Arcturus T-20 UAV flies with COMINT/DF payload
The Arcturus T-20 Tier II unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) has been integrated with a communication intelligence and direction finding (COMINT/DF) payload capable of detecting, intercepting, direction finding and geo-locating signals of interest. The payload, called the Europa-S Signal Intercept and Geolocation System, was supplied by WGS Systems.
According to the T-20 manufacturer, Arcturus UAV, the Europa-S adds significant signal collection capability to the T-20 UAV, expanding the UAV’s mission envelope.
Europa-S has a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of over TRL 8, and utilises system components fielded since 2010. The system operates at frequencies of 30 MHz - 3 GHz, with a wide signal intercept frequency range, and can interface with other payloads on the T-20, such as EO/IR and SAR.
The T-20 payload consists of a gimbal sensor that provides full motion video from daylight and infrared cameras. Video is transmitted by secure data link to mission commanders on the ground. An onboard GPS autopilot with waypoint navigation accepts multiple flight plans from the Ground Control Station, allowing the T-20 to fly missions up to 16 hours and return to a specified location autonomously.
More from Uncrewed Vehicles
-
Red Cat looks to partnerships to expand Teal 2’s wings
Teal 2 UAV producer Red Cat has unveiled its strategic partnerships and advancements in drone technology in anticipation of the US Army’s decision on the Short-Range Reconnaissance (SRR) programme.
-
How Russia is ramping up efforts to counter drones in Ukraine
Russian forces in Ukraine have been employing multifaceted strategies to counteract drones, as a past reliance on large-scale electronic warfare has shifted towards diverse, localised countermeasures.
-
US Navy foresees an uncrewed future for its surface and underwater fleet
The service has been conducting various procurement and development efforts to integrate unmanned surface and underwater vehicles into its inventory.
-
Tekever unveils new swarm-controlling UAS
Tekever has manufactured the AR3, AR4 and AR5 UAS with all systems sharing common electronics and software architecture, which has enabled the reuse of ground segment elements within the new ARX UAS.
-
Ready for the race: Air separation drone swarms vs. air defence systems
As the dynamics of aerial combat rapidly evolve, Chinese scientists have engineered a sophisticated air separation drone model that can fragment into up to six drones, each capable of executing distinct battlefield roles and challenging the efficacy of current anti-drone defences such as the UK’s Dragonfire laser system.
-
Israel’s MALE UAVs ‘must adapt’ to Iranian-made air defences
Advancements in air defence technologies have begun to reshape aerial combat dynamics in the Middle East, as illustrated by recent events involving the Israeli Air Force and Hezbollah.