The first UAV Payloads conference will be held in London on June 24 and 25 with a focus on capabilities such as SIGINT/EW (signals intelligence/electronic warfare) and search and rescue, as well as applications involving electro-optical/infrared (EO/OR) sensors for medium- and high-altitude long endurance (MALE and HALE) aircraft. The weaponization of UAVs is also another key facet of the new conference.
According to organizer Defence IQ, the event is the first forum to facilitate direct exchange of information on UAV payloads (rather than platforms) between the industry and military end users. The UK-based company estimates the annual market for UAV payloads will be worth around $3 billion this year, rising to $6 billion annually by 2022.
The conference will showcase the latest UAV payload technology and how it is shaping future UAV developments and mission sets. The agenda will include presentations on current UAV operations and requirements from across Europe and the U.S.
Confirmed speakers so far include: Lieutenant Colonel Amanda Brandt, commanding officer of the U.S. Air Force’s 348th reconnaissance squadron; British Army lieutenant colonel Craig Palmer; lieutenant colonel Roland Runge, German air force’s head of ISR & UAS division; lieutenant colonel Gino Bartoli, chief of the intelligence and situational awareness branch with the Italian air force; captain Roger Olsson with the Swedish air force’s training and procurement directorate; and Jim Edge, director of NATO’s Alliance Ground Surveillance Management Agency.
AIN is an official media partner for UAV Payloads and will be providing comprehensive coverage of the conference at AINonline.com.
