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.
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