Services & Products

UAV Military Pilot Training

The increasing use of unmanned aircraft for modern warfare and military surveillance purposes has created a critical demand for more UAS pilots.

In line with this, Strat Aero has signed an agreement with a Major US Defence Contractor to train pilots in the launch and recovery phases of UAS flights.

Training will be done using the SandShark™ UAS Training System. The SandShark™ is an innovative, training solution designed to reduce costs and improve overall pilot quality. The SandShark™ is a fixed wing UAV and its use is applicable to commercial, university and defence users, and can be used as an introduction to unmanned aviation as well as a proficiency trainer.

The SandShark™ measures 8 feet long and 22 inches high, with a 15-foot wingspan and emulates manually-flown UAVs. It offers the pilots a real, hands-on flying experience. In the same amount of time it takes to make one landing in a Predator, the SandShark™ will allow the pilot to log over 50 landings and maintain proficiency all at a fraction of the hourly cost to train with a full-scale UAV or simulator. SandShark™ is designed to be significantly more cost-effective than training on the actual UASs. The UAS emulates the flight characteristics of the Predator or the Reaper to enable pilots to be trained in operating these aircraft in a far more controlled and cost-effective environment.

Initial estimates are that demand for these pilots will be as many as 750 UAS pilots per year. Strat Aero has positioned itself to take full advantage this training opportunity.

All training will be conducted at the UAS Pilot Training Centre, Roswell, where Strat Aero has put together a coalition and has hangar and classroom facilities. Cooperation with the Roswell Coalition Partners has allowed Strat Aero to make agreements to use several parts of the airport for operations. Initially, existing taxiways can be utilised for aircraft movements, however specially designed runways have been sanctioned and the funding agreed, and these are due to be constructed shortly.

Additionally, with a recent UK announcement at the Farnborough Air Show of funds being made available for the purchase of medium-sized UAVs for the military, the opportunity to use the SandShark™ for take-off and landing training in the UK looks promising.