Introducing: Bolt & Bolt-M

[911 Rod]

Is there a concern if a UAS goes down that the enemy can copy the technology?
Or do they self destruct like a pager?

[Seahawk]

Originally Posted by 911 Rod

Is there a concern if a UAS goes down that the enemy can copy the technology?
Or do they self destruct like a pager?

Excellent question.

This was a huge problem with the Army, especially with Shadow early on.

The current requirements require a number of steps to prevent spoofing, especially if the drone goes down.

I have stories but I’m to cute to go to prison

[pmax]

Originally Posted by 911boost

Super interesting as always Paul!

In my field we have been using drones for a few years but a lot of the laws/rules in the US make it more difficult than in Mexico for example.

There are some pretty cool technologies, drones that check fence lines for breaks etc., k-9 robots with all kinds of sensors (what the army is doing with those is nightmare inducing...). This is from 2023 at a trade show.



I have seen some tethered systems as well, I think I have only every seen one put into practice where the drone was tethered to a Polaris Ranger.

All cool stuff and I anticipate the innovations will continue at a rapid pace.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Originally Posted by Seahawk

This concept was developed for the Army under an SBIR. The missile is a LM GMLRS. We are hoping we stay in the 2025 budget under a SBIR 2.5



We designed the carry mechanisms and folding quads that will get 90 miles downreange at Mach. It is all about delivery.

All good stuff, thanks for sharing, old as you say, I'm surprised systems and architecture haven't been perfected yet. And aren't being used in Ukraine.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Originally Posted by 911 Rod

Is there a concern if a UAS goes down that the enemy can copy the technology?
Or do they self destruct like a pager?

I've thought about this for years, why isn't anything more complex than a Howitzer equipped with a self-destruct capability.

Or even a Howitzer or heavy truck. We left a ton of stuff in Afghanistan because it's more expensive to bring it back, like every theater we are in, than buy new. Don't understand why it all wasn't at least blown up though.

[astrochex]

Originally Posted by Shaun @ Tru6

All good stuff, thanks for sharing, old as you say, I'm surprised systems and architecture haven't been perfected yet. And aren't being used in Ukraine.

Because war is harder than powerpoint.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Originally Posted by astrochex

Because war is harder than powerpoint.

Billions spent and quite some time, I expect a little more. I managed the financial side of DoD SBIR contracts with Navy, AF and Army 30+ years ago making parts for the Stealth Bomber and such. I know how inefficient the government can be though some contracts were managed very well.

I guess I'm saying I expect more given the resources poured into this weapon system.

[Seahawk]

Originally Posted by Shaun @ Tru6

Billions spent and quite some time, I expect a little more. I managed the financial side of DoD SBIR contracts with Navy, AF and Army 30+ years ago making parts for the Stealth Bomber and such. I know how inefficient the government can be though some contracts were managed very well.

I guess I'm saying I expect more given the resources poured into this weapon system.

All fair points.

Ukraine was very different, especially early when ITAR (https://www.exportsolutionsinc.com/itar/compliance/?msclkid=d17d825e52711de2745ce5543d9aff81&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=US%20-%20ITAR&utm_term=itar%20compliance&utm_content=Compliance) was still very difficult.

Still is.

Swarm is now easy and the technology is there but the Ukraine's price point was literally cardboard aircraft: Crude but effective. Most large companies simply could not not, and in many cases still can't, wrap their old business models around small UAS. My company designs the air vehicles, and they are spectacular, but we do not do sensors.

We worked with two points of contact in Ukraine, one very well known, and we simply could not meet their price or urgency...our systems in development were meant to tackle a much different tactical problem than close-in warfare.

SWARM defeat is a huge issue for all ground and sea forces...we call them airborne IED's. Tether, elevated platforms are getting a lot of attention.

As they say, horses for courses.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Price point, that's really the crux of the matter in terms of Ukraine. But (speaking philosophically), what price for independence? I guess you go with men first still and hope for the best.

[Shaun @ Tru6]