9-11 APRIL 2019 | CHANGI EXHIBITION CENTRE,

DAILY NEWS Day One 9 April 2019

HIGHLIGHTS Exhibition 10:00am-5:30pm Close to 100 participating companies from 23 countries gather to showcase a vast spectrum of cutting-edge and innovative solutions in rotorcraft and unmanned technologies.

Photo: Richard Thomas Future of Urban Mobility Showcase Head over to the Future of Urban Mobility Showcase to Rotorcraft Asia’s growth check out the latest eVTOL developments by Volocopter, Airbus UAM and Lockheed reflects regional trends Martin. As Asia-Pacific continues to grow the Rotorcraft Asia Show Daily: Leck commented: ‘The region’s as the leading market for new ‘Strategically situated at the heart of growth is currently at the cusp of helicopter deliveries, so does the Asia, Rotorcraft Asia 2019 has the change, and we are seeing a greater second iteration of Rotorcraft Asia advantage of being at the centre of potential in the increasing Rotorcraft Asia taking place at Changi Exhibition the aviation ecosystem in Asia.’ convergence of rotorcraft and Centre between 9-11 April. According to Flight Ascend unmanned technologies. 2019 conference The biennial event is hosting Consultancy, Asia-Pacific operators are ‘Boasting the fastest growth rate 10:30am-5:00pm technological innovations from forecast to continue as the leading globally and supported by continued Gain invaluable insights from leading industry players such as market for new helicopter deliveries, year-on-year growth across both visionary industry leaders Bell, Dallas Automotive, Leonardo, he shared further, stating that this is industry verticals, the region is and top helicopter operators, Sikorsky, Subaru, StandardAero and being ‘powered by sectors such as poised to enable the convergence of presenting new trends and many more. public safety, oil and gas, agriculture, rotorcraft and unmanned systems as hot topics driving the future Over the course of Rotorcraft Asia construction and emergency medical corporations and governments here of Asia’s rotorcraft market. 2019, exhibitors and attendees alike services. [in Singapore] transform their offerings can see rotary developments spanning ‘[Asia-Pacific] is predicted and future-proof their businesses.’ the civil sphere, from EMS and to take delivery of around 2,750 This synergising of technologies will The Rotorcraft Asia Show Daily is parapublic to the SAR market. new units from 2018-2027, this be a major focus for the respective published by Shephard Media in In addition, there will be displays gives the region 33% of the global events and this will be demonstrated association with Experia Events. from across the helicopter supply market.’ through two new showcases in the Printed by Xpress Print, Singapore. chain encompassing avionics, These figures equate to a rise of form of Urban Mobility and What’s © Shephard Media 2019 airframes, components and parts, about 2% from three years ago. Next Start-Up (for more see p6). Three editions of the show daily are being produced on site. The MRO technologies and safety systems This exponential regional Adding to the mix, for the first time, team can be contacted in the suppliers. growth can also be attributed to Rotorcraft Asia 2019 will be held in Media Centre or by e-mail Singapore is an essential Asia-Pacific’s openness to the conjunction with the seventh World at [email protected] spot to host this event due to its merging of the rotary and unmanned Civil Aviation Chief Executives Forum geographical positioning within the sectors, with sister event Unmanned organised by the Civil Aviation region, Leck Chet Lam, managing Systems Asia hosted alongside Authority of Singapore. director of Experia Events, explained to Rotorcraft Asia. By Helen Haxell

SHEPHARDMEDIA.COM

RCA-19_day_1.indd 1 08/04/2019 16:15:26 WE DELIVER on what you value the most. For over a century, customers have relied on StandardAero to provide best-in-class rotary wing support with excellent operational efficiency and innovative custom MRO solutions. We’ve significantly expanded our industry-leading helicopter support capabilities to include new turboshaft engines and new airframes on civil & military rotary wing aircraft – capabilities that are backed by certified technicians www.standardaero.com/heli and experienced aerospace professionals who have a passion for delivering award- [email protected] winning customer service. Contact us today to learn how we can support you! +1.204.318.7544

Engines • GE T700/CT7 • Pratt & Whitney PT6T Dynamic Components • Rolls-Royce M250 & RR300 • Safran Arriel 1 & 2 Fuel Systems

Airframes Avionics • Airbus AS350/EC130 series & AS332/H225 Super Puma STCs • Bell 204/205, 206, 212/412, 222, 230, Visit us at 407, 427 & 430 Rotorcraft Asia Exhibit #L12

RCA-19_day_1.indd 2 08/04/2019 16:15:26 DAY ONE ROTORCRAFT ASIA 2019 DAILY NEWS New filters for Asian Squirrels Safran Aerometals’ flat filter upgrade However, the Far East is of particular kit for the AS350 enables increased interest to Aerometals, she said: ‘We stands service intervals from 100-150h are looking to take that system and and it is 0.9kg lighter than its move it into some foreign markets. So, predecessor system, company we will be attending Rotorcraft Asia for ready for literature states. the very first time this year. This Lorie Symon, VP of Aerometals, product we are hoping to take to the confirmed: ‘Time and resources have Asian market.’ Chinese been spent on upgrading our legacy In 2018, the company took its H-60 systems. We’ve learned some new inlet barrier filter (IBF) to market for all technologies over the past few years. configurations of the Sikorsky H-60 and demand Photo: author On our more current developments the S-70i Black Hawk. we wanted to take some of those ‘We are very excited that our lead-off STAND E10 STAND K19 technologies and apply them to our customer the City of San Diego Fire legacy systems that have been flying [Department] has installed the kit on Safran is seeing increased demand Manufacturer of aircraft filtration for 15 years. its new Firehawk and will be deploying from China to support its civil systems Aerometals is looking ‘We are moving from a curved it upon delivery of the aircraft. Wildfires helicopter fleets, which the engine towards Asia-Pacific with its flat filter element to a flat element for our have become the norm in California manufacturer hopes to deliver on upgrade kit for the AS350 (H125), AS350 series of aircraft. This is unfortunately. through pending certification which it hopes will equip many going to give you better performance, ‘The IBF is a way that the Firehawk in-country. aircraft within the region. better maintenance,’ noted Symon. aerial fire-fighting technology can move Safran is expecting that Q4 of this According to the Asian Sky Group’s The new system technology forward. We are very pleased to be part year will see the Chinese certification 2018 report, the H125 was Airbus’s will help with cleanliness and oil of a technology that will protect our of the Ardiden 3C/WZ16 engine most popular aircraft in Asia-Pacific last management. Symon explained how homes and businesses,’ Symon which is on board the Avicopter year with 714 of the type present in the the redesigned format will make it commented. AC352/H175. EASA certification region. In 2018 alone, there were 22 easier to remove and maintain as it will In addition, the H130 IBF (pictured) was achieved in Q1 2018 so the new deliveries and according to the be smaller and more economical when was certified in 2018 by the FAA and anticipation is that 18 months later study the H125 ‘was the most popular compared with the legacy system. A Transport Canada, and the company is in September 2019 the Chinese pre-owned addition with 36 units great number of aircraft globally will awaiting approval from EASA and the aviation authorities will follow suit (24%), followed by the with 17 be supported by this technology, Brazilian authorities. with formal approval. units (11%).’ Symon noted. By Helen Haxell The engine has been jointly developed and built by the company and Dongan and HAPRI of the Aero Engine Corporation of China Bell sees steady As-Pac growth consortium. Bruno Bellanger, executive VP of STAND: N02 David Sale, Asia-Pacific MD at Bell ‘I think the 505 will do well in programmes at Safran, told the told the Rotorcraft Asia Show Daily. New Zealand’ he said. ‘It could play Rotorcraft Asia Show Daily in February WE DELIVER on what you value the most. For over a century, Bell is not expecting ‘huge growth’ The parapublic market is of [a prominent role] in places like 2019 about the engine: ‘It will be for customers have relied on StandardAero to provide best-in-class rotary wing from Asia-Pacific this year, but particular significance to Bell’s Cambodia or... China where China the first civil certification of a support with excellent operational efficiency and innovative custom MRO is forecasting more business business aspirations as Sale tourists are moving south to New Chinese engine. It’s a cooperation – solutions. We’ve significantly expanded our industry-leading helicopter support opportunities from a select explained ‘that’s really where our Zealand, that [type of operation] is the WZ16 is an important target and capabilities to include new turboshaft engines and new airframes on civil & collection of countries including big numbers came from in 2018’ as growing and Thailand is part of shows a good cooperation between , Thailand and the he suggested the Model 412 twin that too. Europe and China.’ military rotary wing aircraft – capabilities that are backed by certified technicians www.standardaero.com/heli . utility and Model 429 light twin will ‘I think we will see a lot of Within the commercial sphere, and experienced aerospace professionals who have a passion for delivering award- [email protected] Without the company being able both continue to play a major role in opportunities for the 505 in those EMS and public services are winning customer service. Contact us today to learn how we can support you! +1.204.318.7544 to offer a figure for orders across the countries such as Indonesia, regions, because it is a perfect currently proving significant for entire region last year, it is predicting New Zealand and Thailand. platform for those [missions].’ the Chinese helicopter market, that similar totals from both 2017 Turning to lighter aircraft Bell recently announced that Bellanger said. Engines and 2018 will be accounted for in prospects, Bell continues to put its the 505 has received a three- ‘There’s a need inside China • GE T700/CT7 2019. full weight behind increasing the aircraft order from aviation charter for the application of medical services, • Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6T Dynamic Components ‘We did a great job last year [with international market share and company PhilJets, further evidence transport and parapublic [helicopters], • Rolls-Royce M250 & RR300 our orders], I think we outsold all of presence of its 505 Jet Ranger X. of successful business I’m not thinking about the future, I’m • Safran Arriel 1 & 2 Fuel Systems the competition and of course it’s a Assessing how that fits within an opportunities in the Philippines. talking about right now. goal to do the same thing again this Asia-Pacific context, Sale firmly In September last year, Bell ‘There is a lot of potential for Airframes Avionics year, but [looking at] the market suggested that the helicopter’s conducted a sales tour of China to grow faster in terms of • Airbus AS350/EC130 series & itself, I don’t think it has recovered suitability for tourism operations Southeast Asia with the 505, infrastructure, pilot training groups, AS332/H225 Super Puma STCs Visit us at fully from the downturn, but it’s will be of value to many potential visiting eight different countries. maintenance crew training and so • Bell 204/205, 206, 212/412, 222, 230, starting to turn in the right direction,’ customers. By Tim Martin on,’ he commented. 407, 427 & 430 Rotorcraft Asia Exhibit #L12 By Helen Haxell

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RCA-19_day_1.indd 3 08/04/2019 16:15:27 DAY ONE ROTORCRAFT ASIA 2019 DAILY NEWS Area of interest 113 deductions, attributed to out-of-the-region transactions, retirement or being placed in storage.’ As before, Airbus Helicopters topped the list of turbine-powered helicopters in service with a total of 1,810 units. This represented a jump of 62 aircraft compared to 2017, allowing Airbus to capture a creditable 42% of the market. Airbus was followed by Bell, which garnered 1,159 aircraft in service and a 27% market share. Rounding out the top three was Leonardo with 445 helicopters and 10% of the regional market. Pleasingly for all OEMs, none registered any decrease in their regional fleets, even if growth in terms of actual units could be counted on one hand for some manufacturers. This combined fleet currently This BK 117 helicopter is stationed in Christchurch, has a value of $30.899 billion New Zealand and is dedicated to emergency rescue missions around the region.(Photo: Gordon Arthur) according to the Hong Kong- based company.

In the first instalment of a two-part feature, theRotorcraft Asia Show Mission segments Daily assesses the current direction of the global civil helicopter sector, The vast majority of the region’s fleet (53% in fact) comprises and how those wider market trends are reflected in Asia-Pacific. multi-mission aircraft (2,248 By Gordon Arthur and Jim Winchester helicopters). Trailing far behind, but relatively evenly dispersed in terms of mission segments, are As we approach the third decade , and Switzerland, has a demonstrator under corporate (377), offshore (343), of the 21st century, the civil undertaking civil programmes construction and Bell has SAR (311), law enforcement helicopter market is slowly based on indigenous designs. partnered with Uber to develop (307), EMS (267) and charter recovering from a period of and are new technologies. (266). Finally, there are 83 private negative growth. developing new derivatives of Bell helicopters and 59 training Recovery is not even across all and Airbus helicopters under Figuring it out helicopters, collectively sectors, and the effects of new licence, while is doing it Asia-Pacific is an important region accounting for just 3% of the tariffs and trade wars have the without such niceties. for helicopter manufacturers, a region’s fleet. potential to dampen the climb There continues to be fact borne out by figures from the The only mission sector to out, but growth in the Asian expectation around the disruptive Asian Sky Group’s (ASG) annual register a drop in aircraft market and China in particular impact of air taxis, with trials on report released in February. In numbers was the offshore fleet, looks to be robust enough the horizon in several major summary, there were 4,265 although this was to be expected to sustain the industry in the cities. turbine-powered helicopters in due to a flat oil and gas market. short term. While new air-taxi designs Asia-Pacific at the end of 2018, Whereas there were 348 If you do not count licensed or seem to appear every month, a 4.6% increase compared to a helicopters in this sector in 2017, unlicensed efforts, more nations manned, unmanned, gas- year earlier. this fell by five last year. have successfully launched their powered or electric, none have Providing more detail, ASG The offshore segment own space programmes than yet flown a paying passenger. commented in its report as constitutes approximately 8% of have put an indigenous helicopter For the most part, major follows: ‘The fleet witnessed a the fleet in terms of unit numbers, design into series production. helicopter manufacturers total of 413 movements in 2018, but nearly 19% of the fleet’s New entrants are now are gearing technologies up to including 150 new deliveries, 150 replacement cost. The four appearing, however, with China, fully embrace this sector, Airbus pre-owned additions and largest operators are ,

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China, India and . The total had climbed to 267. The AW139 and S-92 are the two most popular such platform is the most popular models in this AW139, of which 30 were added segment. last year, followed by the H135. ASG noted in its report: Japan continues as the largest ‘The development of offshore EMS market with 86 helicopters wind farms has presented an flying, but China added 28 new interesting opportunity for units (a 60% increase) last year to offshore oil/gas operators. The reach 75. Along the way, China Asia-Pacific offshore wind overtook Australia into second capacity is expected to rise spot. ASG commented: ‘Mainland 20-fold within the next decade. China’s EMS fleet has more than Taiwan may have started the tripled since 2016. This can be trend, but mainland China has attributed to the central been making huge strides in this government’s support and sector, and many other countries attempt to provide emergency are looking to join the services to a nation with a development. population of more than 1.4 ‘A growth in the offshore billion people.’ wind farms could dramatically However, it is not all positive for Bell is relying on recent models like the 505 Jet Ranger X boost the number of offshore EMS operators. for new sales, as well as older staples like the Model 429 pictured here in Indonesia. (Photo: Gordon Arthur) helicopters used by Asia-Pacific ASG pointed out: ‘Although the operators and help offset some of EMS sector in the Asia-Pacific the decline in traditional upstream region has been growing year on personnel needed to operate the overcoming the high operation activity,’ the report concluded. year, it is faced by many expanding fleet, which are costs associated with this sector. challenges which could potentially expected to operate in almost all Once operators can overcome Emergency measures slow down the growth. The large weather conditions, is the next big these issues, the growth of the EMS continues to register strong investment cost of increasing and issue operators face. EMS market will be more growth too. Whereas there were maintaining a fleet is the biggest ‘The third most important issue prominent.’  205 emergency helicopters at the challenge faced by most is maintaining a sustainable This feature concludes in end of 2016, within two years this operators… A lack of experienced business model capable of tomorrow’s show daily.

Visit us at ROTORCRAFTth ASIA in Singapore th – 11 , 2019, Booth J18, SWISS Pavilion from April 9 Solutions tailored to the market. Bucher Leichtbau.

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Driving synergies The most cost-effective solution for aerospace, defence and security market intelligence. The Rotorcraft Asia Show Daily sat down with Leck Chet Lam, a region that has an abundance managing director of Experia Events, to find out what is new and of technological opportunities to meet the demands posed in a what visitors can expect from the biennial event in Singapore. variety of sectors, he commented: By Helen Haxell ‘There is an increasing wealth of opportunities in the thriving IDENTIFY OPTIMISE ANALYSE Singapore is not only an will provide an opportunity for the Asia-Pacific, driven by the aerospace hub for the Asia- two sides to come together and convergence of rotorcraft and NEW YOUR YOUR Pacific region; the nation is discuss the main issues affecting unmanned systems technologies leading on many developments their respective sectors. to address the needs of sectors OPPORTUNITIES MARKET POSITION COMPETITORS in the rotary and unmanned Secondly, the What’s Next like oil and gas, agriculture, domains. Start-Up showcase will be heavily construction, emergency medical Experia Events has recognised focused on the future growth of services and public safety. this and is reflecting it during these industries. It will have a ‘These sectors utilise both the course of the week, from concentration on start-ups technology platforms to achieve 9-11 April at Changi Exhibition demonstrating their wares and better resource optimisation, Centre. technological innovations in the safety, live information updates A big drive behind Rotorcraft presence of industry, government as well as overall operational cost Asia 2019 and Unmanned and defence officials. efficiency,’ he said. Systems 2019 is the convergence ‘[The showcase] will debut as a The strategic conference will of these two sets of technologies strategic platform for start-ups to focus on the Future of Rotary in and the roles these systems play present and pitch their new Asia will have a panel discussion in the civil sphere, such as technologies, innovations and which will look at the themes and meeting the demands of start-ups to the industry’s biggest business ideas to investors, challenges of eVTOL and operators across the full OEMs,’ Leck said. accelerators and corporate unmanned systems, the spectrum of commercial, public With government regulators partners,’ Leck said. sustainability of the rotary service and defence use cases. and professionals from both This collaborative approach in industry in the region and the This year’s events will ‘leverage industries present the showcase the showcases is characteristic of current state of the market.  on the synergies from the exciting convergence of the twin worlds of rotorcraft and unmanned systems’, Leck Chet Lam, managing director of Experia Events, shared.

Integrated platform Through an integrated platform the exhibition is looking to see this merging as a way to ‘connect populations and improve the quality of lives’. This will be achieved through two new initiatives. First is the Urban Mobility showcase which, according to Experia, ‘will Request a free trial demonstrate how the twin worlds of rotorcraft and unmanned technologies are coming together Email [email protected] to revolutionise the way we live, work and operate. Call +44(0)20 3179 2598 ‘As Asia-Pacific’s first dedicated platform that showcases electric vertical take-off and landing USA Toll free 855-3416-602 (eVTOL) technologies, visitors get to witness the new wave of Photos: Experia Events Visit www.shephardplus.com eVTOLs taking flight from nascent

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RCA-19_day_1.indd 6 08/04/2019 16:15:34 A4 Show daily_General Shephard Plus.indd 1 07/04/2019 12:47:31 The most cost-effective solution for aerospace, defence and security market intelligence.

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A4RCA-19_day_1.indd Show daily_General 7 Shephard Plus.indd 1 07/04/201908/04/2019 12:47:3116:15:34 DAY ONE ROTORCRAFT ASIA 2019 DAILY NEWS

(Left) A Volocopter takes flight Bell has seen ‘significant’ interest in Asia-Pacific in the new during a public display in Dubai. Model 505. (Photo: Bell Helicopter) (All images: Volocopter) Up in the world Owing to outstanding decisions and issues still to be made and resolved, little additional information relating to the Singapore test programme could be divulged. ‘We have announced the [Singapore] flights but I don’t know if we will make another announcement a week before [we begin]. We are already in discussion with local stakeholders and we can’t make any other announcements before [these are finished],’ Zosel explained.

Ramping up The company does point out however that it is setting up a product design and engineering team in Singapore, suggesting that expansion plans with an Asia- Pacific leaning are ramping up. New partners, including ‘real estate developers, mobility providers and [other] businesses’, are also being sought as the One of a number of eVTOL developers showcasing its wares at company looks to build on air taxi developments. Unmanned Systems Asia 2019, Volocopter is all set to take to the skies Specifications for the two- of Singapore later this year. By Tim Martin passenger aircraft include a 450kg MTOW, with a 160kg maximum payload, a range of up The advent of unmanned vehicle, is due to begin flight trials While Volocopter has previously to 27km with an ‘optimal range’ applications across emerging in the country, starting during the been deployed on a test basis cruise speed of 38kt and a markets, including urban air second half of this year. with a sense and avoid capability, maximum flight time of 27min. An mobility (UAM), has given rise to Designed to validate the the aircraft that will eventually be upper limit airspeed is also listed a wave of test and pilot aircraft’s eVTOL operational put forward for certification will at 54kt by the company. programmes across the abilities within Singapore’s urban not initially be integrated with Power is provided by nine Asia-Pacific region. environment, the test phase is to such equipment, nor will it be individual, lithium-ion ‘quick- Commonly supported by local be supported by domestic used during Singapore flights, release’ battery systems. The and national institutions, there agencies including the Ministry of Zosel explained. batteries supply power to a pair of is growing expectation that, Transport, Civil Aviation Authority ‘It’s a development path at the motors, with an engine made up with continued investment and of Singapore (CAAS), and the moment, [but] we are on our way of a three-phase, permanent technological advances, Economic Development Board. to having it in the future,’ he magnet synchronous motor and commercial drones and eVTOL confirmed. ‘We’ll start with piloted brushless DC electric motor. platforms will quickly redefine Cleared for take-off flight so sense and avoid is not Volocopter has also developed how aerospace has traditionally Approvals to fly in Singapore needed.’ the aircraft with a series of interacted with business. airspace, for example, are The selection of Singapore redundancies, clearly focused on As an area with several dependent on city certifications, as a test flight destination for embedding safety features to eVTOL and unmanned projects according to Alex Zosel, Volocopter stemmed in part support urban flights. in its vicinity, Singapore is fast co-founder of Volocopter. because of how the country has All major components, becoming a key development ‘Volocopter and CAAS will work taken a ‘pioneering’ approach to including propellers, motors, hub for established and start-up together to establish the scope of autonomy and is ‘perhaps moving power source, electronics, flight technology companies to the flight trials and ensure that faster than some others,’ Zosel control systems and displays have showcase and demonstrate their the necessary requirements are said. ‘They are really open, from ‘multiple’ redundancies as well as latest platforms. met before flight tests are allowed the authorities to the city itself a ‘fly-by-light’ communication- Aviation newcomer Volocopter to commence,’ the start-up and this helps, for sure, when it supporting devices through a and its eponymous autonomous indicated in 2018. comes to market considerations.’ ‘meshed polymer optic fibre’

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network, according to company literature. A number of extras are also available, or fit into an ‘integration possible’ category, Volocopter highlights. Additional battery capacity for extended range and flight time, air traffic management for coordination of autonomous Volocopter fleets and UAV technology are the three main extras that fall into this category, as well as sense-and-avoid capabilities. Volocopter’s power derives from nine individual, lithium-ion ‘quick-release’ battery systems. Freedom to fly Outside of Asia-Pacific, the for air taxi transportation between infrastructural design, it is one of aerospace and defence practice wider Volocopter programme is the aviation hub and the city, the leading, if not the leading at Roland Berger. dominated by work based in based mainly on a ‘Volocopter smart city in the world,’ Stephan ‘Complexity of managing the where a number of port’ or helipad. Baur, senior consultant at Roland different stakeholders is much aircraft have freedom to fly Berger told the Unmanned more [difficult],’ he explained. without restriction. Project progress Systems Asia Show Daily. ‘Typically the political and Those located in the European Sticking with wider Asia-Pacific ‘It is a place for international economic system allows a [pilot] country are mainly reserved for unmanned developments, start-ups too which also lends project to be put together quite test and research purposes, with independent observers continue itself to [integration] with the fast, whereas in Europe, the the company retaining a number to hail the region as one to be emerging UAM industry. There European Union is a stakeholder of airframes, though it wouldn’t applauded for delivering are a lot of start-up companies or [a similarly large agency] at disclose an exact number under autonomous UAM pilot schemes. coming into play. The whole that level is involved, you have the ownership. A report assessing these business environment makes country level, local level and then ‘We have different kinds of projects by location, published by Singapore ideal for these new you have industry, so it is much demonstrators to test various international consultancy firm companies as well as established more complicated to bring systems, so we can be faster at Roland Berger in March, found aerospace manufacturers to use everyone to the table.’ developing our subsystems,’ that there are more than 100 it as a place for their pilot From Hader’s perspective, Zosel added. ‘We set the flight such programmes under way projects.’ future UAM pilot schemes will be envelope, that doesn’t come from across the world, with the Asia- Of major difference between heavily influenced, as they largely the authorities… We can take part Pacific region accounting for a the ways in which unmanned are currently, by partnerships in flights like other operators third of them. Interestingly, six are system programmes are involving industry or start-ups permitted to fly [in German listed in Singapore, confirmation coordinated in the Asia-Pacific backed by local or national airspace].’ that the country is heavily region, compared with Europe for consortia. Volocopter is also partnering invested in supporting industry example, is that matters are In other words, it is difficult to with transport agency Fraport with its efforts to experiment with less reliant on a host of large predict where progress in these to develop infrastructure at unmanned systems. consortia or agencies for projects will spring from, insofar Frankfurt’s international airport ‘Technology-wise Singapore is approvals, according to Manfred as economics and market that is intended to pave the way an advanced city and in terms of Hader, co-head of global openings will naturally influence these kind of opportunities. ‘I believe the concepts that manage to work will be UAM-led projects with an industrial base behind [them], then [successfully evolving] to delivering it [on a commercial scale] and exporting it to market. I believe these [projects] will be the winners,’ Hader explained. What is more certain is how the commercial drone market will grow and continue to disrupt the delivery service sector. By 2025, 3,000 drones are The eVTOL Volocopter is set to undergo a series expected to be flying in service on of flight trials in Singapore during the second half of 2019. a commercial basis worldwide, according to Hader. 

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Rotorcraft Asia & Unmanned Systems Asia 2019 Tuesday, 9th April 2019

ROTORCRAFT ASIA 2019 CONFERENCE The Stage ‘THE FUTURE OF ROTARY IN ASIA’ A centre for thought leadership, this strategic conference delivers invaluable insights from visionary industry leaders and top helicopter operators, presenting new trends and hot topics driving the future of Asia’s rotorcraft market. There’s still time to register! Register on-site at the conference registration counters.

TECHNOLOGY SEMINARS (COMPLIMENTARY) Tech Theatre Learn about some of the most innovative unmanned systems solutions at these complimentary sessions conducted by a select group of exhibitors. 11:30am-12:00pm Robotics, AI & Digitisation Considerations for Industrial 4.0 By EM Services Pte Ltd 1:00pm-1:30pm An Exclusive Report on Aerial Survey Mapping By YJP Surveyors Pte Ltd 1:30pm-2:00pm Ecosystem Approach to Enable BVLOS Platform as a Service in Singapore By Garuda Robotics Pte Ltd 2:00pm-2:30pm Defeating the Rapidly Evolving Drone Threat By SRC Inc 2:30pm-3:00pm Tunnels, Tanks, Smokestacks and Server Rooms: The Latest Drone Tech from Japan Enables Difficult Autonomous Missions in Enclosed Spaces By Autonomous Control Systems Laboratory Ltd 3:00pm-3:30pm VTOL drones – A Better Drone Solution for Industrial Applications By Volans-I Pte Ltd 3:30pm-4:00pm UAV Technology and AI for City Infrastructure by AeroLion Technologies Pte Ltd

LIVE DEMONSTRATIONS Demo Zone Uncover the real capabilities of the UAVs and UGVs on showcase! Catch the unmanned systems in action at the Demo Zone. 10:00am-10:30am Singapore Institute of Technology – University of Glasgow (SIT – UGS) 11:00am-11:30am Saffron Systems Pte Ltd 12:00pm-12:30pm MIRS Innovate Pte Ltd 1:00pm-1:30pm EM Services Pte Ltd 1:30pm-2:00pm Doog International Pte Ltd 2:30pm-3:00pm GDU-Tech Co, Ltd 3:30pm-4:00pm ACE Aviation Pte Ltd 4:30pm-5:00pm YJP Surveyors Pte Ltd

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RCA-19_day_1.indd 10 08/04/2019 16:15:36 9-11 APRIL 2019 | CHANGI EXHIBITION CENTRE, SINGAPORE

DAILY NEWS Day One 9 April 2019

HIGHLIGHTS Exhibition 10:00am-5:30pm

Close to 100 participating companies from 23 countries gather to showcase a vast spectrum of cutting-edge and innovative solutions in rotorcraft and unmanned technologies.

Technology Seminars First session: 11:30am Photo: Gordon Arthur Photo: Richard Thomas Last session: 3:30pm

Learn about some of the most innovative unmanned Domains drive developments at systems solutions at these complimentary seminar Unmanned Systems Asia 2019 sessions scheduled through the day. This year’s Unmanned Systems Asia Show Daily: ‘Some of the world’s attendees can meet with industry Asia will play host to a plethora largest markets [for unmanned leaders, academics and regulators of next-generation unmanned systems] include China and India, to take part in thought-provoking Live systems across a broad spectrum as well as other economies in discussions on where the marketplace of commercial and defence Southeast Asia. is heading and its challenges. Demonstrations applications. ‘In particular, the aerospace sector ‘Themed as Enabling the UAS 10:00am-5:00pm The technological solutions will in Singapore has attracted over 130 Future, some of the highlights of the cover aerial, ground, surface and aerospace companies, garnering a conference include a panel discussion Catch the unmanned aerial underwater domains. Just some of the quarter of the Asian maintenance, on the topic of urban air mobility as and ground vehicles in action companies present at the event being repair and operations (MRO) market, rapid urbanisation continues to put an at the Demo Zone. held from 9-11 April at the Changi establishing Singapore as one of increasing demand on existing Exhibition Centre include Aselsan, the world’s leading MRO hubs and transport systems and aggravate Garuda Robotics and Lockheed gateway to some of the world’s largest traffic situations,’ Leck stated. The Rotorcraft Asia Show Daily is Martin. markets.’ ‘Additionally, as the skies get busier, published by Shephard Media in The multiple attendees and Technological themes over key speakers will also discuss how to association with Experia Events. Printed by Xpress Print, Singapore. exhibitors at this year’s event are the course of the week will provide regulate and manage an evolving UAS © Shephard Media 2019 illustrative of a growing sector which insight into the innovations that environment to ensure aviation and Three editions of the show daily is looking to continue its upward unmanned technologies are public safety,’ he continued. are being produced on site. The trajectory, with civil and defence enabling around the globe, not just in This year’s event will also be held team can be contacted in the markets expanding throughout the Asia-Pacific. in conjunction with the World Civil Media Centre or by e-mail region and beyond. This second iteration of Unmanned Aviation Chief Executives Forum at [email protected] Leck Chet Lam, managing director Systems Asia sees its strategic organised by Civil Aviation Authority of of Experia Events, shared more on this conference very much as a Singapore. theme with the Unmanned Systems participatory experience in which By Helen Haxell

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Where high-flying deals await your arrival SINGAPORE AIRSHOW 2020 Asia’s largest aerospace and defence event

This is the single most influential platform for you to leave an indelible mark on potential business partners. Amidst an audience of the best minds and leaders in the global aviation industry, Singapore Airshow 2020 offers you the opportunity to showcase your latest technologies and innovations. Sign on the dotted line and reserve your space today!

HIGHLIGHTS FROM SINGAPORE AIRSHOW 2018 1,062 287 54,151 1,464 participating VIP delegations trade attendees meetings companies from from 91 countries from 147 countries conducted during 50 countries and regions and regions the exhibition

SECURE A CHOICE SPOT NOW AT [email protected] SINGAPOREAIRSHOW.COM

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DAY ONE UNMANNED SYSTEMS ASIA 2019 DAILY NEWS

Silent Archer raises voice in Asia ACSL debuts Whisper Hunter direction-finding unit, four Silent Archer systems during the drones in Night Hawk HT EO/IR camera made by London Olympics in 2012 and more PVP and an SRC 3D user display. are to be ordered, while the two other Singapore The USAF has also acquired countries have acquired the Silent Archer to protect air bases within the past year. STAND D02 under a $57 million contract placed in Singapore currently has a tender out April 2018. for a C-UAS system for Changi Airport, Japan-based Autonomous Control SRC stated that Silent Archer, which highlighting that both the military and Systems Laboratory (ACSL) is provides 360° coverage, civil sectors are deeply concerned hoping to expand its operations in ‘collects information such as 3D about marauding UAS. Singapore, building on successes location, radio frequency signature and End users can elect to replace in its home market in areas such more. Together, these technologies the AN/TPQ-49 with the larger as infrastructure inspection and accurately detect, track and identify AN/TPQ-50 or, alternatively, the package delivery. hostile UAS for making effective new Gryphon R1410 AESA radar. Showcasing its range of unmanned decisions regarding threats.’ It not only The advantage of the latter is that it works technologies at Unmanned Systems detects and tracks UAS, but it can also in the X-band rather than the L-band of the Asia for the first time, ACSL achieved Image: SRC help find the controller. others, meaning it is less likely to interfere an initial public offering in Japan on The system can be mounted on with other systems in airports. 21 December 2018. STAND G11 JLTVs, ground-mounted as a fly-away The Gryphon R1410 is smaller and In February 2019 the company expeditionary system, or mounted on lighter (36.5kg for the radar itself, plus reached an agreement with the In March 2019, SRC won a US$108 buildings. 90.7kg with a positioner and tripod). Japan Ground Self-Defense Force on million contract to supply its mobile While the vehicle-mounted solution This AESA 3D radar can detect a small the use of unmanned systems in Silent Archer C-UAS systems to the cannot currently operate whilst on the UAS at a range of 8km or a small disaster relief operations, while in US Army. This order followed one for move, SRC is working on removing that manned aircraft at 19km. March it announced the development 15 C-UAS sets in 2017. restriction. SRC is also developing an S-band of systems that support autonomous The components that the US Army More than 1,000 of SRC’s radar that could work with Silent flight via mobile networks in selected under the latest contract AN/TPQ-49 and -50 L-band radars Archer. This would allow clients to cooperation with NTT DoCoMo and included the AN/TPQ-49 air have been built, of which around 100 choose a suitable radar from the L, S Japan Post. surveillance radar with LSTAR have gone to FMS customers. These or X bands to avoid interference Chris Raabe, chief technology software, an EW system with clients are known to include Australia, problems with existing systems. officer, told theUnmanned Systems SRC5986A micro-transceiver, a Canada and the UK. The latter used By Gordon Arthur Asia Show Daily that ACSL had been performing services in Singapore for the past 12 months. ‘We are really hoping to expand Age matters for passenger drones operations,’ he said, adding that there were several companies in autonomous systems flying Singapore that ACSL could passengers. collaborate with. Where high-flying deals await your arrival When asked by the Typically, companies look to Photo: Richard Unmanned Systems Asia Show explore how unmanned systems Thomas Daily about the acceptance of could benefit their operations and these platforms in the Asia- reduce operating costs. SINGAPORE AIRSHOW 2020 Pacific region, Markus Scherer, According to Raabe ACSL’s Asia’s largest aerospace and defence event head of consulting, Hong Kong unmanned systems have a high at Ipsos Business Consulting degree of autonomy and are able This is the single most influential platform for you to leave an indelible mark on potential business partners. (pictured, left) commented to operate in GPS-denied Amidst an audience of the best minds and leaders in the global aviation industry, Singapore Airshow 2020 that although autonomous environments, such as under offers you the opportunity to showcase your latest technologies and innovations. Sign on the dotted line and reserve your space today! air mobility is far away it is going bridges, indoors and near high to be more about ‘old versus structures. This capability is achieved HIGHLIGHTS FROM SINGAPORE AIRSHOW 2018 Drone technologies transporting sphere as well as the introduction young’ when it comes to thanks to an onboard stereo camera passengers could be here of non-piloted urban air mobility acceptance. that enables the platform to maintain well within the next decade and transportation. Scherer explained further that is orientation and keep a controlled 1,062 287 54,151 1,464 this speedy societal integration With bullish predictions for 2021 about taking that step, stepping distance from objects. participating VIP delegations trade attendees meetings companies from from 91 countries from 147 countries conducted during could be down to the age of its for beyond visual line of sight UAS out of the shadows when it comes One of three systems showcased 50 countries and regions and regions the exhibition passengers. deliveries in the Middle East and to the parameters of safety, ‘it is at Unmanned Systems Asia, the PF-1 Discussion at the Unmanned recent reports indicating that going to be what you are use to’ Vision (pictured on front cover) has Systems Asia 2019 media preview 100,000 passengers could be flying and that acceptance will be an autonomous horizontal flight centred around the scalability of by 2050 via this transportation, in generational. speed of up to 4kt and an ascent/ SECURE A CHOICE SPOT NOW AT [email protected] SINGAPOREAIRSHOW.COM drone usage in the commercial ten years’ time we could be seeing By Helen Haxell descent speed of 2kt. By Richard Thomas Organised by: Official Media Partner: Supporting Media Partners: Held in:

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runway damage assessment using LiDAR sensors and data analytics, as well as specifically designed UAVs for ‘capturing’ rogue drones mid-air for base protection. Pace setter Looking ahead, Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen outlined in his parliamentary statement in March 2019 a series of UAV developments as the SAF works towards 2030 and beyond. Although vague, this plan solidifies the government’s commitment and vision for UAVs as a force multiplier and their role in the future battlefield. On the land, the army will receive a series of ‘micro-UAVs’ and ‘mini-UAVs’ likely for company- or battalion-level situational awareness and reconnaissance. A larger so-called ‘close-range UAV’ is also in the works. By then, the RSAF’s Hermes 450 would be phased out and a ‘next-gen UAV’ will be introduced, and according to Ng, this will happen over the ‘next few years’. The RSN will also commission a new frigate-size Multi-Role Combat The RSN’s six Victory-class missile corvettes had their variable-depth sonar Vessel to replace the Victory-class replaced with the ScanEagle catapult launch system, part of a mid-life corvette, which will be a ‘mother- upgrade that was completed in 2016. (Photos: author) ship’ for a host of UAVs along with unmanned surface systems. Singapore is building on its technological base and forward-thinking defence strategy to ensure it maintains itself as an unmanned systems Civilian plans Even in the civilian realm, the leader and innovator in Asia-Pacific.By Chen Chuanren Singaporean authorities are also breaking new ground with a With a landmass of only breakthroughs and new At sea, Singapore’s Victory-class number of initiatives. around 720 sq km, Singapore capabilities unprecedented in missile corvettes were upgraded The Civil Aviation Authority lacks strategic depth to defend the region. with the Insitu ScanEagle of Singapore (CAAS) has authorised itself. The Singapore Armed The RSAF now operates three UAV from 2016, and have Singapore Technologies Forces (SAF) understood the UAV squadrons, with the IAI Heron participated in joint exercises with Engineering to conduct beyond- potential for UAVs at a very early 1 flown by 119 Sqn and 128 Sqn, the USN’s Fire Scout UAV from the line-of-sight trials over the Lower stage in the 1970s as an ISR and the Elbit H450 Hermes by USS Fort Worth. The organic UAV Seletar reservoir, in the central part tool and force multiplier. 116 Sqn. gives the RSN over-the-horizon ISR of the island. The trial is for the Unmanned aircraft are now Since its introduction in 2012, capabilities, enabling the small company’s DroNet solution that is widely used by all three services the Heron 1 quickly rose to become warships to have greater designed for urban use, in this case of the SAF. the mainstay of the RSAF’s ISR situational awareness, and for the country’s water resource The Republic of Singapore Air capabilities. The aircraft was used maximising the engagement range agency, the Public Utility Board. Force (RSAF) established its first for its first overseas deployment in of the Harpoon anti-ship missile, On 7 March, the Ministry of UAV squadron in 1988 after 2013 during Exercise Wallaby in even without any helicopter Transport announced that the receiving the IAI Scout 700 Australia. ‘spotter’ platform on deck. Maritime Port Authority and CAAS from the army, and this year is A major breakthrough came would create a maritime drone celebrating the 20th anniversary in 2015 when it provided Road ahead estate south of the Marina South of the UAV pilot vocation. cooperative lasing for the F-15SG In the near future, the RSAF is Pier to provide a conducive More importantly, the RSAF is and AH-64D’s JDAM and Hellfire already studying the usage of environment to test and develop probably the only air arm in the munitions respectively. Its 500kg COTS drones for labour-intensive unmanned applications. This area region to set up a dedicated payload also meant that RSAF and high-risk tasks. In 2018, will also become a regulatory UAV Command to develop and could reconfigure the Heron 1 for the service revealed that it is sandbox for the development of sustain technology, knowledge payloads such as SAR radar for partnering with local firm Avetics rules and safety standards for and skills, and continue to achieve future developments. on the development of drones for such operations.

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Not long after, Airbus and Aerospace and PT Dirgantara maritime firm Wilhelmsen Indonesia on a UAV design completed the first trial of UAV based on the former’s Anka. shore-ship delivery of parts on Both parties entered technical 15 March 2019, the first time discussions in 2018, although drone technology has been a Turkish Aerospace deployed in real port conditions. representative said the The Skyways drone ferried partnership encompasses 1.5kg of 3D-printed consumables aerospace development as a to Swire Pacific Offshore’s anchor whole and is not directly related handling tug supply vessel MV to Indonesia’s MALE UAV Pacific Centurion, with the whole requirements. process taking 10mins. The The air force also expressed Skyways drone has a maximum interest in UAV pilot training with weight of 4kg, and 3km range Singapore in August 2018 from the coast using following the ASEAN Air Chiefs predetermined corridors. Conference. The government is also It was also reported in April considering the compulsory 2018 that Wuxi-based Jiangsu registration of civilian UAVs Digital Eagle Technology A COTS drone supplied by Avetics inspecting ‘crater damage’ on to enforce a safer drone Development Company had Tengah air base’s taxiways during a trial. environment and prevent confirmed the first overseas sales disruptive incidents such as those of its YFT-CZ36 VTOL fixed-wing seen at London Gatwick airport surveillance UAV to the bolster the ISR capabilities of certain military technology and and in Dubai. Indonesian and Malaysian Southeast Asian navies and Turkey, as an open market, is governments, although it is not protect its interests, especially there to provide the solutions as Regional capabilities confirmed if this is for military use in the South China Sea. The required. Regional air arms like Malaysia in either instance. Philippines is also one of the It is also important to note that and Indonesia have recently been In Malaysia, the Chief of the beneficiaries of this programme, both Malaysia and Indonesia do ramping up UAV capabilities after Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) accepting six ScanEagles in not have official formal diplomatic years of developing domestic Gen Tan Sri Affendi Buang told 2018. ties with , which could limit systems with limited utility. reporters that Kuala Lumpur is In 2017, Malaysia’s DefTech their access to the high-end UAVs As Southeast Asia’s hoping to beef up its surveillance joined up with Turkish Aerospace that are synonymous with Israeli largest country, Indonesia has capabilities to protect its strategic in preparation to promote the companies such as Elbit and IAI. ambitions to further develop its interest as a maritime nation, Anka to the RMAF. An Anka-S With that in mind, will UAV capabilities for the air force and this is fulfilled by procuring full-scale mock-up was displayed become Southeast Asia’s second and navy, to complement and maritime patrol aircraft as well as at the LIMA 2019 air show in Heron 1 operator, after Hanoi fulfil its Minimum Essential a MALE UAV. Langkawi, fitted with synthetic signed a $160 million deal with Force strategy. The aperture radar and underwing IAI in December 2018. It was Despite signing a contract is the in process of inducting its pylons for Roketsan Smart Micro recently reported that the with the Aviation Industry first pair of ScanEagle 2 UAVs, Munition air-launched missiles Vietnamese Coast Guard is also Corporation of China for the sale due for delivery in Q2 2019. and a CIRIT 2.75in guided in talks to acquire ScanEagle as of a possible four Wing Loong These are reportedly to be rocket pod. well, supported through US FMS UCAVs, the project was scrapped deployed on the Sakti-class A company spokesperson at financing. and Indonesia restarted the support ship, or on land in a the event said they were Yeong Tae Pak, Boeing process of finding another MALE South China Sea base. expecting a tender from the RMAF Southeast Asia regional director, UAV in late 2018. Indonesia will also receive four soon, and that the Anka will have has said that with the increasing The way forward is likely a ScanEagle 2s as part of the US’s a good chance given the close number of ScanEagles in the collaboration between Turkish Maritime Security Initiative to relation between Turkey and area, Insitu is able to leverage Malaysia, and regional support, such as time the familiarity and costs for spares and repairs. of DefTech with He added that having similar The RSAF’s Heron 1 debuted in the 2015 edition of Exercise Forging Sabre in Arizona, providing ISR and cooperative Malaysian- platforms across different nations lasing for air force strike assets. Turkish would promote collaboration and collaboration. interoperability. He added ‘Counter-terrorism and that many piracy will be an area where countries in the countries can leverage on region, such as each others’ strength and Malaysia and intelligence. This kind of platform Indonesia, [ScanEagle] will bring them cannot have together and it’s a win-win access to situation,’ he said. 

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buy the B, there is a lot more Bell has seen ‘significant’ interest in Asia-Pacific in the new Model 505. (Photo: Bell Helicopter) industry opportunity in Australia owing to the fact that that programme is just starting its development and production. Ramping up Whereas if you buy the MQ-9A, although it will have component- level interoperability, the opportunities for industry capability in Australia will be far reduced.’

Longer reach The RAAF is anticipating new capabilities when it begins operating its first MQ-4C Triton in around 2023. Air Cdre Craig Heap, commander of the RAAF’s Surveillance and Response Group, explained the Triton will bring reach, persistence, reaction time (especially for humanitarian assistance/disaster relief), fidelity to inform responses, situation awareness, efficient and effective manned-unmanned teaming response, and the ability for the Subsequent to trials with the S-100, the P-8A or other assets to monitor is looking for new classes of tactical UAVs. (All photos: author) and control its sensors. The Triton fleet’s main operating location will be RAAF Australia is pushing forward with a number of ambitious military UAS Base Edinburgh near Adelaide, programmes, encompassing all three of the country’s armed forces. although Tindal in northern By Gordon Arthur Australia will be a key forward operating base. This will allow Tritons to monitor Australia’s The Royal Australian Air Force possibilities down to two General General Atomics is leading northern maritime approaches (RAAF) is edging closer to Atomics models, with a decision Team Reaper, which will offer an and conduct SAR missions. It can buying the MQ-9 armed MALE on the exact version anticipated Australian industry capability also scout the way ahead for a platform from General Atomics in around August 2019. package associated with Air naval task group, or provide a under Project Air 7003. The 7003. In Q1 2017, Team Reaper surveillance umbrella. Reaper will be Australia’s Reaping the benefit consisted of CAE Australia, The Triton’s 14,800km-plus first UCAV. While it is an One possibility is the MQ-9A Block Cobham, Flight Data Systems and range and 24h endurance will be RAAF project, the platform is 5 ER Reaper. This has a 35h Raytheon. These have since been a ‘key game-changer’, Heap said. expected to spend most of its endurance and features five to joined by Airspeed, Quickstep A likely scenario would be a time supporting the army and seven hardpoints, depending on Holdings, Rockwell Collins, 3,700km radius of action, special forces with armed whether extra fuel tanks are Sentient Vision Systems, TAE composed of 8h to get on station, reconnaissance, close air carried. This variant will be the Aerospace and Ultra Electronics 8h on target and 8h to return support and airborne mainstay of the USAF fleet, but a Australia, creating ten partners. home. interdiction. downside is that it was never Warren Ludwig, General A sense-and-avoid radar is due Wg Cdr Mark Miles, the designed to be certified for Atomics’ director of international around 2025, which is vital for RAAF’s Air 7003 project manager, controlled flight environments. strategic development for the UAV to ascend and descend said that contract signing is The second possibility is Australia and Southeast Asia, through air traffic routes. The expected in 2021/22. Initial the MQ-9B Certifiable Predator B told the Unmanned Systems Asia arrival of the Triton for ISR operating capability (IOC) is due (aka Sky Guardian). With an Show Daily: ‘We continue to missions will also allow the in the mid-2020s, with full endurance greater than 40h, it expand, focusing on everything manned P-8A to concentrate on operating capability (FOC) in the has nine hardpoints and a sense- from up-front manufacture to other core capabilities such as mid-2030s. The Defence White and-avoid kit. A key advantage is our global supply chain, so not anti-submarine warfare. Paper predicted a fleet of 12-16 that it is designed to be certified, just making parts for the aircraft. which would make regulatory Australian fleet.’ Army proliferation The RAAF examined different approval for flight in controlled Ludwig stated a preference for In February 2019, the Australian UCAVs but narrowed its selection airspace in Australia far easier. the MQ-9B. ‘Fundamentally, if you Army released an industry

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engagement paper covering Project Land 129 Phase 3, the planned replacement of the in-service Textron RQ-7 Shadow 200 v1 tactical UAV that is due for retirement in 2023. The government is expected to grant project approval in mid-2019, which would kick off a tender process later this year. Acquisition is slated for 2021, heading towards IOC in FY2023/24. The selected runway- independent platform will have a lifespan of ten years and the GCS This MQ-9A Block 5 Reaper of the USAF was on display at the Avalon air show. should be able to operate whilst on the move with a minimum data link range of 125km. UAV projects too. A total of 161 include ISR, communications/link sector initiative (PSI)/capability The paper stated the Black Hornet 3 micro-UAV node, battle damage assessment, partner approach. ‘The PSI is to project ‘will grow the capability to systems are now in full service, search and rescue, and electronic be responsible for developing, provide a third subunit [battery] with FOC expected ‘soon’. warfare. delivering, maintaining and and provide an enduring Project Land 129 Phase 4 The project has experienced a sustaining the required level of capability effect that enables covering the AeroVironment Wasp delay of two years since being capability, including training 24/7 ISR’. An organisational AE is almost halfway through its announced in August 2016, but in elements within defined chart included with the paper rollout, which will eventually see the meantime de-risking activities parameters,’ said a navy suggested 30-35 personnel and 67 systems fielded in Australian with the Insitu ScanEagle and representative. around nine Bushmaster vehicles Army combat teams by 2021. Schiebel S-100 have been While this approach per ‘capability brick’, composed Because the Wasp AE is already occurring via 822X Squadron. may absolve the RAN from as of a troop headquarters, some five years old, Phase 4B in Originally the navy envisaged a much risk as possible, it will operations team, forward repair the 2023-25 timeframe is a two-phase acquisition, but this conversely make it difficult to team and combat services seeding opportunity for Australian has changed to a single keep costs down. The PSI support node. industry to suggest new procurement strategy. approach also rules out smaller The system will have five key innovations. Approval for Sea 129 Phase 5 to companies, as the prime would tasks, in order of priority: day/ proceed is expected in early or have to arrange multiple night ISR using visual and Sea change mid-2020, which should lead to an commercial contracts for electromagnetic sensors; target The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) RfP later that year. After that, an integration activities. detection and identification; laser trails the army in its adoption of RfT to a selected supplier would The RAN also noted that ‘the target designator for third-party UAVs, but at this year’s Avalon air occur at the secret classification PSI would operate in partnership precision-guided munitions; show it revealed details of a level in early or mid-2021. IOC for with Defence for the life of the intelligence support; and voice/ shipborne tactical UAV being the new system is expected in the capability – 20-30 years’. That data communications relay. acquired under Project Sea 129 mid-2020s, with FOC towards the suggests ‘a tranche approach Lt Col Keirin Joyce, who leads Phase 5. This aircraft will improve end of that decade. may be considered to allow the US Army UAS sub-programme, situational awareness well Perhaps the most important technical and systems refreshes updated the Unmanned Systems beyond the current reach of detail revealed this year is that to assure capability in an evolving Asia Show Daily on other army warships, and its mission sets the RAN is considering a private threat environment’. The RAN is not specifying a fixed- or rotary-wing platform, but it must use heavy fuel aboard ships. The UAV must be integrated into two ship types: Arafura-class offshore patrol vessels and Hunter-class frigates. They must also be deployable aboard ANZAC-class frigates, Hobart- class destroyers, Canberra-class landing helicopter docks and Supply-class oilers. It is possible that no single OEM’s portfolio could supply all the solutions, so different The is looking for a replacement platforms may be acquired, for its fleet of Shadow 200 v1 UAVs. although this requires interoperability. 

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DAY ONE UNMANNED SYSTEMS ASIA 2019 DAILY NEWS UAS soaring high The Unmanned Systems Asia Show Daily caught up with Leck Chet Lam, managing director of Experia Events, about the growth in unmanned systems in the Asia-Pacific region and the drivers powering this progress. By Helen Haxell

Photos: Experia Events

In 2017, it was widely reported spending between 2017 and convergence of rotorcraft and countries that participated at the that the commercial UAV market 2021 in Asia-Pacific is estimated unmanned systems technologies event in 2017. was predicted to reach US$650 to be $14.2 billion, the second to address the needs of sectors At the 2017 events, 24% of million by 2025 and this sector largest market after North like oil and gas, agriculture, the shows’ visitors were from looks set to continue on its America, according to Goldman construction, emergency medical overseas.  incline, a trend that has Sachs research.’ services and public safety. powered the growth of the In addition, the joining up ‘These sectors utilise second iteration of Unmanned of unmanned systems with both technology platforms to Systems Asia. rotary platforms is helping achieve better resource Leck Chet Lam, managing bolster the rise in UAV spending optimisation, safety, and live director of Experia Events, as these technologies combined information updates as well as commented: ‘The UMS market is seek to address demands from a overall cost operational certainly on target for growth, variety of market segments in efficiency,’ he commented. driven by growing demands from the region. This year’s event, held the commercial and civil ‘There is an increasing wealth alongside Rotorcraft Asia, will government sectors.’ of opportunities in the thriving seek to capitalise on its track of He went on to state that in Asia-Pacific, driven by the 3,000 trade attendees from 52 terms of drone expenditure over a four-year timeframe in the Asia- ‘Drone spending between 2017 and Pacific region, the industry is looking to exceed well beyond 2021 in Asia-Pacific is estimated to be $10 billion. Leck said: ‘Drone US$14.2 billion.’

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