Boeing’s fully autonomous unmanned aircraft system (UAS), ScanEagle has successfully completed a ship-based trial with the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN).
During the trial the long-endurance ScanEagle UAS, was launched and recovered from onboard a navy frigate, successfully completing day missions using an electro-optical camera payload and night missions using an infrared camera payload.
ScanEagle programme manager for Boeing Defence Australia, Andrew Duggan said that the aircraft proved it has the potential for building the RSN’s ship-based unmanned aerial vehicle capability.
“The ScanEagle UAS adds another dimension to persistent situational awareness for the ship’s crew and generates actionable intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance information,” Duggan said.
Boeing Defence Australia provided a complete maritime ScanEagle system for the trial, including a ground control station, communication links, launcher and SkyHook recovery system.
The ScanEagle UAS has operated from a variety of maritime platforms, most notably US Navy ships since 2005, achieving 1,500 launches and recoveries. It has also operated from a UK Royal Navy Type 23 frigate and from commercial vessels.
By Daniel Garrun.
