data link with navigation based on GPS, GLONASS and Galileo. It also comes with options for standard propellers that give it a top speed of 56 kph, or quieter propellers that give it up to 46 kph. The UAV and its GCS are typically equipped with mesh radios, enabling BVLOS in-the-loop monitoring, as well as group formations (with UAVs within LOS of the GCS acting as comms relays for those beyond). Typically, the AtlasPro can fly for up to 32 minutes with payload (depending on environmental conditions), but with the tether, it can operate for as yet unspecified durations, but theoretically as long as the 200 V AC or 400 V DC power supply lasts. The Elistair kit allows a flight distance of up to 70 m from the ground station. Atlas also unveiled its AtlasPerkons UAV, which has been designed with light weight and affordability, although the company has yet to disclose its physical or performance specifics. The company also promoted its AtlasNest, a docking station designed for the AtlasPro which can perform autonomous battery swapping by way of a robotic hand system, enabling the UAV to take off and continue performing missions without waiting for its old battery to charge. It uses a 220 V power socket and weighs just under 75 kg. TISICS is a producer of metal matrix composites, and attended the show to discuss the weight-saving and hence fuel cost-saving qualities of its products (bringing a set of its Light Land airline landing gear made from one of its materials to the show as a demonstrator). Its metal matrices can be made from titanium or aluminium alloys, and are reinforced using continuous SiC monofilaments manufactured in-house. The filaments are produced in 100 and 140 µm diameters using chemical vapour deposition. The composite parts can then be produced through a net-shape additive manufacturing process in order to achieve complex shapes with fully bonded joints, and with reduced waste and processing times compared with more conventional forgings and castings. Among the aerospace uses of these materials are for composite actuators, truss struts and wing ribs. As well as enabling mass savings of up to 50% in these parts, newer types of components such as liquid hydrogen tanks using TISICS’ metal composites are in development. 107 Uncrewed Systems Technology | October/November 2023 Atlas Aerospace’s AtlasPro (left) and AtlasTether The Light Land from TISICS, a demonstrator set of landing gear made using the company’s metal matrix composites
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