The military-run Chung Shan Institute of Science and Technology yesterday demonstrated products developed in recent years as part of its celebrations for being awarded the ISO-9000 certificate for its quality control over products.
The products showcased by the institute highlight military hardware ranging from a mobile radar system, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and a multiple rocket launch system.
The mobile radar system, named "point defense phased-array radar system," is intended for use with vehicle-mounted surface-to-air missile systems such as the US-made Avenger and the locally built Antelope.
The Avenger surface-to-air missile system has just become operational with the army, while the Antelope, based on the Tien Chien I (Sky Sword I) anti-aircraft missile, has yet to be ordered by the military.
The mobile radar system is to be part of a planned nationwide battlefield management system, which can cover a range from 3,000km down to 75km.
Showcased at the same time are two types of UAVs, which the institute has successfully developed in recent years.
The two types of UAVs are the Chung Hsiang-II and Kestrel II, which can both be used for military and civil purposes.
Institute engineer Ho Chih-yuan (
"The UAV can be remotely controlled from a distance of 100km. It can help the troops' commander know what happens 100km away and make proper orders on the basis of that information," Ho said.
"The information can be shared at the same time with friendly forces, such as naval warships.
"But the link with fighter planes of the air force has yet to be established. It is a demanding task," he said.
Despite the advantages of the Chung Hsiang-II, Ho said the three services have not yet made a decision on whether to buy the new system.
"It is a new concept in Taiwan to use UAVs in the battlefield. But it is no longer new in advanced countries like the US.
"The US extensively used UAVs during the Gulf War to greatly reduce the loss of human life," Ho said.
The Kestrel-II is a smaller type of UAV, which has a smaller payload and shorter range than the Chung Hsiang-II. Like the Chung Hsiang-II, it has not been ordered by the military.
Vice Minister of Defense Chen Bi-chao (
"I hope the Chung Shan can share the valuable experience with other branches of the military so that a modern management and quality control system can be established across the services," Chen said.
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