Miniature drones are moving closer to becoming full-time military weapons with Northrop Grumman’s successful tactical drone electronic weapons test.
Built to support combat operations the Bat Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) originally begin its life as a miniature surveillance drone. While the Bat’s 12 foot wingspan and 70 mph top speed is dwarfed by its larger, more menacing UAV cousins, what the craft lack in size it makes up for in ability.
After proving its mettle in reconnaissance roles, Northrup Grumman engineers reconfigured the drone to carry an electronic attack payload. With this package the Bat can jam enemy radar and confuse surface-to air missiles trying to seek and destroy friendly UAV’s or aircraft in a warzone.
Catapulted from a hydraulic rail launcher and caught by a portable net system the Bat is completely runway independent. This feature would allow the craft to be deployed by forward operating units approaching a location with a concentration of enemy assets.
In recent test at the Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, California the Bat successfully demonstrated its ability to protect both unmanned and fixed wing aircraft from enemy intercepts. As of this writing its unknown when the military might begin using the newly improved Bat in combat operations. However, given how expensive aircraft are getting these days I’d be willing to bet the Bat seeing service shortly.
Image and Video Courtesy of Northrop Grumman
