Work will be performed in Hunt Valley, Md., with an estimated completion date of Oct. 31. One bid was solicited and one bid was received. U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity.

This opportunity to participate in the Swedish National Aviation Engineering Research Programme is recognition of the quality of our software research. Conducting our research in cooperation with the government also substantially increases our room for manoeuvre," says Harald Klomp, the Managing Director of IMINT.  

Within the framework of the Swedish National Aviation Engineering Research Programme (NFFP), Vinnova has awarded SEK 1.2 million to IMINT for its image analysis research for reconnaissance aircraft. The three-year funding is to be matched by IMINT, bringing a total investment of SEK 2.4 million. Aerial reconnaissance is a fast-growing sector, experiencing rapid technological development driven by high demand, predominately from within international peacekeeping operations, where the aim is to protect soldiers as well as civilians. However, there is substantial market growth within civil security, border surveillance, environmental monitoring and more.  

IMINT is now developing software that improves the quality and clarity of video from unmanned reconnaissance aircraft for missions that are risky or require continuous surveillance. The image information presents a basis for decision making, with the image quality being vital for its correct interpretation. "Our software stabilises video, removes motion blur, increases the resolution and combines several images into mosaics, among other things," says Harald Klomp, Managing Director of IMINT.  

IMINT's research is compatible with aerial projects that have previously received funding within the framework of the NFFP, such as Gripen-Demo, Sharc, Filur, Neuron and Skeldar.  

For further information:
Image Intelligence - IMINT AB, Harald Klomp, Managing Director
Telephone: +46 70 962 10 63 E-mail: harald (at) imintab.se 

IMINT
IMINT is in the process of developing software that improves the quality and clarity of video from unmanned aircraft in various types of aerial reconnaissance. IMINT is a member of UIC Business Accelerator.
http://www.imint.aero 

Swedish National Aviation Engineering Research Programme (NFFP)
As part of the aviation engineering research in Sweden, NFFP aims to help promote the competitiveness of Swedish industry. It also endeavours to increase Sweden's capacity to actively participate in and benefit from international research and technological collaboration. For further information about NFFP: http://www.vinnova.se/In-English/Activities/Transportation/Aviation-Engineering-Research-/

This new prime contract brings Kutta's total BDRVT funding to over $6 M. The contract will be administered by US Army Aviation Applied Technology Directorate (AATD) and the Project Manager for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (PM UAS). Kutta will use the funding to develop the algorithm to the Army's Aviation Engineering Directorate's safety standards, thoroughly test the algorithm, and eventually deploy it onboard unmanned systems platforms. 

Kutta's software-based BDRVT system allows minimally-trained soldiers to control a camera onboard a UAS to track fixed and moving targets. It also allows the UAS operator to track himself in a stationary position or while on the move and to survey routes and areas of interest. "The Keep-In algorithm development is a perfect fit for Kutta. It allows us to leverage our software expertise in developing systems to DO-178B and the Army's Airworthiness Standards, says Matthew Savoca, President of Kutta Technologies. "Certification of the SAV keep-In algorithm will ensure safe and effective UAS operations and prevent controlled flight into terrain while in Bi-Directional mode. It is absolutely critical to the flight certification of the BDRVT system", states Lars Erricsson, PM UAS Chief Scientist. 

Kutta worked closely with personnel at AATD and PM UAS to develop the user interface that provides upgraded functionality while maintaining all the features of the One System Remote Video Terminal (OSRVT™). The BDRVT is equipped with an improved sensor footprint and footprint history feature that includes terrain shadowing effects, easy-to-use camera controls to lock onto fixed and moving targets, and the ability for the operator to command the payload to stare at a selected location (e.g. side of building) or survey a route or area of interest.  

Kutta is based in Phoenix, AZ and markets several Unmanned System Products. Kutta's core competencies in UAVs and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-approved software and systems development made them a perfect candidate for integrating this new technology into the U.S. Army's OneSystem™. The BDRVT is an extension of Kutta's Unified Ground Control Station (UGCS) technology that was developed under an Army SBIR from AATD. 

For more information about Kutta, visit www.KuttaTech.com.

This new prime contract brings Kutta's total BDRVT funding to $5.6 M. The Army's CPP contract will be administered by US Army Aviation Applied Technology Directorate (AATD) and the Project Manager for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (PM UAS). Kutta will use the new funds to test the BDRVT User Interfaces with soldiers and develop an innovative route and area search algorithm. Based upon certain specifics about the search, the algorithm considers terrain, the camera's sensor footprint on terrain, and several other undisclosed parameters to plan a safe and effective route to gather the electro-optical and/or infrared imagery autonomously. 

Kutta's software-based BDRVT system allows minimally-trained soldiers to control a camera onboard a UAS to track fixed and moving targets. It also allows the UAS operator to track himself in a stationary position or while on the move (e.g. convoy operations). "With this new route and area search technology, soldiers can easily survey ingress and egress convoy routes, search user-designated areas, and perform search and rescue operations in the most efficient manner. The BDRVT will evolve from point and stare type missions to full-blown UAS mission ops typically reserved for large ground control stations, says Jeff Getzlaff, Technical Program Manager for Kutta Technologies. "We've done a great deal of research on these types of algorithms at AATD", stated Ray Higgins, AATD's Project Engineer. "It is great to see some of this applied research being fielded with existing platforms. It will truly push the real-time UAS imagery into the hands of the soldiers where it is needed most", Higgins added. "With the ability to test the user interface prior to deployment, we will ensure the user interfaces are safe, easy to understand, and allow the operator to effectively accomplish UAS missions", added Lars Ericsson, PM UAS Chief Scientist. 

Kutta worked closely with personnel at AATD and PM UAS to develop the user interface that provides upgraded functionality while maintaining all the features of the Army's One System Remote Video Terminal (OSRVT™). The BDRVT is equipped with an improved sensor footprint and footprint history feature that includes terrain shadowing effects, easy-to-use camera controls to lock onto fixed and moving targets, and the ability for the operator to command the payload to stare at a selected location (e.g. side of building). 

Kutta is based in Phoenix, AZ and markets several Unmanned System Products. Kutta's core competencies in UAVs and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-approved software and systems development made them a perfect candidate for integrating this new technology into the U.S. Army's OneSystem™. The BDRVT is an extension of Kutta's Unified Ground Control Station (UGCS) technology that was developed under an Army SBIR from AATD. 

For more information about Kutta, visit www.KuttaTech.com.

In news related to those sales, in August 2008, AAI announced that it has been selected to support RQ-7B Shadow Tactical Unmanned Aircraft Systems (TUAS) training for Army National Guard units. AAI uses the MetaVR 3D visualization software licenses to provide the embedded 3D synthetic payload visualization system for training Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) operators for the GCS that are manufactured for the U.S. Army. 

Since 2002, AAI has purchased 328 MetaVR Virtual Reality Scene Generator (VRSG) licenses to support the Hunter, Shadow TUAS, and Warrior Extended-Range Multi-Purpose (ERMP) unmanned aerial systems, and most recently their new RQ-7B trainer.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

New 50 Mega Pixel Camera delivers incredible Image Quality  

XMV-50100 Camera Delivers Incredible resolution and will revolutionize the imaging industry.  

Minnetonka, MN, October 7, 2008 - illunis LLC, mega pixel and custom OEM camera specialist, today introduces their latest camera, the XMV 50100, a 50 Mega Pixel camera based on the Eastman Kodak KAF-50100 sensor.
The XMV-50100 offers an incredible resolution (8,176 x 6,132) with additional features such as 14 bit ADC, 2 or 4 tap operation, integrated shutter control, advanced triggering and CCD read-out control. On-screen tools allow for analyzing line/columns and text overlay 

"This announcement demonstrates illunis's commitment to high performance imaging and innovation for Industrial, Scientific, and Military market applications", said Erik Vermeulen, Director of Sales and Marketing "By continually enhancing the performance of our products, we not only maintain our market leadership position but continue to meet the changing needs of our customers. illunis again sets the standard for high performance imaging. The XMV-50100 provides extreme performance at a very affordable price"  

The XMV-50100 will be available at the Vision 2008 show in Stuttgart, Germany, November 4-6 and illunis LLC invites people to stop by booth 6D62 

About illunis LLC
Committed to being the world's leading supplier of digital imaging solutions for high performance imaging markets, illunis LLC solves its customers' needs by focusing on developing, manufacturing, and marketing leading edge solid state CCD and CMOS digital cameras for Industrial, Scientific, Military, and Aerial applications. illunis LLC strategy is to identify and market imaging solutions that provide value to OEM partners.  

Editor's Note: For additional information about illunis LLC, visit our web site on the Internet at: www.illunis.com 

illunis LLC, 14700 Excelsior Blvd, Minnetonka, MN 55345, (952) 975 9203, info@illunis.com 

GAINESVILLE, FL, October 1, 2008 - Prioria Robotics, Inc., a pioneer in embedded systems and intelligent Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) hired The ASTA Group, and its Senior Associate, United States Air Force Reserve Col. (retired) Janice Manijak Morrow to consult for its UAS Division. Aimed at helping organizations achieve mission growth, ASTA offers years of experience in the implementation of transformational initiatives for commercial, private, and government sectors of the global business market. 

Morrow, recipient of the 2004 Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) Al Aube Outstanding Contributor Award, and Legion of Merit Medal, was an early advocate for the integration of unmanned systems into United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) and Air Force's mission sets. The Legion of Merit and AUVSI awards recognized both her "visionary leadership" and the achievement of Headquarters, Air Force Special Operations Command (HQ AFSOC) designation as lead command for all Small UAS (SUAS) in the AF, and all UAS efforts for USSOCOM. During her tenure at AFSOC, she orchestrated one of the most dynamic changes within the United States Air Force - the recognition of small unmanned systems and the role they play in the overall sight picture for unmanned systems integrated into the Air Force Mission. 

Morrow stated, "the Maveric SUAS is the new, smart intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) and target tracking kid on the block." Military, other government agencies (OGAs) and commercially desirable features include: on-board vision processing, "see and avoid (SAA)" capability, target tracking, a forward-look camera, retractable gimbaled payload, advanced composite materials, and customizable, interchangeable pod section. These features deliver ISR and target tracking capabilities with a minimal footprint. "I have no doubt [Maveric] affords the operator more diverse capabilities at their fingertips while minimizing operator risk and exposure." 

ASTA is supporting Prioria with a strategy to increase awareness of Maveric among the Services, coalition partners, OGAs, and commercial industries. Ultimately, Morrow sees this new breed of SUAS joining the expanding UAS fold, particularly those in use by the military. Her knowledge of mission requirements in general, and those regarding Special Oin particular, uniquely qualifies her to help place
this customizable, ISR target tracking toolkit into the capable hands of UAS operators intheater. 

"Colonel Morrow saw our briefing on the Maveric and told her colleagues she believed the system possessed a number of diamonds for a new generation of hand launched SUAS. Her insight and experience will help us deliver a tool to the warfighter and others to meet mission requirements and save lives," says Bryan da Frota, CEO of Prioria. "The AUVSI award summed up her impact on transformation for the warfighter," da Frota continued. "While our warriors experience the first fruits of her efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan, future generations will continue to reap the benefits and see the true significance of the accomplishments of this great officer and leader." 

As the demand for unmanned systems has grown over the past few years, Prioria's vision focused on the future need for smarter, more adaptable capabilities. Morrow believes that day is now. "Some of these diamonds consist of the smarts, logistics, and supportability, system operators need. My experience bringing the Raven and Pointer SUAS in the SPECOP and AF folds has given me the appreciation for Maveric. It's unlike any other bird I've run across as a primary tool for our operators. I have faith in the Prioria technology and the team behind it. Maveric will prosecute mission tasks in a more ‘smart, surgical way,' while checking six for our operators." 

ABOUT PRIORIA ROBOTICS, INC.: Prioria is a Gainesville, Florida based company dedicated to making UAS's smarter. It offers not only its Maveric™ UAS, but helps design and integrate smart processes in existing UASs via its Merlin™ platform. 

Contact Info:
Derek Lyons, Business Development
(352) 505-2188, Ext. 107 or derek.lyons@prioria.com.
www.prioria.com.
Search www.youtube.com - Prioria Maveric™ - for videos 

ABOUT THE ASTA GROUP, LLC.: The ASTA Group is a woman-owned small business providing thought leadership and strategic visioning for clients committed to achieving growth in their business. The ASTA Group … Achieve Growth. 

Contact Info:
Leslie Mauger, Senior Associate
(850) 502-7111, or leslie.mauger@theastagroup.com
www.TheASTAGroup.com

Kutta's software-based BDRVT system allows minimally-trained soldiers to control a camera onboard a UAS to track fixed and moving targets. It also allows the UAS operator to track himself in a stationary position or while on the move (e.g. convoy operations). "This technology will put key real-time reconnaissance capabilities in the hands of our front-line soldiers. It will protect our forces from ambushes, increase the operational tempo of war, and allow convoys to scout areas for potential improvised explosive devices (IEDs). This technology will dramatically change the way the Army fights," says Doug Limbaugh, CEO of Kutta Technologies. 

Kutta worked closely with personnel at AATD and PM UAS to develop the user interface that provides upgraded functionality while maintaining all the features of the OSRVT. The BDRVT is equipped with an improved sensor footprint and footprint history feature that includes terrain shadowing effects, easy-to-use camera controls to lock onto fixed and moving targets, and the ability for the operator to command the payload to stare at a designated side of a building. 

Kutta is based in Phoenix, AZ and markets several Unmanned System Products. Kutta's core competencies in UAVs and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-approved software and systems development made them a perfect candidate for integrating this new technology into the U.S. Army's OneSystem™. The BDRVT is an extension of Kutta's Unified Ground Control Station (UGCS) technology that was developed under an Army SBIR from AATD. 

For more information about Kutta, visit www.KuttaTech.com.

Kutta's software-based BDRVT system allows minimally-trained soldiers to control a camera onboard a UAS to track fixed and moving targets. It also allows the UAS operator to track himself in a stationary position or while on the move (e.g. convoy operations). "This technology will put key real-time reconnaissance capabilities in the hands of our front-line soldiers. It will protect our forces from ambushes, increase the operational tempo of war, and allow convoys to scout areas for potential improvised explosive devices (IEDs). This technology will dramatically change the way the Army fights," says Doug Limbaugh, CEO of Kutta Technologies. 

Kutta worked closely with personnel at AATD and PM UAS to develop the user interface that provides upgraded functionality while maintaining all the features of the OSRVT. The BDRVT is equipped with an improved sensor footprint and footprint history feature that includes terrain shadowing effects, easy-to-use camera controls to lock onto fixed and moving targets, and the ability for the operator to command the payload to stare at a designated side of a building. 

Kutta is based in Phoenix, AZ and markets several Unmanned System Products. Kutta's core competencies in UAVs and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-approved software and systems development made them a perfect candidate for integrating this new technology into the U.S. Army's OneSystem™. The BDRVT is an extension of Kutta's Unified Ground Control Station (UGCS) technology that was developed under an Army SBIR from AATD. 

For more information about Kutta, visit www.KuttaTech.com.

ISE Receives Distinguished MTS Compass International Award  

PORT COQUITLAM, BC – International Submarine Engineering Ltd received the Marine Technology Society Compass International Award on September 16, 2008.  The award was gratefully accepted by Dr. James McFarlane, President of ISE during the Awards Luncheon at the MTS/IEEE Oceans 2008 Conference in Quebec City, Canada. 

ISE Ltd is a world leader in developing autonomous underwater vehicles, remotely operated vehicles, manned submersibles and robotic platforms.  For 34 years, ISE’s technological advancements have paved the way for many in applications designed for science and research, industry, military, and rescue.  Vehicles have also been built for recreational usage.  Years later, ISE’s vehicles perform just as successfully as they did when they were first built, such as MBARI’s ROV Ventana.   Ventana marked its 3000th dive in May, 2007 after eighteen years of operation. 

ISE has made major contributions to the development of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs).  The company led the development of Theseus in the Arctic where it laid cable beneath ice-covered waters.  More recently, it has developed the Explorer line of AUVs whose value is exemplified by the experience of the University of Southern Mississippi where a novice university team was able to assume full responsibility for operating Explorer with only a modest amount of training. 

ISE has also made important contributions to the understanding of technology.  This was best displayed recently by a major commitment of the ISE staff, especially Dr. Jim McFarlane, to the Oceans 2007 Conference held in Vancouver, BC.  This event introduced the marine technology community to the resources and expertise in Vancouver and broadened the horizons of MTS membership in North America. 

This prestigious award is the second award ISE has received from Marine Technology Society, the first being the MTS Compass Industrial Award in 1984.  

ABOUT INTERNATIONAL SUBMARINE ENGINEERING LTD. 

Based in British Columbia, Canada, International Submarine Engineering Ltd has been involved in the design and development of autonomous and remotely operated vehicles for over 30 years.  ISE’s experience is represented by the over 210 underwater vehicles built and delivered to clients in 20 countries. 

International Submarine Engineering Ltd.
1734 Broadway Street
Port Coquitlam, BC  V3C 2M8
Tel 604-942-5223 Fax 604-942-7577
www.ise.bc.ca   info@ise.bc.ca

23.09.2008 – Dulles, VA
New Player Emerges on the Inertial Product Market – Innalabs Holding, Inc. 

Today the list of manufacturers on the inertial product market has appended with one more participant – Innalabs Holding Inc. The company has announced its official entrance to the inertial product market offering high-accuracy AHRS’s (Attitude and Heading Reference Systems), high- precision accelerometers, and medium-accuracy gyros to customers all over the world.
Due to its patented technologies and know-how, Innalabs intends to compete with such market giants as Honeywell, Litef, Crossbow, and others.

Innalabs’ high-accuracy AHRS units have different levels of performance: high-accuracy AHRS’s and low-cost miniAHRS’s. Among the high-accuracy AHRS features, we can name the following:
-Real-time high-accuracy roll, pitch, and heading angles in dynamic environment
-3-axis gyro, accelerometer and magnetometer outputs
-Fully compensated over wide temperature range
-Small dimensions
-Low power consumption
-Shock & vibration resistant
-Environmentally sealed case
-RS-232 serial outputs (USB outputs are optional) 

Innalabs’ AHRS units can be used for land vehicle control, in remotely operated vehicles, in avionics systems, for platform stabilization and robotics. 

Innalabs’ high-accuracy navigation-grade pendulous compensation accelerometers (with a bias one-year composite repeatability of better than 220 µg) are produced with three different ranges: ±2.5 g, ±30 g, and ±60 g. They are suitable for aircraft, marine, rail, and industrial applications, helicopters, UAVs, tilt sensing, missiles, and robots. 

The Innalabs’ medium-accuracy solid-state gyroscope advantages include:
-High bias stability: 1 deg/h (1 sigma, Allan variance) at the room temperature
-Low noise
-Light weight
-Long life and high reliability
-Excellent vibration performance
-Free for export
-Low price 

They are ideal for severe operation conditions like high shocks, large electromagnetic fields, and vibrations, and suitable for various applications, including land vehicle control, remotely operated vehicles, avionics systems, borehole surveying, missiles, naval equipment, platform stabilization, robotics, etc. 

Innalabs’ high-accuracy fluxgate magnetometers are able to operate in hostile environments and their applications include OEM magnetic field measuring, fluxgate compass systems, magnetic anomaly detection, navigation, automotive traffic control, etc. 

Innalabs has a strong R&D team and several state-of-the-art testing laboratories. At present, the following Innalabs’ projects are under development: Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), Gyrocompass, automotive Event Data Recorder (EDR), Autopilot, etc.  

To learn more about Innalabs and its products, please visit the company's Web site at www.innalabs.com. 

ISE's Jim McFarlane Receives MTS Compass Distinguished Achievement Award  

PORT COQUITLAM, BC - Dr. James R. McFarlane, President of International Submarine Engineering Ltd has received the prestigious Compass Distinguished Achievement Award from the Marine Technology Society.  The award was presented on September 16, 2008 at the MTS/IEEE Oceans '08 Conference held in Quebec City, Canada. 

Dr. McFarlane is honoured for his outstanding technological leadership in AUVs, ROVs, manned submersibles and robotic platforms.  A pioneer in this field, Dr. McFarlane's industry career launched after leaving the Canadian Navy almost forty years ago where he earned a Master of Science in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering.  He then joined International Hydrodynamics as Vice President of Engineering during the development of such manned submersibles as Pisces, Aquarius and Taurus.  In 1974 he formed International Submarine Engineering Ltd., where one of the most notable AUV developments occurred - Theseus, the first AUV to perform under ice operation.  Among the various AUV groups at the time, these operations were considered to be the most advanced demonstration of AUV capability.  During the missions, Theseus established a record for a distance run of 460 km - all of it under the ice. 

An outstanding contributor to marine technology, Dr. Jim McFarlane has provided industry with a legion of under sea development accomplishments that started with recognizing the need for remotely operated vehicles in both military and industry applications.  He has received a number of industry awards during his distinguished career including an MTS Compass Industrial Award, an IEEE Engineer of the Year Award, the Joseph F. Engelberger Award for Technical Development, a Governor General of Canada Golden Jubilee Medal, and the Officer of the Order of Canada.  These awards combine with Dr. McFarlane's four Honorary Doctorates in Engineering, Science and Military Science. 

ABOUT INTERNATIONAL SUBMARINE ENGINEERING LTD. 

Based in British Columbia, Canada, International Submarine Engineering Ltd has been involved in the design and development of autonomous and remotely operated vehicles for over 30 years.  ISE's experience is represented by the over 210 underwater vehicles built and delivered to clients in 20 countries. 

International Submarine Engineering Ltd.
1734 Broadway Street
Port Coquitlam, BC  V3C 2M8
Tel 604-942-5223 Fax 604-942-7577
www.ise.bc.ca   info@ise.bc.ca