Photo by Darrel Und
£2.5-million in funding has been awarded by the Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA), an arm of the UK Ministry of Defence, to a consortium headed up by Blue Bear Systems Research Ltd for the development of drone swarm technology.
The project, named 'Many Drones Make Light Work', is DASA's largest contract to date. The funding will be used to move into the final development stages for around 20 unmanned aerial systems (UAS).
UAS are widely employed around the world at present, but having the ability to use a swarm of the systems, to work collaboratively is of great benefit to Defence interests. Swarms could bring greater efficiency and lower overall operating costs, as well as in the following areas outlined by the MoD:
- Situational awareness
- Medical assistance
- Logistics resupply
- Explosive ordnance detection and disposal
- Confusion and deception
UK Minister for Defence Procurement, Stuart Andrew MP said: "The MoD continues to invest in pioneering technology that enhances capability, reduces risk to personnel and enables us to better perform our tasks. Drone swarm technology can revolutionise how we conduct intelligence gathering, humanitarian aid, disposal of explosives and supply our troops on the battlefield."
Lucy Mason, head of DASA, added: "I am delighted that defence funding has enabled the creation of a collaboration from across industry sectors that will evaluate the latest thinking in swarming drone systems. We are committed to driving innovation through creating partnerships and collaboration, harnessing the best ideas and innovative thinking for UK defence and security.
The consortium heading up the research is led by Blue Bear Systems Research Ltd, and also comprised of IQHQ, Airbus, Plextex and the University of Durham. The 18-month 'integration concept evaluation' phase will culminate in live drone swarm flight demonstrations to the military.
Managing Director, Blue Bear Systems, Ian Williams-Wynn said: "The ability to deploy a swarm of low cost autonomous systems delivers a new paradigm for battlefield operations. During this project we will deploy next generation autonomy, machine learning, and AI to reduce the number of operators required, the time it takes to train them, and the cognitive burden on any operator during active operations. This allows very complex swarm-based missions to be performed simultaneously against single or multiple targets in a time sensitive and highly effective manner."
Present operational systems require one or more operators to control the aircraft and manage the mission, which requires heavy manpower and is both time and resource consuming.
The Ministry of Defence is keen to find robotic solutions that involve fewer people and resources. The swarm is being seen as a possible solution as it would cover large areas of battlespace at lower cost and with reduced man hours, as well as removing operators from potentially harmful scenarios.
Future projects seek to establish a more 'self-sufficient' UAS swarm though 'Effective Human Machine Teaming', which ensures that the human stays in firm control of the systems, will be at the heart of the research.
The announcement follows recent news of £31-million being allocated by Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson into mini-drone technology, as part of the larger 'Transformation Fund'.
The £160-million fund will develop swarm squadrons capable of overwhelming and confusing enemy air defences, allowing F35 and Typhoon combat aircraft to deliver precise, lethal combat power more safely and effectively.
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