Several unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) concepts are on display at the ongoing Defence & Security 2023, 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 can attain an altitude of 10,000 feet. Its sensor payloads will include an EO/IR sensor and LIDAR. Also, on display at is the M Solar-X fixed-wing UAV. The solar powered UAV concept will have an endurance of 4-10 hour and a cruise speed of 45-70 km/hr. It will have a take-off weight of 12 kg and operating 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.
