Local aerospace engineering, defense, and technology company ST Engineering is showcasing its various capabilities at the largest pavilion in the Singapore Airshow exhibit hall, with more than 2,000 sq m dedicated to three key clusters: aviation, defense, and so-called smart city.
“We have put together the showcase at a time when the Covid-19 situation remains dynamic,” said Ravinder Singh, Group COO for technology and innovation at ST Engineering. “We are committed to pushing forward and continuously innovate to solve real-world problems.”
One of those problems centers on facilitating shore-to-ship urgent parcel delivery. ST Engineering is launching a pilot program to test the use of autonomous unmanned aircraft (drones) for delivery of packages weighing up to 7 kg to vessels in the busy Singapore port area. The testing involves ST Engineering’s DroNet unmanned aircraft technology, and Sumitomo is making its maritime fleet available, while Skyports and ST Engineering will conduct the beyond-visual line-of-sight drone operations for package delivery to the vessels. Although trial operations, they will mark a first for unmanned aircraft operations financed through a commercialization agreement, in collaboration with Wilhelmsen Ships Service, according to ST Engineering.
Packages carried by the drone could include important documents, medicines, and even small parts needed by the ships. The DroNet drone—on display at the ST Engineering exhibit—also is involved in activities such as reservoir management, aircraft and building inspection, and island and offshore asset surveillance.
One of the prominent parts of the aviation cluster—a full-scale engine nacelle—highlights ST Engineering’s capabilities in composites manufacturing and aerodynamic design. ST Engineering’s shift to passenger-to-freighter conversions during the pandemic also is covered at the aviation cluster, including information about the world’s first A320P2F, the first flight of which took place in December. The company also has made big strides in additive manufacturing and is showcasing aerospace products made using the technology.
With more than 3,000 employees in 30 international offices working on its global defense, engineering, and technology solutions, ST Engineering customers hail from more than 100 countries. Solutions available to customers “range from engineering design development, certification, original equipment manufacturing, and maintenance, repair and overhaul services to asset management,” according to ST Engineering.