Boeing has chosen Qinetiq to be its main technology partner for the $3.8m phase one part of the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s (DARPA) Vulture air vehicle programme.
The one-year phase covers conceptual system definition, reliability and mission success analysis, concluding with a system requirements review. Conceptual designs for sub- and full-scale demonstrators will also be carried out.
The aim of the Vulture programme is to make an airborne vehicle that can carry a 454kg, 5kW payload and have a 99 per cent probability of maintaining its on-station position for an uninterrupted period of more than five years.
Qinetiq will be expected to use the expertise it garnered from developing technologies for its high-altitude long-endurance UAV, the Zephyr.
Launched by hand, Zephyr is an ultra-lightweight carbon-fibre aircraft that flies on solar power generated by amorphous silicon rays on its wings during the day. At night it is powered by rechargeable lithium-sulphur batteries that are recharged during the day by solar power.
Currently the only systems capable of providing multiple years of coverage over a fixed area are geosynchronous satellites orbiting 35,780km above Earth.
Pat O'Neil, programme manager at Boeing High Altitude Long Endurance Systems, said: ‘Such a 'pseudo-satellite' system, like Vulture, could provide compelling operational advantages in terms of persistent intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and communications.’
First seven members join NG’s Great Grid Partnership
Agreed. It is all pretentious posturing and trite branding with no meaning or gravitas. Prepare to be disappointed by all of these greats/grates.