In a significant advancement for unmanned aerial systems (UAS), Platform Aerospace, the developer behind the Vanilla ultra-long-endurance UAS, has successfully integrated and flown Applied Signals Intelligence’s (ASI) SNITCH RF ISR-T payload. This achievement was reached in under three weeks, marking a new standard in delivering modular open systems architecture (MOSA)-aligned intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities.
The collaboration between the two companies commenced with initial technical discussions and rapidly progressed to an airborne test, highlighting the increasing demand for swift ISR capability deployment in contested electromagnetic environments. The timeline is particularly notable as it aligns with the Department of War’s priorities to utilize commercially developed technologies that enhance operational speed in both electromagnetic spectrum operations (EMSO) and electronic warfare (EW).
Kurt Parsons, CEO of Platform Aerospace, emphasized the significance of this integration. “This collaboration showcases how Vanilla’s modular architecture enables rapid adaptation to emerging mission needs. Integrating ASI’s SNITCH payload from concept to flight in less than three weeks demonstrates how quickly warfighters can receive new ISR capability that directly supports evolving EW and EMSO mission needs,” he stated.
The SNITCH payload is compact yet powerful, measuring merely 6 inches in diameter and 7 inches in length, with a weight of 4.5 pounds (5.6 pounds when fully integrated). It boasts a peak power draw of 45 watts, leveraging ASI’s ultrawideband Electromagnetic Vector Sensor (EMVS) technology. This enables real-time emitter detection, direction finding, and geolocation across a frequency range from HF to 6 GHz, with options to extend to 18 GHz.
This innovative ISR-T solution offers a robust 300 km range and a 360-degree field of view, facilitating efficient wide-area surveillance of RF activity over both land and maritime environments. Additionally, it allows for cueing of other sensors such as Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR), radar, and LiDAR, enhancing operational effectiveness.
Dr. Martin Rofheart, CEO of ASI, underscored the commitment to rapid capability delivery. “Integrating and flying SNITCH on Vanilla in such a short timeframe highlights the value MOSA unlocks for rapid capability delivery, scalable ISR, and real operational impact,” he remarked.
As military operations increasingly rely on cutting-edge technology, this successful collaboration paves the way for more agile and effective ISR capabilities, equipping warfighters with tools tailored to meet the demands of modern warfare.
