Mike Bruchanski

🚨 Big milestone for public safety innovation: Skydio production Docks are now shipping. This spring, over 40 Beta Docks quietly supported tens of thousands of autonomous Drone as First Responder (DFR) flights—delivering critical real-world data and reliability testing across the country. Now, we’re entering the next chapter. In the coming weeks, Skydio will ship more new Dock-based DFR systems than the total number existing DFR sites nationwide. That means DFR capacity in the U.S. is about to double this summer—and we’re on track to 10X it by the end of the year. The DIY era of DFR is ending. A new standard is taking hold—reliable, secure, American-made autonomy at scale. #DFR #DroneAsFirstResponder #PublicSafety #Skydio #Innovation #GovTech #SmartPolicing

423

13 Comments

The future of autonomous systems is taking shape now, and at L3Harris Technologies we are proud to be at the forefront of this evolution. As Renee Knight reports in Inside Unmanned Systems, technology advancements are enabling more autonomous operations, which are drastically improving both defense and commercial applications. One example Renee highlights is our AMORPHOUS collaborative autonomy platform. AMORPHOUS was intentionally designed with an open architecture, enabling flexibility for a variety of multi-domain, multi-mission solutions. It scales autonomy across various unmanned systems, allowing swarms to adapt to changing environments, collaborate seamlessly across domains and complete complex tasks without constant human intervention. But collaborative autonomy isn't just about drones working together – it's also about industry partners working together. As I shared in the article, building a truly open architecture and ecosystem is key to unlocking the full potential of autonomous systems. By working with new and established tech companies, we’re avoiding the limitations caused by vendor lock, ensuring flexibility, adaptability and compatibility with future advancements. This approach has made AMORPHOUS a dynamic solution that evolves with our customers' needs and delivers exceptional operational capability in contested environments. We’re not just delivering autonomous systems – we’re fostering an ecosystem of innovation.

163

6 Comments

PDW's C100 now integrates the NextVision Raptor Laser Pointer, enhancing target marking and coordination for ground and air assets in dynamic environments. With 74-minute flight endurance (ISR payload), a 10lb payload capacity, and sub-5-minute deployment, the C100 continues to set the benchmark for tactical UAV operations. This advanced laser capability expands its role in reconnaissance, target designation, and real-time mission support—because when precision matters, PDW delivers.

61

We built a fully autonomous Counter-UAS system using a $200 camera, right from our office. It tracked drones, identified aircraft, and predicted flight paths. All in real time, fully connected to a virtual battle management system. This was a real-world test for a visiting U.S. defense partner, and here's the story behind it. After a full day in the field demonstrating Nemesis AI’s autonomous flight, loitering, GNSS navigation, and sensor fusion capabilities, we sat down for coffee. Then the client said, “Okay, but what if we created a counter-drone system using a ground-based setup?” So, we showed him how it would work in a military unit scenario and conducted a live exercise, where we deployed the Nemesis AI platform on-premise on a computer. Our platform already has a built-in use case with a model that recognizes 10,200 drone types, along with all commercial and military aircraft. We connected a $200 camera capable of zoom and linked it to a virtual battle management system we have in our office. Despite the simplicity, the system delivered impressive results: from our office, it autonomously tracked planes and drones, zoomed in, identified the make, classified the aircraft, predicted its trajectory, and sent intercept commands to the battle management system—all in real time. We essentially built a compact, low-cost gimbal system that performed at a level typically reserved for much higher-end solutions. What’s next? We’ve teamed up with a local manufacturing partner to start scaling production. The goal is to deliver a modular, autonomous Counter-UAS platform that costs 10x less than current solutions on the market. This proves that high-performance autonomous defense systems can be affordable, scalable, and field-ready. #OvesEnterprise

129

20 Comments

Maxar has supported over 160 United States Space Force TacSRT efforts. This shows what's possible when we collaboratively partner with our customers to achieve mission success, combining the power of ready-to-deploy solutions with high-resolution satellite imagery to give our forces the information and edge they need. One example I'm particularly proud of involved monitoring different satellite launch facilities, using multiple sources of data, including Maxar Technologies high-resolution imagery, and developing patterns of life analysis. As a result, the analysis showed a satellite launch event 24 hours before it occurred—giving decision-makers the critical time advantage they need to protect national interests. 

100

7 Comments

In the fast-paced aerospace & defense supply chain, speed and accuracy in bidding are everything. In Oyster Aero Pearlcast, I share how Sales Patriot built AI workflows that cut RFQ cycle times by automating data intake, supplier communication, and bid submission. Starting as a solution inside an existing defense supplier, our platform makes distributors and manufacturers up to 7x more efficient by handling complex workflows, from data ingestion to compliance checks. This reduces the guesswork and admin workload. We are reshaping what workflow efficiency looks like.

36

3 Comments

Kyle Woo engages the audience here at Air & Space Forces Association Symposium about Zone 5 Technologies and how the lessons learned in Ukraine are driving our technology development for the United States and our Allies. It’s quite clear that we have the hardware capable of achieving the desired effects only if we have the ability to rapidly modify and deploy software enabling technologies. Our weapons are powered by the software deployability. We must alter the ability to rapidly deploy capabilities at the edge rather than inside 12-18 month development cycles. #cuas #ai #software #enablers

37

1 Comment

With the FAA’s new Certificate of Waiver (COW) framework simplifying #BVLOS approvals, having a tested and validated solution is more crucial than ever for Drone as a First Responder (DFR) operations. DedroneBeyond is the FIRST ground-based Detect and Avoid system independently validated to FAA-aligned ASTM standards. We’re proud to be leading the way in airspace security and empowering agencies to operate safely, compliantly, and with confidence. Learn more about how Dedrone by Axon is setting new standards in #PublicSafety and #DFR. Dedrone by Axon Axon #DronesForGood #AviationSafety #FAACompliance #AirspaceSecurity #DroneTechnology #Axon #DedroneBeyond #BVLOSInnovation #DroneSafety #PublicSafetyInnovation #UAS #ASTMStandards https://lnkd.in/gWskZJuW

44

How to see through the frauds making themselves out to be "experts," specifically within the UAS / C-UAS industry. Here are some red flags to be aware of: 1. They always speak at a high-level and rarely, if ever, offer any detailed recommendations - UAS / C-UAS "expert" frauds are very good leveraging regularly used key phrases, terms and speak in platitudes to sound like they have some profound insight into policy, technology, operations, etc. They don't. Test their knowledge by asking for specifics. Dive into these platitudes. Ask for explanations and details. Don't assume they know what they are talking about because they know a bunch of terminology used in the industry. 2. They are incessantly positive - frauds are often always positive because they want to give the impression everything is going great. Well, I'm sorry to be the cynic here, but they are not. There are problems. Those problems need solutions and the only way to find those solutions is to talk honestly about the problems. 3. They will never disagree (similar to always being positive, but slightly different) - There is no one solution that will solve all the challenges of UAS / C-UAS. If there is/was, this wouldn't be a "challenge." I've come across several technologies which they thought they "had the answer," but I was honest and told them the gaps I saw. However, going back to red flag #1, I recommended detailed changes, different use cases the tech could be applied to and other DETAILED guidance and advise. Frauds will very rarely disagree because it forces them to offer an explanation and details, they can't offer. 4. Listen to what their critics have to say - Everyone is going to have haters. This is a nature of being a human. The trick is to listen to why those critics are critics. If their criticism ends at, "that person is a jerk" or "oh, no, you don't want to work with them" without any follow-up, I would question their input. Some of the most brilliant people I have ever worked with were often labeled as an asshole or some other terrible term simply because they were direct and honest. Those that were "not team players" were often the best teammate you could ever want because they will call out weak spots and make recommendations to be stronger. I will personally gravitate to the "jerks" every time because I trust they are honest, efficient and want to solve problems. The UAS and C-UAS industries are at an inflection point. We are about to see a MASSIVE investment in these areas in the coming months. There will be many frauds looking to take advantage of this influx. Be careful who you choose to work with. What red flags do you look for?

51

43 Comments

Thirteen months ago.... ...I landed in Ukraine with a mission—expand our operations, build a local team, and deliver next gen vision nav capability to Ukraine. Some challenges were expected—logistics, language barriers, and adapting to new business landscapes. But the biggest challenge was the sheer unpredictability of it all: Power outages, water outages, not knowing who anyone was, wartime constraints, and air raid alarms, air defense systems going off over head.... Despite all of this, we've been making it work. The talent and innovation in Ukraine are top notch. The experience has pushed my team to become faster, more adaptive, and more mission-focused than ever before. Operating in this environment has necessitated relentless iteration, continuous customer engagement, and an unwavering commitment to refining our systems.  For anyone looking to scale in Ukraine, the challenges are real—but so are the opportunities... and the rewards.. Thanks for Chad Brady, Adnan Rana, and Alex Kinash for joining me on this adventure. And Thanks Militarnyi for having me on your program. #DefenseTech #AI #Drones #Resilience #TechInnovation #StartupLife #MilitaryTech #Engineering #FutureWarfare  https://lnkd.in/eekSxhyg

104

8 Comments

*More* #consolidation is happening throughout the #UAS #industry that will increase #competition and #innovation among #product offerings. You’ve been given notice. 🫢 What this means: - prime opportunity for #component vendors to refine their GTM - more $$$ coming into the industry = growth. - pronounced gap between platform vendors, both in #quality but more so, #capabilities

32

5 Comments

Part 108 of the FAA’s proposed drone regulations is irrelevant unless we pay attention to the reality nobody seems to be discussing. Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations are exciting, and all the experts in the drone industry are eager to share opinions on the “spicy” parts of the operation. Topics like: - Airspace regulations - Detect and Avoid (DAA) systems - Restrictions based on population density When I talk about this with my team, Brian Potter likes to say, “Their heads are in the clouds.” And I agree. Everyone is focused on flight. But the flights can't happen unless we start paying attention to everything that needs to happen on the ground. - Docking Stations - Remote landing, charging, and deployment will be required to make BVLOS operation practical. There are a few viable options for the commercial market, but most manufacturers are only focused on federal customers with DoD requirements (and budgets).    That simply won’t work for commercial and public safety markets. - Remote Operations Centers - Security companies like ours have been the boots on the ground operating remote monitoring facilities for 40 years. We know the headaches that come with remote training and record keeping, along with the importance of backup power systems, redundant internet connectivity, alternative landing zones, and manual override capabilities. But the security industry seems to be completely absent from the conversation about BVLOS regulations. BVLOS isn't just about what happens in the sky. There are people, infrastructure, and systems that make it possible. Until we address these ground-level fundamentals, Part 108 is just regulations for equipment that can't actually operate. Don’t forget about the box! To bring awareness to these topics, we've got something spicy of our own to show you. We’ll release it on September 24th. The picture is just a little taste.

68

18 Comments

Congratulations to our team on the successful demonstration of our scalable Counter-Unmanned Aerial System solution! This innovative, modular approach combines AI-enabled detection, low-cost sensors, and effectors to detect, track, and defeat UAS threats. I'm proud of our commitment to open architecture and rapid scalability, which will help our customers stay ahead of the evolving threat landscape. This milestone showcases our expertise in systems integration and AI-driven software, and I'm excited to see the impact it will have on the industry. Lockheed Martin is dedicated to continuing innovation and partnership to address the evolving needs of our customers. Stay tuned for what's to come as we continue to demonstrate this agile and dynamic command and control system. #aheadofready Read more: https://lnkd.in/gTfx9Jaj

73

1 Comment