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FlySight is an Italian/UK SME dedicated to the design and development of airborne remote sensing intelligence solutions. FlySight team is specialized in providing best in class software for mission planning, situational awareness and debriefing in time critical applications.
How do we work?
The proposed solutions are based on Artificial Intelligence approaches, exploiting the latest cognitive signal processing and adaptive data fusion algorithms.
Besides, FlySight adopts deep learning methodologies together with Augmented Reality technologies to provide its customers with disruptive ISTAR (Intelligence Surveillance Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance) systems.
Do you want to experience our solutions?
Read more about our flagship product OPENSIGHT here below and in the posts that will follow this.
OPENSIGHT – Mission Console
How can you raise your awareness of the geospatial situation on your tactical displays on-board?
FlySight meets this need with OPENSIGHT-Mission Console, its turnkey solution that exploits on-board equipment information in an Augmented Reality environment, thus enabling geospatial situational awareness on airborne Mission Console Computer.
It provides a new approach to Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance with its real-time mission analysis and dissemination in a Common Operating Picture.
This STANAG compliant Human Machine Interface can be integrated in legacy Command and Control infrastructure, thanks to the availability of an over IP communication link.
As the ASOG acting Desk Editor, it brings a tear to my eye when a member volunteers to step up and share their experiences and thoughts regarding our profession, i.e., helping others professionally.
One such member, Jackson Beebe, just joined the ranks of ASOG Authors and started his postings with “ Machine Learning for LiDAR Classification.” I think you’ll find it informative, especially for those members in the Geospatial sector.
To learn more about Jackson, jump over to the ASOG Authors page and check out his biography. If you want to network with Jackson, click the “Friend” button on his ASOG profile…this will allow you to e-mail Jackson on the ASOG e-mail webpage service.
Acting ASOG Desk Editor (Patrick Ryan)
ASOG Article of the Month: May 2021
ASOG Author: Jackson Beebe
Hey everyone, my name is Jackson Beebe and I'm a former ASO turned desk-jockey working as a geospatial analyst in the Tampa area. Recently I've been working on some tools that will better automate the LiDAR classification process and wrote an article about it for another publication. I'm sharing here because I thought y'all would appreciate the read. I'd love to hear any thoughts or input!
In the airborne LiDAR industry, after acquisition and calibration, roughly 30-40% of a project’s processing budget is dedicated towards the classification of points according to PM’s that I’ve spoken with. The derivative products that are then produced all depend on that point cloud being classified accurately. While there are programs in place that automate this process, those routines still require an analyst to manually comb through the dataset and verify the accuracy of the programs and manually make changes to the data as needed. With readily available machine learning algorithms, I think we can create a workflow that will completely and accurately classify LiDAR data automatically.
To improve the classification process, I’ve been experimenting with using various decision-tree algorithms to classify small datasets of both topographic and bathymetric lidar that were provided by NOAA and USGS. (between 1-5 tiles) So far, the results have been promising with classification accuracies hovering around 98 percent. The decision trees that I’ve been using are predictive models that work by taking observations about data, (X, Y, Z, intensity, returns, scan angle) and then use those observations to gradually work towards a conclusion about the target variable (classification). In simpler terms, the machine learning algorithm is playing “21 questions” with the provided information to narrow down the target.
When tackling a project with AI, there are a host of methods and algorithms to pick from. Decision tree algorithms are preferable to other machine learning or deep learning algorithms for a few reasons, but mostly because they are not resource intensive. Many machine learning programs require powerful GPUs or proc servers, while decision trees are designed to work well with CPUs. For example, on a desktop CPU, these algorithms have been able to train in time frames ranging from 30 seconds to a few minutes per tile and classify individual tiles just as fast. Along with the speed, decision trees are explainable. We can look at each individual classification and see how and why the algorithm came to that conclusion.
The most promising aspect of my tests so far is that these algorithms are only using X, Y and Z values, intensity data, return number vs total number of returns and scan angle, rather than several datapoints that are already used by existing LiDAR classification programs. For example, a noise classification program could look at an individual point and determine if it is noise based on the number of neighboring points and the distance of those neighboring points. By including datapoints like the ones previously mentioned and increasing the number of relevant observations about the data, I think we will see the largest gains in accuracy and get closer towards having “hands-free” LiDAR classification.
While there is still plenty of research to be done, from the tests that I’ve seen so far, this seems like a viable solution to the manpower shortages that everyone faces and the timelines that we are always racing.
ASOG 2021 Focus Area: News & Information
Shared by: ASOG Desk Editor
As many of you know, government organizations are not the only ones that conduct Aerial Surveillance operations. A highly equipped and skilled Aerial Work aviation sector specializes in supporting such public safety and defense activities. This article from our ASOG Corporate Supporter (AVBuyer Magazine) explores the commercial Aerial Surveillance sector and how it contributes to global security.
Link to Article: Aerial Surveillance: The ‘Eyes & Ears’ of Aviation
Hansa Luftbild AG, an industry leading geospatial services and consulting company, is looking to hire a full-time Airborne Sensor Operator. Based out of Munster, Germany, we own and operate twin-engine aircraft equipped with highly advanced digital imaging and laser scanning systems. Since 1923 Hansa Luftbild specializes in the acquisition, processing, and extraction of geospatial data using these systems worldwide. FREELANCERS WELCOME!
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in Vexcel-Imaging & RIEGL sensors is a plus
- Experience in flight planning and GNSS/INS processing is a plus
- Electrical, mechanical, computer or other technical skills
- Experience working in and around aircraft
- Low time pilot with aspirations of gaining commercial license
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Responsible for the operation of advanced airborne based GNSS equipment
- Learn and apply complex principles of aerial photography, LiDAR, airborne GNSS and inertial navigation systems
- Quality assessment of acquired imagery/data
- System installation, maintenance and troubleshooting (ability to lift 50 pounds)
- Effectively work with the pilot in command to safely and efficiently complete assigned missions in aircraft
- Assist in other office duties or Mobile Mapping as needed
- This list of duties is subject to change and evolve with the flight department
ASOG 2021 Focus Area: Industry Support
Posted By: ASOG Desk Editor
It's great to see the industry recognize the ASO profession and our group's efforts. We are incredibly happy to announce another new ASOG Corporate Supporter this week – JD2E Ltd.
JD2E is no stranger to ASOG; we have a good number of ASOG members associated with JD2E or have been a student of theirs. Also, we have the privilege of having the founder and Managing Director (+ ASO Instructor) of JD2E as a member…. Jonathan Bramley.
Just to let you know, JD2E is a company primarily focused on aircrew & ASO training. The core of their training effort is for Defense & Public Safety ASOs via classroom, virtual, and simulation instruction.
If you want to learn more about JD2E, check them out on the ASOG Corporate Supporter page by clicking their Logo…or "Friend" Jonathan, a.k.a. Swaz and send him a message via the ASOG e-mail service.
Now, this is what ASOG is about, members helping members and the group reach for the stars. One of our members (Albert Dietz) is in the process of starting his own business by helping others find jobs.
Also, it's great that Albert, a.k.a. Al decided to have his new business become a proud supporter of ASOG, i.e., ISRjobs.com recognizes the importance of the ASO profession and the efforts of ASOG.
If you want to know more, here's a note from Al or just reach out to Al (don't forget to "Friend" before sending him a message via the ASOG e-mail service).
"After six years of research and networking, I am happy to announce that I am in the final stages of launching my own business. I have partnered with one of the largest and most respected Corporate Career site/Job Board providers on the market. The expected public launch date of the website is June 1st, 2021.
ISRjobs.com is aimed exclusively at the ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) field. My goal is simple; to connect experienced ISR professionals and transitioning military members directly with ISR employers.
I've spent 13 of the last 15 years working in Afghanistan and Iraq and have helped dozens of military members and contractors find their next career opportunity. I'm very excited for the road ahead and being able to continue contributing to the ISR community.
If you are in the ISR field, whether job seeker, employer or US Government Agency, please check out ISRjobs on June 1st, 2021." Albert Dietz
This week, Sentient Vision Systems has introduced the VMS-5 ViDAR pod which provides an affordable, quick install, all-in-one, maritime surveillance capability fit for a majority of fixed wing and rotary wing platforms.
With more options available in the near future it means maritime surveillance and search & rescue can be carried out by smaller, more economical aircraft.
The initial install has been on a Cessna 172 but more aircraft fitments are underway. There's a good video on the website here: ViDAR VMS PODS – Sentient (sentientvision.com)
Qinetiq has a job opportunity for an umnanned vehicle systems operator for field operations. Must be a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident. Heres the link for those who are interested:
ASOG Article of the Month: April 2021
ASOG Author: Patrick Ryan (ASOG acting Desk Editor)
If you didn't know, the "ASOG Member Interview" pilot project focuses on ASOs and other professional aircrew professionals to highlight the unique work they do and share professional perspectives. I think one such outstanding ASOG member fits this category perfectly – Meshank Thathane. Meshank has over 20 years as an Aerial Mapping & Surveying ASO primarily operating in Africa. Plus, he has traveled the world and experienced what it takes to be a professional global ASO and aircrew member.
CURRENT CAREER
Are you currently active as an ASO, and what are you doing?
Yes, I am currently based in Libreville, Gabon, and working for a French-based company, Action Air Environment. We are primarily doing Oil Spill Surveillance and Response, covering the entire Gulf of Guinea. From time to time, we do get involved in Government Maritime surveillance and Search and Rescue missions.
Can you give me a run-down of your career?
I started working in Jan 2000 as a manifesting clerk and a freight delivery/collection guy for a courier services company in Johannesburg. Six months later, I found a job as an ASO at Aircraft Operating Company. The Aircraft Operating Company was the first private Aerial Survey and Mapping Company in South Africa after the industry was commercialized by the South African Defense Force, who did all the Aerial Surveys and mapping of the country before then. The Legendary Nols Harding trained me as a PIC of a Cessna 320 and I behind WILD RC10 152m Lens film aerial camera. Almost every time I walked out of that aircraft, I had a purple eye from being hit by the telescope during bumpy summer flights.
I worked for AOC from 2000 till 2009, and one of my highlights was transforming aerial photography capture to standards where we did not need to print check prints to calculate actual drift, side, and forward overlap anymore. I knew that a strip needed to be re-flown before film was processed. That's how good I got with analogue cameras. I then trained on the Zeiss RMK Top 15, which was an advanced version then.
A tragedy struck in late 2009 which led to me losing my job with AOC. I then pursued personal business interest and started my own company Motheo Geospatial Services until mid-2012 when I received a call from Fugro EMEA asking me to join them. I worked with Fugro, operating across Africa, Europe, Middle East, and Eastern Europe until 2015, when they discontinued data collection from their list of Geospatial services. I had logged more than 14000 Survey Flight hours at this time
After Fugro, I joined Geosense, a subsidiary of UK-based Getmapping Plc, I worked with them from 2016 till 2019 before joining Action Air Environment.
Why did you pursue a career in Aerial Mapping & Surveying?
I studied for a Business Management Diploma soon after High School. However, funds proved to be a challenge during my second year, and I could not complete my Diploma. This was 1999. Like any young person growing up in a spatially misplaced township in South Africa, I headed for Johannesburg in early 2000 and immediately found a job in a courier services company. I instantly enrolled to complete my Business Management Diploma with Nelson Mandela Bay University through distance learning.
Within six months in my job, I met Maxwell who was a soccer team coach at the sports-field one Saturday. During our conversation, he asked me if I would love a job as a camera operator. I have always loved photography and said yes, but little did I know that this meant I would actually fly to take photographs. I had never flown before by the way. I wouldn't really say it was a predetermined choice for me but rather what God chose for me, and I love every single second of it, despite the personal challenges it brings.
PROFESSIONAL PERSPECTIVE & TIPS
What do you like about being an ASO, and what are some of the negatives of being an ASO?
Being an ASO is not only about operating Airborne sensors. It's a whole mood. I enjoy the challenges of an honestly regulated working environment, and being an ASO offers all that. Apart from our technical skills in operating sensors, we also become technicians by default, to troubleshoot and resolve technical issues that comes along with Airborne sensors. This includes fixing hardware and software issues. We are also involved in the mission's general planning, the logistical part, client liaison on field and project management.
Imagine having a project in Nigeria. The dynamics are so vast, and everything changes on a daily basis. I have had to meet with tribal chiefs of an oil conflict region to negotiate a working relationship in order to get access to their land to lay and survey ground control points. You also are the face of the company on the field and have to conduct yourself as such. You have to adapt to the culture of doing things in the area of your operation. All these are incredibly challenging but fascinating, and that's what I love. My motto since I became an ASO is: "We make it happen." Teamwork between ASO and PIC is one of the most important key roles in this field.
The negative is that these airborne sensors are extremely sensitive and sometimes fail while you are airborne, this can become very costly, and you have to be sharp enough to know how long you can keep trying before you abort. Landing without that data is one of the most upsetting experiences as an ASO.
What kind of skills are required for one to thrive as an Aerial Mapping & Surveying ASO?
ASO is a technical job. It is a combination of technical skills such as electronics, electrical, and computers coupled with GIS to put one in an excellent position as an ASO. It would be a bonus and quite fulfilling if you could have the passion for travel and exploration as well.
Who is or was your mentor, and what key lessons did you learn from them?
Two individuals mentored me. Maxwell Ncwane and Nols Harding. Nols determined in one training fight that I was going to be a great ASO. This was June 2000. And the key lesson I took from him was human skills. Having to share a cockpit and more than half of your day with someone and especially of different cultural background can be challenging. He taught me never to discuss politics and religion with colleagues especially given the diversity of South Africa's culture and political history. This advice has helped me be able to relate with anyone I have ever come across all over the world in the 20 years of my career.
Maxwell taught me humility. He resembles the word. He also taught me never to be afraid to fail, always try new things, and explore. This is how we transformed aerial photographic capture in AOC before Flight Management Systems. I literally became an FMS during our missions back then with film cameras. Maxwell became the first African ASO in South Africa in 1995, also trained by Nols Harding.
What was one project/mission you worked on you found rewarding and fun?
There are just too many to count, really, and will all be in the book I am writing. However, two missions stand out.
The first was during the armed conflict in Syria around 2015. We were busy flying the whole of Turkey. We had three teams, three aircrafts. The other two teams refused to fly the area between Gaziantep and Aleppo for safety reasons. Because "We make it happen," Legendary Peter Ragg and I agreed to do the flights. In one of the flights, we literally witnessed the bombing right next to the border. The other time we spotted on our TCAS an unidentified flying object 1500FT above us, which happened to be a military drone monitoring the situation, told by ATC. Despite how frightening it was to operate in that region, Peter and I collected all the data and brought it home, and that was extremely rewarding.
The second incident happened, most recently 200nm south of Libreville, in which we took part in a search and rescue mission to locate a distressed French vessel (Marie Alexandra) and provide assistance using our onboard AIS and VHF Marine radio. Link attached. (https://www.oilspillresponse.com/es/news--media/blog/wasp-search-and-rescue/ )
These are personally rewarding missions for me and fun in that the anxiety and the adrenalin rush that comes with it makes it worth it.
What was the most challenging or dangerous flight you ever accomplished?
The most dangerous flight was a failed survey flight in Lagos, Nigeria, in 2013. The PIC got really sick to an almost point of incapacitation. I had to take charge of the radios because he could not respond to ATC and was ready for controls if needed be despite not having trained as a pilot before. I requested a priority landing which was granted by ATC. As a result, we had a very hard landing but were able to walk out of it. Sadly, the pilot passed away later. May his soul rest in peace.
You've worked around the world as an ASO. What region was the most difficult, and what was the easiest to operate in?
I honestly enjoy challenges and working hard to overcome them. Most regions are straightforward to operate in if you plan properly and involve all parties affected. Cape Town, South Africa, has proven to be one of the most challenging areas to operate due to traffic. Despite having numerous meetings with the ATC management to develop solutions, CT is still the most difficult area to conduct aerial surveys. The amount of time and costs incurred from being sent offline due to traffic is crazy. I operated in the UK within some of the busiest airspaces globally, and it was a lot easier than Cape Town.
West Africa is also a challenge in that most locals do not speak a single word of English. My French is coming up but at a very slow pace…
Since Africa is your primary area of operations, what do you recommend to other ASO before operating in this region of the world?
I have trained a number of ASO’s and SurveyPilots and this is what I always tell them: Familiarize yourself with the region's politics, culture, constitutional and traditional laws, and respect the laws at all times. Avoid being adventurous; you will be arrested for taking a mere picture of your street to add it to google maps. Take all medical precautions and enjoy the African UBUNTU. (Ubuntu means humaneness and generous hospitality).
THE FUTURE
What do you see as the latest aerial surveying trends across Africa?
This is a very difficult question because from where I stand, there isn't enough being done. It is almost as if our governments do not know of aerial surveying services. Only a few African countries take advantage of geospatial technologies and services to boost their development, especially in terms of infrastructural development planning and construction, 3D city mapping, and property valuations. I have noted the disruption that drones are causing within the industry in South Africa, but the pace is a bit slow due to civil aviation regulations.
What do you recommend to the next generation of aerial remote-sensing ASOs to study?
Geographic Information System, Engineering and programing. I would like to see Drones, sensor systems, and supporting software built and written by ASO's.
You mentioned when you joined ASOG that you were writing a book. What is the book about, and is it published?
The book is more of a personal project. It is about my journey from humble beginnings in a rural township of Northwest, South Africa, to being one of the best ASO's in the world (That's what the President of Action Air says…all the time!) and having traveled and worked in more than 26 countries in the world. The book is also about my experience as a whole, as a son, brother, father, husband, and ASO.
The book is taking longer to complete because I am trying to get inputs from hundreds of people I have met worldwide; I am interested in their experience of me and the experiences we shared. I am hoping to complete the book by the end of this year.
Overall, what do you see yourself professionally doing in the future?
Covid 19 has changed my perception of what the future could be. I am going for my Drone Pilot's License this year. I would like to own one of the best Aerial Survey companies in Africa. It is difficult to put a time frame to this objective due to changing circumstances, but this is the ultimate dream.
Before I end, Thanks to you Patrick especially for creating this platform. I hope that we can present ASO as a possible future subject that forms part of the curriculum in the mainstream educational training environment for learners who aspires to become ASO. My wish also is for stakeholders like Sensor Manufacturers such as Riegl and Vexcel to award ASO’s like myself and others with long term experience on operating their sensors with certification as proof of competence. We deserve it.
THANK YOU
Meshank, Thank You! Thank you for the kind words and for taking the time to share your fascinating and positive background and thoughts with your fellow ASOGers. Plus, the Aerial Remote-Sensing community. Like with other ASOG members, it is a true pleasure to spend time learning about the experiences and perspectives of fellow professions like you. I always walk away professionally better.
If you have any questions for Meshank, you can message him via the ASOG e-mail message service. Don't forget; you have to "Friend" him first before e-mailing.
Also, If anyone has any questions regarding this interview or the "Interview of an ASOG Member" pilot-project, please contact me or send to deskeditor@aso-group.org.
Marcos Martinez from (EAASI) European Association of Aerial Surveying Industries reached-out to ASOG, i.e., to pass the world to Airborne Sensor Operators, to help them understand market needs, standardization, and future developments to create a more efficient, profitable, and sustainable Aerial Mapping industry.
As a community of professional ASO’s, here is an opportunity to have a say in the “Bigger Picture” of one of the industry sectors ASO’s make a living in. If you’re an Aerial Mapping & Surveying (especially in the manned aircraft arena) and you’re interested in participating in EAASI’s survey, please check out the links below for additional information & instructions.
Capturing the Challenges and Chances of Aerial Mapping
INNOVATION, DEVELOPMENT AND EFFECTIVENESS OF AERIAL SURVEY (IDEAS)
ASOG 2021 Focus Area: Information & News
Source: YouTube (shared by ASOG Desk Editor)
This video was shared on Linked-In by one of ASOGs Connections (Petri Nygren). I think it highlights the heritage of our profession and the advancement of technology, i.e., a jump from analog to digital and the look of a typical mission/processing.
Side note: I think one of our ASOG members flew in that aircraft doing Aerial Surveying in the UK and around the world, i.e., back in the day! I’ll reach out and confirm with him and let you know…maybe it will be an article of the month.
ASOG 2021 Focus Area: Information & News
Source: AVBuyer Special Mission Hub
How do multi-mission kit and systems find their way on-board an aircraft to make it mission capable? This article concentrates on what aircraft modifications and alterations are, and the ‘Nuts & Bolts’ of converting a basic airframe into an Aerial Work capable platform...the “Office” of many ASO’s and Aircrew Members.
ASOG Article of the Month: March 2021
ASOG Author: Patrick Ryan (ASOG acting Desk Editor)
I had a chance this month to interview one of our new ASOG members - Emma Taylor. It's great that she finally became a core member after many years as a Linked-In connection. Based on her ASOG profile, I reached out to Emma to learn more about her career, thoughts about the ASO profession, and the future.
CURRENT CAREER
Are you currently active as an ASO, and what are you doing?
Yes, I'm currently active as an ASO, carrying out a variety of ISR missions around Europe.
Did you always want to be an ASO, and what was your career path to becoming an ASO?
I've always loved aviation, ever since a young age when I joined my local Air Training Corps Squadron at the age of 13. My first encounter with a surveillance aircraft and ASO was when I worked at my local airfield in Wiltshire whilst studying at college. I worked as ground crew, and the Network Rail surveillance helicopter briefly popped in for some fuel. It was incredibly timely as a week before I had applied for the Network Rail Advanced Apprenticeship Scheme. Little did I know that one day I would spend many happy years operating on that aircraft as an ASO!
After a few years studying hard on the Network Rail apprenticeship scheme, I qualified as a signals and telecommunications engineer, but part of me still felt that perhaps I should have taken the path that I'd always wanted to go down... aviation. I'd had an interview lined up with the RAF but was offered a place with Network Rail in the meantime, which saw me park my RAF dream. My brief encounter with the Network Rail surveillance helicopter kept playing on my mind, and so, I decided to send the Manager of the Network Rail Air Operations team an email. I was then kindly invited to come along and see what the team do. Eventually, an ASO position came up on the team, and the Air Ops Manager took a chance on me, aged 21. The rest is history! I still, to this day, believe it was purely meant to be.
You started your own business. What is the name and focus of your business?
In April 2018, I launched my own business EMTaylor Aviation Ltd. At the time, I was contracting for Airbus Defence & Space and decided to integrate my hobby of flying drones into a business initiative. We now operate Small Unmanned Aircraft (SUAs) on the side, operating as ASO on manned aircraft.
What do you recommend to others if they are contemplating starting their own aerial remote-sensing business?
My advice would be to do your research and create a strong business plan before you proceed with operations. If you have a decent amount of money to invest, research and understand the main demands/appeals before purchasing your remote sensing equipment.
Also, you mentioned you work for DEA Aviation in the U.K., what is your job?
I am a contractor for DEA Aviation Ltd, and my role is Task Specialist Manager. I manage our growing team of airborne sensor operators.
What is it like to work for DEA Aviation?
DEA Aviation is a highly professional and dedicated team that is extremely focused on achieving. They are a pleasure to work with. I briefly had a desk job prior to DEA, so returning to being an ASO with DEA felt like coming home!
PROFESSIONAL HIGHS, LOWS & TIPS
What do you like about being an ASO?
I love the fact that every single day is different. As with any other commercial aviation company, we see different problems and changes that happen daily, which we need to overcome. Even when operating airborne, every day and every flight is different and unique depending on the specific customer requirements.
What are some of the negatives of being an ASO?
Some of the negatives can be when you've had a really long and challenging flight which doesn't result in how you'd hoped. This doesn't happen often, but I think any ASO knows that feeling of frustration when it does.
What is your favorite aircraft, aerial remote-sensing mission, and why?
I must admit I do have a soft spot for operating on rotary aircraft at low altitudes. As much as I love fixed-wing aircraft, rotary never fails to give me that airborne 'buzz.'
What's the best piece of operating advice given to you?
If something doesn't feel right, it most probably isn't. Trust your gut instinct. Don't be afraid to take a step back, review the situation and re-establish onto the target.
What advice would you pass on to someone who wants to be a professional ASO?
Many fantastic ASOs come from a very limited flying background, some with very little experience. It's more about aptitude, attitude, and the ability to adapt and overcome in different scenarios. Never be put off of becoming an ASO by someone saying, "you're not experienced enough." Use the feedback as a means of developing your platform and proving them wrong.
THE FUTURE
What's the biggest change in aerial remote sensing during your flying career?
The biggest change for me is the sheer speed at which remote sensing technology evolves. It takes a very efficient and versatile company to keep up with the pace of these progressions.
What's the one thing you think will change aerial remote sensing in the next 5 years?
UAVs. They are becoming an ever-growing capability in the remote sensing world, and with BLOS proving to be a growing success, I don't think it will be long before UAVs slowly start to take center stage.
What do you see yourself professionally doing in the next 5 to 10 years?
This may sound very cliché, but my main aim is to keep developing myself as a person and to keep enjoying what I'm doing. When you find yourself in a good role with a great team, it becomes very hard to walk away from that. Why would you?
THANK YOU
I want to say thank you to Emma for taking time out of her busy schedule to participate and be the focus of my article. It was a great pleasure to work with her…" Emma, You are a true professional!"
If you have any questions regarding this interview or the "Interview of an ASOG Member" pilot-project, please contact me or send it to deskeditor@aso-group.org.
ASOG 2021 Focus Area: Career Support
Posted by: Airborne Technologies GmbH (ASOG Corporate Supporter) and Thomas Unger (ASOG member since 2017)
The folks at Airborne Technologies are looking for a Bid and Proposal Manager, plus an International Sales Manager. Regarding the Bid and Proposal Manager, I think this is a good opportunity for an ASO to expand their career portfolio, i.e., apply their technical skills and knowledge with aircraft sensor integration projects.
If you are interested in either one of these jobs, see the links below for more information:
https://www.airbornetechnologies.at/job/aktuelle-jobangebote/439-bid-proposal-manager
https://www.airbornetechnologies.at/job/aktuelle-jobangebote/374-senior-sales-manager
Shared by: ASOG Career Center
ASOG 2021 Focus Area: Industry Support
Posted by: Aerial Survey.com (ASOG Corporate Supporter)
You’ve got your eye on a brand-new LiDAR system and, let’s be honest… it’s an expensive investment for your business. Your current system will be sitting idle once your new sensor arrives. Each day that LiDAR sits in your inventory unused is one more day that your asset depreciates without adding any value to your bottom line. How can you sell it quickly and get the best price for your pre-owned aerial survey equipment?
To learn more, checkout our latest post: https://aerialsurvey.com/2021/02/get-the-best-price-for-your-equipment/
Lisa McConnell
Aerial Survey.com
ASOG 2021 Focus Area: Career Support
ASOGers, we just received this job opportunity from one of our ASOG LN connections (Brian Oglevie). Aethon-Aerial Solutions is looking for an Airborne Systems Operator/Technician (Location: San Ramon, CA, Type: Full Time, Experience: Mid-Level). If you’re interested, review the job position and coordinate accordingly.
https://www.aethon-aerialsolutions.com/careers
ASOG Career Center
Without saying, it’s always great to see companies recognize the importance of the ASO profession. We are happy to announce ALBRECHT Telecommunications just joined the ranks of solid firms that recognize the Airborne Sensor Operators Group and the importance of our profession.
If you didn’t know, ALBRECHT Telecommunications was founded in 1980 and is a registered and well-established company in Switzerland. They’re located near the town of Zug, between Zurich and Luzern. This central location not only allows access to a network of partnering high-tech innovators, but also to research facilities and universities in Switzerland and Germany.
ALBRECHT's core activities are the design, manufacturing, and marketing of:
- Sophisticated Jammer Systems
- EW/ECM Equipment and Systems
- High Security Ciphering Equipment
- Customized Solutions
To learn more, reach out to Siegfried Albrecht (ASOG member and CEO of ALBRECHT) or checkout their webpage: http://www.albrecht-telcom.ch/
ASOG Desk Editor (Patrick)
ASOG Article of the Month: February 2021
ASOG Author: Siegfried Albrecht – CEO, ALBRECHT Telecommunications GmbH
Not all ASOs operate an optical system, radar or lasers-scanner for a living, many operate in the world of Electronic Warfare. These ASO’s are busy using the electromagnetic spectrum to control the spectrum, attack an enemy, or impede enemy assaults. Siegfried Albrecht, CEO of ALBRECHT Telecommunications, provides a great overview in his article of the EW world and its unique use or challenges in the Middle East.
The next war will be won by the side that best exploits the electromagnetic spectrum - it is an undisputed truism. The dramatic success of the use of Electronic Warfare in Iraq and Afghanistan is well known.
EW - THE CONCEPT
The recent technological explosion in applied electronics has produced hardware and software to benefit the common man like computers, video and audio devices, cell phones, satellite and telephone networks, and the internet, to name a few. It has also generated a wealth of sophisticated weapons and weapons systems for many countries' defense and security organizations.
The problem occurs when these 'electronic applications' are perceived to be, or become, a threat to national security, and consequently, counter-measures become imperative for the government concerned.
Make no mistake, EW is a vital weapon, and significant chunks of a national exchequer contribute towards its operation and sustenance, directly or otherwise. In essence, this is the dynamic world of electronic warfare, and it operates in the passive or active mode per the prevailing situation.
THE THREAT ENVIRONMENT
Let us take a closer view of the Defence environment. The application of on-going state-of-the-art technologies in any of its diverse weapons systems like aircraft, ships, missiles, radars, etc., is inevitably related to the electromagnetic spectrum.
In the contemporary context, one cannot conceive a military satellite without communication links, an aircraft without offensive or defensive electronics, a missile without guidance and homing devices, an Air Defense or Ground Defense system without electronic-based sensors or communication links. These are a few examples from the vast array of hardware-dependent on electronics in some form or other.
Most of these weapons and devices are passive but are active emitters, which radiate energy in different parts of the electromagnetic spectrum. If one could monitor these radiations over a period, analyze the data so gathered, there would then emerge a pattern, or picture, which could be utilized to determine the opponents' order of battle'.
A simple illustration of this point can be derived from a scenario where a country continuously listens out during peacetime, to all defense/security related communications emanating from various sources and devices from the opponents, and let's say, particularly the sensitive areas.
Passive listening posts, on the ground or airborne platforms like balloons and satellites, equipped with highly sensitive receivers and direction finders, could scan the frequency spectrum to determine not only the content of the messages being exchanged but also pinpoint the location by triangulation or other means, and achieve all this without divulging its own position.
In fact, skilled operators equipped with special software-driven monitoring devices could identify changes in links, changes in communication positions, the emergence of new transmitters, etc., which when collated and analyzed over a period of time could provide a remarkably realistic picture of the existing command and control network, and also reveal possible weapons arrangements in a tactical battle environment.
A more refined application of this intelligence gathering could be to use active elements like jammers, decoys, and deliberate provocations to ascertain what changes occur under stress.
In other words, deft exploitation of one's resources can significantly swing the balance in one's favor, provided one is fast enough to avail of the opportunities as they arise. Of course, this battle of wits goes on in peace and war. In fact, it becomes more intensified in the latter case, more time-sensitive, and can often result in rapid tactical gains.
To complete the EW concept, a brief word about the active elements of electronic warfare. Having identified the threat and located the target platform, static or mobile, one must find means to counter or destroy it.
One method is to deny its operation by jamming the radiated signal using a jammer in that frequency band. Not easy, as the jammer power, which has to be more than the power of the radiated signal, attenuates as per the square of the distance separating them. Thus one needs a very high power source, in itself an obvious limitation, mainly if the device is airborne.
Then there are other devices that lock on to the target signal and home on to it, e.g., anti-radar missiles. A counter-counter-measure is simply to switch off the signal at the cost of losing performance. These are a few examples of active EW.
The conceptual picture painted above is rather simplistic and has a limited dimension. In reality, the exploitation of the electromagnetic spectrum and EW application has to be extended in time and space to cover the inputs and outputs over large geographical areas and those located in elevated platforms like aerostat balloons, aircraft satellites.
Terrorism is a new factor that has emerged in the recent past, posing threats to national security from internal and external agencies. Here too, the main elements of passive EW are utilized, apart from specialized hardware cum software, to gather relevant intelligence. This data forms a composite input along with that derived from the defense environment.
THE MIDDLE EAST—a key to success
One may ask why the Middle East? Whatever the reason, whether it's avarice for its oil wealth, whether the theory of expansionism, or the domino theory, or merely might is right, whatever the vested compulsions, the fact remains that today it is an area of potential conflict.
The current players in this arena, both large and small, are perhaps already deriving the benefits of their EW capabilities appropriate to their individual resources. However, that does not spell the end. EW's basic premise is its dynamic nature. As is said, to every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction, true to a large extent in this context.
There is a continuous activity of thrust and riposte, measures and counter-measures, upgrades to a new state of the art technology. In fact, significant advantages can be gained because the EW scenario is not static at a point in time.
One may recall the past conflicts in this region where sophisticated EW technology was met by some down to earth antidotes like deception and disinformation, where amateur frequency bands were used for operational military communications deliberately generating both plain and ciphered texts intended to confuse those listening out for such transmissions, the creation of illusory targets. At the same time, the threat emerged from unexpected locations. The successes were, at that point in time, perhaps partial in the overall context.
In the Middle East region, the EW battle will go on, and despite the 'mirage' created in this desert environment, the quest for electronic superiority will continue. For the lay reader or a remote observer, to discern what actually lies beneath the cloud cover or oil smoke is difficult to assimilate or quantify. However, with time, the side/player that gains ascendancy in this electronic environment will be the eventual survivor in the ultimate analysis.
About the Author:
Siegfried Albrecht: Siegfried brings over 30 years of experience in the design, manufacturing, and marketing of EW/ECM equipment. His skills and expertise span across Sophisticated Jammer Systems, EW/ECM Equipment and Systems, and High Security Ciphering Equipment.
Since 1980, he founded and is the CEO of ALBRECHT Telecommunication GmbH located near the town of Zug, Switzerland. Before starting his company, Siegfried obtained an Elektronic-Ingenieur degree and served in the German Air Force (ATC and Reconnaissance) on the German Eastern border.
