Denel Aerospace Systems Bateleur

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 (470 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.

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

Roles and Missions

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

Specifications

General Characteristics

• Crew: none (unmanned)
• Length: m ( ft in)
• Wingspan: 15.00 m (49 ft 2 in)
• Height: m ( ft in)
• Wing area: m² ( ft²)
• Empty: kg ( lb)
• Loaded: kg ( lb)
• Maximum takeoff: 1,000 kg (2,200 lb)
• Powerplant: 1x Rotax 914 four-cylinder, 75 kW (100 hp) or Subaru EA-82T turbocharged four-cylinder, 86 kW (115 hp)

Performance

• Maximum speed: 250 km/h (115 mph)
• Range: 750 km (466 miles)
• Service ceiling: 8,000 m (26,200 ft)
• Rate of climb: m/min ( ft/min)
• Wing loading: kg/m² ( lb/ft²)
• Endurance: 18–24 hours

Related content

Related development:

Comparable aircraft: RQ-1 Predator – GNAT-750

Designation sequence: