The Chungshan Institute of Science and Technology received an order from the navy for a domestically developed exploding drone, the state-owned defense technology research group said yesterday.
The institute is conducting the final certification tests before delivering Loitering Munition 1 to the navy, institute aeronautics systems research division director Yeh Chia-fan (葉嘉範) told a news conference unveiling training simulators in Taichung.
The institute’s Teng Yun 2 (騰雲二型, “Cloud Rider”), Albatross II (銳鳶二型) and Cardinal (紅雀) uncrewed aerial vehicles have been presented to the armed forces after completing all tests, he said, adding that the drone systems are being fielded in batches as the budget permits.
Photo: Ritchie B. Tongo, EPA-EFE
Loitering Munition 1 features an electro-optical infrared camera system, a tablet-based controller and a launcher that uses compressed air, the institute said.
It utilizes a high-explosive warhead and can be deployed against personnel, vehicles and other high-value targets at a range of more than 100km, with a loitering time of 15 minutes, it added.
The institute is developing Loitering Munition 2, an optionally autonomous weapon that uses radar and infrared guidance, and has foldable wings, pods for installation in vehicles and ships, and a hybrid gas-diesel-electric power source.
Photo: Liu Hsin-de, Taipei Times
Speaking on condition of anonymity, a source said the performance of Loitering Munition 1 suggests that the system is intended for use by ground forces, meaning the navy is probably buying the weapons for the Marine Corps.
Loitering Munition 1’s procurement is likely listed in the classified portion of the defense budget, as the nonclassified part contains no reference to it, they said.
Separately, Yeh said the institute has completed eight types of training simulators, including a virtual reality-based system for training remote pilots to perform takeoffs, landings and other skills.
Another drone simulator — designed to train remote pilots and payload operators in advanced tasks — would feature realistic instrument panels, high-definition camera feeds and simulated links with the drone intelligence center, he said.
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