Small Unmanned Air Systems (SUAS), or "drones", have captured the public imagination. In the military domain SUAS can offer ‘Flying Binoculars’ capability, allowing a user to monitor an area of interest from the air, out of sight and out of danger. In the non-military domain, search & rescue, inspection and remote delivery have all been suggested as the next 'killer' application. To extend the range of SUAS uses, the systems must be capable of operating in the real world without human intervention. The technology required to operate SUAS autonomously in wide open spaces is relatively mature. Operation in complex environments, such as urban, is still challenging. The SUAS has to fly in and around trees, buildings, walls and, in some cases, people. Several critical capabilities are needed to enable this type of operation. Robust sensing of obstacles is one of these. A miniature obstacle avoidance module is proposed incorporating two cameras, a processor and an active rangefinder. The objective is a low cost module capable of sensing obstacle presence and relative position. The module, when incorporated with an SUAS, will enable new applications. lt will remove limitations to SUAS use in complex environments and will allow industry growth to proliferate.

Swarm Systems is developing a product for the growing market need of Flying Binoculars. Multi-rotor, battery SUAS have endurance of around 20 mins. A common request is for SUAS persistence of hours or more. Customers are specifically asking for a perch and stare capability to achieve persistence. However, perching using existing technology is very hit and miss. This PEP proposal has a goal of achieving greater than 99% reliability in perching on unprepared, outdoor locations in challenging weather conditions and taking off again. The SUAS category is sub-200g. The PEP research approach includes: adding new passive and active sensors, creating soft sensors from combinations of existing sensors, researching a novel automatic abort using 'disturbance from internal model' techniques (Loughborough University) and innovating undercarriage design including multi-surface gripping. PEP project management will be led by an analysis of perching ground types and weather conditions. The final 1/3 of the project will be focused on improving where testing proves that reliability is poor. A commercial goal is to add a key new capability to Swarm Systems product, enabling it to win export orders.

Nano Unmanned Air Systems (UAS) are becoming useful tools. A small Air Vehicle is launched by a user who sees real-time video from on-board cameras on a Ground Control Station. The system offers ‘Flying Binoculars’ capability, allowing a user to monitor an area of interest from the air, out of sight and out of danger. Several countries are looking to procure Nano UAS over the next three years. Swarm Systems is well positioned to take advantage of these export opportunities. To maximise chances of a contract win, Swarm Systems plans to enter into partnering arrangements with companies in each territory. During this project, Swarm Systems will visit potential partners in two territories that are running Nano UAS procurement processes. They will discuss teaming arrangements and conduct due diligence activities. They will also visit the Procurement Teams in each of these territories. Partnering with local companies increases the international engagement of a UK SME with an innovative product offering. It is the first step in winning an export contract that will transform a British SME into a global player in the Nano UAS market expected to be worth ~$200m over the next 5 years.

Swarm Systems is developing 'Nano-Owl': flying binoculars that weigh just 60g and take up just one quarter of a litre when carried. Nano-Owl is a Nano-scale Unmanned Aerial System (NUAS); it will establish a new 'pocketable' category of system. Targeted at a user community that includes soldiers on patrol, first responders and the emergency services, Nano-Owl is a tiny hovering airborne reconnaissance tool. The user launches Nano-Owl from the palm of his hand and sees real-time video from the on-board camera displayed on a smart phone. Nano-Owl is autonomous so there are no piloting skills required. It can fly for 20 minutes and can rapidly acquire tactical situational awareness from half a kilometre away. A user can remotely monitor an area of interest from the air, out of sight and out of danger. He can make better decisions, take fewer risks and ultimately save lives. The objective is to develop a pre-production prototype. This system will be used to validate core technology and build on know-how Swarm Systems has acquired over four years developing nano and micro UAS. It will inform the final production design phase. The preproduction prototype will also be used as a marketing tool to trial the product with potential customers. Swarm Systems believes that in the future, nano air vehicles will carry out tasks in swarms and work collaboratively to solve real world problems. Through the choice of its Company name and its strategy, it is positioning itself to be a major player in that future.