Insitu Pacific, Innovaero to develop uncrewed long-range strike concept

Brisbane-based Insitu Pacific (IPL), a subsidiary of Boeing, and Perth-based Innovaero will collaborate on an integrated solution for a long-range strike capability using Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS), providing a versatile solution in an increasingly complex battlespace.

The work underway will coordinate:

• IPL’s Integrator, which provides Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), and
• Innovaero’s One-Way Loitering (OWL) munition which can strike a long-range target after flying directly to it or circling overhead.

“This unified approach would combine uncrewed intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) and long-range strike capabilities to rapidly deliver direct effects in the engagement zone without the need for crews in larger air assets being put at risk,” said Andrew Duggan, managing director of Insitu Pacific.

“The concept is designed to achieve seamless integration with current Australian Defence Force systems, including the Integrator, and offers great potential to become an integral strike asset.”

Together, the companies will develop, test and field the collaborative system using Insitu Pacific’s common Ground Control Station (GCS) and INEXA software to control both UAS and long-range OWLs. Operators would command both assets through the common GCS.

“The versatility of the proposed combined ISR and strike solution provides a significantly shorter ‘sensor to shooter’ loop to engage emerging threats,” said Simon Grosser, Innovaero Group CEO.

“Our collaboration with Insitu Pacific builds on our work with Defence in Australia to develop an Australian loitering munitions capability, and offers an integrated solution for long range UAS target detection and effective engagement.”

Development and testing for the Integrator/OWL system will continue through 2023.

The announcement builds on a Memorandum of Agreement established between Insitu Pacific and Innovaero in July 2021 to strengthen the development of Australian technology for uncrewed aerial systems.

The Integrator UAS has achieved several milestones in the past 12 months including the integration of a strike capability, a 25.5 hour mission endurance, and the development of maritime Vertical Take Off and Landing (VTOL) system for small flight decks using the Hood Tech Flying Launch and Recovery System (FLARES).

Innovaero’s OWL was first unveiled at the Land Forces 2022 expo in Brisbane. Innovaero also designed and will manufacture the BAE Systems Australia STRIX armed UAS which was unveiled at Avalon 2023.