Issue 40 Unmanned Systems Technology October/November 2021 ANYbotics ANYmal D l AI systems focus l Aquatic Drones Phoenix 5 l Space vehicles insight l Sky Eye Rapier X-25 l FlyingBasket FB3 l GCS focus l AUVSI Xponential 2021

68 Digest | Sky Eye Systems Rapier X-25 of an automatic sequence via the FCS), potentially as a back-up take-off option if the pneumatic catapult is unavailable. The Rapier lands using a parachute deployed dorsally by a pneumatic ejection system, and an airbag is deployed ventrally to cushion its landing. Flights thus far have consistently concluded with safe landings in crosswinds of up to 20 knots. Both items are stored in canisters in the ejector sector. Two electric fans are also installed here, and when powered up, the fans inflate the airbag. “The flight termination and hence landing sequence is completely automatic, launched from either the autopilot or the GCS,” Schettini explains. “First the engine operation is cut off, then the parachute is quickly ejected, and within 1-2 seconds of chute ejection the airbag is deployed and fully inflated.” Packaging all the necessary landing systems inside the fuselage helps to further lower the logistical impact of the Rapier’s missions, particularly when compared with the use of capture nets or standing hooks for snagging wingtips or tailplanes. If required, however, SES also offers a fully automated net-type recovery system for capturing the UAV from its descent, for example in a forward operating base or a narrow ship deck with no room for error in landing. “For added airworthiness, we also have an emergency procedure if the parachute fails to eject correctly,” Schettini adds. “In this event, the pilot takes remote control of the UAV and steers it to a belly landing.” Continued service In addition to developing new variants of the Rapier (see sidebar on page 65), SES continues to provide operational training as well as maintenance, repair and overhaul services to the Italian armed forces and elsewhere. By directly handling each phase of their life cycles, from the supply and refurbishment of parts to the repair and replacement of damaged or lost X-25s, the company aims to maximise the service life of its UAVs and keep its technology up to date for decades to come. October/November 2021 | Unmanned Systems Technology Rapier X-25 Fixed-wing UAV MTOW: 25 kg Maximum endurance: 16 hours Data link range: 80 km Rate of climb: 3.0 m/s (590 ft/minute) Cruising speed: 45 knots (23.2 m/s) Operating ceiling: 5000 m (16,400 ft) above sea level Time required for deployment and packaging: 15 minutes Some key suppliers Composites: Microtex, Plyform, Carbondream, CarbonFaber, Vega Propulsion systems: Currawong Engineering Data links: Simpulse, Commtact Parachutes: Comelli, Paradelta GCS: Interconsulting, CompoLab Software certification: TXT Electronics boards: Artel, Dalbi Elettronica Electronics boards: NES Servos: Volz GNSS-INS: Advanced Navigation, SBG Systems, Lord Microsystems Radar systems: Echoes Custom Antennas and Radar Signature reduction: FreeSpace EO/IR Payload gimbal: UAV Factory EW Payload systems: ELT Launchers: Andreoli Sistemi, Rossi Tecnologie Meccaniche Specifications The Rapier X-SkySAR integrates a synthetic aperture radar in addition to the retractable EO/IR gimbal ball, for a MTOW 5 kg greater than the X-25’s Sky Eye’s future Rapier X-VTOL is expected to reach TRL 7 development by the end of 2023