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The LUNA UAV is an autonomous lightweight unmanned
powered glider UAV, currently fielded by the German and Norwegian
Armies. The Luna is powered by a two-cylinder twin-stroke engine. It
is powered by a 6 HP piston engine driving a pusher propeller mounted
above the wing. The glider flying capabilities enables Luna to shut
the engine and perform unique stealthy glides without an acoustic
signature. Another advantage is the use of robust takeoff by bungee
catapult and crash-safe parachute landing system using redundant
parachute release and impact dampers.
Using a 3D digital terrain map model, the aircraft
constantly monitors the terrain and known obstacles in its flight
path, to avoid collision. The aircraft is programmed to perform
automated reconnaissance and surveillance missions, without the need
for radio emissions by the ground station. Mission update or active
remote control is also available. The vehicle transmits secure
real-time images and system data to the ground station via the
communications downlink.
When communications is not possible (such as in
mountainous terrain) images are stored on-board for later transmission
or manual retrieval. Luna has a 10 liter payload bay, which can be
occupied by the quad sensor down-looking color video camera which
offers both wide-field of view and close-range viewing capability.
Optional 3 axis stabilized payload is also available, or a wide range
of alternative payloads, including a new miniature SAR, radio jammers,
meteorological sensors, GPS deception emitters, acoustical sensors,
particle samplers and CBRN sensors and radiometers and more. According
to the manufacturer's data, after landing with parachute, Luna can be
prepared for a new mission within 15 minutes. |
