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
-
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.
-
IDEX 2023: Autel Robotics showcases DJI challenger drone
Autel Robotics presented its Dragonfish series and EVO Max 4T at IDEX 2023, hoping to challenge DJI's market dominance with the latter.
-
BAE and Innovaero debut Strix, Australia’s first domestic armed VTOL UAS
At the Avalon Airshow, BAE Systems Australia debuted Australia’s first domestically designed, built and armed VTOL (vertical take-off and landing) uncrewed air system (UAS), the Strix.
-
Enhanced autopilots pave way to autonomy for US multi-engine jets
The USAF has commissioned a year-long autonomy study by Reliable Robotics for large jet aircraft.
-
IDEX 2023: Black Eagle UAV gets miniature airborne radar
Integrating the radar into the Steadicopter UAS allows the rotorcraft to spot potential maritime threats.