Australia’s newest hydrocycle-powered drone is conducting its first surveillance trials

The Australian Army has tested its latest maritime surveillance drone on remote islands north of Western Australia.

Developed by Ocius Technologies Bluebottle surface drone provides 24/7 operation and response readiness for new surveillance missions.

It was first demonstrated as part of the Australian Military Patrol Training Operation Resolve, led by the Army’s Regional Force Surveillance Group.

During the trials, Bluebottle was used to track fishing vessels and collect evidence of illegal activity in the area.

“In addition to continuous surveillance, we have been able to use Bluebottles to perform more specific reconnaissance tasks, such as reconnaissance of landing sites and approaches to certain islands in front of ground forces,” said Australian Maritime Border Command Maj. Alexander Brent said.

“With Bluebottles remotely controlled, ground forces were free to move independently of USVs (unmanned reconnaissance vessels) and focus on other tasks, such as land reconnaissance and patrolling, while taking advantage of what Bluebottles collected.”

Expansion of maritime potential

A combination of the 10th Support Battalion and North West Mobile Force operated the drone in and around the islands.

Soldiers of the Royal Australian Regiment, 3rd Battalion and 1st Combat Signal Regiment also took part in the exercise.

“The military conducted surveillance from observation points, dismounted patrols on the islands and patrolled the coastal zone on vessels,” said the captain of the North-West Patrol of the Mobile Forces. Stephen Sewell explained.

“Working alongside the Bluebottle unmanned surveillance craft, as well as the Australian Border Force’s Dash-8 aircraft, the information gathered by our contingent will enable a possible response by other government agencies.”

Achieving better compatibility

The surveillance and reconnaissance demonstration was successful, and the team was able to cover about 5,500 square kilometers (2,122 square miles) of territory.

“There is a very close relationship between the Australian Defense Force and the Australian Border Force, facilitated by Maritime Border Command, which enables joint efforts and information sharing to achieve better operational outcomes and security for Australia,” Brent said.

“At the local level, regional force observation units have close relationships with Indigenous communities and leaders in their respective areas of operation, which is vital to better understanding the country, patterns of life and access across northern Australia, all of which directly contribute to the outcomes of the ground component of the operation.” Determination”.