Lockheed Martin unveiled a new small unmanned aircraft system (UAS) that has been designed and developed in the UK at Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) (www.lockheedmartin.com).

OutRider is a lightweight canister-launched UAS that has been designed by engineers at Lockheed Martin UK’s Havant facility, in partnership with Wirth Research — an engineering company that specialises in aerodynamics and composite materials.

Weighing just 1.7kg, it is designed to be used in environments where conventional, larger unmanned air systems are not practical; and despite its size, OutRider can travel up to 50 knots.

Launched ‘at the press of a button’, this UAS can be operated remotely or fly autonomously. It features a high-definition TV and infra-red camera to give the operator “enhanced situational awareness”.

Moreover, the versatility of OutRider means that it has potential military, civil or commercial use.

Nick Wirth, CEO and Wirth Research foun-der, said: “We are very proud of our collaboration with Lockheed Martin UK on the OutRider project.

"Performance enhancement and innovation are fundamental to our motor-sport heritage at Wirth Research. Transferring this approach from racing, combined with our rapid concept development and aero expertise, has been key to successfully meeting the technical challenges set by the Lockheed Martin team.”