Uncrewed Systems Technology 065 December/January 2026

• Intro - One of the benefits of uncrewed systems is cost savings over their crewed counterparts, but autonomy can also bring synergistic reductions in maintenance and downtimes
• Platform one: Mission-critical info - Using AI to avoid spoofing errors in GNSS communications, transporting heavy payloads through UAV cooperative lifting, looking to nature for inspired underwater propulsion, new algorithms for optimised multimodal deliveries, autonomous trucking and more
• In conversation: Erin Roesler - Deputy executive director of the Northern Plains UAS Test Site looks back on her role models and remarkable achievements in the UAS industry, and considers what lies ahead for UAS operations
• Dossier: Avilus Grille UAV - Conflict in eastern Europe is a stark reminder of the need for the capability to swiftly transfer injured troops from the battlefield into medical care. Avilus’ high-power multi-rotor is one such autonomous flying paramedic
• Focus: Sense and avoid - The busy skies above us will get increasingly congested as deployed UAS become ever-more ubiquitous; clearly, the ability to detect and avoid other aircraft is imperative
• Digest: Taurob Inspector UGV - Robotic and autonomous systems are perfect for working in dangerous and dirty environments, but the engineering required to ensure that they’re up to the task is highly regulated
• Report: Intergeo 2025 - Frankfurt in Germany provided a real ‘Oktoberfest’ of development and innovations in uncrewed systems designed for geospatial surveyors and engineers
• In operation: Mente Marine Callboats CAT 10-L - One Finnish company is making passenger transport autonomous, fun and environmentally friendly
• Dossier: Jetoptera FTC-250 - New markets often develop from innovation and Jetoptera’s novel fluidic propulsion system might just provide such a boost for the cargo drone and air taxi sectors
• Insight: Defence vehicles - Some leading examples of uncrewed systems responding to defence sector demands, which are driving technological developments in terms of usage, materials and production
• Focus: Electric motors - As uncrewed applications expand, the ability and experience of skilled engineers are paramount for e-motor optimisation
• Report: DSEI 2025 - The Defence and Security Equipment International event in London showcased all manner of military tech advancements; Rory Jackson was deployed to reconnoitre and report
• PS: Uncrewed interceptors - UAVs are now fighting each other in a fascinating interplay between cost and sophistication and dumb brute force