A new unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was unveiled recently at the AUVSI Xponential convention held in Orlando, Florida. Navmar Applied Sciences Corporation (NASC) has partnered with Sonex Aerospace to develop a twin-engine jet-powered unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) called Tracer which is based upon SubSonex’s proven airframe. The NASC Tracer is described as ‘a low-cost, high-performance unmanned aerial system (UAS) designed for speed, versatility and survivability’.

The easily field-maintainable aircraft, which has an 18ft wing span and take-off weight of 1,500lb, is designed for a wide range of operations, including manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T), reconnaissance, counter UAS, communication relay, insertion into contested airspace, electronic warfare, research and development, military training activities and many other mission sets.

Bryan Hazlett, NASC vice president (UAS sector), said: “Developing what we at NASC consider a ‘best-value, low risk’ UAV alternative to larger and more expensive options is a proud moment for all of us at NASC. Our team has truly gone above and beyond to produce a highly capable platform that answers the call for a multi-mission, jet UAS.”