Boeing's ScanEagle drones to be serviced by Ukraine's Antonov: their role in Iraq, Afghanistan

For example, the ScanEagle drone, manufactured by a subsidiary of the world-renowned Boeing, will now be serviced by Ukraine’s state-owned enterprise, Antonov.

What is ScanEagle?

The Boeing Insitu ScanEagle is a small, long-range reconnaissance UAV developed by Insitu, a subsidiary of Boeing. Its predecessor, the commercial SeaScan drone, was originally designed for fishing, collecting weather data, and assisting fishermen in locating tuna.

The primary mission of the ScanEagle is to provide aerial reconnaissance and support artillery fire adjustments. It made its first flight in 2002, and various modernizations have since been developed. The technology was first successfully deployed by the U.S. in Iraq in 2004 and has since been used in Afghanistan and adopted by over two dozen countries.

Equipped with stabilized electro-optical and/or infrared cameras, the ScanEagle has a communication range of over 100 km. In 2008, it was successfully tested with the world’s smallest synthetic aperture radar, NanoSAR A from ImSAR, which weighs just 1.6 kg and delivers high-quality images even in adverse weather conditions or amidst battlefield interference, according to Defense Express.

Additionally, the ScanEagle can be used for civilian purposes, including firefighting, railroad monitoring, support for oil and gas operations, mining, and agricultural assistance.

Technical characteristics of the Boeing Insitu ScanEagle

• length: 1.71 m;

• wingspan: 3.1 m;

• maximum takeoff weight: 26.5 kg;

• payload capacity: Up to 5 kg;

• payload power: 150 W;

• range: 100+ km;

• operating time: 24 hours;

• maximum speed: Up to 150 km/h;

• cruising speed: 89 km/h;

• practical ceiling: 5,950 m.

Features of the ScanEagle

One of the key advantages of the ScanEagle, according to ArmyInform, is that it doesn’t require an airfield for deployment. Instead, it is launched using a pneumatic launcher known as the Super Wedge, patented by Insitu. After completing its mission, the UAV is recovered using the Skyhook system, which features a hook at the end of the wing that latches onto a tether vertically stretched by a specialized mechanism 9-15 meters high. This operation relies on high-precision differential GPS modules installed both on the drone and the launching mechanism.

The entire system costs approximately $3.5 million and includes four drones, a ground control system, a catapult, and a mast for recovery. Each drone is equipped with a rotating infrared or electro-optical camera mounted in its nose.

The manufacturers of the ScanEagle note the quick adaptability of its payload, allowing for reconfiguration based on specific mission requirements. The drone can be employed for various roles, including electronic warfare, communication relay, reconnaissance, and fire adjustment. According to Insitu, the UAV is capable of collecting and processing intelligence around the clock, even in extreme conditions.

"The latest ScanEagle features upgraded avionics, expanded payload capabilities, and a new heavy fuel propulsion system that significantly enhances reliability and performance. It operates effectively in harsh environments and supports various thermal imager configurations that can be swiftly changed in the field," states Boeing's website.

ScanEagle in Ukraine

The ScanEagle drones were included in the aid package announced by President Joe Biden in August 2022, alongside NASAMS air defense systems and HIMARS ammunition. At that time, it was reported that 15 drones would be transferred to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

In September 2022, the United States signed a $191 million contract for ScanEagle drones. This contract stipulates the delivery of 25 ScanEagle drones and additional UAVs by June 2026, with the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and an unnamed foreign user designated as the recipients.

U.S.-Ukrainian cooperation regarding the ScanEagle reached a new level in the summer of 2024. During the Farnborough International Airshow, Boeing and Antonov signed an agreement aimed at fostering collaboration between the two companies in the field of unmanned aerial vehicles.

"This collaboration focuses primarily on training, logistics, and the overhauling of tactical UAVs used by the Ukrainian Defense Forces, including the ScanEagle. The parties are also exploring options for engineering support from Boeing for Antonov," noted observers from Defense Express.