Bangladesh: RFP for MALE UAV

“BAF has identified the need of UAVs for ISR to meet future challenges and to fulfill the requirement of the Forces Goal 2030,” the BAF (Bangladesh Air Force) stated, adding, “Suitable UAV was an outstanding requirement since the advancement of defense technology and its future implication in BAF.”

In its Request For Proposals (RFP), the BAF is requiring the UAV to have a minimum cruise speed of at least 140 km/h and a loiter speed capped at 140 km/h (or lower). Also, The UAV must have a maximum speed of 200 km/h or more and a flight ceiling of approximately 6.000 m, if not higher.

In terms of the communication data-link between the GCS (Ground Control Station) and UAV, the BAF is requiring that the data-link have a minimum range of 200 km. The bidder must also include available Electro-Optical and infrared (EO/IR), SAR/GMTI (Synthetic Aperture Radar with Ground-Moving Target-Indication and precision-guided air-to-surface munitions (i.e. air-to-ground missile and precision-guided bomb).

TAI (Turkish Aerospace Industries) can offer the Anka, which has a payload of 200 kg, service ceiling of 9.000 m and endurance of 24 hours. TAI can also include Aselsan and Roketsan sensors and air-to-surface munitions, respectively, providing a complete package to the BAF.

Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) can offer several options, such as the CASC (China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation) CH-4 and the CAIG (Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group) Wing Loong II. The CH-4 and Wing Loong II have a payload of 345 kg and 400 kg, respectively, and endurance of 40 hours and 32 hours, respectively. AVIC can also leverage a portfolio of precision-guided air-to-ground weapons and EO/IR and SAR/GMTI equipment. CASC has also begun marketing the CH-5, its largest MALE UAV with a payload of 1.200 kg and endurance of 60 hours.

The specified UAV will provide the BAF the ability to form a persistent ISR coverage net with time-sensitive targeting and targeted-strike capabilities. It could provide an important boost for its border control and asymmetrical operations efforts without having to commit costlier platforms, such as fighter aircraft.

Turkey plans to equip Anka UAV with satcom capability

Turkey is planning to add satellite communication (SATCOM) capability to the domestically manufactured Anka unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), Turkish Undersecretariat for Defense Industries (SSM) head Murad Bayar has revealed.

Bayar also informed that Turkish Engine Industries (TEI) has been ordered to develop an engine for the Anka after the original manufacturer, Avic International decided to abandon military business, and stopped deliveries in August. Anka manufacturer, Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) has previously ordered the Centurion engine for an initial batch of ten UAVs, but is now required to explore other options. ''Alternatively, we could consider an engine like Rotax, or modify an existing automobile engine for the Anka,'' Bayar noted, adding that the SSM is also very soon expected to sign a contract with TAI for acquisition of ten Anka systems for the Turkish Air Force.

Having completed acceptance tests in late January, the Anka medium altitude long endurance (MALE) UAV is designed for real-time image intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), target detection, recognition, identification and tracking missions.

Turquía: Anka y Baykar pisan el acelerador

Turquía ha completado en fechas recientes los tests de aceptación de su nuevo UAV Anka, y la fase de producción empezará en breve con un primer pedido de 30 unidades (diez sistemas) para la Fuerza Aerea Turca, que podría recibir su primera unidad a finales de 2013. Cada sistema Anka se compone de tres UAVs, mas un equipo de control terrestre, mas toda la maquinaria de operación y mantenimiento necesarios. Cada uno de estos UAVs (de aspecto, por cierto, muy parecido al de los Predator norteamericanos) pesa un total de 1.600 kilos y está propulsado por un motor de cola. Su carga de pago puede llegar a 200 kilos y su autonomía puede llegar a las 24 horas alcanzando una distancia máxima de 200 kilómetros de radio desde la unidad de control terrestre, y una altitud máxima de 7.900 metros. En cuanto a su precio unitario, no baja de 2 millones de dólares. En la actualidad, el fabricante está desarrollando ya un modelo más grande (4.000 kilos) que podrá ir armado con misiles.

 

Otra firma turca que está pegando con fuerza es Baykar. Hace un año recibió un pedido de diez unidades Bayraktar-Çaldiran con destino a Qatar, por un valor de 25 millones de dólares. A diferencia de los Anka, estos pequeños UAVs tácticos pesan tan solo 500 Kg y pueden llevar 40 kg de carga de pago.

 

Sin embargo, no son los menores de su familia: Hay tambien un modelo mini que pesa tan sólo 4.6 Kg y está propulsado por un motor eléctrico alimentado por baterías. Con una autonomía máxima de 60 minutos, puede operar en un radio de 15 Kilómetros desde la estación de control terrestre. Pequeño pero eficaz, viene siendo utilizado por el Ejército Turco desde el año 2006.