The GT Aeronautics Bandito MAV UAS is a micro unmanned aircraft designed to fly autonomous, one-way or roundtrip missions to pre-programmed or inflight-programmed waypoints and destination latitude/longitudes. The aircraft incorporates a modified "Delta Wing" design and a specially-designed laminar-flow airfoil that provides high speed (maximum 200 knots) and payload capacity (20 - 50 grams) with a dynamically stable flying platform. The aircraft is so stable in flight that it does not require an autopilot to maintain correct aircraft attitude - thus allowing the aircraft to glide to a destination even after battery depletion. Construction features include a molded, hollow-core, "all-composite", Kevlar/carbon graphite airframe, providing high rigidity, damage resistance, and light weight. The aircraft uses a small, rechargeable Li-Po battery pack to provide up to 30 minutes of power to the motor and avionics. Maximum range at 150 knots is approximately 50 nautical miles. While the aircraft is intended for one-way, one-time flights, the autoland feature provides very accurate landings (error less than 20 feet) to programmed land points. The rugged airframe, coupled with backup rechargeable LiPo batteries, permits rapid re-launch of the Bandito MAV. The Bandito is specifically designed to be carried aloft onboard a mother ship, but ground hand launches from very restricted areas is easily accomplished. NO ADDITIONAL LAUNCH EQUIPMENT IS REQUIRED. Just select "Takeoff" on the GCS display and hand launch the aircraft. The aircraft utilizes high-intensity LED and Infrared lighting for day and night operations.

NOTE: The performance specifications listed have been validated with flight testing. The Bandito MAV UAS is currently conducting a rigorous flight test schedule to further validate specifications. Initial flight testing was completed in the second half of 2006. Performance specifications continue to be validated during flight testing and may improve with new technology. Certain information concerning the aircraft, its performance and systems is proprietary and may not be released to the general public. This information is available in the Client Section of the website. Please click here for more information about Client Section access.