WaveAerospace Unveils 500+ MPH High-Speed Huntress Turbojet Multi-Role Unmanned Drone

Defense News ,U.S :- Connecticut-based WaveAerospace recently revealed the Huntress Turbojet, a cutting-edge multi-role unmanned multi-copter designed to achieve speeds exceeding 500 miles per hour. The result of five years of development, the Huntress Turbojet is slated for flight tests in the upcoming summer, with delivery readiness anticipated by early 2025.

This all-weather hybrid-electric drone boasts a top speed of Mach 0.7 (467 knots) and a commendable flight endurance of two hours. Its hybrid propulsion system incorporates a turbojet engine and four high-speed electric propfans, offering versatility and efficiency.

Anticipated Features:

The Huntress Turbojet comes equipped with a payload capacity of 110 pounds (50 kilograms) and a maximum takeoff weight of 165 kg (365 pounds). It is capable of launch from the ground, a vessel, or another aircraft and can operate in wind conditions exceeding 60 miles (96 kilometers) per hour, as highlighted by the developer.

The drone's heightened speed and reverse thrust capabilities enable ship deck landings without the need for cables or harpoon recovery systems.

Projected Roles:

Primarily designed for military applications, the Huntress Turbojet is expected to excel in search-and-rescue missions, critical logistics flights in harsh environments, and command, control, communications, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance tasks.

Mark Strauss, WaveAerospace CEO and co-founder, emphasized the extensive real-world testing undergone by the Huntress Electric, its predecessor, with hundreds of hours of trials conducted in varying conditions, ranging from calm states to Force 10 ocean conditions. Strauss noted, "In essence, we are simply scaling up the aircraft and swapping its 10 kW electric propulsor core with a small turbojet."