Insitu, a subsidiary of Boeing, has developed a hybrid drone concept that combines a fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicle and a copter, allowing for vertical takeoff and landing capabilities.
According to the company, the Integrator Vertical Take-off and Landing (VTOL) offers customers maximum flexibility in payload and endurance, particularly when operating in confined spaces such as ship decks.
The copter is attached to the top of the fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicle and lifts the 250 lbs. drone vertically during VTOL mode. Once it reaches a certain altitude determined by surrounding conditions, the quadcopter propels forward and releases the Integrator to initiate its horizontal mission.
Upon completion of the mission, the companion craft takes flight once again and captures the UAV in mid-air using a recovery cable, gradually lowering the drone onto the deck or another limited landing area before descending itself.
Insitu’s Integrator VTOL prioritizes safety with its automated launch and recovery system and heavy fuel engine.
“Our Integrator VTOL operates in challenging sea environments, capable of flying in 80% of weather conditions in the North Atlantic, ranging from icing to Sea State 5,” stated the company in a Twitter post.