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American unmanned aerial systems manufacturer Insitu has conducted its first successful drop of inert GPS-guided Shryke munitions from an Integrator uncrewed aircraft system.
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The test, conducted in collaboration between the Boeing subsidiary Corvid Technologies and L3Harris Technologies, reportedly demonstrated capability for delivery of the munition within one to two metres of a target consistently.
The 8.2 metre-long, 4.9-metre wingspan Integrator uncrewed aircraft system, a NATO Class 1 Small UAS (DoD Group 3 UAS), is able to carry a payload of up to 18 kilograms across two wing trays, a centre CG bay and two wing-mounted hardpoint spaces for electronic warfare, intelligence, search and research, and communications relay missions.
It has an endurance of more than 24 hours, ceiling of 5,944 metres and max speed of 90 knots.
Insitu continues to work with customers and industry partners in testing and integrating additional munition payloads, according to Insitu programs, engineering and flight vice-president Justin Pearce.
“The two rounds of munitions were seamlessly fitted into Integrator’s CG payload bay, and several mission sorties were executed demonstrating advanced navigation, targeting, and payload delivery systems,” he said.
“Pairing kinetics with Insitu’s proven endurance and range gives our customers flexibility in how they address a dynamic battlefield.”
The addition of GPS-guided Shryke munitions is expected to provide multi-mission precision strike and enhanced versatility.
“We were able to demonstrate a low signature munition with a safe separation sensor, fuse, and warhead on Integrator,” according to Corvid Technologies business development director Kyle Bowen.
“Integrator delivered the munitions within one [to] two metres of the target in each test flight. We couldn’t have asked for a more successful demonstration.”
The Integrator was also equipped with a MIL-STD-1316 Electronic Safe and Arm Device from L3Harris to provide safety-critical energetic systems initiation-on-command and to safely support the post-flight recovery of munitions still installed.
“The ESAD was designed for applications that require a reliable arming and firing sequence with precise timing events, as well as vital personnel safety precautions,” said L3Harris Technologies general manager Stephen Stasiak.
“We were able to validate this capability on Integrator and are very pleased with the way the ESAD configurations performed during the flight test.”
In 2022, Insitu Pacific was selected to deliver a tranche of UAS platforms to the Australian Army as part of a $650 million investment in local capability.
The Commonwealth government contracted the Brisbane-based manufacturer to supply 24 “Integrator” tactical uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) to the Australian Army under the LAND 129 Phase 3 project.
The acquisition and initial contract period with Insitu Pacific is estimated to be worth approximately $307 million and forms part of a new $650 million Commonwealth government investment in Defence capability.
The contract also included the delivery of associated ground systems and prime systems integrator services.
