Rotary-Wing UAV as On-Demand Sensor Platform for Aircraft Operators

USSOCOM has a need to provide high-resolution video imagery to the sensor operators of current and future gunships, other unmanned aircraft systems, and similar platforms, while supporting missions above an area of interest. The key factors driving this need are the ability to see beyond visual range of the main platform, assist sensors on the main platform to see through weather and to aid in monitoring multiple geo-separated or dispersing targets. An air-launched unmanned aircraft system is desired to fill this need. This system shall possess the following characteristics: be low cost, not inhibit the operation of the host aircraft in any way, and require as little operator interaction as possible. This effort will leverage ongoing research and development of the Voyeur UAS. A baseline design of the AL-OBS SUAS will be established at initiation of this effort. The AL-OBS is anticipated to include the following components: an air-launched small unmanned aerial system (ALSUAS) consisting of an Extended Cruise Container (ECC) and Voyeur aerial vehicle, an Air Control Station (ACS), storage method, and deployment system.