SHAH ALAM: DRB-Hicom Defence Technologies Sdn Bhd (Deftech) has unveiled a new unmanned aerial vehicle which it says was developed indigenously in Malaysia at DSA 2022 show. The Deftech Tactical UAV was unveiled at the show today by RMAF Chief Gen Asghar Khan Goriman Khan.
The Deftech Tactical UAV – there is no other name for it – is a conventional take-off and landing system with an endurance of 10 hours and a range of 120km.
It is powered by a 25 hp pistol engine and a maximum take off weight of 120 kg.The UAV has a payload of 10kg, for an EO/IR sensor. From the pictures it doesn’t appear to be able to be armed.
— Malaysian Defence
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Aludra gen 3? any takers?
Why does Deftech kept inventing prototypes knowing that it wouldnt be sold due to such low performances and payload?
Suitable to replace CTRM Aludra
Just another one of my guessing thingy. Is this the drone of choice, pivoting to the DWP’s 3rd pillar in the name of supporting the local defence industry? Even though as a prototype it does not meet the AF requirements, it might still be forced onto them. Just to rub it in, seems the Bayraktar TB2 is not in DSA.
Bayraktar was not offered for the UAV tender. It’s likely the Turkish government had decided only TAI with its more diverse offerings would be more beneficial to enter the MY market
kamal,
A 10 hours endurance, 120km range and a 10kg payload means it’s a tactical UAS. In our context suitable for use by certain army units [such a arty, infantry, etc] and even for the MMEA and police; provided it performs as advertised and has a decent sensor capability.
Ed,
The tender did not specify a need for a armed UAS; thus Bayraktar TB2 was not offered.
A 10 hours endurance, 120km range and a 10kg payload means it’s a tactical UAS. In our context suitable for use by certain army units [such a arty, infantry, etc] and even for the MMEA and police; provided it performs as advertised and has a decent sensor capability.
On paper, endurance is not bad but is the 120km range kinda short? Only enough to go from KL to Seremban and back.
Guessing it’s the cheapest option as satellite link will cost too much
Joe, that 120 km range is how far it can be be from central control because it’s LOS la. The total distance it can fly is more like in the 800s km, assuming 80km/h x10.
As what Azlan pointed out, this would fill the role of forward recon for infantry and artillery observation/targeting instead of long endurance long range mission like MALE UAS is for.
Also, that 120km range is it for endurance or the max range for controlling/radio comm with it? 1 might interpret it as loitering for 10 hours at 120km from the controller? which is not that bad tbh. Please correct me if I am wrong