VStar Systems Inc.’s MA-C SIGINT sensor undergoes first test flight aboard Martin UAV V-Bat

SAN DIEGO. The MA-C/lite modular signal intelligence (SIGINT) sensor from VStar Systems Inc., a privately held aerospace and defense systems company in San Diego, California, has completed a flight test aboard the V-Bat long-endurance vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), also commonly called a drone, from Martin UAV in Addison, Texas.

Over the duration of 35 minutes at an altitude of 400 feet above ground level, MA-C/lite collected signals from as far as 20 miles distance during the flight test. MA-C/lite infuses Martin UAV's V-Bat fleet with novel capabilities, enabling the aircraft to fulfill new, critical missions for a variety of military and private security clients, company officials say.

MA-C products from VStar Systems, co-founded by entrepreneur and U.S. Navy veteran Andy Von Stauffenberg, are designed to provide signal intelligence such as signal copy, signal identification, and geolocation to a wide variety of platforms, ranging from Type 1 UAVs to even the largest manned platforms.

Starting at a weight of approximately two pounds, MA-C/lite provides SIGINT capabilities to Martin UAV's line of V-Bat unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), which previously were limited to optical payloads due to the size and weight of other SIGINT sensors on the market.

MA-C/lite is one of several products under the MA-X Modular Airborne Signal Intelligence System, a scalable solution designed to provide critical intelligence at an affordable price point.

"This flight test is the first step toward utilizing smaller UAVs in superior ways," predicts VStar Systems CEO Andy von Stauffenberg. "Under our lightweight design and modular approach, Martin UAV's V-Bat now has the ability to perform new, critical roles in today's information age. Our sensor opens the door to more innovation and more valuable uses for SIGINT, and aids even the smallest platforms in becoming multi-intelligence capable."

The launch of the MA-C/lite sensor is VStar's first step in commoditizing SIGINT, enabling smaller aircraft to carry a single, specialized module rather than extra weight and associated costs from a sensor that does more than required for the mission. VStar provides a convenient and efficient system that requires low size and weight, and comes at a low cost; ultimately bringing more players and ingenuity into the UAV industry as more aircraft utilizing VStar's sensors will be able to fulfill critical the tactical and strategic missions that commanders have been struggling to complete.

"We are eager to work with VStar to develop V-Bat's capability in the tactical VTOL market; the warfighter deserves the best technology and support we can provide," Martin UAV COO Phil Jones says. "The addition of VStar's MA-C/lite sensor gives the VBat a new, critical capability that our military clients are excited to get access to."

With a first flight test complete and several additional tests to increase the capabilities already planned, VStar's MA-C sensors will become available as a payload option on the VBat later this year.

VStar Systems Inc. is an aerospace and defense company that specializes in rethinking the way systems were traditionally designed to subsequently provide creative and effective solutions to new and emerging problems. By focusing on the full circle integration of components including hardware, software, as well as the technology, processes and human aspects, VStar Systems is able to provide real-time and applicable solutions to advanced issues at hand.

VStar specializes in:

· ISR sensor systems

· Quick reaction capabilities/rapid technology insertion

· Airborne and ground data processing

· Processing, exploitation, and dissemination

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