Flexrotor UAS operating from FRC

I wanted to pass along this video which includes some scenes of a Flexrotor VTOL UAS operating from USCGC Emlen Tunnell (WPC 1145) times 1:10 and 2:40. Unfortunately, no video of it landing back aboard. Reportedly it requires only a 20×20 foot area for take-off and landing.

Screen grab, time 1:15. Flexrotor launching from USCGC Emlen Tunnell (WPC 1145). Also note the sight on the M2 .50 caliber machine gun mounted starboard.

FRCs are at a disadvantage compared to WMECs, in that they had no possibility of putting eyes in the sky. In some respects, because of their long endurance, having a UAS may be better than having a helicopter, at least for the search function. Giving FRCs a VTOL UAS would definitely be a game changer, particularly when they are operating without the support of land based fixed wing aircraft.

221207-N-NO146-1001 ARABIAN GULF (Dec. 7, 2022) An Aerovel Flexrotor unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) takes off from U.S. Coast Guard fast response cutter USCGC Emlen Tunnell (WPC 1145) transiting the Arabian Gulf, Dec. 7. U.S. 5th Fleet’s Task Force 59 launched the UAV during Digital Horizon, a three-week event focused on integrating new unmanned and artificial intelligence platforms, including 10 that are in the region for the first time. (U.S. Navy photo)

7 thoughts on “Flexrotor UAS operating from FRC”

Can you imagine in the future where every patrol boat has a VTOL UAS and it’s piloted by a warrant officer. Maybe the USCG should consider revamping the Warrant officer corp to include UAS/UUV pilots

Reply ↓

Chuck Hill on July 2, 2025 at 10:28 am said:

These should really be piloted by enlisted. Enlisted pilots used to be a regular thing.

Reply ↓
- Nicky on July 2, 2025 at 3:22 pm said:
  
  To operate a drone, you would need an FAA UAV license. That would mean making UAV pilots Warrant officers.
- Alan on July 2, 2025 at 7:59 pm said:
  
  This does not apply to the FRCs, but I wonder why the Coast Guard doesn’t pursue taking possession of the nearly 30 MQ-8Bs the Navy has in storage Seems like they would be a good addition for the 210s and 270s
- Chuck Hill on July 2, 2025 at 8:29 pm said:
  
  @Allen, I doubt the MQ-8B could do anything more for the WMECs than a V-Bat or even Scan Eagle. Both require much less overhead. That is probably why they are in storage.
- Nicky on July 3, 2025 at 11:15 am said:
  
  Actually, it makes sense because the US Army uses Warrant officers to fly their helicopters and I thinkIt would be great for the USCG to revamp the Warrant officer corp for UAV, UUV, Cyberwarfare and IT. I also think the USCG should bring back Warrant officer 1 for the USCG Auxiliary as Temporary reserve officers.