New long-range drone takes off for Navy
Royal Australian Navy’s 822X Squadron has flown the A-61 Integrator tactical uncrewed aerial system for the first time, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of Navy’s uncrewed aviation capability.
CAPTION: A flying launch and recovery system (FLARES) carries an Integrator UAV to launch altitude during a vertical-take-off-and-landing (VTOL) capability display at Jervis Bay Airfield. Story by Sub Lieutenant Dishant Shah. Photo by Leading Seaman Danyellah Hill.
A-61 Integrator is the fourth uncrewed aerial system (UAS) platform operated by the squadron since its commissioning in 2018 as Navy’s dedicated UAS squadron.
The platform is already in service with Army’s 20th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery, with shared experience, equipment and procedures enabling an accelerated introduction to and commencement of flying with the Navy.
With less than two months between the final flight of the Navy Interim Capability System and the first flight of the A-61 Integrator, the transition was completed at an impressive pace through the support of Navy and Army program offices.
A-61 Integrator introduces enhanced intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.
The system will strengthen Navy’s ability to gather critical information, improve situational awareness and contribute to future maritime operations.
Commanding Officer 822X Squadron Commander Jeffery Choat said the introduction of the new UAS reflected not only the capability itself, but also the people behind it.
“Introduction of the A-61 Integrator is a significant step forward for Navy’s uncrewed aviation capability, but platforms alone do not deliver outcomes,” Commander Choat said.
“The real strength of 822X Squadron lies in our people – the remote pilot warfare officers, maintainers and support staff – whose professionalism, adaptability and commitment have enabled us to transition rapidly between systems while continuing to support other UAS activities.
“This achievement demonstrates the dedication of our team and their ability to pivot to the airworthy operation of a new uncrewed aerial system.”
Integrator by Insitu boasts up to 27.5-hour endurance, 2000 nautical mile range, and up to 23kg of payload.
It can be launched via a trailer-mounted rail or by a launch and recovery quadcopter, where the quadcopter carries the Integrator aloft for launch, then carries a rope attached to a ship’s flight deck into a vertical position to snare the returning drone’s wing for recovery.
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SIZE AND WEIGHT
- Length: 8.2 ft / 2.5m
- Wingspan: 16 ft / 4.9 m
- Max takeoff weight: 175 lb / 79 kg
- Max payload weight: 50 lb / 23 kg
PERFORMANCE
- Endurance: up to 27.5 hours
- Ceiling: 19,500 ft / 5,944 m
- Max horizontal speed: 90+ knots / 46 m/s
- Engine: EFI using JP-5/JP-8 fuel
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