103 thermal-imaging chip that is accurate to +/- 5 C from 0-100 C. The Hadron 640R+ features mechanical stabilisation and electronic image stabilisation. “Neither imaging device needs calibration after they are received by the customer,” Thompson notes. AI targeting “Black Widow uses the Teledyne FLIR Prism AI software for target identification and tracking,” he says. “Prism is regularly updated with new identification models and allows Black Widow to identify personnel targets, as well as land and maritime vehicles.” To run this AI software, Black Widow is equipped with a Qualcomm RB5 processor. Both video and still images are stored in Black Widow’s internal memory, although the vehicle can be configured with an SD card slot, in which case the imagery will be automatically stored on the card. Video is stored as H.264 Transport Stream and MP4 files, while still images are stored in jpg format. The operator can pre-program Black Widow to either transfer the imagery to the GCS in real time during flight or transfer it after the flight has been completed. Sharing the video feed with team members is a critical operational capability, so the WEB GCS incorporates an HDMI out connector that allows for direct wired transmission to a secondary display. It also incorporates a Nett Warrior connector and is compatible with the Nett Warrior standard, as well as the Android Tactical Awareness Kit (ATAK) software suite to provide situational awareness to teams in the field. Swarm potential Potentially, an operator could control multiple Black Widows from a single GCS, although this capability is not yet offered, Thompson says. “However, because the WEB GCS uses a standard Samsung Galaxy S23 TE [Tactical Edition] device, the system is capable of accommodating multiple drone operations via any user interface that has this capability.” The Nett Warrior connector incorporated into the GCS facilitates this integration. The UAV can also be fitted with a Picatinny rail underneath to support secondary payloads. The MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny rail was originally developed as a highly adaptable means of fixing sights and other accessories, such as torches, laser aiming devices, grips and radio buttons to firearms, and it is now being applied to uncrewed vehicles. On Black Widow, the rail can support a wide range of payloads weighing up to 1 kg, which can be supplied with power and data via a USB-C connector. Jamming resistance The ability to maintain operation despite enemy radio-frequency jamming is essential for military uncrewed vehicles being used against highly capable and sophisticated adversaries. Black Widow is fitted with Doodle Labs’ Helix hexband radios, which are designed to operate in hostile environments, and use dynamic switching of both channels and acceptable bandwidths to avoid jamming. “If the system detects RF interference it will automatically switch the RF settings of both the GCS and the aircraft until an unimpeded frequency is found,” Thompson says. In their OEM form factor, radios are based on two boards: the 28 x 47 x 5 mm baseband board and the 51 x 46 x 6.5 mm RF board, with a combined weight of 25 g. Helix radios are based on Doodle Labs’ Mesh Rider operating system, centred Uncrewed Systems Technology | February/March 2025 Also field-replaceable, the Hadron 640R+ is a dual-sensor payload, combining a 64 MP visible light camera and a Boson+ 640 uncooled thermal-imaging camera (Image courtesy of Teledyne FLIR)
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