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AUVSI: LEMV hovers towards PDR
The first prototype of Northrop Grumman's Long Endurance Multi-Intelligence Vehicle (LEMV) will be ready for its maiden flight in the middle of 2011, according to company officials.
Speaking at the AUVSI North America conference on 26 August, LEMV Chief Engineer Michael Addison, said the '21-day persistent surveillance' project was on course to meet its Preliminary Design Review in two weeks- followed by its Critical Design Review before the end of the year.
Northrop Grumman also hoped that it would be in a position to deliver the prototype or technology demonstrator- of which the air frame is currently being built in the UK by Hybrid Air Vehicles- to the US Army by the end of 2011.
On 14 June, the US Army Space and Missile Defense Command/ Army Forces Strategic Command signed a contract with Northrop Grumman, worth up to $517 million, for the development of a LEMV technology demonstrator for the purposes of persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions.
The 18-month contract also includes potential for operational assessment in Afghanistan as well as options for the procurement of an additional two air vehicles.
Addison said a variety of payloads would be tested within the duration of the programme, including radar, full motion video (FMV), communications relay, multi-intelligence and mission lift cargo capabilities. The heavy lift configuration is expected to be able to travel up to 1,500 nm.
He added that LEMV was expected to operate at an altitude of 20,000 ft with a typical payload of around 2,500 lbs and top speed of 80 knots.
AAI's universal ground control station will be used to operate the vehicle while SAIC is providing FMV systems as part of the programme.
By Andrew White, Denver
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