ScanEagle Operational with Royal Navy

ScanEagle is launched from a ship by pneumatic catapult [Picture: Boeing Defence UK] British Royal Navy's first unmanned air system-S...

ScanEagle is launched from a ship by pneumatic catapult [Picture: Boeing Defence UK]

British Royal Navy's first unmanned air system-ScanEagle is operational as part of a £30 million contract signed with Boeing Defense UK.

UK Ministry of Defence released footage on 22 June, showing ScanEagle taking flight from HMS Somerset in the Gulf.

ScanEagle maritime reconnaissance aircraft will be launched off the back of Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary ships day or night to gather intelligence using high resolution camera.
ScanEagle has a wingspan of over 3 metres and weighs 22 kgs. It is launched from ships using a pneumatic catapult and recovered using a patented Skyhook recovery system.
It can reach speeds of up to 60 knots and staying airborne for around 10 hours, covering areas of around 60 miles.

ScanEagle will provide persistent surveillance and reconnaissance capability, supplementing the Lynx helicopter fleet.