Vanilla Aircraft completes first flight of VA001 UAS

4th March 2015 - 14:24 GMT | by The Shephard News Team

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Vanilla Aircraft has successfully completed the first flight of its VA001 ultra-long endurance Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS), the company announced on 2 March.

The 36ft wingspan UAS has been designed to fly missions for up to ten days. The tested aircraft, N240HR, launched with an 18lb simulated payload and fuel for a 24-hour flight. It flew autonomously in altitudes up to 6,000ft above sea level before it landed, meeting all its test objectives.

Neil Boertlein, co-founder and chief engineer, VA001 project, said that this maiden flight test validated the design and capabilities of the VA001. More flight tests are being planned with Vanilla Aircraft customers to reach the aircraft's full endurance, altitude and payload capabilities.

Peter Bale, head of business development and strategy, Vanilla, said: 'In operation, the VA001’s unmatched range and endurance will greatly reduce the operating cost and man-power burden to provide persistent aerial coverage, and enable new missions previously beyond the capabilities of mid-sized UAS.'

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