Insitu, a subsidiary of aerospace giant Boeing, has unveiled its latest innovation in the realm of uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) – the Integrator Vertical Take-off and Landing (VTOL) aircraft. This cutting-edge system represents a significant advancement in maritime aerial surveillance, combining the advantages of vertical take-off and landing with the robust performance of fixed-wing aircraft.
Designed to operate in challenging maritime environments, the Integrator VTOL excels in areas with limited space, such as ship decks, eliminating the need for stationary launch and recovery equipment. This innovative feature is a boon for naval operations where flexibility and efficiency are paramount.
Diane Rose, President and CEO of Insitu, highlighted the unique capabilities of the Integrator VTOL: “With the Integrator VTOL, customers no longer have to compromise. It offers vertical launch and recovery, industry-leading payload capacity, and endurance for critical missions, even in the most extreme maritime conditions, without the need for sacrificing deck space.”
The Integrator VTOL boasts an impressive endurance of over 24 hours and is equipped with state-of-the-art modular payloads. Its design triples the range and endurance compared to hybrid-VTOLs, setting new benchmarks in the field of uncrewed maritime surveillance.
This innovative system consists of two primary components: the FLARES (Flying Launch and Recovery System) developed by Hood Tech, and the Insitu Integrator air vehicle. FLARES operates with remarkable efficiency, even at half throttle, providing superior control in various challenging conditions such as gusty winds and high sea states.
The deployment of the Integrator is a testament to the system’s advanced engineering. FLARES lifts the Integrator into the sky, then accelerates forward before releasing it for its wide-area surveillance mission. Once its mission is complete, the Integrator is expertly recovered by FLARES, which uses a rope system to safely lower the aircraft back to the deck or landing area.
The Integrator VTOL, by seamlessly blending vertical flexibility with long-endurance, fixed-wing performance, sets a new standard in the uncrewed aerial surveillance sector. As a Boeing company, Insitu leverages its parent company’s extensive aerospace expertise to deliver unparalleled solutions in aerial surveillance, further cementing its position as a leader in the industry.