Rheinmetall KZO

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KZO (Kleinflugzeug für Zielortung, German for small aircraft for target acquisition) is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) with stealth characteristics manufactured by Rheinmetall Defence Electronics of Germany.

A KZO system consists of 10 UAVs and 2 ground units, consisting of one control station, one radio, one launch, one maintenance vehicle with a refuelling facility for the UAVs and one recovery vehicle.

The UAV is launched with a booster rocket directly out of its container. Landing is done with a parachute.

The KZO's main objective is to locate mobile threats and provide target locations for artillery. KZO supplements the German Army's other main UAV in service, Drohne CL 289, which is better suited for area reconnaissance and stationary targets.

[edit] Features

Wingspan: 3.42m
Length: 2.28m
Body diameter: 0.36m
Noice-reduced two-stroke engine driving 2 blade propeller
Cruise speed: 220km/h
Endurance: 4 hours
Sensor: stabilized forward looking infrared
Digital data recorder for 10 minutes of video data
Real-time datalink
Navigation: inertial, location via datalink, additionally GPS (not needed for operation)
Reduced visual, acoustic, radar and infrared signature (stealth technology)