Article Posted on : - May 04, 2016

The Coyote UAV. A Raytheon photo

NEW ORLEANS (BNS): US defence major Raytheon has increased the delivery of small unmanned aerial systems (UAS) to its customers in response to growing warfighter demand.

The company has also formed a new UAS directorate within the Advanced Missile Systems product line in Tucson, Arizona, that combines expertise in small UAS airframe and integration, with mission payload, command and control, and technology from across the company.

"Demand for our UAS platforms continues to grow as we deliver innovative unmanned solutions to a wide range of customers," Dr. Thomas R. Bussing, vice president of Raytheon's Advanced Missile Systems product line, said.

"This new directorate links company talents in aerodynamic design, propulsion systems, ground stations and a variety of mission payloads into one team that will enable us to deliver even better solutions to our customers."

Raytheon produces the Coyote and Silver Fox mini UAVs.

Designed to be a low-cost, expendable solution, the Coyote is tube-launched and can be deployed from aircraft at altitude, the deck of a ship, or from the ground. It is ideal for performing intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, while the host craft remains at a safe distance.

The Silver Fox is an expeditionary UAS that is a cost-effective solution for small footprint, tactical mobile operations. Deployed around the world, it has consistently proven to be a highly effective ISR platform, Raytheon says.