Voyeur, developed by Lite Machines is designed as a canister launched, optionally expendable mini-UAV. Using folding, coaxial com counter-rotating rotors wit diameter of 30 inch (76.2 cm), the four pound (1.8 kg) flying sensor can be dropped over the target area, or launched by hand from the ground, to operate in ‘hover and stare’ as well as forward flight and descend to a safe landing at a pre-designated recovery point.
Mission control is performed by the autopilot, navigating between GPS point designated on a moving map displayed on the ground control unit, or via manual control.
Typical mission can extend over 30 minutes, loitering in hover mode or flying at a speed of 10-15 knots. Voyeurs can be operated as a single unit or in coordinated swarms. Potential applications for the Voyeur range from target acquisition, covert sensor placement, and counter IED sweeps. This electrically powered drone can hover at altitude up to 7,000 feet above sea level. The Voyeur uses ‘plug and play’ mission payload that consists of an EO/IR sensor or other custom designed sensors. The low unit cost means such vehicles can be used as disposable items. Primary (single use) batteries can provide up to twice the range of rechargeable batteries.
