Story ID: 349
ST Aero showcases drone, MRO skills
By: Thierry Dubois
Caption: In a dedicated “cage,” Singapore-based firm demonstrates unmanned vehicles working together on a disaster aftermath scene.
Word Count: 247

ST Aerospace (Stand G01) is here showcasing its remotely piloted air systems (RPAS) in a dedicated area; a cage, so as to protect visitors. Showgoers can watch two RPAS flying over a simulated disaster aftermath scene. The aircraft perform a situational assessment, collaboratively with an unmanned ground vehicle. The capability of the vehicles in this scenario is augmented by sister company ST Electronics’ Searchman survivor locator, a system that detects casualties by detecting the signals from their mobile devices. The demonstration was put together jointly with Nanyang Technology University.

ST Aerospace is also developing an unmanned hybrid vehicle–a UAV that can dive into the sea and swim, Patrick Choy, parent company ST Engineering’s executive v-p for international marketing, explained. Possible missions include underwater search-and-rescue and mine detection. Swim capabilities have been demonstrated and clearance is expected shortly for the maiden flight.

In the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) business, ST Aerospace claims to lead the pack thanks to the quality and efficiency of its work with airframes, engines, landing gear and components. “Our turnaround times are shorter than the industry average,” Choy said. Meanwhile a freighter conversion takes 100 days, instead of 120. ST Aerospace’s MRO facilities are spread over three sites in Singapore–at Changi, Paya Lebar and Seletar airports.

In Earth observation, ST Electronics now provides imagery, having launched a satellite last December. TeLEOS-1, a 900-lb spacecraft, is orbiting 300 nm above Earth in a near-equatorial orbit.