During the Unmanned Systems Exhibition, Halcon, a subsidiary of United Arab Emirates’ Edge Group, introduced a novel tube-launched swarming drone system called Hunter 2-S. This swarming drone system belongs to the Hunter 2 series of unmanned aerial vehicles. The purpose of these drones is to share information with one another for tracking and position purposes and to engage with the correct target.
Saeed Al Mansoori, Halcon’s chief executive, said that: “Through a certain algorithm, the drones can communicate with each other through [a] main channel, which communicates to all of the drones, giving each of them a certain mission to fly to the target”. In addition, Al Mansoori noted that the drones maintain a particular flight profile because of their communication channel, especially when they split up into a smaller group to strike a target.
In terms of measurements and specifications, the maximum take-off weight for the Hunter 2-S is 8 kilos, its wingspan is approximately 1,44 metres and it is 1,25 metres in length. Every Hunter 2-S tube Launcher has a capacity of 21 drones which it can carry, and the parts of Hunter 2-S are 3D printed with aerospace qualified thermoplastic material.
The swarming drone system can have a variety of targets, such as enemy fighter jets on the tarmac at a military base or an incoming convoy of enemy armoured vehicles.
Moreover, the new swarming drone system can control a total of 36 drones and can use them to fire at enemy targets; the system is provided with an identification system that distinguishes between enemies and allies. However, Al Mansoori has stated that he ultimately wants to be able to launch and control close to 70 drones, set off from one truck with 3 launchers.
So far, no official agreements have been signed for the swarming drones. However, Al Mansoori mentioned that the UAE armed forces have shown interest in the new drone system.
If all goes to plan, Halcon will start testing the complete system in 2023 and start production in 2025. Al Mansoori states that: “We had the first demonstration internally this week, one drone was launched from the tube, spread its wings, the engine worked and started flying. The first trial was successful but we will develop the flying performance.”.
Written by Berber Bijlsma
Bibliography:
Helou, A. (2022, February 22). Following first demonstration, Edge unveils swarming drones based on AI technology. DefenseNews. https://www.defensenews.com/industry/2022/02/22/following-first-demonstration-edge-unveils-swarming-drones-based-on-ai-technology/
