Lockheed Martin unpacks foldable Outrider canister drone

Lockheed Martin has revealed its Outrider canister drone at the Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) in London. The lightweight, canister-launched unmanned aircraft system (UAS) is only 10 cm (4 in) wide, weighs only 1.7 kg (3.8 lb), yet can reach speeds of 50 knots (58 mph, 93 km/h) and has greater endurance and payload capacity than comparable drones.

According to Lockheed, Outrider was designed and developed in partnership with the aerodynamics and composites company Wirth Research at Lockheed's facility at Havant, Hampshire, UK. The foldable drone is intended for use in situations where larger UASs might feel a bit cramped.

The aerospace and defense company isn't giving away too many specifications at the moment, though it does say that the Outrider can be launched with a single button and can operate either autonomously or remotely by an operator using its high-definition TV and infrared camera.

Lockheed sees the Outrider as having both military and civilian applications and it will be marketed in both Britain and abroad. With an eye toward the commercial export market, the Outrider will be available in an International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) free configuration.

"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. "It provides secure leading edge situational awareness capabilities in its class for ground, surface, air or subsurface operational environments and can be launched at the press of a button."

Source: Lockheed Martin