Home
UAV Technology

SAE Media Group is delighted to announce the 9th annual UAV Technology conference, taking place on the 30th September and 1st October 2024.

Uncrewed aerial systems have become one of the most researched and pursued military technologies from the past decade and the market for drones and UAVs has grown exponentially. Their capabilities have advanced with the shifting of operational requirements, whether it be with ISR assets for long range reconnaissance missions, soldier-born battlefield awareness mini UAS or for remotely piloted combat drones for precision strikes. Demand for these indispensable capabilities has led to further development of their technical abilities.
 

Here's why you can’t afford to miss your presence at the UAV Technology Conference 2024 is indispensable:

  • Engage with thought leaders from the UK, US, and Europe in interactive discussions tailored to address your specific challenges.
  • Enhance your understanding of the shifting landscape over the past year and its implications for your field.
  • Access crucial insights into cutting-edge advancements and emerging trends that are not accessible elsewhere.

Don't miss out on the opportunity to be at the forefront of UAV development. Let's shape the future of UAV Technology together!

FEATURED SPEAKERS

Air Commodore Chris Melville

Air Commodore Chris Melville

Head of the Rapid Capabilities Office , Royal Air Force
Air Commodore Patrick Shea-Simmonds

Air Commodore Patrick Shea-Simmonds

Head of Capability Strategy, Royal Air Force
Captain David Gillett

Captain David Gillett

Head Carrier Strike and Maritime Aviation, Royal Navy
Colonel Danielle Medaglia

Colonel Danielle Medaglia

Project Manager for Uncrewed Aircraft Systems, PEO Aviation, US Army
Colonel Richard Ball

Colonel Richard Ball

Commander, UAS Group , British Army
Mr Eddie Devine

Mr Eddie Devine

Former Chief of Staff - Defence Uncrewed Systems UxS, UK MOD

Air Commodore Chris Melville

Head of the Rapid Capabilities Office , Royal Air Force
Air Commodore Chris Melville

Air Commodore Patrick Shea-Simmonds

Head of Capability Strategy, Royal Air Force
Air Commodore Patrick Shea-Simmonds

 Air Commodore Patrick Shea-Simonds was initially commissioned into the Royal Anglian Regiment (1st and 3rd Battalion) following graduation from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. After regimental duty and operational tours in the Army in Germany, UK, Northern Ireland and Bosnia he transferred to the Royal Air Force, joining the RAF Regiment in 1997. He subsequently served in the UK, NATO AWACS HQ in SHAPE, Iraq, Kuwait, Sierra Leone and Afghanistan. From 2010 to 2011 he commanded No7 RAF Force Protection Wing in Kandahar and in 2013 he was Deputy Commander Bastion-Leatherneck in Regional Command South-West working with the US Marine Corps.
In addition to serving as the Personal Staff Officer to the Assistant Chief of the Air Staff, he has completed two staff tours in the Directorate of Air Resources and Plans in the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD), and tours at HQ AIR Command as DACOS Strategy and DACOS Force Protection Commitments. As Assistant Head of Capability Strategy in the Finance, Military Capability area of MOD during the Strategic Defence & Security Review of 2015 he examined the wider Defence capability portfolio. Thereafter he attended the Royal College of Defence Studies (RCDS) after which he returned to HQ AIR Command to become DACOS Capability Plans looking across the RAF equipment plan during the Integrated Review before completing a tour as Deputy Head of the RAF Rapid Capabilities Office exploring areas of innovation and future technology. Promoted to Air Commodore he assumed the role of Head of Capability Strategy and was awarded the OBE in the 2024 New Year’s Honours list.
He is married with 2 adult children, is an accident prone road cyclist and enjoys flying, motorcycling, hill-walking and history; he has motorcycled the Ho Chi Minh trail and completed the Deloitte Lands End to John O’Groats Ride Across Britain cycle event in 2022.

Captain David Gillett

Head Carrier Strike and Maritime Aviation, Royal Navy
Captain David Gillett

 David Gillett is a Royal Navy officer with 15 years operational experience in the Surface Flotilla and Fleet Air Arm. He is a qualified Lynx helicopter observer and Principal Warfare Officer, has commanded twice at sea, and served in both Carrier Strike and Joint Force battle staffs.
Following a successful operational career, he pivoted to procurement, establishing the Carrier Strike & Aviation team in Navy Develop, leading the delivery of a UAV urgent capability requirement. After 2 years as ASW Spearhead Programme Director, overseeing its expansion into autonomy, he returned to lead the Carrier Strike & Aviation team in 2024.

Colonel Danielle Medaglia

Project Manager for Uncrewed Aircraft Systems, PEO Aviation, US Army
Colonel Danielle Medaglia

 Colonel Danielle Medaglia is a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She attended Temple University where she received her Bachelor of Science degree and commission in May 1999. After graduation she attended the Aviation Officer Basic Course and Flight School at Fort Rucker, Alabama. Her next assignment after completion of flight school and qualification in the UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter, was with the 1st Cavalry Division where she served as a platoon leader of Alpha Company, 2-227th Aviation Regiment. After her platoon time, she served on the Battalion staff and deployed to Iraq serving as the Battalion Assistant S3 and lead Air Assault planner in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom II. Upon redeployment and completion of the Aviation Career Course, she moved to Katterbach, Germany where she joined the 12th Combat Aviation Brigade. In December 2006, she transferred from the Brigade S3 shop to the Storm Rider Battalion and assumed Command of Charlie Company, 3-158th Aviation Regiment. As a Storm Rider, COL Medaglia served as an Air Assault Company Commander for 18 months, 12 of which were in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, executing multiple missions in the Baghdad Area of Operations. COL Medaglia transferred from the Aviation branch to the Acquisition Corps in 2009 and served as a Contract Specialist at Fort Monmouth, NJ, following the Acquisition Officer Basic Course. In 2010, COL Medaglia earned her Masters of Business Administration from Norwich University and subsequently moved to Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, as the Assistant Product Manager for the Enhanced Medium Altitude Reconnaissance and Surveillance System. After her assignment at Aberdeen, she moved back to Philadelphia to serve as the Chief of Flight Operations supporting the Defense Contract Management Agency, located at the Boeing Company. While there, she obtained her second aircraft qualification in the CH-47F Chinook. Next, COL Medaglia led the Army’s CH-47F Helicopter Product Office as the Product Manager from June 2017- June 2020, producing and subsequently fielding aircraft to the Army’s Combat Aviation Brigades. Following command, she attended Air War College, Air University, earning a Masters Degree in Strategic Studies. Subsequently, she was nominated and selected to serve as the Executive Officer to the Principal Military Deputy, ASA (ALT), located at the Pentagon, Washington D.C. COL Medaglia is honored and humbled to serve as the next Unmanned Aircraft Systems Project Manager. COL Medaglia’ s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (4 OLC), Air Medal (2nd Award), the Army Commendation Medal (1 OLC), the Army Achievement Medal (1 OLC) and the Senior Army Aviator Badge. Danielle and her husband Bill have three children, Luke, Aaron, and Will.

Colonel Giuseppe Urbano

Director, RPAS Centre of Excellence, Italian Air Force
Colonel Giuseppe Urbano

 Colonel Giuseppe URBANO was born on February 20th, 1973 in Terlizzi (BARI).

He attended the Italian Air Force Academy from 1994 to 1998.

On February 11th, 2000 he graduated as Military Pilot on T-38 within the Euro NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training (ENJJPT) School of Sheppard AFB (TX).

From April 2000, following the 168th Ground School on F-104 and the 132nd Aircraft Qualification Course on TF-104, he qualified on TF-104 aircraft within the Operational Training Squadron of Grosseto AFB.

In April 2001 he was assigned to the 31st Wing of Ciampino (ROMA) and qualified on Falcon-50 and Airbus-319 as 306th Flight Squadron’s pilot, flying mainly state and emergency flights. His duties were from Commander of the 517th Flight Unit, to Chief of the Flights and Statistics Cell and Chief of the Intelligence Cell.

In 2004 he attended the 71st Intelligence Course and in 2006 he was deployed in Nassiraya (IRAQ) as Chief of the J2 Air Cell, within the Italian Command in Dhi Qar province, and in 2007 he was deployed in Herat (AFGHANISTAN) as Chief of the Intelligence Cell, within the ISAF Operation.

In 2008 he attended the Advanced Officer Training at the Air War College in Florence.

In 2009 carried out a period of Staff Tour within the Air Force General Staff.

On January 2010 he was assigned in Sheppard AFB (TX) as T-6 Instructor and Check Pilot within the ENJJPT school.

On January 2013 he was back in Italy and assigned to the European Union Branch within the Defence General Staff.

From September 2014 to June 2015 he attended the Joint Forces Staff College within the Centre for Defense Higher Studies of Rome and in July 2015 attended the Legal Advisor Course.

On August 17th, 2015 he took over the Chief of the Base Operation Office of the Flight School of Latina AFB and on June 1st, 2016 he took command of the 207th Flight Squadron, flying simultaneusly as Instructor Pilot on T-260B aircraft.

On March 2017 he was deployed in Rieti as Watchkepper of the Coordination Cell of the Joint Operation Headquarter within the Command and Controll Unit of the Civil Protection, in support of the earthquake area of Sabina.

From September 2017 to Dicember 2019, he was assigned to the Centre for Defence Innovation withing the Defence General Staff, as Chief of the Joint Doctrine Branch.

The 1st of July 2019 he was promoted Colonel and on December 20th, 2019 appointed as Director of the Studies Directorate of the Air Force Academy of Pozzuoli.

Colonel URBANO has a bachelor degree in Aeronautical Science and has flown over 3863 flight hours on the following aircrafts: T-260A, T-37, T-38, TF-104, FALCON-50, AIRBUS-319, T-6, T-260B, T-339A, T-2006A, RAPIER X-25.
Awards and decorations:

- NATO Medal for flying operations in Kosovo from September to November 2001;
- NATO Medal for flying operations in the former Jugoslavia from Dicember 2001 to February 2002;
- Air Force Medal for long service as military pilot (bronze);
- Commemorative Cross for the international support operations in Afghanistan from May 2002 to July 2004;
- Commemorative Cross for the international support operations in Iraq from Dicember 2003 to Dicember 2004 and from April 2006 September 2006;
- Silver Cross for military service;
- NATO Medal for the ISAF Operation in Afghanistan from August 2007 to January 2008;
- Air Force Commendation Medal for military service merit in United State from June 2009 to January 2013;
- Medal for long command (bronze);
- Knight of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem.

Colonel URBANO is married with Miss Isabella and has two daughters and one son.

Colonel Nick Moore

Tactical RPAS Chief Engineer & Type Airworthiness Authority, DE&S
Colonel Nick Moore

 Nick is a serving British Army Officer. He has been employed principally in Aircraft Engineering roles for much of his 30 years of service.


His current post is in the UK Defence Equipment & Support Organisation as Chief Engineer and Type Airworthiness Authority for Tactical RPAS employed in UK Defence, which includes Watchkeeper.


He has extensive experience in Piloted Army Rotary and Fixed Wing aircraft as well as operational experience from Iraq, Afghanistan and Mali.

Colonel Richard Ball

Commander, UAS Group , British Army
Colonel Richard Ball

 Colonel Richard Ball commissioned into the Army Air Corps (AAC) in December 1999 and was awarded wings in 2001.

He was initially posted to 664 Squadron, 9 Regiment AAC as an anti-tank Lynx pilot, as part of 16 Air Assault Brigade. In 2003 he was attached to 3 Regiment AAC for Op TELIC, and on return was selected for the first Apache Conversion to Type as a Flight Commander with 656 Squadron. Following Apache Conversion to Role training, he enjoyed 2 years developing the capability, including the first maritime deployment, culminating with the first Apache deployment to Afghanistan on Op HERRICK 4 in 2006. Subsequently, as Ops Officer 9 Regiment AAC, he oversaw the re-organisation of an all Lynx Regiment in 2008 as part of an aviation re-balance within 16 Air Assault Brigade. In November 2011 he took command of 663 Squadron, 3 Regiment AAC and deployed on Op HERRICK in January 2013 to provide the Apache component of the Joint Aviation Group. He assumed command of 4 Regiment AAC in January 2017. His time with 4 Regiment AAC was spent at readiness in support of Land, Maritime and UK SF operations and included the first Apache deployment to the Arctic and embarkation on HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH.

At staff, he has enjoyed a variety of roles. As an SO2 he worked in MOD Main Building and was responsible for a number of Joint CIS projects and capabilities as the Joint User, involving a blend of operational and project planning, and policy development. Following ACSC in 2014, he was the Military Assistant to the 3-Star Surgeon General for a year and in 2019 he deployed again to Afghanistan as Military Assistant to the 2-Star UK Deputy Adviser to the Afghan Minister of Interior Affairs. He was promoted to Colonel in 2019 and was Assistant Head Commitments at the Joint Helicopter Command until late 2022 when he took over as COS JHC as an acting Brigadier until May 2023. He assumed Command of the Watchkeeper Force on 17 April 2023 and subsequently the Uncrewed Aircraft Systems Group on 1 Dec 23.

Group Captain Nick Robson

Deputy Head Regulation, Military Aviation Authority
Group Captain Nick Robson

Group Captain Nick Robson was commissioned into the Royal Air Force in 1987 and has been an Air Traffic Control officer for over 30 years. He has hold every controlling licence available within the military, operating within all the disciplines from tactical controlling, aerodromes and area radar. He was the first RAF exchange and RAF ATC Examiner at Plymouth Military Radar within the Flag Officer Sea Training ahead of deploying to NATO AIRSOUTH to redesign and manage the airspace across the Balkans for the reconstruction phase, enabling civilian and military operations to co-exist. He was OC TacATC, the RAF’s deployable ATC capability, controlling across the world on exercise and operations, including the re-opening of Kabul and Bagram as well as deploying to the Middle East for Op Telic. Whilst SATCO Lossiemouth, he deployed to Camp Bastion to turn the desert strip into the UK’s 3rd busiest airfield with 2 parallel runways. Post-Staff College, he commanded Airfield Wing at RAF Brize Norton as the first RA1026 Aerodrome Operator.
Group Captain Robson has an extensive Staff Officer pedigree; from PSO to COS Ops to the CAS Parliamentary Engagement Officer in the Palace of Westminster, from Career Management to airspace policy as Head of Defence Airspace and Air Traffic Management ahead of his current role as Deputy Head of Regulations within the Military Aviation Authority. A published academic, he is an Associate Researcher for the ATM Research Centre at the University of Westminster, focussed primarily on the impact on air traffic flow caused by UK Space Launch and High Altitude Operations (crewed and UAV).
At his best, he was a below average athlete and rugby player but has a passion for ensuring everyone reaches their full potential through sport; he was Chairman of RAF Athletics and Chair of UK Armed Forces Tug of War as well as being a National Tug of War Coach and Judge, as well as holding various posts within the management of RAF Rugby Union. In 2021, he was awarded RAF Sports Administrator of the Year reflecting his commitment to the promotion of athletics, rugby and sub-aqua expeditions.
 

Group Captain Richard Long

RPAS – Protector International Lead, MICP Secretariat Hd, MQ-9B International Cooperation Programme (MICP), Royal Air Force
Group Captain Richard Long

 - Commissioned in 1991 as a Navigator.
- Nimrod MR2 Fleet 1994- 2000.
- VP30, NAS Jacksonville 2000-2003.
- 42 (R) Sqn, Nimrod MR2 Operational Conversion Unit, 2003-2006.
- HQ Air A5, 2006-2008.
- Dep Hd Strategy Division, CAOC, Al Udeid, 2008-2009.
- UK Joint Force Air Component HQ, 2009-2011.
- Chief of Combat Operations, Op UNIFIED PROTECTOR (OUP) (Poggio Renatico, IT).
- 2011-2013 – Dep Head Inspectorate of Flight Safety, RAF Flight Safety.
- 2013-2015 -Senior Operator to Operational Duty Holder for Army Unmanned Air Systems, Joint Helicopter Command.
- 2015-2017 – Officer Commanding Air Support Operations Centre, MOD Boscombe Down.
-2017-2021 – Release to Service Manager for Rivet Joint RC-135 and Poseidon P8 Maritime Patrol Aircraft, Defence Equipment and Support.
- 2021- Present – MQ-9B International Cooperative Programme MICP) Lead.

 

Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Boehm

Programme Manager for ADS 15, Swiss Air Force
Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Boehm

 Lt Col Daniel Böhm is currently serving as program manager for the new ADS 15 System.

Lt Col Böhm began his military career as a photo interpreter in a Mirage III reconnaissance squadron, staying in this field as a reserve officer for 10 years. In 2004 he changed to the UA career field by joining the 7th UA squadron. He has been serving professionally in the Swiss Air Force as part of the ADS 95, 84th Training Command since 2007. Until 2018 he was Chief Pilot of the ADS 95 system at the 84th Training Command and was until 2013 the commander of the 7th UA squadron.

Lt Col Böhm completed a master in mechanical engineering and economics at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) at Zürich.

He was as a manager for an international telecom supplier for a period of fourteen years working. In this function, he planned and implemented numerous IT projects, reorganised global distribution channels and established a new product line, developed for the global market.

Lt Col Böhm accumulated several hundred missions and over one thousand flight hours on the tactical ADS 95 as pilot, payload operator and flight instructor.

Lieutenant Colonel Stephan Heger

Programme Director GHTP, Bundeswehr
Lieutenant Colonel Stephan Heger

 Air Force:
Aircraft Maintenance Officer (TLG 74, TLG 72)
Maintenance Coordination Officer (TLG 31“B“)
Squadron Commander (TLG 31 „B“)
Logistics Group Commander (TLG 33)

Armament and Procurement:
Air Force Armaments and Procurement Officer
DEU Technical Director CPT NGWS
GHTP Programme Director

International experience:
Exchange Officer ITAF (50° Stormo, Piacenza)
Dep. Group Commander GAFFTC (HOLLOMAN AFB, NM, USA)
DEU Technical Director (CPT NGWS (FRA, ESP, DEU) Arcueil, FRA))

Major General Karsten Stoye

Head of the Civil-Military Cooperation Division and Military Advisor to the Director General, EUROCONTROL
Major General Karsten Stoye

 

- Joined the German Armed Forces 42 years ago
- Studied Economics and Administrative Sciences in Hamburg
- 3,000+ hours flying, mainly on the TORNADO jet
- Base commander of the Tactical Air Wing 51 from 2007 to 2010
- Flew 70 operational missions in various missions, including an ISAF-assignment as Base Commander in Afghanistan
- 10 years of experience in NATO assignments, including NATO E-3A Component Commander of the AWACS fleet
- previous assignment as Chief of Staff at NATO’s Headquarters Allied Air Command in Ramstein
- head of the Civil-Military Cooperation Division at Eurocontrol since 2021

Mr Andy McIntyre

Future Capability Innovation Army/Navy Team Leader, DE&S, UK MoD
Mr Andy McIntyre

 Andy McIntyre is the head of the Army and Navy Capability Exploitation Teams within the Future Capability Group (FCG) at Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S).

The FCG exists to help explore new capabilities so that they can then be exploited at scale. Increasingly, projects are ‘Agile By Default’ to deliver early operational advantage. The Group works closely with all the Front-line Commands, DSTL and central MOD areas such as the DIU and DASA. Andy has a long standing career in MOD and DE&S and is both an engineer and highly experience programme and portfolio manager. He is a passionate advocate of delivering Operational Advantage through a better application of strategic thinking on innovation, inclusive cultures and sustainability.

Mr Bob Wells

Vice President, Government & Defense, Uavionix Corporation
Mr Bob Wells

 Mr. Wells has over 25 years of military experience and 15 years of industry experience in business development and sales management of mil-spec avionics and mission systems equipment for the DoD. Bob completed multiple combat tours as an AH-64A/D helicopter pilot, and he continues to serve part-time in the South Carolina Army National Guard as the Deputy State Army Aviation Officer with specialization in aviation operations, maintenance, engineering, test and evaluation, and defense support of civil authorities.

Mr Christophe Vivier

Head of Single European Sky Unit, European Defence Agency
Mr Christophe Vivier

Christophe Vivier is the Head of the Single European Sky (SES) Unit at the European Defence Agency. Christophe started his career in 1987 in the French Air Force as a jet pilot and has held several different leadership and managerial positions in the French Air Force, the French Military Aviation Authority and the French delegations to EU and NATO.

The European Defence Agency, through the SES Unit, is ensuring that Military Aviation will continue to provide, and further improve, effective security and defence in Europe in the changing context of the civil aviation sector. In this regard, contributing to unlock the skies in Europe for existing and future unmanned aerial systems is a key activity.

 

Mr Eddie Devine

Former Chief of Staff - Defence Uncrewed Systems UxS, UK MOD
Mr Eddie Devine

 Former Chief of Staff for Uncrewed systems (UxS) where he headed the embryonic Defence UxS Gateway, Founder and inaugural Chair of the Defence Remotely Piloted Air Systems (RPAS) Network, and Co-author of the UK MOD’s Defence Drone Strategy.

 

With a Bachelor of Science in Astrophysics from the University of the Manchester, Eddie started his career in crewed aviation by commissioning as a Royal Navy Observer in a Merlin Mk 2 Anti-submarine Helicopter, taking aircraft and mission command in various operations and exercises. He is also a qualified Officer Of the Watch (OOW) on HM Ships, with experience of T45 Air Defence Destroyers and Sandown class Mine-hunters.

 

Within the UxS space, Eddie has sought the cutting edge of organisational change for Defence. He has:

 

Been the Royal Navy Trials Manger for the first UAV trial from a Queen Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carrier, working in partnership with QinetiQ to launch the Banshee Jet 80 from HMS Prince of Wales.

Took a leading role generating the Royal Navy’s first organic operational UAV flights, including regulatory compliance, risk management, Test and Evaluation (T&E) and training development.

Worked in partnership with the Royal Navy’s Officer of the Chief Technology Officer (OCTO) and DE&S’ Future Capabilities Group (FCG) to develop the Heavy Lift Capability Framework. Specifically this was by incorporating Test and Evaluation methodologies for technical assessment, allowing a ‘show don’t tell’ approach to commercial frameworks.

Founded the Defence RPAS Network, where he has sought to democratise the underlying process and policy for UAS within the UK MOD, working to redefine how Defence brings real world capability into the hands of the frontline user, and lessons back to the centre.

Been sought out and seconded into MOD Head Office to co-author the Defence Drone Strategy, and following this to lead the organisation tackling the central and defence-level implementation of the strategy around the 6 core pillars of:

Research and Development (R&D)

Operational, Equipment and Market (OEM) analysis

Test and Evaluation (T&E) coordination and exploitation

Digital, integration and security standards

Policy, regulation, and risk

Industrial principles and commercial agility

 

 

Now transitioned out of the Royal Navy, Eddie has taken the position of Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) for ISS Aerospace, bringing the same passion for transformative change outside of the wire that he has brought inside of it.

Mr Michael Tombs

Business Development Lead, Europe, Satcom Direct Government
Mr Michael Tombs

 MICHAEL TOMBS, Business Development Lead, Europe, Satcom Direct Government
Michael (Mike) Tombs leads Business Development, Sales and Key Account management across the European Military & Government aero market. In this role, he is responsible for new business and existing customers across Europe. Tombs is focused on executing SD’s ongoing strategic developments across these territories, building new partnerships, introducing established and new technologies and solutions to the global market, and ensuring continued delivery of Satcom Direct’s award-winning customer support.
Tombs supported British Army aviation over a 13-year military career, maintaining a variety of Rotary-winged platforms and Unmanned Air Systems as an Aircraft Engineer in Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineers (REME). During his military service, Tombs deployed across the globe, including two operational tours to Afghanistan. Following this, Tombs moved into Defence Acquisition and joined the Type31 Frigate Delivery Team at Defence Equipment & Support (DES) before joining Satcom Direct in 2022.

Wing Commander Maik Hoffmann

Team Leader GAF UAS Procurement and Development HERON, EURODRONE, German Air Force
Wing Commander Maik Hoffmann

 UAVs are paving the way for the future of aerial warfare and this year's conference is where you can witness it all happen. UAV Technology 2024 is the leading international forum dedicated towards the development of uncrewed aerial systems, allowing for essential dialogue between military, industry and academia.

The conference will bring you presentations ranging from multi-national UAV development programmes, certification and regulation, Counter UAS/UAV technology, Stealth technology, the latest in drone R&D and future force design using these hi-tech military assets. We at SAE Media Group, look forward to welcoming the global UAV community to this leading conference to maintain dialogue, share ground-breaking ideas and furthering the concept of modern warfare.

sponsors

Conference agenda

clock

8:30

Registration & Coffee

clock

9:20

Chairman's Opening Remarks

Mr Eddie Devine, Former Chief of Staff - Defence Uncrewed Systems UxS, UK MOD

clock

9:30

RAF Autonomous Collaborative Platforms (ACP) Strategy

Air Commodore Patrick Shea-Simmonds, Head of Capability Strategy, Royal Air Force

 • The Autonomous Collaborative Platform (ACP) Strategy is coherent with the recently published ‘Defence Drone Strategy’ and sets the head mark for Service development of collaborative platforms now and into the future.
• The use of uncrewed systems is not a new concept for the Service or for Defence however the advent of machine learning and autonomy combined with developments on operations is accelerating capability towards the use of ACP.
• The modern operating environment will require us to undertake activity in areas that are demanding, difficult or overtly hostile, we must therefore use new technologies in high-risk operations to bring this emerging capability to bear more rapidly and at a lower cost.

clock

10:00

MQ-9B International Cooperative Programme (MICP) – Enabling Close Cooperation and Future Collaboration between Allies

Group Captain Richard Long, RPAS – Protector International Lead, MICP Secretariat Hd, MQ-9B International Cooperation Programme (MICP), Royal Air Force

 • What is the MICP?
• Working with allies on certification and airworthiness, training, sustainment, and future capability enhancements
• Strategic opportunities

clock

10:30

Morning Coffee

clock

11:00

Maritime Aviation Transformation

Captain David Gillett, Head Carrier Strike and Maritime Aviation, Royal Navy

  • Threat Led, Capability Driven and focussed on Effects based Outcomes
  • Uncrewed where Possible, Crewed where Necessary
  • Think Big, Start Small, Scale Up at Pace - using Experimentation wisely and Learning as we Go
  • clock

    11:30

    Connectivity Considerations for UAV Missions

    Mr Michael Tombs, Business Development Lead, Europe, Satcom Direct Government

     • Fundamentals of satellite connectivity for UAS
    • The multi-orbit Landscape
    • Operational benefits of SATCOM
    • Defining & implementing the “right” solution for the mission
    • Current (and future) market trends

    clock

    12:00

    Networking Lunch

    clock

    13:00

    Enhanced Situation Awareness with Advancements in Mode 5 Technology

    Mr Bob Wells, Vice President, Government & Defense, Uavionix Corporation

     1. History of IFF
    2. Deep Dive into ZPx MicroIFF technologies
    3. IFF Technologies and the Warfighter
    4. Future Vision
    5. Q&A

    clock

    13:30

    EUROCONTROL: Integrating Military UAS into European Airspace

    Major General Karsten Stoye, Head of the Civil-Military Cooperation Division and Military Advisor to the Director General, EUROCONTROL

     • Integration of RPAS into non-segregated air space
    • New European defence and security requirements
    • Relation between UTM and ATM

    clock

    14:00

    Unlocking the skies in Europe: How EDA is enabling the UAS Operations in Europe

    Mr Christophe Vivier, Head of Single European Sky Unit, European Defence Agency

     • Promoting the Integration of military UAS, particularly MALE RPAS in non-segregated airspace in the context of the Single European Sky
    • Promoting synergies among Member States operating large military RPAS
    • Supporting the development of defence capabilities and technology, and military cooperation and harmonisation in the use of UAS among Member States

    clock

    14:30

    Integration of UAVs within UK Airspace

    Group Captain Nick Robson, Deputy Head Regulation, Military Aviation Authority

     • Challenges to ensure the military’s freedom of manoeuvre.
    • Segregated airspace – pros and cons
    • Use of SORA as a tool to articulate air system safety cases

    clock

    15:00

    Afternoon Tea

    clock

    15:30

    The Swiss Air Force And UAVs: Hermes 900hfe Acquisition and Airspace Integration

    Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Boehm, Programme Manager for ADS 15, Swiss Air Force

     • The acquisition of the Hermes 900HFE
    • Airspace integration

    clock

    16:00

    Chairman’s Closing Remarks and Close of Day One

    Mr Eddie Devine, Former Chief of Staff - Defence Uncrewed Systems UxS, UK MOD

    clock

    16:05

    Networking Drinks Reception

    Mr Eddie Devine, Former Chief of Staff - Defence Uncrewed Systems UxS, UK MOD

    clock

    9:00

    Registration & Coffee

    clock

    9:20

    Chairman's Opening Remarks

    Mr Eddie Devine, Former Chief of Staff - Defence Uncrewed Systems UxS, UK MOD

    clock

    9:30

    Expediting UAV Capability Development

     • Non-Traditional approach of the RCO direct to industry.
    • R&D at pace – start again or modification at scale.
    • Establishing priorities for development against arm and service intended use.

    Air Commodore Chris Melville

    Air Commodore Chris Melville, Head of the Rapid Capabilities Office , Royal Air Force

    clock

    10:00

    The British Army’s UAS Group – Integrating UAS into the Joint Aviation Command

    Colonel Richard Ball, Commander, UAS Group , British Army

    • The drivers behind the change from the Joint Helicopter Command to
    Joint Aviation Command (JAC) and the formation of the UAS Group
    • What has been achieved this far
    • What are the next steps for JAC and the Army

    clock

    10:30

    PEO Aviation UAS – Providing Interoperable Systems and Integrated Payloads

    Colonel Danielle Medaglia, Project Manager for Uncrewed Aircraft Systems, PEO Aviation, US Army

     • Providing beyond line-of-sight capabilities with the Gray Eagle
    • Utilizing Small and Tactical UAS to enhance the capability of the Warfighter
    • The importance and possibilities of Launched Effects

     

    clock

    11:00

    Morning Coffee

    clock

    11:30

    Exploiting the Potential of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

    Mr Andy McIntyre, Future Capability Innovation Army/Navy Team Leader, DE&S, UK MoD

     
    • Accelerating the exploitation of UAVs
    • Upcoming competitions and emerging programmes

    clock

    12:00

    The Challenges, Trade-Offs and Co-operation Behind the Acquisition of RPAS

    Colonel Nick Moore, Tactical RPAS Chief Engineer & Type Airworthiness Authority, DE&S

     • Design trade-offs and challenges for tactical UAVs
    • Incorporating end-user feedback into Tactical RPAS acquisition for holistic platform development

    clock

    12:30

    A Proportionate Risk Based Approach to UAS Capability Development.

    Mr Andy McIntyre, Future Capability Innovation Army/Navy Team Leader, DE&S, UK MoD

    Group Captain Nick Robson, Deputy Head Regulation, Military Aviation Authority

    Mr Eddie Devine, Former Chief of Staff - Defence Uncrewed Systems UxS, UK MOD

    Colonel Nick Moore, Tactical RPAS Chief Engineer & Type Airworthiness Authority, DE&S

    clock

    13:00

    Networking Lunch

    clock

    14:00

    The Role of MALE/GHTP in the Future of the German Armed Forces

    Lieutenant Colonel Stephan Heger, Programme Director GHTP, Bundeswehr

    clock

    14:30

    EURODRONE – Developing a Sovereign European UAS Capability

    Wing Commander Maik Hoffmann

    Wing Commander Maik Hoffmann, Team Leader GAF UAS Procurement and Development HERON, EURODRONE, German Air Force

     • The four-nation cooperative programme approaching CDR (Critical Design Review) in 2025 – status quo ante
    • How to ensure final product suitability in an extended (eight years) development and production cycle
    • “Growth Potential” - incorporate new capabilities along evolving operational needs

    clock

    15:30

    Afternoon Tea

    clock

    16:00

    The COE for Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems – Advancing the RPAS Training and Capability for the Italian Armed Forces

    Colonel Giuseppe Urbano, Director, RPAS Centre of Excellence, Italian Air Force

     • The mission of the Italian RPA CoE
    • Testing and evaluating of new RPA platforms and sensor systems
    • RPA training for new UAV pilots

    clock

    16:30

    Chairman’s Closing Remarks and Close of Day Two

    Mr Eddie Devine, Former Chief of Staff - Defence Uncrewed Systems UxS, UK MOD


    Head of the Rapid Capabilities Office
    Royal Air Force
    Head of Capability Strategy
    Royal Air Force
    Head Carrier Strike and Maritime Aviation
    Royal Navy
    Project Manager for Uncrewed Aircraft Systems
    PEO Aviation, US Army
    Director, RPAS Centre of Excellence
    Italian Air Force
    Tactical RPAS Chief Engineer & Type Airworthiness Authority
    DE&S
    Commander, UAS Group
    British Army
    Deputy Head Regulation
    Military Aviation Authority
    RPAS – Protector International Lead, MICP Secretariat Hd, MQ-9B International Cooperation Programme (MICP)
    Royal Air Force
    Programme Manager for ADS 15
    Swiss Air Force
    Programme Director GHTP
    Bundeswehr
    Head of the Civil-Military Cooperation Division and Military Advisor to the Director General
    EUROCONTROL
    Future Capability Innovation Army/Navy Team Leader
    DE&S, UK MoD
    Vice President, Government & Defense
    Uavionix Corporation
    Head of Single European Sky Unit
    European Defence Agency
    Former Chief of Staff - Defence Uncrewed Systems UxS
    UK MOD
    Business Development Lead, Europe
    Satcom Direct Government
    Team Leader GAF UAS Procurement and Development HERON, EURODRONE
    German Air Force

    Sponsors

    Exhibitors

    Supporters

    VENUE

    Hilton London Kensington

    179-199 Holland Park Avenue, London, United Kingdom

    At the heart of the Holland Park district, our hotel is 10 minutes from Westfield London shopping center. We're blocks from Shepherd's Bush Underground station, linking to central London, and Kensington Palace and Gardens are two miles from us. Enjoy 24-hour access to our fitness center.

     
    Join us in WestEleven for hearty buffet breakfast, a great way to start the day! Our Avenue Bar and Lounge serves light bites throughout the day as well as a delicious, seasonal dining menu.”

    A number of our clients have been approached by third party organisations offering to book hotel rooms. We would advise that you do not book through them as they are not representing the SMi Group. SMi Group books all hotel rooms directly. If you are approached by a third party organisation then please contact us before making any bookings. If you have already booked a hotel room using a third party organisation, we would highly recommend contacting the hotel you were booked into to ensure a booking has been made for you. We would also advise you to please check the terms and conditions of the booking carefully.
    HOTEL BOOKING FORM

    Sponsor Interview - UAVionix

    Download

    Current Attendee List

    Download

    Sponsor Interview - Satcom Direct

    Download

    Chair Interview - Mr Eddie Devine

    Download

    Speaker Interview - Wing Commander Maik Hoffmann

    Download

    Speaker Interview - Christophe Vivier

    Download

    Speaker Interview - Colonel Nick Moore

    Download

    Speaker Interview - Major General Karsten Stoye

    Download

    Past Attendee List

    Download

    Chair Letter - Mr. Eddie Devine, UK Mod

    Download

    Sponsors


    Satcom Direct

    Sponsors
    http://www.satcomdirect.com

    Satcom Direct (SD) is founded on a core belief of understanding the value of time and the importance of maximizing it. Since our inception in 1997, the company mobilizes the most cutting-edge technologies to enable connection, wherever you might be. SD’s solutions span business aviation, marine, military, government, and telecommunications sectors, with the singular goal of leading connectivity industry standards. Harnessing a powerful combination of tools, SD delivers consistent, reliable connectivity across the globe. Proprietary software, hardware, terrestrial infrastructure, cybersecurity solutions and award-winning customer services create tailored data services for each individual customer mission. The aim is to enhance the passenger and ownership experience, improve efficiency and give back precious time by providing connectivity beyond all expectations. From our World headquarters in Florida USA, across 14 additional locations in 11 countries, including the UK, Switzerland, UAE, Singapore, Australia, Brazil and our manufacturing base in Canada, our truly global workforce is dedicated to advancing our mission to serve you.


    uAvionix

    Sponsors
    http://uavionix.com/

    uAvionix is a leading developer of communications, navigation, and surveillance solutions for military UAS (unmanned aircraft systems).

    uAvionix develops low SWaP TSO-certified and uncertified avionics for tactical Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) markets.

    Our cross-disciplinary team of experts specialize in embedded RF engineering, hardware, software, and cloud services to provide low SWaP and affordable ADS-B transponders, IFF transmitters and receivers, and GPS receivers for the defense sector.

    Engineered to the highest standards, uAvionix low-SWaP systems can be installed on Group 1 or Group 2 sUAS. Our RT-2087/ZPX IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) solutions provide secure Combat ID with Modes 1, 2, 3/A, C, S, and 5 interoperability for tactical UAV.


    Exhibitors


    Oxford Technical Solutions Ltd

    Exhibitors
    https://www.oxts.com/

    At OxTS, we have been pushing the performance limits from MEMS-based GNSS/INS for over twenty years. Today, thousands of engineers are collecting and using position, orientation and dynamics data to develop and deploy vehicles and other autonomous platforms around the world. Our focus on robustness and scalability has led to our GNSS/INS systems becoming the go-to solution for automotive testing and an attractive alternative to FOG-based systems in other industries.


    Media Partners


    Defence Online

    Supporters
    https://www.defenceonline.co.uk/

    Defence Online is one of the fastest-growing communities of key decision makers representing defence sector buyers and influencers within the Ministry of Defence, Prime Contractors and Industry. Providing up-to-date and informative news, insight and intelligence, Defence Online allows organisations to engage directly with a range of sector-based solutions, designed specifically to enhance their knowledge and understanding of this ever-evolving marketplace. No matter the size of your organisation, Defence Online has a range of advertising and marketing solutions to suit your business development requirements, connecting you with a marketplace worth over £19 billion annually in the UK alone.


    Unmanned Systems Technology

    Supporters
    http://www.unmannedsystemstechnology.com

    UST is the largest ecosystem for unmanned systems, technology and innovation. We provide global exposure for +200 industry-leading technical and engineering organisations, allowing them to gain maximum visibility of their innovations, products and capabilities in front of an audience of +1.2million visitors each year. We do this via a winning combination of intelligent digital marketing and advertising techniques, high exposure in search engines for relevant technology. Get in touch to find out how we can support you.

    SAVE TO


    Outlook Calendar  OUTLOOK CALENDAR
    Google Calendar  GOOGLE CALENDAR
    ICal Calendar  ICAL CALENDAR
    Yahoo! Calendar  YAHOO! CALENDAR

    Hilton London Kensington

    179-199 Holland Park Avenue
    London W11 4UL
    United Kingdom

    Hilton London Kensington

    At the heart of the Holland Park district, our hotel is 10 minutes from Westfield London shopping center. We're blocks from Shepherd's Bush Underground station, linking to central London, and Kensington Palace and Gardens are two miles from us. Enjoy 24-hour access to our fitness center.

     
    Join us in WestEleven for hearty buffet breakfast, a great way to start the day! Our Avenue Bar and Lounge serves light bites throughout the day as well as a delicious, seasonal dining menu.”
    HOTEL BOOKING FORM

    Title

    SubTitle
    speaker image

    Content


    Title


    Description

    Download

    Title


    Description

    Download

    Title


    Description


    Download


    WHAT IS CPD?

    CPD stands for Continuing Professional Development’. It is essentially a philosophy, which maintains that in order to be effective, learning should be organised and structured. The most common definition is:

    ‘A commitment to structured skills and knowledge enhancement for Personal or Professional competence’

    CPD is a common requirement of individual membership with professional bodies and Institutes. Increasingly, employers also expect their staff to undertake regular CPD activities.

    Undertaken over a period of time, CPD ensures that educational qualifications do not become obsolete, and allows for best practice and professional standards to be upheld.

    CPD can be undertaken through a variety of learning activities including instructor led training courses, seminars and conferences, e:learning modules or structured reading.

    CPD AND PROFESSIONAL INSTITUTES

    There are approximately 470 institutes in the UK across all industry sectors, with a collective membership of circa 4 million professionals, and they all expect their members to undertake CPD.

    For some institutes undertaking CPD is mandatory e.g. accountancy and law, and linked to a licence to practice, for others it’s obligatory. By ensuring that their members undertake CPD, the professional bodies seek to ensure that professional standards, legislative awareness and ethical practices are maintained.

    CPD Schemes often run over the period of a year and the institutes generally provide online tools for their members to record and reflect on their CPD activities.

    TYPICAL CPD SCHEMES AND RECORDING OF CPD (CPD points and hours)

    Professional bodies and Institutes CPD schemes are either structured as ‘Input’ or ‘Output’ based.

    ‘Input’ based schemes list a precise number of CPD hours that individuals must achieve within a given time period. These schemes can also use different ‘currencies’ such as points, merits, units or credits, where an individual must accumulate the number required. These currencies are usually based on time i.e. 1 CPD point = 1 hour of learning.

    ‘Output’ based schemes are learner centred. They require individuals to set learning goals that align to professional competencies, or personal development objectives. These schemes also list different ways to achieve the learning goals e.g. training courses, seminars or e:learning, which enables an individual to complete their CPD through their preferred mode of learning.

    The majority of Input and Output based schemes actively encourage individuals to seek appropriate CPD activities independently.

    As a formal provider of CPD certified activities, SAE Media Group can provide an indication of the learning benefit gained and the typical completion. However, it is ultimately the responsibility of the delegate to evaluate their learning, and record it correctly in line with their professional body’s or employers requirements.

    GLOBAL CPD

    Increasingly, international and emerging markets are ‘professionalising’ their workforces and looking to the UK to benchmark educational standards. The undertaking of CPD is now increasingly expected of any individual employed within today’s global marketplace.

    CPD Certificates

    We can provide a certificate for all our accredited events. To request a CPD certificate for a conference , workshop, master classes you have attended please email events@saemediagroup.com

    Event Title

    Headline

    Text
    Read More

    I would like to speak at an event

    I would like to attend an event

    Group Booking

    Please complete the below form and a member of SAE Media Group’s booking team will be in contact within 24 hours

    I would like to sponsor/exhibit at an event

    SIGN UP OR LOGIN

    Sign up
    Forgotten Password?

    Contact SAE Media Group

    UK Office
    Opening Hours: 9.00 - 17.30 (local time)
    SAE Media Group , Ground Floor, India House, 45 Curlew Street, London, SE1 2ND, United Kingdom
    Tel: +44 (0) 20 7827 6000 Fax: +44 (0) 20 7827 6001
    Website: http://www.smgconferences.com Email: events@saemediagroup.com
    Registered in England - SMi Group Ltd trading as SAE Media Group




    Forgotten Password

    Please enter the email address you registered with. We will email you a new password.

    Thank you for visiting our event

    If you would like to receive further information about our events, please fill out the information below.

    By ticking above you are consenting to receive information by email from SAE Media Group.
    Full details of our privacy policy can be found here https://www.smgconferences.com/privacy-legals/privacy-policy/.
    Should you wish to update your contact preferences at any time you can contact us at data.privacy@smgconferences.com.
    Should you wish to be removed from any future mailing lists please click on the following link http://www.smgconferences.com/opt-out

    Fill in your details to download the brochure

    By submitting this form you agree to our privacy policy and consent to receiving communications, you may opt out at any time.