Thanks for the links TOC. The VTOL nature of TU150 should at least rate a look from RN; I find it hard to imagine ScanEagle/Integrator being recovered by that “sky-hook” method on a ship; in my experience they tend to bob about a bit, and even been known to corkscrew on occasion. Have any of those ScanEagle been lost at sea?
@TD – Really?! Astonishing, not least that tuna fishing boats should be interested in situational awareness. Never knew there was so much money in fishing. Any idea on how they were/are used?
@TD – thanks for this; I followed the links to the Insitu website and watched the Scan Eagle video. The only at sea recovery it showed was by a small boat (looked like a fishing boat, so may have been one of your tuna fishermen) on an absolute flat calm sea – possibly a lake or in a sheltered bay judging by the background scenery.
I recall Scan Eagle trials carried out by a T23, I think in around 2005/6 (?) – my recollection is that the Scan Eagles were launched from the frigate but recovered ashore. I remain unconvinced with the proposed at sea recovery method – the VTOL option looks more practical to me for shipborne use. And I’m a CATOBAR fan!
These kind of systems are the Secret Sauce that make the UAV integration practical.
Further to our MarUAS discussion a while back:
– TU-150 “Bi-Hybrid” from Rheinmetall Airborne Systems.
Still think the Insitu Integrator is the most likely to be purchased.
Thanks for the links TOC. The VTOL nature of TU150 should at least rate a look from RN; I find it hard to imagine ScanEagle/Integrator being recovered by that “sky-hook” method on a ship; in my experience they tend to bob about a bit, and even been known to corkscrew on occasion. Have any of those ScanEagle been lost at sea?
Wiseape, the Scan Eagle was originally designed for use with tuna fishing boats i.e. specifically designed for shipborne launch and recovery
@TD – Really?! Astonishing, not least that tuna fishing boats should be interested in situational awareness. Never knew there was so much money in fishing. Any idea on how they were/are used?
Wiseape
DiD have a good right up
http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/From-Dolphins-to-Destroyers-The-ScanEagle-UAV-04933/
@TD – thanks for this; I followed the links to the Insitu website and watched the Scan Eagle video. The only at sea recovery it showed was by a small boat (looked like a fishing boat, so may have been one of your tuna fishermen) on an absolute flat calm sea – possibly a lake or in a sheltered bay judging by the background scenery.
I recall Scan Eagle trials carried out by a T23, I think in around 2005/6 (?) – my recollection is that the Scan Eagles were launched from the frigate but recovered ashore. I remain unconvinced with the proposed at sea recovery method – the VTOL option looks more practical to me for shipborne use. And I’m a CATOBAR fan!