Skyfront Active Terrain-Following

Skyfront UAVs like the Perimeter 8 shown are now equipped to fly autonomously meters from the ground for hours at a time, detecting improvised explosive devices (IEDs), conducting resource exploration, discovering unexploded ordnance, and finding oil wellheads. The Skyfront system integrates active RADAR terrain sensing and UgCS mission planning software to respond to the terrain by calculating and adjusting flight altitude based on a continuous stream of incoming measurements. The system can operate in hot temperatures and over water, allowing Skyfront drones to visualize complex trajectories in rugged terrain prior to takeoff and course correct in real time. Integrated into the Skyfront platform—propelled by the company’s hybrid-electric powertrain—the UAV can fly close to steep hills for hours and cover hundreds of acres in a single flight. Skyfront CEO Tory Mestler…