Philippine Army Displays Drones to Public

PA-RDC Raptor and White Knight are based on two variation of the popular Skywalker remote control model. (photo : PhilStar)

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Army showcased to the public its drones at a static display at Camp Aguinaldo as part of the anniversary of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Thursday.

This finally confirmed reports that the military used unmanned aerial systems (UAS) during the Zamboanga crisis last September.

The UAS provides real time imagery intelligence and video feed from a particular area with a range of three to seven kilometers and can extend up to 50 kilometers, Army spokesman Captain Anthony Bacus said.

“It complements the existing Human Intelligence/ Signals Intelligence capability of the Army which is used in surveillance operations and also in humanitarian assistance and disaster response,” he added.

The Philippine Army showcases its unmanned aerial systems used in the Zamboanga siege at a static display held at Camp Aguinaldo Thursday. (photo : AFP)

He also said the drones had been “instrumental” in their operations against the Moro National Liberation Front in Zamboanga City last September.

The Army started its research and development of drones in 2012 which cost P2.5 million. The first drone (Raptor), is worth P150,000. The second drone (Knight Falcon) is worth P300,000.
A third drone is in the works, which will be a more enhanced version of the two drones. It will cost P1.5 million.

Other Army assets also showcased at the static display were GARMIN Global Positioning System and a 100mm mortar.

The static display showcased the capabilities and new acquisitions of the military. The Philippine Air Force and the Philippine Navy also put up their own booths.

Overview:
Wingspan : 1.68m / 1.9m
Weight : 2.1 kg
Operating Altitude : 1000 feet
Operating Radius : 3 to 7 km
Payload : 12 Megapixel CCD Camera
Cost : P 150,000 to P 350,000

Technical Specifications:

Developer : AFP - Philippine Army Research and Development
Airframe : Skywalker RC Airframe - Two variations V3 and carbon fibre boom version.
Propulsion : Electric brush-less
Power System : Lithium-Polymer
Radio Control : Futaba FASST 2.4gHz or with 433mhz range extender 
Autopilot : FeiyuTech (China) UAV GPS capable autopilot system with radio datalink. 433 or 900mhz.
Ground Station : Software-based FYGCS on Windows 7.

Video Link : Standard 5.8 gHz. FY Hornet OSD (On Screen Display)

(Inquirer