its hand-launched RQ-11B Raven system to seven allied countries. The countries, which were not identified, are obtaining the Raven -- together with spare parts and contractor logistics services -- through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales program. "Allied forces around the globe are increasingly relying on AeroVironment as the go-to source for small UAS that deliver powerful insight, on demand for valuable, real-time situational awareness – whenever and wherever needed," said Kirk Flittie, AeroVironment vice president and general manager of its Unmanned Aircraft Systems business segment. "Our systems help military personnel and enterprises operate more safely and effectively in some of the most challenging conditions and places on earth." The Raven is for low-altitude intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance information. It has a wingspan of 4.5 feet, weighs 4.2 pounds, and a day/night operational range of about 6.2 miles. The FMS contract for the systems was given to AeroVironment by the U.S. Army and is worth about $18.5 million.
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A point-and-shoot device to disrupt drones in flight has been developed by Battelle.
The DroneDefender has a range of about 1,000 yards and is based on radio control frequency disruption technologies. It disrupts the unmanned aerial vehicle so that no remote action -- including detonation -- can occur in sensitive areas.
"This is just the kind of tool we need to safely counter a drone threat," said Dan Stamm, a Battelle senior researcher who led the project. "The DroneDefender can help protect us from those who may wish to do us harm. It can help us in numerous settings, from the White House lawn to bases and embassies overseas; from prisons and schools to historic sites."
Battelle said the device has a cold start time of about .1 seconds, an operating time of five continuous hours and weighs less than 10 pounds, depending on configuration. It can be used in either a fixed location or can be used as a portable system.
Northrop Grumman building UAV research site in North Dakota
Grand Forks, N.D. (UPI) Oct 16, 2015 -
Ground has been broken on a 36,000-square foot facility for Northrop Grumman's efforts in unmanned aerial vehicle technologies.
The facility is on 10 acres of leased land at the Grand Sky Unmanned Aerial Systems Business and Aviation Park, which is adjacent to Grand Forks Air Force Base.
"Today's (Thursday) groundbreaking is a key step moving forward in Northrop Grumman's partnership with North Dakota," said Janis Pamiljans, vice president and general manager of Northrop Grumman's Unmanned Systems Division. "We are proud to start this construction project and expand on our long-term commitment to this state and its advancement in UAS technologies.
"The important work that will be done here will support the evolving needs of our customers in the defense of our nation and allies."
Northrop Grumman's Grand Sky facility is the second major Northrop Grumman facility in state. It has had a manufacturing site in New Town.
According to the company, it plans to expand the new facility at a later date.
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