Electronic Sub-Systems
Velodyne Lidar, Inc. has announced a multi-year agreement with AGM Systems LLC, which provides state-of-the-art hardware and software technology for the collection, processing and analysis of air and mobile mapping data. AGM Systems will utilize Velodyne’s Ultra Puck lidar sensor in their new AGM-MS3 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) mapping
Business
XAG Co. Ltd., a Chinese manufacturer of agricultural drones and robots, is planning an initial public offering on its home market shortly after securing 300 million yuan ($46 million) of funding. Guangzhou-based XAG filed with local securities regulators for the flotation and hired Shenwan Hongyuan Securities for pre-listing tutoring, records
Business
AeroVironment, Inc. has announced its receipt of four firm-fixed-price orders totaling $11,527,074 from the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) for Puma 3 AE tactical UAS and initial spares packages. The orders are part of a three-year base contract received from NSPA in January 2020. The contract includes
Weapons Systems / Lasers
Defense technology company Anduril Industries announced that it has acquired Area-I, a company that specializes in air launched effects (ALEs). The acquisition expands Anduril’s portfolio of unmanned aerial systems, creates new opportunities for its software-defined capabilities such as mission autonomy and intelligent teaming and significantly accelerates the company’s
Business
Schiebel has won another significant contract with the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA). Schiebel, with its CAMCOPTER S-100, is yet again one of the service providers for EMSA’s Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) operations carrying out ship emission monitoring and general maritime surveillance for EU member states. The scope
Military
Massachusetts-based Ascent AeroSystems announced that it has received a follow-on order for its Spirit unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and signed an agreement to expand existing business and technical cooperation with Dynetics, a wholly owned subsidiary of Leidos. "Dynetics and Ascent AeroSystems have built a strong relationship over the last
Commercial
Aerodyne Group, a DT3 (Drone Tech, Data Tech, and Digital Transformation) drone-based enterprise solutions provider and Kiwitech have signed an Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on transforming cities through Smart Surveillance. This strategic partnership was driven by the need to leverage on Aerodyne’s capability in aerial intelligence, and Kiwitech’
Propulsion
Orbital Corporation Ltd announced that it has signed a new engine development and supply agreement with Textron subsidiary, Lycoming Engines. The new agreement includes a 12-month engine development program, which will enable the integration of an Orbital UAV-designed core engine, including proprietary fuel and engine control systems, into Textron Systems’
Business
Kongsberg Geospatial, developer of the TerraLens Geospatial SDK, announced that it has partnered with Sentient Vision Systems to enable real-time analysis of sensor video data from drone-based sensors, using Sentient’s Kestrel, an AI–enabled computer vision system that provides automated object detection. Kongsberg MIDAS (Modular ISR Data Analysis and
Business
Elistair, a supplier of tethered drones, has raised €5M from Omnes and Starquest Capital, its historic investor. This Series B round follows an initial €2M funding round in 2018. Since its creation in 2014, Elistair’s solutions have already been deployed by military forces and national security agencies in over
Business
Citadel Defense has received a follow-on urgent contract award from the U.S. Department of Defense to protect servicemen and servicewomen from small drone threats. Christopher Williams, CEO of Citadel Defense, says, “Our team is honored to support the military’s efforts by delivering operator-centric and mission-proven CUAS solutions to
Commercial
Nordic Unmanned has teamed up with Textron Systems Corporation, a Textron Inc. company, to enter the fixed wing segment of the European drone market. The first commercial opportunity for the team is already targeted, as Nordic Unmanned is competing for a contract with the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) with