The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency has completed more than 20 at-sea tests on a prototype of its Towed Airborne Lift of Naval Systems to check the technology’s communications and ISR payload capacity.DARPA said Thursday the automated parafoil TALONS is designed to boost situational awareness and extend the range of communications for naval vessels, which tow the airborne system at altitudes of 500 to 1,500 feet.
At-sea tests began in May and continued through June following bench-tests earlier in the year as well as land-based and mock-up tests last year, the agency added.
The TALONS prototype can be deployed by hand or by the ship’s mast from small boats and large ships.