AME Unmanned Air Systems (AME UAS) announced another successful flight of the Fury 1500 special mission unmanned aerial system. This new version of the Fury was developed at AME’s UAS facility in San Luis Obispo, California. The Fury is operated and controlled by AME’s UAS mission management software, SharkFin.

The 14.2-hour flight solidifies the Fury’s position as the longest-endurance and largest payload tactical and runway-independent UAS flying today. With the largest payload capacity (weight and volume), heavy-fuel propulsion system, highest power-to-payload, and “special mission” capable avionics, Fury 1500 will provide best-inclass capabilities to the warfighter over a variety of mission scenarios. The Fury 1500’s first flight was in November 2010. AME recently moved to a more powerful launcher to eliminate wind and altitude launch constraints when flying above 300 lbs at takeoff.

Fury 1500 testing addresses multiple warfighter requirements. Designed for a broad range of missions and long endurance, Fury 1500’s large payload volume and power capacity can support several payloads simultaneously and provide for a flexible, multi-mission capability not currently available with other UAS platforms.

“Fury 1500, and its mission planning and control system, Sharkfin, are progressing nicely toward a fully deployable capability for our Army, Navy, and special mission customers,” added Jay McConville, AME UAS’ Chairman.