Destin Sandlin

Understanding the difference between Mean Sea Level (MSL) and Above Ground Level (AGL) is crucial for anyone preparing to take the FAA Remote Pilot written exam. This distinction can make all the difference when it comes to safe and compliant drone operations. As shown in the illustration, MSL refers to the altitude above the standard sea level, whereas AGL measures the altitude relative to the ground directly beneath the aircraft. For example, a location at 1,000 feet MSL could have an AGL of either 0 feet (on the ground) or 1,000 feet (at the top of a structure). Misinterpreting these measurements can lead to navigation errors and potentially hazardous situations. Mastering this concept is not only vital for passing the exam but also for ensuring safe and effective drone operations in real-world scenarios. If you’re looking to ace your Part 107 test and gain a solid understanding of critical concepts like MSL and AGL, Nine Ten Drones, LLC is here to help. They offer comprehensive test prep services to ensure you're fully prepared. Contact Nine Ten Drones today to take the first step towards becoming a certified Remote Pilot! ✈️ #Drones #UAS #FAA #RemotePilot #MSL #AGL #DroneSafety #Part107 #TestPrep

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Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Selects Umbra for Phase II of the Distributed Radar Image Formation Technology (DRIFT) Program Read More: https://ow.ly/PVzZ50RuqeQ #darpa #umbra #radar #imaging #satellite #technology #selection #security #drift #algorithms #innovation #processing #imagery #government

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Future advanced 'starliners' will look more like these (https://bit.ly/49aB40a) We also foresee NOT only our development costs being lower, ultimately Price-per-Seat will be lower as well and provided on much safer form of spacecraft. #futurespace #newspace #newspaceeconomy #newtravel #spaceliner #CTPSpace

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🛰️ Umbra has officially moved into Phase II of the Distributed Radar Image Formation Technology (DRIFT) program, under the guidance of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). Key Highlights: 🔹Expanded Capabilities: Umbra's Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellites will undertake an extensive data collection campaign, generating advanced bistatic and multistatic datasets. 🔹Fleet Expansion: From its fleet of eight, Umbra plans to double down, deploying additional satellites to complete its 32-satellite constellation. 🔹Technological Advancement: The program highlights Umbra's innovative approach to remote sensing, with advancements in formation flying and joint collection techniques. 🗣️ Jason Mallare, VP of Global Solutions at Umbra, shared his excitement about contributing to DARPA’s mission, stating, "Umbra's differentiated technology and relentless focus on tech evolution drive us forward.” Read more 👇 As Umbra progresses with its SAR capabilities, how will this influence the future of global surveillance and remote sensing? https://lnkd.in/eeJseacM #DARPA #Umbra #DRIFT #SatelliteTechnology #RadarImaging #DefenseTechnology

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Autonomy Prime will be accepting submissions for the First Fly-Off (Call 001) solicitation opportunity through August 1. If you have a novel autonomous technology focused on alternate navigation solutions designed for small unmanned aircraft leveraging techniques such as timing propagation via signals, solar/astronomical, and other novel solutions for navigation, consider applying! The purpose of each Fly-Off released as part of Autonomy Prime’s overarching Innovative Capabilities Offering (ICO) solicitation will be to competitively request solutions for prototype and fielding resulting from the initial submissions in response to the calls associated with this ICO. Similar to other Prime programs, Autonomy Prime will partner with the private sector to accelerate the development and testing of game-changing technology to deliver to the warfighter. Find information on the ICO solicitation structure, Fly Off #1 opportunity, and submit here: https://ow.ly/N3iO50S2t9V . . . #AFWERX #Prime #AutonomyPrime #autonomy #autonomous #UAS #funding #futureofflight #innovation

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ICYMI: BAE Systems' advanced M-Code receiver is creating a capability warfighters can depend on for years. Read about it in this Inside GNSS article.

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My #unfiltered take on the State of the Commercial #UAS industry – while there is value (present and future), we have a long/painful way to go before the industry figures itself out. None of my opinions are directed at any one individual/company...just my own general thoughts.   A full $0.02 exceeds a LI character limit. So here is my $0.01: UAS/Hardware/Software manufacturers 🚁🕹️💻 : Many of you are making great strides in the #innovation aspects of your products, kudos to you. It’s becoming harder to weed you out from your competitors though. It’s one thing to brand yourself product as a Swiss-army knife. It’s a completely different thing to say your Swiss Army knife is bullet proof, only to find out that under the hood, it’s made of #3D printed plastic. Drone Service Providers (DSPs)🚧📋: You’re trying to juggle #industry resources, conflicting industry reports, a challenging #economy , #customer demands (race-to-bottom pricing), and #differentiation . All while trying to manage the idea of your customers taking on flight services internally (effectively cutting you out). #Regulatory State ⚖️: Whether you are for or against the CCP regulations, & whether or not it is completely passed, it is going to affect all of us in some way. I see both sides of the issue. Both sides can (and should) stand up as tax paying citizens and have their voices heard. But at the end of the day, #politicians are going to play #politics . You should have bravo, charlie, & delta plans for each scenario. #Conference Organizers 🏟️: You need to #innovate . The days of nail-biting keynotes with flashy product reveals have come and gone (hopefully not forever). I think you will always have a core group of attendees that can stomach the expensive travel budgets (mainly to network). But right now it’s the same people, with the same breakout sessions, and generally the same tech, every year. That core group is dwindling. If we are going to sacrifice time away from our family’s, let’s get back to when conferences were exciting. End-users/customers of DSPs 🏭:        End-users have been accustomed to this idea that DSPs provide a safer (or alternative) solution to solve a problem. Generally, this is true. But when end-users buy into some of the misconceptions about things like pricing, availability, capacity, and demand, the only underlying KPI that matters is direct cost. If your organization is using a contracted model for UAS services, I think there needs to be a stronger emphasis on the relationships with your contractors (and supporting them). When a customer puts so much pressure on pricing, you’re backing legitimate DSPs into a corner where #safety and #integrity are compromised. No one #wins here. Moral of my story 💡 :     Buckle up and be ready for whatever this crazy world is ready to throw at us next. The commercial UAS industry is here to stay. What will the industry look like in the near (or long-term) future? No one truly knows.

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Great Article. The Defense Industry is not the Defense Industry that Eisenhower warned us about 60+ years ago. And DoD approach is largely to blame, NOT greedy 'arms dealers'. I've experienced contract negotiations where we provided a product at well below 'market value', yet the focus was on how much profit was written into our price. Never mind that profit is what pays for innovation, pays for a contractor to go out on a limb to listen and provide a solution to what are 'known' defense shortfalls. Defense leaders have been screaming to get private capital to invest in the defense market, but why would they when their returns are capped at around 10%? Much better investment to buy real estate, invest in Google (27% returns), or Microsoft (44% return), or Apple (34%). Bottom line, you get what you pay for. If you cap returns, companies have less capital and less incentive to go beyond 'requirements' and provide cutting edge tech to our warfighter. They simply cannot afford it, and the contracting largesse of the DoD actually discourages it. It's like keeping gifted and talented kids moving through school at the same speed a the lowest common denominator.

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Responses due NTE 6-Aug. The Joint Counter-small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-sUAS) Office (JCO) is calling on industry to submit responses for their next demonstration slated for March 2025. This RFI focuses on C-sUAS capabilities operating in contested electromagnetic environments. The JCO seeks advanced systems for two critical areas: 1. Group 3 short range defeat: Solutions for detecting, tracking, identifying, and defeating Group 3 UAS within 2km, utilizing small arms munitions and kinetic interceptors. 2. Groups 1 and 2 dismounted DTID: Handheld and wearable systems for dismounted forces to handle Group 1-2 UAS. Effective operation in contested environments is paramount, demanding innovations like adaptive beamforming, frequency hopping, and autonomous EMS maneuvering. The JCO's focus on these capabilities underscores the importance of resilience and adaptability in modern warfare. CRG Client Opportunities & SME Advice: 1. Resilient Detection and Interception Systems: Develop multi-sensor fusion systems that integrate radar, EO/IR, and acoustic sensors to enhance detection and tracking accuracy despite electromagnetic interference.   - Differentiator: Multi-sensor fusion increases system resilience, ensuring reliable UAS detection and interception under challenging conditions. 2. Adaptive Countermeasures: Implement adaptive beamforming and frequency hopping technologies to maintain operational effectiveness in jammed environments.   - Differentiator: Adaptive countermeasures provide superior EMS maneuverability, reducing the risk of detection and interception by adversaries. 3. Autonomous Response Capabilities: Design autonomous systems capable of identifying EMS interference and autonomously adjusting operational frequencies or deploying alternate countermeasures.   - Differentiator: Autonomous response capabilities enhance mission success rates by ensuring continuous operation in contested EMS conditions. 4. Lightweight, Wearable Solutions: Develop lightweight, wearable C-sUAS systems that provide dismounted soldiers with robust UAS detection and defeat capabilities.   - Differentiator: Wearable solutions offer unparalleled mobility and operational flexibility, crucial for dismounted operations in varied environments. CRG's innovative solutions and comprehensive support services will position you to excel in this high-stakes domain. Don’t miss your seat at the table—leverage CRG's expertise to win and manage critical C-sUAS projects. Visit http://crgroupinc.com or contact us at contact@crgroupinc.com for more information. #JCO #CsUAS #DroneWarfare #UAV #ElectromagneticWarfare #MilitaryTech #Innovation #StrategicAdvantage #OperationalEfficiency #CounterUAS #ElectronicWarfare #UASDetection #KineticInterceptors #AdaptiveBeamforming #FrequencyHopping #CyberDefense #AI #NorthropGrumman #LockheedMartin #Raytheon #Boeing #GeneralDynamics #L3Harris #BAESystems #Thales #Leonardo #ElbitSystems #Textron #Kratos #SAIC #CACI #Peraton

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Does anyone know what Counter UAS solution the Secret Service failed to deploy in a timely manner in Bulter, PA? How was cellular bandwidth an issue that would have prevented the system from operating at the local level? #cuas #secretservice #dronedetection #drone #counterdrone

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Worth repeating. Those in the IAMD C-UAS business need to understand it at the operational level. Below is something I wrote a while back based upon my years of experience as a C-UAS trainer. "Incorporating SHORAD ADW (Air Defense Warning) and WCS (Weapons Control Status) into one's C-UAS defense operations is a practical and helpful way begin developing a units C-UAS TTPs and SOPs. I am of the belief, based upon my years serving as a C-UAS trainer worldwide, is that C-UAS fundamentals trump a doctinal mindset often. As a former SF guy I know C-UAS fights are too varied for a rigid doctinal approach. But solid fundamentals serve as the foundation of a good defense. Having a quiver full of systems to detect, defeat and TTPs, combined with well trained battle Captains, NCOs, system operators serves base Commanders well. But what about the tactics used by different MOSs out in the field during their normal operations? In those settings C-UAS operations are extremely dynamic and leaders and soldiers need to make rapid decisions base upon the threat and type of UAV they encounter. Incorporating WCS and ADW helps streamline responses. Recently there was some very robust and dynamic field training with a heavy emphasis on C-UAS in Hawaii. It was a huge success and many lessons were learned. They had a couple rock solid C-UAS trainers from BAH there to help facilitate the event. I'll share more information about it when it is publicly released. It is in those settings where we will learn the best ways to fight unmanned systems to include ground and waterborne ones. Studying real world UAS events is important too. Mimicking those in training is important too. But always throw in the what if. Think like an adversary. The Red Team pilots I worked with had mad skills and know how to defeat weak defenses with ease. Start with softball scenarios then work up to advanced ones. thorough AARs are important. The young warfighters I have worked with come up with some very creative ideas that help shape unit TTPs. The learning curve is rapid and changing. I am really glad to see so many units onboard with integrating C-UAS training. And finally, studying SHORAD operations is a wise idea for anyone interested in C-UAS. The C-UAS MTT in EUCOM is doing phenomenal training from the squad to entire multi day base wide operations. If you have access to their reports I recommend seeing how they operate. Here are the WCS and ADW: TIGHT: Weapons are only fired at targets that have been positively identified as hostile. HOLD: Weapons are only fired in self-defense or when directly ordered to do so. FREE: Weapons can be fired at any target that is not identified as friendly. WHITE: Indicating that attack by hostile aircraft and/or missiles is improbable. YELLOW: An attack by hostile aircraft and/or missiles is probable. RED: An attack by hostile aircraft and/or missiles is imminent or is in progress." Flex Force Enterprises LLC.| a DZYNE company

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🔔🔦🚨 Market Sizing Linchpin & Wrap-up 🚨🔦🔔 🤔 Is there a difference between a drone and a missile? 🔦 Is the Air Force the best customer for UxS? 🧐 Is Austin's math on sizing the market all jacked up? Let's start with the math problem: If ground and naval systems only make up $7-13B in DoD spend... how can the total market for UxS reach $30-50B??? Two reasons 📊 Frameworks for Assessing the TAM ✅ Platform-Payload Math Across the Joint Force: $30-50B ✅ Tactical UAS, UGVs, & Unit-Level Math - Ukraine’s Example: $2.5-5B ✅ Naval Vessels and the Hybrid Fleet Architecture $5-8B ⏭ Major Aviation Programs - Seemingly Mature but Room to Grow: $10.5B ⏭ ALL the other UxS!!! - Missiles, Space, and any humanless OT: 🚀 ALL the other UxS!!! -      Space Force procurement: $4B -      Army missile procurement: $6B -      Navy missile & torpedo procurement: $6.5B -      Air Force missile procurement: $4.5B 💰 Missiles, torpedoes, and satellites. They deliver payloads. They do not have humans. They are getting smarter and smarter. The line between ammo and attritable/expendable UxS will continue to blur. ✈️ Major Aviation Programs: This section analyzes USAF programs like Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) and NGAD, comparing the crewed and un-crewed systems and their budgets. Decades of ISR UAS and thoughtful work on CCA give us useful insight into the future of uncrewed aviation. Last, I close the piece with some analysis on why the numbers matter (and why they don't). ➡️➡️➡️ Link to full article in first comment of this post. If you've enjoyed my analysis, please consider signing up for my substack. I don't intend to publish routinely, so subscribing will make sure you don't miss a piece. Many thanks again to the founders, PMs, customers, investors, and operators who helped with the research and thinking for this piece. Its breadth and (hopefully) depth reflect their insight. Mistakes were mine. #defensetech #defense #dod #china #russia #ukraine #industrialbase #defenseindustrialbase #uas #drones #uuv #ugv #uxs #usv #autonomy #autonomoussystems AUVSI — Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International #defensetechnology

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NASA's Mars Sample Return Concept Studies Selected https://lnkd.in/eEPx2Dz3 NASA recently announced the selections for the MSR (ROSES C.26) call to industry, showcasing a diverse range of concept titles proposed by various companies. The selected proposals include: - Lockheed Martin in Littleton, Colorado: “Lockheed Martin Rapid Mission Design Studies for Mars Sample Return” - SpaceX in Hawthorne, California: “Enabling Mars Sample Return With Starship” - Aerojet Rocketdyne in Huntsville, Alabama: “A High-Performance Liquid Mars Ascent Vehicle, Using Highly Reliable and Mature Propulsion Technologies, to Improve Program Affordability and Schedule” - Blue Origin in [edit] Kent, WA: “Leveraging Artemis for Mars Sample Return” - Quantum Space in Rockville, Maryland: “Quantum Anchor Leg Mars Sample Return Study” - Northrop Grumman in Elkton, Maryland: “High TRL MAV Propulsion Trades and Concept Design for MSR Rapid Mission Design” - Whittinghill Aerospace in Camarillo, California: “A Rapid Design Study for the MSR Single Stage Mars Ascent Vehicle” These selections may bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the mission, and it will be interesting to learn more about the concepts proposed. However, it remains unclear how the new studies will be integrated into or replace the current MSR architecture, what the timeline is, or what the expected costs really are. The focus on reducing complexity and enhancing reliability needs to align with the broader goals of ensuring mission feasibility and maximizing return on investment. In the meantime, we find ourselves in a state of uncertainty. Given the pending elections and the current political and budgetary climate, it is doubtful that any significant decisions will be announced soon. This period of enforced stagnation is concerning, as it could have a detrimental effect on the already beleaguered and somewhat disillusioned workforce at JPL. The uncertainty and lack of clear direction may further erode morale and hinder the progress of ongoing and future projects. In previous discussions and letters, I have consistently advocated for robust support and clear direction for NASA's missions. The MSR mission, in particular, is a testament to our ambition to explore and understand the cosmos. It is essential that we continue to support this mission, ensuring that it receives the necessary resources and attention to succeed. While it is crucial to remain supportive of the studies and new ideas being brought to the table, it is equally important to seek clarity on how these new initiatives will be implemented. The inclusion of additional new players and fresh perspectives can potentially strengthen the mission's success, but only if managed effectively. This collaborative spirit is at the heart of our collective efforts to push the boundaries of human knowledge and exploration.

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In 2006, APELC embarked on a mission to create an MIL-STD-461, RS-105 EMP test system for Lockheed Martin. Over time, we learned valuable lessons and refined our approach to design high-altitude nuclear EMP (HEMP) simulators. Here's a glimpse into our journey and innovations: APELC 1st Generation RS-105 Test System: Initially, we followed the MIL-STD's definition, using a parallel-plate TEM line. However, this caused unwanted reflections, distorting the primary signal. APELC 2nd Generation RS-105 Test System: To address reflection issues, we developed a semi-transparent load taper using rods and a direct feeding method onto the TEM structure. This resulted in a cleaner waveform, free of distortions. APELC 3rd Generation RS105 Test System: Building on previous learnings, we adopted Giri and Baum's modeling approach, creating a robust, wind-resistant structure with non-conductive elements. Simulation ensured pulse propagation and field strength throughout the test volume. Our systems today: Through research and iterative design, APELC crafted a versatile HEMP test system, scalable for various applications. Our system reproduces standard waveforms with high fidelity, ensuring reliable testing from box-level to system-level assessments. #manufacturing #pulsedpower #marxgenerators #highvoltage #researchanddevelopment #iso90012015 #iso9001 #buildtoprint #connectors

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Don't worry. Be Honest, perfect scores are a red flag- "nobody should start with a perfect score". 🚩 ✅☺️ When CPI Systems works with organizations in the Defense Industrial Base they start with a 3rd party assessment and create an action plan.  They will help you Re-scope your sensitive data flow and assets to limit exposure and cost. 😃🙌 They also are small and medium-sized business compliance specialists who can come up with the perfect customized solution for a business's needs for optimal solutions. ↪️ Continuous Process Improvement Systems 👇 ☎️ 1.864.256.1056 📩 info@cpisys.com ✅ Monday - Friday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM ⏰ ✅ SCHEDULE FREE CONSULTATION 🙌😌 🔵 🔵 🔵 #dib #defensecontractor #dfars #iso27001 #cmmc #cmmc2 #informationsystems #isms #security #privacy #BeCyberAware #artificialintelligence #datasecurity #developers #softwaredevelopment #StaySafeOnline #cybersecurityexpert #cybersecuritysolutions #MalwareProtection #cybersecurity #dataprotection #informationsecurity #cyberattack #hacking #software #ProtectYourBusiness #cybersecurityawareness #cyber #cybersecuritynews #business #informationtechnology #questionforgroup

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The highlights from the SASC FY25 NDAA Summary include: • $25B topline above FRA caps • Streamline Milestone A and B approvals • Strengthens Middle Tier of Acquisition authority • Reinforces the need to reform DoD budget and requirements processes • Increased approval thresholds for OTAs • UAS and C-UAS initiatives • AI and Emerging Tech #NDAA #FY25NDAA https://lnkd.in/gJmJ2wpv

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Those 'pretty lights' on the outer-hull of the #CTPcraft: those are not 'lights'. Those 'lights' are the CEMAS™ Arrays which are part of the CTP Propulsion Systems. (https://lnkd.in/e4ttQtMW) #newscience #propulsion #propulsionsystems

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Rocket Lab Successfully Conducts Hypersonic Tech Test for U.S. Department of Defense Read More:https://ow.ly/9fCh50UpX7E Rocket Lab #hypersonictechnology #usspaceforce #militaryspace #trmc #s2marts #nswccrane #trmctests #satellite #space #launch #ground

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