Lockheed Martin Fury 1500 – a long-endurance tactical UAS with runway-free deployment capabilities for ISR and electronic warfare.
In brief
The Fury 1500 UAS is a small, tactical drone designed by Lockheed Martin in partnership with AeroMech. Utilizing a heavy-fuel engine, it supports extended endurance missions of up to 16 hours and can reach altitudes up to 18,000 feet (5,486 meters). The UAS features a delta wing design and is equipped with a rear-mounted three-bladed propeller, which enhances propulsion and stability. The Fury is runway-independent, launched via a pneumatic catapult and recovered using a collapsible system, making it suitable for deployment in various environments, including maritime zones. Its payload capacity supports multi-INT (multi-intelligence) operations, with a standard payload weight between 34 to 56 kg. Its advanced SATCOM data link allows real-time ISR capabilities, delivering critical intelligence and live video streams to ground control, making it an asset in electronic warfare and surveillance missions.
The Lockheed Martin Fury 1500
The Lockheed Martin Fury 1500, a Group 3 tactical unmanned aerial system, was created to support ISR and electronic warfare missions requiring long endurance and versatility. Unlike larger, strategic UAVs, the Fury 1500 was designed to provide close-range tactical support without the need for extensive infrastructure, enhancing flexibility and cost-efficiency. The UAS can perform in multiple environments—whether in coastal areas, deserts, or urban settings—by utilizing its runway-independent deployment system. Equipped with advanced data-link technology, the Fury offers continuous, high-quality data transmission to ground operators and meets the multi-payload needs of modern military missions, making it a valuable asset for the U.S. Armed Forces.
History of the Development of the Lockheed Martin Fury 1500
The Fury 1500 was developed by AeroMech Engineering (ChandlerMay) in conjunction with Lockheed Martin to meet the U.S. Armed Forces’ demand for an adaptable, high-endurance tactical UAS. The project was initiated with support from the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory, recognizing the growing necessity for reliable ISR platforms that could operate in diverse, unprepared environments. This led to the creation of a UAS that could be launched and recovered without traditional runway infrastructure, increasing its operational versatility. Initial tests and development phases were completed in 2008, and the Fury 1500 achieved its first successful flight on November 30, 2010, at Hunter Liggett Army Airfield, California. It was publicly introduced at the 2011 Paris Air Show, signaling its readiness for full tactical deployment.
The Fury 1500’s development aligns with the U.S. military’s evolving need for UAVs that can provide extended ISR capabilities while being cost-effective and easy to deploy. Given the global demand for ISR-focused drones in both military and commercial applications, Lockheed Martin’s Fury series has also undergone continuous development to integrate new technologies such as SharkFin mission management software. This advancement allows for autonomous flight, real-time video display, and comprehensive payload control, enhancing the drone’s tactical functionality. Its design also incorporates various Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) components, a deliberate choice to reduce costs while enhancing reliability and ease of maintenance.
Design of the Lockheed Martin Fury 1500
The Lockheed Martin Fury 1500 has a delta-wing design, a configuration that provides stability and maneuverability for extended missions. Measuring 1.4 meters in length with a wingspan of 3.7 meters (12.1 feet), the Fury’s compact design supports portability while ensuring aerodynamic efficiency. The structure, made from lightweight materials, enables the UAS to achieve long flights with a maximum take-off weight of 136 kg (300 pounds).
At the rear, the Fury 1500 is equipped with a three-bladed propeller driven by a heavy-fuel engine, ensuring propulsion during its missions. This choice of fuel not only allows longer flights due to fuel efficiency but also reduces logistical requirements, making it suitable for expeditionary operations. The Fury 1500’s pneumatic launcher enables it to be deployed from various terrains, including naval and rugged landscapes, while its collapsible recovery system ensures reliable retrieval, both on land and water.
Internally, the UAS features shielded avionics that protect against radio frequency interference, vital for ISR and electronic warfare in contested environments. Its payload bay accommodates multiple sensors, supporting the platform’s role in multi-intelligence operations. The sensors include electro-optical cameras for capturing real-time video and imagery and SATCOM for long-range data transmission, supporting ISR over considerable distances.
Performance of the Lockheed Martin Fury 1500
The Fury 1500 is powered by a heavy-fuel engine with a capacity of 2 kW, enabling the aircraft to reach a cruise speed of up to 214 km/h (133 mph) and a maximum operational altitude of 18,000 feet (5,486 meters). This performance capability positions the Fury 1500 as a competitive choice among tactical UAVs, offering advantages in endurance and range. With a ferry range of 2,778 kilometers (1,726 miles), the Fury can perform ISR missions over extensive operational areas, supporting diverse mission requirements without frequent refueling.
Endurance is a standout feature of the Fury 1500, allowing it to remain airborne for up to 16 hours on a single fuel load, significantly higher than many other UAVs in its class. This long endurance supports prolonged ISR missions, and its fuel efficiency helps reduce operational costs. Although it lacks the range of larger UAVs like the MQ-9 Reaper, the Fury is optimized for tactical ISR applications that require a lower logistical footprint.
Variants of the Lockheed Martin Fury 1500
The Fury 1500 exists as part of a broader Fury UAS family that includes different configurations for specific mission types. The standard Fury 1500 is primarily used for ISR and electronic warfare, incorporating SATCOM and line-of-sight communications, which enhance its range and situational awareness. Another variant, designed for payload flexibility, includes additional mounting points and a higher payload capacity, enabling support for multi-sensor payloads. Additionally, lightweight configurations have been developed for shorter-range missions requiring faster deployment.
Military Use and Combat of the Lockheed Martin Fury 1500
Primarily used in ISR missions, the Fury 1500 UAS has demonstrated extensive applications within the U.S. Armed Forces, especially in areas requiring real-time intelligence gathering. The Fury’s electro-optical camera systems and secure SATCOM links enable it to provide detailed situational awareness over critical areas. Deployed by the U.S. military for coastal surveillance, border protection, and reconnaissance over hostile areas, the Fury has proven valuable in operations where conventional assets would be exposed to risk.
In combat scenarios, the Fury’s unarmed configuration enables it to gather intelligence covertly, supporting tactical units on the ground. Although it lacks offensive capabilities, its data relay supports targeted strikes by other assets, adding value as an ISR platform rather than a combat drone. Its role in the U.S. Armed Forces has made the Fury an attractive option for allied nations interested in affordable ISR solutions with minimal maintenance requirements.
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