Insitu Inc. announces next-generation ScanEagle 2

BINGEN, Wash., Oct. 30 (UPI) -- A next-generation ScanEagle unmanned aerial vehicle has been announced by Insitu Inc., a subsidiary of The Boeing Company.

The ScanEagle 2 provides increased payload power and expanded payload options, a more robust navigation system and better image quality through the use of a fully digital video system and purpose-built propulsion system.

"For two decades, Insitu has made a name for itself through iterative innovation," said Ryan M. Hartman, Insitu's president and chief executive officer. "ScanEagle 2 will shepherd us into the next two decades as we focus on reliability and affordability and enter the civil/commercial market.

"And as ScanEagle has always done, ScanEagle 2 will provide the capability our warfighters have come to expect from Insitu -- yet more affordable and more capable."

The ScanEagle UAV is a long-endurance UAV for surveillance that was first introduced into service in 2005. It has a maximum speed of 92 miles per hour and a ceiling of 19,500 feet. ScanEagles around the world have so far logged more than 800,000 flying hours.

Insitu, which announced the new model at the Euronaval defense industry exhibition in France, said ScanEagle 2's new propulsion system is the first reciprocating internal combustion propulsion system designed for Small-Unmanned-Aircraft-Systems-class vehicles.

The ScanEagle 2 also has an open architecture ground control system that is interoperable with other company UAVs.