Steady hover

Steadicopter (Stand S10‑308), a provider of rotary unmanned aerial systems, is demonstrating the new capabilities of its Black Eagle 50 advanced lightweight unmanned robotic helicopter. Black Eagle 50 has been upgraded with additional features, including an inertial navigation system with no dependency on GPS, which gives it a significant advantage in GPS-denied areas, and is tailored for naval missions with robust mechanical and electronic capabilities that support flight in maritime environments. A datalink connects the aircraft with the ground controller, enabling the transmission of live video and data between the two. The system has a steady hovering endurance of up to three hours and flight endurance of up to four hours. At only 27kg, Black Eagle 50 is extremely lightweight and compact, with a maximum take-off weight of only 35kg and payload capacity of 5kg. It has a communication range of up to 150km, depending on the client's requirements, and a service ceiling of 10,000ft. Its total length is just 2,540mm, while its maximum air speed is 70 knots (126km/h), with a cruising speed of 45 knots (81km/h). Black Eagle 50 is a vertical take-off and landing robotic observation system, and is said to be an ideal solution for tactical maritime and land intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance missions. Steadicopter recently signed a co-operative agreement with Israel Shipyards for the marketing of Black Eagle as part of the defence, intelligence and surveillance systems installed on its offshore patrol vessel family.