11 January 2021

Spain's Escribano readies UAV swarm system for demonstration

by David Ing

Spanish company Escribano Mechanical and Engineering have been awarded a contract to further develop a swarming system for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) applications that will enable these vehicles to autonomously carry out most tasks.

The main role of the Long Range Intelligence and Security System (LISS) will be intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions.

Artist impression of the LISS under development by Spain’s Escribano. (Escribano )

Escribano project team lead Jesus Martin Sanchez told Janes that the company is scheduled to present the LISS to all three of the country’s armed forces in October.

“We have been working on swarming for more than four years so we have got a lot of experience in this field,” said Sanchez, noting that this experience has resulted in a contract from the Spanish Ministry of Defence’s (MoD’s) Directorate General of Armament and Material (DGAM) to carry out further military development as part of the second phase of its Rapaz UAV programme.

This programme was created by the ministry to specifically promote the advancement of unmanned systems designed and built by national companies, with an eye on military and civilian applications in areas such as search and rescue (SAR) and coastal surveillance, as well as in monitoring natural or manmade emergencies.

Sanchez noted that LISS will be “the only drone swarm system that provides individual and group intelligence for the development of missions autonomously”.

The swarming system can be managed by a single operator and its behaviour can be adapted to the events of the mission.

Spanish company Escribano Mechanical and Engineering have been awarded a contract to further develop...

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