Latest news with #RPAS
CTV News
3 days ago
- CTV News
Drone flying in north London due to investigation
London police will be flying a Remotely Piloted Aircraft System in north London in relation to an ongoing investigation. The RPAS will be flying in the area of Huron Street and Highbury Avenue.
Hamilton Spectator
6 days ago
- Science
- Hamilton Spectator
Enlisting drones in the fight against phragmites
Drone technology is the latest weapon in the fight against invasive species of plants, particularly phragmites. Researchers at the University of Waterloo have been investigating a new method for spreading herbicide to combat phragmites, also known as common reed. Phragmites has been called Canada's worst invasive plant, causing problems for humans and ecosystems alike. 'But especially in wetlands, preventing people from accessing their docks and affecting water quality, affecting habitat for birds and for turtles, and displacing our native plants,' said Rebecca Rooney, an associate professor and one of the authors of a paper looking at the use of drones to combat phragmites. Rooney described trying to walk through phragmites like 'trying to walk through wicker furniture,' noting the reeds can grow up to four metres tall, which is the height of a single-storey home. They also pose a fire risk and can block sightlines on highways and county roads, making the control of phragmites spread a vital yet costly endeavour. 'We're spending millions of dollars in Ontario alone trying to control it,' said Rooney, pointing to the likes of the Invasive Phragmites Control Fund, with the province announcing last year some $16 million over three years to combat invasive species. 'Which is just a drop in the bucket of what's needed to eradicate this plant.' This has led researchers to explore the use of a remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS) to apply herbicide, with a reported effectiveness of 99 percent. They observed a short-term decline in plant diversity after the RPAS applications, but the native species reappeared in treated areas within a year, the research found. Rebecca Rooney/University of Waterloo. 'So being efficient is important. We're not spending as much money because we can do it faster, more precisely, and more effectively. I feel that's a really important step in managing it sustainably in Ontario,' added Rooney. 'We wanted to look at ways we could try to manage this aggressive, invasive grass more precisely and in a way that minimizes the amount of environmental impact.' The current method of spreading herbicides in wetlands has raised numerous challenges and difficulties. Using ground access with heavy equipment can potentially trample wildlife and desirable vegetation. RPAS technology provides more convenient access to spraying the weeds than with ground-control methods, with less risk of trampling or disturbance, the UW researchers note. In the past, helicopters were also used to spread herbicides, but this method made it difficult to achieve precision and created off-target problems. 'It's important to avoid the potential for herbicide drift and any collateral damage to native vegetation, which is especially valuable in ecologically sensitive wetlands,' said Rooney. 'The precision from RPAS applications may help land managers to minimize off-target herbicide exposure, reducing impacts to surrounding vegetation and improving conditions for native plant recovery.' That's why they are trying to use innovation to combat the difficulties that come with doing it on foot and with machinery, as in the past. 'We were being innovative in terms of applying a new tool to an old problem and coming up with an improvement in terms of how effective it is and how efficient it is.' Pesticides are closely regulated, and the researchers obtained special research authorization from the Pest Management Regulatory Authority. The hope is that this study will lead to a new form of invasive species control that can be used more widely. There are many different types of herbicides, but the one that this study is working with is called s habitat Aqua, which is an Imazapyr-based herbicide. This is safe to use over water. They had received authorization to research the RPAS method. The goal was to show that this method can be effective and safe, and then provide that data to BASF, the manufacturer of Imazapyr. They're using it to submit to the Pest Management Regulatory Authority, and they can be approved for wider use, said Rooney. 'This approach also holds promise for accelerating ecological recovery in wetland habitats. Future research should focus on long-term native vegetation recovery and quantify the accuracy of RPAS-based herbicide applications to minimize off-target damage to native vegetation in wetlands.' Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Miami Herald
7 days ago
- Business
- Miami Herald
Cubic Awarded UK Integrated Live Training Area Weapons Effects System (ILT-A) Contract
Continuing to deliver vital support to the British Army SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA / ACCESS Newswire / July 16, 2025 / Cubic Defence UK announces it has been awarded a two-year, sole-source contract by the UK Ministry of Defence (UK MOD) for the delivery of the Instrumented Live Training - Area Weapons Effects System (ILT-A). "Cubic is honored to continue our long-standing partnership with the UK MOD," said Alicia Combs, Vice President and General Manager at Cubic Defense. "This award reflects the trust placed in our systems to prepare warfighters for the complexities of modern combat. With ILT-A, we are proud to deliver a high-fidelity, globally interoperable solution that supports the British Army's evolving training needs." ILT-A provides our soldiers with a realistic, data-rich training environment that enhances both competence and lethality," said Simon Pearce, Synthetic Environments & Training, Defence Equipment and Support, UK Ministry of Defence. "The integration of Cubic's Instrumented Metricized Live Fire capability and RPAS reflects the evolving character of combat and ensures the British Army can train with agility and precision." The ILT-A contract builds on Cubic's two-decade legacy of integrated training solutions for the UK MOD and supersedes the previous Area Weapons Effects Simulation (AWES) contract. The system combines advanced laser and area-effects technology with fully instrumented live-fire range systems and Remotely Piloted Air Systems (RPAS), creating a digitized environment featuring multi-spectrum, multi-domain threats. It also integrates with Cubic's SCOPIC2 Virtual-in-Live synthetic environment to enable comprehensive force training and supports interoperability with partner nations. Data generated during training is used to inform the After Action Review process. The contract includes options to support the UK MOD and global allies with individual and collective training across multiple domains and training areas, from Section to Brigade level. It also features a life-extension program through the end of the decade and investment in experimentation to support UK MOD's Force Development initiatives. To learn more about Cubic products and services, visit About CubicCubic creates and delivers technology solutions in transportation that make people's lives easier by simplifying their daily journeys, and defense capabilities that help promote mission success and safety for those who serve their nation. Led by our talented teams around the world, Cubic is driven to solve global challenges through innovation and service to our customers and partners. Part of Cubic's portfolio of businesses, Cubic Defense provides networked Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C5ISR) solutions and is a leading provider of live, virtual, constructive and game-based training solutions for both U.S. and Allied Forces. These mission-inspired capabilities enable assured multi-domain access; converged digital intelligence; and superior readiness for defense, intelligence, security and commercial missions. For more information, visit Media Contact: Geri MacDonald Cubic Defense Touchdown PR for Cubic Defense Cubicdefense@ SOURCE: Cubic Defense press release
USA Today
16-07-2025
- Business
- USA Today
Cubic Awarded UK Integrated Live Training Area Weapons Effects System (ILT-A) Contract
Continuing to deliver vital support to the British Army Cubic Defence UK announces it has been awarded a two-year, sole-source contract by the UK Ministry of Defence (UK MOD) for the delivery of the Instrumented Live Training – Area Weapons Effects System (ILT-A). 'Cubic is honored to continue our long-standing partnership with the UK MOD,' said Alicia Combs, Vice President and General Manager at Cubic Defense. 'This award reflects the trust placed in our systems to prepare warfighters for the complexities of modern combat. With ILT-A, we are proud to deliver a high-fidelity, globally interoperable solution that supports the British Army's evolving training needs.' ILT-A provides our soldiers with a realistic, data-rich training environment that enhances both competence and lethality,' said Simon Pearce, Synthetic Environments & Training, Defence Equipment and Support, UK Ministry of Defence. 'The integration of Cubic's Instrumented Metricized Live Fire capability and RPAS reflects the evolving character of combat and ensures the British Army can train with agility and precision.' Photo by: Cubic training team. (2024). Officer Cadet from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst using Cubic TES Equipment on Exercise Dynamic Victory. The ILT-A contract builds on Cubic's two-decade legacy of integrated training solutions for the UK MOD and supersedes the previous Area Weapons Effects Simulation (AWES) contract. The system combines advanced laser and area-effects technology with fully instrumented live-fire range systems and Remotely Piloted Air Systems (RPAS), creating a digitized environment featuring multi-spectrum, multi-domain threats. It also integrates with Cubic's SCOPIC2 Virtual-in-Live synthetic environment to enable comprehensive force training and supports interoperability with partner nations. Data generated during training is used to inform the After Action Review process. The contract includes options to support the UK MOD and global allies with individual and collective training across multiple domains and training areas, from Section to Brigade level. It also features a life-extension program through the end of the decade and investment in experimentation to support UK MOD's Force Development initiatives. To learn more about Cubic products and services, visit About Cubic Cubic creates and delivers technology solutions in transportation that make people's lives easier by simplifying their daily journeys, and defense capabilities that help promote mission success and safety for those who serve their nation. Led by our talented teams around the world, Cubic is driven to solve global challenges through innovation and service to our customers and partners. Part of Cubic's portfolio of businesses, Cubic Defense provides networked Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C5ISR) solutions and is a leading provider of live, virtual, constructive and game-based training solutions for both U.S. and Allied Forces. These mission-inspired capabilities enable assured multi-domain access; converged digital intelligence; and superior readiness for defense, intelligence, security and commercial missions. For more information, visit Media Contact: Geri MacDonald Cubic Defense Touchdown PR for Cubic Defense Cubicdefense@ SOURCE: Cubic Defense View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
Hans India
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
TN: Tiruvarur declared ‘Red Zone' ahead of CM Stalin's visit
Security has been tightened across Tiruvarur district as Chief Minister M.K. Stalin is scheduled to visit the region for two days, on July 9 and 10. The Tiruvarur District Police have declared all roads and streets through which the Chief Minister's convoy is expected to pass as 'red zone' areas, effectively restricting movement and activities in those zones for security reasons. In a press release issued on Monday, District Collector V. Mohanachandran said the use of civil remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) and drones has been strictly prohibited during the Chief Minister's visit. The restrictions follow standard VVIP security protocols, given that Stalin's convoy will pass through multiple areas in the district. As per the itinerary, Chief Minister Stalin will arrive in Tiruvarur from Chennai via Tiruchirappalli on the evening of July 9. He will first visit the Kalaignar Memorial at Kattur, located on the outskirts of Tiruvarur town, to pay homage to his late father and former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi. Following the memorial visit, Stalin will lead a roadshow in Tiruvarur town on the same night. The Chief Minister will stay overnight at his family residence in Tiruvarur. On July 10, he is scheduled to participate in a function organised by the district administration where various welfare scheme benefits will be distributed to eligible beneficiaries. The programme will also showcase recent achievements of the DMK-led government in the region. This visit is part of Stalin's broader outreach campaign across Tamil Nadu, which has included recent stops in districts like Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, and Nagapattinam. In each of these districts, he has launched new development projects, interacted with local communities, and overseen the disbursement of welfare assistance. The Chief Minister's roadshows have been attracting large crowds, particularly in districts that hold political and sentimental value for the DMK. Tiruvarur, being Karunanidhi's birthplace and home turf of the DMK, holds special significance. This visit is expected to further consolidate the party's grassroots presence ahead of key local body and assembly elections. Police have urged the public to cooperate with the security arrangements and avoid using drones in the restricted zones during the two-day visit.
