Unmanned Aircraft Systems Roadmap 2005-2030 - Federation of ...

UAS ROADMAP 2005
2.3.6 Onyx Autonomously Guided Parafoil System
User Service: Army (USSOCOM)
Manufacturer: Atair Aerospace, Inc.
Inventory: 5 Delivered/5 Planned
Background: Onyx is an autonomously guided parafoil system developed by
the U.S. Army Natick Soldier Center (NSC). Onyx systems are air-deployed
from a C-130, C-141, or C-17 at up to 35,000 ft., autonomously glide over 30
miles, and land cargo within 150 ft. of a target. Cargo for ground and special
operations forces includes food and water, medical supplies, fuel, munitions and
other critical battlefield payloads. Onyx includes advanced capabilities such as
flocking (formation flying), active collision avoidance, and adaptive control (selflearning
functions). With this technology, multiple systems (50+) can be
deployed in the same airspace, guiding payloads to one, or multiple targets without possibility of midair
collisions. Smaller versions have been developed to precisely deliver sensors or submunitions.
Characteristics:
Onyx Onyx
Length 45 ft Wing Span 38 ft
Gross Weight 2,300 lb Payload Capacity 2,200 lb
Fuel Capacity N/A Fuel Type N/A
Engine Make N/A Power N/A
Performance:
Endurance Varies Max/Loiter Speeds 0/70 kt
Ceiling 35,000 ft Radius 30 nm
Takeoff Means Airdrop Landing Means Parafoil
SECTION 2 - CURRENT UA PROGRAMS
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