Maiden Flight of the ‘Killer Bee’ UAS

Race car designer Swift Engineering, San Clemente, Calif., said its “Killer Bee” fourth-generation unmanned aircraft system flew for the first time April 12 at the U.S. Army’s Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona. The new aircraft, designated KB4, flew for 70 minutes. With a 10-foot wingspan and gross weight of 136 pounds, KB4 can carry a 30-pound payload for up to 15 hours. Among potential missions are domestic border security and improvised explosive device detection in Iraq. "The airframe has taken the best of what we have learned from the past four years of development and improved manufacturability," said Larry Reding Swift Engineering’s KB Program Manager. “The outer wings, engine package and systems have all been redesigned for quick removal and replacement as line replaceable units. The wing tips have been significantly increased in length giving the air vehicle improved yaw stability and ample space for antennas.” The next KB4 flights are scheduled for early May to further test and validate the complete system, including a new “all-in-one” supply trailer and launcher and enhanced net recovery system, Swift Engineering said.