Unmanned Air System Project For South Coast Formally Launched
07 Nov 2007 | Ref. 358/2007
Unmanned aircraft could be used for police and coastal patrol work on Britain’s south east coast from as soon as 2012, following the launch of new project that sees BAE Systems partnering with a range of government bodies.
Although some trials of remote-controlled air vehicles have been carried out by police forces in Britain, this will be the first time that autonomous aircraft will be used by civil bodies in the UK. 2012 is the date currently accepted by ASTREA and other bodies concerned with the development and certification of UAVs as the earliest achievable date for UAVs to operate in controlled airspace.
The project, called the South Coast Partnership, will see BAE Systems using its expertise in the field of fully autonomous unmanned air systems, or UAS, to work with its partners, including Kent Police, Essex Police and the Border and Immigration Agency to ensure UAS are introduced as efficiently and effectively as possible.
Speaking at the launch of the South Coast Partnership, at the Police Aviation Conference 2007 currently taking place in the Hague, Andrew Mellors, Head of Civil Autonomous Systems at BAE Systems, said: “From 2012 fully autonomous unmanned air systems could be routinely used by border agencies, the police and other government bodies. These systems will be fully autonomous so that operators task the vehicles and receive the relevant imagery and intelligence direct to the ground control station in real time.”
UAS can undertake a range of tasks that are difficult or expensive for manned aircraft. With their long endurance and ability to operate in potentially hazardous environments, UAS offer real potential in the fields of maritime and coastline surveillance as well as showing broader potential for areas such as pipeline, plant and infrastructure surveillance.
About BAE Systems
BAE Systems is the premier global defence and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, information technology solutions and customer support services. With 96,000 employees worldwide, BAE Systems' sales exceeded £15 billion (US $27 billion) in 2006*.
*On a pro forma basis, assuming BAE Systems had owned Armor Holdings Inc for the whole of 2006"
For more information, please contact
Ashleigh McClure, BAE Systems
Tel: +44- (0)1772 855572 Mob: +44-(0)77934 21886
ashleigh.mcclure@baesystems.com
Scott Hailstone, BAE Systems
Tel: +44 (0) 1252 384725 Mob: +44 (0)7793 423068
scott.hailstone@baesystems.com
Issued by:
BAE Systems, Farnborough, Hampshire GU14 6YU, UK
Tel: +44 (0) 1252 384710 Fax: +44 (0) 1252 383947
24hr media hotline: + 44 (0) 7801 717739
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