Lockheed Martin unveils OUTRIDER UAS

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Lockheed Martin has unveiled its new small UAS called OUTRIDER, which was designed and developed in the United Kingdom at the Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI).

Weighing just 1.7 kilograms, the canister launched, four-inch wide UAS can travel up to 50 knots despite its size, and Lockheed says that the UAS “boasts the best payload capacity and endurance when compared with similar UAS's.”

“We are proud to offer OUTRIDER which has been designed and built in the UK for the international market,” says Paul Livingston, vice president and group managing director, Lockheed Martin UK - Integrated Systems.

Lockheed Martin UK will offer the UAS to the UK market, but OUTRIDER will also be offered to interested export customers as well.

The UAS is launched at the press of a button. While it can be operated remotely, it also has the ability to operate autonomously as well.

One of the strengths of the UAS is that it provides a UAS operator with better situational awareness, as it is equipped with a high-definition TV and infrared camera.

“It provides secure leading edge situational awareness capabilities in its class for ground, surface, air or Sub-surface operational environments,” Livingston adds.

OUTRIDER was designed by engineers at Lockheed Martin UK's Havant facility, in partnership with an engineering company called Wirth Research that specializes in aerodynamics and composite materials.

CEO and Wirth Research founder Nick Wirth says, “performance enhancement and innovation are fundamental to our motor sport heritage at Wirth Research.
 
“Transferring this approach from racing, combined with our rapid concept development and aero expertise, has been key to successfully meeting the technical challenges set by the Lockheed Martin team. OUTRIDER is the leading edge result.”

According to Lockheed, the UAS was designed to be used in environments where it is not practical to use traditional, larger UAS. Because of its versatility, the UAS has potential military, civil or commercial use.

Designed with export possibilities, OUTRIDER can be “supplied in an entirely International Traffic in Arms Regulations or ITAR free configuration” to meet the vast commercial and military market needs.