Several new unmanned air vehicle designs were unveiled during the International Defence Industry Exhibition (MSPO) at Kielce, including two flying wing systems.
Designed by Polish firm Pimco, the first prototype is intended for use as a reconnaissance asset, and has a maximum take-off weight of 7kg (15.4lb). The air vehicle will take off from a rail launcher, but the company is conducting a study into whether it will land on its belly or with parachute assistance.
The Pimco design will cruise at speeds of between 32kt (60km/h) and 64kt, and have an operating ceiling of 9,840ft (3,000m), its designers say. Endurance is quoted as 1.5h, with a range of 5-11nm (10-20km).
The Polish Air Force Institute of Technology revealed a similar system dubbed the Nietoperz-3L (Bat). The lightweight UAV has been designed for applications including surveillance and terrain mapping, and has a 6.5kg maximum take-off weight.
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Using a flying wing configuration and powered by a 1.5kW electric engine driving a two-blade pusher propeller, the Nietoperz-3L will cruise at 27-54kt. The UAV is 1.28m (4.2ft) long, has a 2.41m wingspan and can be launched by hand or using a catapult.
Service ceiling will be around 3,300ft, operating radius up to 15km and endurance up to 1.5h. The institute of technology says its payload could include a stabilised turret with an electro-optical/infrared camera and real-time image transmission capability.
Source: Flight International
