Replies to post #142946 on World Surveillance Group Inc (fka WSGI)

[indyjonesohio]

For WSGI, physics is our friend. RF propagation is input power dependent. Low power signals only go short distances. Using an Argus to sneak in and plant a relay or loiter overhead to receive and retransmit low power data feeds addresses this problem IMO.

When I talked about Glenn networking, remember the AUVSI photo of Glenn and Monica Dumitriu of Ohio Aerospace Institute (OAI)? Formal and informal partnerships, as I said. You don't do 8-K's on informal alliances. EWA's Dayton office has direct contact with AFRL as does OAI. IMO WSGI is only one degree of separation--a phone call and a handshake away from AFRL engagement. Maybe closer and I just haven't heard about it yet. I have recently learned I have some significant blind spots with regard to WSGI activities. I love it!

Prediction with no data only my gut--AFRL will be a listed WSGI partner by the end of 2013. JMHO. Full disclosure, we have an office in Dayton. Thanks for generously sharing your thoughts, Ren. Warm regards, IndyJonesOhio.

[indyjonesohio]

Because this technology is in its infancy, terms have different meanings in different contexts. We use the term Micro Aerial Vehicle for HTA UAS platforms under 4.4 pounds--2 kilograms. This has specific value in a FAA context for North American first responders. Your video is the USAF concept of Micro which is probably less than 1/2 a pound (I have yet to encounter a written USAF definition for Micro). They have Small, Micro and Nano--and with Nano I think they mean REAL DARPA Nano--flea-sized.

If we are talking about a strike platform in order to arm an Argus it is probably in the 5KG and under size--this is the definition the Australian Air Force uses for MAV. The extra weight is needed for an adequate warhead/munition. And, something like the Argus would be needed to carry it. The result, however, is a second or third tier military with the power to strike with a PGM at 100+ miles for under $6M US. Ideally we would want the actual expendable MAV/munition to be under $20K--this is about 1/2 the cost of one Israeli Iron Dome missile. Just wanted to clarify, Ren, the MAV designation can be confusing. Fun stuff! IJO