Aviation Naval Warfare Land Systems Small Arms By Flag By Year By Tag

Northrop Grumman R-BAT (Rotary-BAT)

2014 MODERN AIRCRAFT X-PLANE DRONE TECHNOLOGY

History

The success of Yamaha Motor's R-MAX unmanned helicopter system in the civilian market (primarily agricultural spraying) prompted the company to partner with US defense contractor Northrop Grumman in 2014 to develop a A more general form of specialized markets to cover a wider range of industries, including military and security. The result is the "R-BAT" (Rotary-BAT) system, designed around a rapid response concept for reconnaissance, reconnaissance and search and rescue (SAR) operations.

The versatility of the air system allows it to take off and land almost anywhere and operate in areas generally considered unsuitable for ground forces such as troops and firefighters. In addition to its obvious military value, helicopters can also be used for border patrol/border control and humanitarian operations/disaster relief needs.

The R-BAT retains much of the form and function of the earlier R-MAX developed in the 1990s. The streamlined fuselage houses the engines, fuel storage and avionics. A blister pack with cameras/sensors is mounted on the chin of the body, providing 360-degree traversal and real-time information relay.

Above the fuselage is a two-bladed main rotor assembly and a two-bladed tail rotor assembly offset to the starboard side of the rear of the aircraft. The rear rod houses the drive system of the rear unit.

The landing gear is a four-point dual-slide assembly that can be operated from almost any surface.

Unlike the R-MAX which is remotely controlled via line of sight (LoS), the R-BAT has an autonomous control scheme. The flight test took place at the Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona.

Air system performance specifications include a mission duration window of over 4 hours, a maximum ceiling of up to 6,000 feet, and a maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of 95 pounds. Payload capacity is limited to 43 lbs.

It is understood that R-BAT will continue to be actively marketed by the company.