Integrator ER
Insitu · United States · also known as Integrator Extended Range · Updated
Integrator ER (Extended Range) is a tactical unmanned aircraft system built by Insitu, fitted with satellite communications to operate far beyond line of sight of its ground control station. It extends the base Integrator airframe's reach using a beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) SATCOM datalink, trading some endurance for a far longer operating radius than standard tactical UAVs.
Overview
Integrator ER's SATCOM mission kit is field-swappable, letting an operator fit it to a standard Integrator airframe to reach targets tactical line-of-sight systems cannot access from geographically dispersed bases. Insitu says the aircraft uses the latest high-throughput satellite constellations and an onboard planar array antenna to achieve datalink bandwidth above 10 Mbps, with an NSA Type 1 encryption option for secure operation. Because it needs no runway, it can fly from a small forward operating base, reducing the logistics footprint compared with runway-dependent aircraft and keeping personnel further from danger during launch and recovery.
Design and capabilities
The aircraft is 2.5 m long with a 4.9 m wingspan and a maximum take-off weight of 65.8 kg, powered by an electronic-fuel-injected piston engine burning heavy JP-5 or JP-8 fuel. Insitu states an endurance of up to 18 hours, split across mission profiles of about 10 hours on station at a 200 nautical mile (370 km) radius or around 6 hours at a 300 nautical mile (556 km) range, a maximum speed of more than 90 knots (167 km/h), a cruise speed of 55 knots (102 km/h) and a service ceiling of 20,000 ft (6,000 m). It carries interchangeable ISR, electronic-warfare and signals-intelligence payloads, including an Alticam-series electro-optical/infrared turret with laser rangefinder. The aircraft launches from Insitu's Mark 4 pneumatic launcher, operational within about ten minutes, and is recovered without a runway using the SkyHook system, which autonomously snags the aircraft's wingtip in mid-air.
Operational history
Integrator ER is operated by US forces as part of the wider Integrator family, which Insitu also supplies in the US Navy and Marine Corps' land- and sea-based RQ-21A Blackjack configuration. Australia ordered 24 Integrator aircraft for its Army in March 2022, and the Netherlands received three Integrator systems in 2017 to replace its Dutch forces' earlier ScanEagle fleet.
Frequently asked questions
How is the Integrator ER different from the standard Integrator?
It adds a field-swappable SATCOM mission kit that extends its range far beyond line of sight of the ground control station.
How long can the Integrator ER fly?
Up to 18 hours, though mission profiles trade endurance for range — for example, about 10 hours at a 200 nautical mile radius or 6 hours at a 300 nautical mile range.
Does the Integrator ER need a runway?
No. It launches from Insitu's Mark 4 pneumatic launcher and is recovered in mid-air by the runway-free SkyHook system.
What sensors does it carry?
Interchangeable ISR, electronic-warfare and signals-intelligence payloads, including an Alticam electro-optical/infrared turret with a laser rangefinder.
Who makes the Integrator ER?
Insitu, a US unmanned-aircraft maker that was a Boeing subsidiary until 2026.
