At the forefront of technological innovation in aerial surveillance, South African defense company Milkor and German aerospace firm Aerodata AG have unveiled their latest collaborative venture, the AeroForce 380, at the ILA Berlin Air Show 2024. This new Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial system (UAS) is built upon the robust Milkor 380 platform and is poised to rank among the top ten MALE UAVs globally for maritime operations.
The partnership, which was first announced at the Paris Air Show in 2023, has culminated in the AeroForce 380—a UAS that synergizes the Milkor 380’s performance with maritime surveillance sensors from Optimare Systems, an Aerodata subsidiary. This integration significantly augments the Milkor 380’s capabilities, tailoring it for civilian use, especially in maritime monitoring and data collection.
Classified as a MALE system, the AeroForce 380 also operates within the Low Altitude Long Endurance (LALE) segment, offering versatility for various naval and coast guard missions. These include EEZ surveillance, pollution monitoring, fishery patrols, search and rescue, counter-narcotics, anti-piracy, and border patrols.
Milkor’s comprehensive surveillance package for maritime forces comprises the AeroForce 380, a sensor suite, a ground control station (GCS), and a ground data terminal, along with commissioning services and training for operational personnel. The minimum sensor configuration includes side-looking airborne radar (SLAR), electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensors, and automatic identification systems (AIS). The AeroForce 380’s flight control system supports autonomous operations, minimizing the need for human intervention.
The AeroForce 380 distinguishes itself as a naval variant of the Milkor 380, boasting a maximum range of 4,000 kilometers and a continuous operational capacity of up to 35 hours. Optimized for naval tasks, it typically operates between 1,000 and 10,000 feet but can ascend to 23,000 feet if required. Its mission flexibility allows it to cover extensive distances, making it ideal for prolonged surveillance and reconnaissance missions.
With a maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of 1,300 kg and a payload capacity of 250 kg, the AeroForce 380 can cruise at 18,000 feet and reach a maximum altitude of 23,000 feet, with a service ceiling of 30,000 feet. It operates at a maximum speed of 118 knots indicated airspeed (KIAS), equivalent to 218 kilometers per hour.
Aerodata’s contribution to this project includes cutting-edge mission system technology and maritime surveillance sensors from Optimare Systems GmbH. This integrated approach ensures that the AeroForce 380 remains a leader in maritime surveillance technology.
The AeroForce 380 is expected to inherit the Milkor 380’s safety and operational efficiency features, such as anti-icing capabilities, a turbocharged engine, and compatibility with 110LL Avgas fuel. It also supports both line-of-sight (LOS) and beyond line-of-sight (BLOS) data link connectivity for reliable long-distance communication.
Harry Cassidy, Milkor’s head of Business Development in Europe, emphasized the significance of this collaboration, stating that it sets a new standard in global maritime surveillance by merging advanced unmanned technologies with proven sensors. Ghaazim Rylands, CEO of Milkor Integrated Systems, expressed optimism about the Milkor 380’s deployment readiness and the positive feedback received from potential clients.
Milkor anticipates delivering several Milkor 380 units within the next year, with six units slated for completion by the end of 2024. This rapid production aligns with Milkor’s commitment to addressing market demands with innovative UAV technology, reinforcing the Milkor 380’s reputation as a versatile platform for ISTAR operations.