AUS&R 2013 Air Show Update: Live Display, Part 2

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The second and last part of the live display included a simulated operational scenario. Targets were placed on the ground, including two armed “terrorists”, and then the unmanned aerial vehicles were launched in order to detect and engage them. A simulated battlefield on the Rishon Lezion sands.

First came the Aeronautics Orbiter 3. The UAV detected the targets from an altitude of 500 feet and locked on, all the while transmitting high quality, stable images displayed on the giant screens below. The Orbiter detected and located the enemy’s two rocket launchers.

After the Orbiter came the Amstaff unmanned ground vehicle. Six rubber wheels, an antenna and a camera, the vehicle can cross almost any obstacle with its two small electric engines. Its appearance is intimidating, as an unlucky couple – having their wedding pictures taken at the lake – discovered.

After the Amstaff came the Blue Bird Spy Lite. Forces in the field can use this mini-UAV to monitor areas without direct line of sight, areas such as nearby streets or over hilltops. The UAV is carried by two soldiers, it weighs less than 10 kg and can remain operational for 4.5 hours. Its engine is relatively quiet, a significant advantage in hostile territory. Back to the simulated scenario – the Spy Lite detected its intended target quickly and efficiently, a column of smoke.

IHLS – Israel Homeland Security

The last UAV to be displayed was the Innocon Spider. One operator can carry and deploy this quick and compact aircraft, which weighs only 3.5 kg. The Spider carries a powerful payload, including a high-resolution camera, and can remain in flight for two hours. It detected the smoke column as well.

While all this was going on real, flesh-and-blood birds were also flying about, flocks of them maneuvering in tandem as if asking us people to leave them alone.

And so this unique and unprecedented event came to an end, the first Israeli convention and display focusing on unmanned, autonomous systems. Many great initiatives and innovative solutions were displayed today.

See you next year, in AUS&R 2014!