V-Bat Demonstrates Ability To Deliver Small Payloads In Challenging Environments

DARPA funded research to demonstrate precision autonomous delivery and placement of payload has recently been completed by MLB Company using its vertical take-off and landing UAV, the V-Bat.

The MLB V-Bat was specially outfitted with a stereo vision system to detect and track an object's position relative to the V-Bat's position in hover flight. Newly developed control logic autonomously guided V-Bat's hover operations and controlled the specially designed six foot robotic arm to accurately pick-up and place the target object.

The V-Bat has the performance of proven fixed-wing designs, with the flexibility of vertical take-off and landing capabilities. MLB's V-Bat can be launched and recovered in a 20x20 foot area and still fly long distance up to 90 kts for 10 hours.

"This is an excellent example of the flexibility and capabilities a vertical take-off and landing V-Bat can provide," said Dr. Stephen Morris, CEO and Founder of MLB. "The V-Bat is ideal for shipboard operations, aerial patrol, payload pick-up and delivery or any application that requires access to hard-to-reach or dangerous locations."

(Image provided by MLB Company)

FMI: www.mlbuav.com