Toll Aviation and Shield AI: Leading the Charge in Uncrewed Systems for Defence and Emergency Response

In a recent interview, Colin Gunn, CEO of Toll Aviation, highlighted the increasing importance of uncrewed systems in the defence and emergency response sectors, especially in the Indo-Pacific region. Toll Aviation, well-known for its comprehensive aviation services, has broadened its scope to include uncrewed systems. This strategic shift aims to utilise these technologies for various purposes, including defence, emergency medical response, and disaster resilience. This blog delves into Toll Aviation’s transition towards uncrewed systems, the development and deployment of the VBAT platform, and its implications for defence and emergency response operations.

From Helicopters to Uncrewed Systems: A Strategic Pivot

Toll Aviation has a rich history of helicopter firefighting and aeromedical services. However, the company is now shifting focus towards uncrewed systems to improve operational efficiency and safety. This strategic move was necessitated by changing market conditions and technological advancements. Uncrewed systems, like the VBAT platform, are becoming a crucial part of Toll Aviation’s offerings. The VBAT system, notable for its vertical takeoff and landing capabilities, offers unique advantages in challenging environments, making it ideal for various applications, including border protection, environmental monitoring, and emergency response.

Enhancing Aeromedical Operations with Uncrewed Systems

One of the main drivers for adopting uncrewed systems was to enhance aeromedical operations. In difficult terrains such as the Blue Mountains and other remote areas, uncrewed systems can provide essential support in search and rescue missions. They allow for aerial surveillance and communication with ground teams, thus improving the efficiency and safety of operations. Toll Aviation plans to equip each of its helicopters with a drone, enabling a more versatile response in challenging conditions. This integration is expected to enhance patient outcomes and improve the safety of paramedics during rescue missions.

Disaster Resilience and Uncrewed Systems

Beyond aeromedical applications, Toll Aviation sees significant potential for uncrewed systems in disaster resilience. These systems can deliver vital information during natural disasters like bushfires and floods, providing real-time data on affected areas. This capability is crucial for coordinating response efforts and ensuring the safety of both responders and affected communities. Toll Aviation envisions uncrewed systems as central to Australia’s disaster response infrastructure, complementing existing assets and offering a cost-effective solution for year-round readiness.

Collaboration with Shield AI: A Technological Leap

 

Toll Aviation’s partnership with Shield AI, a company specialising in artificial intelligence (AI) for uncrewed systems, represents a major advancement in the capabilities of these platforms. The VBAT system, developed in collaboration with Shield AI, integrates cutting-edge AI technology, providing autonomous navigation and decision-making capabilities. This partnership aims to deliver enhanced situational awareness and operational flexibility, especially in defence and security applications.

Addressing Geopolitical Tensions and Border Protection

The VBAT’s advanced sensors, including synthetic aperture radar, allow it to detect vessels over wide areas, making it an invaluable asset for surveillance and monitoring activities. The system’s rapid deployability, supported by existing civil aviation approvals and production capabilities, ensures it can be quickly brought online to meet emerging threats or operational needs. This capability is crucial for addressing geopolitical tensions and unauthorised maritime arrivals in the Indo-Pacific region.

The Potential of Integration into Australian Defence and Security Operations

The VBAT’s integration into Australian defence and security operations highlights a broader strategy. This system can provide advanced surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, essential for early warning and situational awareness in maritime operations. Its ability to operate in various environments, including launching from confined spaces on ships, makes it a valuable asset for defence and border security operations. Additionally, Toll Aviation’s efforts align with international defence strategies, such as the U.S. National Defence Industry Strategy and the AUKUS partnership, enhancing collective defence capabilities.

Operational Adaptability and Strategic Deployment

In the latter part of the discussion, the focus shifted to the operational adaptability and strategic deployment of the VBAT system, particularly in civil maritime defence and border protection roles. Toll Aviation, in partnership with Shield AI, has emphasised the VBAT’s capability to operate from various naval platforms, including the Arafura and Cape class vessels. This adaptability is crucial given these vessels’ operational constraints, such as limited deck space and the absence of onboard hangars. The VBAT’s design, which allows it to be easily stored and deployed from within a vessel, sets it apart from other systems that may require additional infrastructure like shipping containers for storage.

Supporting Local Industry and Enhancing Capabilities

Toll Aviation’s approach to integrating Australian technology and components into the VBAT demonstrates a commitment to supporting local industry while enhancing the system’s capabilities. The collaboration with companies like Sentient Vision, which provides advanced sensors, showcases how Australian innovation is being incorporated into a globally competitive platform. This integration of local innovations ensures that the VBAT remains at the forefront of technological advancement while supporting the national economy.

Flexible Deployment Models

Toll Aviation has expressed flexibility in the ideal operational model for deploying the VBAT, indicating a willingness to adapt to various ownership and operational structures. This includes commercially owned and operated models, government-owned systems operated by commercial entities, and hybrid models where Toll provides initial operational support and training, eventually transitioning full control to local agencies. This flexibility ensures that the VBAT can be effectively integrated into different operational contexts, maximising its utility and impact.

The Future of Uncrewed Systems in Defence and Emergency Response

The discussion also touched on the broader implications of advanced AI technologies in unmanned systems, referencing Shield AI’s achievements in using AI for autonomous operations in complex environments. The VBAT’s capability to operate in GPS-denied environments is particularly noteworthy, as it addresses a critical challenge faced by many unmanned systems in contested areas. In summary, the VBAT represents a state-of-the-art solution for both military and civil applications, capable of integrating advanced technologies and adapting to various operational contexts. Toll Aviation and Shield AI’s efforts to incorporate local innovations and provide flexible deployment models highlight their commitment to supporting both national and international security objectives.

Conclusion

Toll Aviation’s strategic expansion into uncrewed systems, particularly through the development and deployment of the VBAT platform, marks a significant milestone in enhancing Australia’s defence and emergency response capabilities. By leveraging advanced AI technologies and supporting local industry, Toll Aviation is well-positioned to lead in this evolving market. The VBAT’s adaptability, rapid deployability, and advanced capabilities make it a crucial asset in addressing emerging challenges in the Indo-Pacific region, ensuring that both civilian and military operations remain efficient, effective, and resilient