Flying Low

Based on a build-at-home kit

The Vigilante is capable of undetected low level flying in highly populated areas for Urban reconnaissance and very maneuverable between tall trees, buildings and high speed projectiles.

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The Vigilante has its roots in model and kit building. The UAV was based off a commercially available helicopter kit designed to be built and operated by recreational pilots.

The first version of the Vigilante still had space for an optional pilot, but later versions, like the 502, are designed only for unmanned flight.

The Vigilante 502 has a flight ceiling of 13,000 feet and a true air speed of 117 knots. Measuring eight feet high by two feet wide by 26 feet long, the 502 is small compared to other helicopters and one of the most maneuverable on UAVs the planet. It can flip, twist, twirl, dip, dive and steer with the greatest of ease and handles a payload of 401 pounds, for rescue and/or transport operations.

The Vigilante needs only about 20 feet in diameter to execute its vertical take-off and landing. This is good news, especially for the Navy, since the Vigilante can be transported on and deployed from frigates and other Navy ships - the kind more likely to reach the battle space before aircraft carriers.

The 502 is powered with a 115-hp Rotax 914 four-cylinder, four-stroke turbocharged engine. With an operating range of four hours, there is plenty of time to seek targets and get out in a hurry.

The Vigilante is capable of undetected low-level flying in highly populated areas for urban reconnaissance, and the UAV is able to fly between tall trees, buildings and high-speed projectiles.