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Freespace Operations’ Callisto 50 logistics drones have been trialled by the Australian Defence Force as a drone delivery system during Exercise Talisman Sabre 25.
The remotely piloted aircraft system, which can carry a 25-kilogram underslung payload with a maximum 40-minute flight time and a maximum 15-kilometre operating range, was tested as a possible delivery system for the Royal Australian Navy to receive crucial stores without having to launch a helicopter or off-task personnel.
The system, which weighs around 25 kilograms, can be piloted remotely or use maritime remote beacons on board ships to navigate automatically. It was trialled by personnel from the Navy Minor Project 1983.
Project lead Commander Andrew Watson said the concept behind uncrewed logistics systems was to relieve crewed systems, such as helicopters, from activities to allow crews to rest and increase the availability of those high-value assets.
“Uncrewed systems are cheaper to operate and can do so in a greater range of RADHAZ [radiation hazards] and sea states that crewed systems may be restricted from,” CMDR Watson said.
“They don’t require a ship to change course to recover the vehicle like it might with a helicopter, so it’ll be an effective bit of kit if we can get to that stage.”
Last year, the project conducted the first ship-to-ship fully automated vertical replenishment between HMAS Canberra and an LHD Landing Craft while underway using remote beacons.
“It’s definitely a first in Australia, for the fully automated process, and there are suggestions it’s the first time it’s been done in the world,” CMDR Watson said.
The uncrewed logistics concept was proved during a full mission run at Freshwater Beach on 25 July.
HMAS Choules, operating off Shoalwater Bay, requested the delivery of a repair part, which could not be obtained through traditional logistic means. The part was reverse-engineered, modelled and 3D-printed using the Deployable Additive Manufacture and Repair unit in Gladstone.
After setting up at Freshwater Beach, establishing communications and confirming the route, Choules activated its maritime remote beacons to guide the drone to its target.
The drone took off with its six-kilogram payload and traversed the 6.5 kilometres out to sea in just over eight minutes, taking up a loitering position behind Choules.
On the operator’s command, the drone touched the payload on deck, automatically released the payload and then navigated back to shore.
From set-up to return, the mission took less than an hour. CMDR Watson said it was a credit to the team that the activity came off flawlessly.
“It’s a significant step for Navy and the use of uncrewed systems in the maritime logistic space,” he said.
“It confirms our proof of concept and makes way for systems that will carry more and go greater distances. Our next iteration will be the Callisto 75 with a 3.5-hour endurance and a range of over 40km.”
