CQ-10 SnowGoose
The SnowGoose CQ-10 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), NSN 1550-01-505-3010, is a multi-purpose, autonomous, aerial cargo delivery system with a payload capability up to 575 lbs (260.8 Kg) carried in 6 individual cargo bays. Produced by the Mist Mobility Integrated Systems Technology Company the CQ-10A Snow Goose is a multi-purpose Unmanned Aerial Vehicle designed for the precision delivery of cargo. It combines MMIST's latest developments in autonomous guidance and precision cargo delivery.
The SnowGoose was originally developed as the Wind Supported Aerial Delivery System (WSADS) and refined in the Air-Launched Extended Range Transporter (ALERT) ACTD. The first flight occurred in April 2001, and IOC was achieved in Jan 2005. In early 2003, the US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) ordered five SnowGoose UAVs with potential orders for up to 74 delivery systems.
In the United States it received the CQ-10A/B WSADS (Wind Supported Air Delivery System) designation. The Snow Goose was originally designed for leaflet dispensing, but can support a variety of missions with its six modular cargo bays, each of which can carry pods for fuel, cargo, electronic sensors or broadcasting packages.
USSOCOM selected the CQ-10A SnowGoose to dispense leaflets for Psychological Operations (PSYOP), deliver small supply bundles to Special Operations Forces, provide aerial surveillance and communications relay capabilities. The SnowGoose is a powered, programmable, GPSguided parafoil with modular payload bays that can carry up to six individual payload or fuel bins.
The SnowGoose can be ground launched from a HMMWV or air-deployed from a C-130, C-141, or C-17 at altitudes up to 25,000 feet. From the ground, it can climb to 18,000 feet. It can carry up to 575 pounds of leaflets, supplies, or other fixed cargo payloads with an endurance of 1-3 hours or it can stay aloft with a 75 pound payload for 14-16 hours.
Endurance is a function of the selection of ground launch or air launch parachute kit, with greater endurance achieved in its ground launch configuration. The SnowGoose is designed to operate with only four operators with a turn-around time of less than four hours between uses.
The SnowGoose UAV is capable of full autonomous flight within the boundaries of approved air space, according to the pre-programmed mission. Flight of the UAV is monitored and controlled from a SATCOM ground control station. The SnowGoose modular payload bays allow for multi-mission capability with simple integration of a wide range of available payload equipment packages.
The SnowGoose can deliver a payload of 600-lb carried in six individual cargo bays. The delivery system can be ground launched from a 1,200-fr unprepared level surface. A C-130 or C-17 aircraft can release the SnowGoose from an altitude of 25,000-ft. Its a minimum flight altitude is 61 meters (200-ft) and is undetectable at altitudes of 610 meters (2,000-ft) or more.
It is powered by a 110-hp Rotax 914 turbo charged aircraft engine matched to a composite 3-blade propeller. Equipped with a gyro rotor head (CQ-10B) it achieves near vertical take off and landing capability. The flight endurance can reach 15 hours carrying a 100-lb payload using either the parachute or the gyro rotor head. A single SnowGoose system can be operated by a crew of just 4 people.
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