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News Stories and Press Releases
April 1st 2010 TSX.V: UAV
Retired Transport Canada UAV Expert Joins Universal Wing Technologies Inc. Advisory Board.
Universal Wing Technologies Inc. (“Universal”) is pleased to announce the addition of Mr. Jake Woelk to the advisory board. Universal provides geophysical data gathering services to the resource sector utilizing a wide range of manned and unmanned platforms and vehicles. It also aims to develop new markets and technologies for unmanned aerial data acquisition through investments, partnerships, and acquisitions. As the company moves forward, it requires diverse expertise on its executive board and on its advisory board to develop strategies for success. To this end, Universal has engaged Jake Woelk on its advisory board.
Jake has been a licensed pilot since 1964, holding Commercial Pilot and Flight Instructor designations. He also holds Instrument Rating, class 1, and Airline Transport Pilot ratings. He has extensive experience flying bush planes, float planes, small charters, and in flight instruction. In addition, Jake has been a flight examiner for private, commercial, multi-engine, and instrument classes. From 1998 until his recent retirement, Jake was employed by Transport Canada.
In the field of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), Jake was engaged in drafting Special Flight Operation Certificates for Transport Canada, providing guidance to a wide range of new UAV users, from one-man start-ups to police force participants. Jake was also involved in the development of internal staff instructions for Transport Canada’s UAV operatives. He has extensive knowledge of new developments in this emerging field.
“We are delighted to have Jake join our team”, said CEO Declan Sweeney. “In addition to being an experienced pilot and flight instructor, he has unparalleled understanding of UAVs from the regulator’s point-of-view. His experience will help us demonstrate a responsible approach to commercial UAV operations in Canada, in addition to keeping us appraised of the evolving regulatory environment”.
For further information on this news release or the Company projects, please visit our website at www.universalwing.com or call the office at 604.689.1799.
On behalf of the Board of Directors
Universal Wing Technologies Inc.
Per:
“Declan Sweeney”
______________________
Declan Sweeney
CEO and Director
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
March 31, 2010
To: The International UAS Community
The European Commission is co-organizing, together with the European Defence Agency, its first high level conference dedicated to Unmanned Aircraft Systems. The conference is titled “Unmanned Aircraft Systems: Benefits for the European Citizens and New Opportunities for the European Economy” and it will take place in Brussels, Belgium on 1 July 2010.
European Unmanned Aircraft Systems
The development of Unmanned Aircraft Systems has opened a promising new chapter in the history of aerospace. Unmanned Aircraft offer a wide range of possibilities for the benefit of European society, ranging from commercial services to security and defence missions. Compared to manned aircraft, these new aerial tools can support many different operational environments providing economic savings, environmental benefits through less fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, while reducing the risk to human life. Initially used by military forces, their flexibility and capability to operate in difficult situations and/or in inaccessible indoor or outdoor areas is arousing considerable interest with the society more generally.
This emerging market could bring long term sector leadership to the European aeronautical industry while creating and maintaining highly qualified jobs in a sector impacted by the financial crisis. However, the absence of a regulatory framework prevents the flight of UAS in Europe today. It is a severe limitation for the development of Unmanned Aircraft Systems by industry, which against the uncertainty this brings, is unable to build pertinent business plans, to launch adequate research and development programmes, and to commit substantial investments.
The emergence of this new market needs political willpower to ensure that appropriate actions are taken on the European level to help development and provide within a reasonable timeframe the necessary framework to ensure federation of efforts and quick benefits for this sector.
The Objectives
The Conference is the first one of its kind worldwide, reaching beyond the community of experts and developers. With an expected audience of about 400 senior decision makers, it will bring together Member States officials, European Union institutions representatives, end users and Industry leaders. Key-note speakers will include high level representatives of the European Commission, EDA and Industry.
The Conference aims to:
· Increase public awareness on the European industry base in the Unmanned Aircraft Systems sector;
· Increase public awareness about the significant potential of Unmanned Aircraft Systems applications for the benefit of the citizens as well as for their governments;
· Present the potentialities offered by Unmanned Aircraft Systems in the protection of our planet environment and resources;
· Raise political awareness to overcome current obstacles in Europe to the use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems.
This approach will ensure that a common European policy will address the required research and development activities, establish a European regulatory framework, and ultimately enable state as well as civil end-user the safe and secure operation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems in Europe.
A Common Vision for Europe
The philosophy of this conference builds on the European vision of coordinated efforts towards innovation for a better life, acknowledging the added value of UAS designed, produced and used in Europe.
This event marks a cornerstone in the efforts undertaken by the European Commission and the European Defence Agency. As the first European joint civil/security/defence initiative in the field of UAS, it widely opens the path to sustainable technological innovation and bridge into a future European UAS market. As the first UAS conference especially designed for European leaders, it creates an important opportunity to address the subject within a wider community, outlining its benefits for the European citizens and the shared approach among all end user communities.
This will lead to the creation of a positive environment for industry enabling the necessary investments and business prospects taking advantage of the European market opportunities, which the perspective of the open airspace creates, while demonstrating the need for a partnership between defence and civil authorities.
Web Site
The event web site, which went on-line today, is: http://ec.europa.eu/transport/air/uas_en.htm
The attendee registration form can be filled in on-line.
Registration
Registration is now open. Please be aware that your registration does not directly lead to enrolment for the conference. You will receive a confirmation via e-mail shortly after registration. Invitation letters will only be issued once all registrations have been received.
Information on the event will be updated on the event website at regular intervals.
The preliminary program shall be posted and regularly updated. The final program will be distributed at the event.
To ensure your registration on the mailing list, please email EC-UAS-CONFERENCE-BRUSSELS-2010@ec.europa.eu your full contact details.
Translation shall be provided during the whole event in English, French, German, Spanish and Italian.
Cordial regards,
Peter van Blyenburgh
UVSI
March 24, 2010 TSX.V: UAV
Universal Wing Undertakes Sky Dart Survey
Universal Wing Technologies Inc. (TSX: UAV) announces the commencement of its first commercial survey contract of 2010. Field engineers are currently undertaking a magnetometer-based mission for a third party client using the company’s Sky Dart system.
The Sky Dart is a versatile helicopter-towed bird system developed by the payload specialists at Universal Wing Geophysics. Unlike many competitor systems—which are dependant on their parent helicopter—Sky Dart is self-contained, self-powered, and is easily installed. Once pilot navigational aids are installed into the helicopter (a simple and quick operation), the system is ready to go to work.
Sky Dart has been designed to reduce survey mobilization costs to an absolute minumum, and to provide maximum flexibility in operation with no compromise of data quality. Field-ready when it arrives on site, the system benefits from Universal’s years of experience designing payloads for its unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) fleet.
Declan Sweeney CEO of Universal said, "We’re very pleased to engage in our first revenue-generating assignment since the company began trading as Universal Wing Technologies Inc. in December 2009. Sky-Dart and our UAV camera system are already commercially viable systems. Later this summer we will also introduce a horizontal magnetometer system deployed on board our Venturer UAV."
For further information on this news release or the Company projects, please visit our website at www.universalwing.com or call the office at 604.689.1799.
On behalf of the Board of Directors
Universal Wing Technologies Inc.
Per:
“Declan Sweeney”
______________________
Declan Sweeney
CEO and Director
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
February 25th, 2010
Carleton Engineering Students To Roll Out Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
Event:
Carleton Engineering students are finally rolling out a prototype unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), after six years of hard work. Since 2004, more than 150 students have contributed to the design and manufacture of this unique aircraft. Later this year, the students plan to fly the UAV for the first time. Carleton is the only university in Canada where students are building this kind of system from the ground up.
The UAV project could help solve real-world problems such as helping companies to develop better airborne vehicles for geometric and environmental mapping and mineral exploration.
When:
10:45 a.m., Friday March 5, 2010
Where:
Galleria, 4th Floor, University Centre, Carleton University
Background:
Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) are being developed and used in many countries around the world in military applications and increasingly in civilian applications, including various types of airborne surveys such as geophysical, environmental, security and wildlife inventories.
Six years ago, a group of fourth-year Carleton University students in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering started to work on the design of a geophysical survey UAS. Every year since that time, a new group of students has continued to improve the design.
Sander Geophysics Limited (SGL), an Ottawa geophysics company, has contributed significant support to the Carleton undergraduate project. Consequently, SGL asked the students to develop an aerial vehicle that will carry sensitive magnetometers in the wing tips and fly close to the ground, following the terrain to conduct higher-resolution geomagnetic surveys. The vehicle must be simple, robust, easy to assemble and maintain and inexpensive. The system will be operated by no more than two people.
The result is an unmanned aerial vehicle that is approximately 4 feet high with a 16-foot wingspan weighing approximately 200 pounds. It is optimized for geophysical use. It has been built primarily of composite materials so as to reduce its magnetic signature and improve the accuracy of the magnetic survey results. Although the vehicle is intended for a geophysical survey mission, the design is modular and the system would be suitable for other missions.
This year, students will attempt to carry out the first test flights with their unmanned aerial vehicle at the South Renfrew Municipal Airport located in Arnprior, Ontario.
This year’s team of 28 students comes from three Carleton Departments: Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Systems and Computer Engineering and Electronics. They are guided by Prof. Jeremy Laliberté, overall project manager, Prof. Rong Liu, Prof. Jason Etele, Prof. Andrei Artemev, Mr. Kurtis Kraemer and Mr. John Bauer, retired avionics specialist with the Department of National Defence. Additionally, the project is being supported by two external advisors, Dr. Marcias Martinez and Mr. Kris Ellis from the National Research Council Institute for Aerospace Research.
-30-
For more information:
Sean Donnelly
Student, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
sdonnel5@connect.carleton.ca
613-523-4996
Dr. Jeremy Laliberté
Assistant Professor
Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Carleton University
Tel: 613-520-2600, ext. 1128
Email: jlaliber@mae.carleton.ca
UAV Project Website: http://uav.mae.carleton.ca
Lin Moody
Media Relations
Carleton University
613-520-2600, ext. 8705
February 24, 2010 TSX.V: UAV
Universal Announces Delivery of Night-Flying UAV for Civilian Data Acquisition Tasks
Universal Wing Technologies Inc. (“Universal”) has taken delivery of its third Venturer-class unmanned airborne vehicle (UAV), targeted at night time "red eye" endurance missions. This aircraft will demonstrate that the Venturer design can fly reliably through the night, taking off at dusk and landing at dawn.
Flying night missions is an advantage for Universal because lower turbulence (at low altitude) makes flying smoother, improving data quality. Magnetic field variations are also reduced at night, improving geophysical data quality. The "red eye" endurance tests will be conducted in the interior of British Columbia and will be completed by August 2010. Revenue-generating missions will then be initiated.
The Venturer UAV is a custom-designed workhorse manufactured exclusively for Universal by Stratus Aeronautics Inc. of Vancouver, BC. The first Venturer carries a camera payload. The second Venturer is currently being used for promotion, and can be viewed at the Universal booth at the PDAC (#603 Trade Show side). Universal has ordered a fourth Venturer in which a horizontal gradiometer (two magnetometers in each wing tip) payload will be installed.
For further information on this news release or the Company projects, please visit our website at www.universalwing.com or call the office at 604.689.1799.
On behalf of the Board of Directors
Universal Wing Technologies Inc.
Per:
“Declan Sweeney”
______________________
Declan Sweeney
CEO and Director
Suite 1818 - 701 West Georgia Street,
Pacific Centre, P.O. Box 10144
Vancouver, British Columbia
V7Y 1C6
Tel: 604-689-1799
Fax: 604-689-8199
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the
policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this
release.
John Mannarino's St. Laurent-based company tests safety-critical control systems that simulate real-life flying conditions.
Even recessions can be unevenly felt.
John Mannarino, for one, utters phrases seldom heard in the last couple of years.
"We've had a very good year. We even hired four people in December," said the president and founder of St. Laurent's Mannarino Systems & Software Inc. "We were 24 (employees) before, so percentage-wise, that represents a big jump."
There's more: "We're expecting a much better year this year, so we might hire a couple more people."
His firm may be a bit of an anomaly. Mannarino Systems tests safety-critical control systems that simulate real-life flying conditions. It simulates how aircraft systems respond to the rapid change in temperatures, for instance, from 30 Celsius on the ground at takeoff to minus 50 Celsius a few minutes later when the plane reaches 35,000 feet. Or predicts how the pilot's controls will react if a critical cable breaks on takeoff.
"We do R&D even in bad times," said Mannarino. "That doesn't stop, even in a downturn.
"But for us, future earnings are at stake. We can't afford not to do it. Obviously, the better the industry is doing, the more R&D projects there are. But we do R&D in good and bad times."
For Gilles Labbé, it's more of a mixed bag. Labbé is president of aircraft landing-gear maker Héroux-Devtek Inc., perhaps the biggest SME in Montreal's industry - or the smallest large company.
And as they have for CAE and Bell Helicopter, military deals have been a godsend for his firm.
"We do a lot of work for business aircraft, so that has been difficult," said Labbé. But defence contracts have been so bountiful that "overall, we're coming out of this rather well. It's acceptable."
In September, Héroux-Devtek signed an important deal to become sole supplier of Boeing Co.'s CH-147's landing gear. The deal came after Boeing sold Ottawa a $1.15-billion order for 15 of its CH-147 Chinook helicopters.-
"We're well-positioned for (defence contracts) from Boeing and Airbus," Labbé said.
But commercial aircraft is a vastly different business, he noted. "It's extremely difficult to win new business, so everyone is starved for work, everyone's bottom line shrinks and everyone has to cut costs.
"I think this will be a year of stabilization," Labbé concluded. "But we're positioning ourselves for 2011 and 2012."
© Copyright (c) The Montreal Gazette
1st International Conference on Applied Robotics for the Power Industry (CARPI 2010)
A call for papers for the 1st International Conference on Applied Robotics for the Power Industry (CARPI 2010). This conference is sponsored by the IEEE Power and Energy Society and will be hosted by Hydro-Québec. The conference will take place in Montréal, Canada, in October 2010.
CARPI 2010 is a three-day event that will bring together stakeholders who are interested in robotics applications in the power industry. The program will include presentations of robotics solutions for construction, refurbishment, inspection and maintenance of power systems. R&D decision makers and robotics developers will have the chance to meet in a forum that allows them to share high-value solutions. The conference is expected to draw approximately 250 people from major organizations around the world.
The conference web site of the conference can be consulted at http://www.carpi2010.org
======================================================================================
Un appel de contribution pour le congrès sur la robotique appliquée dans le secteur de l'énergie (CARPI 2010). Ce congrès est parrainé par "IEEE Power and Energy Society", et Hydro-Québec en est l'hôte. Le congrès se tiendra à Montréal, Canada, en octobre 2010.
D’une durée de trois jours, le Congrès sur la robotique appliquée dans le secteur de l’énergie (CARPI 2010) regroupera des intervenants s’intéressant à l’utilisation de la robotique dans le secteur de l’énergie. Le programme comprendra des présentations sur des solutions de robotique destinées à la construction, à la réfection, à l’inspection et à la maintenance des réseaux électriques. Il s’agira de l’occasion idéale pour les décideurs en recherche et développement et les développeurs de solutions de robotique de se rencontrer pour échanger sur des solutions très prometteuses. Le congrès devrait réunir environ 250 personnes provenant d’importantes entreprises internationales.
Le site web de la conférence peut être consulté en suivant l'hyperlien suivant: http://www.carpi2010.org
OPP enlist aerial drone
Tiny unmanned aircraft are proving to be an economical boon to police work, but they're getting tangled in red tape, David Pugliese writes.
BY DAVID PUGLIESE, THE OTTAWA CITIZENNOVEMBER 16, 2009 7:30 AM
OTTAWA — It looks like a bug equipped with a camera, but the small Ontario Provincial Police unmanned aerial vehicle is making history of sorts as one of the first aerial drones being regularly used in North America by law enforcement officials.
The battery-powered craft, which can stay airborne for about 15 minutes at a time, has been used at homicides and other incidents in northwestern Ontario to take aerial photos for use in court.
It has helped reduce costs since the OPP would have in the past brought in a helicopter or rented an aircraft. "We've saved over $30,000 the 11 times we used it," says OPP Const. Marc Sharpe, who operates the mini-helicopter.
Aerial drones are usually associated with the military on overseas missions such as in Afghanistan and Iraq, but the remote-controlled aircraft are also starting to be used by police and firefighters in Europe and by various companies in Australia.
Don't, however, scan the skies of Canada for UAVs anytime soon.
Aerospace industry representatives meeting at a recent conference in Victoria say bureaucratic foot-dragging by Transport Canada has stalled efforts by emergency responders and commercial firms to use the miniature planes.
Although they were reluctant to have their names in print for fear of jeopardizing future government contracts, industry officials say Transport Canada has been looking at the UAV issue for at least the past five years, but so far not much has been done.
The problem is that current aviation rules are designed with piloted aircraft in mind. For instance, federal regulations state that aircraft must have a door that can be secured, but UAVs don't have doors.
"The biggest problem is that the rules don't exist yet," says Sharpe, who has to apply for special permission from Transport Canada to use UAVs at crime scenes. "They haven't been written."
Those who support the use of UAVs in commercial or police applications, such as Pip Rudkin, chairman of the industry group Unmanned Systems Canada, point out that, even with a change in the rules, the country's airspace won't be swarming with the small robotic aircraft.
The idea would be to use them for specific jobs such as supporting search-and-rescue missions or to monitor the movement of animal herds in remote areas, he noted. In other cases, the UAVs, outfitted with sensors to locate heat sources, could be used in fighting forest fires.
"We'd also want to employ this at major crash scenes to take photos," added Sharpe, who stressed that police aren't looking at using the aircraft to conduct surveillance on people.
Saskatoon police have hired a company to fly a UAV to take aerial photos at fatal crashes, he noted. Such photos are used in court to give judges and jurors an overview of the scene.
Sharpe's certification from Transport Canada allows him to operate UAVs in northwestern Ontario, but the aircraft is limited to a secure police area, can't go over a certain altitude and cannot operate at night. Another stipulation is that the UAV must always be within sight of a police officer.
Sharpe said he has had calls from various police and fire departments interested in using UAVs, but, once they learn about the federal red tape they usually abandon their plans.
Transport Canada officials who deal with UAVs would not be interviewed. However, in an e-mail, the department noted that aviation regulations prohibit the operation of UAVs unless a special flight operation certificate has been issued by the department. Law enforcement agencies can request such a certificate, but, in making the application, the onus is on the agency to demonstrate to the minister of transport that the request is in the public interest, and it is not likely to affect aviation safety, the e-mail stated.
"Transport Canada, in consultation with industry stakeholders, is developing a regulatory framework that will meet the department's priority of public safety while enabling development of the unmanned air vehicle sector," the e-mail added. "There is no set timeline for that process."
Rudkin said a change in aviation regulations could come within five to eight years. Other industry officials say it could take decades.
One firm, frustrated by the lack of movement by the federal government, has already moved its business to Australia, Rudkin noted.
In that country, he said, the government has taken a different approach, allowing companies to operate small UAVs in remote areas at low altitudes.
"We've been pushing for that as an interim step, but who knows what will happen," Rudkin said.
© Copyright (c) The Ottawa Citizen
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/entertainment/enlist+aerial+drone/2227805/story.html
13 November 2009
THE UK’S LARGEST FULLY-AUTONOMOUS UNMANNED AIRCRAFT COMPLETES INITIAL FLIGHT TRIALS
Farnborough, UK - BAE Systems has successfully flown the largest fully autonomous unmanned aircraft ever to be built in the UK. The next generation autonomous system, MANTIS, completed its maiden flight in Woomera, South Australia,
During subsequent flights, MANTIS successfully completed a series of trials demonstrating the capability of the system and the potential of large unmanned systems to support future UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) operational needs. The MANTIS programme is jointly funded by UK MOD and UK Industry.
Defence Equipment & Support Director Combat Air, Air Vice-Marshal Simon Bollom, said: "These trials at the end of this technology demonstration programme have successfully demonstrated a number of key factors that have helped build confidence in the feasibility of a UK-derived medium altitude long endurance unmanned aerial system."
During phase one of the programme, BAE Systems has been working alongside the UK MOD and key industrial parties including:
· Rolls- Royce - Integrated Propulsion System & Engine Clearance
· QinetiQ - Flight Termination System and Communication System
· GE Aviation - Electrical Power System and Primary Flight Control Actuation
· Meggitt - Electrical Braking System.
· Selex Galileo - future Mission Systems and Sensor requirements.
Chris Allam, Managing Director of the Autonomous Systems & Future Capability business within BAE Systems, said: “This achievement is testament to the can-do approach of the whole team working on this programme. MANTIS has gone from concept to flight in just 19 months and the MOD, BAE Systems and a number of industry parties have worked together to make this happen. It confirms the skill and innovation within the UK aerospace sector and the ability to move quickly from concept to reality.”
MANTIS has a 20 metre wingspan and is BAE Systems’ first all-electric aircraft. The system is intended to be easily deployable and can be broken down to fit into a military transport aircraft. MANTIS is designed to be a real workhorse with “plug and play” elements in the mission system and the ability to carry a wide range of sensors.
MANTIS is a fully autonomous next generation unmanned aircraft system. It can execute its mission with a much reduced need for human intervention by understanding and reacting to its environment. Such autonomy increases operational effectiveness allowing more focus on the mission without the usual concerns over vehicle control. It also reduces manpower requirements and the risk of accidents due to human error and the communications/data link requirements between the vehicle and the ground.
MANTIS could carry out intelligence gathering at long distances and can carry significant payloads in terms of sensors and, potentially, weaponry.
The MANTIS system will feature an end to end information capability, which will facilitate full integration with the UK's C4I infrastructure, significantly enhancing sovereign operational capabilities. In today’s high tempo operational environment improved situational awareness and decision-making are achieved through this integration activity. MANTIS shares a common UAS control infrastructure with other BAE Systems UAS’ such as Taranis and HERTI.
About BAE Systems:
BAE Systems is the premier global defence, security and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. With approximately 105,000 employees worldwide, BAE Systems' sales exceeded £18.5 billion (US $34.4 billion) in 2008.
For further information please contact:
Kathryn Hardy, BAE Systems
Tel: + 44 (0)1772 855572 Mob: + 44 (0) 7793 420 652
Kathryn.hardy@baesystems.com
Department of Business
November 5, 2009
Province Promotes Strategic Advantages to UVS Industry
Newfoundland and Labrador’s advantages for research and commercial applications of autonomous vehicles were highlighted last night by the Honourable Ross Wiseman, Minister of Business at a national conference taking place in Victoria, British Columbia. Minister Wiseman addressed approximately 300 industry, academia and government delegates from across the country at the 7th annual conference of UVS Canada, the national Unmanned Vehicle Systems industry association.
"The UVS industry, nationally and globally, is expected to experience tremendous growth because of the wide-ranging applications these technologies have for commercial and military use," said Minister Wiseman. "Newfoundland and Labrador’s education and R&D centres, in partnership with industry, are spearheading new enhancements in autonomous underwater applications, aerial programs and robotics. With our strategic location, renowned educational and research institutions, leading-edge companies, and infrastructure, our province can play a role in expanding the UVS sector into the future."
Air, ground and marine UVS technologies represent an emerging segment of the aerospace and defence industry. A survey for AUVSI-Canada found that the Canadian UVS sector generated an estimated $787 million in revenues in 2007 and is expanding rapidly, with annual growth of the industry globally projected to be 31 per cent.
Minister Wiseman noted that collaboration between education and industry on UVS research and commercialization is being actively advanced in the province. For example, the RAVEN project, a partnership between Memorial University and Provincial Aerospace, has used small, lightweight Unmanned Aerial Vehicles for maritime surveillance in the challenging North Atlantic, and is implementing "Sense and Avoid" technology to commercialize an innovative autonomous collision avoidance system for the vehicle. Another project based at the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science saw the Memorial Explorer AUV (autonomous underwater vehicle) deployed earlier this year under Arctic Ocean ice. The Memorial team successfully designed, developed, fabricated and tested a special retention system for AUV use in harsh environments, as part of the national program to extend Canada’s exclusive economic zone in the north.
The Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay and Serco Inc, the service provider for the Department of National Defence at 5-Wing Goose Bay, also attended the conference and joined the Provincial Government in touting the province’s strategic advantages for UVS activities from a Labrador perspective.
"It was the aerospace industry that created our community of Happy Valley-Goose Bay, and it is advances in this industry that will steer our town into the future," said Leo Abbass, Mayor of the Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay. "Through partnerships with all levels of government and companies such as Serco the vision is clear: Freedom to Fly at Goose Bay."
Serco is promoting 5-Wing Goose Bay’s suitability as a site for assembly, repair, testing and training for military and commercial UVS applications.
"Serco has been a strong supporter of the Canadian and Allied Forces at Goose Bay for the past 11 years," said Al Casey, Site Manager Serco Inc. "5-Wing Goose Bay offers world class facilities and airspaces that are second to none for any type of aircraft operations, including UVS applications. The vast airspaces and sparse population of the training area together with the outstanding infrastructure on the base make 5 Wing Goose Bay a premier venue for industrial testing and evaluation of new Unmanned Aerial Systems and an impressive training ground for established UAS that are currently in service with the allied forces around the world."
As a gateway to the north, Labrador is positioned to play a role in the development and deployment of autonomous air and underwater systems for activities related to Canadian arctic sovereignty. There are also potential opportunities for UVS use associated with natural gas exploration and development offshore Labrador.
In Budget 2009: Building on Our Strong Foundation, the Provincial Government announced the creation of a new two-year, $5 million Aerospace and Defence Development Fund.
"Our government is actively supporting the growth of aerospace and defence and other modern, innovative industries in Newfoundland and Labrador," said Minister Wiseman. "We will continue to work with industry, education and other partners to build on our foundation, promote our assets, and create more opportunities in the province for UVS-related activity."
The 7th annual UVS Canada national conference is taking place in Victoria, British Columbia from November 2-5. For more information, visit www.uvscanada.org.
MEDIA RELEASE
Announcing the Creation of Unmanned Systems Canada
Victoria, BC. November 5. UVS Canada and AUVSI-Canada- the two Canadian unmanned vehicle systems sector associations- today concluded a vote to merge into a single organization known as Unmanned Systems Canada. The vote brought to a conclusion a year of negotiations that will now see the Canadian unmanned systems sector represented by a single association.
Following the vote on the merger an inaugural meeting of the merged Board was held to elect the new association’s executive. Pip Rudkin of Provincial Aerospace was elected Chairman of the Board, Stephen “Fig” Newton of L-3 MAS and Eric Edwards of Xiphos technologies were elected as Vice Chairs while Marc Roy from DRDC-CSS was installed as the association’s Secretary and Ron Kane as Treasurer.
Pip Rudkin, the new Chairman stated “having one association to represent the Canadian unmanned sector will remove any confusion that may have been present and will provide a stronger voice on issues affecting the Canadian sector”
Announcing the Creation of Unmanned Systems Canada
Unmanned Systems Canada was formed today from the amalgamation of UVS Canada (established 2003) and AUVSI-Canada (established 2007) to represent the unmanned systems community in Canada by a single, unified association.
Vision
Unmanned Systems Canada is a unified community of interests (industry, government and academia) working together to make Canada a recognized leader in unmanned systems research, development and use in civil, commercial and military applications.
Mission Statements
To represent the interests of the unmanned vehicle systems community which includes industry, academia, government, military and other interested persons; and,
To promote public awareness, education and appreciation for the Canadian Unmanned Systems Community to itself, to Canada and the World
Goals
To be the single voice of the Canadian Unmanned Systems Community
To promote and facilitate the growth of the Canadian unmanned vehicle systems community through education, advocacy, and exchange of ideas and technologies
To achieve world leadership for the Canadian unmanned systems community in research, development, application, and use.
As a larger association we can be more active in education and student activities, provide a stronger voice to Government, provide enhanced services to members and potential cost savings to industry through shared memberships.
In January 2010, memberships from both previous organizations will be automatically and seamlessly switch to Unmanned Systems Canada. Over the course of the next year, the board of Unmanned Systems Canada will address the tasks necessary to complete the merger of the two organizations, including establishing a new web site. As a top priority, the board will also negotiate an affiliation with the Association of Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) as part of the ongoing effort to establish international relationships within the unmanned systems community.
Please direct any inquiries to:
Mike Meakin Communications Director, Unmanned Systems Canada
communications@unmannedsystems.ca
ENERGYOR “PLUG & FLY” FUEL CELL SYSTEMS
POWER UAVS FOR UP TO 10 HOURS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – September 22, 2009
Montreal, Canada: EnergyOr Technologies Inc., a leading developer of proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell systems, recently unveiled its latest generation of advanced fuel cell system technology for long endurance Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) applications.
The EPOD EO-210-LE and EO-210-XLE are lightweight, rugged UAV propulsion systems designed specifically for extended flight endurance under the most demanding weather conditions. Their performance has been optimized over the last four years based on extensive flight testing in several different UAV platforms, including the EO‐360‐UAV Demonstrator designed and built by EnergyOr. The EO-210-LE and EO-210-XLE are fully integrated and include all of the necessary subsystems to provide reliable and efficient “turn‐key” UAV propulsion power.
These hybrid UAV power systems were designed to take full advantage of fuel cells for their high energy density and LiPo batteries to provide short bursts of power during take‐off, climb and severe weather conditions. The outcome is that UAVs powered by EnergyOr’s fuel cell systems have a flight endurance that is two to three times longer than those powered by the best rechargeable batteries (LiPo).
The EO-210-LE and EO-210-XLE offer a proprietary power management system which includes in‐flight battery charging to ensure high power levels are always available, a modular design for optimal UAV integration, low heat and noise signature, exceptional system efficiency, and a system level energy density of over 450 Wh/kg.
EnergyOr has achieved numerous successful flights with operational UAVs from two leading Israeli UAV manufacturers where 5 hours flight endurance was attained using the EO-210-LE. The EO-210-XLE provides 8 to 10 hour flights for similar sized UAVs.
About EnergyOr
EnergyOr Technologies, incorporated in 2002, was the first and only company to fly a fuel cell powered UAV in Canada (May 2007), and in December 2007, performed the first fuel cell flights ever in Israel. EnergyOr provides total system solutions which include hydrogen delivery systems, portable hydrogen filling stations and system integration services.
EnergyOr has also developed an advanced fuel cell Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) to replace the gasoline generator for UAV ground control stations and other electrical needs (computers, mobile phones, etc.).
EnergyOr recently displayed its fuel cell technology at the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) Exposition in Washington, D.C.
Contact Information:
Michel Bitton, President and CEO,
EnergyOr Technologies Inc.
Montréal, Québec, Canada H2G 1X7
(514) 744‐6122
mb@energyor.com
www.energyor.com
The EPOD Series of UAV Fuel Cell Systems
from EnergyOr – the Latest Innovation in
“Plug & Fly”
GA-ASI HONORED BY USAF ASSOCIATION FOR INDUSTRIAL LEADERSHIP
MQ-9 Reaper Receives Prestigious John R. Alison Award
WASHINGTON DC – 17 September 2009 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA‑ASI), a leading manufacturer of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), tactical reconnaissance radars, and surveillance systems, today announced that it has received the John R. Alison Award, the highest honor given for industrial leadership by the U.S. Air Force Association (AFA). The award was presented yesterday to Thomas J. Cassidy, Jr., president of GA-ASI’s Aircraft Systems Group, during AFA’s annual Anniversary Dinner in Washington, DC, and recognizes the company for developing and producing the multi-mission MQ-9 Reaper UAS (a.k.a. Predator® B) as a significant military contributor to the country’s national defense interests.
“Since its first flight in 2001, the multi-mission Predator B/MQ-9 Reaper has demonstrated superior reliability, affordability, and surveillance capabilities,” said Cassidy, “and we thank the Air Force for recognizing our ability to deliver yet another proven, reliable, unmanned aircraft system to support our national security objectives. Our employees have done a wonderful job developing and supporting these aircraft that have made such a difference in how we fight wars and maintain peace,” added Cassidy during his acceptance speech.
In 2004, GA-ASI was presented with the John R. Alison Award for industrial leadership for MQ-1 Predator’s contributions to U.S. national security interests.
With one of the highest operational ready rates in the U.S. Air Force military aircraft inventory, USAF MQ-9 Reapers have amassed nearly 50,000 flight hours, accounting for over half of the more than 75,000 Predator B hours accumulated to date. Including Predator B/MQ-9 Reaper contributions, total flight hours for the Predator-series number more than 800,000 while daily supporting combat forces and safeguarding homeland security with persistent situational awareness. Mission capabilities range from long-endurance reconnaissance and precision strike to border protection and maritime surveillance on a worldwide basis.
“AFA is proud to recognize General Atomics Aeronautical Systems’ outstanding contributions to the nation and to the Air Force,” said Joe Sutter, chairman of the board for AFA. “Such recognition is reserved for significant professional excellence and major contributions to national defense. Our nation depends on innovative, dedicated professionals like those at
GA-ASI.”
Powered by a turboprop engine, the GA-ASI-developed Predator B is a long-endurance, high-altitude unmanned aircraft designed for use as a multi-mission system over land or sea – from reconnaissance, maritime surveillance, targeting, and weapons delivery to scientific research, disaster response and other civilian applications. Predator B is based on the reliability of the Predator airframe, avionics, mechanical systems, data link, and flight control technology but has a 500 percent greater payload capacity than Predator (800 lb internal, 3,000 lb external), an endurance over 30 hours, speeds greater than 240 KTAS, and can operate above 50,000 feet. It features a fault-tolerant redundant flight control system with triple-redundant avionics for increased reliability and can be configured with a variety of weapons, carrying up to 3,000 pounds of external ordnance. Operational with the USAF as MQ-9 Reaper, the aircraft is also operational with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)/Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the U.S. Navy, NASA, and the Royal Air Force, and it also has been acquired by the Italian Air Force.
High-resolution photos of USAF MQ-9 Reaper aircraft are available from the GA-ASI media contact listed above.
About GA-ASI
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., an affiliate of General Atomics, delivers situational awareness by providing unmanned aircraft, radar, and electro-optic solutions for military and commercial applications worldwide. The company’s Aircraft Systems Group is a leading designer and manufacturer of proven, reliable unmanned aircraft systems, including Predator A, Predator B, Sky Warrior®, and the new Predator C Avenger®. It also manufactures a variety of solid-state digital ground control stations (GCSs), including the next-generation Advanced Cockpit GCS, and provides pilot training and support services for UAS field operations. The Reconnaissance Systems Group designs, manufactures, and integrates the Lynx® SAR/GMTI radar and sophisticated CLAW® sensor control and image analysis software into both manned and unmanned aircraft. It also integrates other sensor and communication equipment into manned ISR aircraft and develops emerging technologies in solid-state lasers, electro-optic sensors, and ultra-wideband data links for government applications. For more information, please visit www.ga-asi.com.
Predator, Sky Warrior, Avenger, Lynx, and CLAW are registered trademarks of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.
August 2009
A lightweight UAV catapult
For its eight consecutive presence since 2002 at AUVSI North American Convention & Trade Show being held this year in Washington D.C. , MicroPilot announced the introduction of a lightweight pneumatic UAV catapult, MP CAT, that is available for immediate delivery. This product further completes the line of UAV related products marketed by MicroPilot.
“We felt that there was a void in the marketplace for a simple, inexpensive, carry anywhere UAV launcher. The MP CAT pneumatic catapult just fills that niche nicely”, said Howard Loewen, president of MicroPilot. The catapult can launch UAVs with an MTOW up to 15kg at a maximum launch velocity of 20m/s on a 4 meter rail. Folded, the pneumatic catapult fits into a 1.4 meter carrying case for convenient shipping. Another case carries the battery powered compressor for a total weight for the system of 25kg.
With 600 clients in 60 countries, MicroPilot is world leader in miniature autopilots for UAV’s and MAV’s. Weighing 28 grams MicroPilot offers a full line of UAV autopilots, accessories, customization, HORIZON ground control software and training at our 40 acre flight facility. Our low cost MP2128HELI flies helicopters, VTOL and fixed wing. For triple redundancy, MP2128HELI3x for helicopters and MP20283x for fixed wing. Just released MP-trueHWIL Matlab-based hardware in the loop electrically simulates all sensors, providing the highest fidelity autopilot simulation available.
.
Pierre R Pepin
Vice President, Sales & Marketing
MicroPilot
ppepin@micropilot.com
MDA's surveillance service operation begins in Afghanistan
January 27, 2009 - Shepards UAV OnLine
MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates has announced that MDA has conducted its first Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) flight in Afghanistan on January 1, 2009. Flight operations are now underway from the Kandahar Airfield for the Canadian Department of National Defence (DND).
The service will support Canadian troops by providing critically important intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance information directly to commanders and front line soldiers in real time.
In August, DND awarded the contract to MDA for a long endurance UAV surveillance solution to support the Canadian Forces in Afghanistan. Only five months later, this service is operational in Kandahar, Afghanistan and fulfills a recommendation made by the Independent Panel on Canada’s Future Role in Afghanistan led by the Honourable John Manley.
David Hargreaves, a vice president within MDA’s Information Systems group, said: "This key milestone demonstrates MDA's ability to rapidly bring very sophisticated, cost effective surveillance services that will improve safety for Canada and NATO and significantly improve operational results."
Sailboat to Sail Autonomously Across the Atlantic
Science Daily (01/19/09)
"Castor" is a sailing boat designed to sail autonomously across the Atlantic from Ireland to the Caribbean over several months by a team of mechanical engineers at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich. Solar cells will be installed on the deck to feed electricity to the on-board electronics, satellite communication and the rudder and sail controls, while fuel cells will serve as a backup power source. Key parameters such as wind speed and the vessel's heading and position will be recorded by various sensors that operate 24 hours a day, to be processed by a central computer installed in the hull that also controls the position of the sail and rudder. The engine and electronics will be installed in a hull area that must be kept free of water, as project co-leader Gion-Andri Busser notes that the boat's structural mechanics must tolerate tremendous forces. The students have devised a line-less aero-rig to avoid tangling, reduce energy consumption and make the vessel less susceptible to faults. The sail is also programmed to disengage automatically if the rigging is subjected to excessive torsion forces.
Engineer Hopes Cars Will Drive Us to Work Some Day
New Brunswick Business Journal (Canada) (01/19/09) Mullin, Kyle
University of New Brunswick researchers led by professor Howard Li are developing cars capable of driving themselves. Li says one of the first steps is to take detailed pictures of sharp turns, deer, pedestrians and other obstacles and program those images into a simulator so the system learns what objects to avoid. He says the biggest challenge is developing the right algorithms to allow thousands of smart cars to be compatible on the road and avoid collisions with each other. "We obviously can't use thousands of vehicles to test artificial intelligence compatibility," he says. "We'll use computer simulations to test it and write computer simulations of multiple cars working together." Li says the technology is likely decades away from being used in commercial cars. However, he says there will be breakthroughs made as part of the process that could lead to sensors that prevent accidents by warning drivers of potential dangers. The technology also could be used to save lives in Afghanistan by helping troops avoid hazards. Li says artificial intelligence technology could be used to automate vehicles for tasks such as snow removal, city transit, assembly lines and farming. "The robotics market is growing 40 percent every year," he says. "This is a field that's going to keep growing and evolving, and one day it will be as common for every family as owning a PC is today."
Military to dump $250M drones
Critics question why Sperwers can't be part of expanded fleet after so much was spent
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
OTTAWA - The Canadian military will shut down its fleet of aerial drones now being used in Afghanistan after spending more than $250 million on the aircraft.
Defence Department officials will have to consider what to do next with the Sperwer unmanned vehicles, but junking them or selling them to another country would be among the options. Aerospace industry officials, however, say Canada won't be able to get much of a return on its investment.
The Sperwers, currently operating from Kandahar, are to be replaced in February by a larger drone, the Heron, being leased from a British Columbia firm at a cost of $95 million. But some are questioning why the Canadian Forces doesn't continue flying the Sperwer as well, especially after spending so much money on them.
By having Herons and Sperwers in the air, the surveillance provided to Canadian troops would be significantly increased, they argue.
Defence and government officials have said such unmanned aerial vehicles, or UAVs, are a valuable tool in conducting surveillance and ferreting out Taliban insurgents planting improvised explosive devices or planning ambushes.
Liberal defence critic Bryon Wilfert said it makes more sense to keep the Sperwers flying along with the Herons. "They've already invested a significant amount of money in (Sperwer) and I'm told the troops could utilize both in Afghanistan. ... That seems to be the logical way to proceed."
"I would think the more of these (UAVs) you would have, the better the chances of finding IEDs," said Dawn Black, the NDP's defence critic.
"It's a big investment to just pull out and not use at all. I don't understand it at all."
Air force spokesman Lieut. Paul Finnemore said a plan outlining what will be done with the Sperwers once they are removed from service in February or March has not yet been completed. He said two types of new drones will meet the military's UAV needs.
Besides the Heron, the government announced earlier in August that the Canadian Forces will lease a smaller UAV for the next nine months at a cost of $14 million.
"We expect the Heron, along with the army's small UAV, to meet the UAV capability," Lieut. Finnemore said. "The Heron is just a more efficient airframe and we want to dedicate our personnel's focus to working exclusively with that airframe."
Canada originally bought the Sperwer in 2003 and rushed it into service over a three-month period. In 2006, Denmark decided to sell off its Sperwers because of technical issues and problems in operating the aircraft, so Canada purchased them as well.
Some defence officials put the total cost of Canada's Sperwer project at about $400 million when the training of military personnel and other factors are considered.
There were a number of crashes involving the Sperwer, which drove up the costs to operate the system. Those crashes have been blamed on Afghanistan's extreme environment and a lack of experience among military personnel operating the drones.
Jean-François Coutris, a senior official with Sagem, the company that builds Sperwer, said the firm has made a proposal to the Defence Department to allow company personnel to operate the drones in Afghanistan. He said that would cut down on operating costs by more than 50 per cent.
Mr. Coutris said the Sperwer could provide a complementary capability to the Heron. The Heron flies at a higher altitude, while the Sperwer produces much more accurate information and images of activity on the ground, he said. "We're committed to give the best service to the users, knowing, in the end, we can save lives," he said.
The Dutch successfully used Sperwers in Afghanistan and will send the drones there for the second time in the coming months. The French military is also sending Sperwers to Afghanistan next month.
Mr. Coutris said that unlike the Heron, Sperwer does not need a runway to take off and land. The drone is catapulted into the air by a launcher and returns to the ground via parachute.
That capability could be useful for the Canadian Forces in future missions where there are no runways from which to operate, he added.
Mr. Coutris said in the last year there has been no mechanical malfunctions with Sperwer. In addition, the company said it has improved the launcher, allowing Sperwer to carry more fuel and increase its endurance.
Mr. Coutris said the Defence Department has not responded to the company's proposal to take over operation of the drones in Kandahar.
But defence insiders point out that the Sperwer has become an orphan, of sorts. The air force is not interested in the system since it is not like a traditional aircraft that takes off and lands on a runway. And the army is focused on its smaller UAVs.
Lieut. Finnemore said there will be some overlap between the two drones as military personnel make sure the leased Herons are up to the job.
In a September 2004 report, army officials acknowledged problems with the Sperwer, but said the UAV had significant growth potential.
© The Ottawa Citizen 200
Civilians to take off, land new Heron military drones
Canwest News Service
Monday, August 18, 2008
Employees of a Richmond firm supplying surveillance drones for the military in Afghanistan will be playing a greater role than first thought in the operations of the system as they pilot the aircraft during takeoffs and landings from Kandahar.
Canadian military personnel, who will be training on the drones in Alberta and Nova Scotia in the coming months, will still handle the more sensitive flying of the unmanned aerial vehicles in seeking out insurgents and collecting intelligence information.
But by having civilian personnel at the helm of the drones during the critical phases of takeoff and landing, the military will be off the financial hook for any crashes such as those that affected another unmanned aerial vehicle, the Sperwer, sent to Afghan-istan several years ago.
The Sperwers were originally purchased for Canada's 2003 mission in Kabul but were also later sent to Kandahar. The crashes and rough landings that damaged the drones were blamed on a combination of inexperienced military personnel flying the aircraft and the harsh operating conditions in the field. This time around, MacDonald Dettwiler and Associates, who got the $95-million contract earlier this month, will bear the cost of any accidents on takeoff or landing. The firm is leasing the Israeli-built Heron drone to the Canadian military for a two-year period. "We wanted to make sure the department's exposure to risk was minimized in every way possible," explained Canadian Forces Lt.-Col. Alex Tupper who is in the air force directorate handling unmanned aerial vehicles. "Having the contractor responsible for the most critical phase of flight was one way to mitigate some of the risks." Officials hope the Heron will help reduce the number of insurgent attacks, scout out convoy routes and other areas, scan for insurgent ambushes, or use sensors to observe Taliban planting improvised explosive devices. Canada Leases Helos, UAVs for Afghan Ops Aug 7, 2008 Graham Warwick graham_warwick@aviationweek.com Canada is leasing Mi-8 medium helicopters and Israel Aerospace Industries Heron unmanned aircraft to support its troops in Afghanistan. The leases will fill the gap until planned helicopter and UAV procurements can be completed. Up to eight Mi-8 "chartered commercial helicopters" will address the immediate need for resupply and troop transport in Kandahar province, says the Department of National Defence (DND). The helicopters will be available later this summer under a renewable, one-year contract valued at up to C$36 million ($34.5 million). In addition, Canada has signed an agreement with the United States to acquire six used Boeing CH-47D Chinook heavy-lift helos to be available by February 2009. The Chinooks will be used to fly missions in higher-threat environments than the chartered Mi-8s, says the DND. The deal is expected to cost $292 million including logistic support and training, and will bridge the gap until the delivery of 16 new CH-47Fs begins in 2012, which are eyed for operations starting in 2013. Canadian pilots are already training on the D-model Chinooks in the United States. To meet its immediate needs for surveillance and intelligence gathering, Canada has already leased small ScanEagle UAVs from Boeing. The nine-month, C$14 million turnkey service contract was signed in May and the UAVs have been in Afghanistan since June, says the DND. As a follow-on under Project Noctua, Canada has awarded MacDonald, Dettwiler & Associates a C$95 million contract for the two-year lease of an IAI Heron medium-altitude long-endurance UAV system to be delivered to Afghanistan by early 2009. The Herons will fill the gap until Canada purchases new unmanned aerial systems for domestic and deployed operations under the Joint UAV Surveillance Target Acquisition System (JUSTAS) program now in development. The DND says it will require up to 250 personnel to support and operate the additional helicopters and UAVs in Afghanistan |
