AAI to Unveil Aerosonde Mark 4.7 Unmanned Aircraft
AAI Corporation today announced it will unveil the Mark 4.7, the newest addition to its family of Aerosonde small unmanned aircraft systems (SUAS), at the 2009 Australian International Air Show in Avalon, Victoria on March 10, 2009.
The aircraft successfully completed test flights at Yuma Proving Grounds in Yuma, Ariz., during February.
The Mark 4.7 aircraft's design leverages the current trend toward miniaturization of sensor technology; it carries a multi-sensor payload combining high-fidelity electro-optic, infrared and laser range finder/pointer capabilities, as well as a common data link. The aircraft also builds upon the proven features of the Aerosonde Mark 4.4 by using the same power plant and avionics, while incorporating a larger wing and fuselage that enable the system to conduct endurance missions in excess of 12 hours.
The Mark 4.7 is compatible with AAI's Expeditionary Ground Control Station for fast, easy setup and launch, as well as with AAI's NATO standardization agreement 4586-compliant One System Ground Control Station. In addition, the system deploys a newly integrated launch and recovery system for space-constrained field and shipboard operations.
"The Aerosonde Mark 4.7 is designed to meet the requirements of tactical and maritime missions when persistent intelligence and surveillance are required," says Vice President of Unmanned Aircraft Systems Steven Reid of AAI. "Like our entire family of Aerosonde SUAS, the Mark 4.7 also incorporates features for ease of use. It is capable of fully autonomous flight, including takeoff and landing, as well as catapult launch and innovative recovery methods."
The Mark 4.7 was developed through close collaboration between experts at AAI's Hunt Valley, Md., headquarters, and those on location at Aerosonde Pty Ltd., the company's SUAS business located in Melbourne, Australia.
More from Uncrewed Vehicles
-
![Royal Navy uncrewed aircraft trial marks European first]()
Royal Navy uncrewed aircraft trial marks European first
UK flight test sees largest unmanned aircraft take off from a Royal Navy aircraft carrier.
-
![Dubai Airshow 2023: Chinese AR-2000 large ship-borne UAV makes debut]()
Dubai Airshow 2023: Chinese AR-2000 large ship-borne UAV makes debut
CATIC have displayed its new AR-2000 drone at Dubai Airshow 2023, emphasising ship-based capabilities with PLA already purchasing.
-
![Australian Triton takes to the skies]()
Australian Triton takes to the skies
Australia has ordered four Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Triton UAS which can operate as an uncrewed maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) alongside the country’s in-service Boeing P-8A MPA fleet.
-
![Elistair unveils automated tethered observation UAS]()
Elistair unveils automated tethered observation UAS
The Khronos tethered UAS has been designed to be simple to use and has drawn on Elistair’s experience with hundreds of existing customers.
-
![Saildrone to produce USVs in Australia from 2024]()
Saildrone to produce USVs in Australia from 2024
The use of long-duration Uncrewed Surface Vehicles for maritime surveillance and monitoring has become part of the fleet inventory as navies try to reduce the level of effort required to gather intelligence on areas of interest.
-
![Ocius expands Bluebottle USV capabilities]()
Ocius expands Bluebottle USV capabilities
A growing number of uncrewed systems have been on show at Sydney's Indo-Pacific Maritime exhibition with a select few currently being trialled to see if they can enhance the Royal Australian Navy's surveillance levels.
