ScanEagle UAS integrated with McQ ground sensors

The Australian-based subsidiary of Insitu, Insitu Pacific, has successfully integrated its ScanEagle Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) with the McQ iScout Unattended Ground Sensor (UGS) and OmniWatch technologies. This will enable UGS target detection alerts to be automatically displayed within ScanEagle's Insitu multiple UAS software environment (I-MUSE) operating system as new targets.

The McQ iScout sensor provides covert, low power and long-endurance sensing capability with low false alarm rates. According to Insitu Pacific, when integrated with the ScanEagle and OmniWatch cameras, the combined technology will enhance the overall situational awareness for commanders in the field.

Once a target is detected, the iScout sensor automatically sends a notification to the UAS system operator by displaying the target location, detection type (seismic, magnetic, acoustic or infrared) and other relevant information on the ScanEagle operator's I-MUSE graphic user interface (GUI). The operator is then able to automatically focus the ScanEagle's sensors on the new contact to verify the data provided by iScout and OmniWatch and continue to track the target once it has moved beyond the OmniWatch camera range.

Andrew Duggan, Insitu Pacific managing director, said: ‘This is an excellent demonstration of the operational flexibility of the systems that Insitu Pacific can provide, as well as the synergies that can be gained from linking UAS and UGS in complex surveillance scenarios. We believe this newly proven capability offers an ideal solution for flexible base or perimeter surveillance on operations in places like Afghanistan or in border protection type roles.’