Carmenta has developed a demonstrator for advanced mission planning in 3D for autonomous BVLOS drones (Beyond Visual Line-of-Sight). The solution is intended to function as an additional remote sensor for the CV 90 and improve intelligence gathering. The drones can perform pre-programmed surveillance missions and communicate video information in real-time to the vehicle, making them an autonomous "loyal wingman" for combat vehicles. Several test flights have now been successfully conducted, Carmenta writes.
– Autonomous drones can be used to gather real-time data from the battlefield, providing valuable information for making informed decisions. It is an important development area for us, and the goal is to integrate this technology into the CV90. We are pleased with the promising results we have achieved so far in the project, says Stefan Thelin, Head of Technology, at BAE Systems Hägglunds in the press release.
The technical solution generates routes where the drone can move undetected by following the terrain and using line-of-sight analyses. Images and videos from the drone are overlaid on a 3D map and analysed using a VR headset from the Finnish mixed reality company Varjo.
By overlaying the drone's video on the 3D map, relevant intelligence information can be displayed, allowing multiple users with VR headsets to work together in the same environment.
– In recent years, Carmenta has developed adaptable and scalable functionality for planning and tactical routing of drones as part of several international UAS-related R&D projects. We are proud to have been selected as a partner to BAE Systems Hägglunds for the development and integration of autonomous drones for the CV90, says Torbjörn Lönnqvist, CEO of Carmenta.
Airolit is a Swedish drone company based in Gothenburg, founded in 2017. The company made headlines in 2022 when it raised over 13 million kronor through a new share issue and when former Säpo chief Klas Friberg joined the board.