AAC to develop hybrid-electric sUAS
The HMAR hybrid fuel-electric sUAS. (Photo: AAC)
US-based SME Advanced Aircraft Company will develop the portable HMAR hybrid fuel-electric sUAS for tactical ISR missions.
Advanced Aircraft Company (AAC) has been selected by the USAF AFWERX innovation programme to develop its HAMR hybrid-electric sUAS for tactical long-endurance (3.5h) ISR missions.
AAC will work with the Air Force Research Laboratory and the National Security Innovation Network, using Small Business Innovation Research funding worth an undisclosed amount.
The portable HMAR hybrid fuel-electric sUAS will be launchable in minutes without the need for additional ground infrastructure, AAC announced on 9 February.
‘The system can be disassembled and stored in a single case and easily transported in a conventional civilian or small military vehicle,’ it added.
HAMR incorporates a multi-rotor configuration with a hybrid fuel-electric propulsion system for extended endurance and simultaneous Group 2 EO/IR payload capabilities in two bays.
Operators can choose from a range of commercially available optical or IR cameras and lidar systems in an open modular architecture, AAC added.
A computer-controlled 35cc single-cylinder piston engine drives a generator, which produces up to 2000W in electric power for six brushless electric motors and a backup battery.
More from Air Warfare
-
![UH-60M Black Hawk: export demand underpins $13 billion market opportunity]()
UH-60M Black Hawk: export demand underpins $13 billion market opportunity
The UH-60M is the latest variant of the UH-60, a workhorse multirole helicopter that continues to attract further orders from across the globe. With further modernisation upgrades underway, the platform is expected to remain in operation until 2050.
-
![Pentagon confirms it will continue with the acquisition of E-7 Wedgetails for US Air Force]()
Pentagon confirms it will continue with the acquisition of E-7 Wedgetails for US Air Force
The Pentagon has sent an amendment to the Office of Management and Budget, according to Pete Hegseth, including funds for the procurement of E-7 Wedgetails in FY2027.
-
![Next-generation tactical UAS: Advancing European defence capabilities]()
Next-generation tactical UAS: Advancing European defence capabilities
As Europe confronts its most unstable security environment since the Cold War, defence planners recognise that advanced, dependable and flexible Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) are central to a force that competes and prevails on today’s battlefield.
-
![Ukraine fighter jet plans accelerate with Sweden and Belgian updates]()
Ukraine fighter jet plans accelerate with Sweden and Belgian updates
The country could be on the cusp of finalising an historic deal with Saab for up to 150 aircraft, with Belgium also increasing its number of donated F-16 aircraft to 53 with refreshed delivery timelines.
-
![US Air Force prepares next stage of E-3 Sentry modernisation]()
US Air Force prepares next stage of E-3 Sentry modernisation
The USAF intends to conduct the second phase of the DRAGON programme from FY2026 to FY2030, while the future of the E3 replacement remains unknown.
