Thought this would be of interest……

Marc Wiese

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UNMANNED SEAPLANE PERFORMS "AUTOLANDING"

Oregon Iron Works successfully pulled of what is thought to be a first in the United States: an automated water landing. During a recent test of the defense company's Sea Scout in Texas, the unmanned flying boat completed two autonomous water landings with the assistance of an autopilot coupled with on-board LADAR for altitude and surface information. "Both landings were picture perfect... as good as they get," said Josh Pruzek, program manager for the Sea Scout.

The Sea Scout air vehicle, under development for nearly two years, is the result of a Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) sponsored Phase III Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) contract. The aircraft was flown at a gross weight of 300 lbs and carried 25 pounds of ballast in order to simulate a payload. A 38 HP Wankel engine powers the 10-foot span air vehicle. For more information, visit Oregon Iron Works' web site at www.oregoniron.com.