Israeli unmanned air systems manufacturer Aeronautics is in negotiations with “a number” of potential customers for its Orbiter 2/3 to be operated from ships.
Aeronautics deputy chief executive Dany Eshchar says the negotiations follow a very successful series of tests which proved that the launch and recovery systems work in ocean conditions.
In some countries the sea orbiter is competing with the Insitu ScanEagle.
"The systems we have developed for operating our Orbiter series UAS from ships is a very cost-effective solution for navies that need an aerial system on board,” says Eshchar.
First trials were performed three years ago with the smaller version, the Orbiter 2. Following successful results the company has resumed the tests with the Orbiter 3, which is capable of carrying a heavier payload.
The Orbiter 3 will have a larger-volume fuselage and a 3.6m (11.8ft) wing span. It has an endurance of 7h and carries a 5.5kg (12.1lb) payload.
The need for UASs operated from the decks of navy ships is growing. In some cases the UASs are intended to replace helicopters but in others they add a capability that was not previously available in any form.
Separately, Aeronautics has completed the development of a new power pack for its systems. The new fuel engine will be part of the company’s display at the Paris air show.
The new engine has been developed as part of the Israeli company’s effort to use more efficient power packs for its UAS. Two other engines under development are a heavy fuel engine and a hybrid engine.
Aeronautics is conducting tests with the new hybrid engine for its Orbiter 3 UAS that “will enable the system to stretch its endurance up to 20h”, says Eschchar.
Zanzottera, the Italian subsidiary of Aeronautics, is also developing a heavy fuel engine for UASs. “We already conducted tests with this 498 HF engine on one of our Aerostar UASs,” says Eshchar.
Aeronautics is also evaluating the development of un-tethered aerial platforms.
Eshchar says the aim is to develop hovering systems with a maximum takeoff weight of 20kg and a 1h endurance.
He adds that there is a growing demand for hovering systems, which are ideal for “certain missions”.
Source: Flight Daily News
