Abu Dhabi students peek into the future of UAS.

Students at the Institute of Applied Technology (IAT) in Abu Dhabi and Dubai Mens College were given a glimpse into the future of aviation last week when Tom Hallett, an autonomous systems specialist at BAE Systems, took them through a presentation on Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), the latest generation of pilot-less aircraft.

Tom Hallett, a Campaign Co-ordinator for Business Development in BAE Systems’ Autonomous Systems and Future Capability business, addressed students on the future of UAVs and the balance between manned and uninhabited aerial vehicles using BAE Systems programmes such as TARANIS, MANTIS and HERTI as examples.

The presentation outlined autonomous solutions which allow for modern armed forces to undertake surveillance and reconnaissance operations in a wide range of operational scenarios, which may not always be safe. They can also be used in a number of civilian situations such as maritime and coastal surveillance or for security and media coverage at major events.

BAE Systems HERTI, a highly adaptable, fully autonomous platform-based solution, was showcased as an example of a programme that can provide robust, cost-effective surveillance and reconnaissance capability.

Tom also examined the engineering processes behind the development of UAV’s, highlighting how MANTIS, an advanced technological demonstrator Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Unmanned Aircraft System, went from concept to first flight in 19 months due to BAE Systems rapid, advanced engineering processes.

To conclude, Tom gave students a vision of the future using BAE Systems prototype aircrafts, TARANIS and DEMON as examples. TARANIS, a prototype unmanned combat aircraft of the future which was unveiled in July 2010, will test the possibility of the first ever autonomous Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle that would ultimately be capable of precisely striking targets at long range even in another continent. DEMON, a novel UAV, which completed the first ever ‘flapless’ flight in the UK in September, showed first-hand how emerging technologies can change the face of aviation as we currently know it.

Martin Bennett, Regional Vice President – Middle East, BAE Systems said:

“BAE Systems occupies a leading position in the defence industry and is renowned for its engineering excellence and innovation. We work with universities in the UK and US to produce world-leading technology for a wide range of systems across the air, land and sea domains, of which our autonomous capability is just one key element.

“”We are delighted to be able to showcase some of this innovation in the UAE which we hope will encourage tomorrow’s generation of Emirati scientists and engineers to develop similar ground-breaking technologies for the future,” Bennett concluded

Mark Hale, Associate Dean – Centre of Excellence for Engineering at the Dubai Men’s College, added:

“The Centre of Excellence for Engineering (CoEE) at Dubai Men’s College (DMC) is committed to developing relationships with industry pioneers to ensure that a relevant learning experience is provided to our students. Our students were extremely appreciative of the presentation given by BAE Systems on the next generation pilotless aircraft. This was an excellent opportunity to learn about a cutting edge technology that will inevitably change the future of aviation. We are very thankful to BAE Systems for their ongoing support and look forward to their next talk at the CoEE.”

Following the presentation at the Institute of Applied Technology in Abu Dhabi, Senior Manager for Continuing Education & Community Outreach, welcomed the collaboration between BAE Systems and the Institute.

He commented that Mr Hallett’s presentation was the first of a number of events planned with BAE Systems, which will be designed to provide IAT students with information on emerging technologies and highlight career opportunities in the defence, security and aerospace industries. Furthermore, IAT students inspired to pursue graduate studies in engineering would benefit from the links between BAE Systems and partner universities in the UK and US, aiding the development of a skilled national workforce which will help address the requirement of the UAE to develop technologically focused industries.