Ho Hum

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian Defence refers to the Bernama story below. I will comment later but the title of the blog clearly describes my feelings about it. BTW it looks like a Pioneer.

Bernama.com
Malaysian National News Agency
Malaysia Produces Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
General
May 15, 2007 17:51 PM

MELAKA, May 15 (Bernama) — Malaysia has chalked up another success with the production of the first tactical unmanned aerial vehicle (TUAV), which meets the country defence needs, using local expertise.

The aircraft is the result of collaboration among three companies — Composites Technology Research Malaysia (CTRM), Systems Consultancy Services Sdn Bhd (SCS) and Ikramatic Systems Sdn Bhd.

It was built in the CTRM factory in Batu Berendam here and comes equipped with modern gadgets including a detection system, camera and flight control system.

The aircraft successfully made its maiden flight at the Batu Berendam airport at 9am today, witnessed by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

The demonstration was also witnessed by Chief of Defence Forces Jeneral Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Zainal and Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Ali Rustam.

Najib, who is also defence minister, said he was proud of the success of the local companies in producing the country’s first TUAV.

“This TUAV was designed by these three companies using composite materials produced by CTRM and software made by local companies,” he told reportrs after chairing the Malaysian Defence Industry Council meeting at CTRM here.

He said that although the aircraft’s engine and camera were from overseas, it was still regard as a Malaysian product.

He said steps were being taken to buy better quality camera and higher power engine to meet the specifications of the Malaysian armed forces.

“Tests show that the basic needs have been met, meaning that it can fly by remote, is automatic, has no problem landing and the picture data is also good,” he said.

Najib, who is also defence minister, said he was proud of the success of the local companies in producing the country’s first TUAV.

“This TUAV was designed by these three companies using composite materials produced by CTRM and software made by local companies,” he told reportrs after chairing the Malaysian Defence Industry Council meeting at CTRM here.

He said that although the aircraft’s engine and camera were from overseas, it was still regard as a Malaysian product.

He said steps were being taken to buy better quality camera and higher power engine to meet the specifications of the Malaysian armed forces.

“Tests show that the basic needs have been met, meaning that it can fly by remote, is automatic, has no problem landing and the picture data is also good,” he said.

He said the aircraft, whose capability would continue to be enhanced, was very important not only to the armed forces but also to other agencies like the Royal Malaysia Police, Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, Royal Customs Department and Fire and Rescue Department.

He said surveillance was a vital task performed by the armed forces in the border areas, the country’s waters and specific places and the police, Customs and other agencies could also use the TUAV.

Asked when the armed forces would take delivery of the TUAV, he said probably 12 months after the signing of the agreement which would be held soon.

On today’s meeting, he said all the companies involved in the defence industry were required to guide other companies as vendors and their performance would be assessed in terms of developing vendors.

He said the meeting also fixed the key performance indicators for the various groups.

— BERNAMA