New Unmanned Helo from AW
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New Unmanned Helo from AW
New unmanned helo design from AW shown at DSEI:
New AgustaWestland Helo Design?
It looks rather like an unmanned Wildcat, similar in concept to the Firescout MQ-8C.
New AgustaWestland Helo Design?
It looks rather like an unmanned Wildcat, similar in concept to the Firescout MQ-8C.
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I'm thinking more of an A.109 with a Wildcat undercarriage. Bit oversized, considering the Firescout's lineage?
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The MQ-8C development was asked for by US Special Forces types, mainly so that it had a longer loiter time and could carry a better weapons payload.
The USN seem to like the MQ-8B as it means you can fit more of them into the hangar of a frigate/destroyer.
I would suggest that AW see the UK/European market as wanting the 9C capabilities more often, hence the size. It makes sense to use proven technology/designs I suppose to make it cheaper and perhaps even allow spares commonality with manned helos already in service.
The USMC is getting a lot of experience with K-MAXX unmanned helos in Afghanistan, interesting times for unmanned aviation ahead, if we can sort out the regulatory issues that killed off EuroHawk.
The USN seem to like the MQ-8B as it means you can fit more of them into the hangar of a frigate/destroyer.
I would suggest that AW see the UK/European market as wanting the 9C capabilities more often, hence the size. It makes sense to use proven technology/designs I suppose to make it cheaper and perhaps even allow spares commonality with manned helos already in service.
The USMC is getting a lot of experience with K-MAXX unmanned helos in Afghanistan, interesting times for unmanned aviation ahead, if we can sort out the regulatory issues that killed off EuroHawk.
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CQ10B
I did not get to DSEi this time. Was the CQ10B there? This machine is very cost effective in comparison. May not look as sexy or come out of a well known design stable.
