Indago VTOL UAV ready for operational deployment
Lockheed Martin has announced that the Indago vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) quad-rotor unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) has completed its research and development phase and is now ready for operational deployment. Along with the handheld ground control station (GCS) and new Commercial Avionics Suite, the system has been developed to provide a robust, mobile surveillance application for military and commercial users.
The compact Indago VTOL UAV can be deployed for up to 45 minutes at a range of up to five kilometres. Controlled by the handheld GCS, the VTOL has a 360 degree panning capability for area surveillance and enhanced situational awareness. It is designed to provide actionable imagery in support of emergency response needs such as search and rescue situations, disaster relief or other surveillance missions. The system folds up and requires no assembly.
The handheld GCS, which runs for four hours and is designed for outdoor readability, can be used with Indago and as a standalone system with other aircraft.
The Indago VTOL is built around the proven Kestrel autopilot system. The Kestrel autopilot uses algorithms to increase safety throughout the mission, and has flown in more than 60 aircraft, achieving thousands of flight hours.
Kevin Westfall, director of unmanned solutions, Lockheed Martin's Mission Systems and Training, said: ‘After two years of developing these capabilities, we will now be able to deliver affordable and effective products to both military and commercial customers. The Indago VTOL, handheld GCS and advanced Commercial Avionics Suite will provide mobility and high accuracy for a range of missions - now and in the future.’
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Uncrewed Vehicles
-
![AUSA 2024: Quantum-Systems targets big 2025 with UAS developments]()
AUSA 2024: Quantum-Systems targets big 2025 with UAS developments
Quantum-Systems has been upgrading its UAS family, with new versions of the Vector, Reliant and Twister drones set for release throughout 2025.
-
![US Army accelerates acquisition and field of company-level sUAS]()
US Army accelerates acquisition and field of company-level sUAS
The service has been using a Directed Requirement (DR) approach to speed up the deployment of a Medium Range Reconnaissance capability.
-
![AeroVironment to display eVTOL P550 at AUSA 2024]()
AeroVironment to display eVTOL P550 at AUSA 2024
AeroVironment’s portfolio will grow thanks to the eVTOL P550 aimed at battalion-level tactical forces.
-
![Australia’s air force aims its UAV fleet northwards]()
Australia’s air force aims its UAV fleet northwards
The Royal Australian Air Force is advancing its unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capabilities across three key programmes as it works with the likes of Boeing and Northrop Grumman to reshape Australia’s defence strategy.
-
![FTUAS competitor trials were “very successful”, says US Army official]()
FTUAS competitor trials were “very successful”, says US Army official
Prototypes from Griffon Aerospace and Textron Systems recently passed through MOSA conformance trials and flight tests.
-
![Pentagon adds Replicator 2 to budget request with focus on C-sUAS capabilities]()
Pentagon adds Replicator 2 to budget request with focus on C-sUAS capabilities
Funds for the second phase of this effort will be allocated in the US Department of Defense (DoD) FY2026 budget request.
