Denel Bateleur UAV

Background

The Bateleur (named for an African eagle) is an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) prototype designed and built by Denel Aerospace Systems (formerly Kentron). It has been designed as a MALE (Medium-Altitude - Long Endurance) UAV, with its primary role being surveillance, with a secondary SIGINT capability.
Development began at the beginning of 2004 as a totally in-house and private-venture project, being developed with internal company funds. The first prototype is expected to fly in early 2006.
The entire aircraft is constructed using a modular construction system, making adapting the airframe in future to increase the range or fit larger payloads much easier than with a rigid airframe. It also makes it possible for the aircraft, once disassembled, to fit inside a 6 m ISO shipping container.
It is able to carry a variety of payloads, with a maximum payload mass of 200 kg (440 lb). Initially, proposed payloads include the Denel Optronics Argos-410 electro-optical (E/O) and infrared (IR) system (with optional laser rangefinder), the Denel Optronics Goshawk-350 E/O and IR system (also with optional laser rangefinder), a laser designator, an Avitronics Emitter Locating System, electronic intelligence equipment, and/or a synthetic aperture radar.
Though at present it has a maximum "action radius" of only 750 km (469 miles), a satellite datalink is being developed which will allow the Bateleur to extend its range greatly, making it suitable for missions requiring longer ranges such as maritime patrol. It is said the range of ca. 4000km would then include even the remote Marion and Prince Edward Islands that are situated about 1950km from South African mainland, still with emergency fuel left.
The Bateleur takes off and lands conventionally, on a runway, and has retractable undercarriage. It is also completely autonomous, allowing it to take off, conduct its mission, and land all without human control being required.

Roles and Missions

Real-time day and night (E/O and IR) surveillanve

Electronic and Communications Intelligence gathering (ELINT and COMINT)

Airborne communications relay

Military and paramilitary photo reconnaissance

Target location and laser designation

Maritime and coastal patrol

Border patrol

Search and rescue

Battlefield surveillance

Artillery fire support

Damage assessment

Main Specifications

Endurance	18 to 24 hrs
Action radius	Up to 750km, with satellite data-link up to 4000km
Wingspan	15m
Maximus Take-off Weight (MTOW)	200kg
Maximum altitude	25000+ ft
Maximum take-off distance	395m for 1000kg at ISA+30 (15m obstacle)
Take-off and landing	Automatic, paved runways
Landing gear	Retractable
Maximum cruise speed	250kmph
Maximum loiter speed	120kmph
Construction	Composite, modular, fits into 6m ISO container
Engines	Rotax 914, Subaru EA-82T
Propeller	1.7m diameter, 3-blade variable pitch