Issue 40 Unmanned Systems Technology October/November 2021 ANYbotics ANYmal D l AI systems focus l Aquatic Drones Phoenix 5 l Space vehicles insight l Sky Eye Rapier X-25 l FlyingBasket FB3 l GCS focus l AUVSI Xponential 2021

3 October/November 2021 | Contents Unmanned Systems Technology | October/November 2021 04 Intro Advances in technologies for unmanned space vehicles are feeding back into terrestrial systems, and vice versa 06 Platform one: Mission-critical info Software engine for non-expert Lidar integrators, improving machine learning vision systems using ROS 2, cloud-based forecaster predicts where UAVs can fly BVLOS safely, UAV unveiled for recharging other craft in mid-air, and much more 18 In conversation: Simon Galt The Aurora Engineering Partnership’s managing director reveals how this network of suppliers procures solutions and services to technology problems flagged up by the UK’s Ministry of Defence 22 Dossier: ANYbotics ANYmal D The development story behind this four-legged UGV for inspecting industrial premises, whose design leans heavily on the instincts we humans use when walking 36 Focus: AI systems We explain how machine learning is finding a growing range of uses in unmanned systems, and the benefits it brings 46 Digest: Aquatic Drones Phoenix 5 This USV for harbour and other inshore survey missions has been designed around its intended sensor payloads. Here are the key details about its development 52 Insight: Space vehicles As space missions become more ambitious and more frequent, new unmanned system designs are emerging to serve them. We look at some of the latest 60 Digest: Sky Eye Systems Rapier X-25 This multi-role military/civilian UAV has an endurance and performance close to aircraft 10 times its size. Its developers tell us how they were able to achieve that 70 In operation: FlyingBasket FB3 Spotting a niche in the UAV market was the inspiration for this octocopter, which is aimed at cargo deliveries in various kinds of challenging terrain 76 Focus: Ground control stations GCSs are graduating from merely controlling unmanned systems to planning and monitoring their missions. We look at how cutting-edge technologies are enabling that to happen 86 Report: AUVSI Xponential 2021 Returning as an in-person event this year generated a spate of the latest unmanned systems being displayed at the show, many of which we highlight in this extensive round-up 98 PS: Distributed propulsion in UAVs How the synergistic benefits of this concept are opening up fresh scope for innovative vehicle and propulsion architectures 18 22 52 46 70