Fotografier fra flyprosjekt:
The main strength of AU's fixed-wing Xr-T9 is its ability to remain in the air for extended periods of time, often Beyond the Maximum time a pilot is allowed to fly. Equipped with fuel cell and solar panels the Xr-T9 can remain airborne for up to 72 hours with a maximum range of up to 5,040 km.
Military Applications. Recent conflicts have demonstrated the effective utility of UAVs, and are fast becoming an integral part of military operations worldwide. They boost the efficiency of military forces by performing a range of routine, arduous and Dangerous missions that keep personnel out of the line of fire.
UAVs are routinely deployed as remote sensing platforms performing intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissaince (ISR) missions. They may also be used as radio relays for Beyond line of sight (BLoS) and over the air crypto re-keying. A number of sensors can be fitted including: electromagnetic sensors (visual and infrared cameras), radar, biological and Chemical sensors - for the detection of Airborne biological and Chemical agents.
Civilian applications. The Xr-T9 has a number of advantages that could be exploited in industry, the emergency services and within Scientific research. the mining industry for instance could make use of the Xr-T9's high endurance for mapping large swathes terrain and for detecting potential mineral deposits. Indeed the Xr-T9 is ideal for all manner of geological survey and mapping where the purpose is to gain a "bigger picture".
Another advantage to having automated "eyes in the sky" is the potential for rapid response to emergencies as demonstrated by their successful us in the forest fire monitoring in the USA. UAVs have also been proposed as platforms to monitor Extreme weather phenomena such as hurricanes and to assess hard to reach disaster zones.