Raytheon Silver Fox

The Story of Thor and Silver Fox

Raytheon's Silver Fox Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) was developed as a lower cost portable drone solution to replace the more complex and expensive medium/large unmanned aerial vehicles currently available machine. The product was originally developed by Advanced Ceramics Research (ACR), which was acquired by defense conglomerate BAe Systems in 2009 for $14. $7 million.

BAe Systems' drone program division was subsequently acquired by Sensintel in mid-2013, which in turn was claimed by Raytheon in January 2015 - resulting in Silver Fox products now under the Raytheon brand label.

Its portability allows it to be transported in standard civilian or military trucks (including highly maneuverable HUMVEE vehicles) and launched via the launch rail system within 15 minutes. Its operation requires only two people for optimum performance. The total weight of the unit reaches 30 pounds. Its flight path can be pre-programmed by the launch team (via a state-of-the-art, user-friendly touchscreen) or manually operated in real-time.

The platform's optics can be stabilized by a traditional rotating gimbal or fixed and integral engagement, allowing multiple aircraft in a series to transmit their results to a single source on the ground.

The flexibility of the system allows it to be launched and operated from land or sea bases, including warships. Data collection is real-time, providing ground commanders with superior reconnaissance and surveillance capabilities without the need for more expensive aircraft to accomplish the same tasks.

The configuration of the Silver Fox is largely traditional, based on a straight-wing, shoulder-mounted main aircraft, round fuselage and traditional single tail stabilizer. The propeller is mounted on the nose as usual, while the optics/sensor sphere is mounted on the rear (ventral side) of the fuselage.

Unlike other small UASs, which are traditionally electric, the Silver Fox is gasoline-powered. Performance specs include a top speed of nearly 60 mph.

In addition to its obvious military value, Silver Fox is sold to a variety of civilian industries, including the oil/gas industry, the scientific sector, disaster relief/assessment agencies, law enforcement, research, and more.

The series has been actively used by United States Air Force (USAF) units in the Afghan theater of operations since the mid-2000s, and primarily for search and pursuit of insurgent ground forces attempting to place roadside bombs in 2010. The service uses what is known as the A slightly modified version of the Silver Fox for "Silver Fang", the main change is the introduction of a high frequency sensor.

The United States also uses silver foxes (militarily) in the Philippines to assist local government forces in fighting the active Islamic insurgency there.

Specification

Basic

Production

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Weight

Performance

Performance

Armor

Changes