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Australian engineering and technology solutions provider Nova Systems has teamed up with Elbit to undertake flight trials of the Elbit Systems Skylark I-LEX unmanned aircraft system (UAS) for the Australian Army.
The two companies leveraged Nova’s deployable testing range to trial the man-portable and electric mini-UAS.
The Australian test and evaluation provider worked with CASA, the Royal Australian Air Force in East Sale and local authorities to complete the testing, overcoming preventive restrictions and burdensome wait times.
Mark Wagstaff, Nova Systems’ general manager aerospace, welcomed the opportunity to support the trial of the uncrewed systems, noting that the company was continuing to develop its physical and digital test methodologies.
“We’re pleased to support Elbit Systems Australia and the Australian Army in these flight trials,” Wagstaff reflected.
“Testing these complex systems in a real-world environment provides the ability to showcase their full potential, all while ensuring they deconflict with air traffic.
“Nova Systems has been investing in both physical and synthetic methods for performing T&E on autonomous and uncrewed systems-of-systems as an area of focus within our T&E Centre of Excellence initiative.”
According to a Nova spokesperson, the company is committed to expanding its UAS Test Range capabilities to provide users with the opportunity to mature their models.
The company detailed that its test range has the approvals required to enable users to “turn up and test” their products.
In March, it was revealed that a new chief executive officer had taken the reins of the Australian engineering services and technology solutions company, bringing over 20 years of defence industry experience.
Dean Rosenfield commenced as CEO at Nova Systems, having recently relocated from London.
Rosenfield previously worked as managing director of Saab Australia and New Zealand and has also worked as senior vice-president/chief marketing officer of Saab AB, where he led global business development.
Throughout his career, he has led businesses in Sweden, Singapore, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand.
He was appointed to the role in early October. Rosenfield now looks to spearhead growth for the Australian company across defence, essential services, government, special missions, and commercial aerospace.
