U.S.-Austrian firms in UAV joint venture

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ANAHEIM, Calif., Aug. 2 (UPI) -- A U.S.-Austrian joint venture is to develop and commercialize a certified system that will allow unmanned aerial vehicles to operate in civilian air space.

Signing a joint venture agreement is California's Advanced Defense Technologies Inc. and AeroSpy of Austria, a supplier of navigation, motion tracking and mobile robotics.

The companies plan to produce the first fully certified sense-and-avoid system for mission-specific UAVs.

"As part of the joint venture, ADTI will combine its phased array antenna technology with AeroSpy's Sense and Avoid technology to form a significant global alliance," ADTI said.

"We are committed to this partnership with AeroSpy, which has a long-standing reputation in the field of navigation, motion tracking, and mobile robotics," said R.S. Tahim, president and chief executive officer of Advanced Defense Technologies Inc.

"Our potential customers and clients can now benefit from the combined strengths of both our organizations and a broadened global reach for UAV systems within the military, oil and gas, municipal, meteorological, forestry, agriculture and coastal/border surveillance sectors.

"The venture aligns our combined strategic direction and the potential for future business growth is significant. We see an exceptional opportunity to create value for our respective corporations, partners, and shareholders."