Mission Technologies Buster
The Buster is a portable mini-UAV built by Mission Technologies Inc. (also known as MiTex). The UAV, which features a unique twin-wing arrangement (a trademark of MiTex designs), is launched with a small catapult and recovered by parachute. It has a payload capacity of 1.4 kg (3 lb) for EO/IR (Electro-Optical/Infrared) type surveillance equipment.
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| Photo: Mission Technologies |
| Buster |
In August 2003, the U.S. Army ordered the first Buster UAVs from Mission Technologies. Since then, the Army has purchased a total of 9 Buster systems with four air vehicles each. They are used by the U.S. Army Night Vision Laboratories as mini-UAV sensor testbeds.
Specifications
Note: Data given by several sources show slight variations. Figures given below may therefore be inaccurate!
Data for Buster:
| Length | 1.04 m (3 ft 5 in) |
| Wingspan | 1.26 m (4 ft 1.5 in) |
| Weight | 4.5 kg (10 lb) |
| Speed | 65 km/h (35 knots) |
| Ceiling | 3000 m (10000 ft) |
| Range | 10 km (6 miles) |
| Endurance | > 4 h |
| Propulsion | ? |
Main Sources
[1] "Unmanned Aircraft Systems Roadmap, 2005-2030", Office of the Secretary of Defense, August 2005
Back to Directory of U.S. Military Rockets and Missiles, Appendix 4
Last Updated: 1 September 2005