BlueBird Aero Systems unveiled the enhanced version of its ThunderB tactical unmanned air vehicle at the AUS&R 2015 conference in Israel.
The long-endurance ThunderB weighs around 28kg (61lb), and according to its Israeli developer creates a new niche in the tactical UAV sector because it has capabilities previously found on designs weighing 180kg or above.
BlueBird Aero Systems
BlueBird Aero Systems chief executive Ronen Nadir says the new-generation ThunderB is the result of operational experience gained by the company and its international customers over the last three years. “The ThunderB was enhanced to extend the capabilities in order to meet end-users’ future challenges today, and to reduce the cost of operation by introducing a solution that can replace existing much larger platforms,” he says.
The ThunderB can support a wide range of payloads, including Controp’s gyro-stabilised T-STAMP sensor, BlueBird’s own electro-optical package and others, and also can be operated with a dual payload capability.
BlueBird Aero Systems
Operated by a team of two or three personnel, the ThunderB is deployed using a pneumatic launcher and recovered by parachute with a protective airbag. An endurance of up to 24h is possible, with an extended control range of up to 81nm (150km).
Meanwhile, the company has also detailed the capabilities of a new high-resolution sensor developed for use with the ThunderB. Nadir says payload deliveries will commence before the end of this year, with “a number of BlueBird’s European customers” planning to use the technology to support their management of the migration crisis currently affecting the continent.
Source: FlightGlobal.com
