Lockheed Martin has announced that its Stalker eXtended Endurance UAS has received a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capability upgrade, which, according to Lockheed, gives users “greater mission flexibility,” and allows them to operate the system in more “austere locations.”

Aside from featuring a reduced logistics footprint, the new VTOL option also expands how and where the Stalker XE UAS may operate. Additionally, Lockheed notes that other launch alternatives include a pneumatic rail or a standard bungee launch system.

“By offering three unique launch options, we will support day or night flight operations in a variety of environments, expanding Stalker XE’s ability to do more with less,” explains Russell Coons, Stalker XE program manager.

“We continue to evolve the system to bring more capability to our system operators.”

An “operationally proven, small, silent” UAS, Stalker XE provides long-endurance imaging capability through image stabilized pan, tilt, zoom on electro-optical, infrared, low-light and high-def imagers, along with an image tracker.

The UAS also features a “digital backbone” that allows for rapid plug and play of the latest technology, which means better pictures and more capabilities.

Capable of operating in all types of weather, Stalker XE has a 12-foot wingspan, and weighs 24 pounds with standard payloads. Lockheed says that depending on payloads and launch option, Stalker XE can fly up to eight hours with a propane fuel cell, or up to four hours with a battery option at a cruise speed of 35 miles per hour.