The Textron Systems Aerosonde® Mk. 4.8 Fixed-Wing UAS is an ultra-reliable and field-proven unmanned aircraft that offers enhanced performance and an improved SWaP profile compared to its predecessor, the Mk. 4.7 configuration. Featuring a low visual and auditory signature, it is ideal for covert missions and is designed to withstand challenging operational environments from the desert heat to the Arctic cold. It is easily deployed with a launch and recovery trailer that is ideal for space-constrained shipboard applications.
The powerful UAS is driven by a heavy fuel engine that can operate on JP-5, JP-8, F44, Jet-A, or Jet-A1. With a carrying capacity of 39 lbs, it can be equipped with up to six payloads to provide versatile multi-INT capabilities in a single sortie, with over 40 different possibilities including:
- EO/IR imaging systems
- Maritime wide-area search
- SAR (synthetic aperture radar)
- AIS (Automatic Identification Systems)
- EW (electronic warfare) and SIGINT (signals intelligence) payloads
- LiDAR scanners
- MANET (mobile ad-hoc networking) communications
| Wingspan: | 14.45 ft (4.4 m) |
| MGTOW: | 120 lbs (54.4 kg) |
| Payload Capacity: | Up to 39 lbs (17.7 kg) |
| Range: | 140 km (75 nm) |
| Max Endurance: | 17.2 hr |
| Airspeed: | 47-70 kt |
| Service Ceiling: | 17,400 ft (5,304 m) |
