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

65 AUVSI Unmanned Systems 2015 | Show report Currently the radio spectrum is extremely crowded, so UAV operators have to resort to unlicenced spectrum, which then requires radios to constantly and rapidly hop between frequency channels to find available channels to use. Operators who buy Access Spectrum segments will not have to do this though, because it is exclusive and unencumbered by any other radios or applications, thereby enabling the use of only a dedicated 12.5 kHz channel bandwidth for each aircraft control system. The remaining 700 MHz bandwidth can then be used to control other aircraft or for use for payloads. Vislosky commented that “while this may defy current conventional thinking, dedicated spectrum is the most efficient and safest way to operate UAVs in line of sight and beyond visual line of sight”. He added, “There is a whole subsection of the UAV community that is pleased that there is a spectrum solution. Here is something that answers the conundrum of where you are going to get spectrum, and whether it will be affordable. Interest in these licences has doubled in the past few months, so we have further streamlined the purchasing process.” Exelis expects to have its new Disruptor SRx programmable electronic warfare system at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) Seven within the next two years, Marty Apa told us. TRLs are a system of classification used by the US Department of Defense (DoD) to denote the maturity of technology, and TRL Seven denotes that a product can perform a prototype demonstration in an operational environment. The Disruptor SRx is currently at TRL Five, which denotes that it can be taken forward for a prototype demonstration in a ‘relevant environment’ according to the DoD’s system of classification. It is essentially a programmable subsystem that can be used to perform a range of electronic warfare (EW) functions including electronic intelligence (ELINT) collection, electronic protection and electronic warfare support – the three fundamental missions under the EW umbrella, according to NATO. The system consists of a box containing the receiver, processor and technique generation circuitry along with an associated high-power amplifier, and the user can configure it with the appropriate algorithms for a specific mission using a personal computer or laptop. Multiple boxes can be used in a single EW payload or on a single aircraft to perform several missions, for example using one box for ELINT collection while the other is configured for EW jamming. As well as equipping air platforms, both manned and unmanned, Apa said the Disruptor SRx could be used on land and in the sea in both manned and unmanned platforms for EW applications. Exelis has funded the development of Disruptor SRx itself, which was launched in October 2014, billing the product as a cognitive EW system. Exelis produces two Disruptor SRx boxes, weighing 1.5 lb (0.6 kg) and less than 1 lb (0.45 kg) respectively, although the larger box has more functionality owing to its greater amount of circuitry. Apa added that Exelis is examining the possibility of migrating the Disruptor SRx technology into its existing family of products such as the AN/ALQ-211 aircraft self-protection suite fitted in the US version of the Lockheed Martin F-16 family of multi-role combat aircraft. This could include its retrofit into existing AN/ALQ-211 systems, and its corresponding use in new systems. The small size and weight of the Disruptor SRx boxes, and their high-power amplifiers, means the product could in time become very attractive for unmanned air, land and sea vehicle EW applications. The OxTS (Oxford Technical Solutions) xNAV550 inertial navigation system was presented at the show. Weighing 0.9 lb (0.4 kg), it is designed to provide navigation and geo-referencing information for unmanned air, land and sea vehicles. The entire system is encased in a watertight aluminium housing, making it particularly suitable for unmanned Unmanned Systems Technology | Summer 2015 The xNAV550 inertial navigation system is suitable for all types of unmanned platforms The Disruptor SRx subsystem can perform electronic warfare functions such as intelligence collection, protection and warfare support