Unmanned Systems Technology 009 | Ocean Aero Submaran S10 | Simulation and testing | Farnborough report | 3W-110xi b2 TS HFE FI | USVs | Data storage | Eurosatory/UGS 2016 report

43 thermal management and ultimately the ability to achieve lightning strike protection for aerospace and other related opportunities.” The advanced materials sector sees unmanned systems as an ideal growth market opportunity. One such exhibitor was Alcoa, where Eric Roegner explained how 3D-printing aircraft components could benefit the customer. He said one of the primary goals OEMs are pursuing with it is to lower what is known in the industry as the buy-to-fly ratio – the amount of material a company needs to buy in order to manufacture the final flying part by putting only the material you need exactly where you want it. “Also, when using 3D printing you can design lighter parts with shorter lead times and less waste that enables the production of complex parts and products that would be impossible using traditional methods,” he said. “One area of focus has been on feedstock materials. Most modern powders weren’t developed for 3D printing, but Alcoa is investing in the development of proprietary metal powders engineered specifically for 3D printing.” General Atomics Aeronautical Systems showcased its range of remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) systems and related services at Farnborough. Highlights included configurations providing extended aircraft range and endurance, development of a Type Certifiable RPA and (company-funded) due regard radar to support airspace integration. However, the main focus of attention was on its Predator drones. “We have recently designed, developed and produced next-generation variants of our aircraft to include Predator B, Gray Eagle and Predator C Avenger,” Christopher Ames said. “Most notably, the endurance of each has been increased significantly. Predator B’s Big Wing configuration extends the RPA’s wingspan by 13 ft, allowing greater internal fuel capacity and increasing its endurance from 27 hours to over 40 hours. “Improved Gray Eagle is an advanced derivative of the Gray Eagle UAS. Configured to carry additional fuel, it provides 40 hours of continuous flight. With an increased wingspan of 76 ft, Improved Avenger extends its predecessor’s endurance from 15 to 20 hours. Capping it off, the Certifiable Predator B configuration will support greater access to national airspace.” On the subject of Predators, L-3 Communications announced that its Wescam division has received multiple orders from General Atomics for its MX-15D electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) designator systems for an international military customer. L-3’s equipment will support medium-altitude covert intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions carried out by Predator XP RPA systems. L-3’s MX-15D has been engineered with large-aperture, long focal length optics and patented four-axis gimbal technology. Additionally, the system’s detection, recognition and identification range performance will enable the end- user to perform precision engagements from longer stand-off ranges. The imaging systems range in size from 8 to 25 in in diameter and provide high-resolution, stabilised full-motion intelligence in support of low-level tactical to high-altitude, ultra-long range persistent missions. L-3’s MX-8, MX-10 and MX-25 surveillance systems were also on display. Farnborough International Airshow | Report Unmanned Systems Technology | August/September 2016 UCLan’s Billy Beggs (left) and the Prospero UAV, which has graphene-skinned wings The Predator B has been updated to boost its endurance to more than 40 hours