Sensor-maker Sentient Vision Systems and UAV-manufacturer UMS SKELDAR are teaming up.
Sentient will provide ViDAR (visual detection and ranging) for SKELDAR maritime patrol drones.
UMS SKELDAR will integrate ViDAR "into its fleet of flagship VTOL's — the SKELDAR V-200, uniquely deploying five to ten cameras, providing between 180 and an optimal 360 degree maritime domain awareness for the first time," according to a Sentient news release.
During tests, ViDAR has autonomously detected fishing vessels at ranges beyond 14 nautical miles, fast boats at greater than 17 nautical miles and a person floating in the water at a range of 1.9 nautical miles.
Michael Peck is a correspondent for Defense News and a columnist for the Center for European Policy Analysis. He holds an M.A. in political science from Rutgers University. Find him on X at @Mipeck1. His email is mikedefense1@gmail.com.








