Page 6 - DEFENSE & SECURITY 2022 - Day 2 | DAILY NEWS
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THAI DRONE AMBITIONS ON DISPLAY
Thailand’s efforts to develop indig- addition to being fitted with a fuse- MERT-P, appears to be an optionally
enous unmanned aerial systems lage mounted EO sensor. The third manned design with space for one
(UAS) and to induct military drones drone on display is the unarmed person.
to meet its varied requirements are DP-20, which is fitted with a nose
in evidence at the ongoing show. mounted EO sensor. The RTN’s MARCUS-B, fixed wing
In addition to these efforts, several VTOL drone, has a wingspan of 4.5m
medium altitude long endurance A scale model of the Royal Thai and a maximum take-off weight of
(MALE) drones are being show- Navy’s (RTN) new Maritime Aerial 60kg. The MARCUS-B features pure
cased by the Aero Technology Reconnaissance Craft Unmanned electric or hybrid gas-electric pro-
Industry Company Limited (ATIL). System (MARCUS-B) Vertical Take- pulsion and can attain a cruising
The drones, which appear to be Off or Landing (VTOL) drone is on speed of 50-55 knots. Endurance is
based on Chinese designs, include display for the first time at the show. claimed to be five hours. The VTOL
the armed DP-16 and DP 20-A. The Also breaking cover at the show are naval drone, which is constructed
smaller DP-16 is being displayed military drones to be used for med- out of fully dry-carbon, is nearing
with two drone launched weapons ical aid and first responder duties. service entry and will be domesti-
(one under each wing) and a chin These medical emergency response cally manufactured by Thai firms.
mounted electro-optical (EO) pod. team (MERT) drone designs feature The MARCUS-B has also undergone
The larger DP 20-A is being dis- three variants - MERT-P, MERT-R and testing aboard the RTN’s sole air-
played with 16 such munitions, in RAPID MERT. One of the designs, the craft carrier, HTMS Chakri Naruebet.
6 AUGUST 30 2022 WWW.GBP.COM.SG/DAILY NEWS
