In late 2009, BAE Systems partnered with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to complete the first test flight of the Coyote unmanned aircraft system. The Coyote deployed, as designed, from a 3-foot-long sonobuoy dropped from a P-3 aircraft. The test marked a significant milestone in the development of the system for military uses and scientific research. NOAA says the Coyote demonstrated potential to provide researchers with valuable observations during high-wind environments, such as hurricanes and tropical storms.

coyote uav

The Coyote is a small, electric-powered unmanned aircraft system. Initially designed with funding from the U.S. Navy, it weighs only 13 pounds and has a 58-inch wingspan. Once deployed, it can cruise faster than 60 knots for more than an hour, conducting research or performing intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions.