Sagetech Avionics receives $12 million investment

White Salmon, Washington-headquartered Sagetech Avionics Inc. has received a $12 million investment from Due West Partners, a Seattle, Washington-based private investment firm. The investment will accelerate Sagetech’s unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) detect and avoid (DAA) capability.

Sagetech Avionics recently demonstrated detect and avoid on UAV Factory’s Penguin C aircraft as part of a Phase 1 Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) for the United States Air Force.

Sagetech has been collaborating with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to test algorithms for ACAS X, the next generation of airborne collision avoidance that’s become an international standard. ACAS X uses advanced algorithmic techniques and probabilistic models to obtain the safest and best possible collision avoidance system for all piloted and unpiloted aircraft.

Credit GA-ASI

UK orders 13 additional GA-ASI Protectors

The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has exercised its contract option with San Diego, California-based General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. (GA-ASI) to manufacture and deliver 13 additional Protector RG Mk1 Remotely Piloted Air Systems (RPAS) to the MoD’s initial order for three systems.

“The Protector program involves industry across the UK with vital parts of the aircraft manufactured on the Isle of Wight, supporting highly skilled jobs for years to come,” says Jeremy Quin, UK Minister for Defense Procurement.

GKN Aerospace is manufacturing the advanced composite V-tails for the MQ-9B at its center of excellence in Cowes, the Isle of Wight.

GA-ASI’s MQ-9B SkyGuardian is the baseline system being configured for the Royal Air Force (RAF) as the Protector RG Mk1. It includes X-band satellite communications (SATCOM) for automatic takeoff and landing and support for UK weapon systems, as well as the aircraft’s onboard sensors, including its electro-optical sensor ball and Lynx multi-mode radar.