Insitu experimenting with armed Integrator UAVs

An Insitu Integrator launching inert test munitions. (Insitu)

Insitu announced plans to arm its Integrator unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), the Boeing subsidiary announced on 5 September.

Testing to prepare for munitions began in September 2021, when Insitu and the US Navy launched ‘surrogates of the Northrop Grumman Hatchet' and other munitions from an Integrator, the company told Janes on 8 September.

“Prior to the test event, the aircraft was integrated with a multishot battle management system from Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division and dispensers from Systima Technologies,” the company told Janes. “Later this year, we plan to collaborate for dropping additional kinetic payloads together with a payload partner.”

Insitu declined to specify either the number of flights conducted with munitions or how much testing remains before the company declares lethal Integrators ready for action.

The weaponry is mounted in the centre-of-gravity payload bay, Insitu said, which can carry payloads weighing up to 15.9 kg (35 lb). Because the payload bay is designed for swappable modules, the weapon ejector can be integrated onto existing aircraft without modifications.

“Based on global events and the changing landscape of today's modern battlefield, Insitu's military customers, both domestically and internationally, are demanding a kinetics capability. Unfortunately, we are unable to discuss who we are working with at this time,” the company told Janes.