Boeing ScanEagle - unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)

[Andrea75]

Launch and Recovery of ScanEagle UAV at Insitu’s Flight Test Facility

 

The ScanEagle unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is a relatively simple and effective small aircraft made by Boeing subsidiary Insitu, of Bingen, Washington. It’s been widely employed since 2004 by the U.S. military and several allies in the intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) roles. The UAV can be fitted with a variety of payloads — usually sensors that include electro-optic or infrared imagers, but not weapons — and, weighing between 28 and 44 pounds (depending on the payload), the UAV is easy to lift and carry.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0RXdjXeFl0&feature=player_detailpage

 

An Insitu engineer using a starter -- similar to an electric drill -- to spin the propeller and start a ScanEagle's engine.

 

The ScanEagle warms up for a takeoff from the launcher. At left is the SkyHook used to recover the UAV.

 

The UAV passes overhead. The ScanEagle can fly a pre-programmed flight pattern or can be guided by an operator.

 

An Insitu engineer packs up a ScanEagle in its storage/carrying container.

[Andrea75]

Scan Eagle UAV conducts first flight on LPD class ship

 

A Scan Eagle Unmanned Air Vehicle prepares to launch from an amphibious transport dock class ship USS San Antonio (LPD 17) on Nov. 28 off the coast of North Carolina. The flight on the San Antonio LPD class ship was part of a post-installation and functional flight-check exercise. Scan Eagle’s first deployment aboard USS San Antonio is planned for summer 2013.

Since 2005, Scan Eagle has flown nearly 250,000 hours under the Naval Air Systems Command's Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) services contract. Defense contractor Insitu owns and operates the Scan Eagle UAV.

The 44-pound UAV is predominately flown off Navy DDG-51 destroyers. Recent and upcoming ISR services on amphibious warfare ships are a precursor for the Navy and Marine Corps' plans to field and operate the expeditionary RQ-21A Small Tactical Unmanned Air System from the sea. The RQ-21A Integrator just completed land-based testing and is scheduled to begin shipboard testing early next year.

 

 

 

[fabio-22raptor]

Contratto con la Royal Navy.

 

Fonte: Flightglobal

 

 

Boeing Defence UK has won a £30 million ($46.3 million) contract to provide Insitu ScanEagleunmanned air vehicle services to the Royal Navy.

"ScanEagle represents an important addition to the Royal Navy's intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability," says Capt Ian Annett, who was involved with the maritime unmanned air system (MUAS) selection process. "Its ability to deploy during the day and night, coupled with the technology it uses will give commanders a clearer picture of the operational situation whenever it's required."

To be catapult-launched from and recovered back aboard RN surface ships and Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessels, the ScanEagle "will complement the existing intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance assets used on operations, such as helicopters and long-range radar," the Ministry of Defence says.

Under a provisional programme schedule outlined last year, the navy's contractor-operated MUAS activity is due to be run for at least two years, via the MoD's urgent operational requirement procurement method.

"The technology is off-the-shelf and will be available to the Royal Navy as soon as possible," says minister for defence equipment, support and technology Philip Dunne.