The new hybrid drone can fly in the air at a speed of 45 knots and move underwater, at a speed of three knots for up to three hours. Photo: Singapore Technologies Engineering
Singapore Technologies Aerospace company unveiled a unique unmanned system at the Singapore Airshow today, this yet unnamed system can launch from a deck of a ship or from land, fly for about 15 minutes, dive underwater and loiter for three hours on a submerged mission. The developers claim this concept of operation is faster and more efficient for quick reaction surveillance missions, as the hybrid drone can deploy faster than conventional boats or unmanned surface vessels. Typical missions for the new hybrid drone are mine detection and clearance, as well as underwater inspection, search and rescue.
Powered by three electrically driven propellers, the new hybrid drone can fly for 15 minutes and move underwater at a speed of three knots for up to three hours. Photo: Tamir Eshel, Defense-UpdateApart from speed, another benefit is its ability to maneuver quickly underwater and unhindered to the point of interest. The electrically powered drone can carry various payloads weighing up to three kilograms, including various sonars and inspection equipment for underwater surveillance.
The hybrid drone can carry sonars for underwater surveillance missions. The payload bays can be seen above the fuselage. Photo: Tamir Eshel, Defense-Update
As traditional defense primes face mounting competition from agile “neoprimes” such as Anduril, Palantir and Helsing, the balance of innovation is shifting toward software-defined warfare and scalable, dual-use technologies, while global industry consolidation—marked by Boeing’s integration of Spirit AeroSystems and other strategic mergers—signals an intensified race to secure control over the defense technology value chain. Our Defense-Tech weekly report highlights these trends.
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