The VXE30, the newest member of Edge Autonomy’s Stalker series of small unmanned aerial systems (UAS), has just received a game-changing upgrade. Sentient’s ViDAR sensors have been seamlessly integrated into the VXE30, unlocking a wide area search capability that elevates maritime operations to unprecedented levels of efficiency and effectiveness.
ViDAR, developed by Sentient, is a cutting-edge technology that harnesses the power of artificial intelligence (AI), computer vision, and machine learning. By integrating ViDAR with electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensors, the VXE30 becomes equipped with a passive detection system capable of identifying objects that are typically challenging to detect using conventional radar or the human eye.
Since its inception in 2015, ViDAR has proven its mettle in numerous missions, ranging from intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) to maritime patrol, border protection, and search and rescue operations. Thanks to the exceptional capabilities of ViDAR, it has become an indispensable tool in detecting objects in extreme conditions, with Sea State 6 being the highest threshold of ocean roughness in which ViDAR has showcased its efficient performance.
Sentient has consistently pushed the boundaries of innovation, and with ViDAR’s latest evolution, they have managed to create a compact, lightweight, and low power form factor suitable for deployment on small Group 2/NATO Class 1 UAS like the VXE30. This remarkable advancement broadens the range of UAS platforms that can now benefit from ViDAR technology.
With successful demonstrations on various UAS platforms such as Shield AI’s V-BAT, Insitu’s ScanEagle, Skeldar V-200, Schiebel S-100 Camcopter, and planned inclusion on MH-60R Seahawk helicopters, Sentient’s ViDAR continues to solidify its position as the industry standard for wide area imagery and passive object detection.
FAQ:
Q: What is ViDAR?
A: ViDAR is a state-of-the-art technology developed by Sentient that combines AI, computer vision, and machine learning with EO/IR sensors to passively detect objects that are difficult to spot visually or identify with traditional radar.
Q: In which conditions has ViDAR proven its efficiency?
A: ViDAR has shown reliable performance in extreme conditions up to Sea State 6, characterized by significant wave heights ranging from 4 to 6 meters, which is considered very rough sea conditions.
Q: What types of missions has ViDAR been deployed on?
A: ViDAR has been utilized in a wide range of missions, including intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), maritime patrol and border protection, as well as search and rescue operations.
Q: Can ViDAR be integrated into different UAS platforms?
A: Yes, ViDAR has been successfully demonstrated on various UAS platforms, including the VXE30, Shield AI’s V-BAT, Insitu’s ScanEagle, Skeldar V-200, Schiebel S-100 Camcopter, and future plans for integration on MH-60R Seahawk helicopters.