V-BAT UAV selected by Navy to prototype VTOL unmanned systems
NewsApril 28, 2021
PLANO, Texas. The U.S. Navy has selected Martin UAV's V-BAT for a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) unmanned aerial system (UAS) prototyping and development effort in order to fulfill new technological requirements driven by the evolving nature of threats in contested operating environments.
According to the company, Martin UAV was one of thirteen respondents to the Navy's Mi2 Challenge and was later down selected with L3Harris Technologies to compete in a technology demonstration at the Yuma Proving Grounds in Yuma, Arizona.
The merit-based competition that included technology questionnaires, performance summaries, and in-depth supporting artifacts in accordance with established criteria, sought maximum portability, self-sufficiency, and modularity in UAS hardware and payload capabilities without the need for ancillary support equipment.
Officials claim that the V-BAT was selected to meet these requirements as a result of its logistic support requirements and versatility. The system is designed to offer vertical takeoff with a single-engine ducted fan, automatic transition to straight and level flight, easily commanded hovers and stares, interchangeable payloads, and an open architecture.
