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The ĵֱ ArcticShark

The ĵֱ ArcticShark™ Unmanned Aerial Vehicle is a highly adaptable, aerial research platform that provides an observational base for multiple scientific research disciplines.

A purpose-designed variant of the highly successful and proven ĵֱ TigerShark-XP™, the ArcticShark was conceived and constructed to operate in cold weather environments. Designed specifically for extreme climate survivability, the ArcticShark was modified and hardened to withstand the rigors of polar region operations. Additionally, the ArcticShark features an upgraded satellite command and control system for beyond visual line of sight operations.

The ĵֱ ArcticShark™ Unmanned Aerial Vehicle is a highly adaptable, aerial research platform that provides an observational base for multiple scientific research disciplines.

A purpose-designed variant of the highly successful and proven ĵֱ TigerShark-XP™, the ArcticShark was conceived and constructed to operate in cold weather environments. Designed specifically for extreme climate survivability, the ArcticShark was modified and hardened to withstand the rigors of polar region operations. Additionally, the ArcticShark features an upgraded satellite command and control system for beyond visual line of sight operations.

  • The main bay area and multiple hardpoint attachment locations of the ArcticShark offer ample opportunity to integrate research or surveillance payloads.

  • The unique nose configuration was designed to accommodate a variety of SATCOM packages.

  • ArcticShark incorporates EPDM weather seal gaskets on all access hatches ports, and panels to prevent moisture and ice accumulation. Performance-tested to -20⁰ C.

  • Chosen specifically for its exceptional high power to weight ratio, the fuel injected UEL 801 is a 50 HP engine offering economical fuel consumption and low vibration.

  • Carbon fiber laminate wing construction with a high strength to weight ratio provides rugged durability.

ArcticShark – A Versatile, Cold-Weather UAV Solution

The ArcticShark can be configured with varied wing and fuselage mounted instrumentation designed to sample various data in extreme latitudes. It incorporates a “Payload Plug and Play” system that minimizes cost and allows for the seamless integration of new and different research payloads. The open architecture airframe enables the ArcticShark to carry and employ multiple payloads simultaneously. Depending on the payload weight and power requirements, ArcticShark offers high endurance for its size even in cold weather.

The ĵֱ ArcticShark™ Cold Weather Upgrades:

  • Heated pitot-static system.
  • All avionics components hardened and tested to operate at or below temperatures of -20⁰ C.
  • All servos modified with low-temperature lubricant. Tested to -20⁰ C and subjected to 500 hour continuous operation life cycle testing under normal load condition. Zero performance degradation or failure.
  • EPDM weather seal gaskets incorporated on all access hatches, ports, and panels to preclude moisture intrusion/ice accumulation. Tested with zero degradation of performance to -20⁰ C.
  • 4kW alternator to easily support integration of additional aircraft anti-ice/de-ice systems with no impact to mission systems.
  • 60HP, fuel-injected engine precludes carburetor icing and provides robust climb performance to better enable avoidance of icing conditions.
  • 48V deep cell battery and heavy duty external starter employed for reliable engine starting at lower temperatures.
  • Engine oil systems (oil cooler, oil cooler restriction plates, externally mounted oil lines, etc.) tested for proper flow and heat stabilization at lower temperatures.
A: Wingspan21′ 9″ (6.6m)
B: Length14′ 3″ (4.3m)
C: Ground to Top of Winglet3′ 9″ (1.1m)
D: Ground to Top of Tail Boom4′ 1″ (1.2m)
E: Ground Clearance1′ (0.3m)
F: Nose to Propeller9′ 2″ (2.8m)
G: Width of Fuselage25′ 6″ (7.8m)
H: Tail Boom Width4′ 4″ (1.3m)
General Specifications
EngineUEL 801, 50HP
Power Generation4.2kW Alternator
Propeller37″x36″ (940mm X 914mm)
Fuel Capacity20 gal. (76L)
Empty Weight469 lbs. *(209kg)*
Gross Weight650 lbs. (295kg)
CG Range31-35% MAC
Best CG Range33% MAC (Zero fuel landing weight)
Payload Specifications
Max. Payload Weight70 lbs.*(32 kg)*
Payload Bay VolumeMain Bay: 14′ 5″W x 19″D x 15″H (4,132 cu.in.)
Main Bay: 368mm W x 483mm D x 381mm H (67,720 cu.cm.)
Payload Power Available2,000 Watts Max.
Wing Stores
Max. Combined Hard Points Per Wing50 lbs. (22.7kg)
Max. Inner Hard Points35 lbs. (15.9kg)
Max. Outer Hard Points30 lbs. (13.6kg)
Max. Combined Left/Right Wing Hard Points Delta20 lbs. (9.0kg)
Max. Wing Tip Store20 lbs. (9.0kg)
Max. Tailboom Payload**10 lbs. (4.5kg) per boom
Frequencies
AutopilotPlease contact ĵֱ at 215-675-4949 with your frequency questions.
Secondary Comms.Please contact ĵֱ at 215-675-4949 with your frequency questions.
Video TransmitterPlease contact ĵֱ at 215-675-4949 with your frequency questions.
IFF TransponderSagetech ADS-B Out 1090 MHZ Tx, 1030 MHz Rx
(Transponder Mode 3A/C Compatible)
GPSL1-1575.42 MHz
DGPSL1-1575.41 MHz / L2 – 1227.60 MHZ
Flight Performance
Max. Altitude18,000 ft. (5,486m) MSL*
Max Speed80 Kts*
Loiter Speed60-65 Kts IAS
Stall Speed54 Kts @ 580 lbs. (263kg) Zero Flaps/51 Kts Full Flaps
Max. Operating Wind Speed25 Kts
Max. Crosswind15 Kts
Takeoff Speed58 Kts @ 580 lbs. (263kg) Zero Flaps*
Landing DistanceWheeled with Hydraulic Breaking, 700 ft. (214m) Rollout
Endurance8+ Hours with 12 lbs. (5.4kg) Fuel Reserve (Depending on fuel and payload)*

Dependent on payload weight.
* Estimated – Actual value dependent on performance and/or integration of selected payload.
** Please contact ĵֱ at 215-675-4949 for alternative tailboom mount locations and corresponding weight limits.

Atmospheric Research Platform
Communications Relay Platform
Low-Cost Research & Development Platform
Geological & Terrain Mapping
Meteorological Reasearch Center

ArcticShark™ Video

nasc-arctic-shark-specifications
A: Wingspan21′ 9″ (6.6m)
B: Length14′ 3″ (4.3m)
C: Ground to Top of Winglet3′ 9″ (1.1m)
D: Ground to Top of Tail Boom4′ 1″ (1.2m)
E: Ground Clearance1′ (0.3m)
F: Nose to Propeller9′ 2″ (2.8m)
G: Width of Fuselage25′ 6″ (7.8m)
H: Tail Boom Width4′ 4″ (1.3m)
General Specifications
EngineUEL 801, 50HP
Power Generation4.2kW Alternator
Propeller37″x36″ (940mm X 914mm)
Fuel Capacity20 gal. (76L)
Empty Weight469 lbs. *(209kg)*
Gross Weight650 lbs. (295kg)
CG Range31-35% MAC
Best CG Range33% MAC (Zero fuel landing weight)
Payload Specificatons
Max. Payload Weight70 lbs.*(32 kg)*
Payload Bay VolumeMain Bay: 14′ 5″W x 19″D x 15″H (4,132 cu.in.)
Main Bay: 368mm W x 483mm D x 381mm H (67,720 cu.cm.)
Payload Power Available2,000 Watts Max.
Wing Stores
Max. Combined Hard Points Per Wing50 lbs. (22.7kg)
Max. Inner Hard Points35 lbs. (15.9kg)
Max. Outer Hard Points30 lbs. (13.6kg)
Max. Combined Left/Right Wing Hard Points Delta20 lbs. (9.0kg)
Max. Wing Tip Store20 lbs. (9.0kg)
Max. Tailboom Payload**10 lbs. (4.5kg) per boom
Frequencies
AutopilotPlease contact ĵֱ at 215-675-4949 with your frequency questions.
Secondary Comms.Please contact ĵֱ at 215-675-4949 with your frequency questions.
Video TransmitterPlease contact ĵֱ at 215-675-4949 with your frequency questions.
IFF TransponderSagetech ADS-B Out 1090 MHZ Tx, 1030 MHz Rx
(Transponder Mode 3A/C Compatible)
GPSL1-1575.42 MHz
DGPSL1-1575.41 MHz / L2 – 1227.60 MHZ
Flight Performance
Max. Altitude18,000 ft. (5,486m) MSL*
Max Speed80 Kts*
Loiter Speed60-65 Kts IAS
Stall Speed54 Kts @ 580 lbs. (263kg) Zero Flaps/51 Kts Full Flaps
Max. Operating Wind Speed25 Kts
Max. Crosswind15 Kts
Takeoff Speed58 Kts @ 580 lbs. (263kg) Zero Flaps*
Landing DistanceWheeled with Hydraulic Breaking, 700 ft. (214m) Rollout
Endurance8+ Hours with 12 lbs. (5.4kg) Fuel Reserve (Depending on fuel and payload)*

Dependent on payload weight.
* Estimated – Actual value dependent on performance and/or integration of selected payload.
** Please contact ĵֱ at 215-675-4949 for alternative tailboom mount locations and corresponding weight limits.

Atmospheric Research Platform
Communications Relay Platform
Low-Cost Research & Development Platform
Geological & Terrain Mapping
Meteorological Reasearch Center

ArcticShark™ Video