VStar Systems Inc. Announces Successful Flight Test of MA-C Signal Intelligence Sensor Aboard Martin UAV’s V-Bat
SAN DIEGO, Calif. (March 1, 2017) – Today, VStar Systems Inc., a privately held aerospace and defense systems company, announced the successful flight test of its modular Signal Intelligence Sensor, MA-C/lite, aboard the Martin UAV V-Bat aircraft. Over the duration of 35 minutes at an altitude of 400 feet above ground level, MA-C/lite collected signals from as far as 20 miles distance. MA-C/lite provides never before seen capabilities to Martin UAV’s V-Bat fleet, enabling the aircraft to fulfill new, critical missions for a variety of military and private security clients.
Founded by entrepreneur and U.S. Navy veteran Andy Von Stauffenberg, VStar Systems designed its MA-C products to provide signal intelligence such as signal copy, signal identification and geolocation to a wide variety of platforms, ranging from Type 1 UAV’s to even the largest manned platforms. Starting at a weight of approximately 2 lbs., MA-C/lite provides SIGINT capabilities to Martin UAV’s line of V-Bat drones, which previously were limited to optical payloads due to size and weight of other SIGINT sensors on the market. MA-C/lite is one of several products under the MA-X Modular Airborne Signal Intelligence System, a scalable solution designed to provide critical intelligence at a more affordable price point.
“This flight test is the first step toward utilising smaller UAV’s in superior ways,” said Andy von Stauffenberg, CEO of VStar Systems. “Under our lightweight design and modular approach, Martin UAV’s V-Bat now has the ability to perform new, critical roles in today’s information age. Our sensor opens the door to more innovation and more valuable uses for SIGINT, and aids even the smallest platforms in becoming Multi-Intelligence capable.”
The launch of the MA-C/lite sensor is VStar’s first step in commoditizing SIGINT – allowing smaller aircraft to carry a single, specialised module rather than extra weight and associated costs from a sensor that does more than required for the mission. VStar provides a convenient and efficient system that requires low size and weight, and comes at a low cost; ultimately bringing more players and ingenuity into the UAV industry as more aircraft utilizing VStar’s sensors will be able to fulfil critical the tactical and strategic missions that commanders have been struggling to complete.
“We are eager to work with VStar to develop V-Bat’s capability in the tactical VTOL market; the warfighter deserves the best technology and support we can provide.” said Phil Jones, COO of Martin UAV. “The addition of VStar’s MA-C/lite sensor gives the VBat a new, critical capability that our military clients are excited to get access to.”
With a successful first flight test complete, and several additional tests to increase the capabilities already planned, VStar’s MA-C Sensors will become available as a payload option on the VBat later this year. For further details about the full MA-X system and/or inquiries, visit the VStar Systems website at vstarsystems.com.
