has completed the first test flights of the production SA-400 Jackal Optionally Piloted Helicopter. The first flight comes after extensive flight tests of the prototype helicopter and shortly after receiving a special airworthiness certificate for experimental research and development for the optionally piloted SA-400 helicopter.
The SA-400 Jackal is a turbine powered vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) optionally piloted vehicle (OPV) that can carry a 100 lb payload with an endurance of over 4 hours. It is capable of automatic launch and recovery from a moving ship at sea. The first two production vehicles will be delivered to the Naval Research Laboratory for use in developing and demonstrating emerging sensor systems.
Source: Press Release