How Unmanned Vehicles Are Steering the Future of Tactical Operations

Rachel Shardlow • January 24, 2024

Introduction to Sky-Hero


Since its launch in 2013, 
Sky-Hero has been pioneering a new era in public safety and defence through its innovative tactical unmanned vehicles. Tailored to master the complex challenges of indoor environments, these robotic guardians are reshaping strategies and setting new standards in operational safety. Their products, widely acclaimed and approved by professional first-responder operators around the globe, are a testament to the company’s unwavering commitment to safety and excellence.

Nestled in the heart of Belgium, Sky-Hero adheres to the rigorous EU quality standards, distinguishing itself through its dedication to trustworthiness, genuineness, rationality, and ingenuity. This commitment is reflected in every aspect of their operation, from design to deployment, ensuring that their unmanned vehicles are not just tools, but reliable partners in the dynamic world of law enforcement and military operations. As we venture into an era where robotics are increasingly pivotal in tactical operations, Sky-Hero’s systems are steering the future towards enhanced safety, efficiency, and effectiveness in critical mission scenarios.





Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance

In the Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) domain, Sky Hero’s drones meet the demanding needs of the defence and military sectors.

Sky-Hero systems upgrade strategy with functions including:

  • Subtly entering and relaying real-time video from confined areas.
  • Providing immediate visual and audio information, even in the dark.
  • Live streaming critical footage directly to team members via wearable screens.
  • Creating strategic distractions with LED flashes, loud bangs, and lasers.

 

Sigyn MkI: The Intelligent Land Rover

Manufactured in Europe with premium materials, this durable floor rover delivers consistent situational awareness. Made from aviation-grade carbon fibre and polycarbonate, it’s both tough and light. Single-handedly deployable, it has high-tech features for excellent awareness. It boasts wide-angle Day-Night cameras and IR LEDs, supporting complex missions.



Main features include:

  • Advanced Navigation: Assisted driving modes for precision.
  • Shock Resistance: Handles falls up to 6 meters.
  • Agile Movement: Symmetrical design with large wheels for manoeuvrability.
  • Enhanced Visibility: Dual day/night cameras offer a 150° view.
  • Reliable Communication: Uses scrambled analog A/V signals.
  • Improved Lighting: Dimmable IR LEDs for night vision.
  • Versatile Control: Manage up to four vehicles at once.




Loki MkII: Indoor Tactical UAV

This compact and robust tactical quadcopter, excels in short-range reconnaissance within indoor, cluttered, and GPS-challenged environments. Also designed for close-quarters and indoor scouting, it serves as an effective tool for visual and audio intelligence in difficult conditions.




Main features include:

  • Durability: Made from impact-resistant polycarbonate for tough environments.
  • Advanced Imaging: Equipped with a forward-facing day/night camera with a wide 150° view for clear visuals.
  • Precision Positioning: Computer vision for stable 3D positioning without GPS or internet connection, effective even in darkness.
  • Quick Deployment: Easy hand launch and precise landing, with modes for indoor manoeuvrability.
  • Secure Communications: Independent networks with AES-256 encryption.
  • Extended Operations: Offers around 15 minutes of flight time and up to 200 minutes of sentry endurance.
  • Wide Temperature Range: Functions from -20°C to 50°C.
  • Customisable: Supports additional tactical payloads like LED and sound distraction.
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Enhancing Police Force Capabilities

In the realm of law enforcement, Sky Hero’s unmanned vehicles bring a new level of efficiency and safety. Police forces globally are now equipped with the means to enter and assess potentially dangerous indoor environments without risking officer safety. These devices provide real-time audio and video intelligence, crucial in hostage situations, search and rescue operations, and during tactical entries into buildings. By enabling remote surveillance and reconnaissance, officers can make more informed decisions, potentially de-escalating volatile situations without direct confrontation.




Revolutionising Military Tactics

For military applications, Sky Hero’s impact is profound. In modern warfare and defence operations, where environments can be unpredictable and hostile, these unmanned vehicles offer a tactical advantage. They allow for the safe scouting of areas, reducing the risk of ambushes or unexpected encounters. This capability is particularly crucial in urban warfare, where buildings and other structures can harbour threats.

Furthermore, Sky Hero’s technology enables the military to conduct surveillance and reconnaissance missions in GPS-denied areas, a common challenge in certain operational theatres. The ability to gather intelligence in real-time, without exposing personnel, is invaluable in planning and executing missions, whether it’s for offence, defence, or rescue operations.




Training and Preparedness

Another significant aspect of Sky Hero’s contribution to public safety is in training and preparedness. These unmanned vehicles can be used in realistic training scenarios, helping police and military personnel to hone their skills in operating and responding to situations involving such technology. This training ensures that when faced with real-world scenarios, the response is swift, efficient, and informed.




In a world where public safety and defence grow more complex by the day, Sky-Hero is a key ally, bringing better tools for the job. As they continue to innovate, Sky-Hero is not just about advanced tech; they’re about making sure our front-line professionals have what they need to do their work safely and effectively.



Enquire Now
By Sam Denniff April 30, 2024
Coptrz Defence have been awarded a contract with the UK Ministry of Defence to supply Mobile Ground Sensors (MGS) as part of the Human Machine Teaming (HMT) framework. Designed to make soldiers more effective by pairing them with robotics, this framework has a headroom of £300m over a three-year period. The award comes on the back of multiple recent projects Coptrz Defence received from the MoD, solidifying their position as a key trusted uncrewed technology partner. The awarding Authority is Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S), Future Capability Group (FCG), who have established the Expeditionary Robotics Centre of Expertise (ERCoE) for the contracting and experimentation activity in Robotic and Autonomous Systems (RAS) for the British Army’s RAS Strategy. The project then collates the evidence required for the Defence Integrated Review (IR) scheduled for 2025. This specific requirement was for soldier portable, rapidly deployable, remoted & simple-to-use Mobile Ground Sensor Systems (MGS) to provide the user with a networked day and night, short-range reconnaissance capability for complex terrain where static and sUAS sensors can’t observe. As part of the contract, Coptrz Defence will provide an internal tactical recon system, based around the Sky-Hero Sigyn, alongside comprehensive training for operations and maintenance of the systems allied to a support package both in person and digitally. This will be delivered as a hybrid solution including both in person and via the award-winning Coptrz Academy online uncrewed training platform. Coptrz Defence offers a range of Robotic Autonomous Systems (RAS), including Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS), Uncrewed Ground Vehicles (UGV), Uncrewed Submersible Vehicles (USV) and state-of-the-art software that compliments this range. Sam Denniff, Head of Defence at Coptrz, commented “This technology will give the operators a strategic advantage on the battlefields of today and tomorrow.” “The solution’s ability to provide life-saving information in complex environments has been key in winning this award.” Alexis Franck of Sky-Hero, commented “This award highlights the Sigyn’s ability to navigate in complex environments and confined spaces. Providing reliable, life-saving information to key military special forces and firearm teams worldwide.”
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Coptrz assisted Brigantes and the British Army in hosting the inaugural Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Solutions event at Battle Lab. Over 15 brands presented their range of products to 100 visitors.
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