SkyRaider Can Carry And Deliver External Loads Up To 4.4 Pounds

FLIR Systems Inc. will deliver dozens of its SkyRaider UAS to the United States Marine Corps after being awarded a $10 million contract.

The FLIR R80D SkyRaider is FLIR’s most advanced military UAS. Developed for U.S. defense and federal government customers, the UAS is equipped with long-range, high-resolution EO/IR imaging sensors that provide day and night situational awareness.

For forward resupply, asset extraction, and other specialized missions, SkyRaider can carry and deliver external loads up to 4.4 pounds. The UAS also features “some of the most powerful” embedded AI processing available on a small UAS, according to FLIR.

“The R80D SkyRaider is a superior asset for highly mobile expeditionary and multi-mission combat operations, such as those that put Marines at the tip of the spear,” says David Proulx, VP of Product Management for the Unmanned Systems & Integrated Solutions business at FLIR.

“We’ve worked hard to develop a smart, versatile sUAS aircraft with next-generation capabilities and are honored to support SkyRaider’s deployment with the U.S. Marine Corps.”

With the agility and single-operator deployment footprint of a proven Group 1 vertical take-off and lift (VTOL) aircraft, SkyRaider delivers a range of Group 2-3 payload capabilities.

The UAS can detect and classify objects, perform semi-autonomous flights, and thrive in environments that lack either GPS or communications, thanks to its advanced edge-of-network processing. SkyRaider supports payloads specific to U.S. government operations while incorporating enhanced cybersecurity measures that help operational security.

Deliveries will be completed by Q3 of 2020

FMI: www.flir.com