ScanEagle
Catapult fixed-wing UAS
The ScanEagle is a small, long-endurance, low-cost unmanned aerial system primarily used for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions.
Mission Profile
The ScanEagle is designed for persistent ISR operations, particularly in maritime environments where runway independence is crucial. It can be launched via a pneumatic catapult and recovered using a "SkyHook" system, which snags a rope suspended from a 50-foot pole. This allows for deployment from small vessels or austere land locations, making it highly adaptable to various operational theaters. Its primary role is to provide real-time situational awareness, target acquisition, and battle damage assessment. It is often employed by naval forces for over-the-horizon reconnaissance, convoy protection, anti-piracy operations, and search and rescue. On land, it supports ground forces with persistent surveillance, force protection, and convoy escort. Its long endurance allows it to loiter over areas of interest for extended periods, providing continuous coverage.
Key Features
- ▸Catapult launch and SkyHook recovery system for runway independence
- ▸Long endurance for persistent intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR)
- ▸Modular payload bay for various sensors, including electro-optical and infrared cameras
- ▸Low acoustic and visual signature for discreet operations
- ▸Rugged design capable of operating in harsh environments
- ▸Autonomous flight capabilities with pre-programmed mission plans
- ▸Small logistical footprint for easy transport and deployment
Specifications
- ceiling
- 19,500 ft (5,945 m)
- configuration
- Fixed-wing, pusher propeller
- endurance
- Over 24 hours
- mtow
- 48.5 lbs (22 kg)
- payload
- Up to 7.5 lbs (3.4 kg)
- propulsion
- Single-cylinder two-stroke engine
- range
- Operational radius of 62 miles (100 km)
- speed
- Cruise speed 55-60 knots (102-111 km/h)
Notable Operators
Comparable Platforms
About the Manufacturer
Insitu, a Boeing subsidiary, has built and fielded the ScanEagle and Integrator family of catapult-launched, skyhook-recovered fixed-wing UAS for two decades. Its platforms are the workhorses of US Navy and Marine Corps Group 3 ISR operations.