Denel Aerospace has introduced a new Rotary Wing Unmanned Aerial System (RW-UAS) as part of its product diversification strategy. This innovative drone is designed primarily for surveillance purposes, providing situational information and detailed object or terrain data.
According to defenceWeb, years ago, Denel collaborated with local universities and Armscor to develop next-generation aircraft, including an unmanned helicopter (Prowler) and a manned airplane (Small African Regional Aircraft – SARA). The RW-UAS, a result of this research, operates day and night, equipped with optical sensors and an optional radar sensor. Standard sensors include a thermal imaging camera, high-definition color TV camera, auto tracker, laser rangefinder, and designator. Optional radar capabilities include synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and inverse synthetic aperture radar (ISAR) imagery, as well as ground moving object indicator imagery.
The RW-UAS features automatic vertical take-off and landing and can operate autonomously with a 10-hour endurance carrying the standard payload. With an additional 80 kg payload, it can fly for four hours. The maximum take-off weight is 560 kg. Its fully articulated five-blade main and tail rotor system ensures a low noise profile, allowing operation from various landing zones, including vehicles and vessels.
With an airframe length of 5.9 meters, a rotor diameter of six meters, and a height of 1.7 meters, the RW-UAS is powered by a 4-cylinder, 4-stroke turbocharged petrol or diesel engine, reaching speeds of up to 200 km/h. Its applications include law enforcement, public safety, border patrol, wildlife monitoring, area surveillance, powerline inspection, disaster management, search and rescue, communications relay, and geological surveying.
The RW-UAS offers multiple flight modes, including Autonomous mode with autopilot control for pre-planned flights, Trajectory mode with autopilot executing commands from the Ground Control Station (GCS), and a sense and avoid capability. In the event of a communication failure, the system autonomously flies to a predetermined landing point. It also has provisions for engine rotor failure, allowing for autorotation and autonomous landing.
Denel’s RW-UAS marks a significant advancement in unmanned aerial technology, expanding the company’s portfolio and addressing a wide range of operational needs.
Denel Aerospace has been making significant strides in the drone industry, showcasing its latest innovations at various defence exhibitions.
One of their notable achievements is the development of the Seeker 400 UAS, a versatile and advanced reconnaissance system designed for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions.
The Seeker 400 UAS features a modular design, allowing for multiple sensor payloads and a large payload carrying capability.
Denel’s commitment to innovation is evident in their continuous efforts to enhance situational awareness and operational capabilities. The Seeker 400 UAS, along with other drones in their portfolio, plays a crucial role in border patrol, maritime surveillance, and disaster management.
Denel’s advancements in drone technology underscore South Africa’s position as a key player in the global defence industry. Their ongoing research and development efforts ensure that they remain at the forefront of technological innovation, providing effective solutions for a wide range of security challenges.