Its certainly an idea but not really feasible for this size of UAV. Remember that the UAVs payload must also contain its fuel and EO/IR payload. Therefore if you have a 60lb liferaft and a 20lb EO/IR payload in the machine then its only got 20lbs of fuel. Not sure what its RoA with 20lbs of fuel would be but its likely the vessel itself wouldn't be to far away.
Also of concern is the actual bulk of the liferaft. It wont fit under the aircraft unless the legs are extended, possibly effecting its landing characteristics. Mounting on either side would cause huge CoG issues.
The smallest raft I have seen was a canister packed air droppable 2 person liferaft designed for mounting on the wing of the Cessna 337. Not sure if they are still in production but this system would certainly work but it really is in the domain of full scale aircraft sized machines.
Also of concern is the actual bulk of the liferaft. It wont fit under the aircraft unless the legs are extended, possibly effecting its landing characteristics. Mounting on either side would cause huge CoG issues.
The smallest raft I have seen was a canister packed air droppable 2 person liferaft designed for mounting on the wing of the Cessna 337. Not sure if they are still in production but this system would certainly work but it really is in the domain of full scale aircraft sized machines.
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