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The article features some of the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) ventures by Italian aircraft manufacturer Finmeccanica. Alessandro Amendola of Finmeccanica subsidiary Alenia Aeronautica claims that the interest of Finmeccanica in the UAV sector is directly linked to its international ambitions in the aerospace and defense market. The company has systems in production or under development in almost all sectors of the market except for rotary wing and high-altitude long-endurance classes.

Reports that the Atlantic Littoral Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ALIX) of Canada has tested the General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Altair medium-altitude, long-endurance unmanned air vehicles (UAV) in the harshest environments. Kinds of vehicles included in the ALIX experiment; Information on the scenarios where UAV applications were explored by ALIX; Cost of the UAV lease.

The article focuses on the plan of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to develop a framework for the integration of unmanned aerial vehicle into its force structures. Joint Air Power Competence Centre of NATO is to finalise a draft on the plan. In the long term it is intended to assist NATO and national decision makers in developing a strategy for unmanned air system development and acquisition.

The article reports on the plan by the U.S. Air Force (USAF) to launch studies concerning the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's (NATO) Alliance Ground Surveillance (AGS) program and its acquisition of the Northrop Grumman RQ-4 Global Hawk unmanned air vehicle (UAV). The USAF aims to determine the NATO AGS core capability resulting from a UAV-only based approach. NATO also aims to continue an AGS program using Multi-Platform Radar Technology Insertion Program sensors.

The article reports on the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency's (DARPA) release of an agency solicitation for development, and a demonstration of its proposed Rapid Eye ballistic missile-launched high-altitude long-endurance unmanned air vehicle (UAV) system. According to the author, the proposed UAV system is capable of rapid-reaction surveillance of almost any point on Earth for a minimum of seven hours.

This article reports that the British Royal Air Force (RAF) is set to begin carrying live weapons aboard its General Atomics Reaper unmanned air vehicles by mid-December 2007. During the UAV Systems conference of the Royal Aeronautical Society in London, England on November 14, 2007, Wg. Cdr. Andrew Jeffrey announced that RAF has approved release of weapons in the middle of next month. In support of the 2012 Olympic Games in London, England, RAF is also expected to deploy the Reaper vehicles.

The article concerns the Dark Sword concept for an unmanned combat aerial vehicle unveiled by the Shenyang Aircraft Design and Research Institute at the November 2006 Zhuhai air show in China. It is inferred that the concept, initially portrayed by Shenyang as being intended for air-to-air superiority, poses questions for Western analysts about its proposed role. Analysts suggest that the concept is a fancy in the context of technical capability.

The article reports that Beijing Black Buzzard Aviation Technology unveiled two micro-turbine-powered unmanned air vehicles and a joined tandem wing design at Beijing Aviation Expo 2007 in September 2007. The first two systems displayed functions more aligned with high-speed target drones, but are being promoted as 3h-endurance surveillance assets.

The article reports that the United Nations (UN) is exploring the possibility of leasing commercial unmanned air vehicle (UAV) services to support its international peacekeeping operations. The UN is assessing potential systems providers seeking data on individual platform capabilities as well as operational concepts, according to the author.

The article reports that British-based Cyberflight has launched the CyberEye small tactical class unmanned air vehicle (UAV) and a revised configuration of its existing SOD IV mini system. The UAV features a blended wing body design that spans 2m and can simultaneously carry three gimbaled sensors in separate mountings. The revised E-Swift Eye SOD IV configuration also uses a blended wing body, but removes the twin tail booms fitted to its precursor.

The article reports that Lockheed Martin has stated that its bid for the U.S. Navy's Broad Area Maritime Surveillance requirement has the potential to allow that service to evolve its concepts of operation to incorporate tactical level missions. Based on the General Atomics Mariner unmanned air vehicle, Lockheed's technical solution will be able to be rapidly transitioned between altitudes and roles depending on requirements.

The article presents updates on the development of very high-altitude unmanned air vehicles of the U.S. Air Force. According to Lt. Gen. Don Hoffman, military deputy in the office of assistant secretary of the U.S. Air Force, the agency is still exploring unmanned air vehicles but they are not yet feasible due to technical challenges. Hoffman comments on the feasibility of the Northrop Grumman RQ-4 Global Hawk unmanned air vehicle.

The article reports on the plans of American Dynamics for an evolved tactical version of its BattleHog 100x vertical take-off and landing unmanned air vehicle (UAV). The features of the UAV include independently steerable gimballed lift fans mounted on the wingtips. A highly streamlined fuselages was also installed in the vehicle.

The article reports on the efforts of the U.S. Army to explore counter-unmanned air vehicle (UAV) threats. The military agency aims to develop an anti-radiation missile to target a hostile UAV system's ground control station by following its command datalink. The Army is also examining potential weaponization of the AAI RQ-7B Shadow 200 UAV.

The article reports on the launch of the Echo Hawk unmanned air vehicle (UAV) developed by Aerocross Systems for the U.S. Air Force. The design of the vehicle is derived from the Spanish Calyaer Martin 3 S100 light sports aircraft. Changes in the key configurations of the UAV include the addition of a lower fuselage blister to enhance antenna movement.

The article reports on the test conducted on micro unmanned air vehicles to assess their effectiveness in jungle environments by the Singapore Defence Science and Technology Agency. The agency is conducting cooperative research with the help of the U.S. Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency. According to Peng-Yam Tan, chief executive for technology at the agency, there are two series of experiments conducted on the said project.

The article reports on the deployment of the Insitu Scan Eagle unmanned air vehicle by the U.S. Navy aboard its Aegis-class cruisers. The Navy is also planning to field the system on FFG7-class fighters. Boeing and Insitu will supply the complete air vehicle systems under ongoing intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance services contracts.

The article reports that Germany has expanded its Agile networked unmanned air vehicle (UAV) demonstration program to include developmental UAVs, such as BAE Systems' Herti and Alenia Aeronautica's Sky-X. When the Agile program was launched in late 2005, the German defense ministry expanded participation through the EADS Barracuda UAV but the aircraft was destroyed in a crash last September 2006.

The article offers information on the business strategy being used by aircraft manufacturer Finmeccanica. The company employs a business-planning mechanism that matches individual company capabilities with broader strategic business targets in the unmanned aerial vehicle sector. Gianpiero Lorandi of Finmeccanica subsidy Galileo Avionica says that the company constantly monitors the mergers and acquisition trend in the market.

The article reports on the collaboration of Alenia Aeronautica, Dassault Aviation and Saab to introduce a European medium-altitude long-endurance unmanned vehicle development program. A letter of agreement has been signed by the companies for the launch of the program. Luciano Fava, senior vice president of advanced projects at Alenia Aeronautica, said that the cooperation is complementary to the initiative.

The article reports on a deal forged by Singapore to acquire several Hermes 450 unmanned air vehicles from Elbit Systems. According to Defense Minister Teo Chee Hean, adding the Hermes 450 unmanned air vehicles to its fleet of Searcher aircraft, from Israel Aerospace Industries, will enhance the battlefield surveillance capabilities of the country's defense.

This article reports on the plan of the British Army to use the Lockheed Martin Desert Hawk III unmanned air vehicle (UAV) in Iraq. The UAV will be used as part of a transition to the more advanced version of the existing Desert Hawk 1+. According to Major Paul Tombleson, second in command of 32 Regiment Royal Artillery, a near miss incident involving the existing Desert Hawk and a Boeing CH-47 helicopter occurred in 2006.

The article presents an update on the Taranis unmanned combat air vehicle demonstrator of BAE Systems. The company will complete the first software release for the Taranis by August 2007 and cut metal for the airframe during September. According to BAE research leader Julia Sutcliffe, the development of the demonstrator's triple flight management system has been given to BAE Systems Australia. The power on the Taranis will be achieved before ground testing in 2009.

The article reports that BAE Systems will resume flight testing of its Herti 1B endurance unmanned air vehicle at the Woomera test range in central Australia. According to Herman Claesen, BAE business development executive for military utility, the campaign will expand the flight envelope of Herti. Information on flights from West Sale airbase is offered.

The article reports that Adcom Military Industries has launched a new pusher configuration tactical unmanned air vehicle. The aircraft is being used as a risk-reduction platform for Adcom's development of a medium-altitude, long-endurance system (MALE). The Yabhon RX-18 MALE will be weighing 1.2 to 1.3 tons, with a wingspan of 18 meters.

The article reports that Selex Sensors and Airborne has launched three new mini unmanned air vehicle systems. The launch was part of the company's plan to expand its autonomous technologies lines to include even advanced tactical and lower-end medium -altitude long-endurance category. It has also confirmed an ongoing project on an additional intermediate tactical system to compliment Finmecanicca's Falco aircraft.

The article focuses on the efforts by Galileo Avionica Co. to develop an electric-powered vertical take-off and landing unmanned air vehicle (UAV). The company is developing the system, called Asio, in conjunction with the Unmanned Technologies Research Institute. Galileo says the UAV system has fully autonomous capabilities and has been designed to support maneuver, urban and special operations roles.

The article reports on the decision of Northrop Grumman to terminate its relationship with Swift Engineering to develop the Killer Bee unmanned air vehicle family. In a related move, Northrop has confirmed plans to bid for the combined Tier II short-range tactical unmanned air system requirement of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps as a subcontractor to Aurora Flight Sciences. The Killer Bee team had been previously considered as a primary contender for small, long-endurance systems.

Reports on the decision of Boeing/SAIC to narrow the competition to develop new classes of small unmanned air vehicle (UAV) for the U.S. Army's Future Combat Systems (FCS) program as of August 2, 2005. Comment from Mark Franzblau of Boeing about the FCS program; Candidates for early production; Number of bidders wanted by Boeing/SAIC for the Class II and the Class III UAV requirement.

Focuses on the necessity for cooperation between the systems of the unmanned air vehicles and unmanned combat air vehicles, according to a 2004 report from the Western European Union Assembly. Factor behind the limitations of the Neuron UCAV demonstrator project; Agencies responsible for the project; Effect of the development of network-centric systems for use by different national forces without a common European or transatlantic network.

Reports on the reduction of bids for the Joint Project 129 tactical unmanned air vehicle competition of the Australian Department of Defence as of December 14, 2004. Reaction of the bidders to the expenditure budget of the project; Contenders that remained in the process, including Elbit Systems' Silver Arrow Unit; Reason for the refusal of General Dynamics Land System Australia to place a bid for the project.

Reports that Alenia Aeronautica SpA has begun assembly of a single flying version of its revised Sky-X unmanned combat air vehicle design but acknowledges some technical difficulties have emerged. Purpose of the continuing talks of Alenia with Dassault Aviation SA; Information on the basic Sky-X fuselage design; Reason the demonstrator will have limited range.

Reports on the plans of the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration to develop various configurations of high-altitude, long-endurance unmanned air vehicle (UAV) by 2018. Exploration of the impact of light air turbulence on span lifter airframes using Pathfinder Plus flights; Durability of the Sub Orbital Long Endurance Observer; Concept of the Global Observer UAV.

Reports on the preparation being made by the U.S. Air Force's unmanned air vehicle (UAV) battlelab to demonstrate an optical sense and avoid system as part of a program to reduce notification times for military air vehicle flights in the U.S. national airspace. Details of the UAV systems operation validation program of the Air Force; Optical sensors to be used by the UAV battlelab.

Reports that Metal Storm Australia will conduct in-flight firings of its 40 millimeter electronic gun system from a Dragonfly Pictures vertical take-off and landing unmanned air vehicle. Barrel configuration to be employed in the test; Features of the gun system; Take-off weight and endurance of the air vehicle.

Reports on the introduction of a roadmap for the unmanned air vehicle program of Canada in 2004. Overview of the plan to purchase a medium-altitude, long-endurance and vertical take-off and landing vehicle; Budget for the defense program; Companies positioning for the medium-altitude, long-endurance unmanned vehicle.

Discusses the plans of German manufacturer EMT to conduct the first test flight of its X-13 flying-wing unmanned air vehicle within three months after May 2004. Information on the initial concept for the vehicle; Design of the aircraft; Features of the aircraft.

Reports on the design of the Sky-X unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV) demonstrator unveiled by Alenia Aeronautica in Italy. Remarks from vice president Luciano Fava on the use of UCAV; Several airlines preferred by the company to form a partnership; Effort of Alenia to cooperate with Circa to study possible requirements for UVAC.

Reports on the plan of Rheinmetall Defence Electronics to offer a variant of its developmental Taifun lethal unmanned air vehicle (UAV) equipped with a destructive high-power microwave weapon. Use of a prototype microwave payload in testing the vehicles; Medium-range tactical UAV being developed by the company; Advantages of the Taifun UAV in air defenses.

Reports on the plan of VTUL a PVO Praha, a Czech research institute, to upgrade its Sojka III tactical unmanned air vehicles (UAV) with a modular payload and reduced ground-support footprint. Purpose of the modular payload; Interest of the institute to explore alternative payload types according to Jiri Nohyl, head of Sojka III control system; Advantage of improving the flying qualities of UAV.

Reports on the additional information on developmental Carapas multi-mission unmanned air vehicle (UAV) unveiled by EADS at the 2004 Unmanned Systems Europe 2004 conference. Multi-payload concept used in the Carapas design; Remarks from vice president Patrick Oswald on the UAV development; Plan of EADS to integrate an electronic support-measures and an electronic intelligence payload.

Deals with the preparation being made by the German Army to restructure its unmanned air vehicles (UAV). Remarks from Colonel Bernt Dunker on the restructuring of their reconnaissance assets; Intention of the German Army to leave target acquisition assets with the artillery; Requirement for a close-range vertical take-off and landing UAV being developed by the German Army.

Deals with proposals unveiled by EADS for a maritime surveillance variant of Northrop Grumman RQ-4B Global Hawk unmanned air vehicle. Plan of EADS to create a maritime version of a rotating phased-array radar; Conceptual work on an imagery intelligence version of the RQ-4B Euro Hawk being developed by EADS; Plan of BWB to release a tender for Northrop Grumman and EADS.

Deals with the possible development of the proposed medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) unmanned air vehicle requirement of Germany, in parallel with the emerging staff requirement for similar-class air vehicles of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Comment from BWB on the capability and mission overlaps of the two requirements; Reconnaissance and surveillance capability required for MALE; Function of the sensor package.

Deals with the plan of Metal Storm to raise funds for the development of a gun system for unmanned combat air vehicles. Plan of the company to conduct additional share placement on the Australian stock exchange; Demonstration plans for the airborne gun system; Speculation on the adoption of gun systems for missile defense roles.

Provides information on the national unmanned air vehicle (UAV) technology-demonstration program of Australia. Source of funds for the initiative; Coordinators of the UAV project; Objectives of the program.