On Tuesday, October 5th, during the annual inter-military conference in Latrun, the defense concern "Aviation Industry" presented a novelty that can change the way war is waged in urban conditions - the UAV "Panther" ("Bardelas").
The main difference between the new items and all other UAVs is the use of rotary screw technology, which allows the Panther to carry out vertical take-off and landing, as well as hover in the air. This makes the new development of the TAA the world's first unmanned tiltrotor (an aircraft that has the capabilities of both an airplane and a helicopter).
Features of the tiltrotor allow "Panther" to operate regardless of the presence of a runway, fly close to houses and hover over one point. At the same time, "Panther" can work like a conventional drone.
Machine weight - 65 kilograms. Three silent electric motors can lift the Panther to a height of 3 kilometers and hold it there for 6 hours. The range of the UAV is 60 kilometers. "Panther" is equipped with a Mini POP system produced by TAA, which allows monitoring around the clock in any weather conditions. In addition, at the request of the customer, the UAV can be equipped with a laser pointer, distance meter or guidance system.
A ground command and control station located in one car can control three Panthers at once.
"Panther" is also developed in a mini-version weighing 12 kilograms and controlled by a portable station. This system is intended for special forces units, as well as company and battalion commanders.
The press service of the TAA reports that both systems are in the final stage of testing and should enter service in 2011.
