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SnowGoose Bravo UAV

The Canadian-based company MMIST is developing a variant to the current CQ-10A unmanned aerial vehicle system (UAV), called the CQ-10B, or Bravo. The addition of a third wing kit enables the system to launch itself without the need for ground support equipment, enabling not just delivery of cargo, but also cargo extraction. The Bravo provides a near Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) aircraft with more than four times the range of its predecessor. It is designed to autonomously airdrop multiple 100-pound cargo bundles into hostile or denied areas, then returning to base where it can be re-equip for its next mission.
The Bravo CQ-10B is an incremental upgrade to the previous system, allowing the operator to simply select and install the self-launch kit, programming the selected launch mode during mission planning. The self-launch variant was designed to be operated from unprepared launch and landing sites and provides unmatched flexibility with regard to operating location and terrain. In addition, the system upgrade added a gyro rotor head hat to allow near vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) for greater operational flexibility, high cross wind launch capability, and a greatly reduced launch and landing footprint of 100 ft radius.

While in Bravo, or working mode, the UAV system exceeds its predecessor’s capabilities in providing twice the range in zero winds and four times the range of flight in 15-knot head winds. Bravo’s design has more than twice the wind penetration, and even in high crosswinds the launch can be successfully accomplished to complete scheduled missions. It is able to carry up to 500 pounds of cargo per flight through all weather and wind situations. The airframe is composed of a lightweight aluminum alloy material, designed to withstand in excess of 10 g shock loading during operations.

In combat service support, the Bravo CQ-10B provides a high endurance, flexible, observation and communications platform, gives force and area protection using cameras, loud speakers, and illumination flares, and can be used as a small unit re-supply. With the system designed to have fewer operations to learn in its use and programming, shorter operator training can be easily accomplished in the field. In addition, the Bravo is a key element in an integrated logistics plan when used as a return ferry for heavy drop guided parachute system guidance units.

Bravo is capable of both ground and air launch. It is not dependant on airfields or runways and can be ground launched from a 1,200-foot un-prepped level surface. It can also be air launched from suitable cargo airplanes (C130, C17) at altitudes of up to 25,000 feet. Full autonomous flight is complimented with remote monitoring and flight control from the ground control station, which is line of sight, and beyond line of sight SATCOM capable.

The SnowGoose CQ-10A was previously the only cargo UAV system in the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) inventory. Development of the SnowGoose CQ-10B Bravo UAV combines MMIST’s latest developments in autonomous guidance and precision cargo delivery, and can be used to enhance multi-mission capability.

TFOT has covered several military applications of the unmanned aerial vehicle, including stories on the Hummingbird UAV, the autonomously flown Navy Stealth UAV, and a gasoline powered vehicle small enough to fit in a soldier’s backpack, dubbed the Flying Beer Keg.

For more information on the SnowGoose Bravo, visit the MMIST website.

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