03 May 2019

Xponential 2019: Threod Systems developing direction finder for Stream C VTOL UAV

by Pat Host

Threod Systems of Estonia is developing a signals intelligence (SIGINT) direction finder capability for its Stream C vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), according to a company official.

Siim Juss, Threod business development manager, told Jane’s on 2 May that this capability will allow a user to spot handheld radios and similar technologies on the ground. Threod had its Stream C VTOL aircraft on display at the 2019 AUVSI Xponential conference.

Threod Systems’ Stream C vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) has roughly five hours endurance while the fixed-wing version has about six hours. The aircraft was on display on 2 May 2019 at the AUVSI Xponential conference in Chicago. (IHS Markit/Pat Host)

Stream C VTOL is the upgrade version of the previous Stream C fixed-wing aircraft. The VTOL variant, which features removable quadcopters on the wings, has about five hours endurance while the fixed-wing version has six hours flight time.

Juss said these options give a customer the choice of longer endurance with the fixed-wing aircraft, launched by a catapult, or the VTOL launch capability for crowded spaces or urban areas. The Stream C fixed-wing variant lands upside down via parachute capability to protect the retractable gimbal.

The Stream C VTOL is powered by an air-cooled two-stroke petrol engine and has two small mufflers on the front to reduce noise. Juss said Threod chose a petrol engine as it provides the most power efficiency. The aircraft has roughly 42–50 kg maximum takeoff weight (MTOW). Juss said the fuel tank size can be customised but that the standard is 7 litres.

Threod Systems of Estonia is developing a signals intelligence (SIGINT) direction finder capability ...

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