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25+ Years Experience / Full Time
IMI VectorP Professional UAV | For Sale
This IMI VectorP represents a unique piece of unmanned aviation history. Originally manufactured by Intellitech Micro Systems in 2008, it was the final VectorP airframe produced during a program I helped develop and support from 2005 through 2010. Years later, by an unlikely series of circumstances, that same unfinished airframe found its way back to me. I completed the aircraft and configured it as a professional manually flown UAV, with the intention of providing scientists, researchers and other organizations with a capable platform for testing and carrying specialized aerial payloads.
A Rare Opportunity to Own a Piece of UAV History
The Story of This VectorP
This particular VectorP has an unusual history.
After my work with Intellitech Micro Systems ended, I often wondered what had become of some of the aircraft we had built. In 2013, on a whim, I contacted a former IMI customer that had purchased a VectorP in 2009 and asked if anyone knew what had happened to it.
For quite some time, I heard nothing.
Eventually, the message made its way through the organization to someone working in their stock warehouse. As luck would have it, they still had the aircraft — an unfinished VectorP airframe that had never been put into service. Even more remarkably, I was told they were preparing to throw it away.
They offered it to me if I was willing to come get it.
Needless to say, I did.
The aircraft turned out to be the final VectorP airframe produced by IMI. After bringing it home, I completed the aircraft and configured it for conventional radio-controlled, line-of-sight operation.
My plan was to use it as a professional flight platform for scientists, researchers and organizations that needed to test specialized sensors, cameras and other aerial payloads. That business concept ultimately never developed, and as a result, the aircraft has spent most of its life in storage.
Now, rather than continuing to let such a unique aircraft sit unused, I would like to see it go to an experienced operator, research organization or other professional owner who understands what the VectorP is and can put its capabilities to use.
Built as a Professional UAV Platform
The VectorP was designed from the outset as a professional unmanned aircraft rather than a recreational model. Its large composite airframe, substantial payload capacity and endurance made it adaptable to a wide range of specialized missions.
Over the life of the Vector program, aircraft were used for applications including scientific research, aerial imaging, forest-fire monitoring and military evaluation. Vector aircraft operated with organizations including the USADA, NASA, the U.S. Air Force and NATO, and the platform was flown under FAA Certificates of Authorization and military range safety requirements.
The VectorP's modular design also made it particularly well suited for carrying specialized cameras, sensors and experimental payloads — the same capability that originally interested me in completing this particular aircraft.
Aircraft Specifications
This VectorP
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Wingspan: 103"
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Overall length: 101"
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Previous flight-ready dry weight: approximately 45 lbs., including 6 lbs. of removable nose ballast that can be replaced with payload
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Maximum takeoff weight (MTOW): 80 lbs.
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Combined payload and fuel capacity: up to 30 lbs.
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Flight duration: approximately 2 hours as previously configured*
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Manual line-of-sight (LOS) operation
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No autopilot currently installed
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Additional specifications available upon request
Flight duration varies with weather, operating environment and aircraft configuration.
Included With the Aircraft
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Complete composite VectorP airframe with landing gear
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Complete Teflon wiring harness with locking connectors
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DLE 60cc twin-cylinder reverse-rotation engine
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Spektrum DX9 transmitter/controller
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Spektrum stabilized 9-channel receiver
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Spektrum telemetry sensors
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Regulated power distribution box
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100cc fuel tank
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Self-contained fuel delivery system (approximately $500 value)
Experienced Flight Crew Required
The VectorP is a large professional fixed-wing UAV and should not be considered a beginner or consumer aircraft. Although it is conventional in its flight controls, its size, weight, performance and operating requirements demand an experienced flight crew.
Safe operation requires a two-person team consisting of a highly proficient R/C-UAV pilot with substantial experience flying large fixed-wing aircraft and a qualified assistant/observer. The assistant is an important part of normal flight operations, helping with aircraft preparation, ground handling, takeoff and landing operations, and maintaining situational awareness during flight.
This VectorP is currently configured for manual line-of-sight (LOS) operation and does not have an autopilot or automated flight controls. Prospective buyers should have the experience and technical capability necessary to inspect, configure, maintain and safely operate an aircraft of this class.
Current Condition & Returning to Flight
The VectorP has spent most of its life in protected storage and remains in excellent overall physical condition. It was previously completed, configured and flown successfully in its current manual R/C configuration, but it has not been operated for an extended period.
Before returning the aircraft to flight, it should undergo a thorough inspection and recommissioning. The receiver requires installation, new onboard batteries will be needed, and the fuel system should be cleaned and inspected with new fuel lines and filters installed.
A complete inspection of the aircraft, engine, control systems and associated equipment should also be performed before flight.
No attempt is being made to represent the VectorP as a ready-to-fly aircraft. It is being offered to an experienced buyer with the technical knowledge and capability to properly inspect, recommission and safely return a professional UAV of this type to service.
Technical Support Available
For a buyer interested in returning the VectorP to operational service, additional technical assistance is available at an additional cost. Having been directly involved with the development, assembly, operation and support of the Vector platform, I can provide hands-on assistance with aircraft familiarization, inspection, system setup, recommissioning and preparation for flight.
Flight operations should be conducted by a qualified and currently proficient large fixed-wing R/C-UAV pilot and flight crew. My role would be to provide technical knowledge and support specific to the VectorP and help the new owner understand the aircraft and its systems.
Sale Details
Offered for Sale — $6,500
This VectorP is being offered as a complete aircraft with the equipment described above. Given its unusual history, capabilities and specialized nature, my preference is to place it with an experienced individual, company, research organization or other operator who understands what the aircraft is and can put it to appropriate use.
Additional photographs, technical specifications, documentation and video of previous flight operations are available to serious prospective buyers.
The aircraft is located in the Ellicott City, Maryland area. Inspection and transfer can be arranged at a mutually agreed-upon location. Shipping or transportation can also be arranged at the buyer’s expense.
The VectorP in Flight
This concept video features this actual VectorP during flight operations and provides a look at the aircraft as it was originally configured and flown.
Interested in the VectorP?
Serious inquiries are welcome. If you believe the VectorP may be a good fit for your organization, research program or UAV operation, please contact me to discuss the aircraft, its history, capabilities and current configuration.
Additional photographs, technical specifications, documentation and information about the aircraft are available upon request.
Important Sale & Operational Information
The VectorP is offered as-is, without warranty or guarantee, express or implied. The buyer assumes responsibility for inspection, configuration, maintenance, airworthiness and safe operation of the aircraft. The seller makes no representation that the aircraft is presently ready for flight.
Operation of the VectorP is the responsibility of the owner/operator and must comply with all applicable FAA regulations and any other federal, state or local requirements. The buyer is responsible for determining the regulatory requirements applicable to their intended operation.