BAE Systems/Sensintel Coyote

Developed under an Office of Naval Research (ONR) Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grant the Coyote UAV can carry either an electro-optical (EO) or infrared (IR) camera and data transmitter. The mission is for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations with it being launched from either maritime-patrol aircraft or anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopters.

The three-foot-long electrically driven Coyote UAV is designed to be launched from the sonobuoy tube of a US Navy P-3C Orion or a helicopter, such as the SH-60, to provide 90 minutes ISR collection. At 12-14 lbs., the Coyote UAV has a cruising airspeed of 60 knots and dash airspeed of 85 knots being able to be launched and operate at altitudes up to 20,000 ft.

It is launched from inside a standard sonobuoy container being released after ejection with a parachute opening to slow and stabilize it before the Coyote’s x-wings unfold and electric motor starts turning the pusher style articulated propeller. Its flight is controlled via line-of-sight radio link (VHF or UHF), as far as 20 miles from the P-3 or helicopter controlling it.

Coyote is mission programmable from either the tactical officer’s or pilot’s station while still in the launch tube, using the existing tactical station hardware along with proprietary software. Once flying, Coyote follows an autonomous, pre-programmed path with real-time updates. It is undergoing certification through Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR).

BAE Systems acquired the original developers of the Coyote – Advanced Ceramics Research in 2009 and later re-branded the company as Sensintel.

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