Insitu

What Insitu does

Insitu, Inc., founded in 1994 in Bingen, Washington, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Boeing Company that designs, manufactures, and operates small tactical unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for defense and government customers in more than 35 countries. The company has produced more than 3,500 aircraft and accumulated over 1.6 million operational flight hours across three core platforms — ScanEagle, Integrator (including the RQ-21A Blackjack variant), and associated payloads — distinguished by runway-independent launch and recovery enabled by the proprietary FLARES VTOL system developed with Hood Tech. Its modular architecture supports six payload bays on Integrator with up to 40 lb capacity, accommodating EO/IR turrets, AI-powered wide-area maritime search sensors (PT-6/Overwatch-AI), SIGINT, SAR (in development with TNO), WAMI, kinetic munitions (Shryke via Corvid/L3Harris), and proliferated LEO SATCOM datalinks extending range to 2,000 nautical miles.

Insitu's revenue model combines hardware platform sales, modular payload/sensor sales, recurring software licensing (INEXA Control, TacitView, Catalina, cGCS, Tungsten SDK, MMS), and long-tail sustainment, training, and spare-parts services for the installed base. Go-to-market is exclusively direct-to-government through US military procurement (Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard), Foreign Military Sales (FMS) mechanisms, and the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA), with regional entities Insitu Pacific (Queensland, Australia, est. 2009) serving Asia-Pacific and an Oxford-based Autonomy Centre of Excellence supporting European customers. Pricing is determined through classified competitive bidding and FMS processes rather than open market pricing.

The customer base is concentrated across defense and government verticals — primarily NATO member armed forces, US military branches, and partner-nation coast guards — with named programs at the USCG (full National Security Cutter fleet deployment), US Navy/USMC (RQ-21A Blackjack), Royal Netherlands Army (SRTUAV program, jointly with Belgium and Luxembourg), Australian Army (LAND 129 Phase 3), and Armed Forces of Ukraine (ScanEagle operations since 2022). Boeing subsidiary status provides distribution scale, supply-chain security clearance, and FMS channel access, while NATO military type certifications (STANAG 4703, STANAG 4671) and 99% readiness rates create regulatory and reputational moats against new tactical UAS entrants.

Name

Insitu

Legal name

Insitu, Inc.

Website

https://insitu.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1994

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

Insitu, a wholly-owned Boeing subsidiary founded in 1994, designs and manufactures small tactical unmanned aerial systems (ScanEagle, Integrator, RQ-21A) for defense and government ISR customers across 35+ countries, supported by modular payloads, software, and sustainment services.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Unmanned Aerial Systems

NAICS

Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing (334511), Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing (336414), Other Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing (336419), Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing (33451)

SIC

Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812), Aircraft (3721), Guided Missiles & Space Vehicles & Parts (3760)

akta.pro primary industry

Military Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) & Autonomous Aerial Platforms (IMABAMAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Autonomy Software, AI & Mission Management (UAS/UXV) (IMABAIAH), Autonomous Flight Control & Guidance Systems (UAS/Urban Air Mobility) (IMABAFAO), UAS Integration, Certification & Compliance Systems (Remote ID, Detect-and-Avoid) (IMABAIAO), Military Avionics, Mission Computers & Flight Controls (IMABAMAE)

Keywords

• Unmanned aerial systems
• Defense ISR platforms
• Tactical reconnaissance UAVs
• Autonomous military aircraft
• Modular payload sensors

Headquarters

HQ city

Bingen

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. UAV Platform Sales: Direct sales of ScanEagle, Integrator, and RQ-21A Blackjack unmanned aerial systems to government and defense customers. Platforms are sold as complete systems including air vehicles, ground control stations, launch/recovery equipment, and initial support packages.
2. Payload and Sensor Sales: Modular sensor and payload systems including electro-optical turrets, SIGINT, EW, SAR, WAMI, maritime search, and kinetic munitions sold separately or as part of integrated solutions.
3. Software Solutions: Command and control software including INEXA Control, TacitView, Catalina, Tungsten SDK, and Common Ground Control Stations sold as licenses or integrated solutions.
4. Training and Support Services: Pilot and maintenance training, virtual training programs, and ongoing sustainment support for deployed systems. Includes remote and on-site instruction.
5. Sustainment and Spare Parts: Ongoing logistics support, spare parts, and maintenance services for installed base of 3,500+ aircraft operating globally.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Insitu designs, manufactures, and supports runway-independent tactical unmanned aerial systems—primarily ScanEagle, Integrator, and RQ-21A Blackjack—for defense and government customers. The company also delivers a full suite of modular electro-optical, infrared, maritime, and SAR payloads plus command-and-control software (cGCS, INEXA Control, TacitView, Catalina, MMS, Tungsten SDK), and provides lifecycle training and sustainment services across 35+ countries.

Product overview

Insitu, a Boeing company, provides a comprehensive family of uncrewed aerial systems designed for defense and government customers worldwide. The product portfolio centers on three core UAV platforms—Integrator, ScanEagle, and RQ-21A Blackjack—all featuring runway independence and modular payload architectures. These platforms are supported by a full suite of command and control software including Common Ground Control Station (cGCS), INEXA Control, TacitView, Catalina, and Media Management Suite, plus the Tungsten SDK for third-party development. Insitu offers over 12 specialized payload types including electro-optical/infrared turrets (Alticam 14/06, EO960, EOIR5), maritime search sensors (PT-6 Smart Sensor with AI, WAMI, NSP-3/5), targeting systems (The Warden HSOR), and Dual Imager. The company has accumulated over 1.6 million operational flight hours across 35+ countries, with recent additions including PLEO SATCOM for beyond-line-of-sight control, laser targeting capabilities, and kinetic strike options for the Integrator platform.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Integrator Modular, runway-independent tactical uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) with 24+ hour endurance and up to 40 lb payload capacity across six payload bays. NATO Class 1 / DoD Group 3 designed for long-range, wide-area ISR from both ship decks and land.
• ScanEagle Lightweight, runway-independent tactical UAS with approximately 18-24 hour endurance, dual-video capabilities, encrypted command-and-control, and modular payload integration for maritime and land ISR missions.
• RQ-21A Blackjack Variant of the Integrator platform operated by US Navy, US Marine Corps, and international partners; provides tactical ISR with runway independence and a proven operational track record across shipboard and land environments.
• Alticam 14 Advanced telescope and targeting payload providing high-resolution optical capabilities for precision targeting and reconnaissance on Insitu UAS platforms.
• Alticam 06 Compact electro-optical turret payload providing day and night full-motion video for ISR missions on Insitu UAS platforms.
• EO960 Electro-optical sensor payload providing day/night imaging capabilities for maritime and land ISR missions on Insitu UAS platforms.
• EOIR5 Electro-optical/infrared payload combining visible and thermal imaging for round-the-clock surveillance operations on Insitu UAS platforms.
• Dual Imager Multi-sensor payload combining multiple imaging modalities for enhanced target detection and identification on Insitu UAS platforms.
• PT-6 Smart Sensor AI-powered wide-area maritime search payload developed with Overwatch Imaging. Automates detection of small targets across large ocean areas using computer vision and real-time edge processing.
• WAMI (Wide-Area Motion Imagery) Wide-area motion imagery sensor payload providing persistent surveillance over large geographic areas for Insitu UAS platforms.
• NSP-3 Naval surface patrol payload for maritime domain awareness and surface search operations on Insitu UAS platforms.
• NSP-5 Enhanced naval surface patrol payload with advanced maritime surveillance capabilities for Insitu UAS platforms.
• The Warden HSOR High-definition EO/IR sensor system payload providing precision targeting and reconnaissance capabilities on Insitu UAS platforms.
• Common Ground Control Station (cGCS) Standardized ground control station software and hardware enabling unified command and control across Insitu UAS platforms, simplifying operator training and mission execution.
• INEXA Control Command and control software solution for managing Insitu UAS operations and mission execution.
• TacitView Information processing software for converting aerial imagery into usable data for rapid sharing with response teams and incident commanders.
• Catalina Software for processing and managing aerial imagery and sensor data collected during Insitu UAS missions.
• Media Management Suite (MMS) Comprehensive media management solution for organizing, storing, and distributing UAS-collected imagery and video data.
• Tungsten SDK Software Development Kit enabling third-party developers to build applications and integrations for Insitu UAS platforms.

Quantifiable outcome

• ScanEagle directly contributed to seizure of more than $5 billion in illegal narcotics by USCG and partner agencies since deployment on National Security Cutter fleet
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers12 records

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability7 records

Feature10 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• TNO (Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 December 2025Multi-function Radar ISR (MRaISR) project developing low SWaP Synthetic Aperture Radar for tactical UAVs. Successfully completed airborne demonstrations of SAR, GMTI, and ISAR modes over land and water in Netherlands. UAV flight demonstration completed October 2025 on Insitu Integrator platform.
• Antonov Company (Ukraine)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 24 September 2024Strategic partnership with Boeing to explore training, logistical support, and overhaul services for ScanEagle UAVs used by Ukrainian armed forces, potentially expanding into engineering activities for rapid technology integration.
• Corvid TechnologiescoreTechnology or Integration · 12 December 2023Collaboration on Shryke GPS-guided miniature precision munitions for Integrator UAS. Demonstrated delivery within 1-2 meters of target with safe separation sensor, fuze, and warhead.
• L3Harris TechnologiescoreTechnology or Integration · 12 December 2023Provided MIL-STD-1316 Electronic Safe and Arm Device (ESAD) for safe munitions integration on Integrator, enabling recovery of aircraft with munitions still installed.
• Overwatch ImagingcoreTechnology or Integration · 8 November 2023Collaboration on PT-6 Smart Sensor with AI-powered Overwatch-AI software for wide-area maritime search. Automates detection of small targets in large search areas with real-time edge processing and geolocated image data.
• UBIQ AerospaceminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 26 October 2023Partnership to optimize Insitu's Integrator UAS for challenging Arctic and High North environments with cold weather and ice protection technologies for Norway and NATO northern flank operations.
• Hood TechcoreTechnology or Integration · 3 April 2023Collaboration on FLARES (Flying Launch and Recovery System) for vertical take-off and landing of Integrator UAS. FLARES enables shipboard operations without stationary launch/recovery equipment, performing at half throttle with significant control authority for harsh maritime conditions.
• Australian Defence ForcecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 November 2022Supported Australian Defence Force requirements at Project Convergence 2022 to test Integrator UAS capabilities and advanced payload options, informing future growth path for Australia's LAND 129 Phase 3 project.
• GKN AerospacecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 October 2021Partnership to develop advanced radar system for Integrator UAS, combining Insitu's platform expertise with GKN Aerospace's aerospace materials and systems capabilities.
• Boeing Defence AustraliacoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 15 October 2020Provides Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) and integration lessons learned through Currawong Battlespace Communications System. Boeing Australia R&D in autonomous systems being integrated into Insitu Pacific's future roadmap.
• Nova Systems AustraliacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 26 August 2020Teaming agreement as part of Insitu Pacific's Australian-industry-led proposal for LAND 129 Phase 3 to supply Integrator UAS to Australian Army. Nova Systems provides engineering and testing expertise for complex UAS delivery.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• AeroVironment: AeroVironment is the dominant U.S. tactical small UAS manufacturer (Puma, Raven, Switchblade), competing head-to-head with Insitu's ScanEagle/Integrator for DoD and allied ISR programs in Group 2/3. Closest comparable on platform class, customer base, and GTM motion.
• Textron Systems: Textron Systems produces the Aerosonde family of runway-independent tactical UAS used by U.S. Navy and allied customers (Australia, UK). Closely comparable on platform class, shipboard launch/recovery, and maritime ISR mission profile.
• Kratos Defense & Security Solutions: Kratos fields the XQ-58A Valkyrie and MQM-178 Firejet, plus tactical UAS offerings that overlap with Insitu's runway-independent Group 3 segment. Competes for similar DoD tactical UAS and target drone programs.
• Elbit Systems: Elbit Systems manufactures the Hermes family of tactical UAS (Hermes 450, 900) and is a leading international tactical UAS supplier. Direct competitor in NATO and allied markets for ISR and tactical reconnaissance contracts.

Emerging players

• Anduril Industries: Anduril is a high-growth defense technology company fielding autonomous UAS (Ghost, Bolt, Roadrunner) and Lattice autonomy software directly into DoD and allied markets. A primary emerging competitor leveraging AI-native design and software-defined ISR.
• Shield AI: Shield AI builds the V-BAT VTOL tactical UAS and Hivemind autonomy stack. Directly comparable to Insitu's Integrator + cGCS + autonomy approach, and increasingly winning DoD programs of record over incumbent Group 3 platforms.
• Turkish Aerospace (Baykar): Baykar's Bayraktar TB2/Mini series has emerged as a credible tactical UAS competitor in Eastern Europe, MENA, and Africa. Represents emerging competition for allied ISR procurement in price-sensitive markets.

Broad incumbents

• General Atomics Aeronautical Systems: General Atomics is the dominant U.S. MALE/HALE UAS manufacturer (MQ-9 Reaper, MQ-20 Avenger). Operates at higher altitude/longer endurance tier but competes for ISR and emerging tactical mission share.
• Northrop Grumman: Northrop Grumman produces Global Hawk and Fire Scout UAVs and provides broader defense ISR/aerospace systems. Competes for higher-altitude ISR and integrated mission system work adjacent to Insitu's tactical UAS offering.
• Lockheed Martin: Lockheed produces Stalker, Indago, and other small UAS as part of a broader rotary and missiles portfolio. Competitor in select DoD tactical UAS programs and integrated ISR/loitering munitions offerings.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/insitu-inc
• YouTubeyoutube.com/c/InsituUAS
• Xx.com/insitu_inc

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds3 records

Investors2 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Insitu