Insitu recently declared the release of its two Integrator unmanned aircraft Systems (UAS) for the U.S. Marine Corps. One of the two newly developed UAS has already been deployed. UAS complements the early operational capability for the Small Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System (STUAS) program by the U.S. Marine Corps.
The government-owned, contractor-operated (GOCO) business arrangement offers the first system to the marines. Twentynine Palms will be the proprietor of the system which will be operated and maintained by Insitu Field Service Representatives (FSRs). Earlier this month, a second system was delivered to NAVAIR.
Following the progress of early operational capability exercises, the U.S. Marine Corps will further work in partnership with Insitu on the fabrication of the integrator-variant designated RQ-21A, scheduled for release in 2013. Hardware is being designed by the team to support flight testing, expected to be accomplished by the end of 2012.
Each Integrator early operational UAS consists of a launch system, a ground control station, four Integrator aircraft, and a recovery system that results from the latest advancements contributed by renowned industry leaders. Quatro Composites produced the aircraft structures incorporating the Rockwell Collins' flight computer and the propulsion module unit (PMU) that was validated and accredited by Northwest (NW) unmanned air vehicle (UAV) Propulsion Systems. The PMU also integrates NW UAV components with its low-noise muffler system. Each aircraft accommodates UHF/VHF communications relay payload from Harris, multi-function ball turret and the L3 Communications-West Bandit Digital Data Link from the Hood Technology Corporation. FreeWave Technologies facilitated the Insitu ground control station’s Command and control.
Source: http://www.insitu.com/