UAV · Small UAS / fixed-wing
Aerosonde
Textron Systems (AAI) · United States
Long-endurance small fixed-wing UAS by Textron Systems for ISR and multi-INT missions, launchable from land or ship.
| Country | United States |
|---|---|
| Subcategory | Fixed-wing |
| Subtype | Small UAS / fixed-wing |
| Role | ISR |
| Class | Small Tactical |
| Classification | Small Unmanned Aircraft System (SUAS) |
| Mission | ISR, multi-INT, comms relay, maritime surveillance |
| Variants | Mk 4.4, Mk 4.7, Aerosonde HQ |
| Notable partners | Aerosonde Pty Ltd, US Army, US Navy |
| Operators | US Army, US Navy |
| Frame type | Fixed-wing |
| Propulsion | Piston |
| Range (km) | 140 |
| Wingspan (m) | 3.6 |
| Launch method | Catapult / launch and recovery trailer |
| Autonomy level | Autonomous waypoint |
| Endurance (min) | 600 |
| Recovery method | Automatic / launch and recovery trailer |
| Max payload (kg) | 4.5 |
| Max speed (km/h) | 120 |
| Standard sensors | EO/IR camera; SIGINT; SAR; comms relay |
| Production status | In production |
| Airframe / lift type | Fixed-wing |
| Control / autonomy level | Waypoint / GPS-guided |
| Domain | Aerial (UAV/UAS) |
| Mission / use case – military | Comms relay, ISR |
| Origin / supply chain | Military-grade |
| Propulsion | ICE – petrol |
| Range / endurance | Short range (50–150 km) |
| Signature / detectability | GNSS-dependent |
| Speed regime | Medium (50–150 km/h) |
| Strike depth / operational role | Mothership / relay (carrier drone launching FPVs or extending link range) |
| Threat vector | Surveillance / reconnaissance |
| Weight / class | Class I – Small (20–150 kg) |
In the news 1
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Review-stage catalogue data — specs corroborated from manufacturer and secondary sources; not for procurement decisions. Source: www.textronsystems.com/products/aerosonde-uas