Lockheed Martin has upgraded its Stalker XE UAS with a VTOL capability, the company announced on 22 May.
The new VTOL option will provide users with increased mission flexibility and operation from more austere locations. This also provides a reduced logistics footprint and expands how and where the Stalker XE UAS may operate.
Other launch alternatives include a pneumatic rail or a standard bungee launch system.
The all-weather Stalker XE system is a small UAS that provides long endurance imaging capability through image stabilised pan, tilt, zoom on electro-optical, infrared, low-light and high-definition imagers along with an image tracker.
Depending on payloads and launch option, Stalker XE can fly up to eight hours with a propane fuel cell or up to four hours with a battery option at a cruise speed of 56km/h.
Russell Coons, programme manager, Stalker XE, said: By offering three unique launch options, we will support day or night flight operations in a variety of environments, expanding Stalker XE’s ability to do more with less. We continue to evolve the system to bring more capability to our system operators.’
As the dynamics of aerial combat rapidly evolve, Chinese scientists have engineered a sophisticated air separation drone model that can fragment into up to six drones, each capable of executing distinct battlefield roles and challenging the efficacy of current anti-drone defences such as the UK’s Dragonfire laser system.
Advancements in air defence technologies have begun to reshape aerial combat dynamics in the Middle East, as illustrated by recent events involving the Israeli Air Force and Hezbollah.
Both sides of the Russia-Ukraine war have been using UAS for effective low-cost attacks, as well as impactful web and social media footage. Thousands more have now been committed to Ukrainian forces.
The US Army has intentions to develop light, medium and heavy variants of the Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV) as part of the branche’s Next Generation Combat Vehicle family.
DroneSentry-X, a cross-vehicle compatible, automated 360° C-UAS detect and defeat device, can offer 360° awareness and protection using integrated sensors. According to its manufacturer, it is suitable for mobile operations, on-site surveillance and on-the-move missions.
Funded by the country’s former president, the new C-UAS systems will be sent to the frontline where they have already been tested against Russian invading forces.
Connect with us on socials
