Aerosonde launches Mk3.2 UAV

Australian UAV company Aerosonde Pty Limited has launched a new version of its highly successful Aerosonde Mk 3 Unmanned Air Vehicle.

The Mk 3.2 involves major structural changes, with the wing, fuselage and tail now constructed primarily from pre-impregnated carbon fibre composite materials, autoclaved for maximum strength and structural rigidity. Parts count and structural weight will both be reduced.

The material and production changes have been developed in conjunction with Toowoomba, Queensland, based composites specialist, LSM Advanced Composites Pty Ltd which will construct Aerosonde airframes in the future.

New tooling and production techniques will shorten production times and allow Aerosonde to achieve higher production rates for new customers.

As part of the Mk 3.2 update, Aerosonde has also introduced modifications for improved aerodynamics, enhanced landing performance, easier maintenance, and incorporates structural strengthening for a catapult launch system currently under test.

Aerosonde's Chief Operating Officer, Greg Tyrrell, said "the changes are a result of customer inputs obtained by Aerosonde and our strategic partner, Lockheed Martin Corporation. They result in even greater performance and reliability in the multiple roles flown for Aerosonde customers worldwide."

Over 100 Aerosondes have been built and have flown over 4,000 hours in a wide variety of civil and military applications on four continents. Recent operations have included maritime surveillance trials in Australia, meteorology in the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, defence applications in Australia and the USA, and civil science applications in the USA and Alaska.