Melbourne-based Ascent Vision Technologies Australia (AVTA), a CACI company, will supply its CM234 sensor gimbal system into the new STRIX Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS) being developed by BAE Systems Australia, announced at Avalon Airshow this week.
The STRIX prototype, being developed by BAE Systems Australia and aerospace specialist company Innovaero, will be an autonomous vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) UAS for multiple tactical battlefield missions, primarily aiding ground and maritime forces.
AVTA said reconnaissance is a critical capability for the STRIX concept, providing mission-critical data for intelligence gathering, surveillance, reconnaissance, and deep-strike capabilities.
The company pointed out they provided the lightweight CM234 sensor for the concept demonstration, which has advanced optical, infrared scanning, and laser targeting options.
“We’re delighted to be part of the design and development of the STRIX UAS concept model at Avalon 2023,” said AVTA Managing Director, Dale Heinken.
The CM234 provides numerous sensor capabilities as well as laser payloads in a compact, lightweight, and powerful package, the AVTA official added.
A laser range finder, a laser target designator, a laser pointer, and high-resolution electro-optical (EO), mid-wave infrared (MWIR), and short-wave infrared (SWIR) sensors are all included in the STRIX concept model sensor, according to AVTA.
Meanwhile, BAE Systems Australia chief executive officer Ben Hudson said AVT Australia’s technology was a fundamental part of the STRIX UAS platform on display at Avalon.
“We are really pleased to be working with the team at AVTA and include the sensor gimbal system in STRIX,” Hudson said.
He added that STRIX will provide customers on the battlefield with new capabilities.
“Its success is leveraged with our strong focus on building a future sovereign supply chain around the platform and incorporating the expertise of Australian SMEs,” Hudson noted.
AVTA said it has been designing and manufacturing airborne gimbal systems in Australia for nearly 15 years and its national footprint includes operations in Victoria and New South Wales.
