Poland's WB Electronics and the Military University of Technology are developing a miniature electro-optical turret and synthetic aperture radar for integration with a micro unmanned air vehicle named Tarkus.
Intended to support ground troops during urban warfare, the Tarkus could also carry an infrared or TV camera with pan and zoom functions, and have an endurance of 30min.
Close proximity ultrasonic sensors will enable the UAV to operate in an enclosed room, with navigation to be performed automatically or by an operator from a ground control station. The system will also be able to transmit data for 5h after landing on a roof, before returning to base.
Privately owned WB Electronics has also signed a co-operation agreement with Aeronautics Defense Systems, under which it will develop an interface to enable the Israeli firm's Orbiter UAV to be used in conjunction with Poland's Topaz automatic artillery fire support system.
Poland's land forces and special forces units have operated the Orbiter since 2006, with about 15 having been procured so far. At least two are in use by its personnel serving in Afghanistan.
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© WB ElectronicsWB Electronics Tarkus micro unmanned air vehicle |
Source: Flight International
