Unmanned Systems Technology 033 l SubSeaSail Gen6 USSV l Servo actuators focus l UAVs insight l Farnborough 2020 update l Transforma XDBOT l Strange Development REVolution l Radio telemetry focus

3 August/September 2020 | Contents Unmanned Systems Technology | August/September 2020 04 Intro Unmanned systems developers are taking the ‘Stay Safe’ Covid-19 message to heart by accelerating their test programmes 06 Platform one: Mission-critical info Tether system revamped to support heavier UAVs, smallest gas flow meter unveiled, self-supervised training announced for neural networks, and more 20 In conversation: Daniel Buchmueller UAV developer Volansi’s CTO explains how a fascination with mapping has inspired his achievements in the industry 24 Dossier: SubSeaSail Gen6 USSV The concept and development of this semi-submersible, which has almost unlimited endurance 36 Focus: Servo actuators Our update on some of the critical advances in actuator technology for unmanned systems over the past few years 46 Insight: UAVs As calls grow from end-users for UAVs that can carry more weight, developers are responding with a range of designs 54 Update: Farnborough Airshow 2020 With this year’s show now a virtual event, suppliers tell us what they would have been showcasing 60 Digest: Transforma Robotics XDBOT The potential of unmanned systems in the fight against the pandemic is amply demonstrated by this UGV designed for disinfecting hospitals and other buildings 66 Dossier: Strange Development REVolution A rotary exhaust valve is the key to this supercharged two-stroke’s impressive power-to-weight ratio, as its developer explains 76 In Operation: Seafloor Systems custom HydroCat-150 How this USV has been adapted to monitor the condition of the California Aqueduct and detect any leaks along it 82 Focus: Radio telemetry The technology to allow multiple types of data to be transmitted over a single, high-bandwidth link is now emerging. We report on some of the developments and design issues 92 In operation: UAV Factory Penguin C Already in widespread commercial use, this UAV has recently been adapted to monitor the fallout from disasters at nuclear powerplants. Here’s how the system works 98 PS: Multi-environment vehicles Details of new and upcoming unmanned systems that can operate underwater, on land and in the air 46 06 24 76 20