I saw this Mini UAV at Asian Aerospace 2002(Singapore Air Show as you call it)last Feburary. It appears interesting and exciting. Now that an article about it is on jane’s review on Eurosatory 2002, i posted it here.The article is as follows:
A revolutionary UAV design displayed by Singapore Technologies Dynamics (Stand G05) could be mistaken for being a model. But it is in fact a full-size miniature aircraft that for the first time in February this year demonstrated its vertical takeoff, horizontal flight and vertical landing capabilities. The VTOL Mini UAV being developed by the company in partnership with Micro Autonomous Systems weighs only 2.3kg, is just 66cm long and so far has been limited to line-of-sight control by a ‘pilot’ on the ground.
However, autonomous flight is the objective in the second phase of the development programme, so that in common with general practice, a ground station control system will enable the Mini UAV to venture greater distances.
So far the UAV has only flown with a simple camera in the nose, but it is envisaged that other payload options could include sensors to detect chemicals in the atmosphere, communications relay equipment and even lethal or non-lethal weapons. The present overall length and 9cm diameter limits the range/payload capabilities, but further development could expand this. The Singapore armed forces are following this programme with keen interest.
Cool isn’t it? What are your views?
Attachments:
Sign In
June 22, 2002 at 3:33 pm