Tracker Vehicles

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MUSAS operates two customized Ford Explorer SUVs, known as the Trackers, which serve as mobile ground stations for supporting RAAVEN and Super RAAVEN flight operations in the field. Each vehicle is equipped with a roof-mounted pneumatic launcher, UAS ground stations, and integrated power systems, enabling rapid deployment and recovery of aircraft during field campaigns. The Trackers are capable of both stationary and mobile operations, allowing the flight crew to reposition dynamically during rapidly evolving atmospheric events — a critical capability for campaigns targeting phenomena such as severe convective storms. Full sunroofs provide the crew with unobstructed visual line-of-sight monitoring of aircraft during operations, while onboard radios ensure continuous communication between vehicles throughout the campaign.

Two Ford Explorers for launching and operating RAAVENs

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Tracker Specifications Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý ÌýÌý

MUSAS Flight Crew in Tracker vehicle

The flight crew seen from the back seat of a Tracker.

Communications & Operations

  • UAS ground stations
  • Radios for inter-vehicle communication
  • 7-layer internet modem
  • Computer mounts for flight operations
  • Full sunroofs for visual line-of-sight monitoring

Aircraft Support

  • Roof-mounted pneumatic aircraft launcher
  • Aircraft storage
  • Power inverters (third-row integrated)
  • Power integration systems

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