The third demonstration of multiple unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems will be held Monday, June 27, 2005, at the Webster Field Annex of Naval Air Station, Patuxent River, located in St. Mary’s County Maryland. The event will be sponsored by the Program Executive Office for Strike Weapons and Unmanned Aviation, in conjunction with the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International, as a kick off to AUVSI’s annual conference, Unmanned Systems 2005 to be held at the Baltimore Convention Center, Baltimore, Maryland. The theme for this year’s UAV demo is “Focusing Unmanned Technology on the Global War on Terror.”

The first demonstration was held in 2001 and drew about 2400 guests who observed eights UAVs in flight throughout the day. Attendance nearly doubled in 2003, while 13 air vehicles took to the skies. Those present for the 2003 event were privileged by remarks from the Honorable Gordon England, then deputy secretary for Homeland Security. Each demonstration held significant attendance from Capitol Hill, Department of Defense, NATO embassies, as well as state and local officials.

“The importance of unmanned technology today, and for our future is unquestionable,” said Rear Adm. Tim Heely, Program Executive Officer for Strike Weapons and Unmanned Aviation at Patuxent River, Maryland. “With the increased emphasis and vigilance in the war on terrorism and our nation’s security, this demonstration program allows us to pulse the changing technology and benchmark our pursuits in the years to come.”

The focus of the demonstration is to highlight UAV technology and capabilities. This venue offers a unique opportunity to display and demonstrate full-scale UAV systems and hardware. The integration of a stadium style, opti-screen LED monitor allows the audience to see the same imagery as the UAV operators, while the vehicle is in flight. The event will be open to conference exhibitors and attendees, and specially invited guests. The demo will include static displays all day and feature flight demos throughout the day.

For information about how to participate in the event, call Doug Thorp at 301.757.5839, or visit the demo website at http://uav.navair.navy.mil, or visit the PEO website at www.strikenet.js.mil, and click on PMA-263.