Navy completes ScanEagle trials from HMAS Choules

The Royal Australian Navy’s Unmanned Aircraft System Unit completed the first-of-class flight trial for the Insitu ScanEagle unmanned aircraft system in late March, Navy Daily has reported.

The trial was conducted aboard amphibious Landing Ship Dock HMAS Choules with the aim of assessing all facets of unmanned aircraft operations in an embarked setting.

ScanEagle detachment commander Lieutenant Commander Matt Hyam said the trial validated operating limits and allowed personnel to gain their maritime qualifications.

“Over the two weeks on Choules, ScanEagle conducted 26.1 hours of embarked flight operations during the trial, spread amongst eight sorties,” he said. “This allowed us to validate operating limits for Choules, and gather information to inform future acquisition projects.”