Integrator completes 24h flight with increased payload
Insitu’s Integrator unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) has successfully completed a 24 hour flight, demonstrating the aircraft's expanded endurance at an increased gross take-off weight with payload on board.
The flight is part of a programme to continuously increase Integrator’s payload capacity and endurance for future missions.
Integrator is a modular and flexible solution for land and maritime ISR operations. Its six payload spaces can be customised with cameras, communication capabilities and a broad array of other payloads.
Peter Kunz, chief engineer, Insitu, said: ‘Today's flight is just the beginning. 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.’
Ryan Hartman, senior vice president, Insitu Programs, added: ‘Our customers require a flexible, long-endurance system. 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.’
Integrator is also the basis for RQ-21A Blackjack, developed by Insitu under the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps program of record.
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