Bat | |
---|---|
Role | Reconnaissance UAV |
National origin | United States |
Manufacturer | Northrop Grumman |
Designer | Swift Engineering |
First flight | 14 March 2006 |
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 30 lb (14 kg) payload capacity [ citation needed] and a 10 ft (3.0 m) 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 14 feet (4.3 m) and can carry up to 100 pounds (45 kg) of payload. The Bat "14" UAS has a maximum altitude of 17,000 feet (5.2 km) 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]
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.[ citation needed]
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]
Data from [2]
General characteristics
Performance
Media related to Northrop Grumman Bat at Wikimedia Commons