Codarra Advanced Systems has sold five short-range unmanned air vehicles (UAVs), with three going to an unnamed military customer, possibly the Australian Army Special Air Services (SAS) special forces. The other two are going to an unnamed Australian research agency.
The system comprises an electrically powered UAV carrying two TV cameras, a VHF data terminal, GPS satellite-navigation receiver and autopilot. The ground station comprises one lap-top computer.
The sensor suite is a spin-off from a counter-terrorism contract awarded to Codarra in 1998 to support the SAS during the Olympic Games in Sydney.
Codarra managing director Warren Williams says UAV development will be finalised by the end of November, with initial deliveries in early 2001. The company is exploring alternative batteries to provide powered flight for up to 1h and a range of 40km (22nm).
Source: Flight International
