Support system for Scan Eagle UAV completes flight testing

Sponsored by the US Office of Naval Research (ONR), the Compact Launch and Recovery System (CLRE) will provide a small-scale solution for the unmanned surveillance craft’s operations.

‘This system’s shipboard capability is unique,’ said John Kinzer, manager of ONR’s Air Vehicle Technology Program. ‘It’s more compact than other systems, so you can install it on a small special operations boat — or save additional space on a larger ship, since space is always at a premium on any vessel.’

The Scan Eagle is designed to provide the military with advanced capabilities for real-time situational awareness and force protection information.

In use, the CLRE is said to use a compressed-air launcher to fire the Scan Eagle into the sky. Once airborne, the UAV transmits real-time electro-optic and infrared (IR) imagery to a ground station where it can be recorded for analysis.

To land, small hooks on the UAV’s wings catch hold of rope suspended from the system’s extendable mast and arms. Once the mission is completed, the whole system can be folded up.