South African Drones/RPV's/UAV's - Prototypes, projects, concepts etc.

[kaiserbill]

Posted on facebook..a uav or target drone in museum.
I swear I have seen this somewhere, but a search on this site reveals nothing.
Any ideas or info?

 

[Graugrun]

I thought I might have posted this before... It might be in another thread, either way it belongs here. Hard to think this was 16 years ago... (Janes IDR November 2004)

 

[Graugrun]

The upgraded and modified Seeker 400 was displayed for the first time at UMEX 2020 - the UAE has bought a couple of them (with weapons). The new strange nose shape incorporates the new SAR radar - makes it look a bit fugly I think...

https://armyrecognition.com/umex_20...nel_dynamics_exhibits_its_seeker_400_uav.html

 

[VTOLicious]

The upgraded and modified Seeker 400 was displayed for the first time at UMEX 2020 - the UAE has bought a couple of them (with weapons). The new strange nose shape incorporates the new SAR radar - makes it look a bit fugly I think...

https://armyrecognition.com/umex_20...nel_dynamics_exhibits_its_seeker_400_uav.html

Hmm, apparently their website is offline: http://www.deneldynamics.co.za/

 

[Graugrun]

VTOLicious - sorry to hear, they have had some problems (due to the State/politics) so perhaps it's why they might have been offline for a while...

Interesting in that this smaller company is selling their UAV's into the US market... Who would have thought!?

https://www.defenceweb.co.za/aerosp...eement-with-argentech-on-uav-distributorship/

 

[Graugrun]

ALTI Ascend UAV built with surveillance and security in mind - defenceWeb

Knysna in Western Cape is home to ALTI, manufacturer of a range of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to meet the growing demand for aerial security and surveillance. The company designs and builds a complete fleet of advanced endurance vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) unmanned aircraft and...

www.defenceweb.co.za

 

[Graugrun]

South Africa’s Paramount Group announced the launching of its new swarming UAV technology based on the firm’s new N-Raven unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) on 22 February at the International Defence Exhibition & Conference (IDEX) 2021 in Abu Dhabi.

Developed by the company’s Paramount Advanced Technology subsidiary, the N-Raven weighs 41 kg and flies at a cruising speed of approximately 180 km/h. The system can accommodate a variety of sensors, including electro-optic/infrared (EO/IR) and semi-active laser “sensor driven target identification and tracking” that helps operators gain an improved picture of the battlefield environment.

The N-Raven has a loitering endurance time of approximately two hours and can carry a 10–15 kg payload up to 250 km.

Paramount Group’s N-Raven swarming unmanned system can be deployed as a loitering munition force or enhanced sensor team. (Paramount Group)

Each UAV can be deployed into a scalable swarm, with the company claiming that these can be launched from land, sea, and airborne platforms, adding to the systems’ long-range strike capabilities.

The company is also offering training modules for the system. These include an optional field simulator that is connected to the system’s control unit to allow for operators to rehearse missions prior to launch to ensure the maximal use of each UAV. Additionally, the system’s recording capabilities can be leveraged to provide post-mission debriefs to operator crews to allow for continuous training and development.

The company is also targeting operators with potential localised manufacturing options, promoting its mobile manufacturing concepts to allow for sovereign control of capabilities.

https://www.janes.com/defence-news/...ramount-group-unveils-swarming-uav-technology

 

[Graugrun]

Milkor unveils armed UAV at IDEX 2021​

https://www.defenceweb.co.za/aerosp...hicles/milkor-unveils-armed-uav-at-idex-2021/

 

[Graugrun]

This blurb from Paramount goes into slightly more detail then the IHS Janes article in my post # 47 above (for those who may be interested..).

http://www.paramountgroup.com/media/news/paramount-group-launches-long-range-swarming-uav-system/

 

[Graugrun]

Just two pics I stumbled upon of the Vulture UAV...

 

[rocketZA]

Making its debut at the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) 2022 expo in South Africa was a mock-up of Denel Aerospace Systems' high-speed recoverable aerial target, Loki.

Under development driven by the requirements of the Armaments Corporation of South Africa (ARMSCOR), the procurement agency of the South African Department of Defence (DoD), and the South African Air Force (SAAF), Loki is to be developed as a technology demonstrator.

The target is envisaged to simulate a high-speed threat during surface-to-air and air-to-air ground, air, and ship-based weapons systems[sic]. The Loki weights 180 kg, has an endurance of 60–80 min, and can be controlled from a control system from a range of 60 km. The range however could be increased with the use of RF communicator relay station.

Loki is launched using a hydro-pneumatic launcher designed by South Africa's Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and recovered using a parachute. The target is fitted with two infrared emitters in the wings, a Luneburg lens on the nose to enhance the radar cross-section signature, strobe light or smoke trail, and flame throwers.

It features high tapered-wings with H-tail having a wingspan of 2.45 m and a fuselage length of 3.2 m. Loki is powered by two rear-mounted 400 N TJ40-G1 turbojet engines, enabling it to attain a maximum speed of 340 kt and achieve a maximum altitude of 26,000 ft (AMSL) with 38 kg payload weight.

The first flight test of Loki target is expected to take place at Denel Overberg Test Range in March 2023. As of September 2022 two prototypes are under production.

AAD 2022: Denel debuts Loki aerial target

Making its debut at the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) 2022 expo in South Africa was a mock-up of Denel Aerospace Systems' high-speed recoverable aerial target,...

www.janes.com

 

[thatdronedude]

Has anyone found a good reference on the Eyrie? There is a article on it somewhere in this forum but I never found anything regarding operational use of it or what happened to it.

 

[kaiserbill]

Has anyone found a good reference on the Eyrie? There is a article on it somewhere in this forum but I never found anything regarding operational use of it or what happened to it.

Not sure.
Here are the posts from the aviation thread, which were posted before this thread existed...so better suited here.
Between the 2 different reports, it states it was a private industry design (National Dynamics), and that the featured drone (1987) was the 6th design in the series, with 2 prototypes manufactured first in 1982.
The first article states it was developed for military use, but without support from the military, but seems to have been shown to them. An eye on the export market seems to have been mentioned.

 

[kaiserbill]

An article about military drone development in SA.
The article is incomplete, as acknowledged by the author, in the comments section.
Interesting in the comments section that, apart from the little mentioned pioneering work done by Professor Maitland Reed, the company JASCO built drone prototypes to compete in the programme eventually won by the Seeker.
So much stuff still to see the light of day due to the obsessive secrecy of the day..

For interest sakes, Professor Reed through National Dynamics bought the sole Patchen Explorer, and shipped it over to South Africa with an eye on developing it further.

A history of South African UAVs

Starting with the Champion in 1977, South Africa was one of the first countries to build and operate modern UAVs. This article explores the history of UAV development in the country.

www.africandefence.net

 

[Graugrun]

CSIR developing hydrogen-powered UAV​

https://www.defenceweb.co.za/aerospace/aerospace-aerospace/csir-developing-hydrogen-powered-uav/

 

[Graugrun]

Hensoldt South Africa demos Astus UAV to potential clients​

https://www.defenceweb.co.za/aerosp...ensoldt-demos-astus-uav-to-potential-clients/

 

[Graugrun]

Avior Labs unveils new VTOL UAV​

https://www.defenceweb.co.za/aerospace/aerospace-aerospace/avior-labs-unveils-new-vtol-uav/

 

[Graugrun]

CAT (Cape Aerospace Technologies - better known for their small gas turbines) also has the ability to design and manufacture composite airframes, mainly for the hobby industry. In the 2000s it built a target drone for the South African Navy, and the composite airframe as well as telemetry, comms and turbines were designed and manufactured in-house.

 

[Graugrun]

An update to my posts #47 and 49 - note the changes in the N-Raven's shape and layout.

Paramount putting N-Raven loitering munition into production​

https://www.defenceweb.co.za/aerosp...g-n-raven-loitering-munition-into-production/

 

[Graugrun]

Paramount is part of advanced UAV production technology in Greece​

https://www.defenceweb.co.za/aerosp...advanced-uav-production-technology-in-greece/

 

[Graugrun]

Interesting development with a Polish company, who will have it further developed into a maratime version for their market (and NATO markets), by Germany's AeroData.

Milkor establishes Polish division, signs MoU with Germany’s AeroData​

https://www.defenceweb.co.za/featur...sh-division-signs-mou-with-germanys-aerodata/

 

[Graugrun]

Milkor-380 update.

Milkor’s flagship UAV takes flight​

https://www.defenceweb.co.za/aerospace/aerospace-aerospace/milkors-flagship-uav-takes-flight/

 

[Graugrun]

New South African UAV unveiled for security and other missions​

South African company Aquila Viour has designed and manufactured a rugged new unmanned helicopter for security and other missions.

https://www.defenceweb.co.za/aerosp...uav-unveiled-for-security-and-other-missions/

 

[Graugrun]

IDEF 2023: Sentian Aerospace secures customer for UAVs​

https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/idef-2023-sentian-aerospace-secures-customer-for-uavs

South Africa-based Sentian Aerospace has received an order for its Xplorer and Xtension small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) from an undisclosed African customer, the company's CEO, Muzi Dube, told Janes at the 16th International Defence Industry Fair (IDEF) held in Istanbul from 25 to 28 July.

Dube said both UAVs are production-ready and added that they use a similar airframe design but differ in their size and performance characteristics. The UAVs are designed to provide cost-effective solutions for missions including intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR); search and rescue; medical resupply; mapping; aerial survey; and scientific roles, Dube added.

The UAVs have a modular payload arrangement, enabling a range of missions without compromising the performance characteristics of the aircraft. Sentian Aerospace UAVs are integrated with the Shuri artificial intelligence (AI) system developed by Raphta, a South African software development firm, Dube said.

Among the payloads that the aircraft can carry are medical samples in a climate-controlled transport box that can be integrated in the fuselage, high-definition electro-optical/infrared sensor payloads, light detection and ranging (LIDAR), a particulate detector, multispectral cameras, and mapping cameras. Both UAVs can be fitted with extra fuel tanks to provide extended endurance.

The UAVs have a fixed tricycle landing gear arrangement for conventional take-off and landing from paved runways. The wing structure is also stressed out for the carriage of munitions and external payloads. As an option, vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) pylons can be attached to the wing hardpoints.

 

[Graugrun]

Milkor announces new partnership for maritime version of the Milkor 380 UAV​

https://www.defenceweb.co.za/aerosp...p-for-maritime-version-of-the-milkor-380-uav/

 

[Graugrun]

SSASS Holdings locally producing multirole fixed wing VTOL UAVs​

https://www.defenceweb.co.za/aerosp...lly-producing-multirole-fixed-wing-vtol-uavs/

 

[Graugrun]

Milkor 380 UAV ushers in a new era for South African aerospace and defence capabilities​

https://www.defenceweb.co.za/aerosp...h-african-aerospace-and-defence-capabilities/

 

[kaiserbill]

So this Milkor 380 seems squarely in the class of the Bataleur UAV from a few years back, but larger, with a heavier payload, more power, and better range and endurance.

 

[Forest Green]

Milkor Revolutionizes Unmanned Combat Solutions with Milkor 380 Medium-Altitude Drone

Milkor Revolutionizes Unmanned Combat Solutions with Milkor 380 Medium-Altitude Drone

armyrecognition.com

 

[Graugrun]

Amongst the plethora of drones at the AAD 2024 show - this one stood out for me for a couple of reasons:

1. It's completely South Africa designed and engineered - with the exception of some imported components approved for use in the EU and USA.
2. The (claimed) ability to fly twice as far and carry 3 times the weight of their class compeditors.
3. A flight time of 2 hours, 50Km range and a height of 5 Km, 15Kg's of payload capacity - not bad for it's small size.
4. The ability to carry double electro-optical payloads (which I assume can be controlled independently).
5. One of the few to put some serious effort into it's aero-dynamics. Which more then likely contributes to point #2.
6. They already have military clients actively using their product range.

https://makto.com/

 

[rocketZA]

Seeker's satcom dish

 

[Graugrun]

Denel Rotary Wing UAS

I've read snippets about this Denel rotary wing UAS developmment for 3-4 years now, and finally here's some decent information on it. I picked this brochure up from their stand at AAD 2024.

 

[Graugrun]

JUST TO ADD SOME MORE INFO TO MY POST #77 ABOVE

Denel launches new rotary wing UAV​

https://www.defenceweb.co.za/aerospace/aerospace-aerospace/denel-launches-new-rotary-wing-uav/