Dubai 2011: Spydr casts its inescapable web

Spydr is a modified Beech 350 and, as such, builds on L-3’s experience in modifying 46 similar King Airs as MC-12Ws to meet the USAF’s Project Liberty requirement.

L-3’s mission integration division enjoys a reputation as the leading provider of manned ISR platforms, and is increasingly turning its attention to smaller, cheaper, manned airborne ISR platforms.

The Spydr is intended both as a demonstrator for a configuration that could be deployed ‘as is’ on the Beech 350 (or similar small platforms) and as a testbed aircraft for a whole menu of technologies and capabilities, some or all of which could be adapted to a wide range of platforms, including larger aircraft like the Alenia C-27J, the Bombardier Dash-8, the EADS CN-235/C-295 and the Lockheed Martin C-130J. L-3 estimates a market for some 150 aircraft with Spydr system equipment.

The aircraft incorporates a WESCAM MX-15Di
IR turret, providing full-motion video, EO/IR imaging, and laser ranging and illumination. It is also fitted with a SIGINT system with direction finding and a comprehensive line-of-sight secure communications system, including data links.

Work is apparently underway to integrate a Selex Galileo PicoSAR lightweight synthetic aperture radar, and the aircraft is expected to be modified with a longer nose to allow a second turret to be fitted. All sensors are integrated with L-3’s on-board processing, exploitation and dissemination system.

An operational Spydr would incorporate comprehensive self-protection systems, including missile warning sensors and a countermeasures dispenser system.

Spydr is expected to fly back to the UK after the Dubai show, where it will be used for unspecified trials activity.