Unmanned Systems Technology 007 | UMEX 2016 report | Navya ARMA | Launch & recovery systems | AIE 225CS | AUVs | Electric motors | Lethal autonomous weapons

25 Korean electronics manufacturer GigaLane has developed a range of RF components that use gallium nitride (GaN) semiconductor technology, for applications from dc to 67 GHz in UAV and communications systems. The range includes solid-state power amplifiers and internally matched field-effect transistors (IMFETs). The amplifiers are designed to support S- and Ku-band applications at power outputs of 280 W and 50 W respectively. Other GaN power amplifiers in the company’s range can operate in the X band at up to 100 W with 30% power- added efficiency (PAE). IMFETs are distinguished from other field-effect transistors in that they include impedance-matching circuits, allowing users greater efficiency by maximising the power transfer or minimising signal reflection from the electrical load. Radar systems equipped with GigaLane’s IMFETs can operate from the S band at 280 W of saturated power with 50% PAE, and up to the Ku band at 20 W with 30% PAE. GigaLane also produces a range of low-loss, hermetically sealed RF cable assemblies for UAVs, which can operate from dc to 18 GHz, offering internal links for UAVs in the IF band, RF sub-links between aircraft comms equipment and sub-antennae, and RF main links between aircraft CPUs and ground antenna in the Ku band. All cables are designed to meet statutory aircraft requirements and comply with MIL-T-81490, which allows the cables to withstand harsh environments over a long period of time. Another advantage is that the cable assemblies enable the connection of an anti-rotation connector which is used in high-vibration environment applications.  These cables are 15% lighter than ‘legacy’ aviation versions but the company declined to reveal the technology behind this advantage, stating only, “It was the result of holistic research, development and manufacturing efforts.” UK-based UAS company SkyCamTech has launched a new 5 W laser dazzler payload for use with its XSuper8 quadcopter UAS. Called SkyGuard, it operates from a two-axis gimbal, causing temporary blindness in targets by shining a powered laser into their eyes. It weighs 5 kg and has a quoted effective range of 300 m, although the maximum illumination distance is estimated at 4 km. This roughly quadruples the effective range and illumination distance of the company’s 1 W laser dazzler payload, which has already seen maritime service. A FLIR Tau 2 thermal camera has been integrated into the SkyGuard, enabling its use at night or in poor visibility. A hand-carried GCS console, called SkyCam, receives data in real time from the SkyGuard downlink, separate from the SkyCam GCS which operates the UAV. Data encryption is available on demand. SkyGuard is certified safe by IEC regulations, and is offered with or without the XSuper8 for crowd, border and other forms of security control. Raytheon Company and Al Marakeb Boat Manufacturing Company have announced a joint venture to develop a set of unmanned H-series boats, surveillance buoys, commercial boats and target vessels. The H-series will be from Al Marakeb’s ‘B’ family. Al Marakeb’s newest design, the B-10, was also launched at UMEX opposite the B-7, which was launched at IDEX 2015, with a longer hull (10 m, compared with the B-7’s 7 m) and greater payload limit, although exact system specifications could not be disclosed at the time of writing. Both craft use glass-reinforced plastic hulls and can be upgraded with steel-tip reinforcement at the bow if required for security purposes. Aerospace systems and solutions producer eRap Korea has launched a new unmanned rotary system aimed at military and industrial surveillance. The ED 650 Gold Eagle was developed to act as a lighter version of the company’s ED 700 rotorcraft. The aluminium-steel frame weighs 15 kg (10 kg less than the ED 700) and can carry payloads of up to 15 kg. The weight reduction enables a top airspeed of 80 kph (an increase of 10 kph over the ED 700), and double the range at 20 km. Like the ED 700, the 650’s eight uniform rotors (driven by brushless dc motors) are assembled in an ‘X-8’ configuration for improved resistance to wind, further enhanced by the inertial navigation system (INS). Both craft also use their INS with GPS for autopilot and ‘failsafe’ programming to return to the point of take-off should communications between operator and vehicle be lost. Unmanned Systems Technology | April/May 2016 SkyCam Tech’s SkyGuard laser dazzler payload with GCS console