Ultra-Long Endurance, Mid-Sized UAS Tested in US Airspace
The VA001 UAS during towed takeoff. Photo: Vanilla Aircraft.
Vanilla Aircraft LLC completed first flight of its VA001 unmanned aircraft system, a 36-ft wingspan ultra-long endurance UAS designed to fly up to 10 days.
The aircraft, powered by a heavy-fuel engine, flew under a certificate of authorization in national airspace at heights up to 6000 feet above mean sea level with a simulated 18-pound payload and 24 hours worth of fuel.
“Today, the team’s hard work really paid off - the airplane flew beautifully and showed all the performance we expected,” says Cofounder and Chief Engineer of Vanilla Aircraft Neil Boertlein.
Additional flights are being planned to test full payload, endurance and altitude capabilities.
“In operation, the VA001’s unmatched range and endurance will greatly reduce the operating cost and man-power burden to provide persistent aerial coverage and enable new missions previously beyond the capabilities of mid-sized UAS,” says Peter Bale, head of business development and strategy.”
Vanilla received phase II funding for the VA001 from the NASA Earth Sciences Division.
