ScanEagle UAV demonstrates maritime capabilities
As part of the trial, ScanEagle used its onboard electro-optical and infrared sensors to identify potential threats as small as jet skis.
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Article Summary
May 18, 2006 Last year we wrote about the ScanEagle UAV and its success http://www.gizmag.com.au/go/4116/" target="_blank">in supplying U.S. Marines in Iraq with critical real-time tactical battlefield imagery. This time, we’re writing about the adaptation of the ScanEagle as a low-cost intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) platform for amphibious operations. Currently being trialled for its maritime capabilities by the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) in "Trial Vigilant Viper" off the coast of Scotland, the ScanEagle completed ten autonomous flights with full launch and recovery from a Type 23 Frigate in rough sea conditions. A small UAV such as the ScanEagle can significantly increase the capability of a boat, and the missions conducted during the trial illustrate this enormous potential for land and sea surveillance, beach reconnaissance, force protection, maritime interdiction and naval gunfire support.
