Indago VTOL UAV ready for operational deployment
Lockheed Martin has announced that the Indago vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) quad-rotor unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) has completed its research and development phase and is now ready for operational deployment. Along with the handheld ground control station (GCS) and new Commercial Avionics Suite, the system has been developed to provide a robust, mobile surveillance application for military and commercial users.
The compact Indago VTOL UAV can be deployed for up to 45 minutes at a range of up to five kilometres. Controlled by the handheld GCS, the VTOL has a 360 degree panning capability for area surveillance and enhanced situational awareness. It is designed to provide actionable imagery in support of emergency response needs such as search and rescue situations, disaster relief or other surveillance missions. The system folds up and requires no assembly.
The handheld GCS, which runs for four hours and is designed for outdoor readability, can be used with Indago and as a standalone system with other aircraft.
The Indago VTOL is built around the proven Kestrel autopilot system. The Kestrel autopilot uses algorithms to increase safety throughout the mission, and has flown in more than 60 aircraft, achieving thousands of flight hours.
Kevin Westfall, director of unmanned solutions, Lockheed Martin's Mission Systems and Training, said: ‘After two years of developing these capabilities, we will now be able to deliver affordable and effective products to both military and commercial customers. The Indago VTOL, handheld GCS and advanced Commercial Avionics Suite will provide mobility and high accuracy for a range of missions - now and in the future.’
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