Quadcopter Excels in Advanced Data Capabilities

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The US Air Force is planning to purchase a new quadcopter drone, known as the InstantEye. The aircraft features all-digital data communications and data encryption. Its enhanced onboard computing power enables features such as vision-based navigation, GPS-denied navigation, and advanced video processing.
The order is expected to include two small unmanned aircraft systems, one tactical sensor controller with two batteries, one charger, one spare kit, etc.
The InstantEye MK-3 GEN4-D1 Unmanned Aerial System will be purchased from Physical Sciences. The contract is expected to be placed as a sole source order, meaning that no other company was considered for the contract. The Air Force said in the announcement that Physical Sciences is the only company that produces Air Force approved quadcopter systems.
The UAS is part of the InstantEye digital fleet, according to c4isrnet.com. As a security precaution, the drone transfers data to a ground control station and does not store information on the aircraft.
According to the company website, the UAS weighs about 3 pounds and can carry a payload of 3 pounds. It has a video range of 4 kilometers and can fly for up to 30 minutes depending on wind speed and payload.
The D1 and D2 variants of the systems represent different communications frequencies, to better meet a range of customer application requirements. All systems are equipped with organic video (5 MP) and thermal imaging systems as well as still photo and geo rectification capability for accurate target location.
The UAS can withstand up to 20 mph wind, which allows it to have high accuracy in charge placement for improvised explosive devices.
The InstantEye is not new technology for the Department of Defense. For fiscal 2019, the Navy and Marine Corps requested 200 InstantEye quadcopters.