Defence
The ability to detect your enemy before he sees you is a significant force multiplier. If this capability can be deployed to the front line fighting forces as an asset that can be used by individual sections, platoons or troops it becomes even more valuable.
The GFS FENSTAR is being designed to take off vertically carry out its mission autonomously and then return to its point of origin, though it will also be capable of operating in a semi autonomous mode whereby the operator has the ability to re-task it during a mission to carryout an investigation. It has the ability to fly to a location and wait and provide a static surveillance capability, this is known as “perch and stare”. The cost of the vehicle will, however, allow it to be a disposable item. In this role it could fly an explosive payload into a building where an enemy is operating from and then be detonated. The result - minimised casualties amongst the friendly forces and reduced collateral damage, whilst ensuring destruction of the enemy.
The GFS FENSTAR is a platform onto which payloads can be fitted, these include:
- Thermal/Infra Red/ high and low definition clear view cameras
- Small package delivery
- Explosive deployment
- Electronic Warfare decoy
- Ship-to-ship transfer
- Mine detectors
- Listening devices
GFS, as part of the UK Ministry of Defence funded MIRA led team, is competing with others in the Grand Challenge (www.challenge.mod.uk) to show how technology can be used on a battlefield to detect explosive devices, snipers and small groups of hostiles.
The GFS FENSTAR will be providing the aerial surveillance where its inherent stability will enable clear images to be sent back to the commander on the ground.
Its size makes it difficult to detect but its payload capability means that the operator can fit the package most suited to the situation whether day, night or occluded.
The market for military UAVs, according to the Teal Group, is expected to nearly quadruple to just under £2 billion in less than ten years, of this the share for mini UAVs is expected to grow by over 30%.