Elbit UAS and Imint demonstrate new software capability

Elbit Systems UAS division and Imint have successfully completed field testing of new software in live flights in north of Uppsala.

During the trials, Elbit Skylark I-LE mini-unmanned aerial system (UAS), integrated with Imint’s Vidview software, demonstrated its ease of use for novel users.

Conducted for real emergency first response and fire fighting scenarios, the field trials also demonstrated Vidview software’s improved visibility and decision making capabilities.

Commenting on the trials, Elbit UAS Close-Range UAS director David Rosenzweig said, "We believe UAS can play a more important role in civil applications in the future in addition to the wide military use."

The Uppsala County Fire Brigade team has evaluated the mini UAS capability in forest fighting and search-and-rescue scenarios, as part of the testing.

Imint CEO Andreas Lifvendahl said, "It was very satisfying to see the result of a long project working well in field trials, and also interesting to discuss application areas and user requirements for the type of future new users represented by the fire fighters."

Through Image Intelligence AB (Imint), Elbit Systems UAS division (Elbit UAS) and Imint worked together for the development of a robust interface between Elbit’s Ground Control Station (GCS) for the Skylark mini UAS and Imint’s Vidview and Vidhance software.

The joint project aimed to bring the benefits of Imint’s Vidhance software into the user interface of the GCS used by Skylark mini UAS operators.

The Vidhance technology has been developed to enable users to access unique and efficient real-time video processing algorithms allowing for automatic local contrast optimization, pan, zoom, and rotation functions, local mosaicing, ultra-stabilisation.

Additionally, visibility and interpretability capabilities will be provided by Vidhance to the Skylark system, to enhance accurately understand time critical events.

Image: An Elbit Systems’ Skylark I-LE mini-UAS being launched by personnel. Photo: courtesy of IMINT Image Intelligence AB.