UAV and helicopter markets poised to take off as IDEX 2007 prepares for the launch of the largest defence exhibition ever held in the Middle East

Advances in the aerial platforms, surveillance sensors and command and control technologies are continuing to fuel boom conditions in UAV development—and the interest is beginning to be shared by the civilian industrial economy.

Since the introduction of a dedicated Unmanned Aerial Vehicle and Helicopter pavilion at the International Defence Exhibition & Conference, (IDEX 2005) earlier this year, the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC, formerly GEC) has tracked the pace of the unmanned aerial vehicle industry, which shows every indication of continuing as a powerhouse of technical change in response to market demand.

A large ADNEC delegation are at the Dubai Air Show 2005 to ensure this expanding defence sector of the aviation industry has sufficient exhibit space to meet their anticipated requirements at IDEX 2007—the world's largest and most comprehensive tri-service defence exhibition and conference, to be held from 18-22 February 2007.

A spokesperson for ADNEC said,

"The UAV and helicopter sectors are becoming among the most sought-after technologies in the defence sector, and IDEX has committed to the full support of these industries as they market their newest prototypes and control systems. Static displays can be augmented by actual aerial demonstrations on the exhibition grounds, thanks to the assistance of the UAE Armed Forces and Air Defence Headquarters."

While helicopters continue to be seen as essential for both military and civilian use, the applications for UAVs - what used to be called drones, are now expanding at a rapid rate. Small, remote-controlled UAVs have proved their worth in battlefield situations.

IDEX 2007 is now being seen as one of the most important international UAV exhibition and marketing venues, as the Abu Dhabi location of the show is accessible to both the developing UAV industry and potential buyers from the growing defence sectors in the MENA and Far East regions.

More than 60 countries are now either trying to develop UAV technology, or acquire it at venues such as IDEX.

UAVs are starting to be recognised in terms of civilian applications as well. What better use for an unmanned aircraft than to perform pipeline observation in weather conditions that keep piloted aircraft on the ground. Or consider the advantages to public safety agencies in facing a difficult crowd control situation; a small camera-mounted aircraft that can fly to wherever the operator points his joystick on a computer screen is a distinct asset in pinpointing potential problems or the location of injured citizens. And it helps that the UAV is not much larger than a pigeon. A Dutch research company has already developed such a craft with wings that even flap as well.

As UAVs assume another of those more difficult aspects of flying that birds and pilots only used to be able to perform, it begs the question of what more roles will UAVs take on in the future? Surely the day when aerial dogfights are fought by UAVs cannot be too far away, and IDEX 2007 is positioning itself in anticipation of significant developments across this sector of the defence market. These developments will be fuelled by the amazing advances in conceptual and technological approaches that will influence UAV capability over the coming decade.