TERN - Unmanned Aircraft Drones

■ Rugged Versatile Design
■ 4-Hour Endurance
■ 50-Kilometer Range
■ GPS Auto-Navigation
■ Many Payload Options
Small Tactical UAV System
TERN
BAI’s Tern UAV system offers users an
affordable, compact tactical UAV capable of
performing a wide range of remote sensing,
precision dispensing, or other aerial robotic
applications requiring reliable performance,
low operating cost, and ease of use.
The Tern aircraft is constructed of sturdy
composite materials and features a proven
versatile hi-wing design with excellent
ground clearance that allows operation from runways
and semi-improved surfaces. Generous flaps enable
short rolling take-offs and slow flight; electrically actuated
main gear disc brakes quickly decelerate the aircraft
after touchdown, allowing short-field landings. A trailermounted
pneumatic launcher is available to enable
launching in tactical conditions.
Tern’s quiet 100cc 2-stroke engine burns a conventional
gas/oil mixture. Fuel for four-hour’s flight is contained in
the aircraft’s fuselage tank; optional external tanks may
be fitted to gain additional capacity. Aircraft and payload
are powered by onboard batteries.
Tern employs BAI’s Generation III GPS Autopilot that
fully controls air vehicle heading, altitude, airspeed, and
GPS waypoint navigation. A 10-watt video/telemetry
microwave datalink transmits real-time imagery and
vehicle telemetry back from the aircraft at ranges up
to 50km.
Switchable forward and side-looking color TV cameras
are standard, and Tern comes fitted with connections and
mounting that easily accept an optional BAI Pan-Tilt-Zoom
Daylight Color TV or Pan-Tilt IR payload. Tern may also
be easily reconfigured to accept many other types of
equipment, such as communications jammer or relay
packages or -INT payloads.
The Tern system’s Ground Control Station is available
in “Table-Top” or “Shelter-Mounted” configurations that
both feature a microwave receiver, amplified uplink
transmitter, and a rugged laptop computer with easy-to-
Shelter Mounted
Ground Control
Station
use software that makes mission planning simple and
which allows the Tern aircraft to be re-tasked while
airborne. BAI’s modular GCS also features durable rackmount
construction and operation on 12 or 110-volts.
Aircraft and Payload Controllers are provided, as is a
video recorder and a built-in crew communications
system. In addition to many standard features, several
equipment options are also available for the GCS,
including a heads-up display of flight data, auto-tracking
antenna array, and remote video terminal.
The Tern system is easily deployed: typically a crew of
only three or four are required for set-up, operation, and
maintenance. The Tern aircraft breaks down in minutes
into a few easy to handle components which quickly pack
into the supplied hard-shell transportation and storage
container.
A complete Tern system can be user-defined and
typically includes several aircraft, onboard sensors, one
or more ground control stations, field support equipment,
and a complement of spare parts. Factory support,
including training, payload integration, and onsite flight
services, are available separately as required.
Generation III
GPS Autopilot

40.0
SPECIFICATIONS
Stall Speed, SLS 45 MPH
Maximum Speed, SLS 78 MPH
Cruise Speed, SLS 52 MPH
Operational Maximum Range (still air) 200 mi
Operational Endurance 4 hrs
MGTOW 130 lbs
Empty Weight 95 lbs
Maximum Fuel 28 lbs
Payload 3 lbs Nose imager
22 lbs under body
Electrical System
3x BA5590/U (Std. SINCGARS Battery)
28V, 1380 W-h total capacity
210 W maximum power
70 W available
Main Gear
Disc Brakes
Tern Payload Bay
136.0
Dimensions in inches
106.8
BAI AEROSYSTEMS, INC.
9040 Glebe Park Drive
Easton, Maryland 21601, USA
410.820.7500
Fax 410.820.8500
www.baiaerosystems.com
5M 7/03