Page 4 - Defense & Security 2023 - Day 2

New Thai UAV

Concepts Break Cover

Several unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) concepts are on display
at the ongoing Defence & Security, showcasing growing efforts
within Thailand to develop indigenous UAV capability. The Royal
Thai Air Force (RTAF) has unveiled a new UAV named “Swiftlet”.
The new compact UAV on display at the show appears to be a
nearly complete prototype drone. Powered by a 175cc engine,
the UAV can attain an altitude of 10,000 feet. Its sensor payloads
will include an EO/IR sensor and LIDAR. Also, on display at the
Show is the M Solar-X fixed-wing UAV. The solar-powered UAV
concept will have an endurance of 4-10 hours and a cruise speed
of 4570 km/hr. It will have a take-off weight of 12 kg and oper-
ating altitude will be between 150m – 1500m. The M Solar-X,
which has a wingspan of 4.2m and fuselage length of 2m, will
be able to carry a two kg payload. A vertical take-off and landing
(VTOL) variant of the M Solar-X is also planned.

Chaiseri AWAV

8X8 Makes

Show Debut

Thai armoured vehicle manufacturer, Chaiseri’s latest of-
fering, the armoured wheeled amphibious vehicle (AWAV
8X8) is being displayed for the first time at the ongoing
show. The vehicle on display is the sole prototype and is
being displayed with a 0.50 cal remote controlled weap-
on system (RWCS). Chaiseri expects an initial order for
seven of the amphibious wheeled armoured vehicles. The
AWAV 8X8 can seat 11 fully armed soldiers, in addition
to a crew of three. The 23-tonne vehicle is powered by a
711 hp engine and can attain a max speed of 105 kmph
on land and 10 kmph when in water. Payload is quoted
by the company as 2.5 tonne, with combat range being
a stated 600 km.

DTI Unveils Thailand’s defence research agency, the
Defence Technology Institute (DTI), is
Light Truck showcasing a new light truck fitted with ST
Engineering’s Adder 7.62mm remote con-
trolled weapon system (RWCS) and 120
with ST mm Ground Deployed Advanced Mortar
System (GDAMS).The new armed light ve-
Engineering’s hicle offering by DTI will be used as a long
range patrol or armoured light technical
RCWS and vehicle. The light vehicle can also be used
as a field ambulance or logistic truck with
armament removed. Powered by a 210
Mortar System bhp diesel engine, it will be attain a speed
of up to 120 kmph on metalled roads.

4 NOVEMBER-07-2023 WWW.GBP.COM.SG/DAILY NEWS