BAE Systems Silver Fox
Autonomous surveillance UAV with day and night imaging capability.
The Silver Fox is a small, gas-powered unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) used for autonomous aerial surveillance. Weighing about 30 pounds, it can carry sensor payloads of up to four pounds, including electro-optical and infrared cameras for day and night full-motion video. The aircraft transmits its video feed to a ground station, which can control up to ten Silver Fox units simultaneously.
Originally developed by Advanced Ceramics Research, the program was acquired by BAE Systems in 2009. Sensintel Inc. bought BAE’s unmanned aircraft programs in June 2013, and Raytheon purchased Sensintel in January 2015. The Silver Fox performs autonomous takeoffs and landings and supports military intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions.
In July 2013, the Colombian Air Force purchased three Silver Fox UAVs, along with rail launchers, ground control stations, and video systems. The drones have been deployed by the U.S. military to the southern Philippines for operations in the Moro conflict, where at least one was captured by MILF rebels.
Quick Facts
- Aircraft Type
- Unmanned aerial vehicle
- National Origin
- United States
- Manufacturer
- Sensintel Inc.
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The Silver Fox was originally developed by Advanced Ceramics Research (ACR), which was purchased by BAE in 2009. Sensintel Inc. purchased BAE Systems Unmanned Aircraft Programs in June 2013, and Raytheon purchased Sensintel in January 2015. The aircraft is gas-powered, weighs about 30 pounds, and can carry electro-optical and infrared sensors for full-motion imagery during both day and night operations. It performs autonomous takeoffs and landings and supports military intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions.
In July 2013, the Colombian Air Force bought three Silver Fox UAVs, along with rail launchers, ground control stations, and video systems for each. The drones were deployed to the southern Philippines by the US military, participating in operations in the Moro conflict, where at least one Silver Fox was captured by MILF rebels.
Reader's Guide
The Silver Fox UAV represents a low-cost, gas-powered platform for autonomous aerial surveillance, with a design emphasis on small payloads and ease of operation. Its ability to carry electro-optical and infrared sensors enables day and night full-motion imagery, making it suitable for military intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. The aircraft's ground station can control up to ten units simultaneously, enhancing operational efficiency. The system's acquisition history—from Advanced Ceramics Research through BAE, Sensintel, and Raytheon—reflects its continued relevance in the unmanned systems market. Its deployment in the southern Philippines during the Moro conflict and the capture of at least one unit by MILF rebels illustrate its use in real-world counterinsurgency operations. The Colombian Air Force's purchase of three systems in July 2013 further demonstrates international adoption. The Silver Fox's legacy lies in its role as a compact, autonomous surveillance tool that bridges the gap between small tactical drones and larger reconnaissance platforms.
Did You Know?
- The Silver Fox can carry sensor payloads weighing up to four pounds.
- One ground station can simultaneously operate ten Silver Fox units.
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