The Scaneagle project takes off from the flight deck of the Bergamini ship

November 13, 2023 (Translated via Google Translate – Original article in Italian here)

The month of November 2023 saw the completion of the first flight of a remotely piloted aircraft carried out on board a Navy unit (APRM ScanEagle ). Nave Carlo Bergamini, the class leader of the FREMM units, accepted this new challenge, supporting months of work and preparation at the Mar Grande Naval Base in Taranto, aimed at materializing this ambitious Armed Forces project.

On 31 October 2023, as part of the NATO exercise Dynamic Mariner/Mare Aperto 2-23 , the first Remotely Piloted Aircraft Section of the Navy (SEZAPRM), led by frigate captain Fabio Mariani – current COMFORAER UAV Department Head – is embarked on Nave Bergamini, to finalize the preparations for the first historic take-off.

An excellent synergy and sharing of intent between the specialists of the innovative Department and the on-board Command characterized the intense days of preparation and planning which led to the first “green light at the bridge”, a signal through which, on 3 November , Commander Mariani carried out the first day and night sortie with a total flight duration of approximately two hours.

This baptism in the air constitutes a milestone in a journey that began in 2017 when, with the aim of equipping the Naval Squadron Units with advanced technology that could be used to ensure ever greater Maritime Situation Awareness, the ScanEagle project took shape .

Similarly to all the technical and design challenges faced for the installation of this new structure on board a naval unit, the Navy’s specialized APRM crews attended a complex flight course in the United States lasting approximately three months, obtaining the qualification theoretical-practical Ground Ops at the training section of the INSITU company, characterized by theoretical and simulated activities, and carrying out training flights at the Pendleton airport (USA), followed by a phase of theoretical MARITIME training at the simulators located in locality of Bingen (WA). At the end of the training course, the pilots had to carry out two flight sorties on board the UU.NN. on which the system was installed, sealing the path undertaken. This is the case of Lieutenant Commander Lorenzo Bellotta, who, last November 4, became the first MARITIME pilot qualified in the Armed Forces.

In the continuous evolution of international scenarios, the use of this innovative system on leading units such as the FREMM represents an extremely flexible and effective tool, aimed at guaranteeing ever greater integration of the capabilities and versatility of the assets.

Insitu Announces AI-Powered, Wide-Area Maritime Search Capability for Integrator UAS in Collaboration with Overwatch Imaging

BINGEN, Wash., Nov. 8, 2023 – Insitu, A Boeing Company, announced the launch of a new AI-powered, wide-area search payload for Integrator in collaboration with Overwatch Imaging. The PT-6 Smart Sensor brings a highly sought-after maritime search capability to Integrator’s unmatched payload portfolio and class-leading 24-hour flight endurance.

“Wide-area maritime search capability has been a critical enabler to our customers’ mission sets for decades,” said Abigail Denburg, Insitu Vice President of Global Growth and Strategy. “ScanEagle has assisted in the capture and interdiction of over $5 billion in illegal narcotics by the US Coast Guard and partner agencies since being deployed across the National Security Cutter fleet. It’s a natural progression for us to bring this capability to Integrator, which has even more payload capacity, as well as longer endurance.”

Overwatch Imaging designed and produces PT-6, which fits seamlessly into one of Integrator’s six payload bays. PT-6 automates the otherwise focus-intensive role of searching for small targets of interest in large areas, often in challenging conditions. 

PT-6 is powered by Overwatch-AI software, which automatically controls sensor operation to scan a search area continually, process data in real-time on the edge, and notify the operator or networked payload with geolocated image data of detected objects that warrant further review.

Operators can designate automated search areas and detection thresholds based on mission parameters to optimize sensor and software operation. Multi-spectral sensors allow searches to proceed from day to night and leverage long-wave infrared technology to detect thermal anomalies within a uniform maritime background. 

Integrator offers 24+ hours of endurance; is designed for easy integration of modular, field-swappable, Multi-INT payloads like PT-6 (a total of 40 pounds available across six bays); and has plenty of onboard power to spare. 

“With multiple payload bays to spare, PT-6 can be paired with a variety of other sensors to maximize mission capability on one single platform.”  

“Overwatch Imaging is pleased to see our AI-enabled wide-area search capabilities paired with Integrator’s exceptional long-endurance platform,” said Matt Nugent, Overwatch Imaging VP of Product Management. “The PT-6 is a great match for the endurance and multiple payload capacity of Integrator. Augmenting the platform with passive, automated search and detection capabilities will be a force multiplier for the important missions Integrator users and customers serve around the world.” 

With three decades of experience, more than 3,500 uncrewed aircraft manufactured to date, and more than 1.4 million operational flight hours, Insitu continues to deliver the most advanced capabilities available to our global customer base in more than 35 countries and counting. Visit Insitu.com to learn more about the most capable, reliable, and combat-proven Small UAS on the market. 

Media Contact:
Jill Vacek
509-637-8539
Jill.Vacek@Insitu.com

UBIQ Aerospace and Boeing Insitu Establish Visionary Partnership to Redefine Cold Climate Aircraft Technology

Trondheim, Oct 26 — UBIQ Aerospace, a pioneering leader in cold weather and ice protection technologies, is excited to announce a groundbreaking collaboration with Boeing/Insitu, a renowned uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) provider within The Boeing Company. These two innovative companies will embark on a project aimed at shaping the next generation of uncrewed aircraft capable of operating in extreme climates, with a specific focus on addressing the defense requirements of Norway and its allies.

“This partnership marks a significant milestone for UBIQ,” stated Kim Lynge Sorensen, Chief Executive Officer at UBIQ Aerospace. “We are enthusiastic about contributing our expertise and solutions to augment Insitu’s well-established capabilities in advanced uncrewed aircraft development. Together, we share a compelling vision to redefine the future of aerospace technology.” 

Insitu, with a storied history of pioneering breakthroughs, such as the ScanEagle and Integrator UAS, continues to lead the way in aerospace innovation. Insitu’s prowess in advancing next-generation aircraft technologies aligns seamlessly with UBIQ Aerospace’s mission to develop cutting-edge solutions that meet the evolving needs of the industry.

 “Insitu builds the most proven and reliable NATO Class 1 Small UAS in the world,” explained Abigail Denburg, Vice President of Global Growth and Strategy at Insitu. “Our systems have flown aboard 28 classes of warship.  They support customers in 35 countries including one-third of NATO, as well as Ukraine.  Experience matters.  Interoperability with allies matters. But for our allies like Norway, none of that matters if the systems can’t withstand the elements along NATO’s northern flank. 

Our collaboration with UBIQ Aerospace is part of an ongoing initiative that will not only enable our uncrewed aircraft to operate routinely and reliably in the harsh conditions of the Arctic and High North, but also further develop and innovate a competitive national defense industry in Norway.”

Insitu and Innovaero to develop unmanned aerial attack systems

Read the original article at AUManufacturing.

Drone manufacturer Insitu Pacific (IPL) and aeronautical manufacturer Innovaero are to collaborate in the development of a long-range strike capability using uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS).

Insitu is a subsidiary of Boeing which is also building the its MQ-28A Ghost Bat autonomous jet aircraft, formerly known as Loyal Wingman, while Innovaero is an Australian company based in Perth.

The two companies will ‘coordinate’ IPL’s Integrator (pictured) which provides intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), and Innovaero’s One-Way Loitering (OWL) munition which can strike a long-range target after circling overhead.

The managing director Insitu Pacific Andrew Duggan said: “This unified approach would combine uncrewed intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) and long-range strike capabilities to rapidly deliver direct effects in the engagement zone without the need for crews in larger air assets being put at risk.

“The concept is designed to achieve seamless integration with current Australian Defence Force systems, including the Integrator, and offers great potential to become an integral strike asset.”

Together, the companies will develop, test and field the collaborative system using Insitu Pacific’s common ground control station (GCS) and INEXA software to control both UAS and long-range OWLs.

Operators would command both assets through the common GCS.

Innovaero Group CEO Simon Grosser said: “The versatility of the proposed combined ISR and strike solution provides a significantly shorter ‘sensor to shooter’ loop to engage emerging threats.

“Our collaboration with Insitu Pacific builds on our work with defence in Australia to develop an Australian loitering munitions capability, and offers an integrated solution for long range UAS target detection and effective engagement.”

Development and testing for the Integrator/OWL system will continue through 2023.

The announcement builds on a Memorandum of Agreement established between Insitu Pacific and Innovaero in July 2021.

Original article here.

Belgian Defence Gets a Boost With US X-300 Integrator Drone Inaugural Flight

Original article at Unammed Network.

As reported by the Belgian Defense, on September 20, 2023, the 1st platoon of the ISTAR Battalion from the Belgian Armed Forces successfully conducted the X-300 Integrator’s inaugural demonstration flight at Camp Elsenborn, Belgium, in the presence of Major General Jean-Pol Baugnée, Commander of the Belgian Land Component. A typical platoon comprises approximately a dozen personnel with various roles integral to the operation of the Integrator system. The ISTAR battalion has its flight simulator facility in Heverlee.

This development is expected to enhance Belgium’s capabilities in countering contemporary threats, as explained by Major General Jean-Pol Baugnée to Army Recognition on July 20, 2023. Anticipated operational milestones include full operational readiness for both platoons by mid-2024 and mid-2025, respectively. The first platoon is set to participate in a large-scale ISTAR exercise in Norway, and the platoons will relocate to the military camp in Lombardsijde, West Flanders, by 2024, necessitating the construction of a new building.

Belgium ordered two Integrator X-300 systems in March 2021 through a collaborative effort with the Netherlands and Luxembourg. The first platoon underwent training at the Joint Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance (JISTAR) Command of the Dutch Landmacht in ‘t Harde, which serves as the pilot country for this capability. These Belgian systems were procured through an existing Dutch contract with Boeing Insitu and are officially registered in the Netherlands.

In June of the same year, Belgian military personnel participated in joint training exercises with their Dutch counterparts during the Unified Torch exercise in Deelen. This marked the first solo flight operations for Belgian operators after a year-long training program and a final examination in Aruba. The Integrator systems were also showcased to the public during Belgium’s National Day on July 21st, with a visit from King Philippe at the ISTAR battalion’s exhibition stand.

In April 2021, the Benelux countries (Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg) signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the acquisition of seven RQ-21 Integrator systems, also known as Integrator X-300. These acquisitions include three systems for the Netherlands, two for Belgium, and two for Luxembourg. One of the Luxembourgish systems is designated for training and exercises.

The Integrator systems can be deployed autonomously under Belgian command, but for extended deployments, a multinational framework will be essential.

The X-300 Integrator, produced by Boeing-Insitu, features a twin-boom design and includes a launch and recovery installation, a ground station, and an exploitation system. Its primary mission is to collect information through photography and filming, making it adaptable for deployment on land and from ships. It comes equipped with a combined electro-optical and infrared camera for surveillance.

The Netherlands has procured three Integrator systems and three simulators, actively utilized by the 107 Aerial Systems Battery of the Joint Intelligence Surveillance Target Acquisition Command (JISTARC).

Tropicalex 2023: First operational use of the RQ-1 ScanEagle by the Brazilian Navy

By Guilherme Wiltgen of Defesa Aerea Nával. Translated to English via Google Translate.

During Operation Tropicalex 2023, the Brazilian Navy carried out an unprecedented flight using the Embarked Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (SARP-E) together with the Squadron.

After extensive studies conducted by the Navy Aeronautics Directorate (DAerM), the Insitu ScanEagle was selected and acquired via FMS (Foreign Military Sales) in 2019 and received in Brazil in March 2022.

Designated in MB as RQ-1 ScanEagle, it is operated by the 1st Remotely Piloted Aircraft Squadron (QE-1), which is based at the São Pedro da Aldeia Aeronaval Complex, in Rio de Janeiro.

Unprecedented SARP-E flight with the Squadron

So that SARP-E can be used in Squadron operations, a test flight was carried out with the RQ-1 ScanEagle, which transmitted images in real time to NAM Atlântico (A 140), during Operation Tropicalex.

The flight was carried out from the São Pedro da Aldeia Naval Air Base (BAeNSPA), using the ground launch system and successfully collected after the flight. According to CMG Fabio Nunes, Commander of EsqdQE-1, “The use of the aircraft will increase the clarification capacity for the benefit of the Squadron, due to the characteristics it has, such as 15 hours of autonomy, wide range, AIS sensor and cameras for use day and night.”

The Brazilian Navy acquired six Embedded Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (SARP-E) RQ-1 ScanEagle, with registration numbers N-8001 to N-8006, two launchers (one onboard and one on land) and two recovery systems.

Soon, the QE-1 Squadron will reach another important milestone, when it will begin aerial operations aboard one of the Squadron’s ships, embarked on the Ocean Patrol Vessel Apa (P 121), considerably expanding the protection capacity of the Blue Amazon.

Original article here.

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Versão em Português:

Por Guilherme Wiltgen

Durante a Operação Tropicalex 2023, a Marinha do Brasil realizou um voo inédito de Sistema de Aeronaves Remotamente Pilotadas Embarcado (SARP-E) junto com a Esquadra.

Após extensos estudos conduzidos pela Diretoria de Aeronáutica da Marinha (DAerM), o Insitu ScanEagle foi selecionado e adquirido via FMS (Foreign Military Sales) em 2019 e recebido no Brasil em Março de 2022.

Designado na MB como RQ-1 ScanEagle, ele é operado pelo 1º Esquadrão de Aeronaves Remotamente Pilotadas (QE-1), que está sediado no Complexo Aeronaval de São Pedro da Aldeia, no Rio de Janeiro.

Voo inédito de SARP-E com a Esquadra

Para que o SARP-E possa ser empregado em operações da Esquadra, foi realizado um voo de teste com o RQ-1 ScanEagle, que transmitiu imagens em tempo real para o NAM Atlântico (A 140), durante a Operação Tropicalex.

O voo foi realizado a partir da Base Aérea Naval de São Pedro da Aldeia (BAeNSPA), utilizando o sistema de lançamento terrestre e recolhido com sucesso após o voo. Segundo o CMG Fabio Nunes, Comandante do EsqdQE-1, “O emprego da aeronave ampliará a capacidade de esclarecimento em proveito da Esquadra, em função das características que possui, tais como 15h de autonomia, amplo alcance, sensor AIS e câmeras para a utilização diurna e noturna”.

A Marinha do Brasil adquiriu seis Sistemas de Aeronaves Remotamente Pilotadas Embarcado (SARP-E) RQ-1 ScanEagle, com matrículas N-8001 a N-8006, dois lançadores (um embarcado e um terrestre) e dois sistemas de recolhimento.

Em breve, o Esquadrão QE-1 alcançará mais um importante marco, quando vai iniciar a operação aérea a bordo de um dos navio da Esquadra, embarcado no Navio Patrulha Oceânico Apa (P 121), ampliando consideravelmente a capacidade de proteção da Amazônia Azul.

Insitu experimenting with armed Integrator UAVs

11 SEPTEMBER 2023 by Zach Rosenberg

Read the full article on Janes.com

An Insitu Integrator launching inert test munitions. (Insitu)

Insitu announced plans to arm its Integrator unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), the Boeing subsidiary announced on 5 September.

Testing to prepare for munitions began in September 2021, when Insitu and the US Navy launched ‘surrogates of the Northrop Grumman Hatchet’ and other munitions from an Integrator, the company told Janes on 8 September.

“Prior to the test event, the aircraft was integrated with a multishot battle management system from Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division and dispensers from Systima Technologies,” the company told Janes. “Later this year, we plan to collaborate for dropping additional kinetic payloads together with a payload partner.”

Insitu declined to specify either the number of flights conducted with munitions or how much testing remains before the company declares lethal Integrators ready for action.

The weaponry is mounted in the centre-of-gravity payload bay, Insitu said, which can carry payloads weighing up to 15.9 kg (35 lb). Because the payload bay is designed for swappable modules, the weapon ejector can be integrated onto existing aircraft without modifications…

Read the full article on Janes.com

Scaneagle, the Navy drone that patrols the waters of the Indian Ocean in search of pirates

The UAV has recently been modernized with new cameras

Original article on infodefensa.com

Benjamín Carrasco | Sunday , September 3, 2023, 06:00

Since 2009, the Navy has maintained at least one ship permanently in the European Union ‘s Atalanta operation to combat piracy in the Indian Ocean. On deployments in this mission, Navy ships carry a helicopter on board – normally an AB212 – and the presence of the Scaneagle remotely manned aerial system is also common.

This drone has a range of 100 kilometers and an autonomy of more than 20 hours, which allows the ships’ patrol radius to be considerably expanded. The Scaneagle currently participates in this mission aboard the F-85 Navarra frigate , the penultimate of the Santa María class .

The Navy uses this RPAS primarily for ISR (intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance) missions. In Operation Atalanta , the UAV participates, for example, in escort missions for merchant ships belonging to the United Nations World Food Program ( WFP ).

Launch of a Scaneagle UAV in Operation Atalanta. Photo: Emad

The Scaneagle is in service with the Navy’s 11th Aircraft Squadron . Recently, the unit has started operation with a new digital version of this UAV from the American company Boeing Insitu . The system is made up of four aircraft and has encrypted communications and video, as well as a more resistant fuselage and an evolved power plant.

The Navy closed the purchase of this version in 2021, as published by Infodefensa.com . In parallel, it launched a program for the digitalization of the other three Scaneagle systems already in service in the Eleventh Squadron. These three systems arrived with the analog version along with a total of ten aircraft also in the analog configuration.

Each system is composed of a GCS control station , launch and recovery systems, control and communications antennas, plus aircraft that vary depending on the type of mission and its duration. In addition to operation Atalanta , the Scaneagle has been deployed in the Spanish mission in Iraq.

Launch occurs autonomously using a catapult launcher (no runway required) and is recovered via a patented SkyHook recovery system . The UAV can fly in demanding environments and supports a range of imaging settings that can be quickly modified, according to the manufacturer.

The Scaneagle aboard the frigate Navarra. Photo: Emad

Original article on infodefensa.com

Insitu Announces Kinetic Capability for the Integrator Uncrewed Aircraft System (UAS)

BINGEN, Wash., Sept. 5, 2023 – Insitu, A Boeing Company, announced a munitions program for its Integrator UAS, which adds a highly sought-after strike capability to the platform’s unmatched payload portfolio and class-leading 24-hour flight endurance.

Insitu collaborated with multiple weapons developers and U.S. Government agencies to enable the Integrator to deliver miniature, precision munitions and guide them to their targets. During September 2021, the RQ-21 Blackjack variant of the Integrator successfully delivered various inert kinetic payloads for a U.S. Navy test program. Testing of additional munitions remains underway.

“Based on global events and the evolution of the modern battlefield, Insitu’s customers are demanding a kinetic strike capability,” said Vice President of Global Growth Abigail Denburg. “To meet this demand, we are actively partnering to test a variety of kinetic capabilities for the Integrator UAS, which will shorten the time from detection and identification to execution,” said Denburg.

Integrator’s unique modular design enables it to carry multiple payloads during the same mission. It is a NATO Class 1 Small UAS (DoD Group 3 UAS) that carries up to 25 percent of its maximum gross takeoff weight as payloads distributed among its nose, payload bay, two wing trays, and two wing-mounted hardpoints. The nose is typically equipped with one of several intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) turrets while the payload bay typically carries a synthetic aperture radar, a wide-area motion imagery sensor, a wide area maritime surveillance sensor, a communications relay payload, or one of several signals intelligence/electronic warfare payloads, which can be easily swapped in the field using common hand tools. Each of the munitions were developed as modular, self-contained payload
bays that include the weapon(s) and the stores management system.

“This modular capability builds on Integrator’s unique design and enables our end users to easily transition between kinetic and non-kinetic missions” added Denburg.

Insitu will showcase some of these capabilities at MSPO in Kielce, Poland from September 5-8 and at DSEI in London, England from September 12-15.

With three decades of experience, more than 3,500 uncrewed aircraft manufactured to date, and more than 1.4 million operational flight hours, Insitu continues to deliver the most advanced capabilities available to our global customer base in more than 35 countries and counting.

Visit Insitu.com to learn more about the most capable, reliable, and combat-proven NATO Class 1 Small UAS on the planet.

Media Contact:
Jill Vacek
509-637-8539
Jill.Vacek@Insitu.com

On the Coast of Rio, Navy RQ-1 ScanEagle Aircraft Participated in Search and Rescue Operation

Original article from Aeroin.net translated via Google

The Command of the Air and Naval Force (ComForAerNav) of the Brazilian Navy informs that in recent days, between 27 and 31 July, in support of the Port Authority Office in Cabo Frio, the 1st Squadron of Remotely Piloted Aircraft (EsqdQE-1) was triggered to comply with Incident SAR SSE No. 027/2023, near the city of Arraial do Cabo-RJ, in order to search for a sailboat and its two crew.

The RQ-1 ScanEagle aircraft were launched from the Naval Air Base of São Pedro da Aldeia and performed a total of 26.3 hours of flight in an approximate area of ​​330 MN² (square nautical miles).

Its ability to remain for a long time in the search area, combined with the electro-optical sensor of great range and the geolocation capacity of the system, allows a more precise and effective location of the intended objective in the Search and Rescue (SAR – Search and Rescue) mission.

As the main possibilities for using the RQ-1 ScanEagle aircraft, in addition to the SAR missions, the execution of IVR (Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) tasks stands out, such as in support of Maritime Traffic Control in the Blue Amazon, together with Special Forces and Law and Order Assurance Operations (GLO).

Original article from Aeroin.net translated via Google