Stemme AG and S-Plane Automation Ltd said this week they plan to integrate S-Plane subsystems into the Ecarys ES15 Stemme motor glider to create an optionally piloted vehicle, combining the capabilities of a manned aircraft with those of a UAV. With a human pilot onboard, the OPV can execute missions such as flight in civil airspace and over congested areas, where UAVs are not allowed, and also transport passengers. When piloted from the Ground Control Station, the UAV can perform missions that require extreme endurance or are dangerous, such as border patrol, marine patrol and firefighting.
This is a companion discussion topic for the original entry at https://www.avweb.com/recent-updates/business-military/stemme-and-s-plane-partner-on-optionally-piloted-aircraft