KillerBee UAV
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| KillerBee Series (KB-2, KB-3 and KB-X) | ||
| Payload | Still image and real time video cameras, EO/IR and SAR sensors, laser range finders, laser designators, Infra-Red cameras, communication equipment, chemical and biological detection systems or flare dispensers | |
| Payload weight | 15lbs, 30lbs and 120lbs | |
| Length | +/- 3ft, +/- 4.5 ft and +/- 9 ft | |
| Wingspan | 6.5ft, 9ft and 17.5ft | |
| Takeoff weight | 43 lbs, 86 lbs and 360 lbs | |
| Maximum speed | 68, 67 and 70mph | |
| Service ceiling | 18,000ft, 19,200ft and 20,000ft | |
| Endurance | 30 hours unloaded, 8 loaded | |
| Launch scheme | Launched from the back of a moving vehicle, or from an aircraft | |
| Recovery scheme | Able to land on suitable terrain. | |
| Unmanned aerial vehicle | ||
The KillerBee UAV is series of a low flying unmanned air vehicles being developed for the US Air Force, United States Marine Corps, US Navy and the US Department of Homeland Security by Northrop Grumman and Swift Engineering. Designed primarily as an intelligence gathering tool, the KillerBee features a wing configuration currently being research by NASA and Boeing as a possible configuration for much larger aircraft.[1]
On March 14, 2006 the KillerBee was test flown in Nevada by Northrop Grumman for the United States air force, where it was met with approval from the representatives from the US Air Force:
| “ | It was amazing how quickly it climbed to altitude. It was very evident this bird could carry a lot more payload. Couple this with its inherent low-observable design, and I think we have a platform that could be used for several Air Force missions.[2] | ” |
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- —Lt. Col. Douglas Larson, chief of the Combat Applications Division at the UAV Battlelab
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[edit] Characteristics
The KillerBee's 6.5ft wide wing system folds into the main body to reduce drag, and is constructed of three simple sections in order to reduce cost. Furthermore, the wings are designed in such a way that they do not need to be folded back during high speed flight as with other UAV's, which allows for a cheaper, lighter design that can still be released by fast moving manned aircraft.[3] Developers have stated that 20 to 30 KillerBee's will cost as much as one existing Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance model by the time the KillerBee's come into full production.[4]
The current engine under development will have flight time of up to 30 hours with no payload, with 8 hours if a payload of 20lbs is being carried, and has a top speed of 68kph. The KillerBee's flat design also enables it to be stored easily, as well as giving it a lower visual and radar profile.
The KillerBee has been developed in numerous variations, with the 6.5ft version being known as the KB-2, and a 9ft KillerBee KB-3 has an increased carrying capacity of 30lbs. the KB-X, a 17.5 ft wide variant, is also in development with a carrying capacity of 120lbs.[5]
[edit] Uses
With the ability to carry numerous different types of equipment for collecting intelligence, including still image and real time video cameras, EO/IR and SAR sensors, laser range finders, laser designators, Infra-Red cameras, communication equipment, chemical and biological detection systems and flare dispensers, the KillerBee series is thought to be a versatile prototype for the American armed forces.[6] The KB series is also thought to have a future use as a private security measure, and as a means to monitor pipelines, power lines and the like, as well as weather phenomenon.[7]
[edit] Notes
- ^ Air-attack article on the KillerBee retrieved on March 17, 2007
- ^ Air-attack Northrop Demonstrates Capabilities KillerBee UAV retrieved on March 17, 2007
- ^ Air-attack article on the KillerBee retrieved on March 17, 2007
- ^ Air-attack article on the KillerBee retrieved on March 17, 2007
- ^ Air-attack article on the KillerBee retrieved on March 17, 2007
- ^ Air-attack article on the KillerBee retrieved on March 17, 2007
- ^ Air-attack article on the KillerBee retrieved on March 17, 2007
