Uncrewed Systems Technology 044 l Xer Technolgies X12 and X8 l Lidar sensors l Stan UGV l USVs insight l AUVSI Xponential 2022 l Cobra Aero A99H l Accession Class USV l Connectors I Oceanology International 2022

71 AUSVI Xponential 2022 | Report we’ve updated to recognise people and vehicles in addition to different types of UAVs,” said Mark Zanmiller. “We’re also providing more I/O flexibility so that users can for instance integrate multiple USB cameras, and we have added to the list of the many cameras we’re already compatible with. We’re adding more enhancement functions as well, which will enable more colour to be brought out when operating in foggy conditions.” The company has also started work on the next product in its line of video processor hardware, called the 17xx. The 17xx-OEM will be designed to provide a low-SWaP, 1080p30 single-channel processor for integrating into compact gimbal designs. Two concepts were presented at Xponential to solicit feedback from customers. Both hardware concept configurations, the 1720 and the 1750, are based on an ARM-type processor (an NXP i.MX 8M Plus SOM) running Linux, with the same embedded software as SightLine’s other platforms. This enables existing protocols and interfaces already supported on hardware platforms to be used. Each option is capable of H.265 encoding and MPEG-2 TS/RTP encapsulation. The 1720-OEM is the smaller concept: it measures 3.8 x 2.8 cm and consumes 3 W. The 1750-OEM measures 4.47 x 3.1 cm and natively supports a wide range of camera inputs. Whether the initial implementation is the 1720-OEM or 1750-OEM, serial ports, multiple digital video inputs and encoded video output will be included. SightLine added that it values customer feedback and will take on board their helpful suggestions as the 17xx goes from concept into production. The 17xx is due for commercial release early next year, while the version 3.5 software release should be available now. UAS Global Services presented its Anzen EG-1250 UAS, a Chinook-style helicopter designed for a range of critical heavy-lifting services. It is powered by a Sky Power SRE-180, and recently finished a series of flights at the high- altitude, 8100 sq mile San Luis Valley UAS test area in southern Colorado. “From those trials, we can judge that the UAS is stable and performing exceptionally well at altitudes of 8700- plus ft [2.65 km] while carrying 25 kg of payload, and generally outperforming our expectations at altitude,” said Anthony Miller. “We haven’t actually found our maximum altitude yet; we spent the 2 years of the Covid pandemic strengthening and re-engineering the EG-1250. Based on the southern Colorado trials we anticipate revising upwards our previous endurance estimates considerably, which now reach 6-plus hours with a moderate payload. “We’ve had a lot of interest from commercial companies, Coast Guard- based personnel and other emergency services.” We met with Microlink Devices, which has expanded its client base beyond UAVs into satellites and similar uncrewed spacecraft operating in low- Earth orbit (LEO). “Our triple-junction III-V cells are very similar in power efficiency to the solar cells traditionally used in satellite PV panels, in that we can achieve 30% solar conversion efficiencies in space,” said Ray Chan. “But what is unique is how lightweight and flexible our cells are compared to conventional cells. “That means tremendous savings in mass, which the fast-growing LEO satellite and orbital launcher industries are really pushing for right now, in order to lower launch and operating costs in ways that haven’t been possible before, as well as new compact storage and deployment methods. “There’s also a more general supply shortage of solar panels for the space industry, so expanding from uncrewed aircraft into uncrewed spacecraft will be a major focus for us, alongside our existing work for HALE UAV projects like those of Boeing and Airbus.” Uncrewed Systems Technology | June/July 2022 The Anzen EG-1250 helicopter from UAS Global Services