Abu Dhabi Autonomous Systems Investments Company (ADASI) and L-3 Communications WESCAM have announced the first flight of a CAMCOPTER® S-100 UAS with the WESCAM MX-10 EO/IR payload installed in the United Arab Emirates. After brief installation and integration activities by the ADASI team, the MX-10 completed three proving flights at ADASI’s test range in the UAE.
The trial focused on the command and control of the ADASI S-100 based Al Sabr system incorporating the MX-10 payload. The MX-10 was controlled via the data-link with real-time live imagery transmitted successfully back to the ground control station.
Mr. Ali Al Yafei, CEO of ADASI said: “I am very pleased to acknowledge the strong spirit of cooperation that has enabled our team to work with L-3 WESCAM to integrate yet another payload into our Al Sabr system. The integration of the MX-10 marks another significant milestone in the development of the Al Sabr system.”
Following on from the initial trials this was the second test flight of the S-100 Camcopter and MX-10 to be accomplished within one calendar month “We are very pleased that ADASI has integrated our new MX-10 into their flight program and we are continuing to support ADASI’s integration and flight trial program. ADASI is clearly a leader in this class of tactical UAS integration in the Gulf region” said Paul Jennison, Vice President Business Development, L-3 Wescam.
ADASI is currently managing the development of the Al Sabr Program on behalf of the UAE Armed Forces. ADASI’s work includes the adaptation of the system to meet user needs, integration of the full system including the coordination of commercial suppliers of system elements with the S-100 Camcopter, management of a Joint Production Programme for UAE production of Camcopter S100 air vehicles and Support of the UAE Armed Forces for the operation of the Al Sabr system.……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
ADASI was formed as ‘Abu Dhabi Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Investments, LLC’ (ADUAVI) in March 2007 with focus on unmanned aerial vehicles. The scope broadened in mid-2008 to include maritime & ground-based unmanned systems and special mission systems. The company was re-launched as ‘Abu Dhabi Autonomous Systems Investments Co LLC’ (ADASI) early in 2009. ADASI is a wholly owned subsidiary of Tawazun, the investment arm of the Offset Programme Bureau.