ArcticShark UAS ready for flight testing
A new atmospheric data collection UAS called the ArcticShark is set to commence flight testing at Pendleton UAS Test Range.
The UAS will be owned by the US Department of Energy and managed by the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Climate Research Facility. It will be deployed in the Arctic equipped with instruments designed to record sophisticated measurements about Earth's atmosphere in order to help scientists better understand one of the most sensitive regions of the planet.
The UAS has a wingspan of 22ft, a gross take-off weight of 625lbs, and can fly at altitudes of up to 15,000ft.
Flight testing and pilot training of the ArcticShark at Pendleton is expected to take place almost daily throughout March. The UAS is scheduled to begin field research in Alaska starting in 2018.
Over the past twelve months the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) - which manages the ARM Facility - ArgenTech Solutions (AgTS), Pendleton UAS Range, and the University of Alaska, Fairbanks, have worked to obtain Federal Aviation Administration flight approvals and build the concept of operations for ArcticShark.
Jen Armstrong, vice president AgTS commercial services, said: 'We are pleased to provide programme development, flight approval expertise and safe operations support to PNNL for their class D operations. We are paving the way for the evolving integration of UAS into the National Airspace System and we're pleased to be assisting in those test objectives.'
More from Uncrewed Vehicles
-
Survey Copter enters crowded lightweight tactical drone market
The company is hoping the Capa-X VTOL fixed-wing drone's modularity and French supply chain will help it stand out against competitors.
-
Saildrone details ISR-focused 10m USV, Voyager
Saildrone has detailed a new 10m USV, Voyager, designed for ISR missions.
-
Baykar offers first look at Bayraktar TB3 ahead of UCAV's first flight
Turkish UAV manufacturer Baykar has released images of the in-development Bayraktar TB3 before its imminent first flight.
-
TAI debuts Anka-3 flying wing combat drone
The UCAV is designed to operate alongside crewed fighter jets such as Turkey’s future TF-X.
-
Aeronautics inks agreement for producing Orbiter 4 UAVs in Thailand
Aeronautics has expanded its Asia-Pacific operations, signing a collaboration agreement with RV Connex to produce the Orbiter 4 UAV in Thailand.
-
Royal Navy selects Animal Dynamics parafoil UAV for second phase of Heavy Lift challenge
With a payload capacity of 135kg, the Stork STM can fly up to 400km using a parafoil wing to generate lift.