Lockheed Martin to Link SPAN Ground Sensor Network with Unmanned Aircraft  



By Ashley Addington



Today Lockheed Martin announced that its ground sensor network could soon be linked with unmanned aircraft, giving them better persistent surveillance capability.



The Self-Powered Ad-hoc Network (SPAN) system is made up of multipurpose sensors that never need a battery replacement. It is capable of recharging itself by absorbing energy from other sources in its current environment.  It is also programmed so that its nodes don’t transmit unless there is a sensor reading of concern. 



“SPAN is essentially a network of unobtrusive sensor nodes small enough to fit into the palm of your hand. Linking SPAN sensors with UAVs provides a cost-effective solution that supports multiple missions including force protection, border surveillance and regulatory and treaty compliance,” says Macy W. Summers, vice president with Lockheed Martin Information Systems & Global Solutions.  



Linking the two technologies means a given area can be surveilled for less money, and UAS operators can concentrate on known threats instead of loitering or seeking potential threats.