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03. November 2025

ScanEagle FLARES: Unveiling the Maritime Dominance of Insitu’s Small UAVs
In the vast expanse of the world’s oceans, small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have emerged as crucial tools for maritime surveillance, reconnaissance, and maintenance. Among these, Insitu’s ScanEagle stands out as a stalwart companion to naval vessels, providing unparalleled versatility and performance in the face of challenging marine environments.
The unique configuration of ScanEagle’s VTOL (vertical takeoff and landing) system allows it to operate from a variety of platforms, including ships, aircraft carriers, and even amphibious vessels. This versatility enables ScanEagle to provide situational awareness in areas inaccessible to manned aircraft or other UAS systems. The drone’s ability to launch and recover in extreme weather conditions, such as heavy seas and high winds, has been particularly well-received by naval operators.
One of the key innovations that sets ScanEagle apart from its competitors is its low, wide stance. This configuration enables the UAV to operate with greater stability and control on deck, even in the most turbulent conditions. The wide stance also allows for more effective launch and recovery operations, as the drone can be positioned closer to the ship’s railings, reducing the risk of collision or entanglement.
Insitu’s VTOL kits for ScanEagle have been specifically designed with maritime environments in mind. These kits feature reinforced structures and specialized components that can withstand the corrosive effects of saltwater and high-wind conditions. This ensures that ScanEagle remains operational even in the most demanding marine settings.
Another critical aspect of ScanEagle’s performance is its long endurance. The drone’s ability to stay aloft for extended periods minimizes the need for repeated launch and recovery operations, which can be a time-consuming and resource-intensive process. By reducing the number of sorties required to achieve a specific task, naval operators can allocate more resources to other critical shipboard operations.
Insitu’s maritime-optimized UAS solutions are designed to minimize disruption to other shipboard activities. The company’s systems are engineered to operate with low noise and vibration signatures, ensuring that ScanEagle does not interfere with navigation or communication equipment. This allows naval vessels to maintain a high degree of situational awareness without compromising their primary mission objectives.
ScanEagle has demonstrated its capabilities in a wide range of scenarios, from maritime surveillance and reconnaissance to mine countermeasures and construction inspection. In the real-world operational environment, the drone has proven itself to be an invaluable asset for naval operators worldwide.
The deployment of ScanEagle on board the USS Wasp, a 47-knot amphibious assault ship, is a notable example of its capabilities. The drone was tasked with conducting surveillance and reconnaissance in support of a mine-clearance operation off the coast of Somalia. With its advanced sensors and high-resolution cameras, ScanEagle provided critical information to naval personnel, helping them identify potential threats and navigate through treacherous waters.
Another example comes from the Indian Navy’s Western Fleet, where Insitu’s UAS platform was used for maritime surveillance and reconnaissance in support of anti-piracy operations. The drone’s ability to operate in harsh marine environments allowed it to provide real-time situational awareness to naval vessels, enhancing their effectiveness in countering pirate threats.
As Insitu continues to push the boundaries of small UAV technology, it remains committed to delivering solutions that meet the evolving needs of maritime customers worldwide. With decades of experience spanning over 45 ship classes, ScanEagle has established itself as a cornerstone of maritime UAS solutions, providing unparalleled versatility and performance in the face of challenging marine environments.
In the ever-changing world of maritime operations, Insitu’s UAS platform stands ready to provide situational awareness, enhance operational effectiveness, and drive safety and value per sortie. The company’s continued innovation and commitment to customer satisfaction have cemented ScanEagle’s position as a leading-edge solution for naval vessels worldwide.