Additive Manufacturing for the UAV Industry: Analysis and Forecast

In this report, the firm Automotive and Transport Market Research Reports projects that the yearly value of AM manufactured parts in the UAV industry to reach $1.9 billion, driving over $400 million in yearly sales of Additive Fabrication equipment, software, materials and services.

The UAV Additive Manufacturing report also provides information on which companies and institutions in the space infrastructure industry are using Additive Fabrication today, with relevant case studies. Key firms in the UAV AM segment include: Boeing, CRP Group, DJI, EHANG, EOS, General Atomics, HP, Hubsan, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Oxford Performance Materials (OPM), Parrot, Ricoh, Stratasys, 3D Systems and 3DR.

The report includes an in-depth analysis of the material used for UAV AM prototyping and production, which takes into consideration both high performance polymers and metals as well as composites, ceramics and technologies for direct 3D printing of electronics. This report quantifies the projected value of additive manufactured parts and identifies the most commercially important technologies, materials and applications in 3D printing of UAV parts for prototyping, production and replacement.

The analysis includes ten-year forecasts of the materials, hardware, software and AM services, both in terms of demand and revenues. Granular geographic and part type information completes this first ever accurate study of the potential for AM in the rapidly evolving UAV industry, including defense, commercial and consumer applications.

Read more:

http://automotivemarket.report/automotive-reports/additive-manufacturing-for-the-drone-uav-industry-an-opportunity-analysis-and-ten-year-forecast/

Three more Tritons for the US Navy

In November, Northrop Grumman delivered the first operational MQ-4C Triton aircraft to the U.S. Navy facility at Point Mugu. Now, Naval Air Systems Command has awarded Northrop Grumman a contract to acquire an initial production of three MQ-4C Triton unmanned aerial aircrafts, included in a plan to purchase 68 Tritons to modernize the Navy's UAV fleet.

The MQ-4C Triton is a derivative of the RQ-4 Global Hawk surveillance unmanned aerial vehicle. The Navy plans to use the Triton alongside the P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft as the Navy's primary long-range aerial intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance platform. The terms of the deal, announced Thursday by the Department of Defense, come under a $255.3 million a fixed-price-incentive contract, which is a modification to a previously awarded contract.

The Triton has a range of over 9,000 miles and can hover for up to 24 hours before needing to refuel. Triton is designed as a sensor platform for high-altitude, long-endurance surveillance missions over ocean and coastal areas, deploying its maritime radar, electro-optical and infrared cameras, communications relays and electronic support measures systems.

Additive Manufacturing for the Drone/UAV Industry 2017-2027

In this report, the firm Research and Markets projects that the yearly value of Additive Manufacturing (AM) in the UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) industry to reach $1.9 billion, driving over $400 million in yearly sales of AM equipment, software, materials and services.

The Drone AM report also provides information on which companies and institutions in the space infrastructure industry are using additive manufacturing today, with relevant case studies. Key firms in the drone AM segment include: Boeing, CRP Group, DJI, EHANG, EOS, General Atomics, HP, Hubsan, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Oxford Performance Materials (OPM), Parrot, Ricoh,  Stratasys, 3D Systems and 3DR.

The report includes an in-depth analysis of the materials used for drone AM prototyping and production, which takes into consideration both high performance polymers and metals as well as composites, ceramics and technologies for direct 3D printing of electronics.

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/7mvrn7/additive

COBRA: Submarine Hunting Sensor

The US Navy's MQ-8B Fire Scout VTUAV will soon operate an advanced sensor named Coastal Battlefield Reconnaissance and Analysis (COBRA), that will give it increased ability to detect and destroy enemy mines and submarines from LCSs (Littoral Combat Ships).

In words of Capt. Jeff Dodge, Fire Scout program manager, “COBRA is currently in Initial Operational Test and Evaluation on the MQ-8B and is projected to reach Initial Operational Capability this year.” COBRA’s primary function will be detecting mines and submarines while keeping the LCS and its crew at a safe distance: Given that the Littoral Combat Ships are engineered to use its shallow draft, speed and maneuverability to conduct combat operations in littoral waters near enemy coastlines, an improved technological capacity to find and detect enemy mines and submarines near the surface will expand its mission envelope and provide an extra protection for offensive ship operations.

The Navy is also integrating a new maritime search radar to its larger Fire Scout variant MQ-8C in order to extend its ISR capacity and provide better targeting support to nearby offensive operations. For this purpose, recently awarded Northrop Grumman a $32 million contract modification to conduct systems engineering, technical review and extensive testing of that new radar. ¿Return of Investment? Bearing in mind the existing EO/IR sensors on the MQ-8C have a range of 6-10 miles, and considering that the new maritime radar will find targets at ranges out to 80 miles, the ROI is undoubt.

China: Divine Eagle contra bombarderos furtivos

Mientras que Estados Unidos y sus aliados continúan invirtiendo grandes cantidades de dinero en bombarderos furtivos, China está invirtiendo su dinero en desarrollar un UAV capacitado con tecnología que le permita detectar esos bombarderos furtivos.

El UAV, todavía en desarrollo, se conoce bajo el nombre de Divine Eagle y según algunos expertos, el está dotado de radares que operan a frecuencias entre 1 y 4 GHz, capacitandolo para detectar aviones furtivos como el bombardero Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit, y buques furtivos como el destructor DDG-1000.

Northrop Grumman MQ-8 Fire Scout

El Northrop Grumman MQ-8 Fire Scout es un helicóptero no tripulado para misiones ISR, desarrollado por Northrop Grumman bajo encargo de las Fuerzas Armadas de los Estados Unidos.

Entre sus características principales destaca su capacidad para despegar desde cualquier lugar, pues está pensado especialmente para utilizarlo en condiciones tan duras como los desiertos de Afganistán.

¿QUE PROBLEMATICA RESUELVE UNA CONSULTORIA TECNOLOGICA?

http://daviddft.wix.com/david-del-fresno

Navy Could Test Aerial Refueling on X-47B

U.S. Navy plans to test an aerial refueling capability on its experimental carrier-launched unmanned aerial vehicle, the X-47B, as early as next year.

The move follows a $64 million June 2014 contract award to Northrop Grumman that extended the testing schedule of the Navy’s two X-47Bs on carriers and continue autonomous aerial refueling (AAR) research as part of the Navy’s Unmanned Combat Air System demonstration (UCAS-D) program.

Australia: Tritón UAVs to Boost Maritime Surveillance

The Australian Government has committed to the acquisition of the highly-capable Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Triton Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), subject to the successful completion of the US Navy development programme currently under way. The Triton UAVs will be based in Adelaide, bringing significant economic benefits to South Australia. The total number of Triton UAVs to be acquired and their introduction into service date will be further considered by Government in 2016, based on the Defence White Paper.

HEL-MD takes out mortars and UAVs

High energy laser weapons are a hot area of research with companies including Lockheed Martin, Rheinmetall and Northrop Grumman.

Boeing is also in the mix with its High Energy Laser Mobile Demonstrator (HEL MD), which is being put through its paces by the US Army. Between November 18th and December 10th, the HEL MD successfully took out mortar rounds and UAVs in flight, marking a first for the vehicle-mounted system.

Intended to demonstrate the potential of directed-energy technology for protecting troops against RAM (Rockets, Artillery and Mortars), as well as UAVs and cruise missiles, the multiple test events saw the HEL MD successfully engage over 90 mortar rounds and several UAVs. Army officials say mortars and UAVs are representative of the threats faced by US and allied forces in the battlefield.

US Navy releases requirements for carrier-launched UAV

The US Navy has released a request for proposal (RFP) to bring four potential Unmanned Carrier-Launched Surveillance and Strike (UCLASS) designs to maturity prior to a downselect. The RFP was released to four companies considered to have viable designs: Northrop Grumman, Boeing, Lockheed Martin and General Atomics-Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI). The RFPs are individualized for each company and not public, so the exact specifications remain unknown. The RFP was initially due in late 2012, but subsequently delayed several times. After PDR is reached on the designs, a downselect to a single company is expected. The eventual result will be a stealthy unmanned air vehicle (UAV) for reconnaissance and light strike.

 

Thus far only Lockheed has publically unveiled its likely UCLASS offering, an aircraft bearing a strong resemblance to the classified RQ-170 reconnaissance drone flown by the US Air Force. Though no official bids have been made public, Northrop Grumman is thought likely to offer an aircraft based on the X-47B, which became the first unmanned aircraft to launch from a carrier deck in May. Boeing is likely to offer a derivative of its Phantom Ray, a company-funded demonstrator aircraft, while GA-ASI has the Avenger, jet-powered, high-speed version of the ubiquitous MQ-9 Reaper.  Though as late as 2012 GA-ASI was undecided about offering the Avenger or the slower Reaper, the RFP reportedly includes specifications making the propeller-powered Reaper an unlikely choice. The Navy declined to provide additional information.

Boeing, Northrop Grumman y General Dynamics toman posiciones

 

Los UAVs están cobrando cada vez mayor protagonismo en los presupuestos defensivos de numerosas naciones, y ante esa creciente demanda están tomando posición tres conocidos contratistas militares de alto nivel: Boeing, General Dynamics y Northrop Grumman. Por si esto fuera poco, la administración Obama ha mostrado a las claras su apuesta por los UAVs, lo que ha provocado una guerra sin cuartel entre estos tres proveedores con el fin de conseguir el mejor trozo del pastel. ¿Quien está en mejor posición para competir? Vamos a verlo brevemente a continuación.

 

 

Boeing

Su filial INSITU desarrolla y vende un buen número de UAVs de observación, cuyo principal reclamo es la facilidad de manejo y el bajo coste. Esos pequeños UAVs gozan de bastante éxito y hoy día se cuentan entre sus clientes las fuerzas armadas de numerosos países. Por otro lado, sus desarrollos en el campo civil le han reportado una más que notable experiencia que podría ser decisiva para desarrollar futuros UAVs que marquen la diferencia frente a sus competidores.

 

Northrop Grumman

Produce el popular UAV de reconocimiento RQ-4 Global Hawk, y actualmente está desarrollando una variante del MQ-4C para la U.S. Navy y un UAV de transporte para uso civil y militar. El desarrollo de éste ultimo podría constituir un importante factor diferenciador de la compañía frente a sus competidores.

 

General Dynamics

Está desarrollando un buen numero de UAVs, y un nuevo sistema de control que posibilitará al operador manejar varios aparatos al mismo tiempo. De llevarse a cabo este desarrollo, la compañía se podría marcar un buen tanto frente a sus competidores.

 

 

Pentagon Awards Northrop $71.6 Million UAV Contract

The Pentagon's announcement does not make clear whether it refers to Northrop's already-in-service MQ-8B Fire Scout VTUAV, or to the expected upgrade to a new MQ-8C "Fire-X" configuration, which is being developed to arm the Fire Scout with Griffin and Hellfire missiles, as well as APKWS II guided rockets. (Read more)

Northrop Grumman, Navy Select Telephonics Radar For Fire Scout UAS

 

 

Northrop Grumman, under contract to the U.S. Navy, has selected Telephonics Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Griffon Corporation, Long Island, N.Y., to provide a multimode maritime radar system for the Navy's MQ-8B Fire Scout vertical takeoff and landing tactical unmanned aerial vehicle. (Read more)

Cuatro Global Hawk para Corea del Sur

 

Según lo publicado hace dos días por la Agencia de Cooperación y Seguridad de El Pentágono, la administración Obama ha propuesto formalmente una venta de UAVs espía de ultima generación, para ayudar a Corea del Sur a potenciar sus sistemas defensivos en orden a prevenir un hipotético plan de ataque desde Corea del Norte.

 

Seul ha respondido a la propuesta con el visto bueno a una posible compra de 4 unidades Northrop Grumman RQ-4 "Global Hawk" dotados de capacidades de vigilancia avanzadas.

¿Qué es el Global Hawk?

El Global Hawk es un UAV del fabricante estadounidense Northrop Grumman (anteriormente Ryan Aeronautical), empleado por la USAF como avión de vigilancia. Desde el punto vista operacional y de diseño, el "Global Hawk" es muy similar al Lockheed U-2, el famoso avión espía estadounidense de los años 1950. Es capaz de asegurar una gran capacidad de seguimiento a objetivos gracias a que posee un SAR (Radar de Apertura Sintética) que puede penetrar fácilmente en una zona cubierta por nubes o incluso en zonas con tormentas de arena. También lleva un equipo de óptica y de infrarrojos capaz de visualizar con una gran precisión una vasta extensión de terreno. Según estimaciones de las Fuerzas Aéreas, el avión es capaz de vigilar y proporcionar información de 103.600 kilómetros cuadrados por día, que equivale aproximadamente a toda la superficie de Portugal.

Remotec Wheelbarrow Mk9 UGV

Wheelbarrow Mk9 es la ultima version de la familia de UGVs Wheelbarrow de Remotec. (Filial de Northrop Grumman). Está diseñado para ayudar a las fuerzas de seguridad en misiones de vigilancia sobre terreno hostil.

Este modelo incluye avances significativos en tecnología y características, que le dotan de excepcionales capacidades para aplicaciones de seguridad civil y militar. Entre sus características más destacadas merece mencionarse:

1) Sistema de control intuitivo

2) Sistema digital de comunicación

3) Puede subir escaleras de 45 grados de inclinación

4) Brazo telescópico modular de 5 metros de alcance

5) Velocidad punta de 5 Km/H

6) Capacidad de levantar cargas de hasta 150 Kg.

Northrop Grummann: Global Hawk Sentinel UAV para estudio de huracanes

A finales del proximo Agosto la NASA dará comienzo a la misión Hurricane and Severe Storm Sentinel (HS3) con el fin de monitorizar el desarrollo de tormentas tropicales en el Oceano Atlantico.

La NASA y la US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) están muy interesadas en conocer la causa de que las tormentas tropicales presenten un desarrollo tan rápido como devastador. Esta misión que dará comienzo a finales de Agosto es una misión a largo plazo que se prolongará durante varios años y se llevará a cabo usando dos UAVs Global Hawk Sentinel, fabricados por Northrop Grumman. Ambos vehículos pueden volar a una altitud de hasta 18.300 metros con una autonomía de hasta 28 horas.

La misión está siendo liderada por varios centros de la NASA entre los que destaca el Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) del California Institute of Technology, y cuenta con la colaboración de un importante número de universidades. Los dos UAVs Sentinel están ubicados actualmente en Virginia, más concretamente en el aeródromo Wallops de la NASA (IATA: WAL, ICAO: KWAL). En palabras de Scott Braun, director de la misión HS3, “La intensidad de los huracanes puede ser muy difícil de predecir porque todavía no conocemos en profundidad el comportamiento combinado de las nubes y el viento cuando interactuan en un entorno tormentoso. HS3 tratará de responder a nuestros interrogantes aprovechando la capacidad de los Global Hawk. Un UAV tomará muestras del entorno de las tormentas, mientras que el otro tomará muestras y datos relativos a la lluvia y el viento generados en el desarrollo de la tormenta”.