C-Astral, the Slovenia based integrator of small unmanned systems and a member of the Terra Drone group, has been successfully fielding its new mini UAS ATLAS C4EYE (Advanced Technology Light Acquisition/ATAK System) in a series of closed trials, involving the cooperation of manned, unmanned and NATO JTAC assets.
ATLAS C4EYE advanced water-resistant mini UAS Unmanned Aerial System. (Picture source C-Astral)
ATLAS C4EYE is the most advanced water-resistant mini UAS. The 2.6 kg blended-wing-body platform has been going through a flight and feasibility testing phase and is now entering the operational phase, with multiple procurement contracts being currently negotiated.
The system is currently the most advanced mini UAS system in its category with more advanced capabilities than the industry standard RQ-11 Raven, including endurance, flexibility, sensors flexibility and maintainability.
The craft’s hull is also proofed to allow landing in water, due to the use of IP-67 rated connectors and seals across the UAV's sections. The system is capable of carrying multiple types of digital radio links, depending on the end-user and end-use. The modular structure and advanced power management systems, flight control and emergency flight control termination and C-Astral’s own C3P command, control, communications and planning software enable it to be easily integrated in larger C4I and C2 systems as well as for flight in controlled airspace.
The system can carry multiple ISR EO/IR combined payloads, with laser illuminator capabilities and several other imaging sensors with broad tactical use implications. The standard C-Astral silent parachute flight termination system is an integral part of the system.
The ATLAS can fly up to 5 km above sea level and is aimed at applications in defense, security, civil, and critical industrial infrastructure. A modular data link bay allows switching of different radios, frequencies, transponders, or encryption levels, for different missions and regulatory requirements. The ATLAS C4EYE will enable the members of the Terra Drone group to access one of the most advanced ISR capabilities in the market for a myriad of service missions.
Established in 2016, Terra Drone Corporation has quickly become one of the world’s largest industrial drone solution companies employing over 550 drone industry professionals. The company’s head office is located in Tokyo, Japan, and more than 25 branches are spread globally throughout Asia, Europe, Americas, Africa, and Oceania. Terra Drone provides innovative enterprise drone services for oil and gas, utilities, renewables, mining, construction, and GIS sectors, among others.
Previous investments include Unifly, which specializes in unmanned traffic management (UTM); C-Astral, which develops high-endurance fixed-wing UAVs; RoNik Inspectioneering, which provides wireless inspection services for confined spaces; Ventus Geospatial, which has patented gas leak detection technology; and Inkonova, which has developed SLAM technology for underground mines. Going forward, we will continue to invest in technology companies with cutting-edge solutions for drones.
