Topics covered on Day 3 were UAS Pilot Training, Aerial Flight Services, UAS Programme Updates and UAS Related Research and Development. A wide range of presenters came from the big manufacturers, small companies, service providers and research institutions in the UK, USA, Canada, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Israel, Norway, Spain Sweden and Latvia – a truly international and representative selection.
In particular, Track 1 discussed the core abilities required for the Training of MALE UAS Pilots, and experiences in the training and licensing of Pilots, while Track 2 covered Aerial Flight Services and Research issues. Lieutenant Colonel Javier Fernandez described the work of NATO’s Joint Air Power Competence Centre and its UAS Flight Plan. Insitu explained how their services model has enabled ScanEagle to reach a 98% readiness record at a rate of 15,000 combat flight hours pr month.
The surprise presentation of the event was Green X from Holland with their flapping wing UAS being tested on bird strike control at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport. The technology is simple, but the trick is that the system was designed by a falconer who understands bird psychology. The system replicates the flight patterns and behaviour of a bird of prey. Instinctively the real birds flock together for protection and then can be herded out of the way. Tradition bird control solutions just scare them away temporarily.
Steve May from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems gave a succinct overview of the company’s development and complete range of aircraft, which he modestly describes as a ‘Flying Truck’. “Whatever the customer wants, we can load on to it”. The company has a high profile with its military Predator range, but is clearly eyeing the non-military market for future development. “We have to act together as an industry to resolve the issues that prevent us from flying in non-segregated airspace”, Steve added in the Q & A session.
Philippe Roy from Aerosurveillance described how the company operates as a service provider with the example of oil pipeline surveillance, which can be done for as little as $8 per mile in some cases – a fraction of the cost of using helicopters or fixed-wing aircraft – and a tiny fraction of the losses endured in case of a leak.
The day ended with an open panel featuring an announcement of UVS International’s Global UAS Conops initiative lubricated by a generous supply of free beer to stimulate discussion.