Jul 23 2014
Insitu announced today the successful 24-hour flight of its Integrator unmanned aircraft.
Insitu's Integrator unmanned aircraft recovers via SkyHook; the aircraft recently completed a 24-hour endurance flight. (PRNewsFoto/Insitu)
The flight demonstrated Integrator's expanded endurance at an increased gross take-off weight with payload on board. The event is the first of several planned milestones for the platform aimed toward continuously increasing payload capacity and endurance for future missions.
"Today's flight is just the beginning," said Insitu Chief Engineer Peter Kunz. "We designed Integrator with growth in mind; high fuel capacity, large dedicated payload volumes and an aerodynamically and structurally efficient airframe have all been carefully implemented to allow the platform to change and adjust to our customers' priorities."
Integrator is a modular and flexible solution for both land and maritime operations, consisting of six payload spaces that can be customized with cameras, communication capabilities and a broad array of other payloads. The platform is also the basis for RQ-21A Blackjack, developed by Insitu under the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps program of record.
"Our customers require a flexible, long-endurance system," said Senior Vice President Insitu Programs Ryan Hartman. "Taking this first step to increase the gross take-off weight opens up more opportunities for us to integrate heavier payloads while maintaining long endurance for a multi-mission platform."