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

QE-1 Squadron Completes 1 Year of Service

Original story (in Portuguese) at Defesa Aéria & Naval by Guilherme Wiltgen (Translated by Google Translate)

The 1st Squadron of Remotely Piloted Aircraft (EsqdQE-1) was created by Ordinance nº 90/MB/MD of March 29, 2021, by the then Navy Commander AE Ilques Barbosa Júnior, and activated at the Naval Air Base of São Pedro da Aldeia on the 5th of July 2022.

The new Squadron is subordinate to the Naval Air Force Command and will have the purpose of contributing to the decision-making process of planning and use of Naval Power through the use of Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA).

The activation of the QE-1 Squadron initiated the 5th phase of Brazilian Naval Aviation, with Frigate Captain Fabio Bernardo Nunes being appointed as the first Commander.

The military ceremony took place at the Naval Air Base of São Pedro da Aldeia and was attended by the Commander of the Navy, Admiral of the Squadron Almir Garnier Santos, the Commander of Naval Operations, Admiral of the Squadron Marcos Sampaio Olsen, the General Director of Navy Material, Fleet Admiral José Augusto Vieira da Cunha de Menezes, the Fleet Commander-in-Chief, Vice-Admiral Arthur Fernando Bettega Correa and the Naval Air Force Commander, Rear Admiral José Augusto Augusto José da Silva Fonseca Junior.

The Harpy Squad

The new Squadron chose as its symbol the Harpy, one of the largest birds of prey in the world, found in Brazil in the Amazon and Atlantic Forest region. The QE-1 has a crew of 37 soldiers, including ten officers (eight pilots trained at the manufacturer) and 27 enlisted personnel, all from different Navy fixed and rotary wing squadrons.

Its aeronautical collection consists of six Remotely Piloted Aircraft Onboard Systems (SARP-E), designated RQ-1 ScanEagle with registration numbers N-8001 to N-8006, two launchers (one onboard and one on land) and two recovery systems. The Harpia Squadron shares the “ALFA” hangar of the HA-1 Squadron, located at the São Pedro da Aldeia Naval Air Base (BAeNSPA).

On March 23 and 25, 2022, the Deployment Nucleus of the 1st Squadron of Remotely Piloted Aircraft (NI-EsqdQE-1) received from the Material Sector, the equipment that makes up the Onboard Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (SARP-E) ScanEagle. The 25 tons of material were transported by air from the United States of America to Brazil and nine trucks transported all the material and equipment to the facilities of the future QE-1 Squadron.

First Flights

RQ-1 SanEagle N-8001

The first launch of ScanEagle was carried out in the afternoon of 06/27/22, at the Naval Air Base of São Pedro da Aldeia, using the RQ-1 N-8001.

On May 3, the first night launch of a Remotely Piloted Aircraft in the Brazilian Navy was carried out, an important operational milestone for the Squadron, starting the use of its RQ-1 ScanEagle aircraft.

The first night flight took place on September 19, with the launch of the ScanEagle configured with the MWIR 3.5 camera, which allows the acquisition of night images due to the use of the infrared spectrum, and can be used in night missions of Clarification in support of Special Operations, Actions against Transboundary and Environmental Crimes, Humanitarian Operations, Disaster Monitoring and others.

On that same date, another important operational milestone was reached with the first double launch of ScanEagle on the same day, totaling about 10 hours of flight, with the first ScanEagle being launched at 10:00 am and the second picked up at 10:00 pm.

Its current commander is Sea and War Captain Fabio Bernardo Nunes.

Ex Occulto Investigare Et Agnoscere
(Of the Occult, Clarify and Identify)

Original story (in Portuguese)

Australian Defence Force Integrator UAS demonstrations supported by Insitu Pacific at Project Convergence 2022

Brisbane, Australia – Insitu Pacific demonstrated next generation sensor capabilities and autonomous technologies in California as part of the U.S. Army’s Project Convergence 2022 late last year.

At the request of the Australian Defence Force, Insitu Pacific supported the U.S. Army Futures Command experiment to inform the US Army’s modernisation Campaign of Learning, with the Integrator uncrewed aircraft system (UAS).

“The Insitu Integrator Tactical UAS capability provided a dedicated intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capability and opportunity to test the integration of advanced payload options to inform the future growth path of Australia’s LAND 129 Phase 3 project,” said Colonel Dave Klomp, Commander Australian Contingent, Project Convergence 2022, Land Capability Division.

“It also assisted in the development of joint coalition targeting and network capability through live force experimentation.”

Insitu Pacific demonstrated advanced telescope and targeting payloads – including the Alticam 14 and EO950 sensors and advanced payloads – from both Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton and Fort Irwin.

“We are investing in future technology beyond our initial Integrator deliveries to the Australian Army to ensure our customers have access to superior intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities as the battlespace becomes increasingly complex,” said Andrew Duggan, Managing Director, Insitu Pacific.

“Project Convergence with its focus on interoperability between Army allies provided an operationally relevant environment to demonstrate the additional capabilities available as part of our family of systems.”

Project Convergence 2022 evaluated around 300 technologies, including long-range fires, UAS, autonomous fighting vehicles and next-generation sensors, and focused on advancing joint and multi-national interoperability in future operational environments. The joint force and multi-national partners will use key learning and experimentation outcomes to refine new military technologies, many of which offer state-of-the-art problem solving and network integration capabilities for the future fight.

The Australian government announced in March 2022 that Insitu Pacific and the Integrator were selected to provide the new TUAS for the Australian Army’s LAND 129 Phase 3 program.

The contract includes delivery and initial support of the Integrator UAS as well as associated ground systems and key integration services. Of note, the majority of manufacture, and all assembly, will be performed in Australia.

 

About Insitu

With offices in the U.S., U.K., and Australia, Insitu creates and supports unmanned systems and software technology that deliver end-to-end solutions for collecting, processing and managing sensor data. To date, our systems have accumulated more than 1.3 million flight hours.

Contact

Rebecca Kind, Insitu Pacific Media Relations
rebecca.kind@insitupacific.com | +61 481 005 298