Volume 09 Summer/Autumn 2012 14 T he requirement for small, lightweight, and affordable backpackable UAVs to be used by dismounted infantry soldiers, Marines, and Special Operations personnel for reconnaissance, security, and target acquisition operations, particularly in restricted environments has pushed SELEX Galileo to complete its range of soldier sensors with a new line of Mini and Micro UAS developed at the Ronchi dei Legionari site. Designed for rapid deployment and high mobility the systems provide the smaller echelons of the combat team with dedicated reconnaissance support, early warning, force protection, battle damage assessment and target acquisition. SELEX Galileo has developed these products as a complement to the Dismounted Soldier equipment and therefore has given particular attention to weight and easy operations. All systems are deployable by a single operator and packed in a lightweight backpack. With a common system architecture and Ground Command and Control Station (GCCS), users can easily switch from one system to another, moving from a fixed wing system or a ducted fan (VTOL) system, in order to meet different operational requirements. The standard system architecture and the common ground segment cuts training and operations costs significantly particularly for customers requiring different types of UAVs. Each MUAS and GCCS is supplied with standard software features including video stabilisation, target locking, tracking and geo- localization/positioning. A common system interface allows the GCCS to be connected to an optional observer unit (for payload control and/or mission planning and execution) and to an external C4i network for information dissemination. The CREX-B, a multi-configuration MICRO-MINI FIXED WING UAS, is characterized by an innovative pitch and motor controller that allows it to be easily hand launched by the operator with a short/vertical hand release method. The UAS can also be launched from a bunker or from inside a vehicle without exposing the operator as a large open space is not required for launch. The CREX-B can also, thanks to a brake motor control system, land in a very short area, even within a wall enclosures. The air vehicle carries an underside stabilised interchangeable gimbal camera (D/N or IR/Thermal) with pan & tilt movements which displays the ground over which the UAS is flying and can also track a single area or target in a loiter maneuver. The very low noise signature makes the UAS inaudible at very short distances. SELEX Galileo – Mini and Micro UAS SELEX GALILEO CREX-B, a multi-configuration MICRO-MINI FIXED WING UAS. Photo: © SELEX Galileo.