4 We had an interesting editorial discussion regarding the ‘PS’ to this issue, in which Stewart Mitchell reports on a recent breakthrough by the University of Manchester with regard to quantum computing. In a major step for computing technology, the researchers have demonstrated that hugely capable computers can be created at an atomic scale. On the face of it, that is precisely what most unmanned systems developers have at the top of their wish list. On the other hand, we need to recognise that quantum computers need huge refrigeration plants to attain the required stability, surely ruling out any practical application in our world. “Due to that requirement we are not going to see them in unmanned systems for a while yet”, was one colleague’s response, “so perhaps the story isn’t relevant to UST .” I begged to differ. What is “for a while yet”? I am still a few years from retirement age, yet when I was at college all computers had to be housed in a dedicated room. OK, I admit that was now more than 30 years ago but it shows how, within one person’s working life, technology can be transformed and transformational. I am not saying that practical atomic-scale quantum computing is just around the corner. Only that, as with so many aspects of unmanned systems technology, we shouldn’t discount such fundamental change coming sooner than might be anticipated. Always keep in mind the potential for change. Technology develops in unpredictable ways, which is one of the fascinating aspects of it. Continue to be inspired by our ongoing in-depth coverage of it! Ian Bamsey | Editorial Director Changing times February/March 2017 | Unmanned Systems Technology Intro | February/March 2017 Editorial Director Ian Bamsey Assistant Editor Guy Richards Technology Editor Nick Flaherty Staff Writer Stewart Mitchell Contributors Peter Donaldson Rory Jackson Technical Consultants Paul Weighell Ian Williams-Wynn Dr Donough Wilson Design Andrew Metcalfe
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[email protected] Master mariner AutoNaut’s wave-propelled USV A perfect fit Focus on connectors Tailored two-stroke Cobra Aero’s A33 UAV power unit UST 12 : FEB/MAR 2017 UK £15,USA$30,EUROPE e 22 Volume Three | Issue Two February/March 2017 High Power Media Limited Whitfield House, Cheddar Road, Wedmore, Somerset, BS28 4EJ, England Tel: +44 (0)1934 713957 Fax: +44 (0)20 8497 2102 www.highpowermedia.com ISSN 2056-9823 Printed in Great Britain ©High Power Media All rights reserved. Reproduction (in whole or in part) of any article or illustration without the written permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited. While care is taken to ensure the accuracy of information herein, the publisher can accept no liability for errors or omissions. Nor can responsibility be accepted for the content of any advertisement. US COPIES ONLY Unmanned Systems Technology ISSN No: 2056-9823, is published by High Power Media in England and is distributed in the United States by SPP, 17B S Middlesex Ave, Monroe, NJ 08831. Periodicals postage paid at New Brunswick, NJ. Postmaster please send address changes to: Unmanned Systems Technology, 17B S Middlesex Ave, Monroe, NJ 08831. SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscriptions are available from High Power Media at the address above or directly from our website. Overseas copies are sent via air mail. UST SUBSCRIPTION OFFERS 1 year subscription – 15% discount: UK – £75; Europe – e 125 USA – $150; ROW – £97.50 2 year subscription – 25% discount: UK – £135; Europe – e 225 USA – $270; ROW – £175.50 Make cheques payable to High Power Media. Visa, Mastercard, Amex and UK Maestro accepted. Quote card number and expiry date (also issue/start date for Maestro)