The US Army has received Textron Systems’ MK 4.8 Hybrid Quad (HQ) Aerosonde drone as part of the Future Tactical Uncrewed Aircraft Systems program.
The transfer was finalized through the Department of Defense’s DD-250 process, marking the official handover from the manufacturer to the US government.
Next, the US Army FTUAS program team will conduct new equipment training at Redstone Test Center to certify instructors and operators, with completion anticipated by late January.
Following this, the team will begin a government-led developmental testing phase.
Aerosonde MK 4.8 HQ
The Aerosonde MK 4.8 HQ drone is designed with Hybrid Quadrotor technology, enabling vertical takeoff and landing without a runway.
It can be quickly transported via UH-60 helicopter or tactical vehicle, requiring only two soldiers to carry and assemble its components.
The entire system can be deployed and launched in under 30 minutes.
The Aerosonde MK 4.8 HQ has an endurance of 14 hours, operates at altitudes exceeding 15,000 feet (4,572 meters), and has a payload capacity of 30 pounds (13.6 kilograms).
FTUAS Program
The Future Tactical Uncrewed Aircraft Systems program is part of the US Army’s efforts to modernize its aviation fleet of crewed and uncrewed aircraft for large-scale combat missions.
The initiative aims to provide Brigade Combat Teams with advanced reconnaissance and surveillance systems that enable commanders to collect and analyze data, enhancing the army’s effectiveness in multi-domain operations.