Lockheed Martin Announces Canister Launched Drone

Lockheed Martin Outrider

Lockheed Martin Outrider

Lockheed Martin has introduced its newest entry in its UAS portfolio of merchandise, the OUTRIDER, designed to supply enhanced Situational Awareness (SA) in environments the place launching a standard UAV will not be sensible.

The drone has been designed with a patented launch canister and has a excessive diploma of wind tolerance. The OUTRIDER could be launched from floor, floor, air or sub-surface on the press of a button. This allows enhanced SA to be delivered throughout the land, maritime and air environments in any respect ranges, from particular person platforms, to operations rooms and Headquarters.

The UAS was designed and developed at Lockheed UK’s Havant facility in Hampshire, in collaboration with Wirth Research. The firm experiences that the plane is 4 inches broad, weighs a mere 1.7kg (three.7lbs), and is able to reaching speeds as much as 50 knots (57.5mph). The OUTRIDER can keep airborne for over two hours, offering important SA to operators for as much as twice so long as others in its class.

“We are proud to offer Outrider which has been designed and built in the UK for the international market,” stated Paul Livingston, vice chairman and group managing director, Lockheed Martin UK – Integrated Systems.

“It provides secure leading edge situational awareness capabilities in its class for ground, surface, air or sub-surface operational environments and can be launched at the press of a button.”

For eventualities equivalent to a submerged submarine attempting to keep away from detection, or emergency companies coping with a hazardous atmosphere, OUTRIDER permits crews to remain at a protected standoff distance while gathering the information they should full their mission.

While the drone has been developed with navy functions in thoughts, Lockheed can be focusing consideration on the business market. As such, completely different fashions of the UAS shall be obtainable, one compliant with International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), and a second ITAR-free configuration.

The OUTRIDER comes geared up with gimballed HD video and IR cameras delivering stabilised, high quality footage in day and night time situations, and packaged to maximise functionality while sustaining a small type issue.

“We’re excited and very proud of our collaboration with Lockheed Martin UK on the Outrider project,” stated Nick Wirth, CEO and founding father of Oxfordshire-based Wirth Research, which specialises in motor racing engineering.

“Performance enhancement and innovation are fundamental to our motor sport heritage at Wirth Research. Transferring this approach from racing, combined with our rapid concept development and aero expertise, has been key to successfully meeting the technical challenges set by the Lockheed Martin team. Outrider is the leading edge result.”

SPECIFICATIONS

  • Mass and Range: ~1.7 kg : 15 km, as much as 30-40 km with relay
  • Time on Station: 2+ hours
  • Dash Speed: ~50 knots
  • Loiter: ~35 knots
  • Environmental: Rain Resistant, could be launched to 15 knots wind, Sea State four

Here is a promotional video courtesy of Wirth Research


 

Frank Schroth is editor in chief of DroneLife, the authoritative supply for information and evaluation on the drone trade: it’s individuals, merchandise, tendencies, and occasions.
Email Frank
TWITTER:@fschroth
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