Long Endurance Vertical Takeoff and Landing UAS Expands Its Mission Profile

Heath Niemi, Martin UAV VP of Business Development, describes the continued development of their V-BAT 128 long endurance Vertical Takeoff and Landing UAS. This year has been full of progress for the system, with duty use alongside customers in maritime environments and shipborne use with the Marine Corps.

The first deployment with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit prompted more development targets in increased payload and endurance. Engine improvements resulted in a number of improvements: the payload leapt from 8 to 25 lbs, and endurance from 8 to 11 hours, and cruise speed was brought from 70 knots to 90. Further advances arrived after the acquisition of Martin UAV by Shield AI with their proprietary Hivemind software.

An artificial intelligence that enables operation even without GPS and comms, its inclusion to the V-BAT 128 should prove to be an impressive combination.

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FMI: www.aero-news.net, www.youtube.com/aerotvnetwork, www.airbornetv.net, www.martinuav.com/v-bat, www.shield.ai/products/hivemind