UAS with High Resolution Cameras to Iraq

UAS with High Resolution Cameras to Iraq

Mark LaVille and Kris Kokkely, both advanced tactical systems engineer for Boeing, mount a ScanEagle unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) on a pneumatic wedge catapult launcher before it flies over Yodaville training range on Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., June 19, 2006, for Desert Talon. ScanEagle is a UAV system that is designed to provide persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance data, battle damage assessment and communications relay. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Michael P. Snody) (Released)

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Iraq is to acquire the ScanEagle unmanned aircraft system (UAS) under a USD8.3 million deal announced by the US Department of Defense (DoD). Insitu Inc. has won the US Navy contract to procure support equipment, and support services for the ScanEagle operations for Iraqi armed personnel.

According to the US Department of Defense statement, the company will supply spares, support equipment, and support services for the ScanEagle UAS operations for the government of Iraq intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance services program.

Work will be performed in Baghdad, Iraq (90 percent); and Bingen, Washington (10 percent), and is expected to be completed in August 2017.

According to Myinform.com, the ScanEagle aircraft is 1.2 m long, has a wingspan of 3 m, and is launched using a pneumatic catapult. It has a service ceiling of 10,000 ft and an endurance of more than 20 hours. The ScanEagle is equipped with electro-optical, infrared, and high-resolution video cameras that enable the operator to track stationary and moving targets.

A ‘system’ typically comprises multiple air vehicles, as well as associated pneumatic launchers and Skyhook recovery apparatus.