IMDEX 2011: STE extends UAV family
Singapore Technologies Engineering (STE) has unveiled the latest product in its family of unmanned systems with designs for a fuel cell powered Mini-UAV.
Speaking to Shephard at the International Maritime Defence Exhibition (IMDEX) in Singapore, STE officials said they had begun development of the UAV earlier in the year. The pair is also developing the Skyblade III and IV UAVs as well as a VTOL solution called Fan Tail.
Designed in collaboration with DSO National Laboratories, the fuel cell powered mini-UAV system relies on Singapore company Aerokpak's technology which provides a 600 per cent increase in endurance when compared to STE's Skyblade III airframe.
According to STE, a technology demonstrator for the alternatively powered mini-UAV is expected to be completed by the end of the year and will be followed swiftly by a demonstration proving an endurance of over six hours.
The manpacked Skyblade III, which has been delivered in 'triple figures' to the Singapore Army since 2009, boasts a maximum endurance of around 60 minutes, company officials added.
As with Skyblade III, the Mini-UAV is bungee launched and comprises an electric engine. Weighing approximately 7kg, it has a 3m wingspan and total length of 1.8m. It will also be recovered using 'deep stall manoeuvre' technology with an airbag landing.
Meanwhile, STE said it was still conducting flight tests for its Skyblade IV UAV which it hopes to have completed by the end of the year. Officials said they hoped to hand a prototype over to the Singapore armed forces for evaluation thereafter.
More from Uncrewed Vehicles
-
Ready for the race: Air separation drone swarms vs. air defence systems
As the dynamics of aerial combat rapidly evolve, Chinese scientists have engineered a sophisticated air separation drone model that can fragment into up to six drones, each capable of executing distinct battlefield roles and challenging the efficacy of current anti-drone defences such as the UK’s Dragonfire laser system.
-
Israel’s MALE UAVs ‘must adapt’ to Iranian-made air defences
Advancements in air defence technologies have begun to reshape aerial combat dynamics in the Middle East, as illustrated by recent events involving the Israeli Air Force and Hezbollah.
-
Hundreds more UAS sent to Ukraine forces with thousands more on the way
Both sides of the Russia-Ukraine war have been using UAS for effective low-cost attacks, as well as impactful web and social media footage. Thousands more have now been committed to Ukrainian forces.
-
AI and software companies selected for US Army Robotic Combat Vehicle subsystems
The US Army has intentions to develop light, medium and heavy variants of the Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV) as part of the branche’s Next Generation Combat Vehicle family.
-
DroneShield to improve software of DroneSentry-X C-UAS system under new contract
DroneSentry-X, a cross-vehicle compatible, automated 360° C-UAS detect and defeat device, can offer 360° awareness and protection using integrated sensors. According to its manufacturer, it is suitable for mobile operations, on-site surveillance and on-the-move missions.
-
Ukraine takes delivery of new indigenous C-UAS systems
Funded by the country’s former president, the new C-UAS systems will be sent to the frontline where they have already been tested against Russian invading forces.