RUAG Ranger

RANGER is a tactical UAV system (TUAV) by Swiss aerospace enterprise RUAG Aerospace. Its design and some of its technology is based on the "Scout" UAV system by Israel Aerospace Industries.

The RANGER UAV uses a compact hydraulic launcher for takeoff. Due to a modular payload, the system can be adapted to a wide range of civilian and military missions. A skid-based landing system enables the UAV to land nearly anywhere, on grass or on concrete runways, on snow or ice. According to the manufacturer, RANGER is the only tactical UAV system worldwide is certified to fly in civilian airspace as well as over populated areas.

Operators

The RANGER system is in service with the Swiss Air Force under the designation "ADS-95". From 1988 to 1999, an earlier variant called "ADS-90" was in use. The Air Force's RANGERs are also used by Swiss police for reconnaissance, search and rescue missions.

The RANGER is also in service with the Finnish Defence Forces (FDF).

Technical data

*Type: Tactical UAV

*Dimension
** Length: 4,61 m (15.13 ft)
** Height: 1,13 (3.71 ft)
** Wingspan: 5,71 m (18.73 ft)
*Weight
** Maximum take-off weight: 285 kg (628 lb)
** Payload: 45 kg (99lb)
*Propulsion
** Engine type: 2 cylinder 2 stroke
** performance: 31,5 kW
*Flight performance
** Speed: 240 km/h (130 kts) max.
** Service ceiling: up to 18'000 ft
** Range: up to 180 km (112 miles)
** Endurance: up to 9 hours

External links

* [http://www.ruag.com/ruag/juice?pageID=103565 The manufacturer's RUAG Ranger website]
* [http://www.lw.admin.ch/internet/luftwaffe/en/home/dokumentation/assets/aircraft/ads95.html Swiss Air Force ADS-95 webpage]