Denel Aerospace Systems Bateleur

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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.

1 Roles and missions
2 Specifications
- 2.1 General characteristics
- 2.2 Performance
3 Related content

[edit] 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

[edit] Specifications

Bateleur at Africa Aerospace & Defence 2004

[edit] 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)