Aug 27 2010
Lockheed Martin, a leading company in providing advanced security solutions, has been conferred with a contract worth $5.1 million by United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defense.
This agreement is for further developing Desert Hawk III aircraft by incorporating enhanced 360-degree infrared sensor and also an electro optic sensor with ten times the zooming capacity by the end of 2010. The major features of this unmanned system include better payloads for enhanced day/night target detection and advanced navigation system that can provide exact target location with greater image dependability.
Desert Hawk III aircraft
Duncan Robbins, Program Manager for mini-UAV systems stated that the advanced payloads can enable the aircraft to function efficiently even during tough situations and military forces can be provided with real time information.
According to Mark Swymeler, Vice President for Lockheed Martin's Ship and Aviation Systems, combat proven Desert Hawk III can operate in all extreme conditions including adverse temperatures, soaring winds and very high altitudes, thereby finding its role in places like Afghanistan. This unmanned aircraft system is exceptionally inaudible at distances greater than 150 meters.
The incorporated, maneuverable plug-and-play imaging sensors of Desert Hawk III has helped the British Military force in understanding the dynamic situation in Afghanistan ever since 2006.
This flight system has a good structural design, weighing eight pounds. It also encloses a light weight rugged air vehicle with snap-on plug and payloads that help in switching the sensors in the air vehicle as per the quickly changing operation conditions. The ground station is moveable. Desert Hawk also features a video work station to keep track of the activities.