Long-Endurance UAS Gains PLEO SATCOM & Laser Targeting for BLOS ISR-T

Insitu, a Boeing Company, has introduced Proliferated Low Earth Orbit (PLEO) Satellite Communication (SATCOM) datalinks and laser-targeting capabilities for its ScanEagle Long-Endurance Uncrewed Aircraft System (UAS).

These enhancements are designed to position ScanEagle for reliable over-the-horizon Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Targeting (ISR-T) missions.

The integration of SATCOM datalinks using PLEO satellite constellations will allow operators to achieve extended mission reach and control the UAS from any location worldwide, even in challenging conditions. The system features resilience capabilities such as visual-based navigation and autonomous RF-switching to ensure operational confidence in dynamic scenarios.

Diane Rose, Insitu CEO, said, “As the leading small UAS on the market, ScanEagle has continuously earned accolades for readiness, reliability, and innovation. The integration of PLEO SATCOM provides operators unparalleled BLOS capability, enabling real-time decision-making capability and operational success for land and maritime missions. The addition of laser targeting capability greatly expands ScanEagle’s reach and mission capability for the most demanding ISR-T missions.”

The ScanEagle’s capability set includes Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) launch and recovery, allowing it to fly both maritime and land-based sorties from small ship decks and other expeditionary locations. Its features also include EO and multi-spectral optics, AI-assisted wide-area and maritime search, communications relay, Signals Intelligence, Electronic Warfare, and the new laser-designator targeting.

These upgrades represent the latest step in the ScanEagle’s evolution, following Insitu’s announcement of PLEO SATCOM capability for the Integrator UAS in 2024. The Integrator ER has offered GEO SATCOM capability for several years.