Russia’s Sokol experimental design bureau is developing a civil surveillance unmanned air vehicle derived from its DAN turbojet-powered target drone.
The new “Danem” UAV derivative would be powered by a UAV Engines rotary powerplant in a ducted pusher configuration.
The aircraft would have a maximum take-off weight of 450kg (990lb), with an endurance of 10-15h. Sokol says the derivative is due to make its initial flight in around two years’ time. The UAV is being pitched at pollution monitoring, geological survey and civilian emergency response roles.
The Danem would carry a nose-mounted electro-optical surveillance sensor, but would also be able to carry and deploy weather balloons from a conformal mounting in the belly. It would carry payloads weighing 60-90kg.
The UAV would have a fuselage length of 3.9m (12.8ft), a 3.7m span and a height of 0.9m.
Sokol has also been carrying out conceptual design work on a high- speed, forward swept wing UAV that could also be used as a strike platform.
The company showed graphics of a tailless flying-wing air vehicle with forward swept tips and twin embedded jet engines. A second configuration included a V-tail.
Sokol says the concepts are being developed as part of possible future UAV development activities and, while remaining at the design stage, could form the basis of a possible future low-observable reconnaissance and strike platform.
Source: Flight International
