Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • QinetiQ brings autonomy expertise to European research programme

Defence Events

QinetiQ brings autonomy expertise to European research programme

QinetiQ is to play a pivotal role in OCEAN2020, the first research programme awarded by the European Defence Agency as part of its European Defence Fund initiative.

Above: Autonomous air and maritime vehicles at Unmanned Warrior.
Courtesy QinetiQ

On 12 January 2018, following a competitive selection process, the European Defence Agency announced the award of the OCEAN2020 contract to a consortium led by Leonardo, comprising 42 partners from 15 European countries. The programme will explore deeper integration of unmanned platforms in maritime surveillance missions, with QinetiQ contributing its expertise in the command and control of multiple autonomous vehicles. The activity will build on the success of 2016’s Unmanned Warrior multinational naval exercise.

Advertisement
ODU RT

Bill Biggs, QinetiQ lead on Autonomy, said: “This is great news – it gives us a real platform to work with exciting partners, broadening and deepening what we achieved in Unmanned Warrior.  We are investing significantly in this area, and collaborative international projects are a key part of our strategy.” 

The research programme will build up to two live demonstrations; the first in the Mediterranean in 2019 and the second in the Baltic in 2020, both involving navies from multiple nations. During the demonstrations, QinetiQ will deploy an enhanced version of the Autonomous Control Exploitation Realisation (ACER) system, built for the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) under the Maritime Autonomous Platform Exploitation (MAPLE) programme. ACER will enable the integration of multiple unmanned platforms (fixed wing, rotary wing, surface and underwater) with naval units’ command and control centres.

Biggs added: “We are very pleased to have had the full support of Dstl and the Royal Navy as part of this proposal and look forward to working with them and the OCEAN2020 team in what will be a ground breaking project for maritime autonomy.”

Advertisement
Advanced Engineering RT

Two smaller UK companies are partnering with QinetiQ as part of the project; Seiche Autonaut Ltd will provide their revolutionary wave powered unmanned surface vehicle and Blue Bear Systems Research will bring advanced autonomy software and their Blackstart unmanned air system.

 

Advertisement
Advanced Navigation LB 1
NATO DIANA expands network

Defence

NATO DIANA expands network

18 March 2024

NATO Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) is significantly expanding its transatlantic network of accelerator sites and test centres - doubling in size to more than 200 affiliated sites - which includes five additional UK test centres.

DE&S partners with McLaren Racing to drive innovation

Defence

DE&S partners with McLaren Racing to drive innovation

18 March 2024

DE&S’ Future Capability Innovation team will collaborate with McLaren Racing to apply motorsport innovation, insights and a high-performance mindset into projects across DE&S and the wider MoD.

DE&S procures 14 extended-range Chinooks

Defence

DE&S procures 14 extended-range Chinooks

18 March 2024

The UK’s heavy-lift helicopter capability will be bolstered by the purchase by DE&S of 14 extended-range Chinooks H-47(ER), which will pump an estimated £151 million into the economy.

BAE Systems to continue US Navy MDC5ISR support

Defence

BAE Systems to continue US Navy MDC5ISR support

18 March 2024

The US Navy has awarded BAE Systems a contract worth approximately $86 million to continue supporting its Mobile Deployable Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Combat Systems, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (MDC5ISR) programmes.

Advertisement
Farsound RT 2
Rolls-Royce to open new offices in Cardiff and Glasgow

Defence

Rolls-Royce to open new offices in Cardiff and Glasgow

14 March 2024

Rolls-Royce Submarines have announced plans to open new offices in Cardiff and Glasgow to attract the best talent and meet growth in demand from the Royal Navy and the recent AUKUS announcement.

ODU to showcase AMC range at DPRTE 2024

Defence Events

ODU to showcase AMC range at DPRTE 2024

14 March 2024

ODU will be showcasing their latest military connector technology solutions at DPRTE - being held 27th March 2024 at the Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre - including their Advanced Military Connector (AMC) range.

Advertisement
Advanced Navigation RT