SKELDAR V-200 deploys optical radar system ViDAR in a tailored multiple camera configuration 

Today at Paris Air Show 2017, UMS Skeldar announces an agreement with Sentient Vision Systems to provide a ViDAR (Visual identification Detection and Ranging) system for its unmanned systems.

UMS Skeldar will incorporate the ViDAR payload into its SKELDAR V-200 Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) system, deploying 5-10 cameras, providing between 180 and an optimal 360-degree maritime domain awareness.

ViDAR is a wide area autonomous detection system for electro-optic imagery in the maritime domain, “enabling coverage over 80 times the ocean’s surface compared with existing electro-optic sensors,” according to the companies. ViDAR transforms the utility of tactical UAS’s by giving them a ‘find’ function; and while operators typically must rely on larger, more expensive aircraft to detect objects in the ocean, ViDAR provides the find capability in a smaller, more cost-effective payload, says UMS Skeldar at Paris Air Show.

“SKELDAR V-200 became part of our world-beating portfolio when Saab teamed up with UMS AERO just two years ago,” Axel Cavalli-Björkman, CEO of the Swedish-Swiss joint venture between Saab and UMS Aero Group, explains. “Already recognised as the ideal UAV platform for navies worldwide and a range of maritime scenarios, development of this NATO-compliant platform is our strategic focus spearheading expansion of the business amongst maritime, military and civilian customers in global markets.” 

David Willems, UMS Skeldar’s Head of Business Development, explains that the incorporation of the ViDAR payload from Sentient was a logical extension of the strategy to ensure the dominance of SKELDAR V-200 in the maritime domain: “As we develop our maritime customer base, ViDAR is complementary to our on-board and payload capabilities, and will play an important role in developing our footprint for both ISR (intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance) and SAR (search and rescue) operations.”

“ViDAR proved during demonstrations to both the US Coast Guard and to the Royal Navy in late 2016 just how much of a game changing technology it can be for finding small objects over wide areas of the open ocean – transforming maritime domain awareness,” Simon Olsen, Sentient’s Director of Business Development, Strategy and Partnerships, says. “The opportunity to now provide ViDAR with SKELDAR V-200 provides our customers with a truly game changing small footprint, highly capable solution for small and large vessels alike.”