Dutch High Eye Airboxer Unmanned Helicopter Flies 4.5 Hours Carrying Maritime Surveillance Gear

Dutch manufacturer High Eye completed a four-hour, 30-minute Airboxer flight carrying an electro-optical/infrared sensor, emergency flotation equipment and two extended-range fuel tanks. The unmanned helicopter remained airborne for four hours, 30 minutes and 30 seconds and landed with approximately 0.7 kg of fuel remaining, according to the company’s October 27 announcement. Flown in approximately 15-knot winds at an endurance cruise speed of about 35 knots, the trial assessed persistence with representative maritime equipment installed. The result supports development for shipborne and coastal surveillance, while the sensor model, payload mass and operational reserve requirements were not disclosed.