Martin UAV, SOUTHCOM successfully complete counter narcotics operations demo

November 11, 2020 | AUVSI News

In support of United States Southern Command’s (SOUTHCOM) counter narcotics operations in the Eastern Pacific, Martin UAV successfully demonstrated the shipboard integration of its V-BAT UAS, as well as its maritime capabilities, from Oct. 6, 2019 to July 31, 2020.

Support for the mission included the highly visible Enhanced Counter Narcotics Operations, which began on April 1, and was kicked off by the President of the United States.

A demonstration of the V-BAT’s small footprint, quick set-up, rapid deployment and true Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) capabilities kicked off the 10-month mission. Once the shakedown was successfully completed, a technology assessment to support the USSOUTHCOM Exercises and Coalition Affairs Directorate, Long Duration, Long Dwell (LD2) began.

LD2 is looking to enhance the execution of the Department of Defense’s strategic objectives by leveraging commercial off-the-shelf technologies. Over the course of the demonstration, the V-BAT flew 273 sorties for a total of 1340.7 flight hours, which Martin UAV describes as “unprecedented.”

“This mission helped catapult Martin UAV’s V-BAT into the maritime environment, showcasing its ability to withstand and perform in tropical conditions, including: strong crosswinds and unexpected storms with rain exceeding 10mm per hour,” says Heath Niemi, VP of Global Sales & Development.

Photo below: ​Martin UAV successfully demonstrated the shipboard integration of its V-BAT as well as its impressive maritime capabilities in support of United States Southern Command’s counter-narcotics operations in the Eastern Pacific from October 6, 2019, to July 31, 2020.