People from the project launch a UAV. Photo by Cpl Sean Burton, Army newspaper

Wonderful flying machines

 

From Cpl Sean Burton in the Solomon Islands
Op ANODE has provided the first operational environment for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to be deployed with the ADF.

Based at Henderson Airfield near Honiara on Guadalcanal Island, the four aircraft are operated by a 15 person detachment consisting of personnel from Brisbane-based 131 STA Bty and 161 Recce Sqn.

Three RAAF Image Analysts are also deployed along with two scientists from DSTO and specialists from Australian company Aerosonde, the UAV designers.

The operational deployment will see the UAVs carry out aerial surveillance and reconnaissance missions.

The aircraft are equipped with a 24-hour capability and communications equipment, which can provide real time information to assist RAMSI in re-establishing law and order.

Detachment Commander Maj Nathan Loynes said the UAV personnel had a two-week opportunity for pre-deployment training in Townsville, which meant they were able to hit the ground running when they arrived in Solomon Islands.

“We have been able to implement what we’ve learnt and are now putting it into practice,” he said.

“We are progressing well after our third flight recently and we’ve already received positive feedback from the Aviation community.

“The UAVs have been able to provide us with excellent imagery and associated information.”

The UAVs can provide real time information on tasks such as observing vessels, isolated settlements or the remote Solomon Islands coastlines.

Maj Loynes said the UAVs could be introduced full-time into the ADF by 2006-2007.

The aircraft are part of the Project NERVANA developmental program, which is run by DSTO and is looking at many aspects of automating the battlefield.
For further information on the JP129 Tactical UAV Programme go to www. Aerosonde.gov.au