The persistent UASs

General Atomics-ASI MQ-9B certifiable version of the Predator B comes in the land SkyGuardian and naval SeaGuardian versions. The potential launch customer for the latter version is expected to be the Indian Navy. © GA-ASI

The persistent UASs in the maritime domain

By Luca Peruzzi

The use of Unmanned Air Systems (UAS) in the maritime domain to conduct long-range missions in support of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) operations executed by manned platform is becoming more common in nowadays worldwide navies. However technological developments in the UAS capabilities are pushing towards a wider use of unmanned vs manned platforms, as the former are addressing, developing and testing anti-submarine warfare (ASW) as well as search & rescue (SAR) capabilities, allowing manned platforms concentrating on operations requiring on-board crew. In addition to longer and persistent missions, the Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UAS platforms offer advantages in terms of system’s managing, personnel, and life-cycle reduced costs, as well as platform survivability as ISR operations require to operate at altitudes and distances from targets significantly lower than advertised manned/unmanned platform highest-level capabilities.

General Atomics’ Sea Guardian

The GA-ASI (General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc) US company has developed a variant of the Predator B UAS designed to meet NATO STANAG 4671 and to be eligible, in cooperation with global authorities, to meet airworthiness certification standards around the world. The MQ9B is highly modular and is easily configured with a variety of payloads in addition to a state-of-theart detect and avoid system developed by GA-ASI, which is a key technology for UAS to fly safely in civil aerospace alongside manned aircraft. In addition to the land-based SkyGuardian variant of the MQ-9B, which was acquired by the UK MoD and selected by Australian and Belgian Defence, GA-ASI also developed a maritime variant called the SeaGuardian, which has attracted international

General Atomics-ASI is working on providing the SeaGuardian UAS an Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) capability. The company has already demonstrated remote detection and tracking of underwater targets capabilities using sonobuoys to collect acoustic data, relayed via SATCOM to the ground control station. © GA-ASI

interest, with the Indian Navy being the potential launch customer according to different local reports. With a maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of 5,670 kg and a payload capacity of 2,177 kg to be transported internally and externally on nine (external) hardpoints, the SeaGuardian is equipped with a Honeywell TPE331-10 turboprop engine offering a maximum speed of 210 knots, a maximum altitude of over 12,000 meters and an endurance of over 40 flight hours. With a 4 meters larger wingspan and extended endurance thanks to additional fuel capacity compared to the MQ9A, in a basic maritime intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) configuration, the SeaGuardian can be equipped with a highdefinition (HD) EO/IR sensor with laser designator, a multi-mode 360° radar with Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), Inverted SAR and ground moving target indication (GMTI) main capabilities, an Electronic Support Measures (ESM) suite and Automatic Identification System (ASI). The company is also working on adding an AntiSubmarine Warfare (ASW) capability, based on the demonstration activities carried out in October

Designed by IAI for both tactical and strategic missions, the new generation Heron Mk II MALE UAS maritime version will feature an ASW suite including a sonobuoys dispensing system and a magnetic anomaly detector (MAD) system. © IAI

The SeaGuardian MALE UAS has been extensively demonstrated in Europe during evaluation trials conducted from a Greek air force’s base in late 2019. © GA-ASI

2017, when the company trialled remote detection and tracking of submerged targets using an MQ-9A platform launching sonobuoys to collect acoustic data which were relayed via SATCOM to the ground control station (GCS) to be processed. In June 2018, the GA-ASI UAS became the first MALE UAV to complete a trans-Atlantic flight between the USA and the UK covering 6,964 km in 24 hours, 2 minutes.

Leonardo’s Falco family

Unveiled as a mock-up during the Paris Air Show 2019, while the prototype was prepared for the flight test campaign with the close cooperation and support of the Italian Air Force,

IAI unveiled the Tactical Heron, or T-Heron, for tactical operations during Paris Air Show 2019. With a MTOW of 600 kg and a payload of up to 180 kg, the T-Heron has a 24 hours endurance and will be available from 2021. © IAI

the Leonardo’s largest-ever UAS Falco Xplorer air vehicle was successfully flown in January 2020 by an Italian Air Force’s test flight pilot. Building on the success of the company’s Falco UAS family, the new MALE platform features a 1.3 tonnes MTOW with a payload capacity of 350 kg and an endurance of 24+ hours, with a satellite communication capability for beyond-radio-lineof-sight (BLOS) operations. These characteristics and payload capacity fully satisfy the surveillance and intelligence requirements in the maritime domain, as already demonstrated by Leonardo’s smaller Falco Evo version under the 300 flying hours campaign service contract flown from Lampedusa island in the Central Mediterranean under the Frontex Maritime Aerial Surveillance project in summer 2019. The Falco Xplorer system is designed in accordance with NATO STANAG 4671 and is undergoing military type certification by the Italian MoD Air Armaments and Airworthiness directorate. During the lockdown, the activities continued with the implement of new software updates and aerodynamic enhancements, but due to the pandemic Leonardo was forced to stop flight operations with the prototype, resuming them in late May from Trapani-Birgi air base in Western-Sicily. As of today the Falco Xplorer’s development, testing, evaluation and certification programme is expected to see an initial milestone with a system’s initial operational capability (IOC) within Q1 2021, while the full certification process is planned to be completed later on in 2021. The Falco Xplorer is readily exportable as it is not

Leonardo’s smaller Falco Evo version successfully completed a 300 flying hours campaign service contract from Lampedusa island under the Frontex Maritime Aerial Surveillance project in the Central Mediterranean in summer 2019. © Leonardo

subject to International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) restrictions and its technical characteristics place it within the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) class II category. Leonardo is in discussion with different international customers which could benefit from the IOC milestone UAS availability (if they don’t require the certification), while the support and cooperation provided by the Italian Air Force could be the sign of a strong interest in the platform, as the service will have to replace its fleet of Predator A+. With a 18.5 meters wingspan, a maximum speed of 115 knots and over 7,315 meters operational altitude, with a max endurance at 200 km distance from base of 24 flying hours at 20,000 ft ISA with a 200 kg payload, the Falco Xplorer features a ‘V’ tail assembly and is powered by a Rotax Heavy

Leonardo’s largest-ever UAS Falco Xplorer, which conducted its maiden flight in January 2020, is expected to be available in late Q1 2021, while the full certification process is planned to be completed later on during 2021. © Leonardo

Fuel Engine (HFE). Even if Leonardo is currently working only on an ISR version, the aircraft has been designed to carry underwing hardpoints for external payloads, but no further details were released. The platform will come initially equipped with a Leonardo-provided suite including the Gabbiano T-80UL multimode radar with advanced SAR/ISAR/GMTI capabilities, up to 20’’ HD EO/ IR sensor and AIS, in addition to a dual-band (L/Ku) SATCOM capability and SAGE electronic intelligence (ELINT) system for maritime use. The system can however carry a sensor suite in-line with customers’ requirements, including third-party equipment. The sensors will be integrated through Leonardo’s powerful mission management system, while the platform’s GCS allows aircraft and payload control, in addition to data exploitation, mission data analysis, planning, training and simulation capabilities. Leonardo, however, continues to offer the smaller Falco Evo, which is flying in Congo from 2019 under a service contract awarded by the United Nations in October 2018, in addition to one of the four Falco customers, of which two in Central Asia and two in the Middle East.

Designed according to STANAG 4671 standard, the Hermes 900 Maritime Patrol version is a persistent long-range unmanned maritime surveillance system tailored for littoral and blue water operations, with up to 30 flight hours endurance. © Elbit Systems

IAI’s Heron family

Based on the over 40 years’ experience as the world pioneer in the sector, the Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) group has further developed and enlarged its family of Heron UASs, introducing the smaller Tactical Heron or T-Heron as well as the Heron Mk II aside the Heron I and the larger strategic Heron TP. This UAS family has a MTOW ranging from 600 to 5,700 kg, and is capable of lifting payloads from 180 kg to more than one tonne. Being at the leading edge in addressing maritime operations, IAI added new capabilities to the Heron UAS family, preparing the MALE segment platforms to assume ASW capabilities. Based on the combat proven family’s heritage with hundreds of thousands flight hours, serving more than 20 customers, IAI is today proposing and demonstrating to its customers the new generation Heron Mk II MALE UAS for both strategic and tactical missions. With a 1,350 kg MTOW and capable to carry a payload up to 470 kg including sensors, mission equipment and fuel, the Heron II has demonstrated an endurance of up to 45 hours and is capable to reach an over 10,668 meters ceiling. Offered in proven operational configurations for intelligence, maritime patrol, persistent surveillance and other missions thanks to its multi-sensor carrying capability with up to six systems simultaneously, proven safe dual automatic takeoff & landing (ATOL) system, state-of-the art avionics and communications, the Heron demonstrated a mission radius of over 1,000 km in SATCOM BLOS missions and over 350 km in LOS operations. With a 16.6 meters wingspan and the Heron family’s typical twin tail boom architecture in addition to a well-proven 135 hp Rotax family engine, the Heron II has a maximum and loitering speed of respectively 140 and 60-80 knots. In addition to the sensors and mission suite, a Heron Mk II mock-up has been shown during the Singapore Air Show 2020 with four underwing hardpoints for external payloads, ranging from missions pods to inflated liferafts for search and rescue missions. The Heron Mk II typical maritime surveillance missions suite could include the IAI-Taman M19 22.6’ turret HD EO/IR multi-sensor large payload suite with very longrange HD thermal imager, day and SWIR cameras, laser range-finder, pointer and laser designator, the IAI/ELTA Systems ELM-2022A multipurpose radar with SAR/ISAR/GMTI capabilites, ELINT/ COMINT, AIS and SATCOM link payloads. IAI has developed an ASW suite, which in addition to the aforementioned sensors, adds a sonobuoy dispensing system and a magnetic anomaly detector (MAD) allowing simultaneous detection

Elbit Systems recently unveiled a unique lifesaving capability added to the Hermes 900 patrol version, integrating sensors and systems suite, droppable inflatable life-rafts on four underwing hardpoints, and precision dispatch capability for survivors’ search and rescue. © Elbit Systems

and tracking of submarines in shallow and deep waters, with systems’ suppliers coming from national and international industries. In addition to being in service with the Israel Defence Forces for naval operations, as well as worldwide operators including the Indian and Ecuador navies, the Heron UAS family has a track proven record of service contracts with European agencies and international customers, the last being that signed with the Hellenic Ministry of National Defence last May. As part of the agreement, the Israel MoD will lease the Heron Mk I system in its maritime configuration to Greece over three years, with an option to purchase the system upon completion of the leasing period. During the PAS 2019, IAI unveiled the Tactical Heron or T-Heron to be deployed for tactical operations, including

Iceland has been the first EU country in 2019 to use the Elbit Systems Hermes 900 UAS patrol service provided by Portoguese company CEiiA under the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) auspices. © Elbit Systems

maritime surveillance duties. With a MTOW of 600 kg and a payload weight of up to 180 kg, the T-Heron was designed according to NATO STANAG 4671 UAS airworthiness requirements, has a 24 hours endurance and is capable to reach 7,315 meters ceiling; its maximum speed is 120 knots while loitering speed is 60-80 knots. With an over 300 km LOS and over 1,500 km BLOS mission radius, the T-Heron has a multipayload configuration capability with up to four simultaneous payloads, including ELINT and COMINT suites, a smaller ELM-2022UL radar version with 70% of the performances but 50% of the weight of the standard version, an EO/IR payload and AIS, together with SATCOM BLOS link. Four hardpoints are available under the wings to carry pods. The T-Heron is today under development but is expected to be ready for demonstration to customers by next year.

Having demonstrated its capabilities during recent combat operations in Syria as well as over the Mediterranean Sea, the TAI-developed Anka MALE UAS in under procurement by Turkish armed forces and Government agencies in addition to the Tunisian Ministry of Defence. © Turkish Aerospace Industry

Elbit Systems’ Hermes family

Leveraging on over three decades of experience in the UAS sector and in maritime C4I, Elbit Systems developed a maritime patrol version of its family of Hermes 900 MALE UASs, which is enjoying both sales and lease/service contracts success. Designed according to STANAG 4671 standard, with a 1,180 kg MTOW and capable to carry a payload up to 350 kg, according to Elbit Systems, the Hermes 900 Maritime Patrol version is a persistent long-range unmanned maritime surveillance system tailored for littoral and blue water operations, with up to 30 flight hours

endurance and a service ceiling of 9,144 meters. The payload suite can feature an HD EO/IR turret, a multipurpose radar with SAR/ISAR/GMTI modes such as the Leonardo Gabbiano T-200 system, ESM/ELINT and COMINT/DF suites, AIS receiver, Emergency Position-indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) receiver and SATCOM link enabling BLOS up to 1,850 km. The platform aerodynamic efficiency allows to frequently change flight profiles, enabling visual identification of vessels at sea in addition to the radar-provided ISAR images. The ground command and control station has the ability to control two UAS simultaneously using the two redundant datalinks, and is maritime mission-optimized in a single mobile shelter or onboard configuration at sea. Elbit Systems recently unveiled a unique lifesaving capability added to its platform, integrating sensors and systems suite, droppable inflated life-rafts, and precision dispatch capability. The Hermes 900 MP platform is equipped with four underwing hardpoints which can carry the same number of six-person life-rafts. Once the survivors are detected with sensors and a rapid calculation of the drop-point is made, the life rafts are dispatched beginning inflation from a 180 meters low-altitude to a safe distance from the survivors. Such a configured Hermes 900 MP UAS was recently delivered to an undisclosed customer in South-East Asia, according to Elbit Systems. In addition to the Israeli Air Force, the Hermes 900 UAS has been selected or is in service with different customers in Europe, South America and South-East Asia. In the latter region, the latest customer addition, never mentioned by the company, is the Philippines which procured different Elbit Systems UASs including both Hermes 900 and 450. Elbit Systems also started operating the so-called maritime UAS patrol service available to countries in the European Union under contract between the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) and the Portoguese company CEiiA. Iceland has been the first EU country to use the particular long-range UAS patrol service based on the Hermes 900 platform in summer 2019. Operating from a national airport under Iceland maritime authorities control, and adapted to withstand the strong winds and icy conditions common to the North Atlantic Ocean, the UAV was able to cover more than half of the Iceland Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Last February, Elbit Systems UK was also selected by the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) to conduct maritime demonstration flights using a number of its UASs including the Hermes 900. The Israeli company believes the UAV in the overmentioned SAR configuration could have an edge over manned aircraft in these kind of operations, including the MCA’s second generation UK’s SAR-2G (UKSAR2G) programme requirements.

Turkish Aerospace Industry’s Anka family

The TAI’s developed Anka MALE UAS has demonstrated its capabilities during recent combat operations in Syria as well as over the Mediterranean Sea. With a 1,750 kg MTOW and capable to carry a payload up to 250 kg, the Anka UAS has achieved an endurance of over 24 hours and is capable to reach over 9,144 meters ceiling. Offered in combat proven operational configurations for battlefield surveillance and air-to-surface attack missions, intelligence and maritime patrol thanks to its multi-sensor carrying capability and underwing hardpoints (up to four), proven safe dual ATOL system, operations in ice and extreme environmental conditions, state-ofthe art avionics and communications, the Anka is in service with the Turkish Armed Forces,

The Anka MALE UAS equipped with a naval mission suite includes the L3 Wescam CMX-15D or the new Aselsan CATS HD EO/IR reconnaissance, surveillance and targeting system, the Aselsan SARPER multi-mode radar with SAR/ISAR/GMTI capabilities and AIS. © Turkish MoD

TAI recently unveiled the Anka S plus version which mainly features a new wing design and a locally-built engine, increasing both payload and endurance. © Turkish MoD

Gendarmerie and other national agencies in both the Anka B and Anka S versions. The latter differs being the series production model equipped with indigenous avionics and SATCOM BLOS capabilities. With a 17.5 meters wingspan, the Anka UAS was flown for the first time in December 2018 with the new indigenous TEI PD170 170 hp engine, offering increased power and altitude performances. Together with a new wing design, the locally-built engine are the main features of the new Anka Plus version to enter in service in the near future, according to TAI, with an increased payload and enhanced endurance. The Anka B is in service with the Turkish Navy to be followed soon by the Anka S, in a typical maritime surveillance mission suite including L3 Wescam CMX-15D or the new Aselsan CATS HD EO/IR reconnaissance, surveillance and targeting system, the Aselsan SARPER multimode radar with SAR/ISAR/GMTI capabilities, AIS and SATCOM link (Anka S) payloads. The Tunisian MoD is the first international military customer of the Anka UAS with a contract signed in late 2019 for three systems with CGSs.

Boeing Insitu’s ScanEagle family

Having registered the first combat deployment with the US Marine Corps in 2004 during the Iraqi war, the ScanEagle surpassed the one million

Since its first operational deployment during the Iraqi war in 2004, the ScanEagle has increased the number of naval customers, the latest additions being the Royal Malaysian and Indonesian Navies. © US DoD

operational flight hours in 2017. Boeing Insitu continues to enhance its products portfolio, which includes ScanEagle, Integrator and RQ21A Blackjack UAS, and to add new customers. Since its first operational deployment, the ScanEagle has enlarged the number of customers using the small UAS for maritime operations, among the latest additions being the Royal Malaysian and Indonesian Navies. The current ScanEagle2 version maintains the same airframe layout of the original product with a purpose-built heavy fuel propulsion engine, higher MTOW and expanded payload options in addition to rapid payload integration and aircraft architecture common to all Insitu systems, saving on lifecycle costs and training. With a MTOW of 26.5 kg and a payload of 5 kg, the ScanEagle 2 has an endurance up to 18 hours and a 5,950 meters ceiling, and can carry different and multiple sensors payload. The new ScanEagle 3 bridges the gap between the ScanEagle family and the new Integrator UAS, with a new airframe that doubles the payload capacity, maintaining compatibility in terms of pneumatic launcher and SkyHook recovering runway-independent systems. Both UASs can use the Sentient Vision Systems’ Vidar suite providing automatic daytime scanning, detecting and cueing platform electro-optical sensors to find elusive objects over vast areas of water.