December 16th 2021
Autonomy for Tethered UAS
KEF was awarded a Ph. 1 SBIR to explore vision-based techniques for tethered UAS in urban environments. The requirements are extreme, the pace is fast, and the work should be fun. More news in March/April 2022.
Sponsor: Army Applications Lab (AAL)
SF, USA
2023
January 1st, 2022
New Bus Day!
DTRA challenged KEF to fly at night using only EO/IR sensors, and we need to show results by April. That means testing at night, in winter, in Pittsburgh. To support our dogged field teams, yesterday we bought a short bus that's rolled 320,000 miles but has a strong frame, new engine, and a fully functional lift - indicating a strong electrical system. This bus will be our mobile deployment center, allowing us to log flight hours without making/breaking camp, while staying warm enough to alter code and analyze flight data. It will need new tires and brakes soon, but we bought it for $0.25 per pound. That's cheaper than raw steel!
We love Bus.
Sponsor: DTRA, CCBC, SOFWERX
