The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) is demonstrating its growing capabilities in indigenous research and development with a display of advanced unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems and innovative firefighting technologies. The projects, developed under the Research and Development Center for Space and Aeronautical Science and Technology (RTAF), reflect the service’s commitment to leveraging homegrown technology for military, humanitarian, and environmental missions.
Kamikaze UAV - The Navaminda Kasatriyadhiraj Royal Thai Air Force Academy (NKRAFA) unveiled its Kamikaze Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, designed for suicide-attack and suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD) missions. These UAVs are purpose-built for medium- and long-range precision strikes on strategic military targets such as radar stations, armored vehicles, and airfields. The KB-5E variant carries a 5 kg warhead with a 150 km range, powered by electric propulsion and weighing 25 kg. The KB-10G variant carries a 10 kg warhead with a 500 km range, using gasoline propulsion and weighing 40 kg. Application: Long-range SEAD, anti-radar, and high-value target engagement.
Hybrid Gasoline-Battery Drone for Disaster Prevention
A separate project, also developed by the RTAF’s research center, focuses on a hybrid gasoline-battery powered multi-rotor drone for disaster prevention and relief missions. This unmanned aerial system is equipped with an autonomous control unit and a modular payload bay that can be reconfigured for different missions, including cargo delivery and winch-based operations. The drone is part of the RTAF’s broader effort to integrate advanced autonomous systems into national disaster management frameworks, supporting civilian agencies during floods, wildfires, and other emergencies.
Military Transport and Disaster Relief UAV
The Multipurpose Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) is designed for military transport and disaster relief operations. The hybrid gasoline-battery powered drone uses a composite airframe and features autonomous flight control with obstacle avoidance systems. Capable of carrying payloads of up to 50 kg, the aircraft can operate for at least 60 min with a minimum range of 5 km. The modular design allows multiple payload configurations for tasks such as cargo delivery, surveillance, or sensor deployment. Meeting Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4–6, the platform was fully developed and tested to RTAF military standards.
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