Military Drones
Drones and other un-crewed systems are fundamentally changing military business. Ukraine has shown what can be done at the kinetic level but there is so much more that these novel, cheap and highly adaptable systems can do.
- Lidar Mapping
- Thermal imaging
- Anti Mine Operations
- Last Mile Supply
- Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)
- Surveying
Custom Drones in Complex Military Environments
Drones are rapidly changing the face of modern military operations across the operational spectrum and with some of our key staff being ex-military we know how to turn key requirements into delivered capability.
From force multiplication to force protection, logistics and beyond, drones have a role to play and we know how to deliver.
With our extensive experience of drone customisations, drone operations, and military service we know how to make systems that can deliver the key effect as and when required in a cost effective and rapidly adaptable package.
We cannot discuss all of the projects we have undertaken, but below are a couple of examples we can talk about…
Project Theseus
The British Army tasked the Future Capability Group (FCG) at DE&S with investigating potential solutions for autonomous ‘Last mile supply’ – the delivery of combat supplies crucial to operational success in combat zones.
The FCG was set up to pull through technology at pace, and accelerate acquisition at value for money, to ensure the UK Armed Forces are provided with the equipment needed to counter ever evolving threats.
Under Project Theseus, the use of self-driving air or ground platforms to deliver supplies, including ammunition, clothes, food, medical supplies and fuel, was put to the test, aiming to reduce the need for personnel to risk their life by entering into what are typically hostile environments. Also included were novel systems for the ordering and delivery, so that troops have the ‘ease of an Amazon style delivery service’ where and when they need it most.
Anti Mine Disruptor Drone
Based around our Harrier 7 platform, this project involved the development of a system to carry, aim and fire an anti mine and IED disruptor. The system includes a fully bespoke gimballed position control and stabilisation system for the disruptor, a sighting, zeroing and aiming system and target range finder, coupled with highly secure communications.
The disruptor shown here is a Chemring GE70, an industrial tool normally seen on mine clearing tracked ground robots, which fires a 40mm cartridge containing 200g of wet clay at 300 m/s, with the aim of destroying the mine electronics before it can detonate. Fitting this to a drone allows excellent access to devices in almost all circumstances, reducing clearing times and greatly reducing risk to those tasked with disarming the devices.
Firing the disruptor creates a huge shock to the system and managing this, and the impact this has on the stabilisation and aiming system, was key to success. Although we are using the GE 70 in this case, the system could be adapted to carry almost any disruptor.
How long does it take to build a custom drone?
This will vary considerably depending on the nature of the project. We are able to produce anything from a custom sensor suite on a standard drone, to a fully bespoke aircraft designed from the ground up. Most custom projects start from a relatively standard frame, in which case around 6 – 8 weeks is normal, although this will vary depending on the work we are currently undertaking. We are happy to give a good indication of this when we start to discuss your project, and we are often able to expedite production if required.
What types of sensors and payloads can be integrated?
There are a wide range of sensors and communications that can improve the functionality of your aircraft, and we will suggest the best options once we start to understand your project.
For payloads, given certain weight and size limits, we can normally carry just about anything! We have integrated almost all commercially available payload sensor packages, including Lidar, GPR, magnetometers, camera systems, lights, gas sensors, ranging equipment, water sampling, and more. We have also worked with customers to lift all sorts of experimental payloads, even sometimes flying equipment that was never designed to be used in the air. We can supply power from the aircraft, independent communications, shielding from magnetic and RF interference, extreme weather proofing, payload control, release mechanism, stabilisation and anti vibration systems, and much more.
Are custom drones more expensive than off-the-shelf?
Not necessarily! As all our aircraft are specified for each application and then built to order, additional cost is often limited only to the cost of any specific additional equipment that needs to be included in the system. Inevitably, higher levels of customisation can incur higher costs, but this is not necessarily nearly as expensive as you might expect. We are happy to give cost estimates once we understand the requirements, and always supply detailed quotes once the details are agreed.
What do we consider when building a custom drone?
All aspects of the system are considered from project feasibility to the legality of the operations. We start by looking at what the aircraft needs to achieve and work backwards, considering the nature and function of the payload, specific operational requirements of the application, circumstances and conditions of use, performance requirements, weather and altitude resilience, transportability, deployment time, maintenance, ease of use and much more.
Need an ‘outside the box’ solution? We’re the company to talk to.
