iscover
The drones were developed under Defence’s Sovereign Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) Challenge, which tasked local companies with designing and producing cost-effective, general-purpose platforms to support frontline operations.
The aircraft previously completed testing earlier this year, in which a single human operator onboard a RAAF E-7A Wedgetail was able to successfully control two Ghost Bats in a mission against airborne targets.
In recent years, remote pilots have overtaken CASA-licensed fixed-wing aircraft, helicopter and other pilots to become Australia’s biggest pilot group, according to CASA.
The American defence company produces the V-BAT vertical-takeoff and landing, AI-based uncrewed aerial system for military, border protection, law enforcement, search and rescue, climate surveillance and disaster management operations.
The remotely piloted aircraft system, which can carry a 25-kilogram underslung payload with a maximum 40-minute flight time and a maximum 15-kilometre operating range, was tested as a possible delivery system for the Royal Australian Navy to receive crucial stores without having to launch a helicopter or off-task personnel.
Defence has confirmed initial tests were recently completed on the first remotely piloted aircraft system, based at RAAF Base Tindal, and that the second and third aircraft arrived at the facility in May this year.
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