C-Astral, a member of the Terra Drone group, has been successfully fielding its new micro UAS ATLAS C4EYE (Advanced Technology Light Acquisition/ATAK System) in a series of closed trials, involving the cooperation of manned, unmanned, and NATO JTAC assets.
The 2.6 kg blended-wing-body platform has been going through a flight and feasibility testing phase and is now entering the operational phase, with multiple procurement contracts being currently negotiated.
The system is currently the most advanced micro UAS system in its category with more advanced capabilities than the industry standard RQ-11 Raven, including endurance, flexibility, sensors flexibility and maintainability.
The craft’s hull is also proofed to allow landing in water, due to the use of IP-67 rated connectors and seals across the UAV’s sections. The system is capable of carrying multiple types of digital radio links, depending on the end-user and end-use. The modular structure and advanced power management systems, flight control and emergency flight control termination and C-Astral’s own C3P command, control, communications, and planning software enable it to be easily integrated into larger C4I and C2 systems as well as for flight in controlled airspace. The system can carry multiple ISR EO/IR combined payloads, with laser illuminator capabilities and several other imaging sensors with broad tactical use implications. The standard C-Astral silent parachute flight termination system is an integral part of the system.
The ATLAS can fly up to 5 km above sea level and is aimed at applications in defense, security, civil, and critical industrial infrastructure. A modular data link bay allows switching of different radios, frequencies, transponders, or encryption levels, for different missions and regulatory requirements. The ATLAS C4EYE will enable the members of the Terra Drone group to access one of the most advanced ISR capabilities in the market for a myriad of service missions.
