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Systems Universal Aerial Delivery Dispenser (U-ADD) guided dispenser
was flown through a full mission for the first time during a
demonstration held by the US Air force UAV Battlelab in October
2006. U-ADD was controlled throughout its flight by the GuideStar
flight control system, developed by Athena Technologies. Upon
reaching the designated delivery latitude, longitude and altitude
position, the guided dispenser deployed a 64-lb BLU-108 Sensor
Fuzed submunition. The inert BLU-108 deployed its drogue and
main parachute as intended over the target area. As part of
a first phase program, Athena provided guidance and control
of the U-ADD with its GuideStar 111m – a miniaturized
(0.5 pound) integrated flight control and navigation software
and hardware solution. A U-ADD Product Improvement activity
will be ongoing starting in 2007 with the US Air Force’s
UAV Battlelab, Creech AFB, NV.
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