UAV-Based Automated Target ID

ShieldAI reported another series of successful test flights for Martin’s UAV project, the V-BAT 128. A long endurance, automated, VTOL UAS with a minimal operational footprint, Martin’s recent acquisition by Shield AI has brought added software capabilities that users were eager to put to the test.

Martin’s UAV was selected in April for joint development with the US Navy, opening up a real-world field testing ecosystem few drone manufacturers enjoy. The newest iteration of the V-BAT has flown a number of missions aboard the Navy’s San-Antonio-class amphibious transport, the USS Portland, with the 11th Marine Expeditionary unit. Using the platform’s new Automatic Identification System (AIS) capability, operators on-ship were able to connect V-BAT’s sensors to a designated target in less than 3 minutes from the receipt of the task. This new capability is perfectly aligned with the primary mission of the V-BAT, being made to fill the niche of a portable, taskable, reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition machine. Unlike the current fleet of large, remotely-operated UAV’s, operators don’t require large infrastructure for communication, being capable of launching, retrieving, and assigning the aircraft from austere, unsupported environments. In all its trials to date, it has proved durable through all manner of winds, sea conditions, and harsh operation. 

“V-BAT enhances operations in both maritime and land-based environments while providing tactical flexibility with substantially decreased logistical requirements.” said Shield AI cofounder Brandon Tseng. “We are excited to continue to partner and explore all the ways we can deploy this game-changing product in the future.”

An 11th MEU spokesman says the drone’s capabilities are already appreciable increases in capability over their current equipment. “Intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, in particular, are capabilities that allow us to compete strategically against near-peer competitors by supporting efforts in early detection, over-the-horizon operations, and sea denial. There are a variety of ISR platforms we currently employ, but, as a service, we are continually advancing our techniques, tactics, and procedures.”

FMI: www.martinuav.com