L-3 Mobius Makes First Public Flight

L-3’s Mobius an optionally piloted aircraft system built by L-3 Communications, made its first public flight today at the 5th Biennial Unmanned Systems Demonstration hosted by the US Navy’s Program Executive Office for Strike Weapons and Unmanned Aviation in coordination with the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) at Patuxent River Naval Air Station’s Webster Field Annex.

Mobius is also on display at L-3 Booth #1000 at the AUVSI symposium in Washington D.C.

The Mobius, which can support low through medium-altitude long endurance operations in both manned and unmanned configurations, is based upon a proven, Federal Aviation Administration-certificated design. Its aerodynamic design and carbon composite construction supports in-flight missions lasting up to 24 hours while carrying a payload of 1,000 pounds, in addition to fuel.

“Through the introduction of Mobius we are offering a platform that delivers operational performance at a significantly greater value than other aircraft in its class,” said Todd Gautier, senior vice president of business development for L-3’s Sensors and Simulation Group. “The speed, endurance, range and payload capacity of this proven platform enables it to meet a wide range of critical unmanned aircraft intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and expanded mission requirements.”

Mobius has been configured with L-3 Wescam’s high-performance MX-15 EO/IR turret in a retractable configuration, L-3 Geneva’s flightTEK fully autonomous flight control system and L-3 Communications Systems West’s mini-TCDL datalink to provide secure, anti-jam, anti-spoof encrypted communications. Mobius also is fully interoperable with the L-3 Rover and VideoScout systems.

“L-3 has long been known as a trusted component and product supplier to the UAS market. With Mobius and our Viking family of unmanned aircraft systems L-3 now is providing fully integrated, complete unmanned air systems solutions,” continued Mr. Gautier.