CHRISTINA MACKENZIE / SEVILLE
Spain's air force is beginning to consider its unmanned air vehicle (UAV) needs but will not be able to proceed with a procurement for four to six years. Meanwhile the navy requires new aerial targets.
Gen Eduardo Zamarripa, deputy director of INTA, Spain's aerospace technology institute, says the air force is considering procuring a medium-altitude, long-endurance UAV for reconnaissance, laser designation, combat search and rescue, and radio and datalink relay. But he adds: "We cannot have this system before 2006, unless a special need suddenly emerges or later if it transpires that other equipment has a priority."
Zamarripa says that "in later phases" the missions would be extended. Tentative plans call for the UAV to operate above 20,000ft (6,100m), fly autonomously for at least 24h, carry a minimum 200kg (440lb) payload, be interoperable and not require the recruitment of more pilots/operators.
Lt Cdr Jesús Manso of the Spanish navy says the service is more interested in replacing unmanned target vehicles (UTVs) used to simulate missiles or aircraft.
The navy uses Northrop Grumman's Chukar III which flies at 280-540kt (520-1,000km/h) for 20-80min at 1,000-40,000ft. It can carry internal or external payloads, a miss-distance indicator, a passive radar augmenter and flares.
Manso says the navy has lost a number of these "expensive" targets in the past year and is considering acquiring a cheaper UTV.
The targets are required to test the navy's next generationF101 frigate "so we will not have a requirement until 2004 or so".
Manso says the navy is supporting UTV development by Madrid-based Sistemas de Control Remoto. Its Scrab I costs about €10,000 ($9,800) in its cheapest version, and is launched using a bungee and recovered by parachute.
NATO members are poised to ratify a standardisation agreement covering the interoperability of UAVs. STANAG 4586 includes the specification for a common ground station which, when implemented, will allow the easier collation and dissemination of information gathered by nationally operated UAVs.Source: Flight International
