NSWC Panama City Partners With Sagetech Avionics on Unmanned Aircraft Systems Research

Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division has signed a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement with Sagetech Avionics to explore the integration of identification friend or foe capabilities in unmanned aircraft systems.

The research supports NSWC PCD’s development of a low-cost expendable UAS featuring a new deployment method to expand its advantage for the U.S. Navy. According to Gavin Taylor, NSWC PCD Expeditionary Systems Division engineer, the research collaboration will provide the center with the opportunity to integrate Sagetech Avionics’ technologies and capabilities not usually included in small-form-factor UAS, DVIDS reported.

The CRADA, the first-ever between NSWC PCD and Sagetech Avionics, was put together to support a Naval Innovative Science and Engineering effort in UAS. It also aims to continue developing the technical capabilities of the NSWC PCD engineers and developers. The agreement shows that the center’s science and technology work can be performed in-house and not relegated to a contractor, Taylor said.