Unmanned Aerial Systems, the Major Figures at the Polytechnic

Launch of one of the mini Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (Photo:Army)

Searcher models deployed in Herat (Photo:Army)

The future assets and capabilities of Unmanned Aerial Systems were the object of the lecture that the commander of the Army Staff Operations Division, General Fernando Alejandre, delivered within the conference devoted to this equipment; it was held on 1st December at the Polytechnic University of Madrid’s Paraninfo auditorium.

His voice is one of the most authorised in this field, given that the Army has been working for three years with these systems ‘in combat situation’, and their contribution in support of the troops deployed in Afghanistan has become vital and indispensable.

At present, there are two Autonomous Sensorised Intelligence Platforms, with 6 searcher model craft and 14 Raven systems, with 42 mini Unmanned Aerial Vehicles of the same name; the third of these systems is the Integrated Air Surveillance System, of which there is only one, the property of the National Institute of Aerospace Technology, which has never left Spain, but has been ‘essential’ for the flight of the Autonomous Sensorised Intelligence Platforms.

An Operational Need

Their acquisition, between the end of 2007 and the beginning of 2008, was precisely the response to an operational need that was detected on this mission and which has not diminished in demand. Therefore, in 2012, the Autonomous Sensorised Intelligence Platform unit is going to split into two, being maintained in Herat and as its new location adding that of Qala i Naw (Badghis).

The objective is to achieve greater range, overcoming the mountain range found between the two provinces. The usual missions that these systems undertake are those of search and location of hostile elements, accompanying convoys in movement and route surveillance.

Thanks to the experience acquired, the constant flow of information contributed by those returning from the area and the large number of trained personnel (flight and camera operators, mechanics and electronics technicians) their contribution is very valuable to the units. In the seminar, promoted by the Circle of Technologies for Defence and Security, in collaboration with the Air Force, other military officers from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Defence ministry participated, as well as representatives from enterprises in the sector, the university and public organisations.