General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) has announced the successful completion of a key wind tunnel test of a model of its Sea Avenger UAS.
GA-ASI claims the test “validated the low-speed characteristics of a new wing, resulting in higher endurance and lower approach speeds” for the Sea Avenger, which is designed to meet the US Navy’s Unmanned Carrier-Launched Airborne Surveillance and Strike (UCLASS) requirement by providing a long-endurance, survivable, carrier-based UAS. The test, which lasted for 90 hours over an eight day period (completed on February 15), was conducted at the San Diego Air & Space Technology Center.
GA-ASI said the updated design utilises proprietary wing technology which enables high-speed flight, while also giving excellent low-speed handling qualities for aircraft carrier landings.