The Australian Army has taken delivery of two digital video exploitation (D-VEX) systems from General Dynamics (GD) Mediaware for installation onboard its RQ-7 Shadow 200 tactical unmanned aerial system (TUAS).
The systems have been designed to improve mission-critical, actionable intelligence distribution among Australian troops and coalition forces operating Shadow system in Afghanistan.
Go deeper with GlobalData
Discover B2B Marketing That Performs
Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.
General Dynamics advanced information systems geospatial solutions imagery systems division director Michael Manzo said the D-VEX system would offer next-generation tools for real-time and forensic analysis of airborne surveillance video to the army.
"It will enhance and streamline the army’s ability to derive timely, relevant and accurate geospatial intelligence from the Shadow TUAS," Manzo added.
General Dynamics mediaware chief technology officer Dr Kevin Moore said the soldiers have been experiencing difficulties in processing and analysis of broad video imagery collected by the Shadow 200 TUAS in the theatre.
"With the D-VEX solution, the video archive is easily searchable, enabling analysts to identify, tag and analyse critical events in real-time for consistent, reliable and standards-compliant results," Moore said.
US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?
Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.
By GlobalDataDeveloped using commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components, the D-VEX is a portable video exploitation system designed to help troops in capturing and management of full motion video (FMV) from airborne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) platforms in the battlefield.
In addition to enabling the operators export all recorded metadata to enterprise FMV systems, D-VEX also allows for detailed forensic analysis due to its comprehensive search and mark-up capabilities.
Fully compliant with open defence standards, including the STANAG 4609 and NGA motion imagery standards profiles (MISP), the system is also capable of operating with commercially available compact mobile hardware, including laptops.
Two Shadow 200 systems have been operated by the Australian Army for intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions in Afghanistan since August 2011.
Image: A Shadow 200 TUAS being launched from a hydraulic rail launcher. Photo: file image.
