Key to many new and innovative technologies, especially in the aerospace realm, have been partnerships that have allowed for the merging of closely related concepts. This idea was most recently put on display when Lockheed Martin unveiled a new and uniquely smaller-sized drone.
The newly launched Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) is called OUTRIDER. The roughly four-pound, 4”, canister-shaped UAS is the result of a partnership between Lockheed Martin and Wirth Research. The unit is designed for use in situations where currently-available drones are too large. The OUTRIDER can still travel up to 57 mph and, according to Lockheed, offers a payload capacity that’s superior to drones of a similar size.
OUTRIDER can be remotely operated or driven autonomously. It features a high-definition monitor and an infrared camera in capturing information for military, construction, infrastructure inspection, agricultural, or other uses. The unit is designed primarily for launching from land.
Playing a key role in the design and development of OUTRIDER was Wirth Research. Led by Nick Wirth, the company’s foundation lies in motorsports and race car engineering. The company has extensive experience working in the ultra-competitive IndyCar and Formula 1 series, including work with 11 winners of the Indianapolis 500.
Lockheed tapped into Wirth’s experience in aerodynamics and maneuverability to assist in integrating many of the same features of a race car into the drone. These capabilities include a lightweight design, power efficiency, and the ability to move quickly in tight spots.
Looking forward, these types of drone developments will be essential in transitioning from primarily military and entertainment applications to fulfilling civil and commercial roles. In light of the hurricane-related tragedies in Florida and Texas, the use of new drone or UAS capabilities could play a vital role in search and rescue operations, damage assessment, and in delivering supplies to flooded areas.