Unmanned Systems Technology 003 | UAV Solutions Talon 120 | Cable harnesses | Austro Engine AE50R and AE300 | Autonomous mining | AUVSI 2015 show report | Transponders | Space systems

14 3 Summer 2015 | Contents Unmanned Systems Technology | Summer 2015 04 Intro Racecar constructors stymied by lack of opportunity to innovate turn their attention to the unmanned systems market 06 Platform one: Mission-critical info NASA launches project to improve the efficiency of electric- powered UAVs, new real-time operating system for UAVs using separate hardware announced, and much more 14 In conversation: Terry Gafron Bio Inspired Technologies’ chief executive tells how the natural world informs development of UAV control systems 18 Dossier: UAV Solutions Talon 120 Ian Bamsey finds out why this is the state of the art in small, electric-powered fixed-wing autonomous aerial craft 30 UST online Highlights of what’s new and most popular on our sister UST website – PLUS details of its new Appointments section 32 Focus: Cable harnesses How to serve an unmanned system’s need for power and signalling while minimising weight, space and cost 42 Dossier: Austro Engine AE50R rotary and AE300 I4 turbodiesel Ian Bamsey investigates this Austrian company’s rotary power plant for UAV use, and its turbodiesel sibling 54 Insight: Autonomous mining Autonomy is helping to boost safety and efficiency in mining. Nick Flaherty looks at the technology that’s pushing it forward  60 Show report: AUVSI 2015 Highlights of some of the products and services on display at the recent AUVSI Unmanned System 2015 show in Atlanta 68 Focus: Transponders Tom Withington explains the factors that need to be borne in mind when designing these safety-critical devices 76 Insight: Space systems How is the space industry finding solutions to the particular problems for vehicle autonomy for Mars and Moon missions? 82 PS: Mind-controlled systems Stewart Mitchell looks at research that could allow unmanned systems to be controlled by a brain-computer interface 32 54 68 18