Britain, QinetiQ to open UAS center

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FARNBOROUGH, England, July 19 (UPI) -- Research and technology company QinetiQ and Britain's Ministry of Defense are planning a center for development of unmanned aerial systems.

The Unmanned Air Systems Capability Development Center will be the first of its kind in the country and will be in operation by next April, QinetiQ said.

"The UASCDC is an important initiative to provide access to independent, informed and holistic UAS advice and solutions," said Dai Morris, the Defense Ministry's head of Capability for Joint Training, Evaluation and Simulation.

"My intention is that it will serve the widest possible audience, from researchers to operators across MOD, industry and ultimately other government departments."

QinetiQ said the center will communicate best practice to support the maximum reuse of data and lessons learned; coordinate the provision of common enablers, such as access to air ranges and airspace; advise on the definition of test and training policies; speed up technology insertion; and facilitate government and industry cooperation.

"Alongside the MOD, we are implementing a new approach so that we can combine our people's in-depth understanding of air vehicle engineering, release-to-service, integration of command and control and communications systems, and above all safety, with that of the full range of suppliers," said Fiona Lewinton, QinetiQ UASCDC account director. "This combined approach will allow new UAS capabilities to be brought to life more efficiently and effectively than before."