Proxy to develop multiple UAV control tech

GERMANTOWN, Md., Dec. 10 (UPI) -- The U.S. Defense Department has awarded a phase II contract to Proxy Aviation Systems for continued development of autonomous unmanned aerial systems.

Maryland-based Proxy was awarded $4.4 million in funding to continue work on its unmanned aerial vehicle technology that allows several unmanned aircraft to be piloted at the same time by a single ground station.

Current UAV technology requires one pilot for every unmanned aircraft. Proxy officials say their Universal Distributed Management System can direct as many as 12 autonomous UAVs as part of an effort to increase the effectiveness of the UAV fleet.

"We at Proxy are thrilled to be able to build upon our past successes in demonstrating autonomous, cooperative UAV flight," Patrick Moneymaker, Proxy Aviation president and chief executive officer, said in a statement.

"The funding supports the belief that UAVs are the future of aviation. Proxy's technology will give the war fighter the ability to operate more intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance assets with dramatically reduced manpower."