Introducing the Compact ScanEagle VTOL: Unleashing Proven, Long-Lasting Drone Power in Tight Environments

The ScanEagle Vertical Take-off and Landing (VTOL) system, developed by Insitu, a Boeing subsidiary, takes off and lands in an upright position from confined areas without compromising payload capacity or operational endurance. It can remain aloft for over 18 hours. Utilizing an electric multicopter known as FLARES (Flying Launch and Recovery System), it elevates the ScanEagle to launch altitude and corresponding airspeed before disengaging to complete the mission, free from the extra weight and drag typically associated with traditional hybrid VTOL systems. This design maintains the aircraft’s payload capability and industry-leading flight duration. Upon mission completion, FLARES hoists a rope and bungee cable to retrieval altitude and retrieves the ScanEagle similarly to a SkyHook.

The comprehensive ScanEagle VTOL system can fit in the rear of a pickup truck or compact shipboard compartments and can be operational within 30 minutes or less with just three personnel. It does not necessitate significant aircraft alterations and is accessible to existing ScanEagle users.

“ScanEagle has been successfully deployed on over 30 distinct classes of warships to date,” stated Dave Funkhouser, Insitu’s Director of International Business Development. “Our clients requested VTOL launch and retrieval capabilities without sacrificing endurance and while minimizing the spatial footprint, enabling them to accommodate ScanEagle on smaller vessels without interfering with piloted helicopter missions. ScanEagle with VTOL accomplishes all of that and is available now,” he remarked.

With over 1.3 million hours of operational experience, ScanEagle has been persistently utilized worldwide since 2004, operating in environments ranging from tropical zones to Arctic conditions.

“Footage captured by the ScanEagle was pivotal during rescue efforts amid the catastrophic Maui Fire and the Haiti earthquake,” noted Funkhouser. “This is just one of the numerous success stories in ScanEagle’s 20-year operational legacy. We are eager to see the new VTOL capability facilitates for our maritime partners in the Middle East and beyond,” he concluded.

Insitu is excited to present ScanEagle at DIMDEX in Doha, Qatar at Boeing Booth #H6-119.