Dornier Seawings is introducing a new product aimed at governmental operators: the Orca, which they claim is the world’s most advanced amphibious mission platform. Based on the Seastar the aircraft comes with optional internal and external mission equipment stations. For example, equipped with camera and radar systems for search and surveillance, stretchers for medical evacuation and self-protection items for defense purpose. The Orca can be customized and suited to an operational profile. Dornier Seawings plans for the Orca to be ready to enter service in 2022.
A key advantage of this platform is that it has an all-composite airframe which makes it corrosion-free even in a salty environment. Moreover, it has better range/payload than an equivalent helicopter. Since it is a manned platform, it also offers more flexibility than a UAV.
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