UAVs took central stage at the air show in Singapore, which opened with the low buzz of a robotic plane, the Israel Aircraft Industries Malat-EADS Eagle, making a slow overflight of the exhibition areas at Singapore's Changi Airport. Visitors were able to watch a real-time image of the area it flies over, projected on a large screen.
Another display featured a propellor-driven Eagle drone made by a European-Israeli tie-up.
Spectators on the ground were treated to a real-time image captured by the Eagle's camera as it swept over the area near Changi Village.
In all, 52 companies have brought UAV-related products to the air-show.
The U.S. Air Force is looking into developing UAVs that incorporate fighter-bomber capabilities.
Defense and industry officials learnt how a census of the UAV market showed there are about 470 different types worldwide. These are made in 39 countries by 188 companies and about 80 per cent are used by the military.
Reflecting a newfound optimism in prospects for the industry, a record 758 exhibitors from 33, countries are taking part in this year's Asian Aerospace exhibition, the region's largest.
As major new players in the market eye opportunities for acquisition and partnerships with established companies, the UAV market seems likely to live up to the annual double-digit growth forecasts which have been made by respective analysts.
The potential role of unmanned vehicles in combat, strategic long endurance and tactical scenarios is constantly being explored and expanded, with proven performance in civil and military operations underlining the significance of that potential.
The power plant manufacturers whose products are suitable for UAV applications will see new revenue stream opportunities as wellas possibilities to develop the new engines required for the broadening role of unmanned vehicles.
Public and private sector enthusiasm, backed by substantial long term commitment and investments, will ensure that the UAV market remains a major industry feature for the foreseeable future.
The latest in unmanned products and applications, including UAV / UCAV Systems, Sensors, Datalinks, Engines, Payloads, and Ground Control Stations will inevitably be an important highlight of Asian Aerospace 2004, which will showcase the major developments in this strategic sector to the highest level of procurement decision-makers in Asia-Pacific.
Israel Aircraft Industries' (IAI) Malat Division unveiled a new Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) called "I-SEE" at the Asian Aerospace show.
The "I-See" vehicle is an enhanced mini UAV designed for short-range surveillance, reconnaissance and damage assessment roles, the ideal solution for "over the hill" missions.
"I-SEE" can carry electro optical TV and IR payloads as well as others supplied by the customer. It has an auto launch system and full data link capabilities.
Competition for a U.S. Defense Department contract to develop an unmanned ground vehicle has resulted in new partnerships.
Elbit Systems has teamed up with SciAutonics LLC to participate in the Pentagon's Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency [DARPA] competition for the development of autonomous ground vehicle technology. DARPA seeks such technology as part of a project to manufacture unmanned combat ground vehicles.
Elbit and SciAutonics will participate in DARPA's Grand Challenge, an autonomous robotic ground vehicle race. The race, which includes 21 competitors, will take place along a 200-mile route between Los Angeles and Las Vegas. The vehicle that will complete the course in 10 hours will receive $1 million.
"The intent is to bring together innovative thinkers from a variety of fields who can help us make major strides in the development of autonomous robotic ground vehicles," said U.S. Air Force Col. Jose Negron, responsible for the competition.
Leading the Asian Airspace Show highlights this year was a special technology feature of UAVs with the spotlight on European Aeronautics Defense Space Company (EADS) and Israel Aircraft Industries Malat UAV System, EAGLE. The EAGLE is taking to the skies in what was a much anticipated UAV flying demonstration, the first time a UAV staged a flying display at a major international show.
Visitors were treated to a daily flying showcase of this performance whose real time image was captured and transmitted on to a large LED screen.
The multi-role EAGLE UAV system is an operational leading edge technology Medium Altitude Long Endurance UAV System based on a fusion of technologies and mature systems developed by EADS and IAI's Malat.
An Israeli pilotless plane, or UAV, opened the Asian Aerospace Show. For the first time in the air show's 23-year history, the aerial display segment was opened by a pilotless plane, a flight which signals the coming of age of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in the global aviation scene. UAVs are being used to carry sensors, cameras, communications equipment and even more lethal payloads like missiles.
The increasing role of Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAV) in a diverse range of applications has been underlined by industry, indications that the annual business could hit in excess of US$5 billion by the end of the decade.