Aversano Aircraft in Florida has been quietly developing an aircraft which it claims is “a whole new design, theory and all new technology for UAS performance, manoeuvrability and payload.” The Defender airframe is tried and tested and the company is now looking for partners who need a base for a future UAS.
Aversano Air’s President, Richard Judge, says: “This UAS is not looking to compete with the Predators, which operate above 25,000’, but rather to assist in ground combat. By having a 32’ wing, it is capable of higher speeds for combat below the altitude presently allowed for the Predators.”
“Since I have to test this aircraft without all the guidance and surveillance electronics, I need to keep the windows. This patented design was professionally designed and engineered by Leo Ghyer of Gulfstream and Boeing. The wings were designed and engineered by Pete Hellsten who worked on fighter jets for Grumman.”
The aircraft is powered by the Allison 250 b17, with a pusher prop configuration it can fly 400 mph at 25,000’ while fully loaded, burning 25 gallons or less per hour. Designed to be a UCAV for Low altitude high speed attacks, it can take off from the deck of an aircraft carrier climb to 25,000’ fully loaded with the ability to drop down and attack below 1,000’.With a beta propeller, it is capable of landing in less than 500’.
For more information, contact Aversano Aircraft