Northrop Grumman Bat
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The Northrop Grumman Bat is a medium-altitude unmanned air vehicle originally developed for use by the United States Armed Forces. Designed primarily as an intelligence "ISR" gathering tool, the Bat features Script error: No such module "convert". payload capacity Script error: No such module "Unsubst". and a Script error: No such module "convert". wing span.
Northrop Grumman received design and marketing rights from Swift Engineering to the Killer Bee, renamed the Bat in April 2009.[1]
The Bat UAS was redeveloped to increase payload carrying capacity and extend range. The latest variant has a wing span of Script error: No such module "convert". and can carry up to Script error: No such module "convert". of payload. The Bat "14" UAS has a maximum altitude of Script error: No such module "convert". above sea level and a maximum endurance of 18 hours.[2]
On August 12, 2011, Northrop Grumman won a $26m contract for Sand Dragon B Tier II UAVs able to detect IEDs and roadside bombs.[3]
Characteristics
- The Bat UAS System is packaged for transport into two major assemblies: Launch/Recovery and Air Vehicle/GCS.
- Transportable on MV-22, HUMVEE, C-130 and by helicopter[4]
- Bat UAVs incorporate COTS payloads for reduced costs and ease of maintenance.[4]
- Automatic Recovery is programmed and controlled via autonomous computer and differential GPS using a portable net system.[4]
- Catapult launcher functions are controlled and monitored by GCS software.[4][5]
The blended wings merge with the fuselage into a single airfoil to reduce aerodynamic drag, improve fuel economy and increase flight endurance. Made largely of composites, including epoxy/carbon fiber and fiberglass, the airfoil is rigid, providing a structural efficiency which reduces materials and manufacturing costs. With net hooks in the nose and a rear pusher propeller, the craft lands in a mobile retrieval net.[6]
The current Hirth engine with its five-bladed propeller provides a flight time of up to 18 hours. The Bat is designed to have a lower than average visual and radar cross-section profile. A heavy-fuel engine version is also available.[4]
The payload capabilities include still image and real-time video cameras, EO/IR and SAR sensors, Kestrel MTI, laser range finders, laser designators, infrared cameras, communication relays, IED detection, radar jamming EW, chemical and biological detection systems, psy ops, and flare dispensers.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".
Uses
The Bat UAS can carry numerous types of payloads for collecting intelligence, including still image and real time video cameras, EO/IR and SAR sensors, laser range finders, laser designators, Infra-Red cameras, communications relay equipment, chemical, biological, and IED detection systems and flare dispensers. The Bat series is offered for surveillance of civil disturbances, borders, pipe- and power-lines, as well as meteorology.[7]
Specifications (Bat UAS)
Data from [2]
General characteristics
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PerformanceTemplate:Aircraft specs/speedTemplate:Aircraft specs/speedTemplate:Aircraft specs/speedTemplate:Aircraft specs/speedTemplate:Aircraft specs/speedTemplate:Aircraft specs/rangeTemplate:Aircraft specs/rangeTemplate:Aircraft specs/range
- Endurance: 18 hoursTemplate:Aircraft specs/convertTemplate:Aircraft specs/convertTemplate:Aircraft specs/convertTemplate:Aircraft specs/convertTemplate:Aircraft specs/convertTemplate:Aircraft specs/convertScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
See also
References
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- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ a b Defense Review [1] retrieved on August 15, 2014
- ↑ Defense Industry Daily Defense Industry Daily staff retrieved on August 14, 2014
- ↑ a b c d e Airforce Technology "Bat Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), United States of America" retrieved on August 15, 2014
- ↑ Defense Review "Northrop Grumman Bat 12 UAS (Unmanned Aircraft System): Catapult-Launched Tactical Low-Observable/Stealth Drone Aircraft with Blended Wing-Body for Electronic Warfare (EW)/Attack Ops (Video!)" retrieved on August 15, 2014
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1". retrieved on March 17, 2007
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External links
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