Coyote UAVs Headed for Storm Penetration

By RICHARD R. BURGESS, Managing Editor

The tube-launched Coyote unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), built by BAE Systems in Tucson, Ariz., is being tested by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for weather research missions such as hurricane penetration to collect meteorological data, said Matt Pobloske, director of business development for BAE Systems’ Unmanned Aircraft Programs.

The Coyote, designed by Advanced Ceramics Research, which was acquired by BAE Systems, is a small, battery-powered UAV that can carry a one-pound sensor payload. The 13-pound UAV is launched from a canister housed in an A-size sonobuoy launch tube from a maritime patrol aircraft such as a P-3. After launch, the Coyote’s wings spread and the motor and guidance unit fly the UAV to pre-planned waypoints for approximately one hour. NOAA operates two WP-3D aircraft for weather research and one Gulfstream jet for weather research and reconnaissance.

NOAA is considering a specialized sensor head for the Coyote to capture more precise meteorological data, Pobloske said.

The Navy, which initiated development of the Coyote, also has tested the UAV for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance roles from its P-3 and P-8 maritime patrol aircraft. BAE has built approximately 30 Coyotes for development.