Navy launches new eye in the sky

A sunny day in Jervis Bay was the backdrop for 822X Squadron’s first launch and recovery of Navy’s newest uncrewed aircraft system (UAS).

CAPTION: Navy’s Integrated Capability System (NICS) on its inaugural flight. Story by Sub-Lieutenant Brodie Whitbread. Photos by Commander Simon Lam.

The system, known as Integrator, is a fixed-wing platform capable of up to 16 hours of flight time, with a maximum speed of more than 90 knots.

Capable of carrying a variety of payloads, the Integrator offers Navy a crucial set of eyes and ears in the sky.

Commander Fleet Air Arm Commodore Matthew Royals reflected on Navy’s adoption of the Integrator UAS.

“The realisation of Integrator has progressed from concept to first flight in just six months, an achievement that truly embodies the speed to capability intent, and a reflection of the hard work and commitment of a relatively small group of people across a range of organisations,” Commodore Royals said.

A week before the flight, 822X Squadron began the set up at Jervis Bay Airfield and validated approach profiles in the simulator.

Ensuring all processes and checklists were safe, the remote pilot warfare officers and aviation technicians worked tirelessly in preparation for the first launch.

CAPTION: Acting Sub-Lieutenant Nicholas Mattei and Leading Seaman Timothy Stallard go through the ground crew pre-launch checklist prior to 822X Squadron’s first flight with the NICS platform.

Anticipation was high as the UAS was loaded onto the launcher.

The operators stood ready, eager for launch. At the pilot’s command, the Integrator surged skyward, marking a return to flight for 822X Squadron.

Integrator flew the skies of Jervis Bay for 3.1 hours incrementally validating approach profiles, terrain clearances, and communication links, before momentously returning to the airfield for recovery.

The system entered final approach and the wing of the aircraft successfully caught the Skyhook.

The pilot, Acting Sub-Lieutenant Clinton Adams, said the launch was an exciting moment for the squadron.

“Being in control of these large uncrewed aircraft is both thrilling and an awesome opportunity, especially given the emerging technology in this space,” Acting Sub-Lieutenant Adams said.

Following months of rigorous training, preparation and integration, 822X Squadron has officially transitioned to operations with the Integrator and begins a new phase in uncrewed operations in Navy.

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