California-based Skyfront has introduced an unmanned aerial system (UAS) that can operate in high-temperature environments.
The Perimeter 8+ water-cooled (WC) drone is designed with a cooling system-protected engine and heat-tolerant avionics for austere domains with temperatures up to 50 degrees Celsius (122 Fahrenheit).
The UAS is primarily offered for endurance, cargo, mine detection, improvised explosive device detection, geo-mapping, and surveillance operations.
Before its launch, Skyfront tested Perimeter 8+ WC at the US Army White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico.
The demonstration concluded with the system successfully carrying heavy payloads at high altitudes in a mid-day setting with temperatures at approximately 45 degrees Celsius (113 Fahrenheit).
The Perimeter UAS
Skyfront wrote that the Perimeter 8+ WC is based on the firm’s proprietary Perimeter 8 UAS which measures 6.5 feet (1.9 meters) long with a maximum takeoff weight of 57 pounds (26 kilograms).
Depending on the variant, the drone can lift up to 22 pounds (10 kilograms) of equipment and reach altitudes up to 13,000 feet (4,000 meters).
The Perimeter is powered by Skyfront’s hybrid gasoline-electric engine and a lithium polymer battery for a top speed of 44 miles (70 kilometers) per hour and a range of 134 miles (216 kilometers).
It is fitted with an encrypted radio communication system, a ground control station with telemetry and control options, and piloted via a ruggedized PC or laptop.
“Skyfront Perimeter 8+ WC unlocks reliable high endurance drone operations in the deserts of the Middle East and enables peace of mind for drone operators,” a statement from Skyfront said.
“The Skyfront Perimeter 8+ WC is now available as a retrofittable upgrade for existing customers and as a new system for new customers.”