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3 December/January 2021 | Contents Unmanned Systems Technology | December/January 2021 04 Intro Rapid approval of a Covid-19 vaccine shows that a global roll-out of some unmanned systems could safely be speeded up 06 Platform one: Mission-critical info Autonomous flying base station for 4G LTE comms starts testing, modular neural network accelerators unveiled, Moon rover set for wireless charging from its lander, and more 18 In conversation: Anthony Pucciarella AlarisPro’s CEO explains how his years in manned aviation led to his company’s predictive maintenance software for UAVs 22 Dossier: Wings For Aid MiniFreighter Public-private collaboration was key to producing this UAS for delivering humanitarian aid. We report on who did what 34 Focus: Motor controllers Modern UAV motor controllers are designed and engineered to meet the needs of high-quality craft, and are set to improve further 44 Insight: Emergency services Unmanned systems are ideal for deployment in a variety of emergencies. Here are some early applications 50 Report: AUVSI Xponential 2020 Our annual round-up of the products announced at the show, which this year was held virtually 62 Digest: Stone Aerospace Sunfish Ruggedness and a high level of onboard intelligence were key design factors for this AUV. We explain why 68 Dossier: Teledyne EDR fuel cell Hydrogen fuel cells are a perfect fit for SWaP-optimised power solutions, and this cell’s innovative reactant circulation system points it firmly at long-haul missions. Here’s how it works 78 In operation: Kalmar AutoStrad Autonomous straddle carriers for handling shipping containers at cargo terminals are safer and cheaper than manned versions. This system amply demonstrates that 84 Focus: Image sensors As the unmanned systems industry demands more from image sensors, we report on how their developers are responding with more advanced technologies and materials 94 Report: Intergeo Digital 2020 This was another industry event that had to be held online this year, but that didn’t stop developers from showcasing their latest geospatial products. Here are some highlights 98 PS: Micro-UAV navigation A patent awarded last year for a UAV with a sensor suite and navigation might not raise many eyebrows but this system would weigh less than 250 g – and potentially under 50 g 06 44 62 78 18