Thought this would be of interest……

Marc Wiese

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UNMANNED SEAPLANE PERFORMS "AUTOLANDING"

Oregon Iron Works successfully pulled of what is thought to be a first
in the United States: an automated water landing. During a recent test
of the defense company's Sea Scout in Texas, the unmanned flying boat
completed two autonomous water landings with the assistance of an
autopilot coupled with on-board LADAR for altitude and surface
information. "Both landings were picture perfect... as good as they
get," said Josh Pruzek, program manager for the Sea Scout.

The Sea Scout air vehicle, under development for nearly two years, is
the result of a Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) sponsored Phase III
Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) contract. The aircraft was
flown at a gross weight of 300 lbs and carried 25 pounds of ballast in
order to simulate a payload. A 38 HP Wankel engine powers the 10-foot
span air vehicle. For more information, visit Oregon Iron Works' web
site at www.oregoniron.com <file:///\\www.oregoniron.com>.



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