Kraus Hamdani Aerospace (KHA) has accomplished a collection of cross-country electrical unmanned operations at Pendleton UAS Vary (PUR) utilizing its K1000ULE platform in direct help of the U.S. Military’s 1st Multi-Area Process Drive (1MDTF). The demonstration validated operational workflows for distributed protection missions requiring launch and restoration at completely different geographic areas.
The K1000ULE efficiently executed an 18 km mission profile that established sensible point-to-point electrical UAS operations whereas sustaining full connectivity by way of relay-extended vary capabilities. In response to a 1MDTF Soldier concerned within the testing, “Due to KHA’s earlier mission testing at Pendleton UAS Vary, we have been in a position to execute the idea of launching and touchdown the K1000ULE UAS at completely different websites, together with using a mesh community relay by way of one other plane to land with out Digital Line of Sight (ELOS) from the bottom management station to the touchdown platform.”
Pendleton and KHA See Actual Outcomes
The flights delivered two key operational benefits for 1MDTF, demonstrating deliberate launch and restoration at separate areas with out requiring emergency touchdown capabilities. Second, relay-extended connectivity was achieved by way of an Air Knowledge Relay (ADR), the place one plane maintained connectivity between management stations and the mission plane whereas recovering on the alternate website. This functionality extends operational attain whereas preserving management and situational consciousness, which might be vital for Pacific operations the place forces should function throughout dispersed areas with restricted floor line of sight.
For 1MDTF, the validated workflow reduces deployment threat by enabling groups to reposition throughout a number of websites whereas sustaining gear weight effectivity. The flights performed within the FAA’s nationwide airspace at PUR offered 1MDTF with confirmed operational profiles and documented flight logs forward of deployment.
The demonstration builds on KHA’s long-endurance roadmap at Pendleton UAS Vary. In summer time 2023, the K1000ULE accomplished a 75-hour and 35-minute steady flight at PUR, setting a brand new world endurance report within the Group 2 fixed-wing class. “Pendleton is greater than a take a look at website; we’re a proving floor for the following technology of flight,” mentioned Jesse Steele, Vary Supervisor. “Our method is rooted on supporting innovators like Kraus Hamdani to function sooner, safer, and extra affordably.”
Extra details about Pendleton UAS Vary is accessible right here. Extra info on Kraus Hamdani Aerospace is accessible right here.
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Ian McNabb is a journalist specializing in drone expertise and way of life content material at Dronelife. He’s based mostly between Boston and NH and, when not writing, enjoys climbing and Boston space sports activities.
