'Flying Robot' Pilot Helps Find IEDs In Helmand

Talisman has been designed to provide an increased level of assurance along routes throughout the region. It consists of a suite of cutting-edge equipment, including armoured vehicles, optical cameras and remote-controlled vehicles.

This life-saving equipment is being used to support combat logistic patrols, which can comprise several hundred vehicles and trek through the country delivering vital supplies to bases for the troops on the front line. ...

Each Talisman system consists of:

+ a Mastiff 2 protected patrol vehicle + a Buffalo mine protected vehicle, with a rummaging arm + a JCB high mobility engineer excavator + a Micro Air Vehicle + a Talon tracked, remote-controlled robot.



via 'Flying Robot' Pilot Helps Find IEDs In Helmand.

Honeywell is developing for the FCS program a  backpack-sized Miniature Air Vehicle (MAV) designed to gather and transmit battlefield Information in support of small units operations. The development of the MAV was part of an Advanced Concept Technology Demonstration (ACTD) program developed for DARPA and has since transitioned into advanced development under the US Army Future Combat Systems' program. Once matured, the micro air vehicle will become become the smallest unmanned aerial element of the U.S. Army's Future Combat Systems program, providing "hover and stare" capability at the platoon level. Class I is one of four UAV systems organic to platoon, company, battalion and brigade echelons that form the aerial component of the FCS networked system-of-systems, providing protection and information to soldiers on the ground.

The MAV ACTD is designed as a ducted fan air vehicle, and flies like a helicopter, using a propeller that draws in air through a duct to provide lift. The MAV's propeller is enclosed in the duct and is driven by a gasoline engine. A heavy fuel engine variant of the MAV will be available in 2006. The MAV is controlled using Honeywell's micro-electrical mechanical systems (MEMS) electronic sensor technology.  ...

On May 24, 2006 Boeing, the FCS program integrator awarded Honeywell a $61 million development contract to fully develop the Class I UAVS. First prototype deliveries and flight tests are scheduled for December 2008.. - defenseupdate


October 26, 2005 As the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq have unfolded, one of the new stars in the theatre of battle has been the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). As each new conflict redefines war based on the technologies coming of age at that time, the Iraq campaign has seen the coming of age of the UAV in its many wonderous forms. It is the most-requested capability among combatant commanders and in the last 18 months, UAV numbers in Iraq have jumped from fewer than 100 to more than 400 and there are now nearly 600 UAVs in the Afghanistan and Iraq theatres. Even more interesting is the dizzying array of unmanned aircraft used in traditional intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance UAV roles. Now we’re set to see UAVs get smaller – much smaller. The United States Future Combat Systems (FCS) program recently passed a significant milestone in its progress toward selecting a Class I Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) system. The MAV has achieved a technology readiness level 6 and is now ready to begin transitioning the technology to the FCS program as an affordable backpackable systems suitable for dismounted soldier, Marine, and Special Forces missions. It will focus on the development of lift augmented ducted fan MAVs to accomplish unique military missions, particularly the hover and stare capability in restricted (e.g urban) environments to provide real-time combat information. - gizmag