Stemme And S-Plane Partner On Optionally Piloted Aircraft

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Stemme AG and S-Plane Automation Ltd said this week they plan to integrate S-Plane subsystems into the Ecarys ES15 Stemme motor glider to create an optionally piloted vehicle, combining the capabilities of a manned aircraft with those of a UAV. With a human pilot onboard, the OPV can execute missions such as flight in civil airspace and over congested areas, where UAVs are not allowed, and also transport passengers. When piloted from the Ground Control Station, the UAV can perform missions that require extreme endurance or are dangerous, such as border patrol, marine patrol and firefighting.

The Ecarys ES15 is a certified aircraft with a payload capacity of 770 pounds and range of 1,350 NM. “Its low radar and minimal IR signature make it an ideal platform for surveillance missions,” said the company in a news release. The automated version of the ES15 operates autonomously, with the entire flight directed by the onboard control systems. The project was announced on Sunday, to coincide with the opening of the International Defence Exhibition and Conference 2017 in Abu Dhabi.

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