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Thai Drone Ambitions on Display

Our Bureau - : Aug 29, 2022 - : 7:19 pm

Thailand’s efforts to develop indigenous unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and to induct military drones to meet its varied requirements are in evidence at the ongoing show. In addition to these efforts, several medium altitude long endurance (MALE) drones are being showcased by the Aero Technology Industry Company Limited (ATIL).

The drones, which appear to be based on Chinese designs, include the armed DP-16 and DP 20-A. The smaller DP-16 is being displayed with two drone-launched weapons (one under each wing) and a chin-mounted electro-optical (EO) pod. The larger DP 20-A is displayed with 16 such munitions, in addition to being fitted with a fuselage-mounted EO sensor. The third drone on display is the unarmed DP-20, which is fitted with a nose-mounted EO sensor.

A scale model of the Royal Thai Navy’s (RTN) new Maritime Aerial Reconnaissance Craft Unmanned System (MARCUS-B) Vertical Take-Off or Landing (VTOL) drone is on display for the first time at the show. Also breaking cover at the show are military drones to be used for medical aid and first responder duties. These medical emergency response team (MERT) drone designs feature three variants – MERT-P, MERT-R, and RAPID MERT. One of the designs, the MERT-P, appears to be an optionally manned design with space for 1 person. 

The RTN’s MARCUS-B, the fixed-wing VTOL drone, has a wingspan of 4.5m and a maximum take-off weight of 60kg. The MARCUS-B features pure electric or hybrid gas-electric propulsion and can attain a cruising speed of 50-55 knots. Endurance is claimed to be five hours. The VTOL naval drone, which is constructed out of fully dry carbon, is nearing service entry and will be domestically manufactured by Thai firms. The MARCUS-B has also undergone testing aboard the RTN’s sole aircraft carrier, HTMS Chakri Naruebet.

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