Priya Nalawade’s Post

Underwater Drones: Shaping Future Naval Conflicts Advanced underwater drones are set to play a critical role in potential future conflicts, particularly in strategic regions like the Taiwan Strait.

General Mike Minihan, head of the Air Force's Air Mobility Command, outlined a vision for a multifaceted future aerial tanking and cargo fleet, emphasizing the integration of stealthy aircraft with advanced capabilities for high-threat missions alongside a broader array of conventional tankers. Speaking at the Air & Space Forces Association Warfare Symposium, Minihan highlighted the importance of versatility, with plans to enhance the fleet's functionality beyond traditional refueling and cargo roles through open architecture, autonomy, and advanced battle management features. He stressed the necessity of balancing innovation with fiscal responsibility to avoid overburdening the Air Force's budget. The Air Force is progressing with plans to introduce the Next-Generation Aerial Refueling System (NGAS) and the Next-Generation Airlift Program (NGAL) to modernize its fleet. Despite challenges with the current KC-46 tankers, including issues with the Remote Vision System slated for an upgrade in 2025, Minihan praised their performance in conflict zones. He also reiterated his commitment to preparing for potential conflict with China, advocating for a sense of urgency among his troops while acknowledging the current generational gap in air mobility capabilities. Furthermore, Minihan's innovative approach includes exploring the deployment of drones from aerial platforms, with industry already working on realizing this vision. #airforce #airmobilitycommand #genmikeminihan #aerialrefueling #cargo #ngas #ngal #innovation #budget #chinaconflict Source- https://lnkd.in/gsHfrEfr

Flexrotor is a small tactical unmanned aerial system designed for intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions at sea and over land. The Flexrotor, a modern Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) Unmanned Aircraft with a maximum launch weight of 25 kg, has been designed for ISTAR missions for more than 12-14 hours in a typical operational configuration. It can integrate different types of payloads including an electro-optical system and advanced sensors to suit customers’ unique mission needs. With the ability to autonomously launch and recover from either land or sea requiring only a 12 by 12 ft. area for launch and recovery, the Flexrotor is ideal for expeditionary missions requiring minimal footprint. #defence #defenceindustry #aircraft #evtols #unmannedaircraft #unmannedaerialsystems #surveillance #payload #defensetechnology #usa #airbus #airbushelicopters

Complete Guide of "Torpedo" Download free sample PDF : (https://lnkd.in/dWQkDdxe) The Torpedo Market, valued at USD 996.3 million in 2023, is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 5% from 2024 to 2032. Key to this growth are advancements in supersonic torpedo technology, exemplified by India's recent launch of the Supersonic Missile Assisted Torpedo System (SMAT) developed by the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO). The market is segmented based on application into submarine warfare, anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, stealth operations, tactical scenarios, and versatile engagements. The submarine warfare segment alone is projected to surpass USD 500 million by 2032. The market is segmented based on the launch platform, which includes submarines, surface ships, aircraft, and Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs). Among these segments, the surface ships segment is projected to achieve a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) exceeding 12% over the forecast period.

The NSIN X-Force Fellowship and NSIN Capstone programs often complement one another to deliver even greater impact on strategic initiatives. Case in point, the Origami unmanned aerial system (UAS) project, which delivered a prototype UAS that changes shape to adapt to different needs. The project started as an idea in a NSIN Capstone program at University of Missouri-Kansas City. After a summer of further iteration in the NSIN X-Force Fellowship, it became a functioning prototype. Dr. Corey Bergsrud, an Engineer at Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division who oversaw the work of the students, shared his thoughts on how the programs made the difference to bring the concept to life. Watch the video to see more: https://lnkd.in/e3QuqTUR #DefenseInnovation #NSWCCrane

Manta Ray UUV Prototype Spotted in Satellite Imagery in California A recent discovery has captured the attention of defense enthusiasts and naval technology watchers: the #MantaRay prototype, an extra-large glider unmanned underwater vehicle (#UUV) developed by Northrop Grumman for DARPA, has been spotted in satellite images docked at the Port Hueneme naval base in California. This intriguing find, visible on Google Maps (tagged: “Top Secret Manta Ray“) , offers a rare glimpse of this advanced undersea craft in a real-world setting. Manta Ray UUV is designed to undertake extended-duration, long-range, and payload-capable missions independently. The prototype recently underwent comprehensive full-scale testing off the coast of Southern California. Despite the lack of disclosed details from DARPA or Northrop Grumman, the satellite images provide concrete evidence of the Manta Ray's presence at Naval Base Ventura County in Port Hueneme, California. In the satellite images, the Manta Ray prototype is clearly visible among other naval vessels, positioned near the Mission Package Support Facility. The confirmation of the Manta Ray at Port Hueneme underscores the ongoing advancements in unmanned undersea technology and highlights the importance UUVs (and #AUVs) could bring into future naval operations. 

The company official noted that "the micro AUV market is relatively niche, but new startups are beginning to pop up, and it's likely a similar trend to the proliferation of uncrewed aerial systems and uncrewed ground combat systems will soon emerge in the naval domain." We will see more and more companies realize the potential for these systems to completely disrupt maritime operations. Mini-sized USVs that have a swarming capability will change the very nature of offensive maritime operations. #dualseasperspectives

Key points about Northrop Grumman MQ-4C #Triton #UAV operations for the #USN in the #Mediterranean are: 1. On June 2nd, 2024, a U.S. Navy MQ-4C Triton drone (reg. 169660, callsign BLACKCAT6) conducted extensive surveillance off the coast of #Libya, particularly near Tripoli and Misrata. It flew intricate search patterns at 48,100 feet. 2. The first MQ-4C forward deployed to Naval Air Station #Sigonella in #Sicily, #Italy arrived on March 30, 2024. It is operated by Unmanned Patrol Squadron 19 (VUP-19). 3. From Sigonella, Tritons can provide valuable #ISR coverage over the #Mediterranean, #BlackSea, #NorthAfrica and #MiddleEast. A new hangar was opened at Sigonella in March 2024 to support MQ-4C operations. 4. On April 17, 2024, the Triton flew its first mission from Sigonella, orbiting in international waters between Libya and Crete, possibly monitoring reported Russian weapon shipments from Syria to eastern Libya. 5. The MQ-4C joins United States Air Force RQ-4As and #NATO RQ-4Ds already based at Sigonella. The Tritons provide additional maritime surveillance capabilities. 6. The U.S. Navy has significantly scaled back its MQ-4C acquisition plans from Northrop Grumman from 70 to 27 drones, following the 2019 shoot-down of an older RQ-4 drone by Iran which raised questions about their vulnerability. In summary, the deployment of the advanced MQ-4C Triton to Sigonella expands the U.S. Navy's ISR reach over strategically important waters around Europe, North Africa and the Middle East, although the long-term plans for the Triton fleet have been reduced.

Some missions wait for no one. That's where Raybird steps up! The whole unmanned aerial system – ground control station, antenna, launcher, the aircraft itself – is ready and deploys in under 25 minutes without any additional tools. Getting eyes in the sky fast means you can gather intel and assess situations rapidly. This is especially valuable in a military domain where every minute saved has the potential to save lives.

Thrilled to share the groundbreaking success of QinetiQ's recent trial – marking a significant milestone in aviation history. 🛫 In collaboration with the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, the Royal Navy, and the Air and Space Warfare Centre (ASWC), QinetiQ has achieved the UK’s first Crewed-Uncrewed-Teaming demonstration between a crewed aircraft and an autonomous jet drone. Flying from Boscombe to the Hebrides, the crewed aircraft seamlessly gained control of the modified Banshee Jet 80 drone, orchestrating a mission with unparalleled precision. Key to this achievement is QinetiQ’s revolutionary Airborne Command and Control for Swarm Interoperable Missions (ACCSIOM) technology, facilitating seamless communication between crewed and uncrewed platforms. This innovative system not only enhances mission effectiveness but also ensures safety through built-in override mechanisms. Alan Hart, Managing Director Science & Technology at QinetiQ, rightly points out that this trial showcases collaborative technology leadership in aviation defense capability, paving the way for future air operations. Kudos to the teams at QinetiQ, Dstl, the Royal Navy, and ASWC for their dedication and innovation in pushing the boundaries of aviation technology. 🌟 Read more about this groundbreaking achievement in aviation innovation here: https://loom.ly/bZK4yqA #AviationInnovation #CrewedUncrewedTeaming #AutonomousSystems #TechnologyLeadership