Marines Use UAV To Pinpoint Insurgent Positions

Chances are Iraqi insurgents in places like Fallujah don't see the Marines' eye-in-the-sky. But the ScanEagle sees them and has become a vital instrument in guiding Marines to their targets.

Earlier this month, the long-endurance fully autonomous unmanned aerial vehicle developed by Boeing and The Insitu group surpassed 1,000 flight hours during operations in Iraq.

Since late summer when ScanEagle was first deployed in theater with the First Marine Expeditionary Force (I MEF), the UAV has provided critical intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) information to tactical commanders. Boeing received a contract from the US Marine Corps in July to provide two ScanEagle "mobile deployment units" for use with the I MEF.

"Reaching 1,000 hours in such a short period of time is the result of ScanEagle's long-endurance capability, as well as the Marine's heavy reliance on the system due to its unique ISR value," said Dave Martin, ScanEagle program manager. "Another plus is that ScanEagle has been able to operate in a harsh weather environment, including high winds, which have kept other UAVs on the ground."

Feedback regarding ScanEagle's operational effectiveness and clear, detailed imagery has been extremely positive from all echelons of The Marine Corps. ScanEagle has proven to be reliable in all weather conditions, and the information provided has been well received by Battalion Combat Operations Centers.

Each ScanEagle mobile deployment unit consists of several UAVs and computers, communication links and ground equipment necessary to provide ISR support during operational missions.

Due to its unique launch and recovery systems, ScanEagle takeoff and landings are unaffected by terrain and other conditions. ScanEagle is launched autonomously via a pneumatic wedge catapult launcher and flies pre-programmed or operator-initiated missions. It is retrieved using a "Skyhook" system in which the UAV catches a rope hanging from a 50-foot high pole. The patented system allows ScanEagle to be runway independent with a small footprint for launch and recovery operations.

ScanEagle is four-feet long with a 10-foot wingspan. For a vehicle of its size, ScanEagle's endurance/payload combination is unmatched. The ScanEagle "A-15" -- the current model -- can remain on station for more than 15 hours. Future planned variants will have an endurance of more than 30 hours.

Phantom Works, the advanced research and development unit and catalyst of innovation for the Boeing enterprise, is assisting in the development of ScanEagle. Through its Integrated Defense Advanced Systems group, it provides leading edge systems and technology solutions to Boeing Integrated Defense Systems, one the world's largest space and defense businesses.

FMI: www.boeing.com, www.insitugroup.net