Unmanned Systems Technology - April/May 2017

• Intro - Even if autonomous vehicles will one day be able to avoid accidents, they will still need to adopt risk strategies
• Platform one: Mission-critical info - New hybrid UAV concept aims for simplicity and effciency, aluminium-water battery for UUVs unveiled, details of an AI computing module for small unmanned systems, and more
• In conversation: Bill Fredericks - How a stint at NASA gave the Advanced Aircraft Company’s CEO the ideal launch into UAV entrepreneurship
• Dossier: AS Lincoln MKZ - AutonomouStuff is using a pick-and-mix strategy with its selfdriving car technology. Here’s how it works
• Focus: AI systems - Developments in artifcial intelligence for unmanned systems are gathering pace, so what can we expect in the next few years?
• Insight: UUVs - New craft are emerging in the marine sector that will carry out multiple roles, autonomously yet cooperatively
• Dossier: Cosworth AG2 UAV twin - The Grand Prix legend has set a fresh benchmark with this jetfuelled compression-ignition boxer engine for UAVs. We chart the process behind the project
• Digest: AceCore Neo - This large camera-carrying octocopter is focused squarely on the TV and flm industry, and it’s that application which has dictated its design, construction and development
• Focus: Maintenance - The rules and regulations on keeping unmanned systems safe and reliable are still maturing, so in the meantime here’s a practical guide to ensuring best practice
• Show report: IDEX 2017 - Reflecting the continued conflicts around the Middle East, this year’s military systems exhibition was the largest yet. Here are our highlights of the unmanned systems that were on display
• PS: Intelligent tyres - It’s predicted that sensor-packed tyres will allow autonomous vehicles to operate as though there was a professional human driver behind the wheel. We explain how the technology works