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3 February/March 2020 | Contents Unmanned Systems Technology | February/March 2020 04 Intro Developments in unmanned systems are edging the industry ever-closer to the prospect of remote operations 06 Platform one: Mission-critical info NASA’s Mars 2020 rover passes a key autonomy test, researchers develop a model to allow UAVs to fly at speed through unknown territory, and much more 18 In conversation: Jonathan Bailey The man responsible for unmanned systems at Thales UK tells us what he’s learned from working with the technology 22 Dossier: Cellula Robotics Solus-LR A hydrogen fuel cell powertrain gives this 8.5 m-long UUV a range of up to 2000 km. Here’s how it was developed 34 Focus: Thermal imaging sensors As infrared camera technology continues to advance, we report on the new applications that are becoming possible 42 Insight: UUVs The latest underwater craft are promising greater capabilities in marine research, defence and search & rescue 48 Show report: CUAV London 2019 Our highlights of the products that were on display at this, the sixth show of its kind 52 Digest: Griff 135 It’s lights, camera, action for this first in a family of heavy-lift multi- copters. Here’s what went into designing and building it 58 Dossier: ARE series hybrid How an opposed-piston design allows this single-cylinder to give multi-copters a major boost in flight times 68 Show report: CUAV Expo 2019 The latest outing for this show broke its previous exhibitor records, so there was plenty on display, as we report 78 In operation: RISE logistics system A test of this system has shown that a UAV can conduct a delivery autonomously and beyond line of sight in an urban setting 82 Focus: Lidar sense & avoid The next generation of Lidar sensors will have longer range and reduced weight and size, lending themselves to applications in the air as well as on the ground 92 In operation: GUSS We explain how the Global Unmanned Spray System overcame the constraints on autonomy in orchards and vineyards 98 PS: Lifespan of unmanned vehicles Durability and self-healing are coming to the fore in system designs. Here are some notable examples and research efforts 06 42 22 82 52 18