RQ-21A Insitu has completed the first flight of the RQ-21A Integrator Block II unmanned air vehicle at the company's Oregon flight ...
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| RQ-21A |
The twin-boomed Integrator has been selected to provide intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance services for the US Navy.
The first aircraft is due for delivery in late 2013, with initial operating capability to be achieved in 2014.
The nearly two-hour flight was conducted using Insitu's Common Open-mission Management Command and Control (ICOMC2 ) ground control station.
ICOMC2 enables flight of multiple heterogeneous UAS and enables U.S. and NATO member nations to jointly support military operations through a STANAG 4586 compliant system.
The flight completed with the current Mark 4 Launcher and SkyHook recovery systems that supports expeditionary missions and rapid troop movement.
This technology configuration offers a suite of upgrades for superior intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions.
Integrator Block 2 allows customers to expand operations with an extended upward temperature limit of 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Integrator Block 2 also implements multiple system reliability improvements, including the option to power with either JP8 or JP5 fuel.
An improved sensor turret, which includes the latest mid-wave infrared sensor with onboard image stabilization, helps imagery analysts see objects of interest more clearly during day and night missions.
Insitu Inc., located in Bingen, Washington, is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Company.
Insitu designs, develops and manufactures UAS and provides associated services for commercial, civil and defense applications.
